Legion World
This was originally supposed to be only a miniseries exploring the legacies of the Postboot Legionnaires... but I had so much fun with it, and I introduced so many story elements, that I decided to make it an ongoing!

I just started a Recap Thread here to summarize everything that has gone on so far.

Volume 1: Loss
How does the galaxy cope without the Legionnaires?


Volume 2: Scattered Souls
Where have the 27 lost Legionnaires ended up, and how are they dealing with their castaway status?


Volume 3: Homecoming Pretty much what it says in the title smile But not all trips home are smooth....

Volume 4: Moving On Now that things have finally settled down, the Legionnaires try to move forward...

Volume 5: What Makes Us Special A look into, well, what makes the Legion so special!
****************************************************************

Volume 1: Loss

To my Legionnaires, the Postboot Legionnaires, wherever they may be.


Andromeda
Apparition
Brainiac 5
Chameleon
Chuck Taine
Cosmic Boy
Dreamer
Element Lad
Ferro
Gates
Gear
Inferno
Invisible Kid
Karate Kid
Kid Quantum I
Kid Quantum II
Kinetix
Leviathan
Live Wire
Magno
M'Onel
Monstress
Saturn Girl
Sensor
Shikari
Spark
Star Boy
Superboy
Thunder
Timber Wolf
Triad
Ultra Boy
Umbra
Violet
Wildfire
XS

*The New Legion of Super-Heroes

Babbage
Blizzard (Polar Boy)
Impulse (Kent Shakespeare)
Infectious Lass
Lume
Magnetic Kid
Nightwind
Particon
Spider-Girl
White Witch (Lady Mysa)



“For there will always be a need for heroes.”

RJ Brande remembered his words to then-Legion leader Invisible Kid at the end of the campaign against Mordru, and sighed.

The Legionnaires had been lost many times before; tossed back to the 20th Century, stranded in the Second Galaxy, scattered across the worlds of a galaxy without Stargates.

Yet, they’d always come back.

This time, though…

The Legion was last seen fighting the Fatal Five Hundred, the Fatal Fives of several realities banded together. They’d succeeded, of course. They’d saved the United Planets again.

And they’d disappeared alongside their adversaries.

Nobody really registered it at first. Most sentients rejoiced or said prayers to their deities in thanks for sending them saviors. A fair few cursed the Legionnaires for attracting the attention of such villains. But everyone just assumed the Legionnaires had survived unscathed as they usually had, and would continue on doing their jobs.

Those who did know had scrambled to do what they could to find the missing young heroes. But with all their 31st Century technology, they had failed.

And then, a few days later, the Crisis came. Gigantic hands, ethereal in nature, had appeared in the skies above Earth. And above Bgztl. Imsk. Aleph. Thanagar. Titan. Khundia. Elia. Even the Second Galaxy saw the hands. And no Legionnaires were there to answer the call.

The Legion cadets did what they could, but they were inexperienced and lacked team cohesion. Colu’s group mind tried to study the phenomenon, but science came up empty. Naltor’s seers were blindsided. The Titanians could only determine that there was no sentient they could reach behind the hands. Even the Daxamites and the galaxy’s sorcerers, led by the Lady Mysa, could do nothing.

And then the Legionnaires had reappeared, magically, as if in answer to the prayers of a myriad of hearts. A harried Kid Quantum had quickly explained that the Legionnaires had been lost in the timestream, then had suddenly been pulled back to their universe. Brainiac 5 had theorized that the same hands which were reshaping reality were also the hands which had brought them back, possibly as a side effect. Shikari had then led the Legionnaires off into the hands’ origin.

The hands had disappeared. And the Legion had disappeared along with them once more. Even though numerous allies had been with them in the thick of it, only the active Legionnaires had gone.

The vast uncertainty about what had happened had left everyone numb. Nobody was sure what to believe. There was no finality about it, like during the Great Rift Disaster. No bodies had remained, like when Apparition or Leviathan had died. No traces of energy, like when the Emerald Eye had banished them.

RJ knew the Galaxy would endure. New heroes, like Chuck Taine, Nightwind and Infectious Lass, would emerge. But no matter how much he knew that, nothing could heal the wounds of that day. Legends had been lost. Many of them had been lost several times before. And even though he’d held on to hope before… he felt, with a deep aching inside, that hope would be no help now.


********************************************
Notes:

1. The Postboot Legion first vanished into the timestream at the end of the Teen Titans/Legion Special, after defeating the Fatal Five. Present were all active Legionnaires, Andromeda (restored to her original form and costume) and Chuck Taine (there was a figure with a cap and jacket). Shikari was separated from her teammates, and emerged in an unfamiliar world. Unfortunately, this was not picked up on.

2. In Infinite Crisis 6, the Legionnaires are shown in one panel, back home on Earth-247. How they got back there was never explained. Shikari reappears as well, stating that she has finally found them. Apparently, at the end of Infinite Crisis, Earth-247 ceases to exist.

3. The Legionnaires next appear in Legion of 3 Worlds, trapped once more in Limbo. Chuck Taine is absent. We know that they were rescued from Limbo by the Retroboot Legion.

4. This story assumes that Earth-247 had somehow continued on after Infinite Crisis. The "how"? I'm working on explaining that in Volume 2 wink

5. Magno had resigned from active Legion membership, and remains on Earth-247.

6. Thunder resigned from Legion membership, and apparently still remains in the 90th Century of her Earth.

7. Inferno had left the Legion (whether she actually was a member is debatable), and is apparently still in the 21st Century Earth that the Legion had been trapped on.

8. XS and Gates decided to stay with the Retroboot Legion on the new post-Flashpoint Earth. XS declined a post at the Legion Academy and was last seen making a mosaic somewhere. Gates joined an away team that was trapped in the 21st century in the Legion Lost 2nd series.

9. Kinetix was apparently killed in action during Legion of 3 Worlds. Her magic was absorbed first by Mordru, then by the Black Witch (Mysa).

10. Element Lad, Monstress, Leviathan and Kid Quantum I all died in the universe of Earth-247 long before the events of the Teen Titans/Legion Special.

11. The remaining Legionnaires (minus XS, Gates and Kinetix) survived Legion of 3 Worlds and decided to become the new "Wanderers"; they are hopping through dimensions to find other survivors of their universe. Their full roster is: Kid Quantum II (leader), Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl, Live Wire (restored to his human form), Apparition, Triad, Chameleon, Invisible Kid, Brainiac 5, Spark, Violet, Andromeda, Star Boy, Ultra Boy, M'Onel, Umbra, Sensor, Ferro, Karate Kid, Wildfire, Shikari, Gear, Timber Wolf and Dreamer.

12. The current Legion of Super-heroes consists of Nightwind (leader), Infectious Lass, Polar Boy, Babbage, Magnetic Kid, the White Witch (Lady Mysa), Impulse (Kent Shakespeare), Lume, Particon, and Spider-Girl (who just joined). Chuck Taine works with them but is non-powered.

13. Other supporting cast members who work with the Legion include Dyrk Magz, Shvaughn Erin, Gigi Cusimano, Tenzil Kem, Lori Morning (minus her H-Dial), RJ Brande, Marla Latham, Proty, Dr. Ryk'rr, Dr. Gym'll and Winema Wazzo. The Uncanny Amazers and the Legion Cadets are also active.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Kinetix - 10/09/11 11:59 AM
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KINETIX Kinetix


Azra Saugin settled in her seat and closed her eyes. Her fingers closed around the pendant she wore around her neck, caressing it as gently as she once had her daughter.

Zoe.

Life as a Legionnaire’s mother had not always been easy. A depowered Zoe had disappeared once before when the Daxamites were running amok, but she had reappeared with her powers restored, albeit with a tail!

She'd lost the tail when she and Azra had confronted her manipulator, the witch Mysa. Luckily, she'd kept her powers.

She had disappeared again when she’d been transformed into a Terrorform – she was still existent, but her physical form had been altered, and there was almost no trace of the old Zoe.

The Zoe that loved to laugh, to playfully mother her friends, to fire off an occasionally biting yet witty comment.

Her heart had broken that day, when she and her son Thanot had visited Legion World to see Zoe once more. Zoe’s best friend, Violet, had glowingly told her that Zoe had been responsible for gaining the Legionnaires entry to Earth in order to defeat Computo. Azra had rushed forward as Zoe had entered the room, embracing her only daughter. And Zoe had just stood there, unmoving. When the silence broke, Zoe only spoke. Or perhaps "thought" was a better word, as her daughter’s voice had appeared in her head.

“Mother, you look well.”

That’s all. No excited recounting of her role in the battle. No showing off her new costume designs.

Even the phrase hung dry in the air, as it were a simple declaration, devoid of emotion.

Azra cried that night. How could she really say Zoe was there, when only her striking auburn hair remained?

Brainiac 5, bless him, had given her hope, though. He’d theorized that Zoe would eventually expend all her Hypertaxis energy and return to normal. It would just take some time – she had absorbed a lot, much more than any other Terrorform had.

It would just take some time. Azra got rooms on Legion World to wait. And wait she would, even if it took years.

Brainiac 5 had been right. Over the months that followed, Zoe started sounding more and more like herself. Her old zest had returned; Violet reported she’d started to make quips in battle again.

One of the biggest signs the old Zoe was back was when she'd organized a shopping trip "for girls only"! She'd invited Azra along, and excitedly introduced her to each of her Legionnaire friends.

Finally, four months after Azra had come to Legion World, Zoe had come to her.

“Mom! I just realized how much I’d missed you!”
Mother, daughter and son had hugged like the world was ending right that moment.

They had packed right up and gone on a dig, just like old times.

As they were dusting off the treasures they'd unearthed, a task made easier by Zoe's vast powers, she had turned to her mother and said, “Mom, I’ve been thinking. As I've been using up the Hypertaxis energy, I've slowly realized again how much I missed being me. It's like I can feel again, like I'm slowly transforming back to human."

Zoe paused as her mother held her hand. No words needed to be spoken to convey Azra's message: "Me too."

"Now, I'm not in a hurry to use all this power up. I mean, I can do a lot of good with it, and I'm willing to wait a while longer."

"You always did love the feeling of helping people," Azra had said.

"Yes, but all the changes I've been through have made me think - I lost my powers once. Became almost catatonic another time. And now this. I've gone through so many changes because of all the powers around me. No mom,” Zoe held up a hand to stop Azra, who had been about to lecture her on being a hero. "I know, I know. Being a Legionnaire is dangerous, but I love doing good. It's just me, you know?"

"But I can't help thinking. None of us know if I'll lose my powers, get transformed, or... well, none of us knows what might happen. And I keep thinking I should do more. I should leave something lasting while I still can."

Azra had stroked her daughter’s hair (not easy to do when Zoe towered above her!) and told her how proud she was of her for thinking about that. Then they’d sat down and thrown ideas around. Azra had suggested Zoe think about a need to fulfill that lay within her own interests.

Zoe had finally settled on a scholarship foundation for budding fashion design students. One requirement was that grantees had to devote part of their time to working on functional designs. Zoe would raise the funds using her clout as a Legionnaire, while Azra and Thanot would set up the administration. Their first grantee, a brilliant young Alephian, had come up with several suits and accessories for archeologists. Azra was wearing one such creation now; the suit had pockets in all the right places for a variety of useful tools, and used fabric that could adjust to sudden changes in temperature.

The girl, named Mabuhay, had been a childhood friend of Zoe's. They hadn't seen each other much after Zoe had been old enough to accompany Azra on digs, but they'd always kept in touch. True to her nature, Zoe had contacted her friend immediately after they'd settled on the scholarship.

As a tribute to Zoe, she'd made her first collection entirely in shades of green.

They had always planned to do more after that. But then, Zoe and hear teammates had all been lost…

Blinking back the tears, Azra chastised herself. She could cry later. Now, she had to make sure she could fulfill whatever of her daughter’s dreams she still could.

She would not take no for an answer.

She wanted this so badly for Zoe. All Zoe had ever wanted was to help people and earn her place in the universe. And she had - all Azra would do was make sure everyone knew that.

*************
IB's notes:

Kinetix was transformed into a terrorform in Legion 6 during Ra's al Ghul's attempt to "evolve" humanity. The evolution energy, called Hypertaxis, reacted with her mystically-enhanced body to turn her into a unique type of terrorform. In her new form, her old personality seemed to be gone. We saw it resurface in Legion of 3 Worlds. I am assuming that her personality's resurgence was gradual, and probably came about as she slowly expended the hypertaxis energy that transformed her in the first place.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Monstress - 10/09/11 08:13 PM
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MONSTRESS Monstress

Insect Queen, Lonna Leing, crossed her arms and nodded with satisfaction. The grand opening of the Zoe and Candi Institute of Design was going extremely well.

She glided to her seat and settled back to listen to the ending words of Azra Saugin’s speech.

“… and with the support of everyone here today, we are pleased to say that together, we can continue honoring the memories of Zoe Saugin and Candi Pyponte-Le Parc III. These two young women gave their lives… but they also gave us hope, and a promise that while our lives may end, our legacies can live forever.” Azra smiled in her dark green business suit as the crowd erupted into applause.

A strong, graceful woman, Insect Queen thought. She had only met Kinetix a couple of times, but she could see where she’d gotten her forceful character.

Unlike with Monstress. Candi had been a sweet, caring young woman. She glanced quickly at Monstress’ father, seated towards the side with his hands on his walking stick, face wooden. Amidst the cheers of the audience, he just sat there, unmoving. Perhaps unfeeling, as well.

Lonna wondered how someone like Monstress could have someone like that as her father. It was always the same, every birthday, every anniversary, every time the Amazers were recognized. Monstress would receive a gift or a card, pause for just one moment, and make a comment about how her father was busy, but “he was so thoughtful to send me this wonderful pair of shoes! They match my costume so perfectly!”

Lonna knew that Candi had spent many birthdays crying herself to sleep.

As the crowd around her organized into smaller groups to tour the building, Lonna set off on a brisk pace towards Mr. Pyponte-Le Parc.

“Sir, I’m Lonna Leing, Insect Queen. I was a teammate of your daughter’s, back in the Uncanny Amazers.” He tilted his head to her, nodding, and accepting her hand with a strong handshake.

“I’ve heard about you. Thank you for helping with the preparations for the opening.”

Lonna was slightly surprised. She’d imagined he’d be more… dry. His grip was firm, his greeting fairly warm. “Candi was a good friend. I’m glad to have helped. This is definitely something she would have wanted.”

He closed his eyes and nodded. Emboldened, Lonna continued, “She loved your very much, sir. She was always showing off the gifts you sent her. I think she’d be happy to know that you built this in her memory.”

He nodded once more, and his eyes closed for a second. “Azra Saugin was very convincing. And her words rang true. She told me that no matter where our daughters were, or what they looked like, we still loved them.” He paused, leaning heavily on his stick. Lonna could tell it wasn’t because of weariness. It was a sense of loss that now weighed on him. Loss, and guilt.

“Ms. Leing… Thank you for telling me about Candi. I was always worried that my actions had caused her great sadness, but it was hard for me to face her since I always felt responsible for the changes she went through. But seeing you and all the others who came her today to honor her memory made me realize that she still lived a full and complete life even after her accident. And that is all that I wanted for her. I like to think that she knew that.”

Lonna honestly didn’t know if that were true, but she placed a hand on Candi’s fathers, and gave a light squeeze. “I think she did, sir. I think she did.”

Above them, the statue of Monstress that adorned the institute’s main hall gleamed in the light, as if it had just shed a tear.

*************
IB's notes:

Monstress gained her powers and appearance attending to a protestor at one of her dad's plants. Her dad had knocked the protestor aside and accidentally set off a gene bomb he had brought. After that, she said her dad no longer had time for her.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Timber Wolf - 10/09/11 08:52 PM
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TIMBER WOLF
TimberWolf1

The full moon glowed over the urban jungle that was Rimbor. Panting, Hubble scampered along the crowded alleyways, making his way to the meeting place.

A few months back, it would have been nearly impossible to have run along this area. But the Wolf Pack had taken a new pride in their territory, and part of that pride involved maintaining the area. If Rimbor did have any sort of community, this was the closest thing to it.

Hubble finally made it to the meeting place, and handed a package to Crody. “You made it just in time, bro.” The older man patted him on the back with a smile. “No thanks to Rn’drr here.”

“Hey, nobody told me that silverale was for tonight! You shoulda warned me, bros!”

“Just the same, you’re forking over the cash for this, ayt? Now quiet down, bro. We’re about to start. Get everyone together.”

Rn’drr threw up his arms in a annoyance, then stomped off. “Mash! Race! Round everyone up, boss man says it’s time!”

Hubble noted that Rn’drr’s limp was almost gone. He glanced at Crody, and saw that the scar on his face had faded, too. In the moonlight, it was almost imperceptible. Hubble’s own scar was still pretty deep, but hidden in his hair. He was just thankful that their entire gang had survived the three bounty hunters that had come hunting for the Legionnaire Apparition when she was hiding out with them. The whole gang was still together, save one. They’d grown since then, too.

Hubble felt a small pang of sadness that was quickly suppressed by a swelling of pride. Sure, Brin Londo was gone, but he’d done good while he was alive. Rimbor gang-boy who’d escaped the hellhole of a planet and gone on to become a Legionnaire, flying into battle alongside teammates who’d come from much better pedigrees than he had. He could hold his own against the best of them, too.

Brin had returned a couple of times during his Legion career. “Bros,” he’d tell them, “being a Legionnaire… it ain’t just about bashing some guy’s head in when he’s making trouble. Nah, first you show him who’s the alpha male, then you fix what he’s done. I say we keep doing that here. Rimbor may be a hellhole, but it’s our hellhole, and I sure am sprocking sick of living in a filthy hellhole. Let’s do something about it.”

And so they had done something. Their little neighborhood was relatively clean by Rimbor standards. Legit businesses had sprung up; families from elsewhere had relocated here. The place was a community now, almost like the ones he saw on the holoseries.

Crody cleared his throat, and Hubble listened attentively while scanning the circle gathered around the bonfire. The glow lit up around two dozen faces, all listening raptly to their new leader.

“Bros, thank you all for showing up tonight. Not a one of you drunk on your asses, either.” Crody tapped the bottle of silverale in his hand. “Plenty of time for that later, right?” Cheers resounded through the circle. Crody held up a hand, and the pack quieted.

“But first, let’s remember our bro, Brin. We wouldn’t be living this well without him and his crazy ideas. When he told us he wanted to clean up the ‘bor, I told him he was smoking something. But hey, it’s working. We’re getting better every day. Even the Emerald Dragons want to know how we’re doing it.”

Hubble could feel his head nodding, and those around him did the same. For their hated rivals to do that was a major validation.

“We done good, boys. And we did it as a pack. A wolf pack. And wolf packs take care of their own. Remember that. All the people living on our turf – they’re our own now too. We got a lot of work ahead of us, if we want to keep making what we’ve built.”

“But for now, we celebrate. Hubble, pass the cups around.” Taking a bottle from the package, Crody held it up high. “Premium silverale from Ventura! You don’t get to drink this every day, boys!” Soon, all cups were filled and raised high in the air.

“Long live Brin Londo and the Wolf Pack! We done good, boys!"

"And to anyone gets in our way - take that, you squajes!”

In unison, they all drank. Then, as one, they threw their heads back and let out a howl in a celebration of brotherhood and purpose.

The moon glowed bright, a promise that things would keep getting better.

*************
IB's notes:

When we first met Timber Wolf, he was leading a gang on Rimbor. The issue (Legion Worlds 6) intimated that several were killed by the bounty hunters who were tracking Tinya down, but as it was not conclusive I made them all survive.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Karate Kid - 10/10/11 10:11 AM
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KARATE KID KarateKid1

Communique from Captain Shvaughn Erin to Legion World Science Police Detail

Subject: “Val Armorr” Training Program

Science Police High Command has approved the Val Armorr Unarmed Combat Training Program for integration into the Science Police Academy Curriculum.

The Program will begin use in seven earth-cycles.
All current Science Police Officers are also required to take classes. Competence will be assessed in six standard Earth months. Trainers and equipment will be provided at all Science Police District Offices. Please see file attachment for a list of offices and training schedules.

The Val Armorr Training Program was developed with the aid of Val Armorr, Karate Kid of the Legion of Superheroes. The Program’s keystones are:
  • Use of non-lethal force to subdue an enemy
  • Unarmed combat against common weapon types
  • Combat tactics against common meta-powers
  • Modules for disarming and disabling an enemy without causing permanent physical harm

Science Police Command would like to thank Lieutenant Gigi Cusimano and Officer Dyrk Magz for their crucial roles in developing this program.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Invisible Kid - 10/11/11 07:23 AM
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INVISIBLE KID InvisibleKid1


Condo Arlik stepped out into the rain, not caring as it poured on him. He felt that it matched the storm in his heart.

Before he met, and fell in love with, Lyle Norg, his thought life was good. But being with Lyle had really made him enjoy being alive – it was as if the colors were a bit brighter, the smells more vivid, the sounds more melodious.

Rainy days were the worst. They reminded him of their first meeting.

*****************************************************************

Lyle had just stopped a thief, and a Condo in the budding stages of his career had managed to talk him into giving an interview. He’d asked many times before, but never really had the chance to talk before now. His persistence had finally paid off. They were sipping coffee while Condo was taking notes feverishly. Lyle was leaning back, not quite relaxed, but still confident.

“What do your parents say about you being a Legionnaire? We know not all Legionnaire parents are open to the idea,” Condo had asked.

“I’ve been in dangerous situations for a while now, Condo. I don’t think my parents would mind.”

“Oh, you don’t think so? Don’t they have any worries at all about you going into danger? You’ve already lost three teammates – Kid Quantum, Leviathan, and Apparition.”

“I… My parents are fully supportive of all my work as a Legionnaire.”

The change in Lyle’s tone didn’t escape Condo. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…” He reached out his hand in a gesture of conciliation, and got a lapful of hot coffee for his trouble.

“Oh nass!”

He grabbed tissues quickly, more concerned about his Omnicom than anything else. Lyle quickly stood up too. “Easy now, your Omnicom is fine. Worry about your legs, you wouldn’t want to get a burn down there.” Lyle reached over with a few tissues in his hand.

Condo blushed. Both at his spilled coffee and at having Lyle fuss over him. “I’m sorry, you must think I’m a class-A nasshead by now. It’s just, you’re the first big name I’ve interviewed in my whole career, and… It can be intimidating.”

Lyle paused for a second, and smiled. “If you had interviewed me a couple of years ago, I’m sure you would have had the upper hand. I wouldn’t call myself shy, but I’m just not that comfortable in the spotlight. I’m actually glad we didn’t do a live interview. They make me want to use my powers right away.”

Condo smiled back. Lyle Norg had probably the cutest smile that he’d ever seen before. Whoa, what was he thinking? He had work to do…

He quickly grabbed his Omnicom to cover up his confusion. “Er, thanks. I know you’re busy, and my pants make me look like I have poor bladder control, so I just have a few more questions…”

“Do you live nearby?”

Condo’s heart stopped at that question. “What?”

“I think you have a lot more questions to ask, and I actually want to ask you some things too. But I’m sure you can’t concentrate while wearing those. Now, we’re pretty far away from Legion HQ, so if your place is close, you can get changed and we can continue while we’re there.”

Condo could tell from the look on Lyle’s face that that wasn’t all he wanted to continue. He couldn’t believe this was actually happening. His mouth hung open, and then he forced himself to speak. “Yeah, yeah sure. I live just a block away.” Lyle made a small bow. “Lead the way then, Condo.”

As they walked along, Condo thought of all the things he wanted to say. Pushing his thoughts aside, though, he decided to finish the interview now in case they ended up turning their attention to other matters later.

“So, uh, the thief you stopped… Was he trying to steal anything important?”

“Just some jewelry. Right now, though, there’s something important I want to steal…”

“Oh my gods, what a flirt,” thought Condo. But he liked it. He liked it a lot. “Why steal it when you can just ask, Invisible Kid?”

The two walked off, big grins on their faces.

*****************************************************************

Condo flashed back to the present. He was now standing underneath the memorial statue of his lover. The golden visage was determined, so unlike the mischievous Lyle he knew in his most private moments.

Underneath the statue was a small goblet with a simple inscription: "To my one and only brother." It looked like one of those toy cups handed out as promotional items from a fast-food place. Condo thought it might have been placed there by the Foccarts - Lyle had told him about them and his lost "brother" Jacques, and Condo had met the Foccarts before. Mr. and Mrs. Foccart had treated Lyle like a son, and Condo like a son-in-law; he especially adored the younger Danielle, who looked up to both of them as big brothers.

He started suddenly. Did the goblet just move? As if someone were holding it invisibly?

Shaking his head, he buried his face in his hands. “Get it together, man. What would Lyle think of you letting yourself go to pieces like this?”

Calming himself, he crouched before his own humble offering: a mug from the coffee shop where he and Lyle had first talked, all those years ago. Inscribed on the bottom was a simple message: “To my inspiration. You were once, and you always will be.”

Condo closed his eyes for a second, picturing happier times as the rain fell on him. He hoped it would wash away his sadness… but never his memories of the all too short time they had together.

*************
IB's notes:

In Legionnaires 59, Lyle got a note saying "Lyle, Can't wait to see you - C". C's identity was never revealed, but of course fans suspected Condo (who first appeared around that time) right away. I have read that the writers did eventually plan on outing Lyle and Condo, but it just never happened.

The moving goblet is courtesy of Jacques Foccart, who also got invisibility powers in this reality. Jacques and Lyle were very close friends as boys. Jacques was forced to go underground as a UP deep cover agent because his powers take a terrible toll on his body. Lyle does not know for sure if Jacques is alive. (Legionnaires 66)
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Umbra - 10/11/11 07:58 AM
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UMBRA Umbra


Jazinda lowered her head in greeting as she passed the offworlders walking along the streets of her village. They paid her little heed, though; they were too busy gawking at the sights around them. She smiled to herself. How strange it must be for them… after all, Talok VIII was unlike any other UP World.

It was only recently that Talok VIII had opened itself up once more. They had joined the UP with much excitement, even sending their planetary champion off-world to gain more recognition. Yet, the recent disasters with the Stargates, the Rift, and the odd happenings on Earth had convinced them to close off once more.

And then their champion had come back. And she had shown them the light.

In a passionate speech for the leaders of the 12 tribes and the shadow priests, Umbra had talked about how they had sent her out of Talok VIII to learn. She had faced her fears of losing her identity amongst the wide universe outside. She had grown and changed. And now Talok VIII must do the same, lest their hiding destroy them from within like what had happened when the Shadowforce had run amok.

Jazinda felt a little shame. Umbra had been right. They had hidden. That had not been true to their old proud nature as fierce warriors. Still, as warriors do, they had atoned for their mistake. Working with the Legion of Superheroes and the United Planets, Talok VIII had stepped comfortably into their current place in the UP. In exchange for valuable minerals, the UP traded them technology. Many Talokians now walked on far-off planets, and offworlders such as those she passed a while ago were becoming more common.

All thanks to one strong young woman.

Jazinda entered her home and looked around. Her daughter was not home yet.

Jazinda knelt at the statue of Umbra that adorned their mantle, saying a silent prayer that Larysma would bring home good news. Yes, she knew Umbra was no deity. She was flesh and blood, like all other Talokians. Yet her connection to the shadows, and her good works as a Legionnaire, made her worthy of respect. All of Talok felt that way.

Hopefully, the shadows would not die with her. Jazinda knew, from gossip, that UP Officials had been seen talking with the shadow priests. Jazinda trusted that the priests would handle the matter well. They must. Talok VIII needed to cooperate with the UP to prosper in these times, but it also needed to be able to protect itself. And with none of the Mallor bloodline remaining… They would have to find a way.

Jazinda was shaken out of her worry by the sound of her Omnicom ringing. She hastened to it, fumbling with the buttons. It was probably her daughter! Heart pounding, she finally pressed the right button.

“I made it mother! I made it! I’m going to study on Earth!”

Jazinda smiled as only a mother could. “I’m so proud of you, Larysma. When you come home tonight, we’ll have a feast.”

“Thanks mother! I can’t wait!”

Setting the Omnicom down, Jazinda smiled and knelt once more at the statue of Umbra. “Thank you. All this is because of you.”

*************
IB's notes:

When Talok VIII first joined the UP, Umbra was vehemently against it. She felt the UP would impose outside cultures on Talok and destroy their traditions. She was sent offworld to open her mind. (Legends of the Legion 3). When she returned, she found that the Talokians had "stolen" her darkfield to hide the entire planet. She reclaimed her darkfield and encouraged Talok VIII to embrace the UP once more (Legion 24).
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Inferno - 10/11/11 01:05 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

INFERNO


The young man muttered to himself as he feverishly switched back and forth between the Omnicoms on his desk.

On his wall were photographs of each of the Legionnaires. All of them had a small tick mark crossed off, save one.

Was she even truly a Legionnaire? He could not find a single story, a single holo, that suggested she was. But he knew she must be.

As if to convince himself he was not crazy, he scanned through the timeline he had constructed. There it was: Inferno was last reported leaving McCauley Industries Headquarters the same day the Legionnaires were reported under the thrall of the Emerald Eye. The day before it was announced Shrinking Violet had been possessed, and half the Legion had departed on a “secret mission”.

Inferno had never been seen again.

Any and all news comments merely mentioned that she, along with Shvaughn Erin, had accompanied the team as allies. Yet, why had she not come back? Everyone else had, along with a resurrected Apparition and a new member, Ferro.

There were not even any official reports that showed her among the rolls. She wasn’t even included in listings of Honorary Legionnaires. She was just casually mentioned as an ally, and that was that.

What had happened to her? Had she been a real Legionnaire? Had she even joined the Legion at all?

He wanted to know. No, he was compelled to know.

He had attended almost every public Legion appearance on Earth since then, vainly trying to be heard over the din of the crowds, shouting for them to tell him about Inferno. He had even cornered Spark once, but all the Legionnaire would say was that Inferno had decided to be left behind. And then she gently brushed him off and flew away.

Now that the Legion was gone, it would be much more difficult to find answers. But he would know, somehow. He would know.

*************
IB's notes:

Inferno was trapped in the 20th century with the other Legionnaires. She chose not to return to the future. She has never officially been an active Legionnaire.
I'm loving this tribute to my favorite legion! I wish they would bring them back!

i think my favorite vinyet is the one for Invisible Kid. i know it was an aspect they hinted at but i loved that you brought it out more!
I also love the one about Inferno! I always hated that they just left her and so did dc!

i also like that you threw in Crisis in there to help give it a real legion feel.

i can't wait to see more... are you planning to do one for each legionnaire?

also.. if i may i think your building to a new legion serious with this one...whit some of the characters your bringing in... i could be wrong... please let me know if i am..
Wow, IB, this is awesome! You really have the makings of a writer, I think. These little vignettes somehow really manage to encapsulate what we loved about these characters. Excellent job!
This is good stuff, Inviso-Brainy!

I'm not hugely familiar with the characters, but you're really doing a great job of making me feel for them!
Quote
Originally posted by Omni:
I'm loving this tribute to my favorite legion! I wish they would bring them back!

i think my favorite vinyet is the one for Invisible Kid. i know it was an aspect they hinted at but i loved that you brought it out more!
I also love the one about Inferno! I always hated that they just left her and so did dc!

i also like that you threw in Crisis in there to help give it a real legion feel.

i can't wait to see more... are you planning to do one for each legionnaire?

also.. if i may i think your building to a new legion serious with this one...whit some of the characters your bringing in... i could be wrong... please let me know if i am..
Thanks, Omni! I've actually been planning this for a while now, but your own fan-fic spurred me to actually write them.

Re Lyle, I was torn between using Condo or Jacques for his piece. I actually plan to go back and write in a segment where Condo notices something pointing to Jacques, like maybe a token inscribed with "To my brother". I always thought it would be cool if Lyle and Condo were indeed gay.

And Inferno, yeah that bothered me too!

I plan to do one for each Legionnaire eventually, even Thunder, Magno, Chuck and Kid Quantum I - Legionnaires who were "lost" way before the Crisis.

I'm not really planning on focusing on a new Legion, but they will appear throughout the "series". Mostly, though, as a way to show how important the "lost" Legionnaires really were to the galaxy.
Quote
Originally posted by Doctor One:
Wow, IB, this is awesome! You really have the makings of a writer, I think. These little vignettes somehow really manage to encapsulate what we loved about these characters. Excellent job!
Thanks, Doc! I'm glad you think I'm doing a good job with them. I hope I can do them all justice.

Quote
Originally posted by Set:
This is good stuff, Inviso-Brainy!

I'm not hugely familiar with the characters, but you're really doing a great job of making me feel for them!
Set, that was probably the best compliment anyone could ever have given me. Thank you!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Chuck Taine - 10/13/11 09:23 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

CHUCK TAINE ChuckTaine

Tenzil Kem peeked into the office of his best pal, in his hands a tray carrying a platter of doughnuts and a tall pitcher of hot chocolate. If he knew one thing about his pal, it was that he was a stress-eater and would greatly appreciate the energy boost.

"Okay, Nightwind, you've made your point. You can't be full-fledged Legionnaires if we don't let you go on missions unsupervised. So I won't tag along on the next one. But..." Chuck made a show of stressing that word. "Any collateral damage comes out of the duty allowance of whomever caused it. Deal?"

"Deal, Mr. Taine. Thanks, we won't let you down."

"I know you won't. I also know you'll probably give me a few more gray hairs, but that seems to be in the job description of any Legionnaire," Chuck replied, not without humor.

"Don't worry, you don't look a day over 27." And with a small laugh, Nightwind winked out before Chuck could retort.

"Looks like insult humor is in the Legion job description too, huh?" Tenzil smiled at Chuck's annoyance. "Here, have a doughnut to take your mind of your aging."

"Har har. You just wait until I beat you at pool again."

Tenzil laughed. "No way I'm gonna play you for bets again - especially now that you've gotten much better at angles, thanks to the Bouncing Boy."

"Have to. With such a large ship, I have to aim just right, or I risk flattening the criminals we're after." Chuck sighed, his hand on the small of his back. "All that piloting does get tiring though. Still, the new kids will be ready soon. Nightwind, Infectious Lass, Polar Boy, Magnetic Kid, Impulse, Lume, Particon, Babbage and the White Witch make a good team. Nothing yet like the old team, though..."

The two friends shared a moment of silence. What hurt more was that the Legionnaires had been their friends. What probably hurt most was that two of them had been a little bit more.

Tenzil sighed. He did have a crush on Violet, but they hadn't shared much more than a few group dates. But Chuck... Chuck and Triad had had something going on. Anyone could see that.

He put a hand on Chuck's shoulder. "She would be proud of what you're doing now. Keeping the team alive, and all that. And besides..." Tenzil took a bite of the tray he was holding. Crunchy and sour, just like iron. "She always thought you looked much better while smiling." He held up the tray, now in the shape of a large smile. "See?"

Chuck couldn't help but laugh. "I don't get it. Even though your jokes are truly awful, I still can't stop laughing at them. Thanks, pal." His grin quickly faded, though.

"I was with them the first time, after the Fatal Five. And we came back. But I was saved from... from whatever it is that took them away again. I can't help thinking... I was left behind for a reason. And if they do come back again... I want things to be ready for them."

Tenzil nodded. "We all do, Chuck. We all do. And we have your back, don't worry."

Chuck took a sip from the hot chocolate. It was warm, just like Triad's smile used to be. He missed her... but deep down, he knew he'd see her again. The only question was... when?

*********************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Chuck Taine first joined the Legion Staff as their architect, to repair damage to Legion headquarters. When the Legion was disbanded following Legion of the Damned/Widening Rifts, Chuck the Legion Subterfuge Team who continued to operate in secret as vigilanteism had been outlawed.

2) Tenzil Kem has been the Legion's chef from the very first day they occupied their headquarters.
Thank you so much! i really appreciate that as well and glad that it could help you!

nice. i think that is a great idea! to hear from these characters that we haven't seen since way before the Crisis. the thunder one could be really interesting....

you could continue Condo's with him searching for Jacques to get some closure... or something. i can't wait to see more!
Quote
Originally posted by Omni:


you could continue Condo's with him searching for Jacques to get some closure... or something. i can't wait to see more!
That's a good idea - I'd planned for each Legionnaire to be revisited only once each, but I do have a closing segment in mind that will wrap everything up. I may have characters like Condo pop up in others' segments too, though, like what I did with Azra Saugin.

I can promise that Condo and Chuck, at least, will be seen again.

I can't wait to read more from you as well, Omni smile
aw....reading Monstress s story made me feel so sad...it is the saddest and poignant story ever...and I had to go back re-read it all over again, especially Monstress. I miss her!... thanks IB for writing such beautiful narrative on each Lost legionnaires. hug
Supes, thanks for the kind words! I'm really glad to know I'm doing these Legionnaires justice, given their long histories.

I just went back to flesh out Kinetix's story some more.

Monstress
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Kid Quantum II - 10/15/11 08:19 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

KID QUANTUM II KidQuantumII

Nightwind dove as a laser shot past where her head had been. Rolling forward on the ground, she let loose a gust of wind at her opponent, slamming him against a wall. Satisfied that he was out, she glanced around at her teammates.

Polar Boy had his on ice, literally. Lume was blinding his, though the man kept firing his weapon erratically. Infectious Lass was dodging blasts too; Nightwind guessed their opponents’ armor was delaying the effects of whatever pathogen Drura was using on them.

Quickly scanning the surroundings, she barked a few orders.

“Brek, crowd control. Use your powers to seal the combatants off! Lume, destroy your opponents’ weapon first! Drura, hang on!”

Berta quickly flew to Drura. She could probably take this one out too, but with Brek taking care of the crowd, she could afford to give Drura a chance to do the job. It would be good for her morale, and give Berta a chance to gauge Drura’s powers. She used her powers to push the masked man off balance. “Go for it!”

Drura quickly leaped forward and grabbed the man’s helmet. “Nice armor, tough guy. Too bad you still need holes for air.” Within seconds, the man had crouched on the ground in a fetal position.

Looking back up, Berta saw that Lume had used his light powers to disarm his opponent and had knocked him out.

That was four. There was a fifth, though.

Where was…

“Stand back, lady! If you so much as twitch, your teammate goes down!”

Berta froze. Brek stood with his hands in their air, facing the sides of the dome he had created to seal the area in. A final armored man had his blaster pointed point-blank at him.

She knew what to do, though. Keep him talking for a bit. He was breathing heavily already. It wouldn’t take long.

“Don’t move, guys. What do you want?”

“I want you all to stand down, and let me out of here.” He was panicking. Good.

“And where will you go?”

“I… I will…” he suddenly grabbed his head. “What… what’s…I can’t… breathe…”

Polar Boy quickly subdued him. “Thanks, Nightwind. I love how creative you’ve gotten with your wind powers.”

Berta smiled. “Another thing I learned from Kid Quantum. She was the one who taught me that my wind powers basically allow me to control the air. It was a simple matter to prevent any from reaching this guy’s head.”

She turned to survey the area. “Great work on our first solo run, team. Minimal damage to the area, no bystanders hurt, all loot recovered, and no injuries. I say we deserve floats when we get back.”

“Shall we address the reporters, though?” Lume asked. “There appear to be a large number gathered outside.”

Berta considered for a second. “Are you all up to it?” Seeing three Yeses, she smiled. “Let’s go then.”

***********************************************
Berta relaxed back in her room as she recorded a log of her day. This was another habit she picked up from Kid Quantum.

She sighed, thinking of all the Legionnaire had done for her. Even as a cadet, Jazmin had mentored her. Apparently, she had reminded the Kid of a younger her – headstrong, not afraid to question authority, somewhat rebellious, but with a big heart.

It had been Jazmin who’d impressed upon her the importance of watching out for her teammates. “Girl,” she’d said, “you have to remember one thing. The Legion is a team. You have to take care of your teammates to keep strong. That means, even in the heat of battle, you have to keep an eye out on them. Let me tell you, it can get hard while you’re dodging some nassheads energy blasts, but it’s part of the job. And it will pay off.”

And it had. When the Legion had reformed, Berta had been chosen to be the new team’s leader. She took that role with pride.

And sadness, of course. She’d always looked forward to working alongside Kid Quantum and the others. She never imagined she’d be replacing them instead.

She’d been asked that many times by reporters. She pretty much had a standard answer now – “As a cadet, I knew the Legionnaires. Each one was a hero and an inspiration. We can carry on in their stead, but we will never be able to replace them.”

Another common one was, which one had she admired most?

That was easy as well.

“Kid Quantum. It’s not just how powerful she is – and she is, believe me. Her quantum powers allow her to manipulate time and matter, and if you’ve ever faced her in a combat training session, you’ll know it’s as amazing as it sounds. More than that, though, she’s THE type of hero to emulate. She made Legion leader despite her relatively short tenure with the team. She had knowledge of biophysics. She was effective, and commanded the respect and trust of all her teammates. She took time out to help all us cadets with our training. She managed to maintain a healthy relationship with her family. And she saved the galaxy almost single-handedly, got lost doing so, and came back. Kid Quantum is my hero, because she taught me that hard work, heart, and a love for the job can make you a success no matter what disadvantages you start with.”

She paused as a message popped up. She was pleasantly surprised to find it was RJ Brande.

“Lass, Chuck told me about your success today. Congratulations on your first solo mission! By damn, you’ll be an excellent Legion leader.”

Berta smiled. She would be, at that.

She would make Kid Quantum proud, and honor her legacy. And the Legion’s.

*************
IB's notes:

Nightwind and Kid Quantum II never said a word to each other in the comics. I just thought that Nightwind's personality mirrored Kid Q's own, and a close mentorship between the two would make sense.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Apparition - 10/16/11 02:24 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

APPARITION Apparition

Winema Wazzo steeled herself as she prepared to address the United Planets. As UP President, she had to be strong. Even if she felt like she were dying inside.

She smoothed her suit and the white flowing cape she wore. It was a time for ceremony, and she wanted to remind the galaxy that she was also the mother of a Legionnaire.

She didn’t know what made it more difficult this time. The fact that she’d lost Tinya so many times that she felt like she were on a rollercoaster ride; or the fact that she and Tinya had truly, finally started to reconcile just before she had…

She closed her eyes again. She had done wrong by Tinya, and she knew it. She had been harsh, controlling, overbearing. She had nearly cost Tinya her life by sending mercenaries after her; mercenaries whom she was wrong to trust.

Yet she was proud of all Tinya had accomplished. Grief had blinded her before, but she saw now that Tinya had been a hero. She had sacrificed to protect the United Planets. And despite how she had suffered, being betrayed by her father, dying and living as a wraith, dealing with the combined memories of two selves merged into one, she had become a strong woman.

She smiled as she remembered Tinya’s words to her when they had finally talked, after Winema had nearly been felled by an assassin’s bullet.

“Mother, I’m glad you are well. But we must talk now. We’ve both nearly lost each other so many times. Now, you are my mother, and I know you love me and want what’s best for me. But I will not allow you to keep micromanaging my life. I am old enough to make my own choices; you may disapprove and advise, but do not interfere. I love Jo, and he has proven himself over and over again. I trust him. If you were able to accept the Legion, then you can accept him and my son too.” Tinya had paused then; Winema could see she had been overcome with emotion, but she had kept it controlled. “Mother, please. I want you to keep being a part of my life, but under terms we both can agree to. I was wrong to avoid you before. But then again, you were also wrong in how you offered your help. Alright?”

Winema had just hugged her daughter. She was proud. Where she was harsh, Tinya was firm; where she was strict, Tinya was compassionate. Winema used to think those qualities were weak, but she could see how strong they could be. It was odd, how the mother learned from the daughter.

“Madame President?” A voice broke through Winema’s thoughts. “Ma’am, it is time.”

“Thank you,” Winema said, smiling. She would not have done that before. “I am ready.”

She stepped onto the stage, ready to address the galaxy.

“Sentients, today I stand before you today with little in the way of words. For what words can truly encapsulate the heroism of those we celebrate? Nothing, nothing we do can fully repay the Legion of Superheroes for what they have done for us. They have saved our homes, our families, and our lives many times over. They have given of themselves, at an age where most of us are still worrying about our next allowance.”

She paused, taking in the faces of the crowd. All she saw were nodding in agreement.

“The best way to honor them is to soldier on. To show that we are worthy of all the chances they have given us to better ourselves. Hopefully, that will be a philosophy we can all adopt.”
“Like I have,” Winema thought.

“Let this be a month of renewal and of hope. The United Planets member worlds have all agreed to use this month to celebrate not only the individual Legionnaires who have gone, and those who now take up their mantle.” She paused and waved her hand as a light flashed on the nine new Legionnaires who now strode out on stage. She smiled; she would love to have them as allies. Their leader Nightwind smiled back and bowed respectfully. Winema continued, “We also gather here to celebrate their example and their legacy. Let this month be… Legion month!”

Winema smiled to herself as the crowd cheered, and tears welled up in her eyes. She quickly turned to exit the stage; it would not do to be caught crying on camera. “Thank you, Tinya baby. Thank you.”

*************
IB's notes:

Winema was very overbearing when Tinya was growing up. Even after Tinya died (Legionnaires Annual 2) and returned as a wraith (LSH 82), their relationship didn't improve much. When a pregnant Tinya slipped away to visit Rimbor, Winema sent three bounty hunters after her. These bounty hunters nearly killed Tinya, Timber Wolf and his gang. They justified their actions by saying Winema had only specified that they retrieve Tinya's child.

Winema and Tinya would only really reconcile after Gail Simone's arc (Legion 35-38), when Winema was nearly killed by an assassin. She only survived because Ultra Boy convinced a villain to operate on her.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Gates - 10/16/11 04:17 PM
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GATES Gates

Infectious Lass wiped her brow as she bent over her next patient. She had already identified the disease he was afflicted with, and was considering how to draw it out.

She could command the microorganisms to enter her system, but was there a more efficient way? Drura was quite exhausted, and she needed to conserve her strength to help as many as she could.

She remembered what she had learned from Dr. Gym’ll’s lectures. Outpost fever was fairly easy to avoid if one kept in good health, but malnourished sentients were at risk. And once it was contracted, it was difficult to get rid off.

Unless…

The bacteria causing it was also susceptible to the bacteria that caused Yorggian fever. And since the disease was only deadly to Durlans…

She quickly gave the woman a small dose of Yorggian fever, and waited.

A few minutes later, her gamble had paid off. Only trace amounts of the bacteria for both diseases remained, enough so that the woman’s immune system could handle the rest. She would recover within a day.

She stood up and wobbled, steadying herself on a chair.

“Still pushing yourself, Legionnaire? Bah! You heroic types!” Dr. Gym’ll’s voice was harsh, but Drura new he was just concerned.

“I can handle it, doctor. I’ve only seen 57 sentients today. I only need a few minutes for most of them.”

“And what good will it do them if you wind up falling over from exhaustion yourself? You may be immune to disease, but that doesn’t make you immune to everything!”

“You’re… right. I’ll take a break now. Please send for me if there’s anything urgent, though.” Drura knew enough not to argue. Having recently survived a gunshot wound – barely- had made the doctor even more hard-headed then before**. She decided to change the subject before he lectured her further. “Gates would be happy to see how well his idea is working out.”

“Not well enough! Why, look at how inefficient we are! If only the UP would get more volunteers from your homeworld…”

“Uh-oh,” Drura thought. She thought of an excuse to get away, when her rescue came in the form of her teammate, the White Witch. “Excuse me, doctor, I need Drura’s help. Now don’t worry, I’ll make sure she rests.” Before Dr. Gym’ll could do more than open his mouth in protest, Mysa had pulled Drura away.

As they exited the tent, Drura thanked Mysa. She smiled; the sorceress had come to offer her services to the Legion after the Crisis, and had been accepted quickly based on her past history. She was now one of the most powerful members of the team, and acted as a bit of an elder sister figure to them all.

Mysa smiled back. “Temperamental, isn’t he? But his heart is in the right place.” She paused, considering. “You know, Gates used to be like that. I only met him on a handful of occasions, but… It was quite refreshing.”

Drura remembered it too. “He was one of the most… colorful instructors we had, back on Legion World,” she said. “His economics and sociology classes were always interesting. He was irritable at times, but I like how he never made you feel stupid even when you didn’t know anything.”

“I agree. If he offended anyone by his words or deeds, it was always unintentional. And he would apologize. He always had a way with words... I also hear he pitched this medical corps idea to the UP quite convincingly.”

“I was there,” Drura said proudly. Along with Dr. Gym’ll, Brainiac 5, Kinetix, Chlorophyll Kid and Impulse, Gates had tapped her for her skills and her desire to help. He had addressed the UP Assembly and had moved them with a mix of facts and passion.

She recalled Brainiac 5 telling Gates to put his opinions to good use by backing them up with facts. The two had worked wonderfully well together.

It was quite inspiring, really. When the UP had approved his motion, she saw how naïve Gates truly was, in a way. He had stood dumbfounded for a second, and then exclaimed, “By the egg! I didn’t think it would actually work!”

Drura hadn't expected that at all. Gates had been so sure, so ardent while they were preparing. His favorite line had been, "Think of all the money we're wasting on defense when children go to bed sick and hungry all over the galaxy!"

It was a warm, satisfying moment. And it had also opened her eyes to the fact that the Legionnaires were just normal people. They were fallible, too. What made them great was that they soldiered on despite that.

It made her even more determined to do her best.

"You know, I had half-expected Gates to organize a mission himself, without talking to the UP. He always seemed to believe the system was corrupt." Mysa pondered.

"I believe his time with the team led him to see that not all politicians are greedy," Drura said. Another lesson - keep an open mind.

“Tell me more about it over some cold zenflower tea,” Mysa said. “It sounds like an inspiring moment.”

The two teammates walked on, energized by the aura of healing around their camp.

*************
IB's notes:

Gates was always grousing about how the UP spent more on defense than on nutrition, healthcare, etc. I thought it would be nice to have him take action instead of just complaining.

Dr. Gym’ll was shot by the terrorist Arrow in Legion 35-38. His fate wasn’t disclosed then.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Gear - 10/19/11 12:42 PM
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GEAR Gear

Hannah Wells, the reporter formerly known as Trudi Trusoe, worked feverishly to worked tirelessly to finish her piece. She wanted to time the release just right to coincide with the kickoff of Legion Month.

Her desk littered with omnicoms and cups of coffee, she quickly ran her eyes over the list of Legionnaires on her wall.

She was determined that each one would get their share of the limelight. They deserved nothing less.

It was a challenge for some of them, though. The likes of Saturn Girl, Brainiac 5 or M’Onel were easy – they had a lot of fans, and a lot of people shared stories about them.

But what about the likes of Magno, who had only served a few months? Or Thunder, the mysterious Legionnaire who some whispered wasn’t from this era?

Hannah was currently worrying about the Legionnaire called Gear. Not only had he only been a Legionnaire a relatively short time, but he had spent much of that time on Legion World, building and maintaining the systems that kept the artificial planet alive. She felt there was more to it than that. As a journalist, it was her job to approach the subject from the right angle, much like how a jeweler should polish a stone just right to show it off to maximum effect.

She had a lead, though – Black Star. If she got this just right…

She took a sip of coffee and went back to work.


“This is Hannah Wells, welcoming you to the Legion Months Specials. Today we’ll talk about the hero called Gear.”

“Legion World is known far and wide as a miracle of engineering, a marriage of science and art. Sentients from around the United Planets have stepped onto it and been amazed at how much it mirrors their homeworlds. It’s been billed as a way to tour the UP on a budget.”

“All this is due to the genius of Gear. His birth name is IZOR, his home world, Linsner, home to a race of bio-mechanical beings. Linsner was a world whose people considered them tools; though they ate, slept and learned like other sentients, they always worked for others.”

“Gear thought the same when he began at Blackstar Juvenile Correctional Facility. Ostensibly a place where youth with posthuman abilities could be guided away from misusing them, Blackstar instead was a prison that raked in money from those who had opponents they wanted to disappear, forever.”

“All account say that this is when Gear saw the error of his ways. He began to feel guilt and shame, right and wrong. Together with his future teammate Sensor, Gear was able to free all the prisoners and end the threat of Blackstar forever.”

“RJ Brande was so impressed by Gear’s skills and sense of justice that he tapped the youth to help construct the busy Legion World.”

“But that is not his whole legacy. An astounding number of Legion cadets – one out of five – were previously imprisoned at Blackstar. Gear managed to contact the majority of the former inmates, and several responded to his call to boost the Legion reserves.”

“Besides effecting change hands-on, Gear was also able to passively cause it with his deeds. Linsner’s governing bodies recently voted to outlaw its citizens from accepting contracts to provide services for military installations, prisons and the like.”

“The Robotican homeworld also recently called for a resolution to honor Gear and his teammate Brainiac 5 as Robotican planetary heroes for their roles in the development of Robotica.”

“Even though his career was brief, Gear left a mark on the universe. He will be missed just as much as his comrades.”
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Violet - 10/20/11 10:33 AM
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VIOLET Violet

The being floated in their air, pondering. It needed to think carefully.

Its latest “alliance” was of little use to it. The Fatal Five were powerful, but they had no imagination. Power, money, excitement – that was all they craved.

The Emerald Eye wanted to be free. It did not seek destruction, power, riches or glory – in fact, it was not quite sure what it did want. To grow in power, yes, but not to wield power over others. It was much more interested in being able to better use its own power, to prevent it from being captured and used as a tool by those like Mordru.

The Eye hovered in the prison that the Legion had placed it in after their last encounter. They needn’t have worried: the Eye did not plan to leave. It could hone its skills just as well inside there. And it gave much time to think.
Violet had still been his favorite host. There was something… pure about her. She had only wanted to use its powers to grant her teammates desires. The only other “host” like that had been Kinetix; the difference was that Kinetix had given off a desperation for power, like she would not be whole without it. Violet had been stronger. At first, she had been desperate to be more confident, but she was able to struggle through it. The power helped her, but she was more able to let it go once it had gotten her to where she wanted to be.

Strong, confident. Secure in herself.

And yet, Violet was gone. The Eye could no longer sense her. It was a pity.

The Eye briefly considered each of the others it had encountered. None of them matched up to Violet. Perhaps Mysa did, but she was a trained mystic, and the Eye wanted none of that.

It even considered the other Legionnaires. The one known as Element Lad had blinded the Eye, but the Eye sensed an instability in him. Saturn Girl hid it well, but she was too insecure. Dreamer's precognition made her lack focus; Brainiac 5 was intelligent but unimaginative; and Invisible Kid was too easily rattled. M'Onel was powerful, but too restrained. Cosmic Boy was capable, but had such high standards for himself and others, which led to frustration.

No, Violet had much more self-control. Only her own insecurity, at least at first, had blinded her to her inner strength.

The Eye had been tempted so when they’d met again. Violet had grown, and not just because the Eye had granted her the ability to grow. She had been through a lot, and she had endured. And Violet never knew how appealing that strength was. It radiated from her; not boastful or loud, just a quiet feeling that enriched those around her. And it was all because she had endured.

Just as the Eye would have to. At least until it found a host as worthy as Violet had been.

*************
IB's notes:

Everybody probably recalls, but Violet was once possessed by the Emerald Eye. The Eye would later go on to serve the Empress.
oo the Emerald Eye! love it!!! i like your reasoning for why the Eye was into Vi.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Dreamer - 10/24/11 07:47 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

DREAMER Dreamer

In the haze of a dream, reality and fantasy blend and mix together. One cannot simply trust one’s senses, or even one’s sense of what is real. Common sense isn’t a useful tool here, for the unwary dreamer does not even realize whether he or she is asleep.

Myra walked the corridors of her dreamscape, treading slowly. Many outsiders thought that dreaming was easy; that a dreamer simply reclined and waited for visions to come.

No, they had to be searched out.

She came to a series of closed doors, each one leading to a possible dream. Sometimes, one could open a half dozen and see nothing of use – there was always a vision, but one had to choose carefully to see if it were a true vision or simply a dream created by one’s subconscious.

She peeked through one, and saw flashes of… celebration? It looked like her native Naltor; she could see the pink and orange sunset gleaming over the reefs that their cities were built on. What were they celebrating, though? She glimpsed harder, but could not see.

She peeked through the next one, and saw… a staff? Coming at… her?

She barely had time to react. Waking, she dodged just in time.

“What?” she asked. She’d been kneeling in front of her desk, practicing how to enter a trance. She looked up to see her roommate Gilda with a smile on her face.

“You’re getting better, Myra. You dodged this one perfectly.”

Myra reached up to rub her arm instinctively. Her bruise there had healed, but she was not anxious to get any new ones. She said, “If I want to see combat, I have to be.” Standing up, she yawned. “But I still prefer searching for visions while totally asleep.”

“Well, both have their uses.” Gilda said. “Though it was said that Nura Nal could see far into the future even while awake.”

Myra shrugged. “She was extremely talented to begin with, and had the benefits of Khundian training. The rest of us… well, maybe in time we’ll get that good. For now, though, I don’t know of any cadet who can see more than two days ahead while awake.”

It wasn’t that big a problem, though. The more awake a dreamer was, the clearer her visions. On the other hand, they were also more imminent. As a dreamer went deeper and deeper into the trance, the visions became hazier and were likely to come true later on. Myra had been in a very shallow trance a while ago. She still wasn’t able to trigger a full waking vision, though.

“Come on,” Gilda said. “They’re going to unveil the Dreamscape Sanctum tomorrow, but we can take a sneak peek at it while they’re finishing the preparations. I can see – “ Gilda paused as she tranced out slightly; it lasted all but three seconds. “Many others are already there. The captain is organizing them for a quick tour.”

Three seconds only; but enough time for a dreamer to be gunned down in the line of fire.

Myra quickly grabbed her uniform. The Dreamscape Sanctum was a sister building that would be right beside the Titanet. It had been borne from the efforts of Legionnaires Dreamer and Saturn Girl; they had spent many months experimenting on using their abilities in concert. It had been extremely successful, and now Naltor and Titan were working together to create an early-warning and communications system that would serve the whole UP.

Myra and Gilda were among a small pool of Naltorians who were found to have dreaming potential. Nura Nal had been the first precognitive born in seven generations, and all cadets were younger than she had been. The dreaming talent was still rare, though.

As they exited their room, they ran into a pair of Titanians – Zeela and Portela. The girls smiled in greeting. “Heading to the Sanctum? It looks like it’ll be just as grand as the Titanet tower. You must be so proud to see it finished,” said Portela.

Myra smiled back. These two girls had become good friends during their time training here. Titanians and Naltorians had to learn to work together; the plan was to assign one Titanian to every Naltorian so their abilities could work in concert. It would be implemented in both the Science Police and the Titanet – Dreamscape when their class graduated. “Yes, and we’re especially proud that we’ll be able to finally join Titan in proudly serving the UP.”

“Hey now, enough of the mushiness,” Zeela joked. “There’ll be time for that after!” The four girls took off down the corridor. As they rounded it, Myra stopped. “Wait a moment!”

Gilda was about to ask why, but she stopped as she saw. She stood at attention as well. All four girls saluted in unison, facing the statues of Dreamer and Saturn Girl in the hall.

They would be proud to see what was happening now.

*************
IB's notes:

The Titanet is a telepathic network that allows for communication across planetary distances. In Legion 19, Dreamer approached the Titanet head to see if she could link her own precognition to it as an early warning system for the UP. This idea was never explored further in the comics.
Quote
Originally posted by Omni:
oo the Emerald Eye! love it!!! i like your reasoning for why the Eye was into Vi.
Thanks, Omni! I was racking my brain as to who to pick for a Violet POV, since we never saw her family. At first I was going to use Micro, but realized that the Eye would give better insight into Vi.

When will we see more from your fanfic? smile I can't wait to see who'll make it.
oh don't you worry you'll see soon enough!
and the eye was a great choice! it was a side that we haven't really seen in a while, if ever.
Thank you smile I'm trying my best to look at each Legionnaire from a different angle, and I didn't want to keep using POVs from family and friends only.
Villains are a good way to go...you could do that for Thunder... yet another one i wish they did more with!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Brainiac 5 - 10/31/11 03:47 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

BRAINIAC 5 Brainiac51

Babbage’s mechanical consciousness found itself in the Sleepnet. It was like plunging into a pool of water, Babbage noted. It had to compensate for the currents around it.

Beside it, his Coluan colleague – and Legion cadet - Zaron Lux swam. Or perhaps that was not right. He did not swim, or float, or even fly – he just stood there and let the Sleepnet move around him. Babbage remembered what Zaron had explained – the secret to success in the Sleepnet was to change its flow, instead of allowing yourself to be caught by its currents.

As Babbage righted himself, he took stock of the Sleepnet. It could see the forms of Coluans all over. Most of them were sedentary; somehow, they could allow only the information they were seeking to flow towards them.

Zaron suddenly appeared beside him. “Wonderful, is it not?” It was more a statement than a question. “This is how we Coluans add to our knowledge base quickly and efficiently. We sort through all the accumulated knowledge, and select the right pieces to appropriate. For example, one interested in the newly discovered moon of Aleph can pull that knowledge to himself,” he paused, shutting his eyes for a moment, then opened them again, “like so. It is named Saugin, by the way, I assume in honor of the Legionnaire Kinetix.”

“That is most helpful. I shall attempt to sort through information as well.” Babbage replied.

Reconfiguring itself, Babbage tried to look up any recent information on their efforts. There was surprisingly little – just mention that the UP had assigned the Legion to assist in forging ties between Robotica and Colu.

There was plenty of mention of Brainiac 5’s appeal to the UP Council. That had set things in motion. Babbage reviewed his own data banks, for he had been present at that historical moment.

“I respectfully disagree with the Coluan representative’s assertions,” Brainiac 5 had argued. “The Roboticans ceased hostilities immediately once they were freed of Computo’s control. Or would you have us judge their entire species by the actions of one? If so, should we not submit ourselves to the United Planets’ condemnation for the actions of my ancestors; of Brainiac 4; Sharn Nux; and yes – of Orin Fex?”

Babbage could understand why there was a lot of emotion involved with that memory. Orin Fex had planted Sharn Nux as a mole, and she had nearly jeopardized efforts to halt Computo.

“I did not know it was possible to register emotion in the Sleepnet.” Babbage stated. “There is a lot of emotion involved here. My sensors are scanning plenty of confusion, anger, and curiosity associated with this.”

Zoran didn’t concentrate this time. Babbage was sure he kept updated on the issue – it was highly personal. “It is possible, though usually it is faint and pleasant – wonderment, satisfaction, pride. But ever since Orin Fex was imprisoned for his crimes and the new councilors took over, things have been mixed. You know that recently, Colu has shifted towards appreciating emotional and social skills in addition to intelligence. Pure theory is no longer as prized as it once was; the prevailing view is that our intelligence must create something useful. However, Coluan society is still split – the Brainiac lineage is at the heart of this division.”

Babbage suddenly registered a jolt, as though the Sleepnet was pushing it away. It hastily disconnected before further damage could be done. “It seems the safeguards are working well. Us Roboticans may observe in the Sleepnet, but we are barred from fully participating. I apologize, please continue, Zoran.”

Zoran nodded. He was used to working with Babbage. The two had formed a sort of friendship, strange though it was. “In any case, some felt there was wisdom in Brainiac 5’s idea to ally with Robotica in order to create more. Others, motivated by pride, wish to enter into a sort of competition. However, all did agree to allow our experiment to proceed – as long as Robotica shares knowledge of its own with us. And as long as Colu monitors what knowledge Robotica can access.”

“I concur, it is a wise decision to proceed cautiously. And now to fulfill my part of the bargain.” Babbage’s systems hummed as he released some information that had been approved by the Robotican council – schematics on some Robotican drones. Older models, of course – enough to allow Colu to see the value of this proposed alliance, but not enough to pose a threat should Colu turn hostile.

Babbage did not think that would happen, though. The Coluans may be prideful, but after their involvement in the Sharn Nux – Computo fiasco had been exposed, they were working hard to make amends.

Brainiac 5 had also gained great respect – though grudging – for his actions with the Legion. The younger Coluans, especially, were fascinated by the idea of heroism. Young Coluans like Zoran, here, were at the forefront of a wave of change on Colu.

Robotica, on the other hand, had thrown full support into integrating with the UP. Their lack of emotion made it easier – though Babbage understood that their lack of passion also meant they needed the Coluans.

He hoped both worlds could see that.

“I believe our exercise has been successful,” Babbage said. Zoran nodded, and the two exited the Sleepnet.

Brainiac 5 would have been proud.

*************
IB's notes:

Babbage is from Robotica, whose new homeworld is Warworld. The Roboticans and the Coluans have a very tense relationship.

The Sleepnet is some sort of information highway that the Coluans access while asleep.
Quote
Originally posted by Omni:
Villains are a good way to go...you could do that for Thunder... yet another one i wish they did more with!
There is a villain we could use for Thunder, but I have someone else in mind for her smile

Maybe Alux Cuspin for Cosmic Boy? Hmmm...
he's a good one...maybe combine him and
Domain, maybe he recruits Domain to try and find him again...
but i'd also think i'd want to see his brother... maybe his brother moves up again to the legion.. foot steps and all... a legacy character or two is nice...

i swear if you have Captain Marvel, make an appearance or have her return and see the changes i'm so going to start thinking i'm in your head!
That could work. I have included Pol in the new Legion, though he hasn't actually appeared on-screen yet. Maybe Pol and Cuspin could have a little chat.

lol Or you could just be a really good guesser!
ooo that means i'm either right or really close ;p
You get a gold star wink Thanks for all the ideas you're throwing around. It's helped me figure out some of my own posts.
any time! its helping me as well!
Just a note, but the following are the current active Legionnaires in this new universe:

NIGHTWIND Nightwind1
INFECTIOUS LASS InfectiousLass1
POLAR BOY PolarBoy
PARTICON Particon
LADY MYSA (THE WHITE WITCH) WhiteWitch
LUME Lume
MAGNETIC KID MagneticKidII
BABBAGE Babbage
IMPULSE (KENT SHAKESPEARE) Impulse
i love that your using Lume!
I'm not finding a bunch on Lume or Babbage online. What sort of abilities did they have?

Enjoying the tributes, as always, and searching around for information is cluing me to all sorts of forgotten characters, like Amp Girl and Retro. Neat!
Thanks for the encouragement, guys. A lot has been going on in real life but I already have outlines for the next four Legionnaires.

Lume is a sentient who seems to be composed of light energy. He/she/it appeared in LSHv4 66 as a potential Legionnaire who declined to join because he "couldn't leave homeworld to go into space - space is dark'. Lume appeared again in Legionnaires 56, assisting M'Onel in repelling a Khund raid on Lume's homeworld.

Babbage is the Robotican Legion cadet who appeared in Legion 25 (I think). Nothing is known of its abilities.
I should have a few posts up this weekend smile

Set, I'm glad my writing has inspired you to learn more about the characters I've been mentioning! A few of them are originals created for this, but several are minor characters who've popped up in the comics.

I'd also like to acknowledge Omni, who has been sharing a lot of ideas with me via PM. It's awesome meeting another diehard Postboot Legion fan who wants to keep that era and its characters alive smile
AWWW thanks IB!!! i agree we need to see these characters more and i can't wait for what you have in store for us!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac M'Onel - 11/19/11 07:19 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

M’ONEL MOnel1

Shvaughn Erin sat with her back straight, feet flat on the floor. The badge on her chest marked her as a Captain of the Science Police; it gleamed with care. It should; she’d only had it a few months, granted for her outstanding service in helping to fill the void after the Legion of Superheroes had disappeared.

Shvaughn had worked closely with RJ Brande, Chuck Taine, and the new Legionnaires led by Nightwind in order to organize and train the new team. It wasn’t quite the same yet, but the new kids were getting there.

She was helping keep the Legion alive in other ways, too. Like now.

An aide scampered up to her and whispered, “Are you ready, Captain? You have 15 minutes for your segment.” Shvaughn smiled and nodded. While she didn’t love the camera, she didn’t hate it, either.

She had also carefully considered what topics to discuss. Nothing personal, of course – she’d stick to his good works as a Legionnaire.

As to the rumors, she would lie if she had to. Even with him gone, there were aspects of his life that he deserved to be kept private. And who was to say that he wouldn’t come back? They all would, eventually.

“Captain Erin?” Hannah Wells’ voice jolted her our of her reverie. “Can you comment on why M’Onel was the sole Legionnaire approached by Earthgov to remain active?”

“I’m not privy to what was going on in President McCauley’s – or Ra’s al Ghul’s – mind when he decided that. The Science Police had nothing to do with it. But official sources say it was a combination of M’Onel’s power and the respect he’d earned during his tenure as a Legionnaire.”

“Nobody can argue the extent of his power, but some analysts speculate as to why just M’Onel? Why not also Legion founder Cosmic Boy; former leader Invisible Kid, who had close ties with Earthgov; Sensor, princess of Orando?

Because that bastard Ra’s probably knew M’Onel was the legendary Valor, and wanted him firmly under his thumb as much as possible, thought Shvaughn. “Any Legionnaire would have been a fine choice, but the Anti-Vigilante law had just been passed. I’d assume that bringing in too many Legionnaires would be considered toeing too close to the line he himself drew.”

“As we all know, despite his great power, M’Onel was always one of the Legionnaires more distant from the public. He never revealed his real name, or his homeworld. Did he have something to hide?”

Shvaughn almost bristled at that idea. Yes, he did have something to hide – but it was something noble and inspirational. She couldn’t reveal that, though. That secret was his alone.

“M’Onel was a very private man.” True. “I cannot say for certain why he didn’t reveal anything about his past,” Partially true – she only found out about it while they were trapped in the timestream, and she had respected M’Onel’s silence by not bringing it up, “but what I can say is that he was a very noble man, a loyal friend, a compassionate hero and a model Legionnaire.” All definitely true.

Hannah Wells nodded. Shvaughn could see that Hannah knew not to press further on the issue. “In any case, several comparisons have been drawn between M’Onel and the legendary hero Valor, whom the Legion failed to rescue a while back. It is curious that M’Onel appeared a short time after this failed rescue, and that the Legion never attempted it once more. We are due for a break now, but we will delve deeper into it afterwards.”

As the holocams turned off, Hannah stood and approached Shvaughn. “I wonder if you noticed that…”

“…that the break came early? Yes, I did. Thank you.”

“I shouldn’t be surprised that you did. You are Captain after all. Listen, I just wanted to say that, whatever the truth is, I will respect his right to privacy. He deserved that much. As a journalist, I am bound to uncover the truth… but I won’t force it out of you, or anyone else.”

Shvaughn almost cocked an eyebrow at that, but stopped. Hannah truly did seem to have changed from her days as “Trudi Trusoe”. “Thank you, I appreciate that. M’Onel was a great man, and I’m sure he would be pleased to be compared to Valor. However, whatever his past, I still believe it is for him to reveal.”

Hannah just nodded, and excused herself. Shvaughn took a moment to close her eyes. When M’Onel comes back… let him decide whether to reveal it all. At least I kept his trust.

*************
IB's notes:

M'Onel is secretly Valor, the man who "seeded" various worlds with super-powered survivors of Dominator experiments in the 20th century. Cargg, Braal, Winath, Tharr are but a few of these worlds. In the 30th century, he is revered as a deity by many (such as Triad). His true identity is secret to all but the active Legionnaires (as of Legionnaires 47/LSH 91), RJ Brande and Shvaughn Erin. Shvaughn, Ferro, Umbra, Sensor and Magno only found out in Legionnaires 47/LSH 91 (not stated specifically, but Brainy let the cat out of the bag in that issue!). As of Legionnaires 56, Monstress clearly did not know, so those who joined after have likely been kept in the dark too. I would assume that Kid Quantum II at least knows, as she is the current Legion leader.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Leviathan - 11/20/11 07:46 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

LEVIATHAN Leviathan

“Looks like our Captain is well on her way to becoming a holo celebrity,” came the amused comment from the Lieutenant with the close-cropped brown hair. “Greetings, Ma’am.”

Shvaughn smiled as she waved her hand. “You don’t need to do that, you know. Not when we’re off-duty, anyway. And you know I’m only appearing on these shows because of my role as Legion liaison officer.”

“I don’t know how you do it. I mean, Captain AND Legion liaison officer, and all these appearances? Are you sure you’re not part Carggite?”

“Sometimes I wish I were,” Shvaughn said with a hint of a sigh. “But the Thresholds make it easier, and to be honest my staff does most of the report filing and grunt work. I wouldn’t trade it for anything else, frankly.” Gigi nodded at that. “But enough about me,” Shvaughn continued. “How’s the new assignment going?”

Gigi paused for a moment. A couple of months back, she had been assigned to lead the Science Police contingent on Legion World itself. She still had mixed feelings about it, and many of her Science Police colleagues knew that.

“Better than I expected, frankly. The more I work with the Legionnaires, the more I come to find myself respecting them. I no longer see the Legion as something that stole Gim away from me. The Legion was his home too; it just happened to coincide with the home he had with his family, me, and the Science Police.” She took a sip of her drink at that. It was true, but still a little bit painful. “Since he was one of the first to… One of the first the Legion lost, he also tends to be forgotten, so to speak.”

“But the new Legion has made it to a point to celebrate each and every former Legionnaire. Even the first Kid Quantum, and still-living ones like Magno and Thunder.” Shvaughn stated it as a matter of fact, and Gigi was grateful that her friend was being gentle.

“True, but you know how sentients are, Shvaughn. Still… I do appreciate that the people who mattered to Gim do make it a point to remember him. People like me, and you, and RJ Brande, Chuck Taine, Tenzil Kem… Also, being able to drill my new team in the tactics Gim developed helps keep him alive.”

“Those were the ones he instructed the SP on early on, right?”

Gigi nodded. Funny how the Science Police and the Legion owed each other so much. Leviathan and Saturn Girl had come from SP ranks, but they and their comrades, such as Karate Kid, had taught the Science Police a lot, too.

“Actually, Shvaughn… Ma’am… That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. We’ve already integrated the training module that Karate Kid helped develop into Science Police training. But I think we can do more.”

“Tell me more.”

Gigi smiled. She knew Shvaughn would be receptive. This was a great way to keep Leviathan and his legacy alive, and strengthen both organizations. “Well, we’re expecting the Legion to grow rapidly in size, and they already have several cadets. At the same time, the Science Police are facing more and more lawbreakers with posthuman abilities…”

The two women sat, food untouched, as they made plans for the future, all the while honoring the past.

*************
IB's notes:

Gigi and Leviathan were old friends back on Mars and in the Science Police.
i like this and can't wait to see what it is they want to do.. that is if you go into it...

M'Onel's is really good! i like Shvaughn's inner monologue mixed with her real responses.

also trying to pm but it keeps telling me your inbox is full. got an idea for you!
Omni, I sent you a new PM! Thanks laugh

Glad you liked M'Onel's entry. I had a hard time with him - I didn't want to delve into the whole Valor thing again, since it's been explored already in the Postboot (Legionnaires 56, for instance). I preferred to focus on his impact on his friends.

The plan Gigi and Shvaughn are working on will likely be revisited again in passing later on smile I already know which character I'll likely have for that.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac XS - 11/21/11 09:58 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

XS XS

How long had it been since she’d been left powerless? Two years? Three? More than one, definitely. It had been just before the Legionnaires were lost.

Time seemed to swim around her, now. It wasn’t an illusion, nor was it meaningless. However, it did only have as much meaning for her as she allowed it to have.

She walked along her domain, the walls covered with images of her favorite moments in her history. The time she stopped the shapeshifting Durlan. The time she stopped the Sklarian raiders. Other times she had wielded power.

She paused, coming across a panel that depicted her first true brush with the 30th Century.

The time she’d met XS. The speedster had been a good friend to her. Kinetix, Monstress, Saturn Girl had also been friends, but XS was the best of them.

The screens shifted, trigged by her will and her memories. Flashes of XS’ best moments were shown – rescuing the rest of the Legion from a bomb; the first activation of her powers; fighting to save Xanthu from Robotica.

Many quieter moments appeared as well. XS laughing with her teammates and friends. XS being there for them in times of need.

What had happened to her? She hadn’t looked in on her in a while. She waved a hand, and the wall shifted to a view of another 30th Century, in another reality. XS was sitting peacefully, finishing a mosaic. Curious.

She didn’t belong there, of course. No, none of the Legionnaires belonged where they were now. They should be here.

She let the screens shift again, glancing through each of them. She saw the final moments of Monstress. Element Lad. Leviathan. Kinetix; though her magic had been absorbed, her soul was free. Gates was lost now, but would be found again soon.

Perhaps she should simply reach through time and return them all to the present. She could destroy the new reality XS had found herself in, and pluck her free to come home. It would be a simple matter to release entropy into that world.

She raised her hand, then stopped. What was it XS had told her? “You’re still a hero, no matter what. Your choices make you even more of a hero than your abilities ever did.”

That was a good point. She could destroy that reality... but she could choose not to, and spare the lives of everyone in it. There was no NEED to kill them all.

She would let events play out as they would.

In any case, XS’ ultimate role was yet to be unveiled. So she would wait. For it would come… in time.

She turned away, letting the screens melt before her. She should return, for now.

She walked off, leaving the era of entropy for one of life.

**************************************************

Lori Morning woke up to a licking. “Proty, cut it out!” She said with a laugh. “Hey, I had this weird dream… I was like, watching holos of all the lost Legionnaires. Especially XS.” She grabbed Proty, who taken the form of a Shih Tzu, and held him tight. “You know, I miss them all, but I think I miss Jenni most. She was the one who was coolest about me being a kid compared to them. After I lost the Dial, she really talked to me like an adult.”

She sighed, looking out her window. Stars shone faintly in the distance. She missed having powers too; sometimes she wished things could go back to the way they were! She realized now she was lucky that Ra’s al Ghul had left her alone when he’d impersonated McCauley.

She was grateful for a lot of things now, but they were almost all gone.

Well, nothing to do about it now. What had Mr. Latham told her? “Instead of crying over spilt milk, clean it up…” Maybe her dreams were just a way of telling her she should have appreciated what she had more, when it was still there.

It was good to be able to see things so clearly, though.

Lori jumped out of bed and began to get dressed. She would work hard again today; she owed them that much.

*************
IB's notes:

Lori Morning lost her H-Dial saving Brainiac 5 from the rift caused by the Blight. It was revealed in Legionnaires 64 that her future self was the Time Trapper. Among the Legionnaires, XS was easily her closest friend.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Shikari - 11/22/11 03:30 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

SHIKARI Shikari

“Matriarch Enkenet? Would you like some rainbowbird?” Enkenet looked up to see a young Kwai enter with fresh meat in his arms.

“Thank you, Ramses. I shall join you for your meal later. Right now, though, I need to find my path.”

Ramses exited with a bow, while Enkenet returned to her troubles.

Like most leaders who love their people and have the luck to sit at a time of great change, she was deeply troubled. Recent events and their future developments were making it harder and harder to be sure of their path.

It was troubling not because the path of the Kwai was changing; they were nomads, and were used to change. It was troubling because, for the first time in a while, Enkenet was not certain if they were taking the right paths. This hadn’t happened since she was but a child.

Some outsiders thought that path-finding merely meant closing your eyes and letting your instincts guide you. Yet a skilled path-finder did not trust instinct alone, for such was the way of disaster. Skill had to be honed and sharpened. The best path for a certain destination had to be chosen; for that matter, the best destination among many had to be selected too.

She had to decide soon – to what destination would she lead the Kwai? There were many suggestions, proposed by many individuals, but none of them seemed suitable for the Kwai as a whole.

She buried the urge to simply let each follow his or her own path. That was a weak leader’s decision. Or was it?

She had let Shikari follow the urges that burned bright in her blood – the warrior’s urge. When the Progenitor’s rule collapsed, whispers spread that it had been the Legion’s doing. When the Legion themselves came, those whispers turned into praises. When the Legion again stopped the Credo, those praises became songs and legend. Shikari had accomplished a great deal for the Kwai without causing them any harm, and more importantly - she had been truly happy.

Shikari had become a hero to many of the young. Enkenet was pleased with that. What displeased her was how many of the young confused the heroism of being a protector with the disgrace of vengeance. More of them were using their skins to hunt – and a few lost ones were still active with the remnants of the Credo. Unlike with Shikari's path, this path could only lead to disaster.

Perhaps what was needed was a way to guide the paths of these young ones. Much like with catching passing lights – a path-finder had to gently guide one into orbit. To do so, one had to allow oneself to be caught up in its path. Forcing it would not work. The young would no longer be satisfied to act as mere guides. They had to feel more involved in the destiny of the Kwai.

Perhaps she would benefit from discussions with another leader who had guided the young of his own society...

She quickly looked through the Omnicom that Shikari had given her, and left a message with RJ Brande. Thankfully, she was becoming adept with such things.

And then, she went to dinner. To enjoy the spoils of the young lone stars who had turned into hunters. She smiled a little as she remembered how good rainbowbird could taste.

Certainly, their new path was not all bad.

**********************************************************************

IB's notes:

The Kwai (Shikari's people) are residents of the Second Galaxy, which the Legion Lost (1st series) team found themselves in. The Progenitor, a maddened and immortal Element Lad, helped create them and other life forms in the galaxy. The Progenitor's servants, the Progeny, helped carry out ethnic cleansing by "deleting" groups the Progenitor determined were "variant" from its purpose. After the Legion stopped the Progenitor, the Credo was formed to get revenge on surviving Progeny.
Matriarch Enkenet was very well thought out. you really get her sense of leadership...but i will say i would have thought she'd be a little more torn... but we didn't see much of her so this could be very true to her... I'll have to reread those issues.

i loved Lori's duality and how you captured her friendship with XS.

i wish we knew what this ultimate destiny for XS was though...
Thanks, Omni. I was struggling with the new "path" as well. I reread Legion 5, and got the sense that Enkenet was willing to tread new paths BUT she didn't want the Kwai involved in any violence. That is, she'd be OK with trying new things as long as the Kwai didn't turn into aggressors.

I didn't want her to be too torn since this has been brewing since before Legion 5, but looking back I could have captured that better. I was trying to make it so Enkenet had been thinking about it for a while. I've gone back and made a few edits for the Shikari post - hope it's a bit better now smile

Re Lori, thanks! It's quite a challenge, since the Legionnaires aren't available. I can't let the characters interact with one another.

re XS' ultimate destiny... i'm not sure, either. I have some ideas, which I'll bring up via PM wink
can't wait. for all of it!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Ultra Boy - 12/04/11 08:58 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

ULTRA BOY UltraBoy1

The figure tensed her muscles, peering down the hallway. The coast was clear. She hurried, footsteps muffled by the technology in her costume. The technology also allowed her to blend into her surroundings, though it was certainly nothing like true invisibility. Still, she was skilled enough for it to be a huge advantage.

She came to an intersection. She crouched silently, waiting for the guard drones to pass. She’d memorized their patterns from footage she’d hacked into earlier. 3… 2… 1… and as predicted, a drone floated past. She had 3 seconds before the next drone.

She pulled herself up to the ceiling. As a child would crawl across a set of monkey bars, she made her way across to the door housing her prize - a replica of the Legion symbol that was indestructible as inertron yet light as a feather. Said to have been created by Element Lad, it glowed with a rainbow of colors.

She attached a device that would disable the alarms, and picked the lock of the door. As it slid open, she took in the glow of the sculpture for just a second before reminding herself to focus on the job. She sprayed the area before her with a gas and watched as an array of lasers appeared before her.

Her hair snaked through the web and reached the switch at the far end. With the sensors off, she made her way calmly to the treasure.

She was out of the area in another 15 minutes. The whole thing had taken less than an hour.

Standing outside, she took off her mask. “Well? Do I make it in?”

“We’ll know tomorrow, after we have the active membership vote. You’ll be getting my vote, though,” said the yellow-skinned girl. “We could really use your skills in espionage on the team. It’s a major hole we have to fill right now.”

“I am curious, though,” said the boy in the red jacket. “With your skill, you could always hire yourself out as a security consultant. We pay well, but given your past, I’d have thought you’d go after the bigger credits.”

She shook her head, letting her red hair flow in a wave. “To be honest? That big lug Jo – Ultra Boy – always made me wonder why he joined the Legion and picked Apparition over me. After McCauley tossed me out without so much as a thank you, I realized that I was tired of being completely selfish, and I think Jo was too. If I can take care of myself while helping others at the same time, why not? It does feel good too.”

Nightwind smiled. “That is a pretty good answer, Spider-Girl.”

Sussa looked her right in the eye. “Make no mistake. I had a hard life growing up, so I’m not about to become a charitable 100% do-gooder. Maybe I’m not as pure as Apparition was. I can promise you, though, that my morals are in the right place. I may stay only until I get tired of this, but at least I won’t turn to the other team. Fair enough?”

Chuck stuck out his hand. “Fair enough. Thanks for being honest – we’ll consider that when we discuss your application.”

Sussa took it and shook warmly. “Thanks. Now… can you point me to the memorial room? I’d like to say one last goodbye to Ultra Boy.”

“Because even though I won’t admit it, she thought, he still did break my heart. But he also showed me the path to a better life. If I had been smart enough, I would have followed him earlier.

She followed Nightwind and Chuck Taine silently into the building. The past was the past, but she would make sure she had a bright future ahead.

She’d also ask if she could keep the sculpture as a souvenir. Hey, it didn’t hurt to ask right?


***************

IB's notes:

Spider-Girl and Ultra Boy were dating while on the Workforce, rich industrialist Leland McCauley's private security team. Jo dumped her after meeting Tinya, though some issues indicate that Sussa had real feelings for Jo, but Jo never reciprocated at that level. Sussa and Evolvo were fired from the Workforce when McCauley removed anyone "underage"; he was trying to have the Workforce replace the Legion as the UP's premier team (LSH 124-125, Legionnaires 81).
absolutely loved how you wrote Spider Girl! ;sniff sniff: LOVED it!! her tribute to Ultra Boy is absolutely spot on!
Aww thanks Supes smile I find Spider Girl a cool character, especially how she was written 5 Years Later. It seemed like a natural development for Sussa.
Excellent use of Spider-Girl. I like how she's portrayed as competent at her role, even before busting out her super-power, making her kind of a double-threat.
Thank you, Set. I borrowed heavily from the Spider-Girl of 5 Years Later. Frankly, living hair isn't that impressive a power; however, like many other "weaker" Legionnaires, Sussa has earned her stripes.
Quote
Originally posted by Set:
Excellent use of Spider-Girl. I like how she's portrayed as competent at her role, even before busting out her super-power, making her kind of a double-threat.
i agree with this totally! i think that its actually the best use i've ever seen of her.
Wow, that is high praise indeed Omni! Thanks!
MORE! MORE!
Thanks Omni! I've had to park this for a while, but I'll be coming back later this year when things have settled down at work.

More from you too I hope!
I don't know how I missed all these till now, but I just read them all and they're great! The tribute for Monstress gave me a case of the wibbles....she was such a great character. smile

I like the way you've showed how the world goes on without the Legion in it, it's an interesting concept to explore smile
Thanks, razsolo smile It wasn't that hard to put myself in the mood, since I was devastated by the loss of the Reboot Legion. I'm glad you liked it smile

I'll be continuing these after the Dark Oval novella is wrapped up. Already thinking of how to work with the other Legionnaires.

Glad you liked Monstress' smile She was always so sweet and happy that when her origin was shown, I was shocked. I thought it must be a partial facade - no way she didn't have scars from what happened!
Hey IB, I love this! Your tribute to M,Onel with Shvaugin handling herself in the interview and Trudy not pressing her for more information being very telling, and Ultra Boy's tribute with Sussa accepting her feelings, are my favourites but they have all been great, as has your choices of replacement Legionnaires! Splendid stuff smile

More, more, more!!
Harbi! Thank you, it's wonderful to hear such praise from a writer like you smile More to come after I finish with my parts in the Dark Oval laugh
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Magno - 09/03/12 03:15 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

MAGNO Magno

The blond young man stared silently out the window. He’d stepped into the doctor’s office just a minute too late, and someone had gotten in before he did. He laughed a short, bitter laugh. Lately, his timing had been laughable. He’d joined the Legion of Super-heroes and completed Legion basic just in time to fight Mordru and lose his powers; he’d joined the Science Police just in time to miss his former teammates’ return from the Second Galaxy; and he’d been posted just in time to arrest fellow Braalian Cosmic Boy (though he did help Cos escape).

And when he’d finally requested for a transfer, he was assigned to Legion World just in time for the Fatal 500 to attack. He’d been injured again, and was forced to sit out the rest of the battle while his former teammates had saved the day… and had vanished.

He hadn’t even managed to see XS again before she…

He hung his head in shame. She had made him very happy, those few months before the Blight came. He closed his eyes and tried to remember her scent, and the feel of her hair on his hands…
SLAM! The crash jolted Dyrk Magz out of his reverie. He quickly pulled his blaster and barged into the doctor’s office. “Hands up!”

“Noooooo! I told you, I told you, they’re all out there! They are, they are!” The patient, a youngish orange-skinned humanoid with three arms, was pulling at his hair. Behind her desk, Dr. Ryk’rr was trying to calm him down. To her credit, she was calm and wasn’t even hiding.

“No, Pranid, no. This is my friend Dyrk. He’s a Science Police officer. He will not kill you.”

Dyrk took the hint and held his blaster up. “Yes, Pranid. I’m Dyrk Magz. Here, I’m holding my blaster up, okay? I’m not pointing it at you. Now, I will very slowly reach into my jacket and show you my badge, okay?”

Pranid began tearing at his hair again. “No! No! I don’t trust you! It’s probably a weapon, or a bomb, or something. Stop! Stop!”

Dyrk cursed to himself silently. What could… Ah. He didn’t use it often anymore, but lately he’d taken to wearing it again as a memento.

“Okay, Pranid, okay. Look at my finger, do you see this?” Dyrk held his hand up, and light glinted off the golden band. His flight ring. “This is my Legion flight ring. I was a Legionnaire. I used to be called Magno.”

Pranid stopped, his eyes hopeful. “Is that real? Is it?”

Dyrk smiled as he used the ring to lift himself into the air. “Yes, yes it is. The Legionnaires may be gone, but the Legion will be here forever.”

Pranid sobbed as he fell to his eyes. “Oh thank grife, thank grife! There is still hope!” Within moments he had curled himself into a little ball.

Dyrk quickly handcuffed him and called the guards, before turning to Dr. Ryk’rr. “Did he hurt you?”

The diminutive doctor smiled. “No. I thank you, Dyrk. It looks like you are still fighting the good fight.”

Dyrk couldn’t help but return the smile. “I guess I dealt with all my issues long ago, huh?”

Dr. Ryk’rr gently took his hand. “Dyrk, I received a message earlier today. They say they tried contacting you, but your Omnicom was off and the Science Police wouldn’t let them patch it through since it wasn’t an emergency. They have an offer for you, but I have to warn you – it’s not a sure thing.”
Dyrk’s eyes widened. Could it be? “I… Is it more false hope.”

The doctor squeezed his hand gently. “I have to warn you that it might be. But then, I also know you are strong enough to not lose hope forever.”

Dyrk smiled. “You’re right. After all this time, I won’t get discouraged so easily.” He clicked on the Omnicom, and was surprised to see Legionnaires Kent Shakespeare and Lady Mysa, the White Witch, on the other end of the line.

“Hello, Dyrk,” Kent said. “I’ve been going over your medical records after we treated you. It seems the Emerald Empresses’ attack may have been a good thing, after all.”

Dyrk listened as Kent went on, and his smile grew larger and larger. He tried to tell himself not to hope too much… but the news was just that good.

***************

IB's notes:

Magno was depowered fighting Mordru after being a Legionnaire for a few short weeks. Through the Postboot, he has never been able to regain his powers. He would return to the Legion to permanently man the Monitor Board, but after the Blight incident he became a Science Police officer.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Thunder - 09/03/12 05:17 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

THUNDER Thunder

A teenaged Cece Beck piloted her ship through the vastness of space. It was good of her parents to finally let her bring the cruiser out; after all, she’d gained her license weeks ago.

Her heart beat with trepidation as she approached the monolith known as the Rock of Eternity. It had taken a lot of digging through reports and archives, and months and months of looking through telescopes, but she’d finally found it. Somehow, it had been transported back from Rimbor to its normal location in space. She supposed it could have been here for a long time; the last time she could say for sure it had been on Rimbor was back in the 31st century.

She gently let the ship land on the Rock, in the same area she had carved long ago, just in case she had to return here without her powers. She was very glad the wisdom of Solomon had given her such foresight.

She did miss having her powers here in the future, but she didn’t miss being away from her family.

She entered the chambers tentatively, blaster drawn. Best to be careful…

A bright light and a loud boom greeted her. She was stunned to see that neither her eyes nor ears were damaged; she registered the thunder and lightning without being harmed by it. Her breath caught in her throat. “Wizard?”

“It is good you have returned, Cece. You have grown much in my absence.”

“Oh, Wizard!” Cece hugged the figure she had been worrying about ever since the Rock exploded.

“It is good to see you too, Cece,” the Wizard replied. “No doubt you have many questions, which I’ll answer… like so.” He touched a finger to Cece’s head, and she stiffened. She could feel knowledge rushing into her. She could see Captains Marvel throughout the ages slowly restoring the Rock to where it began. And she could see her old friends in the Legion of Super-heroes, and knew they were in dire straits.

“Oh, Wizard! I have to help them!”

“I know. Say the word, and I shall transport you to their time.”

“But… my family…”

The Wizard smiled. “Your normal form will not age while you are transformed. And you will be time-traveling, remember? I can allow you to return to this very spot, one second after you leave.”

Cece smiled. “Then what are we waiting for? CAPTAIN MARVEL!”

Cece was in pure bliss as the power returned. And then she felt a queasiness, as the Wizard waved his hand and used the magic of the Rock of Eternity to transport her through the timestream.

But more than that, she felt overpowering excitement at seeing her friends again… and determination that she would not let them down this time.

*************
IB's notes:

Thunder was trapped in the Legion's time because some terrorists had destroyed the Rock of Eternity. Two consequences: she could stay in this time only as Thunder, and could only stay in her own time as her non-powered self; and the Rock of Eternity fragments became poisonous to her. With the Legion's help she eventually reformed the Rock on Rimbor, but it remained poisonous. After the Blight came, she was so troubled that she resigned and returned to her time.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Spark - 09/03/12 09:57 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

SPARK Spark

“Hurry up, we’re going to be late!”

Hegga rolled her eyes as her twin Megga hurriedly put on her shoes. “Sue me, okay? I overslept. I’m not the disciplined Sci-cop that you are.”

“I’m sure Garla and Lando are already on their way, and neither of them is a Sci-cop, you know?”

“Fiiiiiiiiine. Okay, okay, I’m ready! I’ll drive.”

“No way! You’re too slow!”

“And you’re too reckless. Remember that time you smashed into Mr. Arzz’s cruiser?”

“Fine, fine, already,” Hegga said as she headed out the door.

As they passed the street corner outside their house, Hegga was startled to notice that the crossing guard, Mr. Hanz, was alone. She rolled down the window to wave to him. “Mr. Hanz! How are you? Where’s Mr. Hanz?”

“Hegga, Megga! How are you? Why, he’s on vacation today!”

“That’s a first,” Megga chuckled as they drove away. “The only time I’ve seen one of them alone was when the other was sick.”

Hegga nodded. “Being solo isn’t all that bad now, is it?”

“After what Ayla and Garth accomplished individually? Garth saved us a second time while he was lost in the Second Galaxy. And Ayla helped bring down Ra’s al Ghul – and released all those Winathians being held prisoner? Then leading the UP back here to provide aid? I think enough of us were impressed.”

“Then there’s the fact that one of our presidents had his brother murdered to cover up his embezzlement.”

“And that’s a large part of why we were able to pursue our different interests and end up with different jobs.”

“Thank grife for that,” Hegga smiled. That used to be unheard of as well. All her teachers in school had had a twin who was also a teacher – or at least had a similar job, like a guidance counselor or a librarian – and they all worked in the same school. Unlike her, Megga was a weather satellite technician. They didn’t even work in the same compound. As far as Hegga knew, she was the first Winathian Sci-Cop whose twin wasn’t enlisted as well.

The most telling part was that only the older cops gave her a hard time about it. Winath really was changing.

“Hey, stop your daydreaming. We’re here!”

Hegga jerked her head up to see that Megga had parked, and their childhood friends Lando and Garla were waving at them. The four friends hugged each other. Hegga looked around. Since it was a weekday, the Threshold center was relatively empty.

“I’ve been reading all about Legion World. Pretty much everything you could hope to find on a planet is there. I can’t believe this is the third time we’re going off-planet!” Lando was practically shaking with excitement.

“And the first without Ayla and Garth,” Garla added sadly.

“I do miss them,” Megga added. “They were good friends, never forgetting us even when they were in the Legion.”

"Being friends with them certainly was inspiring. I never thought I'd get to work with the UP Aid Program, but there I am," Garla smiled.

“Then we should return the favor, and not forget them either,” Hegga said as she clasped her twin’s hand.

The four friends smiled at each other as they stepped towards the Threshold. But how could they forget, when their friends had inadvertently helped change Winath so much? Hegga smiled as she saw the officer at the Threshold counter was also alone. You don’t have to be attached to your twin the whole time, just to feel complete,, she thought.

***********************************************************************

Ib's notes:

The four characters featured here were canon friends of Spark and Live Wire (Legends of the Legion 2). Hegga and Garla were named. I made up names for their respective twins, Megga and Lando.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Kid Quantum I - 09/03/12 10:32 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

KID QUANTUM I KidQuantum

“Code red, cadets! Code red!”

Chlorophyll Kid jumped out of bed at the cry. He hurriedly shook his roommate’s shoulder. “Staq! Staq! Did you hear that? My gosh, we’re being attacked!”

“What? Wha?” Fire Lad woke up with a start, his hair already on fire. “Grife! Don’t do that! Taine’ll kill me if I burn another set of sheets!”

Chlorophyll Kid was already rushing towards the door. “Omygosh omygosh omygosh we have to go. Grife I can’t get it open! Oh wait…”

As the door slid open, he bumped into his former teammates and current classmates Stone Boy and Color Kid. “Where’s the alarm? Where?”

The two of them just looked at him with blank stares. They obviously weren’t happy.

“Mmph. Sorry, Ral. I couldn’t help it, you just looked so panicked.”
He turned open-mouthed to stare at their former leader and teammate, Polar Boy. Ral couldn’t help but notice the shiny Legion utility belt and flight ring that he know wore. “Oh grife, don’t tell me we failed another test?”

Polar Boy wagged his finger. “It’s not your final exam yet, don’t worry. I’m just here to take you on a training exercise. But you guys really should work on your response time, okay? Speed and efficiency are an important part of the final exams at the Academy.”

“So, uh, do you have any tips for us? How did you do it?” Stone Boy asked eagerly.

“Most important is to not panic,” Polar Boy said firmly. “Now come on, Lydda and Dori will meet us at the Hall of Heroes.”

“Huh? What are we going to do there? Aren't we supposed to go training?” Color Kid asked.

“You’ll see,” Polar Boy said.

“So, Brek, what’s it like to be a Legionnaire now?” Fire Lad asked as they trotted along the halls of Legion World.

“It’s a lot different from when we were in the Substitute Heroes,” Polar Boy replied. “Believe me, the formal training really makes a difference. So does the knowledge that you’re responsible to your teammates and to the UP as a whole.”

“Yeah, but how is it with the new team? I mean, you’re all entirely new…”

“Yes, but the Legion never lowered its standards, even now that we’re short-handed.” Brek’s reply was kind of terse.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…”

“I know you didn’t,” Brek said gently. “It just brings me back to the point I’m going to make later.”

As they entered the Hall of Heroes, Night Girl and Rainbow Girl jumped up to greet them. “What took you so long?” Dori – Rainbow - demanded.

“Easy, Dori,” Lydda – Night Girl – said. “We weren’t waiting that long.”

“Sorry, girls.” Polar Boy said. “Look, I’m taking you out on a training exercise today, but before we began I wanted to highlight one thing. Look at that statue,” he pointed towards one.

“Wait… isn’t that the first Kid Quantum? You know, the loser who died on his first mission?” Stone Boy said carelessly.

“Yes, it is. And I won’t get into a debate as to whether he was a loser – to my mind, he was still a hero because he died in the line of duty. But I agree, he was unprepared. Undisciplined. He didn’t think of his teammates, and he relied too much on his powers.”

Polar Boy drew closer now, and Chlorophyll Kid felt a chill unlike what Brek’s cold powers could do. He had never seen his friend like this before. “I’ve been studying his case file over and over, wondering how a Legionnaire could die like that. It wasn’t like the other Legion deaths. His was very much avoidable.”

Polar Boy took a step closer, and all of them were mesmerized. “Look, I know you’re all impatient that the Cadet program takes so long. We repeat the drills over and over, we pump your heads full of knowledge, and it takes forever to earn reserve status and get that flight ring. But this has to be done, because if we let any unprepared Legionnaires onto the field we can be sure we’ll have another Kid Quantum I on our hands.”

Polar Boy paused as he looked at the long row of gleaming statues behind him. “You never know when you can die, but proper preparation at least reduces that risk. Yes, Kid Quantum I was reckless, but I don’t really blame him because he was underprepared. And the current Legion won’t make that same mistake, okay?”

One by one, the others in the room nodded. Chlorophyll Kid felt more determined than ever. They really had to take their training seriously… So they would be prepared when the time came.

*********************************************************************

IB's notes:

Kid Quantum I was an early member of the Legion, who died on its first mission due to his overconfidence in the utility belt that enhanced his very weak natural powers. His sister is Kid Quantum II, who used science to strengthen her powers.

The Legion of Substitute Heroes only appeared once (Legionnaires 49). Night Girl and Polar Boy were shown; Polar Boy later appeared as a Legion Cadet. I just assumed the others pictured here were also members.
Great stuff here IB! I really enjoy how you are taking threads from the various parts of the reboot universe and slowly - and realistically - weaving them all together. Nice to see Magno back, he was the unluckiest of members, which you covered by talking about his poor timing. Thunder is definitely welcome too, if only the writers back in the day had given her a personality I'm sure she would have been more popular. Showing the changes to Winathian culture are a great way to highlight the effect Garth and Alya had there and Polar Boy's recognition of James Cullens carelessness was well written too. Good to see the other Subs as well. Ral's determination was nicely introduced.

More, more, more smile
blush Wow Harbi, thank you so much for reading carefully through all of them! I'm really glad you like them. I'm making a lot of this up as I go along, but the long-term plan is to tie them all into a continuing narrative smile Thanks again for all the comments!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Star Boy - 09/03/12 03:10 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

STAR BOY StarBoy1

“Is this bright enough?”

“Very much so, Lume. Keep it up.” Particon was glad her costume contained a visor. Some of her teammates ribbed her on her clunky armor, but it did come in handy at times.

She looked over the Xanthian landscape. It looked much better than it did after the Legion had terraformed the planet. Hopefully, soon it would be back to its former glory.

“Particon, Radion and Atmos, please get ready,” Babbage said. “I am nearly done configuring the equipment."

Particon nodded and flew up. Atmos had already taken his place, his hands crackling with energy. Radion was silent; synthetic skin still covered parts of his face, though a much smaller area than when Particon had seen him last. She took her spot beside him and smiled.

He smiled back, though it wasn’t much of a smile.
“Radion, have you thought about my offer?”

Radion shook his head. “I didn’t need to think about it, Particon. I don’t plan to join the Legion anymore. I’m just about to get my face back. I don’t want to risk losing it – or my life – again.”

Particon fell silent. She knew better than to press the issue. At Babbage’s signal, they all opened fire.

After a few minutes, Babbage signaled them to stop. “This is wonderfully sufficient,” Babbage said. “Thank you. I now have enough energy to sustain this region while we repair the energy dispersion system in the area.”

Particon turned to speak with Radion, only to find that he’d already joined Atmos and the bald kid whose name she kept forgetting. The three were zipping around, sparring in mid-air. Turning her head, she found Babbage and Lume discussing the properties of light. She sighed. Why couldn’t she have been sent here with Infectious Lass, or even Spider-Girl?

“Boys will be boys, huh?”

Particon turned around to find her former teammates, Insect Queen and Konk, smiling at her. Smiling back, she gave them both hugs.

“Listen, we’re going to pay our respects to the fallen… Care to join us?”

“How could I say no?”

********************************************************************
Particon stared at the statues that towered above them. Atom’x, XS, Monstress, Kid Quantum II, Star Boy, Dreamer, Kid Quantum I. Heroes who had served Xanthu long past.

Beside them were statues of the still-living heroes, but they were much smaller, of course.

Insect Queen laid a bouquet of flowers in front of them. “I miss them all. They were all dear friends.”

Konk paused as her detached head looked up. “Yeah, and I don’t even mind so much now that four of them left to join the Legion.”

Particon hesitated. “I left to join the Legion too, you know.”

Konk turned to look at her, eyes frowning. “Oh, I didn’t mean it that way. You’re not Xanthian, after all. On the other hand, we grew up with some of them.”

Insect Queen stood up. “When Kid Quantum II left, we didn’t mind that much either. Nor when Monstress did. It was really Star Boy who got our goats, since he was so excited about leaving the Amazers to "join the big leagues". Especially because that was after Kid Quantum I died on his first Legion mission.”

“Yes, I heard,” Particon said. “Star Boy told us about the trick you played on him, rigging his cruiser to play Durlan space-shanties over and over.”

“And he blamed that, instead of his his lousy piloting, for causing his accident right?” Konk sniggered. “I guess he was unlucky because he was the first… The Legion hadn’t had quite as many successes at that point. Unlike later on, when they’d exposed Chu and taken out Mordru.”

Insect Queen gazed at the statue again. “Lately, I’ve been thinking that Star Boy was right. Not really about joining the Legion, but… about aspiring to be something greater than we were.” She turned towards the others. “When Robotica struck, he and XS were the only ones not overwhelmed. They were far more tactically adept than the rest of us were.”

Konk turned to look too. “What I appreciated most was his eternal optimism. Grife, even when things were at their worst, he was telling these awful, awful jokes. But… they certainly made pounding all those robotic nassbags much more bearable.”

Particon smiled. “He was the same way when we were fighting Mordru… He was so confident, even among the other Legionnaires. You think… you think he knew he’d make it, when he jumped off the refugee ship to rearguard during the Great Xanthian Exodus?”

Insect Queen laughed. “Knowing him, he didn’t even think about the odds. He just went and prayed he’d be fine.”

“It did rub off on the rest of us. Except for Atmos,” Konk added.

“That’s what made Star Boy so great,” Particon said. “His ability to trust in himself and in others.” She gazed upwards at his statue again, and couldn’t help but feel that she’d come to know him a little bit better. "I guess he'd be happy to know that now, Xanthu is really trying hard to better itself, instead of just attaching itself to more powerful allies."

Hopefully, here own Legion would be able to leave as deep a legacy as their predecessors had.

*************
IB's notes:

Kid Quantum I, Star Boy, Kid Quantum II and Monstress had all been Amazers before joining the Legion. Xanthu was ravaged by Robotica in Legion World 4. It was only in Legion 17-18 that Xanthu began healing again.

Particon and Radion were Legion rejects who joined the battle against Mordru in Legionnaires 48-50. Radion's face was badly damaged in the confrontation. They both later joined the Uncanny Amazers.

Atmos, Insect Queen and Konk are all Uncanny Amazers, and have been since Star Boy was a member. The "bald kid" is also an Uncanny Amazer. As an inside joke, his code name, real name and powers have never been revealed. Star Boy kept forgetting it too.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Ferro - 09/04/12 01:24 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

FERRO Ferro

Dennis could scarcely believe it. After weeks of patiently waiting, the day was here! He was on Legion World!

He dashed along the Hall of Statues. There was one statue for each past and present Legionnaire, and he gazed at each one. He could name them all – Kinetix, Cosmic Boy, Gates, Monstress, Apparition, Nightwind, Star Boy (his third favorite), Karate Kid, Andromeda, Triad, Particon, Element Lad (his second favorite) and…

Ferro! His favorite Legionnaire was there!

Dennis ran excitedly to the statue. He knew the real Ferro had long since disappeared, but the statue was good enough. “Mom! Dad! Take a picture for me, please!”

Dennis frowned. His parents sure were slow. Oh well…

He turned around to read the biography. He wanted to drink in every detail.

“I can’t believe you like this loser so much, Dennis!”

Dennis turned to see his school’s bully, Jonathan. The larger kid was chewing Protean gum and sneering at him. Dennis idly thought that the Furball Dennis was blowing with the gum looked very much like him.

“Stop it, Jonathan. Ferro’s a hero just like the others. He saved me from a cave-in.” Dennis proudly pulled up his sleeve to show the scar he’d gotten that day. “See?”

“So what? I heard he had Star Boy and Element Lad with him. He had backup.”

“Yeah, but he did more than that. He stayed with me in the hospital while I was getting better…”

“Hah! All he’s good for is playing nurse!” Jonathan took a step closer, and Dennis stepped back. The bigger boy loomed over him and cocked his fist. “Say your hero’s a loser, Dennis. Say it, or I’ll knock you on your butt.”

Dennis’ mind raced. Jonathan had left him alone before, but he knew how violent the kid could get. He was scared.

But he remembered what Ferro had told him – you just have to stand your ground. It’s one thing to be nice, but it’s another to let people walk all over you.

“No,” said Dennis, hoping that his arms weren’t shaking.

Jonathan’s eyes opened wide. “Are you really saying no to me?”

“No… I mean, Yes, I’m telling you I won’t do it.”

“Then I hope you won’t miss your teeth, because…. HEY!”

Dennis’ eyes widened as Jonathan levitated off the floor. A Legionnaire in a pink costume walked in. “No bullying allowed, kid.”

“You’re Magnetic Kid!”

“And you, Dennis, are a brave young boy,” Magnetic Kid smiled. “And you, Jonathan, are going to get a timeout.” With that, Jonathan was levitated over to the far end of the Hall. “So Dennis, what say you walk with me and I’ll give you a tour of the Hall of Heroes? We’ll let Jonathan down when we’re done.”

“Yes, please! So, Mr. Magnetic Kid, did you ever get to meet Ferro?”

Magnetic Kid chuckled. “Sadly, no. But from what I’ve seen today, he must have been a very cool guy.”

*************
IB's notes:

Ferro, Element Lad and Star Boy rescued Dennis from a cave in in Legionnaires 67.
IB, you've done another fantastic job.
i'm so glad you finally came out with some more!

as well as the revelation that this is all definitely going to be leading to a continuing narrative!!!!!!

Ferro's is perfect and so fitting of his character to inspire someone whose smaller! love it.

can't wait for Thunder's return!

and love that you've even brought us all the way back to the beginning with Kid Quantum I!
Why, thank you Omni! smile Your feedback is very much appreciated, and it makes me feel great to see you really reading this.

I do have long-term plans which I'll get to slowly but surely.

I listed ALL the Postboot Legionnaires, so everyone's gonna get a piece. I even gave Chuck Taine one smile

I'm really looking forward to reading more from you too, Omni!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Chameleon - 12/04/12 11:19 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

CHAMELEON Chameleon

Officer Neep trotted quickly along the halls of Science Police Headquarters. He had to, or he’d be late. He didn’t want to be late on his first day assigned to the Earth command.

He ran and dodged nimbly between the sentients in his way. He didn’t understand why these Earthers were so strict about time; his own people hurried when needed, but otherwise they did things at their own pace.

Ah, the briefing hall. He peeked inside; the Commander had not begun yet. He rushed in, arranging himself to be sure he was neat. Some of his fellow officers raised eyebrows at his fussing, but many did not. They were, after all, used to sentients from many worlds. He quickly spotted a seat near the edge of the front row, and sat down. A short-haired blonde with a no-nonsense attitude nodded at him, tight-lipped, then returned to staring intently at her Omnicom. Officer Neep spared her a smile, then also looked attentively to the front.

Commander Hagbard strode purposely into the front of the room and raised a gloved hand. The assembled officers instantly fell silent and listened with rapt attention. Officer Neep was impressed; his own society used to choose their leaders based on bloodline. To be in an organization where merit was most important was something he had adapted to only after quite a bit of effort. He thought about his own journey here.

He was jolted out of his reverie when Commander Hagbard pointed to him with a smile. He quickly looked to see several other officers standing, including the blonde beside him, while the seated officers applauded. He took his cue and stood up as well; the Commander must be introducing the new Officers. Most of his new comrades were applauding politely, though certainly not as warmly as his own people had when he’d been chosen to leave for Earth…

Commander Hagbard stopped as an aide whispered in his ear. The room fell silent as he turned. “There’s been an explosion in the Metropolis Central District.”

*************************************************

Officer Neep held his breath as he weaved his way through the smoke. He had to be careful; he couldn’t think of any way to keep himself from burning up. He could, however, augment his senses so he could get in and out faster.

He thought he heard a wheezing for breath over in the corner. He deftly picked his way through the smoke, searching for any sign of the sentient who had made that cry.

He turned his ears around. Nothing; the crackling was too loud. He shifted to using his eyes. Maybe… There! A child’s arm, lying faintly on the ground.

He bounded across the gap between them, ignoring the heat and the cinders on his skin. This was more important. He lunged forward, scooping the child up in his arms. Still alive, but faint.

He gently made sure the child’s clothing wasn’t on fire, then held her tightly as he ran out the building with all the speed he could muster.

The warm, heavy smoke gave way to cool fresh air as he burst out of the flames. He gently helped the child stir as paramedics came over to assist. He watched as the child coughed, and her eyes fluttered open. She gasped, then screamed. “Ahhhh! Are you a monster? Please don’t eat me!”

“Oops,” Officer Neep said. “Don’t cry child. I’m no monster. Just a Durlan.” And he shifted into his more familiar form. “I’m sorry for scaring you. I had to turn into a Tharrian Silexis to get us out of the fire safely.”
The child took in his form with shock, at first. She stammered gently. “Durla? Are you Kameel-yon?”

Officer Neep smiled. “No, but I’m from his planet. We might even be distant cousins.”

The child slowly smiled, then gave Officer Neep a hug. A surprised Officer Neep hugged back. This felt good – while a lot of the sentients he’d met were fairly accepting, none had ever HUGGED him.

He was interrupted by a shriek. “My baby!”

Officer Neep tensed. Would the mother be hysterical?

“Oh, thank you thank you thank you! Thank you so much for saving my daughter!” The women came running up to him, the gratitude in her voice more than evident.

Officer Neep smiled. His first day on Earth was going wonderfully. He wished he’d listened to Reep Daggle’s stories of the United Planets earlier.

*************
IB's notes:

Chameleon's stated goal for continuing with the Legion, despite being asked to become Durla's spiritual leader, was that he wanted to prove that Durlans can be trustworthy and vital members of the UP community. As of Legionnaires 46, the Science Police still had not begun recruiting from Durla.
really touching legacy IB!
Thanks for the kind words, Omni smile I think I'm getting kind of rusty, though. How is your own writing coming?
going alright. been taking a break but getting back to it.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Wildfire - 01/21/13 03:27 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

WILDFIRE Wildfire1

Dirk Morgna rubbed his temples. After running seven consecutive rounds of tests, he was tired.

Derek Morgna chuckled as he clapped a hand on his son’s back. “Dirk, you’ve been working too hard. You should get some sleep! We’re still very much ahead of all the other research teams.”

Dirk smiled. “And we’ll keep ahead, dad. But you’re right, I’m beat. It still takes effort for me to switch between my heat signature vision and my normal vision… but it’s getting easier.”

“I’m really glad that Mysa woman was able to help you with that. After all you’ve been through…”

“I know, dad. I know. Listen, I’ll just clean up my notes and then I’ll head on home, okay?”

“No racing home this time? Okay, don’t stay up too late.”

Once, Dirk would have been annoyed at his father’s competitive nature. But now he appreciated it. He sighed as he went over the outline file where he organized his main observations. They were making good progress, and now it seemed as if they could find a way to make their new energy source self-sustaining...

Too late to save one life, but not too late to possibly save billions more.

He stifled a yawn, then clicked his tongue in disgust. No sense trying to formulate conclusions now while he felt so tired.

As he closed up the lab, he paused by the door to look at the holo of their main donor. Wildfire. Dirk looked at it with respect. By all accounts, Wildfire had been through much worse than Dirk had – while Dirk had been possessed and had been left with vision that could let him detect energy, at least he had eventually gone back to normal. And he was still his own person. Wildfire, though, had once been two different people. Both had been murdered by Mordru, and their essences had been trapped and forcibly merged after. He couldn’t imagine what it must have been like. Wildfire had mentioned that his two individual halves had been merging more and more, but still… it wouldn’t be quite the same.

To make things worse, Wildfire had been kidnapped and used as a battery in an anti-matter world. His energy had been drained so much that Brainiac 5 had told him he would run dry eventually.

But Wildfire was a true hero. Upon hearing that, it hadn’t taken him long to donate a piece of himself to research. Much more than he could spare while still alive, perhaps, but Dirk had watched as he’d siphoned off some of his energy into the containment unit fashioned by their company. Researchers had been working feverishly since then to see how that energy could be used and replenished and applied.

Just last month, it seemed they’d figured out how to modify the energy so it would continually draw from other energy sources. The research potential was enormous! Already, some of it could be used to treat cancerous growths once thought to be terminally fatal.

The only one they couldn’t yet help was Wildfire himself. The problem they had yet to solve was how to ensure that Wildfire’s essence and mind wouldn’t be lost if he constantly used his energy self to draw in even more energy from the environment. Could his mind be overwritten or warped by the process? How much of his current energy state could he lose without changing himself?

It all seemed moot now…

Dirk sighed as he passed by the hospital wing. He knocked on the now-familiar door that he saw several times a week. At the soft but welcoming “Come in!”, he entered.

“Mrs. Marks! How are you?” Dirk beamed.

“Dirk! So good to see you again. You really are a dear. First your new treatment, and now here you are visiting me so often. You really are working too hard, you know? I’m healing already, so there’s no reason for you to push yourself so hard!”

“I’ll be fine, Mrs. Marks. All my exhaustion will be worth it if we save more people.”

“Oh, but you won’t be able to help more people if you work yourself into the ground! Now here, you are going to pour yourself some of my homemade pluberry cocoa mix, sit down and put your feet up, and we’re going to chat for a bit before you head home and turn in. Okay?”

Dirk smiled. Mrs. Marks always knew how to soothe people. That sounded like just the thing to get him into the mood for bed.

He just wished Wildfire could be here to see how his legacy was continuing on.

*************
IB's notes:

Dirk Morgna was never a Legionnaire in this reality. He once possessed powers over heat and light, a consequence of experimentation by Dr. Regulus. He lost those powers after fighting Regulus.

He would later be possessed by a fire elemental. He survived, but was left with the ability to see heat signatures.
I really like how with these tributes you're showing the greater effect the Legion have had on the galaxy beyond just fighting bad guys...you don't really see how the existence of these characters changes the status quo in comics very often, but it totally makes sense how they would and it fits in well with the way DnA weren't scared to make vast changes with the introduction of elements such as the Kwai and the Titanet. smile
I'm liking Wildfire's tribute a lot! this was well thought out and i loved that you used Dirk!
Another fine tribute, Dirk was woefully neglected in that 'boot so it's especially nice to read this section. Wildfire giving a part of himself to help with a research project reads true as well - and especially good that you remembered the rather odd origin he had in that version. As mentioned above it's particularly poignant that you are focusing on the wider influence the Legion had on the greater universe, not just on their fights. Splendid stuff, a very fitting tribute!

More, more, more!
Thanks raz, Omni, and Harbi smile Knowing how idealisticthe Legionnaires were (such as that time in LSH 94 where Gates and Ultra Boy helped at a soup kitchen, Kinetix's stated desrie to help people, and Chameleon's, Umbra's and Sensor's calling to be ambassadors for their people) made me want to explore how they could not only be inspirational to others, but also actively work to change the galaxy. Really glad you're all liking it, and the references to even the controversial elements of the Postboot smile

It's just hard sometimes to pick what aspect to touch on. There are so many possibilities for most of the Legionnaires, and I don't just want to go for the obvious for all of them.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Triad - 03/11/13 11:29 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

TRIAD Neutral
TRIAD Orange
TRIAD Purple
Triad


Triuna Trigo walked briskly along the streets of Cargg. There was much to do, and even though she had three selves she never felt as though she had enough time to complete it all.

Around her, trees shed their leaves as though weeping at the ills that had befallen Cargg in the past years. But Triuna, like many others, refused to weep. Instead, they celebrated the opportunity to cast away the old ways and bring change to their world.

She stopped at the door of their headquarters. Some of their posters had been torn overnight,as always. But there were also a growing number of messages written in support. Anonymous messages, yes, but the fact that some citizens had risked being seen in order to write these was already a bold move.

As she closed the door behind her, she took a moment to gaze at the poster on their door. A picture of the three selves of Luornu Durgo, the Legionnaire known as Triad, covered it. What was unusual was that her costume had not been recolored to make all three selves wear the exact same colors. That was because this poster had been produced by their party, and not by the old Carggite government.

Below the picture was a sign - "A Trinity United in Diversity".

Triuna smiled as she walked to her cubicle. Her colleagues were already there. Most were young, like herself, but their movement was gaining increasing support among those age 30 and above.

"Triuna! It is good to see you again." Their party leader, and her mentor, approached her. All three of her.

Like Triuna herself, each wore a different outfit.

"You look well! You've been eating healthily, I see," said one.

"Nonsense! She's clearly not eating enough. Look how skinny you are!" chided another.

"I think she's just right," smiled the third.

"Tatlisa Sanii! You just got back from your tour last night! Our broadcast isn't for three hours yet! Have you gotten enough rest?" Triuna asked.

"Of course, Triuna. And I have to. We have to make this perfect. Plus, I just got off the phone with the broadcast station manager. It seems that powerful interests tried to have our slot bumped late into the evening, but we managed to reach an agreement. It seems that he is also sympathetic to our cause," grinned Tatlisa 1.

"I could have told you that the first time we met him," Tatlisa 2 interjected.

"Do you have the speech ready, Triuna?" Tatlisa 3 asked.

"Yes. All polished and ready and annotated, just like we discussed. It was great working with you on it," Triuna smiled.

"Good. May the triple suns smile down on us today."

Triuna knew they would.

************************************************************

Triuna 1 wiped her brow. She was tired! Who knew a broadcast would take so much work?

Triuna 2 plopped down in her seat. "Urgh. Are you sure we shouldn't reintegrate? I feel like I haven't slept in weeks!"

Triuna 1 shook her head. "How could we not let each of us see this momentous occasion? We need to be able to view it with our triple lens..."

"Hush, you two! It's about to start!" Triuna 3 called from the front. Triuna 1 and 2, despite the latter's desire to sit back down, quickly rushed in.

All three of Tatlisa stood proud at her podium and faced the holocamera. It was time.

"Fellow Carggites," she called. "We of the Divided Trinity address you in peace and unity. We only wish to be heard."

She paused, letting her words sink in.

"For centuries we have been taught that it is only normal for us Carggites to have each of our selves share the exact same reactions to all stimuli. When one cries, all cry. When one is tired, all are tired. Each must have the same interests, the same likes, the same opinions. Those who do not follow this norm are educated forcibly until they do."

"And yet we speak to you today to posit another viewpoint. Consider that our world was recently ravaged by the ancient villain Ra's al Ghul. Over five thousand of our citizens, five thousand of us, were captured and experimented on so he could learn the secret of our triplication. Those left behind on our world were trapped, unable to migrate to ease the burdens on our resources."

"And when our brethren were freed, they were freed by the Legion of Super-heroes, led by no less than Luornu Durgo, the girl whom we had shunned for being different."

"And when our brethren were returned to our world, who helped them? The Legion as well. And Luornu Durgo, whom we all shunned, bravely stayed her for three months, visting every day, just to ensure that we all would be well. In those three months, I learned so much from her. All of us had our eyes opened."

"Now, it is a year later and those who suffered are beginning to heal. The wounds run deep, but they will heal. But not all have healed. Many have committed suicide rather than deal with this constructively."

Tatlisa held up her wrist to show that she had been one of those who had been taken. Triuna had seen the scars before, but she still shuddered every time she did.

"Six months ago, a government report was to be released to the public on how some victims had been coping better than others. It was hoped that all victims could better handle the trauma if they knew of the strategies being used by those most successful. But it was never published. And why?"

"Because the report, generated by Cargg's top scientists, showed the truth - that those victims who had the greatest physical, mental and emotional health at the time of measurement were also those who were at most risk for exhibiting personality differences!"

Tatlisa stared into the holocamera now. Only one of Triuna's selves gasped, but all 3 felt chills for different reasons.

"Brothers and sisters, I call on you to read an open mind! I have here with me several of the scientists who penned the report. They can tell you in their own words how they made their discovery! How they tested and tested and tested it, and yet the results came out the same always! It is healthier for us to accept our differences!"

She turned to gesture to the panel behind her. A half-dozen scientists, each triplicated, nodded their heads. All of them were wearing something that made each self distinct from the other two.

"Also with us today are several Carggite citizens who have spent years living offworld. You may know them as famous athletes, artists, and explorers. And each will tell you that their years offworld have taught them to relax and accept their individual differences!"

"Many of us have you have felt the trembling of one self who wondered what it would be like to try a different color shirt, eat a different flavor of ice cream, listen to a different song. Why should those of us who wish to explore the world threefold be caged into not even being able to live in one? Are you not tired of the fear that this means you are ill and abnormal? Then I urge you to at least listen with an open mind! Our government has been vehement in forcing us to think alike. And yet here before you today, several prominent Carggites will share their experiences. Can you still honestly say that those of us who are different do not deserve to be free?"

As Tatlisa stepped back, indicating that she would pass the floor to another, Triuna could not help herself. One of her selves felt fear, another pure excitement, a third was swimming in awe. Yet all three's hearts blazed with only the brightest of hope. Perhaps Cargg would be able to change, and set all its people free.

*************
IB's notes:

Legionnaires 24 revealed that Carggites whose triplets show differences of any kind are repressed on Cargg. Triad was institutionalized after her grandmother died because she had no legal guardian.
The Divided Trinity is a brilliant idea! Something else else that is really reboot-centric and I could see evolving really organically as an organisation on Cargg. Awesome work, IB! smile
Thank you, raz! I was hesitant about pursuing it at first since I didn't think I could accurately portray a world in upheaval, but after leafing through all the mentions of Cargg it actually felt organic! smile
Very good Ib!

But i have a question...I thought it was a "birth defect" meaning it was genetic to have three individual personalities....not that they were all forced to be the same? I thought there were some like Triad who were born with individual personalities, while the majority of the populace were single minded births??
Thanks, Omni! I am picking up what Luornu's grandmother discussed in Legionnaires 24. My impression was that all Carggites have the potential to exhibit differences in their 3 selves. Lu's grandma's opinion was that it was an "evolution" that actually made these individual Carggites stronger because they were able to see the world in three different ways. So I interpreted it as Carrgites being born alonga continuum - on one end are those whose selves have no differences whatsover, on the other end are those with extreme differences like Triad and her grandma.

Those at or near the "no differences" end of the scale have little trouble controlling their differences, but I see tose nearer the other end as struggling, with different levels of difficulty and success, to force all 3 selves to conform.
Although, you and Reboot share the same comments. I think I will go back and add language to show that not all Carggites would have the potential or inclination to exhibit differences. This would be consistent with both the birth defect view and the continuum interpretation smile
Oh ok. I I actually read Legionnaires 24 recently and completely missed that aspect of it. I'll need to reread again (which is great reason to reread the Reboot Legion Thanks for the inspiration to do so! )

Awesome Idea, sometimes is is all about the language and how its used.

and that makes much more sense, that there is a spectrum of these differences.

Keep them coming!

although i think we're running out of Legionnaires. Whose left?
Glad you're being inspired to reread, Omni smile And thanks for initially raising the point about it being a bit incredible to think that all Carggites have differences.

Only 7 - the 3 founders, Superboy (Kon), Element Lad, Sensor, Andromeda.

I have some ideas for Andromeda and Superboy, but the former will be somewhat hard to write I think. The 3 founders are easy in the sense that there is so much to write about them, what's tough is picking just one aspect.

Element Lad and Sensor sort of have me stumped. For Sensor I think I can revisit the raccoon people, but the execution will be pretty difficult.
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
Although, you and Reboot share the same comments. I think I will go back and add language to show that not all Carggites would have the potential or inclination to exhibit differences. This would be consistent with both the birth defect view and the continuum interpretation smile

On that, I tend to think the Carggite split-personalities would tend to normalise to either "fully identical" or "fully split", just by the sheer nature of the thing, with the differences in the latter group more between the overt "split from birth/young infancy" and those who start with more subtle distinctions and blossom into full-blown splits at a later age. Triad, obviously, falls into the former group, and I suspect her gran was in the latter since she clearly managed to 'pass' pretty much her whole life!
Hm, I'm not certain about that. Lu's gran had pretty obvious differences in her death scene - but she also spoke as though she had experienced a lot of pain at keeping in her differences. Could she have previously been institutionalized and then released after she'd "buried" her differences and become a good fully identical Carggite?

Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
Could she have previously been institutionalized and then released after she'd "buried" her differences and become a good fully identical Carggite?

This was my interpretation also....I figured Triad's grandmother was intended to be typical of many Carggites who had suppressed their natural three-faceted personalities to be able to fit in but had still felt that difference all their lives..
In support of the above interpretation, I remember a character in Legionnaires 77 commenting that Triad must be Triad, because "no other Carggite triplets display such obvious differences!" So I interpreted that to mean there's some pretty wide variation in the degree of differences being exhibited, and that most Carggites who do have differences are just lucky that their are extremely minute and relatively unnoticeable smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Andromeda - 07/24/13 07:19 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

ANDROMEDAAndromeda

Obin Der couldn't help but touch the bracelet he wore on his right wrist as he walked along the hallways of Daxam's Department of Foreign Affairs. He didn't need it now that he was back home, but it served as a helpful reminder to be humble.

He mentally went over the notes of his audience. It was a small group, so it wasn't hard to remember them all. Dar Zel was an orphan and had no family on Daxam. Con Dalik was a closeted homosexual whose family would disown him, if they knew. Linzi Rand and Armin Lur were terribly in love, but his family had White Triangle beliefs and hers were more moderate. Daria Lun wanted to study biotechnology on Medicus One, where she could gain access to the brightest scientific minds of Colu, Earth and Somahtur.

And Teena Dav just wanted to see the galaxy.

Obin Der smiled. Not even the terrible, tragic events of the White Triangle Shame could dampen the spirit of youth.

Most Daxamites didn't subscribe to the violent tendencies of the White Triangle; most sought peaceful coexistence with their neighbors. But most also didn't want to interact with these neighbors if they could avoid it.

A few, like Roxxas and Andromeda, had craved the power that came with a yellow sun. Most feared it just as much as they feared the pain of lead poisoning, though. Andromeda had come to see that after she almost died stopping Roxxas. Power without humility and restraint was a recipe for disaster.

And so it was that she and the Legion had helped Daxam repent. Daxamites would continue to be allowed offworld, but they must pass stringent screenings by the Department of Foreign Affairs. The anti-lead serum would not be made widely available because of the insanity it caused. All Daxamites would continue to wear transuits and the bracelets that emitted red sun energy to keep them from accessing their godlike powers. The low intensity of the bracelets would allow them to gain slightly enhanced strength, speed, senses and invulnerability - but not much more than an Earthling at peak humanoid strength would have. They would also have limited flight abilities, but no more than what a jetpack could grant. They would not be tracked, though the bracelets would send off a homing signal if they were deactivated. The bracelets and the transuits could be made invisible, so as not to give themselves away. Unlike the Titanians or the Durlans, they would be hard-pressed to defend themselves against angry, fearful mobs.

That suited most Daxamites fine, as they would not go offworld anyway. Their fear of the unknown was exacerbated by the fear that the offworlders had for them. And for those that would seek their fortunes among the stars, it was a small price to pay.

Obin Der paused as he stared down at the lobby. There was a small plaque in memoriam of Andromeda, who had vanished along with her Legion teammates to parts unknown. Even after she had worked to keep Daxamite relations with the UP alive, Daxam had found it hard to embrace her. The virulent xenophobes of the White Triangle branded her a traitor, while the more moderate majority just felt uncomfortable. Obin Der thought it was because they kept wondering: Would they do what she had done, had they been in her position?

He thought he would. He had tried to talk some sense into her, though he'd never suspected Roxxas would undo all his work. Ah well. No time for regrets now.

At least Andromeda had repented and had forgiven herself. Finding religion, of all things. He knew it had been a difficult process for her though; she could barely bring herself to look him in the eye. But she had. He always knew she had the inner strength.

He shook his head for a moment, then entered the briefing room. Six hopeful, eager faces stared back at him.

"I am Obin Der. And I am sure you have a lot of questions for me. Adjusting to life off Daxam may be difficult at first. We Daxamites are a breed apart, but we must not forget that we share much in common with our friends on our fellow United Planets worlds..."

*************
IB's notes:

Andromeda was involved with the White Triangle, though of course she eventually repented. Obin Der was a high-ranking Daxamite official who tried to talk Laurel out of her White Triangle sympathies.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Cosmic Boy - 01/03/14 06:02 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

COSMIC BOY CosmicBoy1

"This is going to be the utter chill!" Brek couldn't stop grinning as he bounced excitedly in his seat in the VIP box above the stadium floor. Sentients were cheering all around them; the excitement was so palpable that only a few dozen – far less than normal – were paying them any mind. "Imagine, we have front row seats to the Second Galactic Youth Games!"

Pol shook his head with a smile as his teammate began clicking away with his holocam. Polar Boy - or Blizzard, as he now preferred to be called - had always been the most enthusiastic cadet. At first Pol had thought that Brek had just been obsessed with the Legion, but now he saw that he was just refreshingly spirited. "More than that, Brek. We get to shoot the UP Globe cannon that will kick off the games. I'm sure you'd like to..."

"Fire it? Heck yeah! Are you seriously going to…?”

“Hey, I don’t mind. Lume and I talked about it. Right Lume?”

Their energy-based teammate smiled and nodded as he hovered in the air. Or was “it” more appropriate? Though Lume had explained that his species, the Silvans, reproduced somehow through a union of two individuals, it wasn’t exactly like how most humanoid species do it. That much he had understood. “Silvans generate our own light, so firing a cannon would hold no pleasure for me. Still, I am as excited as you to watch the games, especially since they had been designed so that all species could participate. I have a friend who will be joining the spatial agility competition. Your brother was correct in thinking that friendly competition could help bring such a disparate set of species closer together, Magnetic Kid.”

“He lived and breathed that both on the court and in the Legion, Lume,” Pol smiled. He still missed Rokk, but it wasn’t quite so painful anymore. And he was happy to see that he and his teammates were not only upholding the legacies of their predecessors, but were carving out their own. For example, they’d institutionalized the disaster response function of the team. And…

“Hey Pol,” Brek put an arm on Pol’s shoulder. “I heard about the progress Kent’s making with Dyrk Magz. He doesn’t want to give false hope but he really believes they’ll be able to figure out how to restore his magnetics. It was great of you to put a lot of time into taking all those tests so they could compare your responses to his.”

“Yeah, the poor guy’s spent so long without. I’m just glad to be able to help. Who knows? He might return to active duty too. We could use more experienced Legionnaires. Even though his tenure was relatively short, he still faced down Mordru.”

“Sometimes I am amazed at the level of cooperation among you carbon forms,” Lume said. “On Silvan each individual generates its own sustenance so we rarely need to assist one another much like you do on a daily basis. But we are learning a lot from you.”

“I’m just glad we don’t have a rule against duplicating powers,” Pol chuckled. “If it came down to it I think Dyrk would win a spot over me!”

“I think you’d give him a good run for his money, Pol,” Brek said. “You did play a big part in organizing this event. Being a Legionnaire’s about more than just fighting bad guys, now.”

“Yeah, that’s right… Hey, it looks like we’re about to start,” Pol pointed as an official dressed in full ceremonial regalia strode onto the stage. “I think that’s your cue, Brek.”

“Sentients of the United Planets!” boomed the official. “Welcome to our Second Galactic Youth Games, where we celebrate the diversity and spirit that has made the United Planets what it is today! In honor of the Legion of Super-Heroes, especially Cosmic Boy, whose brainchild these games are, we call upon our Legionnaires to fire the UP cannon!”

“Oh yeah! Pol, would you?” Brek asked as he lifted his holocam. Pol gave him a wink as he took it. With the widest grin he’d ever seen, Brek flew towards the stage.

“Fracture an appendage,” Lume called out after him. “Figuratively, of course.”

Pol snapped away as Brek lifted the cannon. “Give it your all, players!” Brek yelled as a model of the UP Globe rocketed towards the ceiling, and the air was filled with colorful bubble models of each and every single UP world.

Pol leaned forward as he filmed it all. The cheers, the excited athletes, the camaraderie, the fantastic light show highlighting the unity of all these diverse worlds… it would have made his brother very proud indeed.
I am glad you did another one of these! Good taste of the post-Legion Legion, would be interesting to see who else they have smile
Thank you, raz smile Reading your own stories inspired me to revive and finish this series - I'd gotten bogged down in LMB-verse stories. And let me tell you, I find it a lot easier to work with established characters and personalities than creating my own from scratch.

I only have 5 Postboot Legionnaires left: Saturn Girl, Live Wire, Element Lad, Sensor and Superboy (Kon-El). I already have ideas for all of them except Imra - just too much that can possibly be done with her!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Superboy - 01/07/14 08:14 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

SUPERBOY Superboy1

The man known as Rene Jacques Brande, former President of the United Planets, current Minister for the Exterior and Ambassador to the Second Galaxy, multi-bilionnaire industrialist and financier to the Legion of Super-Heroes, and of course honorary Legionnaire, walked through the lighted walkways of the artificial planet his credits had paid for.

He had walked among great heroes of immense power, sterling character and enough courage to face down gods. They had listened to him, sought and valued his counsel, and had made him one of them.

Yet, there was one room in particular which made him feel so small.

He entered and saw

The Hall of Heroes.

The Hall of Heroes was now a subset of the Hall of Statues and showcased even active, reserve, honorary and retired Legionnaires. Yet it was still the depressingly largest portion: 31 Legionnaire statues stood here in all their somber glory.

Grife, how he missed seeing them all. Sometimes he wished these status would come to life, like Ferro or Chameleon so often had when they were still here.

Ah, but it was useless to wish so. He had seen enough death in his long life to know that.

He wondered why it bothered him so much. Was it the suddenness of having 27 Legionnaires vanish into who-knows-where? Or was it because the fates of these 27 were still largely unknown - there was always the dim hope that they would reappear once more like they had once. Or was it simply because there were so many of them?

At least the four others - the first Kid Quantum, Leviathan, Monstress, Element Lad - could achieve their final peace.

Sometimes he thought it was even worse for those whose fates were unknown and who were separated from the rest, like time-lost Thunder. Or Inferno; though she had never achieved active membership and he had never truly interacted with her, she had still been an ally. At least the other 27 were together when they vanished.

Perhaps it was worst of all for Magno and Chuck Taine, who had been counted among these heroes and had worked closely with them. They now remained here to carry on the good fight, though they still had to deal with their memories. They, and the rest of the support staff, worked well with the ten new Legionnaires who also had the weight of carrying on such a heroic legacy. But at least they were alive, and they were all up to the challenge.

He turned to glance at the last statues which occupied their own special niches in the Hall of Historic Heroes. Superman - Kal-el, whose regal pose showed that he truly was Earth's greatest hero; Supergirl, who was said to have been an angel rather than Superman's cousin; Bart Allen, with that cheeky grin, and Max Mercury, with a more measured smile; Superman's teammates the Martian Manhunter and Green Lantern Kyle Rayner, who deserved to be called Superman's equals. The Metal Men stood behind, with each statue in the correct corresponding element (an easy task when Element Lad had still been alive). The Teen Titans were there, at least the ones who had traveled through time to assist the Legion. Wonder Girl, Starfire, Cyborg, Raven, Beast Boy, Robin. Two obscure ones were next, but no less important: Tiffany Cross and Deadman, who had helped Apparition on her way to returning from the dead.

And in the forefront was the one historic hero who had actually earned the flight ring as an honorary Legionnaire, Superboy.

RJ still remembered the first moment he'd spoken to Superboy. He had enough knowledge of 20th and 21st century heroes to know exactly the impact of his presence in the 31st century. They all would be able to rest knowing that Superboy had returned to his proper place in time after the Fatal 500 attack.

He wondered if Superboy had ever felt like a puppet on a string? Being shunted into a future one thousand years from where he came, and where portions of his future were on historical record, could not have been easy. So was living up to the expectations of so many people who had only seen and studied his best moments. Cosmic Boy in particular had given him a hard time. But he had pulled through in the end.

If there was anything RJ had admired, it was his persistence.

He sighed and exited the room. Though he liked to remember the past and honor the fallen, it was more important now to nurture the living. The future was theirs now.
Thank you for a most entertaining hour or so of reading, IB. For some reason opague even to myself, I put off reading LOSS- but I really enjoyed it when I finally did read it. I was particularly moved by the Dreamer tribute with the Titanet/Dreamscape union, by Infectious Lass being inspired by Gates, by all the Xanthu scenes (Insect Queen's about to join the Legion, isn't she?). The Dirk and Dyrk scenes both have me curious. I was pleased with the Babbage ongoing plotline and by the Enkenet/Kwai developments. I love Nightwind as this Legion's leader and her further mastery of her power to control all air, not just its more dramatic component, wind. Your use of Spider-Girl was inspired, too.

Thanks again- you've inspired me to go back and work on some lapsed Legion stories of my own!
Thanks for the kind words, Mystery Lad! Your feedback really makes me feel pleased that I've been treating our beloved Postboot characters well. It also helps soothe the pain of them no longer being published.

Thanks also for your post "reminding" me of some of the developments I've introduced - I'm still thinking on where to bring Insect Queen and also how to further explore the Kwai, Coluan Sleepnet and Titanet/Dreamscape plotlines (boy, the Postboot sure introduced a lot of big concepts!)

Would love to read your own Legion stories smile I'll definitely be reading them when you post them!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Saturn Girl - 02/02/14 04:50 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

SATURN GIRL SaturnGirl1

Kent Shakespeare watched as over 25 Legion Cadets, many of them his old classmates, gathered in the training hall. Amp - Ming Sul - waved as she entered with Retro and Sizzle. A chuckling Comet Queen and Flying Fox flew past a preoccupied Zaron Lux, who almost collided with Calorie Queen. Large, purple-skinned Density held hands with his boyfriend Gravity as they chatted with Dragonwing and Mandalla. Arachno, a cadet from the the newly-discovered race of spider-people from Arachnidia, was with the Durlan cadet Yera Liggle. Arachno was still learning Interlac, and Yera's closely-related Durlan tongue helped. In the same vein, Lamprey was helping the Hykraian Tellus adjust to the methane-free atmosphere of Legion World.

Blizzard and Infectious Lass chatted with their former teammates Chlorophyll Kid, Night Girl, Rainbow, Stone Boy, Porcupine Pete, Fire Lad and Color Kid. "So you're Blizzard now, huh, Brek? I've been thinking of using Aurora for myself," Color Kid waved his hands.

"Until I told him Aurora was the name of an ancient Earth goddess," Night Girl laughed.

"Yeah, yeah, well Rainbow's already taken," Color Kid pouted.

"If you don't have enough choices, I have too many," Fire Lad complained. "Blaze, Maelstrom, Firestorm, Hotshot..."

"Any of those would be good, Staq. I've been thinking of using Microbe for myself too, to reflect my abilities over microorganisms other than pathogenic ones," Drura offered.

Kent chuckled to himself as he walked past. These former Subs were promising, though many of them - Fire Lad and Porcupine Pete especially - needed to work on their control. Which made the session they'd planned today even more important.

Kent stopped beside Nightwind. "Just came in from the lab, fearless leader. Everybody here?"

"Just about," she replied as Tomb and Splitter walked in. Splitter was chatting happily with his former teammate Vapor; the Lallorian hero was on an extended exchange for advanced training.

"Alright, cadets!" Chuck Taine clapped his hands. "Let's get the ball rolling. You got a reading assignment last session. Who wants to give a summary of it? Mentalla?"

The blonde Titanian lowered her hand and stood up gracefully. She was one of the most studious of the cadets, and it showed in her serious demeanor. "The text was about control of powers. Saturn Girl cited several instances where a lack of control had jeopardized teammates - offensive giants such as Wildfire, Spark, Star Boy and Umbra had all mildly injured other Legionnaires during practice. And Saturn Girl's own telepathic powers have... caused her to unknowingly mentally pressure others such as Apparition and Cosmic Boy." Her lips formed a thin line. Chuck knew she could relate to the experience; as with most Titanians, Mentalla had gone through a few bumps along the way to learning her powers. "Good summary, Mentalla. Now, who can talk about the relevant provisions in the Legion constitution? Gravity?"

Tel's posture was confident as he spoke. "Clause 3.1.ii requires an active member to be able to fully control each inherent superpower; and during Saturn Girl's time as Head of the Committee on Membership she proposed including strict testing on this matter. Clause 3.5. states that a new member may fail the required probationary period for demonstrating a lack of power control, and Clause 4.3.v. provides that a member may be expelled for willfully lying about the amount of control of his or her power." As he sat down, Density gave him a wink and a thumbs-up. Gravity returned it with a huge grin.

"You've also done your homework," Chuck said with a smile. "Power control was a very big issue for Saturn Girl because of the sheer scale of her own. Sometimes when she had very strong opinions she'd tend to broadcast them to the others, and once she unknowingly manipulated an unconscious Cosmic Boy. If she hadn't realized it, he might not have gotten the medical attention he needed. And that is why she pushed for the Legion to focus greatly on control, and had the VR room be reconfigured to display statistics on a simulated opponents' health.”

Nightwind’s voice came over the comlink. “And now, we are going to show you how to use this feature. Keep your eyes on the viewscreens, cadets. You ready, Jennifer?”

The pink-clad Legionnaire called Particon stepped forward. She had traded in her armor and helmet for a more agile – yet still durable – jumpsuit and glasses. Her close-cropped pink hair completed her color scheme. “Ready, fearless leader.”

The VR room whirred to life as a burst of light coalesced into a Quothonian and a humanoid who could have come from any of three dozen UP worlds, including Earth. They charged at Particon, who quickly fired off two energy blasts, which hit each squarely in the chest.

“Intensity of Particon’s attack: 7.2 for each blast. Damage to Quothoni: stunned, no burn injury. Estimated time to consciousness, 5.2 minutes. Damage to Xanthuan: stunned, mild burn injuries, estimated recovery time 4.5 days. Estimated time to consciousness, 64.3 minutes.”

“Quothon is a high-gravity world,” Particon explained. “Natives are tougher than your typical UP civilian. A blast powerful enough to take a Quothoni down could do plenty of damage to anyone else.”

“The VR room doesn’t only measure damage taken by energy blasts,” Nightwind told the cadets. “Brek, Mysa, Kent?”

The VR room generated four more Quothoni. In short order, one was frozen solid; a the second was hit in the chest by a magical blast; and the third went down after receiving both of Kent’s elbows in his face. Nightwind herself took out the last one by slamming him against the floor. The VR room quickly read out a medical report and expected recovery time for each.

“Even more indirect attacks can be diagnosed by the VR room. Drura, Sussa, Lume, Pol?” Four more Quothoni were quickly felled: one in a coughing heap, another had his skull smashed against the floor by Spider-Girl’s hair, the third was blinded in a flash of light, and the last one received a block of metal in the gut.

The chatter from the cadets was excited. Kent raised his voice. “Of course, as these are VR constructs the machine only bases its diagnosis on medical and biological data collected from throughout the UP and on measurements of your actual power output. Actual results in the field may vary. Nothing can substitute for caution and practice. It IS still a fun way to learn control, though.”

“Are you ready to learn some control, cadets?” Chuck asked with a gleam in his eye. He had to cover his ears to drown out the resounding YES from over 25 excited cadets.

*************
IB's notes:

Saturn Girl was so powerful that her mentor, Micah Aven of Titan, surreptitiously installed mental blocks in her mind to keep her from overloading. Dr. Psycho destroyed these blocks in LSH 90. She had trouble controlling her powers at first, including mentally pressuring others to agree with her, and unknowingly animating Cosmic Boy's comatose body (discovered in LSH 96).
I like the idea of the Legion being able to train in application of their powers in a VR environment this way! It's always fun coming up with things to show student superheroes training at, and this would be a really good narrative tool in a comic to show off people's powers and skill levels smile
Thanks, raz smile I plan to have a lot of fun with it in the future, while also stressing the importance of mastery over powers.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Sensor - 02/15/14 04:45 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

SENSOR Sensor

"Mmm, tasty," Tenzil thought to himself as he chomped on a bittersweet rock. It was waste from the mines of Orando, and the diminutive raccoon miner who had offered it to him was only too eager to be rid of it.

He looked over at the banquet table, just to be sure everything was in order. The rainbowbird breast, banyo salad, pluberry pie, lumosfish fillet and black hole layer cake were all ready, and his roast pig was almost done. The randonian pudding, which takes hours to prepare, had been cooked back on Legion World and was just being reheated now. He could afford a break.

Besides, the dignitaries in the hall were milling around in small groups. Tenzil wasn't surprised; there had been many huge recent developments across the UP. Many planets had been clamoring to join to gain access to the medical missions and the new Titanet-Naltorian early warning system. The latter was still being tested, but had already been able to predict a 7.6 magnitude quake on Manna-5. Others were after the newly-revitalized Science Police; officers had been going through advanced training on handling meta-powered opponents in cooperation with the Legion. Shvaughn and Gigi Cusimano had been very active in spearheading the effort, with active involvement from Dyrk Magz and the Legionnaires. They had even approached him for insight on Bismollian combat techniques!

He smiled warmly as a pair of ambassadors approached him. Both were middle-aged, but had a youthful glow about them. They seemed familiar. "What can I get you, sirs?"

The younger of the two smiled warmly. "Just some soystix, thank you. Though I'm tempted to, I wouldn't want to start stuffing myself full before everyone else does."

"You're doing a wonderful job, young man. Even the finicky Gil'dan representative is very happy."

"Thank you..." Recognition flashed in Tenzil's mind. "Ambassadors Ivar and Kwin."

The two nodded their thanks and left Tenzil struggling to contain his curiosity. "I thought Ambassador Kwin was facing proceedings on Titan..." (1)

"That was a long time ago." Tenzil almost jumped at the familiar voice.

"Mr. Latham! Sorry, I thought I was keeping my voice low."

"Low enough," Marla Latham smiled. "But we have to be more careful. Ambassador Kwin had already served his sentence, which was reduced because of his intent. When he set that bomb, he never meant to harm anyone besides himself. Both Ambassadors have been working to forge even closer ties between Titan and Braal." Tenzil nodded; he hadn't been keeping up with the news as much as Chuck had. "Now, do you need any more help with the preparations?"

"No, I'm fine, thanks. Once the pig is done, we're all set. Is King Charlz about ready to address the assembly?"

"He has been for hours. But these things need to be done in their proper time; we need to give the Ambassadors time to talk. I'm pleased to say that King Charlz has already fully embraced the reforms initiated by Prince Willum. The raccoon race of Orando is now being treated as equals to the serpentine elite; outside of the hereditary monarchy, qualified raccoons may rise to top positions. They are also being given access to education, and raccoon and serpentine staff alike will accompany Prince Willum to all UP summits and committees."

"Wow. Sounds like you wrote the King's speech yourself!"

"Oh, I had a hand in it," Marla noted. When he was completely relaxed, he has almost as much humor as RJ Brande. "And I was there when the King practiced it. This opening speech is very important: the UP meets her today to discuss our notions of equality and our definition of sentience. For example, how do we treat the Proteans that Mantis Morlo created on Vygra? Several of them are still in custody."

"Those are big questions indeed," a melodiously feminine voice said. "Good morning, Mr. Latham."

"Ah, Leejah! It is good to see you again. I hear your therapy has been going well?"

The former Durlan living weapon smiled. "Yes. I now have full control over my shapeshifting abilities, though I haven't been able to access my ability to copy powers. Perhaps it's all for the best." (2)

"That's good to hear," Marla smiled. Tenzil smiled too; he was hear to serve and be seen, but not be heard.

"I wish Princess Jeka and my own countryman Reep Daggle could both be here today. They and their teammates played such a huge role in advocating for equality and understanding across the UP."

"Yes," Marla nodded. "Princess Jeka in particular spent a lot of time working with her brother to reform Orandan society. Though she spent much of her time on Legion World, she communicated with him regularly." Tenzil knew why she never actually returned; until the end she still hadn't accepted her new form.

"I find it very impressive myself. Durla could learn much from what Orando has implemented. I have rarely seen such a big change in how a planet is run, and believe me I have studied many planets! Princess Jeka was a born reformist."

Leejah and Marla continuing gabbing as Tenzil's eyes wandered. It was true; though many raccoons in the hall still acted as servants or guards, he saw at least three conversing with ambassadors from around the galaxy. All were accompanying and assisting members of the serpent race of course, but the fact that they weren't doing menial chores anymore was a big leap forward.

"By the way, thank you for the wonderful banquet, young man," Leejah smiled at him. "I can see we UP delegates will be very satisfied with the food, at least."

Tenzil smiled back with a slight bow as Leejah moved to depart. He loved being able to make good food, and unlike most Bismollians he also knew how to appreciate the edibles of other species.

"Well, I have a to get back, Tenzil. The King and Mr. Brande make their entrance in 15 minutes, and I have to make sure President Wazzo is able to patch in. Keep up the good work." Tenzil grinned as Marla shook his hand. It felt good to continue playing a part, however small, in the making of history.

*************
IB's notes:

Sensor's race of serpents was served by raccoon servants. It was not until Legionnaires 62 that Sensor and her brother Willum began to fight for the raccoon's rights.

1) Arn Kwin of Braal and Xamuel Ivar of Titan were ambassadors who were secretly a couple. In Legionnaires 38, Arn Kwin planted a bomb in his box at the public arena. He intended to use the bombing to generate sympathy for Braal on Titan, in hopes of improving relations between the two worlds. After seeing the warm reception Cosmic Boy got on Titan, he tried to disarm the bomb, only to set it off prematurely.

2) Leejah was one of three Durlan Living Weapons, engineered to have the ability to duplicate powers as well as forms. She declined to join the Dark Circle; in a battle with her "brother", she lost all her powers and was stuck in one form. She later became the planet Durla's new spiritual leader.
Was the raccoon emancipation something you came up with or was it taken from canon? I remember thinking it was strange that after kicking off with a big xenophobia storyline the Legion then introduced a character from a world with a servant race and nobody questioned it...

Good to see Tenzil again too! smile
The raccoon emancipation began in Legionnaires 62, when Sensor and her brother faced off against their dad because he was pushing the miners too hard. By the end of the issue the miners had their own list of labor demands. I like to think Sensor was inspired by that to give the miners the opportunity to be the equals of the snakes of Orando.

I'm glad to use Tenzil again too! He's only appeared once before in Loss, IIRC, and I felt it was a crime to not use him more.
I didn't really follow the post boot until Ras A Ghul so a lot of your story's depth is unfortunately lost on me. That said IB you have a genuine warmness that always shines through, your characters appear solid and you have a great sense of timing too - each of your posts is perfectly placed into the flow of the overall story. Tenzil and Marla - were they ever seen together - and if not why not as they are great characters whose personalities make a great bit of writing (and reading).

I'm loving this, it makes me want to go hunt out the post boot and dive in to see what has inspired such a lovely piece of writing.

You know what I've just got to say next - more, more, more!
That's very nice of you to say Harbi! I'm very glad you're enjoying the story's flow, because truth to tell I didn't put that much thought into it. Mostly I'm just writing vignettes as I come up with ideas - Sensor's came near the end because I was struggling whether to tell it from the POV of a raccoon or not.

Tenzil and Marla were almost never seen together before, except for Legionnaires 35. I'm glad you liked their interaction, and very pleased that it makes you want to learn more about the Postboot smile Thank you for such kinds words and wonderful encouragement!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Live Wire - 02/23/14 06:08 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

LIVE WIRE LiveWire

Mekt Ranzz placed his arms behind his head as he looked out of his window. The full moon cast a gentle glow over the farmlands of Winath; though sometimes he missed using his lightning, he couldn't deny that the clear skies were also beautiful.

Perhaps they should be kept that way.

He cast his thoughts back to the day. Winema Wazzo had hosted a grand reunion of the surviving families of the Legionnaires. It gave Mekt some small comfort to know he was not alone in dealing with his sense of loss.

In fact, he'd surprised himself by how deep his feelings were. When Omar Magz, that squaj, had snidely remarked that the Legionnaires had been poorly trained, he had earned a punch in the nose from Mekt.

He leaned back in bed. Violence brought him no pleasure; at least, not in the same way it used to during his Lightning Lord days. He had derived satisfaction in putting Omar in his place, but he didn't enjoy causing fear. His brief time with Ayla and Garth, after Garth returned, had -

You were really hot today.

That voice. Where? It was in his head!

Who are you? Mekt thought back. He'd had telepaths probe him before, but this seemed fainter.

Jancel. I'm sure you remember me. I'm the blonde. The prettier of the Ardeens.

He did. He had nodded at her and her parents while his own parents had greeted him warmly. Garth and his lover Imra had gotten their families together before, but that had been while Mekt was still imprisoned. He hadn't quite been sure of what to say to them.

What do you want?

Oh, I just want YOU. You're an older, hotter, sexier version of your brother. I'm sure you're the type of man who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to get it. Now, I'm not really here, but with the Titanet boosting my telepathy up, I can make it seem like I am. Mekt could feel her fingers brushing against his chest, his torso. Mmmm. You have a very solid body. You're a lot more muscular than that stupid Garth was.

Her fingers kneaded his flesh. Like she was really here. He instinctively drew back, but the sensations kept following him. He could smell her perfume; it reminded him of pluberries. He gasped as she placed her hand on his thigh, and began moving it upwards. He forced himself to imagine pushing her away, and he sent that thought out with all his mental might.

Why are you stopping me? I'm sure it's been a long time since you've had anything more than your own hand help you out.

Yes, but this isn't the way I want to end my cold spell. You're not even really here. You're a lot younger than me. You're just a teen.

He sensed Jancel stamping her foot on the floor, as if she were right in his room with him. I am NOT a child! I am sixteen now, and I am every bit as able to be a woman as my sister Imra was!

Mekt shook his head. He somehow knew that she could sense him doing that. You sound like you are trying to compete with her.

I don't need to compete with her. I am better than her!

Then why are you going after me? I'm a lot more self-aware than I used to be, and the way you talked about her and how you compared me to Garth...

Oh, please! I'm just telling the truth. I'm better than her. You're better than him. Together we can be so much more than they ever were. That stupid Imra and her stupid Science Police career and her stupid Legion career. And what happened to her? She lost her mind, then when she got it back she couldn't control herself. And she got Element Lad and Monstress killed, and Garth only survived because he got lucky! And where are both of them now, huh? They're gone. And there's nothing stopping me from getting what I want now.

And what exactly do you want?

You. You being with me. And then we can take the UP by storm. I can get that device off you so you can use your powers again. Then we can form our own team. Show up the Legion. We'll be bigger than them.

Mekt rolled his eyes. This girl was almost as bad as he used to be. So immature. Looking for excuses. But maybe he could help her, in a way that nobody had been able to help him...

I won't tarnish Garth's memory by doing this. Look, I know what it's like to live under the shadow of your sibling. Believe me, I do. And I had two siblings, both younger than me. You think you're better than your older sister? I grew up feeling inferior to my younger siblings because I was born without a twin! And while they were beloved Legionnaires, I was locked up in a cell unsure if I would ever get my lightning powers back. I was more despised than ever.

I wasn't despised, I just wasn't noticed...

Let me finish, Jancel. Believe me, you'll appreciate this. My sister Ayla forgave me for trying to kill them. So did my brother Garth, even though I destroyed his arm. He told me he wanted me back, that I had always been part of the family. When he said that, it stung. Because it was true. I saved his life that day, because it was what he would have done. Ever since then, I've tried harder and harder to be like him. Because everybody loved him, and I wanted to be loved too.

Mekt paused, to let the words sink in. To both himself, and to Jancel. I just wanted to be loved, too.

I can love you, Jancel replied. She seemed much more tentative, though.

You know, when Garth returned in the form of Element Lad, I almost couldn't look at him. Not because I hated what he'd become. But I saw how difficult it was for him to live in that body and endure the stares of his teammates - the very people he'd used as his second family. And for a while, I was secretly happy because I thought it would make him come back to Winath. But then I realized - if our places had been switched, Garth wouldn't do that to me. So I thought of what he'd do. And I called him on Legion World every day. I wanted him to know that he would always have me, no matter what happened.

Mekt could clearly remember that day he first called Garth. He could see Garth struggling; he'd been through a lot, and throwing in a big brother who claimed he had reformed was adding a lot. But with Ayla acting as intermediary and Mekt making sure to keep his patience, Garth had come around. For a short time then, they had been a true family again. Together.

Jancel, I am going to try something I learned in therapy. I will project a memory to you. I want you to take it in for yourself and see if you have ever felt something similar.

I... Okay.

Mekt focused on that day Garth and Ayla had returned home to Winath. They had just finished defeating the Credo in the Second Galaxy. Garth had brought Imra along.

He remembered the soft, warm morning sunlight. The smell of the blooming trees carried by the gentle morning breeze mingled with the scent of hot pancakes and syrup on the table. His mother, pouring juice into his cup. Ayla asking him if he wanted more bacon. Imra had opened a box of Titanian tarts she had brought; she offered Garth a piece and then held the box open for Mekt. Garth told him to take the green one because it tasted best. Mekt's hand had trembled as he took one, and he had stuttered as he thanked Imra. She smiled at him warmly, and Garth had given him a thumbs up sign. Their father smiled at them all in satisfaction, then asked them if they wanted to go hiking up to the old swimming hole.

It had been a perfectly normal, peaceful day. At the end of it, Mekt and Garth had gone to the room they shared - Ayla and Imra slept in the other. Mekt plopped down on the bed and looked at Garth as he had looked out the window. "Y-you're not going to sleep, Garth?"

Garth turned to look at him and smiled. "This new body doesn't need to sleep, which is good in that I never get tired... and bad because I get bored a lot. But you go ahead."

"M-m-must be tough. I m-mean, not b-being able to... to... you know."

"Yeah, it can be. But you and the others helped me through it, Mekt. And I can rest easy knowing I have my big brother back."

Mekt smiled as he relived that memory. He could feel Jancel's consciousness, like a knot in the back of his mind, reliving it with him.

So, what do you think?

... Your family is a lot better than mine. I... I... it's been a while since we've had that moment. Imra only visited us once after she came back. She... she...

She what?

She... she... oh grife. She came to my room and told me that she had missed me. And she brought me some stuffed toys for my collection. But I didn't talk to her. I turned her away without even opening them.

I used to do that too. But I changed.

And because you did, your family accepted you back. Grife. Well... well... good for you! Me, my family never rejected me. I was just the ignored one. It's not fair. And now that Imra's gone I'll never be able to show her that I'm just as good. I... I...

It's not too late. You can show everyone else.

No... you don't understand! It's not the same! What's the point of being great if she can't see me? Then I'll never be able to hear her say that I'm better than she is? Huh?"

Why do you want to keep living your life comparing yourself to her? She never wanted to compete with you. You can be your own person.

I... I... This is crazy! I gotta go. I gotta go...

And abruptly, she winked out of his head. Mekt felt her telepathic energy vanish like tendrils being withdrawn from his mind.

He sighed and lay back down on his pillow, hands over his head. Poor Jancel. She had been so consumed by envy that she had been blinded to her own sister's love for her.

Like he himself had, so long ago.

But his brother had never given up on him, and because of that the rest of his family hadn't either. He would honor their memory by taking care of their parents as best he could.

He was so glad he had been able to thank and make peace with Garth before he'd left. At least he could sleep soundly at night now.

He only hoped Jancel would be able to do the same.

*************
IB's notes:

Mekt first became a sort-of good guy in Legion Worlds 2; he was back on the Ranzz farm and helped Ayla out against some saboteurs. In Legion 25 he revealed he was wearing a Live Wire costume. He said, "I only ever wanted to be like you". I took this development and progressed it, turning Mekt into a reasonably well-adjusted guy (as long as he's on his meds!) A flashback shows Mekt helping Garth against an attacking inmate (saving his life).

Jancel appeared in Legionnaires 38 and 57. She was extremely jealous of Imra and tried to take Garth away from her.
Woooow this was a tough one to write. It's longer than most of my entries too... We're almost at the end, folks! After 2 and a half years (can't believe it's been this long). Only Element Lad left (and boy, this last one's definitely going to be the hardest!)
That one hit me in the feels the most! I thought for a sec we were getting the start of Lightning Lord & Saturn Queen, very pleasantly surprised to see you didn't go in that direction! smile
Glad you liked it, raz! Live Wire was one of the last Legionnaires because I wanted to think over his concept really well. I'm glad I was able to throw in some development for Spark and Saturn Girl too - both were very important in Garth's life.

And I didn't go in that direction because I didn't want to just ignore the development Mekt had under DNA smile I don't believe in just ignoring other writers' developments.
I didn't realise DnA had Mekt mellowing out already, cool! smile
He started to in Legion Worlds 2, then his fate was kind of a toss-up after. But they revisited him in Legion 25 where he acted a lot like how I portrayed him (I think :p)
Okay, I already have my ideas for the Element Lad entry. The challenge is actually finding the time (and energy) to write it!

For inspiration, I'm gonna post this -

CosmicBoy1 LiveWire SaturnGirl1 Triad Apparition XS Chameleon InvisibleKid1 Leviathan KidQuantum Brainiac51 Spark Kinetix Violet Andromeda Gates StarBoy1 ElementLad1 UltraBoy1 MOnel1 Umbra Sensor Magno Ferro Monstress KidQuantumII KarateKid1 Thunder Wildfire1 Shikari ChuckTaine Gear TimberWolf1 Dreamer Superboy1 Nightwind1 InfectiousLass1 WhiteWitch Impulse Lume Babbage Particon MagneticKidII PolarBoy SpiderGirl
I haven't seen the Nightwind one before, pretty cool stuff! laugh
Nightcrawler is a genius wink
Of the above, only White Witch, Kent Shakespeare, Magnetic Kid, Polar Boy and Spider-Girl's graemlins reflect their Preboot versions. All the others (including Nightwind and Infectious Lass) are Postboot-specific graemlins.
Crikey! I already have a general outline for Element Lad's entry, but things have been so hectic! I hope to be able to work on it this weekend, but I might have to be in the office Saturday frown
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Element Lad - 05/03/14 05:11 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

ELEMENT LAD ElementLad1

Thanks to Reboot for pointing out that Andromeda and M'Onel could not both be present at the same time. I looked back and realized that Valor debuted his M'Onel identity just as the three founders were leaving for Titan at the end of Legionnaires 37; the entire team would not be together again until Legionnaires 39, just before half the team left on a mission again. Thus, the only way for this post to fit into continuity is for it to take place after LSH 80 but before Legionnaires 37.

A loud crash shattered the solitude among the beautiful crystal spires; the acrid gray clouds of smoke dispersed in the disturbance. Yet not a living thing stirred on the now dead world of Trom.

Shvaughn Erin frowned as shards of crystal scattered around. "Taine! I was still getting readings from that."

Chuck breathed heavily as much in exhaustion as in rage. "I can't believe that some people would do that, Shvaughn! Grife, don't they know what Element Lad did? He sacrificed himself to save our galaxy! And to insult the people of Trom like that!"

"I'm as disgusted by the graffiti as you are, but I was trying to collect all the evidence I could. This may be the roots of another White Triangle cell; at the very least, the readings I'd get could help us pick suspects from the visitor logs."

"I... grife. I'm sorry, Shvaughn." Chuck sheepishly put his hand on his nape as he commanded the Bouncing Boy to land. The visor he wore glowed as it did; it was useful being able to remotely control his ship.

Shvaughn shook her head and pocketed her Omnicom. "No worries, what's done is done. Let's go pay our respects."

The two trudged along between the gleaming multi-colored crystals. Each marked the final resting place of a Trommite man, woman, child or animal; only bone had survived the terrible onslaught that had slaughtered Trom. Bone and metal. And metal was where they found RJ Brande. The UP President usually exuded a youthful, cheery glow; but now the weight of the ages seemed to rest on his shoulders.

"This was the satellite that I helped Tarn and Garra install," he motioned. "By damn, but we were so excited. Cautiously, yes, but we sincerely believed that UP membership would benefit Trom. And that may have been why the Daxamites chose to destroy it. It used to be so beautiful..."

"You shouldn't rationalize Trom's destruction like that, sir." Shvaughn's tone was strong but reassuring. "Those rogue Daxamites were filled with hate. They could have destroyed Trom any other time."

"Yes, yes, you're right. I don't blame myself, you know. I blame the hate that permeated those Daxamites' minds."

"I'm just glad we stopped them for good," Chuck's voice was still fairly cheerful, but underneath was a tinge of pain. Though it had been a while, the Daxamites had killed his parents too.

"Yes," Shvaughn shuddered involuntarily as she recalled the report Gigi Cusimano had filed. After the Legion had sent the four Daxamites to an uninhabited red sun world, the UP had wasted little time in deploying a Science Police contingent to retrieve them. Answers were needed, and so was justice.

Gigi had written of scorching heat; all the officers had worn transuits despite the rich oxygen content of the atmosphere. But Gigi had told Shvaughn that her experience there had made her blood run cold.

**********************

Gigi Cusimano was grateful for the visor she wore. The blazing sun was a far cry from the climate control on Earth. "Look sharp, men. We have four insane Daxamites; though powerless, each is in good physical condition and we can definitely assume they are hostile. Now..."

She was cut off by a blood curdling scream. "Don't touch meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" A grown man's voice, but wailing like a pitiful child. "Let's move!" Gigi commanded as her squad ran forward. "It's just around the clearing... oh."

She and her men stopped in shock. The red-haired one, Arns, was astride the mustached Suggin. Only, Suggin was staring lifeless, mouth open wide; his black suit torn all over, blood pouring from multiple wounds. A twig pierced his stomach, another his leg, and a third his eye. His head had been split open.

Arns turned around and stared at them with hateful eyes. He released a guttural yell and charged.

Gigi squinted and aimed at his leg. She quickly shifted her blaster settings. He was running too fast to avoid a major blood vessel, but if she cauterized the wound as soon as she fired...

*THWIIIIIIIP!* *THWWIIIIIIIIIIP* a blaster round pierced Arns' mouth, another his right eye. His mouth opened in shock, mirroring Gigi's own surprise. Then he tumbled forward to lie still on the ground.

*********************************

Gigi had reported the officer who had shot to kill, but it had been ruled self-defense. They knew better, of course, but the UP also knew that people needed to heal.

One of the other Daxamites had been found with his body shattered on some rocks; doctors guessed he had jumped after thinking he could still fly. The last one had been found stuffing sand in his mouth; nothing in the medikit could save him.

The anti-lead serum had driven them insane, as Brainiac 5 predicted. What they thought had saved them, had turned out to be the cause of their deaths.

"You know, when Element Lad found out the four Daxamites who'd ravaged Earth were dead, he actually said he wished they would change well," she shared. "I told him myself, thought he would want to know."

Brande nodded. "Aye, I was pretty surprised myself. When we landed on Earth he said that no punishment was severe enough for them."

"Maybe he thought that going insane and dying violently was bad enough," Chuck offered.

"No, I think it was his way of honoring the Trommites," RJ whispered. "He tried to explain it to me once. Time's changes are holy, and only in the next state of death can they truly know. Death was seen as a reward, though suicide or murder was frowned upon. Time spent in this realm was valuable, for it would make you appreciate the next state more."

"Maybe he felt sorry for, you know, how unenlightened they are. He and Karate Kid used to get into all sorts of philosophical discussions about their studies and beliefs, and one thing they agreed on was that knowledge and open-mindedness are among the best ways to enrich oneself."

"Still, I admire his lack of desire for vengeance. Grife knows we see enough of it every day." Shvaughn couldn't help but brush her hair back. "Some people go to such extreme lengths for it."

"Yes, Jan always was forgiving. I think that's what change meant to him. Wrongs done against you are fleeting. Everything transmutes in time. So you can just let it go." RJ Brande said. He stopped by a crystal marker to say a little prayer. "But that doesn't mean he didn't have a sense of justice, or that he would passively accept fate. His actions in saving the Lost Legionnaires from the rift, and even in actually closing the rift, show that."

"Yeah, I remember we used to think he was this very spiritual, fatalistic guy. But we all got a better understanding of him after the operation against the last four members of the White Triangle leadership..."

***************************************************************

"Are you sure your contraption will keep the Daxamites depowered, Brainy?" Ultra Boy asked as he used his telescopic vision to scan the blackness around them.

Live Wire motioned him to shush; beside him, Saturn Girl and her teacher Aven had their eyes closed, minds linked in intense concentration. A sheepish Jo lowered his voice. "I mean, there are still four of them left."

"For the 6th time, Ultra Boy, my calculations say that the red sun shielding around our ships will ensure the Daxamites lose their powers if they approach us. Unfortunately, they can still attack us indirectly from afar. And for the 143rd time, I am not called Brainy."

"Great, so they can fry us with laser vision? Wonderful," Triad Purple shook her head.

"SISTER!" Triad Neutral hissed, while Orange glared at Purple. Apparition's recent death - burned by a rampaging Daxamite - was still fairly fresh.

"Brainy did the best he could, Triad," Element Lad said gently. "Even if we coated the entire ship with lead they'd still be able to attack us from afar."

Cosmic Boy raised his arms, and the assembled Legionnaires fell silent. "Let's just be thankful we have measures against them, and that we're not fighting them on a crowded planet. Let's also be thankful that Invisible Kid's intelligence confirmed only four of the White Triangle's leadership remain free. Now, focus and be ready for your parts in the plan; we're up against four of the most powerful beings in the universe and we have to be --"

He was cut off as Saturn Girl's eyes opened in shock. "Oh grife, Wanderer's down! Everyone brace yourselves!"

Cosmic Boy began shouting instructions, but his words were drowned out as the ship keeled over. Jagged bits of meteoroid burst through the hull, and people and objects began flying around as the precious atmosphere escaped.

"Grife!" Cos yelled as sirens went off. "Imra, keep monitoring the Daxamites! XS, Kinetix!"

"I'llmakesureeveryone'sokay!" XS dashed off in a blur.

"I'm on it!" Kinetix's hands glowed as she manipulated the ship's hull; the metal twisted upon itself to seal the holes. Element Lad took his place beside her. "I'll reinforce the plating when you're done, Kinetix."

"Gates, you know what to do."

"Yes, yes, as usual, I'm here risking my life in a senseless war while my people refuse to let me return home. It's martyr Gates to the rescue"

"Just do it, Gates! And everyone... be very careful."


*****************************************************************


Clad in a black bodysuit and wearing a visor to hide his identity, Valor wrestled with the large, dark-skinned Daxamite who used to head combat training for the White Triangle. Although the yellow sun boosted their physical abilities by the same amount, his muscular opponent had greater baseline strength to begin with.

"To be this strong, you MUST be a Daxamite," growled Lax On with a brutish smile. "Let's see what happens when we toss you out of range of the yellow sun. Hey, Shere Heen, let's throw this traitor away."

"I'm no traitor," Valor said as he propelled himself and his attacker backwards before the cruel blonde called Shere Heen reached them. "Don't confuse your hate for loyalty."

"Big words, but you can't change our minds. We outnumber you four to one, and with your friends dead, you can't beat us!"

Valor glanced around helplessly. His telepathic link with Saturn Girl had been cut off, and his vision powers showed the Legion's ship in jeopardy. Brett Toos had just thrown some more meteoroids in the ship's direction. Though he didn't let on, it seemed the Daxamite might be right. He kept flying backwards, but it would only be a matter of time before the other three caught up to him...

"I had no idea precognition was another one of your powers!" a playful voice chimed in. "Or maybe it's not, since you're predicting all wrong!" Valor felt his opponents' grip loosen. He quickly kicked against Lax On's stomach and turned around to see a piece of cloth around Lax's eyes. As Lax reached for it, it squirmed and twisted.

"Chameleon? Thank grife," Valor breathed as he turned around to punch the lean Brett Toos. He knew the others would be coming.

"M'On! 3 o'clock!" Star Boy yelled. Valor turned to see a glowing green disk. He quickly shoved Brett Toos towards it; the disk closed as he tumbled through. Another disk appeared, and he smoothly intercepted Shere Heen in mid-flight to push her through that second one.

"Traitor! Where are they?" Zena Wernos' long dark hair flailed behind her as she charged Valor. "Bring them ba-" Her words trailed off as she flew right into a third teleportation disk.

Valor smiled as he turned towards Lax On, who was trying to swat a rapidly shapeshifting Chameleon off his body. "Now, where were we?"

****************************************************************

"Move that 1.5 centimeters to the left, Cosmic Boy," Brainiac 5 instructed. "Now Leviathan, attach your piece into the slots I have provided."

Leviathan grunted as he pushed his piece into place. "Grife, Cos! This is taking too long. How can we risk the lives of the entire team? I know we don't kill, but these are desperate times."

Element Lad shook his head. "We have discussed this, Leviathan. Brainiac 5 is confident he can tailor his lead poisoning cure for any Daxamite given enough time, but we can't be sure we actually will have enough time."

Leviathan rounded on Jan, eyes narrowed in anger. "Normally I would respect your pacifist beliefs, Element Lad, but grife! These are among the terrorists who killed your entire people! The last ones free! How can you worry so much about not killing them? What if we lose more Legionnaires because of your inaction?!"

"Gim! This is not the time!" Cosmic Boy's tone was firm.

"It's alright," Element Lad spoke up. "Leviathan, if there were no other option I would agree with you. But we do have another one. We can prepare this miniature stargate while our teammates distract our opponents. This was how we defeated the Daxamites on Earth."

"And we lost Apparition, and nearly lost Andromeda, because of it! Almost nobody walked away unscathed! And what if the stargate doesn't work properly?"

"I highly doubt that it won't," Brainiac 5 sneered. "But I do agree with your analysis. It would be easier, and provide us a much lower margin of error, to just have you transmute their transuits into lead. You won't kill them right away, Valor and Andromeda are already immune to lead, and I will have approximately 48 hours to tailor the serum to each of their genetic codes. If you won't listen to this gigantic buffoon's emotional outburst, then listen to my logical analysis."

"See? I don't care if Brainy's just insulted me. Listen to reason, Cos!"

"It was also my decision, Leviathan," Element Lad said calmly. "I choose not to use my powers to poison our attackers."

Cosmic Boy cut in before Leviathan could open his mouth again. "I understand your point Gim, and Brainy, but I don't want to force Element Lad to possibly cause the deaths of these Daxamites if we can help it. Saturn Girl and Aven are monitoring the situation closely, and if things go wrong, then we can step in."

Leviathan stared intensely at Cosmic Boy, then at Element Lad, who both met his gaze. As Gim locked eyes with Jan, Jan stared back calmly. "I am sorry, Leviathan, but I believe this is the best way."

Leviathan's stare stretched into seconds, then minutes. "Fine. But if even one Legionnaire gets sent to the hospital, it's on your head."

Brainiac 5 cleared his throat. "Well then, since you have all agreed to unnecessarily flirt with danger, perhaps you can help me finish constructing the tool that will save us all."

****************************************************************

Kinetix strained with all her might as Zena Wernos struggled against her telekinetic field. "Unhand me, freak!"

"I may have a tail, but people like you are the real freaks!" Zoe shot back. She grit her teeth to avoid showing the strain; she doubted she would have been able to hold Zena with her old power levels. "Grife, Cos, are you guys ready yet?"

"Hah! What do you expect from these sub-races?" Zena sneered as she shot a blast of laser vision. Kinetix gasped as it narrowly missed her head.

"Next shot will hit, freak," Zena's cruel smiled showed as her eyes - the same eyes which had burned Trom - glowed. "I will enjoy smelling your burned corpse... what?" Her eyes continued glowing, but no beams of death lasered out of them.

"Run out of batteries?" Kinetix snarked as she strengthened her telekinetic hold.

"Something else else like that," Shrinking Violet said as she grew to normal size. "Keep her arms pinned, Kinetix. I attached Brainy's red sun generator to her back, but we don't want her to knock it off by accident."

"Okay, and now we wait." Zoe's powers extended the neck of Zena's black bodysuit to cover her mouth; her captive's eyes bulged in anger as the threats she was screaming were silenced.

"Not too long, I hope." Violet's tone showed her worry as she checked the timer on the device. Brainy had warned that the small size and limited energy source would only last for about 60 minutes. "I don't want us to go home to any more gold statues..."

*****************************************************************

"Grife, Star Boy! I think you're actually making this guy stronger. Quit it already!" Ultra Boy winced from the impact of Brett Toos' punch. "I may be invulnerable but even I can't last forever!"

"Okay, okay, sorry for adding so much to his mass. Just wanted to slow him down and help you a bit..." Star Boy mumbled.

"Yeah, well, maybe you can help by taking a few punches," Jo grumbled as he withstood a kick to the stomach.

"I... oh, I know what to do," Star Boy grinned as he used his super speed to vanish.

"What the sprock?!" Jo yelled.

"Coward," sneered Brett as he cocked his arm to throw another punch.

"Ah-ah! It's timeout for you," Star Boy's voice came as locked Brett in a chokehold from behind. "Lyle, move it!"

Ultra Boy watched in amusement as a floating disk attached itself to Brett Toos' back. To his credit, Brett kept struggling even while the red sunlight sapped his powers.

"Keep holding him, boys," Invisible Kid said as he faded into view. "Daxamite cells act like batteries, so this won't drain him instantly."

"Don't worry, we can hold him all day," Star Boy grinned.

"We don't have all day, Thom," Lyle said quietly.

****************************************************************

"Sprock it! Life support is okay, but our propulsion and steering's shredded." Live Wire let himself release some electricity as an outlet for his stress. "How are you doing, XS?""

XS' voice came over the comms. "Reading through the repair manual now. I can already tell we don't quite have enough tools or materials to repair everything. Last meteoroid hit our supply room."

"Grife! No way we can leave the ship like this."

"Garth, we're doing our part. Without you and Triad at the controls, that last attack would have totaled us. Now please, we need to concentrate," Saturn Girl said soothingly.

"Tracking the minds of four mobile, teleporting Daxamites is no easy feat even for telepaths of our caliber" Aven added grimly. "We don't need the added challenge of a distraction."

Garth settled back into his seat glumly. Triad laid a reassuring hand on his shoulder as she spoke to Gates. "The others are getting into position, Gates. You're up."

She closed the line before she could hear Gates' reply, partly because she didn't want any still-powered Daxamites to hear anything and partly because she would rather read Gates' sarcastic responses from the flight ring transcripts than hear them.

After noting that Gates was "on his way to provide taxi services to ungrateful teammates," she sent a message to the Dreadnought Terra. "Pres. Brande, Admiral Everett. Ship not in imminent danger. Stay away until we send signal."

As she ended transmission, Garth looked up. "Any word from Ayla yet?"

"None. But don't worry, Garth. She has some pretty good backup."

****************************************************************

Spark held her breath as the teleportation disk deposited Shere Heen within eyesight. She quickly unleashed her electrical powers outwards. "Hey, you big bully! Pick on someone who's not afraid of you."

"Pathetic. You can do nothing to me," Shere Heen cracked her knuckles as she began to approach Spark. Ayla quickly let loose with another blast right at Shere's eyes. The Daxamite simply blinked as she kept advancing. "Now, which of your limbs should I detach from your body first?"

Both Legionnaire and White Triangle member barely registered the orange blur that swooped out of nowhere and sent Shere Heen tumbling into a nearby asteroid.

"What?" Shere gasped as she rubbed the dust from her face and fixed her telescopic vision upwards. "I should have known! Cowardly traitor Laurel Gand!"

"I am not a traitor," Andromeda said calmly. "I have just learned the truth. And I am not a coward; I am just fighting to protect my... my friends." She quickly lifted a large asteroid and threw it right at Shere Heen, who was knocked down by the blow.

"You're strong, but I'm stronger... what? What have you done to me?!" Shere screamed as she tried to take off. "I can't fly!"

"Great job, Andromeda. Now, I'll take over. If you go any nearer you'll lose your powers too." Spark directed a carefully rationed amount of electricity at Shere Heen, stunning her.

"Good. Now I can go nearer so Gates can pick us all up," Andromeda said. "Facing my fellow Daxamites was... not as difficult as I thought it would be."

"I guess having Valor himself reaffirm your beliefs is a big courage boost, huh? Be my guest?" Spark motioned. As Andromeda flew towards the asteroid, she called out. "By the way... I'm really glad you decided to join us for this mission. Before you leave, I mean. And it's not just because you saved my butt back there. It would really be nice if you decided to stay."

Andromeda paused, and gave Spark what seemed to be the happiest smile she had ever smiled. "Thank you, Spark... Ayla. That means a lot more to me than I could ever express."

Spark smiled back, then flew forward to join her ex-teammate and new friend.

****************************************************************

"Well, are we ready to finish this mission? Or have I been rushing myself and tiring myself out for nothing?!" Gates' tone was a touch more acerbic than usual.

"Easy, Gates," Star Boy cautioned. "I think Brainy's almost done."

"And before you continue, Gates, I understand you're tired but so is everyone else. The least we can do now is not distract Brainy," Violet added. Before Gates could retort, she continued, "and thank you for the great work."

This expression of appreciation shocked Gates so much that he remained speechless.

"I'm done reinforcing the deck, Brainy- Brainiac," Element Lad wiped his brow. He couldn't imagine how the Legion had managed to construct the miniature stargate in Legion HQ with only Brainiac 5 working on it. Maybe they had had more time then.

"And Kinetix and I are done assembling the pieces, Brainy," Leviathan called.

"Gates has transported everyone here," Triad reported. "Dreadnought's moving in position to support us."

"And all Daxamites are still unconscious. Wait, Brett Toos is waking up... there, back to sleep again." Saturn Girl brushed back her hair in exhaustion.

"And we should still have about 7 minutes of red sun radiation left," Invisible Kid noted.

"Good. We can begin. Now we need to generate a charge large enough for the stargate to work. Live Wire, Spark, Ultra Boy, Valor, Andromeda, Star Boy, fire at this spot."

The six Legionnaires let loose with electric blasts and heat vision. The other Legionnaires watched in nervous silence as the power gauge on the collector slowly filled up. 10%... 15%... Though the Daxamites were momentarily stunned and powerless, memories of the White Triangle War ran deep. They had lost one teammate, and each of those who had fought in it still remembered the terrible feelings of helplessness at staring down beings so much more powerful than they.

"45%... good... XS, when the gauge reads 95% I want you to agitate the molecules of this shard at super-speed. Element Lad, once the gauge reaches 100%, transmute this bar into tarnium."

"Gates, once the gate opens, please teleport the our captives near the portal opening. And everyone, make sure you keep your distance. Though they'll be powerless once the gate deposits them onto the red sun world, I doubt anyone would want to be stranded alongside them," Cosmic Boy added as his teammates' heads nodded in agreement. "Hang tight everyone. This will be over very soon."

"Sooner than you think!" A burst of laser vision shot forth from Zena Wernos' eyes and hit Ultra Boy in the back. Jo yelled in pain and slumped forward, unconscious. A second burst of heat vision sliced through the pillars holding the makeshift Stargate together. "What do you know, maybe my cells store more energy than most Daxamites' do?" she quipped. She quickly reached over and plucked the red sun disk from Lax On's back. "Wake up!"

"No, you don't!" Valor grabbed Zena's hand. "Saturn Girl, make her sleep!"

"That's what I'm trying to do with Lax On!" Imra yelled as the muscular Daxamite began to stir.

"Trying is the operative word," Zena sneered as she whipped Valor around and threw him at Saturn Girl. As Valor launched himself at Zena again, she blasted him with heat vision and threw a meteoroid at him. The rock hit his head, and his unconscious form floated alongside Saturn Girl's.

"Lar's down!" Kinetix yelled as she tried to ensnare Zena with her psychokinesis. "How... UGH!" Another burst of heat vision hit her arm; Zoe doubled over in pain her field dissipated.

"We used your trick against you," Zena smiled grimly as she removed the red sun disks from Shere Heen and Brett Toos, both of whom began to stir. She threw one of the disks at an approaching Andromeda, followed quickly be a rain of meteoroids. The last volley battered Laurel, throwing her into Invisible Kid and Chameleon. A blast of cold breath froze an attacking Shrinking Violet in her tracks. "Now, where's the little bug... ah!" Gates screamed as he teleported away, but not before heat vision singed his abdomen.

"Grife! We have to stop them," Leviathan yelled as he grew to colossal size. Live Wire nodded as he pointed towards Zena. "Half the team's down already!"

"No!" Cosmic Boy and Brainiac 5 yelled together. "We need to fix the stargate now!" continued Cos. "Triad, call Aven and ask him to keep the other Daxamites asleep! XS, keep fixing the beams!"

"I can spare you, Star Boy, but I need both Ranzzes to keep charging the stargate," Brainiac 5 added.

"My pleasure, Brainy," Star Boy charged Zena and grappled with her. "Yikes!" he yelled as he dodged a burst of heat vision. "I don't know how long I can keep this up..."

"Let me help you, Star Boy," Element Lad stepped forward, hands raised. Sheathes of inertron surrounded Valor and Andromeda, and a wall of lead appeared between the stargate and the Daxamites. The smooth surface of the wall extended outwards into jagged spikes. Jagged lead cocoons also surrounded his other unconscious teammates. "If you try to burst through here, Zena, your transuit will be cut and you will be exposed."

"Wonderful," Zena growled as he headbutted Star Boy. An unconscious Thom floated away as Zena faced the wall of lead. "I can just burn through this!"

"And I will keep making more. I have no wish to harm you irreversibly, Zena. Do not force me to transmute your own transuit into lead." The wall kept regenerating on one side even as it was being destroyed from the other.

"I don't believe for a second you would, Trommite! Even though we killed your entire world, you didn't have the guts to poison us right away!"

Sweat began to bead on Jan's forehead. "I did not because it would be pointless to condemn you to a painful death. But I can, and I would if there were no other choice. So stand down while I still have a choice."

"Never!" Zena yelled as she intensified her blast. Element Lad quickly transmuted an intertron-titanium band around Zena's eyes. She burned through it in seconds.

Sweat began trickling down Element Lad's neck and back. The Legion was his new home, and he wished to uphold its ideals. And even though Trom was gone, he remembered the teachings - an eye for an eye was not their way. But how much longer could he hold on? Could he buy enough time?

He forced himself to listen to the flight ring chatter even as he concentrated on reinforcing the lead wall. "I... am having difficulty... keeping the other Daxamites from... rousing," Aven breathed. "I can sense... the yellow sunlight... recharging them..."

Jan quickly transmuted metallic cocoons around the sleeping Daxamites. He did not dare cocoon them in lead; if they struggled and tore their transuits, they would be poisoned for sure. He began reinforcing the lead wall between him and Zena with other metals - inertron, titanium, iron, tungsten, osmium, lightlium, everything he could think of. The wall continued to buckle, though; as he was tiring, Zena's body was absorbing more and more yellow sunlight. Jan could sense that his wall wasn't as thick as it used to be. Dents began to appear in multiple places as Zena intensified her beams.

"I will hold out as long as I can, Zena. I will..."

"Element Lad! Tarnium, now!"

"At last!" Jan thought as he turned around and aimed his power at the rod in the middle of the Stargate. "NO!" Zena screamed as the Stargate began to burst open in a flood of multi-colored light. Debris began flying into the hole at amazing speed.

"Everybody hold on!" Cosmic Boy ordered as the Stargate began its pull. "I'll try to pull the others in magnetically!"

Element Lad raised his hands, and slowly the cocoons around his teammates turned into iron. They began to drift away from the Stargate, pulled magnetically by Cosmic Boy. The inertron cocoons around the still-sleeping White Tranglists began to transmute into handcuffs made of iron even as they were pulled in. "Hope this helps enough, Cosmic Boy. It's about all I can do now. I'm exhausted..."

"Good, because you're coming with me!" Element Lad looked up in horror to see Zena hurtling towards him. She slammed into him before he could even move.

"I'm going to finish the job we started on Trom, genetrash," she hissed.

"JAN!" Leviathan grew to colossal size and tried to grab at them. As his gigantic arm loomed close, it was met by Zena's heat vision. "Arrrgh!"

"Now," Zena said as she cocked her arm back, "I finish the job."

"Do as you wish," Jan said. "I still don't plan to kill you."

"You don't have to!" Triad Purple yelled. "Eat red sunlight, scumbag!"

"No!" Zena screamed in horror as Purple attached a red sun disk to her back.

"Grab my hand Jan!" Orange stretched out to him. "I can bring you back with me - aaaah!" Orange and Purple were blown backwards out of the Stargate by Zena's breath. Zena's arm closed around Jan's neck, pulling him close, as another held his arm. Two quick bursts of heat vision burned both his palms, as he felt Zena's grip tighten around his neck.

He desperately closed his eyes and unleashed a magnesium flare. As Zena's grip loosened, Jan transmuted his boots into tungsten and kicked back, while propelling himself as far as he could with his flight ring. If he could just get out of range until Zena's powers faded...

His heart sank as a hand closed against his ankle. "After all this you still won't kill me?" she hissed. "Weakling!"

Jan forced himself to look her in the eye. "I actually think it's a sign of strength. I won't compromise my beliefs. I'd have thought you would appreciate that."

"And if you don't, we do! Now, let him go!" Both looked in surprise as a XS and Gates teleported into view. In a second, XS had pried Zena's hand from Jan's leg, and had kicked her in the chest to propel her further into the Stargate. "Okay Gates, let's get out of here!"

"Let's just make one thing clear," Gates grumbled as he created a teleportation disk while Zena's scream of rage faded into the background. "Not ALL of us appreciate you risking our lives like this!"

*****************************************************************

RJ Brande chuckled as he recalled the detailed report that had been submitted. "Though not all the Legionnaires had agreed with Element Lad's reasoning, they had commended his actions, skill and creativity in using his powers to save them. Luckily, none of the Legionnaires suffered more than minor injuries."

"More importantly, we got closure. These four were tried alongside the other two White Triangle leaders we had caught earlier. They're serving their sentences now," Shvaughn added.

"The other two?" Chuck asked.

"Lynched by moderate Daxamites who were afraid that the White Triangle's actions would invite reprisal and war. It wasn't a pretty sight."

Chuck shuddered. "Sometimes I think the ones who died violently got what they deserved, but I guess the cycle of violence has to end somewhere."

"So it does, lad. Justice can be meted out without unnecessary violence."

"Element Lad was one of the Legionnaires I knew least," Shvaughn mused as she looked at his monument. "But this story makes me remember that he was also one of the wisest."

"And how," Chuck said. "Brainiac 5 told me that only Jan had the powers and skills to save them from the other side of the Rift. Without Jan, the Lost Legionnaires would never have returned, and we wouldn't have been strong enough to stop Ra's al Ghul."

"And it's just right that we honor him today," RJ Brande said. "Though they may be gone, they live on in our stories and memories. And we honor them every day by continuing to live their dream."

"Sorry we're late." The three turned to see Dyrk Magz, Marla Latham, Tenzil Kem, Lori Morning, Rond Vidar, Lady Mysa, Dr. Ryk'rr, Dr. Gym'll, Dirk Morgna, Spider-Girl, Winema Wazzo and Cub Wazzo-Nah, Nightwind, Infectious Lass, Blizzard, Particon, Impulse, Babbage, Magnetic Kid, Lume, Gigi Cusimano and Hannah Wells approaching. Chuck was also surprised to see television reporter Condo Arlik; he had seen him with Invisible Kid before but thought it was just for interviews. "We were delayed wrapping up some relief efforts on Corvan IV, and we swung by Legion World to pick everyone else up" Mysa explained.

Hannah held up her hands. "I'm here today as a friend of the Legion's, and not as a reporter. I owe the Legion for helping me see past my selfishness and shallowness."

"I'm here as a friend too," Condo smiled weakly. "The Legion's been an inspiration."

"What have you been up to while waiting for us?" Tenzil asked.

"Just telling stories about the lost Legionnaires," Chuck said. "You should hear Mr. Brande's account of how they took down the last of the White Triangle leaders. Now THAT was a battle."

"I've read all about it," Winema smiled. "But my dear Mr. Taine, I hardly think that can compare to the time the Legion drugged and kidnapped me in order to clear my name and expose the incumbent UP President!"

RJ Brande chuckled as he sat down. "Now THAT is a story we all should hear. Gather around, everyone. I had planned a solemn ceremony, but I think it would be better if we all just shared our fondest stories about the lost Legionnaires. If you would be so kind as to begin, Winema?"

Winema smiled as she reclined in her portable hover chair. "This was during the false Sun-Eater scare. I was under house arrest, under suspicion for trying to murder the Legionnaires..."

And so they sat together, Legionnaires and friends and allies, recalling with fondness the best memories they had of these lost heroes. Aches and pains were soothed, and resolves strengthened, as they shared the moments of triumph and determination that had made the young heroes of the Legion the legends that they were.

Because although the old team of Legionnaires may be lost, their legacies would live on forever.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Wanderers - 05/03/14 06:07 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another universe...

Twenty-four figures huddled around a campfire in the middle of a steep valley. Soft animal cries could be heard in the distance, but no other sentient beings had been sighted for klicks all around. It seemed they might very well be alone again.

Kid Quantum stood up somberly and cleared her throat. Twenty-three faces looked at her with varying expressions, though not one of them wore a smile.

"Okay, so this is the 5th world we've visited ever since we left that other Legion's world, and it's still definitely not ours. That's fine; nobody said it would be easy. But Shikari's pathfinding keeps pointing us in the right direction; I'm confident that there is a right direction because she can see something. So let's just rest up, get a good night's sleep for once, and we'll try again in the morning. Eat up, okay? We need our strength."

Twenty-three heads nodded in unison.

"Come on, say it with me one more time," Kid Quantum grinned. "Long live the Legion!"

"Long live the Legion!" twenty-four voices called, though perhaps not with quite as much enthusiasm as they once would have had. But it was still better than Kid Quantum had expected. Then, the twenty-four Legionnaires dispersed.

"Nice speech," Cosmic Boy smiled as he placed a shoulder around Kid Quantum.

"Not quite as good as anything you could have come up with, Mr. Pep Talk," Jazmin smiled.

"Well, these are exceptional circumstances. Not even the Lost Legionnaires had this little hope to go on while they were in the Second Galaxy. But you're right, Shikari's talent keeps sensing a path. We'll get there."

"Hmmm. I really appreciate your optimism, Rokk. It helps me keep my own up. And believe me, I really need it."

"You're a strong leader of a strong team, Jaz. Don't worry, things will turn out just fine. As long as we're alive..."

"... we still have hope," Jaz finished. The two drew closer as they sat by the fire, and together they looked up at the stars. Perhaps one of those stars would lead to home.

****************************************************************

Dreamer leaned against Star Boy as they finished their dinner. "I'm glad your powers haven't been acting up recently," Nura smiled. "It looks like the three Brainiac 5s were able to fix whatever was wrong with you."

"Yeah. And they say I should be fine as long as I don't strain myself too much again. One thing good about us hopping through dimensions," Thom smiled as he kissed Nura.

"Oh, sorry!" Apparition covered her mouth as she and Ultra Boy stepped into view. "We didn't think anyone else was here."

"It's okay," Nura smiled reassuringly. "We were just about to finish up."

"Hey Jo," Thom said as he extended a hand. "I never did thank you properly for moving War World away when you did. If you hadn't, Brainy says I probably wouldn't have survived the Robotican War."

"Yeah well, we're teammates, Thom. You would have done the same - and you did, when I was having those pains when Tinya's spirit was stuck inside me. So we're even." Jo and Thom shook hands, smiling.

Tinya waved as Nura and Thom left. "Well, aren't we the friendly one now, Jo. I'm proud of you."

Jo shrugged. "I guess all this dimension-hopping has helped put things into perspective. Why harbor grudges when there's no good reason to? They are our teammates, after all."

"So you're going to start being nice to Brin now?" Tinya teased.

"We probably won't be drinking buddies any time soon, but yes, I'll be good," Jo smiled.

"Mmm. You should, because Cub very much likes both his Daddy and his Uncle Brin around." Tinya rested her head on Jo's chest and curled up close. "I miss him. I even miss mom. We just started getting along, and then we're torn from reality. Hardly seems fair."

"Little in life is, angel. But don't worry, we'll get the chance to carry on soon," Jo said with as much sincerity as he could muster.

The two stared into the campfire from a distance as they held each other through the night.

****************************************************************

Shikari's armor-skin cut through log after log after log. She was panting, but she didn't stop.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, little lady!" Wildfire's voice was thick with amusement. "We have a big day tomorrow, you shouldn't tire yourself out!"

"Oh, Wildfire!" Shikari breathed in deeply as she armored down. "It is just so frustrating. My pathfinding sense has never failed me before, even when it led us to the Omniphagos. How come it is failing me now?"

"Well, we've never been cast into other universes before. But I think Kid Q's right; your sense has always pointed us into a new direction. I think, eventually, we'll get home."

"I hope it is sooner rather than eventually. Then Smart Legion can study the technology shared by his other versions, and cure you."

Wildfire sat in silence for a moment. "Yeah, they did say there might be a way for me to replenish my anti-energy. We just need to find a good source for it. Is that... is that why you've been pushing yourself so hard?"

"I have no wish for you to dissipate, Wildfire," Shikari said solemnly. "I would like for you to be whole again."

Wildfire took Shikari's hand and squeezed it gently. He didn't have to say anything; his touch said it all.

*************
IB's notes:

Star Boy and Ultra Boy have had a semi-antagonistic relationship ever since Thom told Cos that Jo was suffering from weird cramps (LSH 81). The cramps were because Tinya's spirit was struggling to get out of Jo's body.

Jo and Brin have never liked each other. Jo was jealous because Brin took care of Tinya on her journey from Rimbor to Earth.
That was the best and most epic ending and post yet! I loved ever minuet of it.

i loved seeing the team in action. When i think of this Legion, its this roster i love and think of the most. It was the early days.

the way you tied up the "the White Triangle Saga" was great. You gave a really good ending. Element lad's powers were so impressive. I also enjoyed how he stuck to his beliefs. His conviction is really strong and its easy to forget how much so. You've returned Jan to a heroic glory.

gates was awesome as always. Love his banter.

spark and Andromeda was really sweet. I really liked that moment. I actually want to use that relationship in my own story.

there is just so much going on in this. But i love every second of it!
I can't wait to see what comes next!!!
Loving Shikar and Wildfires moment!!!
they are so cute at that moment.

nice touching on Thom's powers and Jo's attitude.
Thanks, Omni! I'm glad you think my Element Lad post turned out well. I had such a hard time with it; it was very hard to come up with something that could make up for his turning into the Progenitor, and I didn't want to just rehash the "oh but Jan saved us all from the Rift" theme. Then I remembered that the White Triangle Saga had never been completely wrapped up in the Postboot. I'm just glad I was able to do him justice.

I liked using the "early" team too, and it was easier because there were half a dozen less Legionnaires to keep track off. It sure can be hard to think of something to do for everyone in a given scene!

I chose Spark to partner with Andromeda because I don't recall an instance where she really antagonized or snarked at Laurel (unlike Tinya or Zoe). It also fits her personality, I think. Yes, feel free to write their friendship into your own story!

I'm very much enjoying writing Gates too tongue I think he provides a great outlet for my own sarcasm.

I'm glad you're excited to see what's next! I already have plans for all the Legionnaires wink I love writing Shikari and Wildfire too, though at this point I'm not sure I'll move towards a romance for them yet. They make good "best friends" though.

Although conflict is good for drama, I always liked the Legion best as a family with lots of camaraderie. That's why I had Thom and Jo "patch things up" so to speak, and softened his attitude towards Brin. And hey, Brin helped his wife and child, so he really has no reason to hold a grudge. As for Thom (and Wildfire's condition), I just thought it made sense that the Legionnaires would have gotten medical attention after Legion of 3 Worlds. Thom's condition in my opinion should have been a lot easier to fix than Ferro's inability to turn back into flesh, or Sensor's mutation.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Wanderers, Part 2 - 05/03/14 08:02 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another universe...

Violet lay down in her tent, sobbing. She had tried to hold the tears back in, but couldn't.

"Violet? Are you okay?" The tent flap opened as Spark looked in tentatively.

"Oh, Ayla," Violet sat up as she wiped her eyes. "It's Zoe. We were pulled in to help that other Legion, and she was the only one we lost from our team. And the team that called us in didn't actually lose anyone!"

"I know what you mean," Ayla said gently. "It sucks when anyone dies, but Zoe was our friend. And we weren't even in our home reality. I miss her too, Vi. Grife, if she were here she would always know what to say to cheer us up."

"And she was getting better, too!" Violet wailed. "Her hypertaxis energy was wearing off and she was starting to become like the old Zoe again. She was so excited to start that fashion school she had always been talking about."

"Death never seems to be far behind us, huh," Ayla said mournfully as she held Vi's hand. "I'm sure though, wherever she is, she knows how much we cared for her."

They held onto each other as they pondered those words.

"Remember that time when we helped snap her out of the post-Anomaly funk? First thing she said was, "Honestly, the pathetic extremes you two go to for attention." Hah! If I hadn't been so happy to have her back I'd have zapped her!" Ayla laughed.

Violet grinned. "Oh, and remember the time Brainy quit when Gim left her in charge for two hours? Oh, you should have seen her face then!"

"Oh, or the first time she showed us her walk-in closet. I swear, she took up almost as much space as Brainy's labs did!"

Salu and Ayla chuckled as they recalled their fondest memories of their absent friend.

****************************************************************

"I'm glad you came back, Andromeda." The two Daxamites were hovering over the camp, standing guard. "It's good to be able to talk to a fellow Daxamite. And may I say, your faith has served as a good calming force to the team."

Andromeda's smile was warm. "I am glad, M'Onel. Though I don't expect any reward, it is good to hear our teammates' appreciation."

"I can honestly say that they're glad to have you back. And I'm also glad that your recent changes are not bothering you."

Andromeda chuckled as she spread her arms wide. "Truth to tell, I haven't really had time to absorb them. The Anomaly changed me; then after I returned to help out during the Fatal 500 battle and we were lost in time, I was changed again. Brainiac 5 thinks I was caught in a rip in time in between universes. But I don't mind, really - my changes are nothing like what Ferro, Sensor or Wildfire have to face. It's just good to be back here with the Legion."

"Yes. It's good to not be alone."

The two gazed out into the quiet night as they enjoyed each other's company.

***************************************************************

"Lyle?" Chameleon landed on the mesa overlooking the camp. "I know you're here."

Invisible Kid faded into view; he was facing away from the camp, looking out into the valley below. "Oh, hey Cham. Just checking out the surrounding area."

Reep sat down beside one of his closest friends in the Legion. "Lyle... I've known you long enough to tell that's not it. We have two Daxamites standing guard. And the way you scrambled off after dinner without so much as a word? What's wrong? Are you thinking about home?"

Lyle heaved a sigh, and held his face in his hands for a bit. Then he looked up. "Cham... remember when you met my friend Condo Arlik?"

"The reporter? What about it?"

"We were... he was... we were in love."

"Oh." Reep put a hand on Lyle's shoulder. "Since when?"

"Since just before we fought Mordru. I was still struggling with being Legion leader, and I needed something... someone... away from it all. You know me, Reep. I compartmentalize my life. You're the only one who's met my parents, almost none of you know the details of my past spy life, nobody else knows about the royalties I get from my ice cream flavors, and none of you knew I was in love. It just helps me cope with all the stress."

"Yeah... being Legion leader wasn't easy for you. You hated the pressure."

"Uhuh. And Condo was wonderful for me. He helped me realize I don't have to keep proving myself, that I'm a valued Legionnaire. One of the team. That I don't have to keep showing off my intelligence or my wit, that I don't have to keep competing with Brainy... Grife, Cham, I just miss him so much. Even when we were operating with the Subs I'd sneak off and see him every week..."

As Lyle buried his face in his hands again, Reep looked at him with empathy. He had never seen Lyle cry before. Reep sat beside Lyle silently, as the tears trickled down his hands and onto the ground.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Wanderers Part 3 - 05/04/14 03:00 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another universe...

Brainiac 5 stood up and wiped his brow. "There, that should do. Thank you, Gear and Karate Kid, for the assistance."

"My pleasure, Brainiac 5," Gear said as he yawned. "And now I'm going to go rest; my organic portions need their sleep." He exited the large tent that they had pitched to house the equipment.

"As will I, Brainiac." Karate Kid turned to leave, then paused. Brainiac 5 had always been focused, but lately his intensity had been... different. "Brainiac... I offered to help partly because I know how important it is to maintain our equipment, but also partly because I noticed you have not been sleeping much if at all. Aren't you tired?"

"I am, but that is irrelevant. My 12th-level intellect is more than capable of functioning with only 3 hours of sleep - or less - every cycle. And it is imperative that we find a way home, assuming home exists at all. But I have learned from experience that Shikari's pathfinding sense is extremely accurate, and as it is continuing to lead us on, there must be a destination at the end. I can try to help shorten that path." Querl said all that without even looking up from his tinkering.

"I see." Val chose his next words carefully, much as he would choose his next move in a battle. "Brainiac... why do you think Gates stayed behind with XS? Did he really want to help that version of the Legion become more diverse?"

Querl continued examining the technology provided by the other versions of Brainiac 5. "It's quite obvious. Though Gates didn't admit it, he is looking for some stability. He was stranded in the 20th century for a few months; he was held captive by Ra's al Ghul for a year. He got tired of being stranded in the timestream or in the space between universes. He felt despair; it happens to the best of us. He just didn't want the rest of us to worry about him."

Val thought he detected a tinge of emotion. "You certainly know him very well, to be able to describe his thoughts so vividly. It's almost as if he described his decision to you."

Querl paused from his tinkering, and looked at Val with sad eyes. "He did," Querl whispered quietly. "I'm the only one he said goodbye to." Then he buried himself in his work once more.

Val looked at Brainiac 5 with a newfound respect and understanding. "I'll just be outside if you need help, Brainiac." Then, at Brainy's nod, he vanished into the night.

****************************************************************

Gear walked quietly beside the creek that ran through the valley. Though he was a techno-organic being, he did appreciate the rugged natural beauty of the area. It was quiet, and...

He heard the sound of chopping. "Timber Wolf?"

"I'm over here, Gear." Ah, of course Brin had already known of his approach.

"You are slicing meat?" "For the team, yeah. We have two dozen mouths to feed - well, a little less, since Spark can't bear to eat real meat and Wildfire doesn't eat, period. What are you out here for?"

"Just admiring the scenery. Do you require assistance?"

"Nope, I can manage. I headed out of camp because I didn't want to bother anyone."

"I see. I apologize for disturbing your solitude."

"Oh sprock, no, Gear. Stay; though I don't mind being alone, I know the importance of pack cohesion. We haven't really spent much time together as teammates, and an extra pair of hands will make things easier."

Gear smiled as he sat down and morphed his hands into axes. "Although I can analyze the right tools for the job, your greater expertise means I should defer to your instructions."

Brin chuckled. "Thanks for the compliment. So, how've you been handling all this reality-hopping?"

Gear paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. "I keep busy helping maintain and configure our equipment. But I have to admit, I am used to more... direction of purpose. Even after joining the Legion, I always had a clear plan and clear objectives. This... our objective is to get home, but the steps needed to get there are not clear at all."

Brin nodded. "Yeah, being lost who knows the sprock where is tough for everyone. Even for me. Before joining the Legion I hopped from world to world; I grew up on Zuun and lived on more than a dozen different worlds before ending up on Rimbor. I enjoyed the stability there, and I enjoyed the stability and purpose of being with the Legion more."

"It is useful to have something constant in life. But just being with the others, the bonds we have, inspires hope and trust. I look at some of those who have been lost multiple times, like Saturn Girl, Brainiac 5 and Ultra Boy, and they seem to believe that we will find our way home."

Brin chuckled at the mention of Jo. "Well, Ultra Boy doesn't always seem to really understand the gravity of the situations he's in... but I agree with you. I can't imagine a better group of people to be stranded with."

Gear nodded, as Brin began to show him how to prepare the rabbit-like creatures he had caught. Neither would say it, but in the last ten minutes each had felt a little less lost.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Wanderers Part 4 - 05/04/14 06:45 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another universe...

Sensor sat alone in her tent, covers drawn and lights off. She enjoyed the darkness now. A floating image of her old form occupied most of the tent. She reached out to touch it; in her mind she could feel the soft scales that used to cover her body... When the Legion first got lost in time, she thought she would better be able to deal with her mutation once they were away from other eyes. But now she realized that the memories of Orando burned even deeper now that she no longer looked like her family.

A rustling disturbed her reverie. "Umbra?" she hissed. "What do you want? I want to be alone."

"May I come in?" Tasmia's voice was melodious and cool. "I noticed you were hiding in your tent again."

"So what if I am? We're not having a meeting."

"No, we're not. But after that whole Darkseid mess, you were starting to become more comfortable with your new form. And now it seems you're retreating into yourself again."

"And what do you care if I am? We were hardly the best of friends as Legionnaires."

Umbra stepped into the tent; Sensor knew that her eyes would easily adjust to the dark. "You're right there. But you know what? You were also right when you told me that my constant negativity had a grating effect on those of you who want to live. Remember that?"

Sensor fell silent. They, along with Magno, had been new Legionnaires then. It seemed like so long ago.

Umbra sat down on a beanbag chair that Sensor had managed to get on the other Legion's world. "You also told me that my attitude was probably what cost me my Planetary Champion title. And you were right as well."

Sensor forced herself to meet Umbra's gaze. "Your point?"

"My point, Jeka," Umbra drew nearer, "is that we are all alone now. Just the two dozen of us. And I think it is more important than ever that we help each other. I learned that the hard way when we were lost in the Second Galaxy. My doubts and fears directly endangered our teammates. And I said some things to Candi which I was never able to apologize for before she fell." Tasmia's face was now inches away from Sensor's. She stretched out a hand. "I know it is difficult to accept the changes wrought upon you. But I would like to help, if I may."

"... I appreciate that, Tasmia. I do. I..." Sensor steeled herself. If her family would be horrified at her physical form, at least let them be proud of her bearing and grace. Like a queen would. And Tasmia was right - her teammates were all she had now. It was no time to push them away. "You are right, and I shall try. Perhaps tomorrow night, you can visit me in my tent? I shall serve tea, and we can discuss the role of planetary champions in our respective worlds?"

Tasmia smiled as she stood and made a graceful bow, like how she had done for only the clan chiefs of Talok VIII. "I gratefully and humbly accept your invitation, Princess Jeka of Orando."

Sensor drew up and forced herself to bow from the waist. It felt odd; her old form didn't have a defined waist. "I thank you for your acceptance, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII. We appreciate your kind assistance." Sensor was surprised to realize that she actually looked forward to tomorrow night.

****************************************************************

"Ferro? Ferro, wait up."

Ferro turned to see Triad flying towards him. "Oh. Hi, Triad."

"Hi, Ferro. So... ever since you returned after the whole Universo thing, we've been really busy. And we haven't had the chance to speak much."

"Yeah, I know. I appreciate the invitations though. I was going up to see you when the Darkseid thing happened."

Triad put her hand behind her neck. "Well, now that things have calmed down somewhat... would you like to talk?"

"Yes, yes I would."

They walked in silence for a while as they tried to find a good spot. "Um, I think Tinya and Jo are over there... and I know Ayla went to see Vi in her tent, and... OH SPROCK!" Surprise and a little bit of amusement appeared on Ferro's face as Triad triplicated. Purple rounded on Orange and Neutral. "Grife, stop wasting time and just say it already! If you won't, I will!" Orange's eyebrows climbed to her forehead. "Oh, right, because you're the diplomatic one!"

"Sisters, this is embarrassing!" Neutral raised her hands in exasperation. "Oh Ferro, I'm sorry, this is all a mess and I just wanted to say..."

"I'm sorry." Ferro said.

"Huh?" all three Triads stopped in their tracks.

"I'm sorry for being too sensitive. I got hurt when Purple said I was stupid, that time when we were transporting the Plague. But I made the mistake of avoiding you instead of talking to you about it. And I realize now that just because one of you thinks that, doesn't mean all of you think that. You, collectively, have been pretty good to me. I don't want one outburst to ruin that."

"Wow. I'm impressed. That was pretty direct, Ferro."

"You can call me Andy, Lu. But please, make sure to treat me nicer from now on, okay?"

"We will," Neutral and Orange said together before Purple could react. "Right, sister?"

"... Right," Purple said with a big smile. "I'm sorry, Andy."

"Apology accepted," Andy smiled as he took Lu's hand. "Come on, let's go get some hot chocolate. I snagged some from the other Legion's commissary."

"Oh my grife, did you see their drop tubes? So not as good as ours," Neutral smiled.

They walked off into the night, as they chatted about old times.

**********************************************************************

IB's notes -
1) Sensor was transformed from her original snake form, to her half human/snake form, in Legion 18. As for Umbra, when she and Sensor were new Legionnaires on their first mission, they had a bit of a falling out - Sensor called Umbra out on her constant negativity and sarcasm (Legionnaires 44). For more on Umbra's Shadow Champion story, see Legends of the Legion 3; her hard-headedness and refusal to see other points of view, led to her sabotaging United Planets efforts to contact her home planet of Talok VIII; which resulted in them kicking her out.

2) Triad and Ferro fell out in LSH 112. Triad Purple called Ferro stupid for letting some prisoners trick him into setting them loose. Ferro refused to be friends with Triad as he could not be friends with anyone who demeaned his intelligence that much.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Wanderers Part 5 - 05/04/14 01:59 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another universe...

Dreamer silently watched Star Boy prepare to go to bed. He moved with such confidence and strength, it almost made her think that her vision had been wrong.

Or maybe it was a time yet to come.

"Thom, I..." She stopped as he turned to face her, all smiles. "What is it?"

"I... oh Thom. Remember when we met up on Legion World during the Robotica War? I... I acted weird at first."

"Yeah... I wondered about that. Thought it was space fatigue, or that you were mad I jumped ship during the escape from Xanthu."

"Thom, I have to tell you. It was because of a vision I had on the way to Earth."

"... go on."

"I... oh grife. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier, but... I saw your grave."

Thom sat down silently, and he stared ahead. "The intensity of your visions help you gauge how much time before they come true, right?"

"That's the thing Thom; this one seems to break the rule. And I've consulted with other Naltorians, but I'm the first precognitive one in seven generations. There's little anyone can tell me."

"Well, then..." Thom said as he nuzzled against Nura's cheek, "I know your power is all about the future, but we're all going to die eventually. And I'll choose to believe that your vision takes place decades in the future, because I don't plan to die until we've lived our lives together."

"Oh, Thom," Nura said as her eyes welled with tears. "Come here and hold me."

They fell asleep moments later, still in each others' arms.

****************************************************************

Saturn Girl reached out to tousle Live Wire's red hair. "I admit, Garth; even though I still loved you when you had Element Lad's form, having you back in your original body is a treat."

Garth grinned as he flexed his arms. "It's also great having both my arms back. I'm just glad I thought of borrowing the wand one last time from the other Brainy before he used it to bring Impulse back." His face fell a bit as he considered things. "I wish there had been time to gather everyone around. We could have healed Ferro, restored Sensor and even given Wildfire back a body... We might even have been able to save Kinetix."

Imra pulled Garth closer to her. "I hope you're not blaming yourself, Garth. We were all occupied then, and we certainly couldn't have paused the battle. We needed Bart restored."

"I know, Imra, I know. And thanks for the reassurance. I just wish we could have helped the others..."

Imra cupped Garth's chin gently, and looked into his eyes. "You're a great man, Garth Ranzz, and I love that about you. But in the past year and a half, you sacrificed yourself to save two galaxies; returned trapped in the crystal form of our deceased teammate; and almost sacrificed yourself again to appease a madman in the Second Galaxy. It's about time you stopped feeling so responsible for things beyond your control. Besides, your fiancee missed you so much while you were gone..."

Garth kissed Imra as passionately as he had when she accepted his marriage proposal. Perhaps even more so.

"That was a great speech, Imra," Garth smiled as he swept back her hair. "You just left out the part about me being a better kisser than both Rokk and Jo," he added with a wink.

"Oh, you!" Imra laughed as she hit him with a pillow. "Don't make me regret telling you all about the things I did!"

"You know you can tell me anything, honey..." Garth kissed her on the cheek again.

"Okay," Imra winked as she stood up. "You'd better brush your teeth, because your breath still smells like the stew we had for dinner."

It was Imra's turn to be hit by a pillow. Giggling, she picked one up and swatted Garth back.

A few minutes later, both were panting heavily and cuddling in bed.

*************
IB's notes:

1) Star Boy stayed behind on Xanthu to cover the evacuation; Dreamer had a vision of his grave then (Legion Worlds 4).

2) The timing for Garth's restoration is tight. In Legion of 3 Worlds, the Earth-1 (?) Brainiac 5 used the magic wand to transform Garth back into his Live Wire form. He still had a robot arm then. In my universe, Garth asked for the wand and restored his arm before Brainy used the wand to resurrect Bart Allen.

3) As for Saturn Girl kissing Cosmic Boy, they first kissed in Legionnaires 39. They also dated while stuck in the 20th century (LSH 85-96), until Saturn Girl realized she really loved Live Wire; Live Wire himself was in the 30th century through all this. Saturn Girl kissed Ultra Boy in Legion Lost 9, for context Saturn Girl had been creating a mental/imaginary Apparition to calm Ultra Boy down while lost. Ultra Boy later realized - and confessed - that he had only kissed Saturn Girl because she had "become" Apparition for him. Presumably, Saturn Girl realized the same.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Legion... Still Lost. - 05/06/14 10:35 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...

This scene takes place after Legion Lost (2012 series) issue 16. The Retroboot Legion's Tyroc, Timber Wolf, Tellus, Chameleon Girl, Dawnstar and Wildfire, along with the Postboot Legion's Gates, had become stranded in their 21st century. They had just defeated a character called Daggor, who had deemed Earth "suitable" for his master and had planted some sort of device to contact or summon said master. They are joined by Agent Jocelyn Lure of the 31st century organizaiton called Echo.

As his new teammates waved goodbye to a departing Superboy, Caitlin Fairchild and Ridge, Gates surveyed the site of their battle. Despite his bravado, he was weary. He gingerly felt the burned flesh on one half of his body; it had stopped hurting long ago, but defeating the creature who had hurt him did nothing to heal his body. Or erase the memory.

"What are you thinking, Gates?" A jolly Timber Wolf placed an arm around Gates' shoulder. "Thinking about how to make Daggor's master pay when it arrives on Earth?"

"Heh. Being stranded here is more than enough punishment, Brin. But I'm more excited thinking about how we're going to take a nice vacation before that happens. Right, Tyroc?"

Tyroc adjusted his shades, then smiled. "I think we've earned it, team. After all we've been through, we definitely do."

"And now that all this is gone, maybe we can finally go home," Yera added. "There shouldn't be anything stopping us, right Agent Lure?"

"I don't see why not, besides the fact that Captain Adym has our time bubble. My sensors say he went backwards in time, rather than forward. There's some sort of temporal anomaly in this immediate time period; we may not be able to return home until it passes."

"Great!" Gates threw up his arms. "Maybe we WILL get stuck here until Daggor's master comes, after all. Shouldn't matter to me though. I've been stranded in my universes's 20th century before. I was kidnapped and imprisoned for a year! I've been stranded in the space between universes! Twice! And those aren't just places you can teleport from! Sprock me, am I just going to keep getting bounced from place to place without control of my fate?! I'm starting to feel like a ping pong ball!"

"What did you just say?" Agent Lure asked. "I... oh."

"Gates, I would recommend being careful," Tellus admonished as his telepathic signature surrounded Agent Lure's head. "Though she aided us and sided with us against Captain Adym, we do not know how much we can trust Agent Lure. Though I can wipe the last minute or so from her mind, I do not wish to tamper with her memories any more than necessary."

"Do it, Tellus. And Gates, we didn't go through all that trouble of falsifying a cover story for you and XS for show," Tyroc added. "It wouldn't do to let anyone outside the team know you're from another universe."

"Bah! Using the political machinery to lie about something I'm not even ashamed of. Just like corrupt 20th century who lied about their nations' immigration policies..." Gates muttered. "Okay, I am sorry. You just don't know how frustrating it is. After all I've been through..."

"Try me, little bug," Wildfire shook his head. "Try me."

"Wait." Dawnstar's wings flapped mightily as she rose into the air. "I see something coming."

Everyone turned to follow her finger, and Gates' breath caught as he saw. A black-armored figure zipped around the battle site, blue hair flowing in the wind. Its wings, like a dragonfly's, fluttered quickly in the air. It wore nothing but a loincloth around its waist and a band on its wrist.

"SPROCK ME!" Gates yelled. "A Kwai! That's one of Shikari's people!"

"Your Legion's pathfinder?" Dawnstar gasped. "But I thought we had determined her people did not exist in our universe?"

"Yeah, exactly! Don't let him get away!" Gates yelled as he teleported near the Kwai. His eyes bulged even more as he materialized near his target; he looked just like a male version of Shikari. Gates let his buried emotions well up; hope and homesickness mixed together in his belly. "Brother Kwai! How did you get here? Do you know a way back to our world?"

The Kwai looked at him curiously. "Oh, silly me, forgot to fiddle with my teleplug. There, I've set it to your language. How did you get here? Do you know how to get home?"

"Legion?" The Kwai asked, eyes narrowing in recognition. Then, with lightning speed, he lunged at Gates.

Gates teleported instinctively, but not before the Kwai had grabbed at his costume. "Sprock it! Why is everyone trying to kill me?" Gates yelled as the Kwai swung his arm back to deliver a killing blow.

"Back off, pal!" An energy blast from Wildfire blew the Kwai back. It dodged the next blast and hissed; then it began flying away as fast as it could.

"We have to stop him!" Gates quickly teleported himself, Wildfire and Dawnstar in front of the Kwai. "Okay, squaj, you are standing still and answering my questions."

"I answer only to my master," the Kwai spat out. He pressed his wristband. The Legionnaires' jaws dropped as a flash of bluish-white light rotated into view, and widened into a triangle. Before any of them could react, the Kwai flew into it, and it closed before they could enter.

"SPROCK, SPROCK, SPROCK!" Gates roared in fury as he stared at the sky. No trace of the Kwai, or of the gateway, remaind.

"I can't sense his trail anymore," Dawnstar asked. "What was that, Gates?"

"It was a sprocking Threshold, Dawnstar. Either someone has created this technology in your universe, or - and I'm hoping this is the case - someone has figured out how to cross between our universes. And if they do, though I have been honored to have served with you as a fellow Legionnaire, I am going to find them and make them take me home."
The return of Gates!!!!!!
For me, the Postboot Legion won't be complete without the irritable teleporting bug, Gates!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Mosaic - 05/08/14 08:56 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


This scene takes place after that Adventure Comics #526, where XS is seen working on mosaics. She turned down a post at the Legion Academy then.

Unusual for her, XS sat in silence, motionless. The baking sun caused sweat to run down her forehead; fish and frogs splashed in the river behind her as butterflies flitted around; birds chirped as they hopped from branch to branch, no longer wary of the silent intruder in her midst. Yet XS didn't react at all.

*Poop-a-doop* "Friends XS really boring Quislet!" Though it had only met her a few months ago, Quislet had warmed to the speedster; she was one of the few who could keep up with it. "You recruited me to join you saying it was urgent! Quislet didn't even tell other Legionnaires! But now you're just making Quislet wait. Boooooooooooooring!"

XS snapped out of her reverie. "Sorry, Quis. This mosaic - thanks for helping find a place to make it, by the way - it triggered memories in me. I remember now." It had, and a fairly unpleasant one at that. When she was lost in the time, she had jumped through a few eras before making it home. Her last stop had been at the place called Vanishing Point. The mysterious Time Trapper had told her that she still had an ultimate role to play. And he had given her the information she needed to fulfill that role... she just hadn't remembered it all clearly until now.

She stood up. "Well, finally!" Quislet chirped. "Are we going now?"

"Yes," XS whispered. She was still reeling from the mosaic. She hadn't intended to abandon her friends - she had just wanted to see if she could find any remaining family here - but now she doubted whether that had been her own decision, or a subtle push from the Time Trapper's. "The memories are clear now, Quislet. They started leaking out soon after I got here. The mosaic helped me remember them fully."

"Blah, blah, blah," Quislet scoffed as its ship zipped around XS. "Stop explaining already, Quislet doesn't care how. Quislet just wants to know what next?"

"Next," XS said grimly, her face focused in determination, "we find my friends, wherever they are. And we find a way home."

***********************************************************************

XS' mosaic was introduced in Adventure Comics 526. Her encounter with the Time Trapper was in Legionnaires Annual 3, when she was traveling home from the 20th century. I just tied the two together.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Happy Days - 05/08/14 07:14 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another universe...


The last time we saw Kinetix was in Legion of 3 Worlds. Superboy-Prime used his heat vision on her; she blew up; and Mordru absorbed her magic. Mordru was in turn absorbed by the Retroboot Legion's White Witch, turning her into the Black Witch.

Element Lad, driven insane by his long isolation and immortality in the Second Galaxy, had become the Progenitor. As Monstress tried to appeal to his old self, he killed her with a touch. He himself was hideously merged with the Omniphagos, and was electrocuted by Live Wire. (Legion Lost 11-12)

Leviathan bravely sacrificed his life to stop Doctor Regulus, becoming the third Legionnaire to fall in the line of duty. (LSH v4 83)


"Dear! That is such a sweet, sweet design! It fits me PERFECTLY!"

Zoe smiled as her lanky, athletic friend Candi tried on the dress Zoe had made for her. The pale, soft yellow hues and the pinkish magenta colors contrasted perfectly; the straps were just the right width to accentuate Candi's height while flattering her firm shoulders. Candi twirled around in front of the mirror. "I just love how it flows!"

"I knew even before you told me," Zoe grinned. "Your face hasn't lit up like that since you made the basketball team."

"Well, I can't help gushing about it! It's just so wonderful. You're such a dear," Candi picked the petite Zoe up and swung her around.

"Whoa there, girl!" Zoe laughed. "You're going to get your dress all wrinkly!"

Candi hastily put Zoe down. "That wouldn't do at all, not after how hard you worked on it. And you made some for the others too! And your own! I can't get over how talented and thoughtful you are."

"Oh, stop it Candi," Zoe giggled. "I just made one for Sally, she's my best friend after all. And one for Jenny, and Ayla. And of course you. You've been such a good friend, Candi. Especially after my dad passed. It's the least I could do." Zoe felt a little pang of sadness at the thought of her dad. She still missed him sometimes. She quickly changed the subject; sensitive and caring as Candi may be, she didn't want to segue into a talk about grief now. "So, do you know if Jan has his suit picked out?"

"Oh, you know how he is," Candi had carefully changed out of her dress and back into her normal outfit - long pants and a loose flowing blouse. "He doesn't care so much about appearances, but I'm sure his mom will drag him to a tailor soon enough. If she can tear him away from his musings. He's not as worldly as Gim."

"But you like him anyway," Zoe stuck her tongue out, and Candi blushed.

"Well, you like Gim a lot! Remember when you snuck into the ladies' room to dodge Roy from asking you, and you texted Sally and Jenny to stand guard outside and wait for him to leave? And you made sure to sit beside Gim at lunch for a week until he asked you!"

"Hey, it's not my fault it took him a while to come to his senses," Zoe retorted. "Imagine! He just assumed I was going to go with him."

Candi waved a hand. "You HAVE been going out non-officially for a while, dear. You know how men can be, so dense."

"Hmm. Men? It's weird, huh? After this, we'll be in our final year in high school, and then it's off to college. I haven't really thought about that yet."

"Tell me about it," Candi plopped down with a sigh. "I'd love to continue playing basketball, but my dad's always on my case to learn more about the "family business". He manages it just fine with his army of advisors! I told him I want to at least go to college on my own before I come back. Just because he never had a college education doesn't mean I shouldn't."

"It must be hard, Candi," Zoe sighed. "I guess we're opposites in a way. My mom hasn't even invited me to join her as an archaeologist, and she hasn't replied to my emails about good colleges for that. I mean, I'd love to pursue a fashion career, but I see little enough of her as it is. And I find ancient ruins so fascinating. I've only been to Angkor Wat and the Teotihuacan; there are so many others I'd love to see." She pulled on her hair as she thought. "Oh, but she says we're going to Machu Picchu this summer. I can't wait!"

"You lucky girl, you!" Candi squealed. "Dad only ever likes to go to Tokyo, or London, or Hong Kong, or Paris. I love shopping and all but I think I've been to every store there by now, they have an express lane just for me!"

Zoe laughed in unison with Candi; her friend was rich and privileged, but she was so sweet you would never take it against her. Candi would always bring home the most expensive dresses for her friends. But what was important for Zoe was being able to express her creativity by designing clothes. She just felt lucky she had good friends like Candi. It made the tedium of living alone with her elderly aunt and annoying young brother a lot more bearable.

She was jolted our of her thoughts by her ringing phone. "Whoops! Sally says Tina's given the all clear. Her mom's on her way to the airport. Slumber party's on!"

"Finally! I've been waiting for this for ages." Candi sat down on the beanbag and motioned to Zoe's closet. "Guess you'd better get started trying on outfits. The least I've ever seen you try on is a dozen."

Zoe stuck her tongue out at Candi as she began grabbing clothes. "You yourself once said that a lady always has to look her best!"
She couldn't help herself; a big smile crept on her face as she looked at the mirror. Good friends, chances to pursue her passions, and the interest of one of the cutest boys in school? She couldn't have asked for a better life.
That is a really sweet "after life" for Zoe. But I have a feeling that's not where she's staying for long ;-)

love that XS is coming back out way too and that Quislet maybe along for the ride.
but I want to know what the heck does the mosaic clear up and what's this ultimate destiny? Is it destined to be back on earth 247???
can't wait for more!!!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


XS vibrated through the glass door of the Flash museum. She wasn't quite as skilled at this as Uncle Wally was, but through practice she could easily go through solids that were less thick. She didn't dare try this on living beings, though.

She held out a stone. "Okay, Quislet, time to move into your temporary home. And remember, be quiet."

She watched in amusement as the stone grew arms, legs and a face. "Stone? What, XS think Quislet like Blok? Maybe next time you give me plastic or inertron, huh?"

XS rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "I have some in my pack. Come on, let's get your ship through. But I'll do it, not you; we only want to deactivate the alarms temporarily, not destroy them."

"And what do I do again? Float around while you have all the fun?"

"Oh Quis. You're my eyes, remember? You can see the energy patterns my human eyes can't."

"Oh, okay, I remember now! Point the way!"

They crisscrossed through the museum, Quislet directing XS the whole way. "Go right here, don't step on that second tile, skip three tiles ahead... there'a force shield over here..."

After about half an hour, with XS' speed tempered by how fast Quislet could instruct her, they finally got to their goal - the security room.

*halt, who goes there? Identify yourselves," chirped a security droid.

"This is a job for Quislet!" Quislet began to flow out of the stone body it inhabited.

"No, Quis, we want to minimize the destruction we cause. I'll handle it," XS said. She dashed off past the droid and into the security room. A second later, the droid had powered down. "There. I set the system to reboot after 15 minutes. Just enough time for you to get your ship, and me to send some messages."

Quislet's tiny stone body shrugged, and then broke down into a mass of tiny pebbles. XS quickly swept them up, then took out their Omnicom. She sent out messages to Brainiac 5, Dream Girl, Cosmic Boy, Legion Liaison Shvaughn Erin, and former Legionnaire Gim Allon.

"Whew, it feel good to be back in Quislet's ship! Can we go now?"

"Yes, Quislet, we'll go now. Okay, remember, I need you to guide me as we go through time. Okay? Watch out for any weird interference patterns."

"Okidoki! As long as we go somewhere fun. Age of the dinosaurs maybe? Or cowboys, Quislet like cowboys! Fun to possess bullets!"

"Maybe if we have time, Quislet. But we need to hurry." XS checked to make sure everything was in order. "Okay, let's go!"

She began to run. It felt good to let loose like this.

The walls around her began to blur, and soon she and Quislet were rocketing through the timestream. She hoped they were looking in all the right places.
Originally Posted by Omni
That is a really sweet "after life" for Zoe. But I have a feeling that's not where she's staying for long ;-)

love that XS is coming back out way too and that Quislet maybe along for the ride.
but I want to know what the heck does the mosaic clear up and what's this ultimate destiny? Is it destined to be back on earth 247???
can't wait for more!!!


You know me too well, Omni smile I'm just taking the opportunity to explore Zoe's underlying wants and needs. Why does power mean so much to her, and all that.

XS isn't just a key Legionnaire, but let's just say her ultimate role is very important to the galaxy at large too wink

Glad you're getting all excited! It certainly encourages me to keep writing!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another universe...


Zoe fumed silently as she stared at her laptop screen. It had been thirty minutes and she still hadn't written a single word. She tapped her fingers on the laptop's side. Maybe if she rewrote this sentence...

Sally suddenly whispered in her ear. "I'll just stand up for a moment, Zoe." Zoe nodded absentmindedly; Sally understood she needed to concentrate and had been sitting silently all this time.

"This seat taken?" Zoe nearly jumped up as someone plopped on the seat beside her.

"Sally's sitting the- Oh, it's you!" Zoe's tone quickly changed from anger to delight as Gim Allon smiled back at her. "It's okay, Gim," Sally smiled from the next table over. "Ayla and I have to work on our history paper."

"So, what's gotten your forehead scrunched up like that," Gim asked.

Zoe quickly smoothed out her face and put on her best smile. "It's my entry to this travel blogger contest. The theme is sustainable tourism, and I'm writing about how we can help local communities earn a living from their tourist sites while protecting them as well. Sites like Machu Picchu in Peru and Petra in Jordan are under danger from commercialization. We need to balance sharing them with the whole world, and preserving them for the future. Especially since archaeologists think we haven't discovered all their secrets yet."

"Whew," Gim breathed. "I've only ever read about them, but I know they're just as amazing as the pyramids in Mexico and Guatemala. My dad visited Jordan on his way home from Iraq, and the pictures are breathtaking."

"You're certainly a lot more cultured than most of the boys," Zoe smiled. "My brother thought Machu Picchu was a new Pikachu evolution!"

Gim chuckled. "He IS only twelve, but that's pretty funny. So, do you need some quiet while you work on your entry?"

"No, no, I think talking about it could help me with my writers' block. I have my introduction down pat, but I'm having trouble linking it to a specific site. I want to pick one with a lot of historic significance. Even if I don't win, I want to reuse this for my college applications."

"Oh yeah, you want to take up archaeology. That's pretty cool." Zoe detected a hint of sadness in Gim's voice.

"Yeah," Zoe said tentatively. "And you're going to join the military, right? You've been taking Krav Maga classes since forever."

"Just like my dad," Gim said with a small smile. "I guess we're both going to go out into the wide, wide world."

"Yeah, but we'll still be in touch," Zoe smiled. "That's what the Internet is for, right?" She moved her arm ever so slightly near Gim's. She felt her skin tingle as the light brush of the hairs on Gim's arm tickled her elbow.

"Of course we will," Gim smiled back. "I'm really looking forward to prom."

"Me too," Zoe's heart beat in her chest as she forced herself to remain calm and coy. From the corner of her eye, she could see Sally and Ayla stealing amused glances. She remembered what Tina had told her about her experiences with Joe - always make him think he wants you more than you want him.

"Oh, you're sweating a bit, Gim. Do you feel warm?"

"Hmm? Oh, no," Gim dabbed his handkerchief on his forehead. "I didn't notice. I'm actually feeling quite cozy."

Zoe hoped she wasn't blushing. She made a show of checking her phone so she could see her reflection. Satisfied, she turned back to Gim, who was still patting his forehead. "Oh, Zoe, uh, I think you have a few messages from your aunt?"

Zoe tried to shrug nonchalantly. "Oh, yeah, I was about to check them." She hoped Gim hadn't realized that she hadn't been checking her phone at all. She quickly scrolled down the messages.

"Your Aunt Michelle is visiting," it read. "Be home early later."

"Cool, my mom's old friend is over," she told Gim. "She must have returned early from the dig. I wonder what stories she has to share this time?"

"I'd love to hear them," Gim smiled, having regained his composure.

"Don't worry, I'll tell you all about them," Zoe smiled. "Now, here's my shortlist of sites. Which one do you think I should write about?"

She sipped on her milk tea as Gim began winnowing down her list. Life really couldn't get much better than this.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Legion Found! - 05/11/14 07:35 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


"Well? Did you find anything?" Gates' spat as Dawnstar and Tellus approached.

"Hey, easy, little bug," Wildfire grumbled. "No need to get pushy."

"This may be my only chance to get home to my universe, Wildfire," Gates pointed back. "And if we can do that, we may be able to get you back to your future too."

"It is okay, Wildfire. Thank you for your concern, but I understand Gates' sense of urgency." Dawnstar landed and shook her wings to clear them of the pollution in Earth's atmosphere. "That doorway that we saw was indeed an interdimensional portal of some sort. It was not opened from Earth, though. I can find no traces of it here. I'm sorry."

"And I could detect no thoughts within the area. Nor can I detect the thought patterns of this Kwai on Earth," Tellus added.

"Great," Yera said as she sat down. "More mysteries. As if that whole thing with Harvest wasn't enough."

"And Echo?" Tyroc said. He held up his hands as Yera glared at him. "Sorry, Yera. I know the Echo thing's cleared up. You proved your loyalty is still with the Legion. And I agree with you, stopping Harvest is still important."

"But getting home is more important, right?" Timber Wolf growled. "We can use the resources of the entire Legion, and of the 31st century, to stop Harvest."

"And the resources of Echo," Agent Lure offered. "We are not enemies, Legionnaires."

"No, we are not," Yera said. "We both have the same goal - to stop Harvest. And I'm coming clean, Tyroc. I was sent in the past to stop Harvest. He is suspected to be a rogue Echo agent."

"Yera!" Agent Lure rounded on her as she drew her firearm.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Tyroc said. "Yera is a Legionnaire, Agent Lure, no matter her past. Thank you for telling us what I suspected, Yera. So is that why he has 31st century technology."

"And that may be why we can't jump through time," Yera added. "Harvest might have technology in place to keep us from jumping forward even if we did have technology ready with us."

"I don't like this, Yera," Agent Lure warned. "This information is classified."

"Oh, what use is keeping secrets?" Gates' tone was increasingly annoyed. "Every time we've tried to go to the future, we fail! We can't track down Harvest to see if he has any extra time bubbles, we can't find the Kwai and the Threshold gate he used, and we're trapped here by that splotzing Harvest's machinations!"

"Not quite, Gates!" Everyone turned their faces upwards to see a rainbow of colors coalescing and collapsing into one another. They shield their eyes as the maelstrom of colors died down, and...

"Oh, Gates! How long has it been?! And what happened to your face, are you okay?" Gates gasped in surprise as someone familiar hugged him.

"XS?!" He gasped in surprise as his teammate and fellow exile grinned at him. "Oh my grife! How can you be here? Have you come to take us home?"

"I have. I'm confident I can, anyway," she smiled. "But first, let's let the others have their reunion." She pointed as Quislet made the rounds, greeting its own teammates. "See why Quislet most important Legionnaire? Without Quislet, teammates have no chance to get home!"

Gates laughed as he put an arm around XS' shoulders. "Sprock, when you disappeared like that, I thought I would be the last Legionnaire from our reality!"

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you, Gates. It was like I was in a trance then. But I've worked through it, and I've recalled some very important things about our own universe that the Time Trapper placed in my mind before."

Gates eyes' widened. "So our universe does exist! Jenni, I saw a Kwai just earlier today, but he disappeared through a Threshold!"

"Huh," XS paused. "That's not one of the things I learned from the Trapper. And our universe doesn't exist just yet... but I know how we can get it back."

Gates fell silent as he drank it all in. Then he looked XS right in the eye. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go save our universe again!"
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another universe...


"...right action, which means acting in a non-harmful way, and right speech, which means speaking in a truthful yet non-hurtful way. And those are the factors of the noble eightfold path," Jan enumerated.

"That's fascinating, Jan," Candi smiled down at him. She easily towered above him, but in her eyes the gentle Jan was the tallest man in the world.

"I guess opposites really do attract," Gim laughed as he and Zoe walked behind them.

"Don't tell Jan, but Candi makes it a point to walk home every day so she can join him," Zoe whispered. "She tells her dad she's jogging. It's really cute."

Gim whistled. "Wow. Amazing."

"Well, here's my stop," Zoe smiled as they passed her house. "Thanks for helping me with my essay. You're right, it's a lot easier to write about some place I've been to."

"And Angkor Wat is extremely beautiful. So I've heard," Gim smiled. "I'm sure you'll do a good job."

Zoe smiled wistfully as Gim waved from the street. She waited until he was out of sight, then called Sally on the phone. "Oh my gosh, Sally! Call me when you're free!"

She walked into the house with a smile on her face. "Stan? Aunt Myra? Where are you? Is Aunt Michelle here?"

"I'm right here, Zoe." Zoe spun around to see her Aunt Michelle smiling at her from the doorway. She quickly ran up to hug her. "My, you've grown! And your sense of fashion is outstripping your mom's!" Zoe laughed as she held her aunt's hands. "I haven't seen you in forever. How was your dig in Ethiopia?"

"Found some new ruins of the ancient Kingdom of Aksum," Aunt Michelle laughed. "Sorry I didn't call ahead, your mom asked me to check on you when I got back but I didn't know exactly when I'd get the time. So now, let's catch up. I thought we'd go out to dinner, my treat."

"Okay, let's go grab Aunt Myra and Stan and let's get going." Zoe headed towards the stairs. "No, it's okay," Aunt Michelle laid a hand on Zoe's shoulder. "They can catch up. We can spend some time chatting, just us girls."

Zoe shrugged as she dropped her backpack on the dining table. "Sure, as long as they know where to meet us. Lead on, Aunt Michelle."

They trooped out of the quiet house and over to Aunt Michelle's car. "Humph, Stan didn't even store his bike properly," Zoe muttered as she set it upright. "He can be such a slob."

Aunt Michelle chuckled as Zoe got into the car. "Boys will be boys."

They drove off down the street as Zoe sent a text to Sally. "Be out with my aunt. Call later tonight." Then she eagerly began to quiz Aunt Michelle about her African trip. It sounded like just the place she'd want to visit when she was a full-fledged archaeologist.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another universe...


"Look out, Violet Legion!" Shikari cried. "Thanks, Kari," Violet said as she shrank down, avoiding a faceful of acid.

"Sprock, I hate these crazy dangerous worlds with these crazy dangerous wildlife," Timber Wolf snapped.

"Grife, we need a perimeter," Kid Quantum said. "M'Onel, Andromeda!"

"Already on it... and... done," Andromeda reappeared in front of Kid Quantum. Walls and walls of dirt and stone had been erected, though the enormous worm-like creatures threatened to crawl over the top.

"Thanks. Headcount, please, Imra. Brainy, Gear, Lyle, get us ready to scoot."

"Kid, you and Cham might want to move," Dreamer said. "Trust me."

Chameleon and Kid Quantum complied, and seconds later the section of the perimeter they were standing in front of collapsed.

"Disgusting," Brainiac 5 shook his head. "Everyone under my forcefield!"

"We're ready," Gear called. "Let's go!"

Umbra heaved as they began to disappear into the space between dimensions. "Another day, another hellish world."
Seeing Zoe, Gim, Candi & Jan is bittersweet! Interested to see where that goes!

Nice to see XS and Quislet come to the rescue too! smile
Glad you're liking the return of all these long-absent characters, raz! I'm excited to write the next chapters too!
I have to be honest on my use of Quislet. I'm not a big fan, but it just didn't feel right to leave Quislet's disappearance hanging when I have the opportunity to fix it!
I like that you are using him for more than just inhabiting/disintegrating stuff (eg: recognising the energy patterns). I think he has a lot of potential Levitz never really did anything with because he only ever focused on writing him as the quirky alien guy.

Granted, that's my favourite part about him and what I tend to do as well wink I like to think he has lots of untapped potential though smile
I think you write both Quislet's quirkiness and power effectiveness well, so all good tongue As for my use of Quis, thanks! I needed to justify XS pulling Quis into her mission, so energy patterns was it. I have a bit more in mind too wink

Quislet's original tenure was just too short IMO. Quis' departure from the team was pretty abrupt as well.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another universe...


Zoe rubbed her tummy as they exited the restaurant. "That wat is pretty strong. Whew!"

Aunt Michelle smiled. "Red onions, chili peppers, turmeric, and their berbere mix of spices. Trust me, the authentic thing's even spicier."

"I guess I'll have to get used to it then," Zoe smiled. "I really want to visit Africa one day. Aksum in Ethiopia, Greater Zimbabwe, Timbuktu in Mali, and of course Egypt."

"You'll get there one day," Aunt Michelle said as she looked at her watch. "You want to grab some coffee? It's still pretty early."

"That's be great. Starbucks has this new caramel fudge flavor... But let me try to get a hold of Aunt Myra and Stan one more time. It's just weird how she got sick all of a sudden after we left home."

"Maybe she's asleep. She didn't answer last time you called."

"Good point... I'll try Stan." Zoe tapped on his number and waited. Four rings, five, six. "Stan?"

This is Stan the Man! I'm probably out having fun. Leave a message after the beep!

Zoe frowned. "Ugh, I hate his voice mail message. I'll try our home line." Again, the line rang. But again, there was no answer.

"Odd... Maybe I should ask Salu or Imra to peek in," Zoe mused. "Imra lives just across the street, and Salu's just around the corner."

Aunt Michelle fixed Zoe with an interested gaze. "I'm sorry, who are Salu and Imra?"

"Oh! I mean Sally and Irma. Grife. Where's my head at? I must be worried."

Aunt Michelle's eyes narrowed for a second. "It's unraveling."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Oh, nothing, just a term I picked up in Ghana. They're very Old English over there." Aunt Michelle's face was the picture of serenity. "Tell you what. Let's grab some frappuccinos and some takeout, and then we'll go check on them."

"Sounds good," Zoe said. Aunt Myra was pushing 65; she couldn't help but worry. She sat in silence as they drove to Starbucks. "A mocha frappe and a pluberry muffin, please," she said absentmindedly.

She didn't even notice Aunt Michelle's raised eyebrow.

As they exited the drive-through, Aunt Michelle pointed to the pendant Zoe wore. "I think your mom gave you that, right?"

Zoe fingered it unconsciously. "Yeah, it's a crescent moon and star. Mom got it in Uzbekistan. Said it's a symbol of the ruler's authority. Also looks really pretty."

"It's a nice shade of green."

"Emerald green, yeah. My favorite color."

Aunt Michelle fell silent for a moment. "I might drop by your school tomorrow to meet an old friend of mine. You might know him. About fifty, hair's all white, but keeps in good shape. Full beard. Teaches history."

"Oh, you mean Mr. Morgan? He's a great teacher. Has so many stories about ancient temples and their mystical uses. Once, he had this slide show on the ancient cities of Sri Lanka and the temples of Cambodia. Next week he's going to talk about the ancient Mayan temples."

"Hmmm. You like his classes?"

"Oh, yeah! He even says he'll help me with my college essays. He knows a lot about archaeology."

"That's nice," Aunt Michelle said. "He always did have a way with words."

"Yeah. He really got me interested in seeing all those places firsthand." Zoe looked out the window wistfully. "Say, isn't that the firehouse? That's at the opposite end of town, Aunt Michelle. Shouldn't we turn around?"

"I just thought of taking the scenic route. Besides, I know a good takeout place at the far end. Greek food. There's a Filipino place beside it, and a Mexican one, and a Thai one. We won't be spoiled for choice. And we can have the leftovers tomorrow."

"Okay... Well, Stan likes spicy food so Mexican and Thai are good. And he can't get enough of that Filipino sisig dish either..."

Zoe quieted down as they sped through the empty streets. She knew everything should be alright, but she couldn't help but worry.
Love this scene with Zoe. Looks like it is all beginning to unravel.

but I have a question why is it set in the present day and not just her life in the legions future, just without the legion?
This is very cool! At first I thought you were just doing another universe's version of Zoe and the others but now it looks like something completely different! smile
Hi Omni and raz, thanks so much for keeping up with my story and for commenting on it smile I really appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Omni
Love this scene with Zoe. Looks like it is all beginning to unravel.

but I have a question why is it set in the present day and not just her life in the legions future, just without the legion?


Glad you're enjoying Omni smile I've been itching to get to this part ever since I first plotted it out in my mind.

And that's a very good question! To be honest, before you asked it, I hadn't settled on an in-story explanation - but once you asked and I forced myself to think about it, I came up with one. You'll see it in the next 3-4 installments.

From a writing perspective, I chose the present day because a) it's easier for me to write, and b) I wanted to use Zoe's "universe" as a smokescreen for where I'm going next. But I think you know me so well that you figured it out from the first Zoe post! smile

Originally Posted by razsolo
This is very cool! At first I thought you were just doing another universe's version of Zoe and the others but now it looks like something completely different! smile


Thanks raz smile I'm glad I was able to mask the direction of the plot. I hope the next few parts flow naturally from where I've already taken the story!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


Tellus tried to hide his curiosity about Agent Jocelyn Lure as the pair flew through the skies towards their target. He had picked up a distrust of Science Police officers because of Captain Adym's actions and the tidbits he had picked up from Chameleon Girl... but Agent Lure was different. She had sided with the Legion against detonating a bomb that could wipe out half the continent, declining to sacrifice the few to save the many.

She was a puzzle.

Her crisp yet melodious voice interrupted his thoughts. "I would have thought Dawnstar would be leading this retrieval mission, not you."

"She's needed back there," Timber Wolf growled. "XS said she needs Gates, Dawnstar, Tyroc, Quislet and maybe even Wildfire to help her out. Funny how so many of the Legionnaires whose powers are essential to break the time barrier just happened to be on this mission."

"I wasn't involved in selecting the mission team," Agent Lure said coolly. "And besides, without XS' speed we wouldn't have a shot at getting back home from this present time."

Brin grit his teeth. "You may be our ally now, but I still don't trust Echo."

"Wouldn't expect you to. That's how you survived this long, after all."

"Please be quiet," Tellus muttered. "It is difficult filtering through all these thoughts while maintaining our cloak."

"So take a break, Tellus. We're close enough that I can sniff her out. Set us down in the center of the area you've identified."

As soon as Tellus complied, Timber Wolf jumped forward and dove through an open window. Latching onto the frame, he swung himself around and behind the door leading to the roof and opened it. "Ladies and Hykraians first," he bowed as he motioned for them to enter.

"Charmed," Agent Lure said as she entered. They made their way down the flights of stairs until they reached the second floor. "Over here," Brin motioned. They walked until they reached Apartment 247.

"Are you sure that's her?" Agent Lure asked.

"Positive," Brin said. "I never forget a smell."

"Nor do I forgot brainwaves," Tellus added. "She is the one we seek."

Agent Lure nodded and rang the doorbell. They waited as footsteps shuffled. "Who is it?" called a timid, weak voice. "I'm not feeling so good. I don't think you should visit me."

"We'll be fine," Agent Lure said. "I'm Officer Lure. I just need to ask you a few questions."

"Can't it wait?" The voice sounded congested; the speaker made a sound as if blowing her nose. "I'm really under the weather."

"I just need a few minutes," Agent Lure said. "Please. This is urgent."

"Okay..." The door slowly opened, and a pale girl with unruly hair appeared behind the door. She leaned on the door frame, tissue in hand. "What do you need?"

Agent Lure looked at Timber Wolf and Tellus one more time, and both nodded. She fixed her gaze on the girl. "You. Popping Planetary Chance Machine Number 247-A 61-EOAE. Somahtur needs you."

"What... oh." The girl dropped her tissue, her eyes glazing over. Then she snapped back to attention and looked down. "GRIFE. What have I been doing all this time? Are you seriously telling me that I let the microbes living in my body affect me?!?"

Timber Wolf shot a smug grin at Agent Lure. "Told you."

"So that is why and how you disappeared. We all thought Earth-Man had tossed you into the timestream..."

"But I was hiding under witness protection. Nobody wanted Earth-Man to copy my powers. Think of the pandemics he could have started," the girl spat. "It's about time somebody kicked his butt!" She pressed something on her wrist, and her appearance shimmered and changed. Now they were looking at a girl still with pale skin, but with purple hair and a pair of white antennae.

"Actually... we beat him up long ago. Someone must have forgotten to bring you back. But we're going home now," Timber Wolf added quickly as Drura started to sputter.

"How long have I been here?!?!"

Agent Lure drew herself up. "On behalf of Echo, I apologize for the delay."

The girl shook her head as she swung the door open entirely. "Never mind. Just bring me home already!"

Tellus held out a hand. "Yes. The Legion of Super-Heroes and the Legion of Substitute Heroes will be glad to have you back in the 31st century, Infectious Lass."
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another universe...


Zoe looked out the window. They had been driving for almost 15 minutes, but hadn't seemed to be getting anywhere. And all the while, Aunt Michelle had been asking her about her friends and teachers.

"When was the last time you went with your mom on a dig?" Aunt Michelle faced straight ahead, as if she was concentrating on the road. Zoe was puzzled; there were no other cars in sight, and almost nobody was walking on the sidewalks. What was she looking at?

"A couple of years ago. It was summer and she'd taken me to explore the Son Doong Caves in Vietnam. Supposedly the world's largest. After that we zipped over to Sagada in the Philippines to study the Lumiang Burial Cave. They stack coffins on top of one another near the entrance."

"Did anything happen there? Anything unusual?"

"Nothing, Aunt Michelle. Look, I enjoy talking and all but don't you think we should be getting home? They might get hungry. And it's late and I'm tired."

"Almost there, Zoe. And don't rush too much. I really enjoy spending time with you."

"I enjoy spending time with you too, but I haven't heard from Aunt Myra or Stan yet. I'm starting to worry."

"Don't be. I'm sure they're fine."

"Yeah, well... it's safe around here, but you never know..." Zoe trailed off as she looked outside. It was still quiet, and the streetlamps showed the streets were empty. Where was everybody?

"Aunt Michelle, you said mom's planning to come back in a couple of weeks. Do you know why she hasn't replied to me yet?"

"Probably just hasn't gotten your emails. Ethiopia isn't exactly perfectly connected yet."

"Okay..." She looked out the window again. "Are you sure you know the right way? I don't really recognize this neighborhood..."

"I can manage," Aunt Michelle smiled while looking straight ahead. "Let's just keep going."

"Okay..." Zoe shrugged as she settled back into her seat. She tried to look at Aunt Michelle out of the corner of her eye. Why was she gripping the steering wheel like that? Was something wrong?

She pulled out her phone and checked again. Still no texts from Aunt Myra or Stan. Or even Sally; they always talked on the phone for hours. She looked at her last message. "Aunt Michelle's being kind of word. Have you been able to check on Aunt Myra?"

Still nothing. Why was nobody picking up?

She crossed her arms and stared out the window. More of the same boring houses and empty streets. Only, something seemed to be moving, reflected darkly in the window...

She screamed as the car lurched towards its side. "Aunt Michelle?!" she screamed as she raised her hands to protect her face, praying that the car wouldn't turn turtle. The impact pushed them over onto the sidewalk, and the car didn't stop until it slammed into a tree.

"Oh my gosh! Aunt Michelle?" Zoe undid her seatbelt and looked over. Aunt Michelle was groaning, hand on her head. "Are you conscious? Talk to me!" The driver's side door was a tangled mass of metal; she could barely make out another car on the other side. She couldn't see if the other driver was moving.

"Somebody help us!" She looked around in desperation. If the other driver was dead or crazy or a criminal, she was all alone. She shook Aunt Michelle. "Wake up!"

"Leave her, Zoe!" Somebody opened her door and grabbed her. Zoe looked around in surprise. "Mr. Morgan?! Help my Aunt, please!"

"She's not your aunt," Mr. Morgan hissed, dark eyes wide in fury. "Now, come. We need to leave."

"What are you saying? We can't just leave her!"

"I didn't go all this way just to rescue your kidnapper along with you. Now come," Mr. Morgan pulled her out of the car. "We need to go."

"Wait! Kidnap? Are you sure? Did something happen to Aunt Myra or Stan? What do you know?"

"I'll answer all your questions later. Just get into the car."

"No, we can't just leave Aunt Michelle, I..."

Mr. Morgan stopped and stared at her with cold eyes. "You will listen to me now, Zoe. Get in the car right this instant."

Zoe froze. She had never heard her teacher speak like that before. "I..."

"Now, Zoe." His voice was like cold fire. Zoe tried to pull her arm free from his grip, only to feel it tighten. "I said, now."

"Let her go!" Mr. Morgan screamed in rage as Aunt Michelle tackled him. A shocked Zoe held her arm as she watched them both tumble to the ground, rolling around in a struggle. Aunt Michelle shouted, "Keep running, Zoe! Run away now!"

"No, stay there!" Mr. Morgan thundered as he tried to flip Aunt Michelle over. Zoe looked from one to another, unsure of what to do.

"I said run, Zoe! If you want to live again, run as fast as you can!" Aunt Michelle screamed.

Tears flowed down Zoe's face. What was happening? She looked at her mother's oldest friend and her favorite teacher struggling on the ground. Then, she turned and ran off into the night.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another universe...


"Grife," Wildfire shook his helmet as he peered intently at the baby in his hands. "Here's another fine mess you've gotten us into."

The baby gave him a stare that would have made Drake flinch back when he still had a human body. "The whole exercise of jumping into alternate universes and dimensions is, at best, trial and error. We have no way of predicting what each universe will look like before we arrive, hence the numerous precautions we take - including the use of my forcefield, Umbra's darkfield, and Kid Quantum's quantum bubbles for added protection. And you yourself have shown such faith in Shikari's abilities, which are what led us here in the first place!"

"I was joking, Brainy. But still, point," Wildfire said as he set the infant Brainiac 5 down. "I'm just glad your intelligence is intact."

"And so is my knowledge, though I physically have the strength of in infant. Fortunately, Coluan physiology is such that we have complete intellectual ability from an early age. Unfortunately, our teammates comes from races and species which do not share the same advantage..."

"Tell me about it," Wildfire muttered as he looked outside Brainiac 5's forcefield into chaos.

"Hey, somebody play with meeeeee!" Garth yelled as his crying sent arcs of electricity into the sky. "Give me back that cookie or I'll hit you!" Jo cried as he chased a cheeky Brin around the camp. "Ugh, your clothes are ugly," sneered Triad Neutral as she towered over a shrunken Violet. "Yeah, I bet your mommy dresses ugly too," added Triad Purple. "Hey, don't be mean," Triad Orange pleaded as she leaned down to talk to Violet. "Can you grow back up?" "I'm too scared," whispered Violet.

"Guys? I'm not used to babysitting over 20 super-powered toddlers. A little help here?" Ferro held Umbra in one hand, Chameleon in another; his outstretched arms were keeping them as far apart as possible. "Oh, crap!" he quickly set Umbra and Chameleon on opposite large boulders to chase after Spark. "No, don't wander off, Ayla! You might fall over the edge of that cliff!"

"I need to back Ferro up. How do we get out of this, Brainy?"

"I diagnose that this is being caused by a gas. The effect should wear off once we exit this universe. My forcefield will protect the equipment and me, but I need you to fetch M'Onel and Andromeda to operate the treadmill, and Gear to act as standby. You and Ferro will have to keep the others under control, and herd them to the area of the treadmill as soon as we're ready to go."

"Okay..." In a few second, Wildfire returned with M'Onel and Andromeda. "Hey kids, you're arguing over who's faster, right? Well, our friend Querl here has just the thing for you to decide who is!"

In another second, Wildfire returned with Gear. "And I.Z.O.R, Querl needs your help to keep this treadmill working, okay?"

The three toddlers grinned and clapped with excitement as Brainy herded them around.

"Thank you, Wildfire. Now, you may go help Ferro."

"Yeah, thanks, Brainy. Any suggestions how I can keep them quiet?"

"Do I look like a nanny?" Brainy snapped. "Ferro's good with kids, I'm sure he'll think of something."

"I don't think "good with kids" is good enough for dealing with so many super-powered brats," Drake muttered. He found Ferro trying to stop Shikari from attacking Sensor. "That is my prey!" Shikari screamed.

"I'll take her," Wildfire grabbed Shikari. "My armor's tough enough to withstand her armor. For a bit. Any ideas on how we can get them to quiet down?"

Ferro shook his head. "Not unless we can put them to sleep... hey, wait a minute. Let me go find Saturn Girl. If this doesn't work though, you'd better be ready to bring them to me so we can alter their transuits one by one."

"That'd still leave Shikari and maybe Violet and Apparition awake. I hope it does work."

"Just try and herd the kids together and make sure none of them are doing anything dangerous," Ferro said as he left Wildfire.

Ferro tried to ignore the kicking, screaming and crying kids around him until he could find Saturn Girl. The young blonde was curled into a ball and crying, while a young Cosmic Boy comforted her. "We're going to get into so much trouble!" she bawled. "When the teachers come back, they're going to punish all of us!"

"I've been telling them to shut up, Imra," Rokk says. "We'll be okay!"

"Hey, you're not going to get into trouble," Ferro squatted down so he could meet Imra's eyes. "But I do need your help to calm everyone down. Can you help me?"

Imra nodded shakily even as her tears fall. "Imra, have you ever made someone fall asleep before?"

Imra's eyes widened. "Oh! I don't want to use my telepathy on my friends!"

"Please, Imra. You're only going to make them fall asleep so they can rest. There's nothing wrong with that. Can you do it for me, please? I'm worried I might not be able to stop them from having accidents."

"Why don't you do it, Imra?" Rokk pleaded. "Uncle Andy needs our help!"

"Okay..." Imra said. "I'll do it."

"Thank you, Imra, I really appreciate it," Ferro smiled. "Uncle Drake, did you get that?"

"Yeah, Uncle Andy," Wildfire's amused voice came over their flight rings. "We're all good to go."

"But don't put I.Z.O.R., Lar, Laurel, Querl, Shikari or Uncle Drake to sleep, okay? We need to get our... uh, our hovercar ready to leave."

Imra nodded as she closed her eyes. Seconds later, she opened them. "Okay, I did it."

"She did too, worked like a charm. Good work, both of ya," Wildfire's voice was heavy with relief. "Come on, let's go bring them all to Brainy."

Ferro sighed as he lets Imra ride on his shoulders, while he held Rokk's hand. "Come on, kids. Let's get ready to go. I just hope our next destination doesn't give us so many headaches."
INFECTIOUS LASS!! laugh

I am also enjoying Legion babies, hahaha...poor Ferro & Wildfire wink

I think I know what's going on with Zoe now too! Will be quite interesting to see if her story pans out like I have a feeling it might..!
Our discussion about Quislet made me realize that poor Drura was still missing. I couldn't very well just leave her behind smile

The Legion babies thing was a sudden inspiration. I realized that this version of the Legion hadn't really been deaged yet. Ferro and Wildfire make a good pair of uncles wink

I wouldn't be surprised if you and Omni have predicted where I'm going with Zoe by now smile
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another universe...


Zoe rocked herself back and forth as she tried to make sense of what had just happened. Aunt Michelle had been acting weird, Mr. Morgan had appeared out of nowhere and tried to kill them, and now both seemed to be fighting over her. "Sprock," she muttered as she leaned against a tree trunk. The way things were going, she wouldn't be surprised if a man in a black suit and glasses came to tell her that her mom was a spy behind enemy lines.

"Gri- I mean great. Get a grip, Zoe," she told herself. Grife. Wonder where I made up that word. Bad enough I'm in trouble, now I'm starting to speak in tongues.. She sat back down and considered her options. Repeated calls back home weren't picked up. Sally, Jenny, Ayla, Candi; none of them were answering. Not even Gim, and he usually picked up right away. The best option was to find someone who lived nearby.

She was on Truman Street. Jan lived nearby. Wiping her tears and composing herself, she darted behind the hedge she was hiding behind. Whatever happened, she would not let herself sit her and become a victim.

***********************************************************

Zoe stood with her back to the door as she rang the doorbell frantically. She hadn't seen any traces of Aunt Michelle or Mr. Morgan, but the way he had appeared suddenly a while ago made her not want to take chances. "Come on, come on...!"

She stumbled backwards as the door opened. "Oooomph!" Zoe rubbed her backside gingerly; good thing the floor was carpeted.

"Zoe? What are you doing here so late at night?" Jan asked.

"Oh Jan!" Zoe stood up and held her arms out, pleading. "I don't know what happened. Mr. Morgan - he attacked my Aunt Michelle. And now he's after me, and my aunt told me to run, but she's been acting really weird too, and I don't really know what's going on, and I can't reach my Aunt Myra, and-"

"Wait, calm down Zoe. Are you sure it was Mr. Morgan?"

"Positive." Zoe shivered despite herself. What had happened to Aunt Michelle? Though she'd been acting weird, she was still practically family. "Please, you have to help me. I can't reach anyone and I don't know what's going on."

Jan poured a glass of water and handed it to her. "Okay, I'm going to go get my folks. Maybe we can drive you back to your place. Here, have a seat and hang on."

"Thanks," Zoe said as Jan turned to leave. "I really appreciate it. It's been a really scary night."

"You'll make it through, Zoe. Remember, you're a strong girl." Jan smiled, a warm and sincere smile. Zoe knew Candi liked that about him. She gave a small smile in return.

As Jan disappeared up the steps, Zoe peeked at her phone. Still nothing. She turned it off again; maybe her messages just weren't getting through.

She looked around. The house was very comfortably furnished. She picked up a picture of the Varga family. Each was dressed in formal wear, but though they looked stately they also had big smiles on their faces. She had met Mr. and Mrs. Varga before, and though reserved they were also very warm. No wonder Jan had turned out to be a very wise and mature kid.

She leaned back and looked at the clock. What was taking so long? She couldn't hear any footsteps. She stood up and peered up the stairs. Were Jan's parents already asleep? Maybe she should go up. She placed a tentative foot on the first step.

She was thrown forward as the front door vanished in a blinding explosion. Gasping, she turned around to see smoke billowing through the door. It parted to reveal an angry Mr. Morgan. "You have tested my patience, Zoe. Stop trying to run away."

Zoe desperately tried to pull herself up. "Where's Aunt Michelle?"

"Where she won't trouble you again. Now come."

"No... no! Leave me alone!"

Mr. Morgan strode calmly forward and grabbed Zoe before she could climb up more than two steps. She kicked and screamed and tried to get away, but neither Jan nor his parents seemed to hear her. "They can't help you," Mr. Morgan's normally warm voice was cold as ice. "I'm the only one who can help you now."

As he dragged her to the door, Zoe screamed with all her might. But nobody came to help her.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


Though she hadn't accessed her speed until a few months before becoming a Legionnaire, XS had grown to live and breathe it. The world routinely stood still for her even as it rushed at breakneck speed for the normal sentient on the moving walkway. But right now, her mind was reeling so much she wished she could slow down. And that made her very nervous indeed.

She tried not to think about it as she ran faster and faster on the cosmic treadmill. "I hope all of you are hanging on tightly," she thought through Tellus' telepathic link.

"Nobody's getting left behind," Chameleon Girl replied even as her Durlan form lashed everyone tightly to the treadmill.

"Friend XS just concentrate on running and let Quislet lead, yes? Quislet prove it best Legion leader ever, and you all be my campaign managers at next elections!"

"You, lead? I'd rather let Polecat and the Mess lead me into the Rimborian sewers, or Matter-Eater Lad lead me to a Bismollian buffet," Timber Wolf muttered.

"Quiet, guys," Tyroc hissed. "This is difficult enough without you all providing a distraction!"

"We're approaching escape velocity," XS huffed as she slowly accelerated. Traveling through the dimensions wasn't just about running as fast as you could; you had to control your speed just so. "Quislet, Dawnstar, Gates, your powers should be reacting soon..."

"Oh, sprock! The world is blurring away..." Infectious Lass whispered as the scenery around them began to melt into a rainbow of blending colors. "We're really going home?"

"Not if you don't follow Quislet's instructions! Big bad one-way energy field surrounding this era, yes? Someone thought to keep you all here permanently! So Wildfire and Tyroc listen to me veeeery carefully otherwise we smash into itty bitty pieces of energy that not even Quislet can put together again!"

Drura's eyes bulged. "Sprock me. I don't want to die a thousand years before I was even born!"

"Have a little faith," Wildfire's gloves glowed red with his energy. "Come on Quislet, you little pain. Don't we fire now?"

"Sssh, Quislet boss here, not you! We wait until we reach right frequency. Almost, almost... XS, little faster yes?"

Sweat dripping all over, XS grit her teeth as she pushed the limits of her acceleration. Her chest was heaving like never before.

"You can do it, Jenni..." Gates whispered.

"Almost, almost..." Quislet whispered as the colors began to get brighter. They were melding into each other faster now, like multicolored ink being stirred together. XS had to resist closing her eyes; she hated running blind. And besides, Quislet had said she would see something when the time was right.

"Okay, we here!" Quislet beeped as he let loose a stream of energy right in front of them. The surrounding colors vanished into a painful pure white light; and then, as if belched out by a Naltoria Giant Squid, a solid black aura began coalescing into view. "What the nass?!" Wildfire exclaimed. "That is one mean energy shield! I don't think I could survive hitting that!"

"We are approaching it at a very uncomfortable speed," Dawnstar's voice was calm and soft. "We will hit it in less than a minute."

"Don't chicken out now!" Quislet commanded. "Tyroc, Wildfire, NOW!!!"

Red-orange streams of anti-energy burst forth from Wildfire's containment suit as Tyroc opened his mouth wide. XS knew he was playing around with different hypersonic vibrations until he found the right frequency. She wished she could help, but it was all she could do to maintain the necessary pace. Her grandpa Barry had often made this trip with other speedsters in tow; she was doing it alone with ten others. She had to trust they could do it.

"We only have fifteen seconds," Dawnstar's voice was a calm whisper.

"Tyroc, you need to adjust your frequency!" Quislet commanded. "Higher, higher!" Tyroc clenched both fists as he opened his mouth even more. Reality itself seemed to shake as the red-orange blasts poured onto the blackness. XS forced herself to ignore Gates' and Infectious Lass' cursing as they approached closer and closer...

... and the blackness parted to reveal the swirling colors again!

"We opened a path! What did Quislet tell you??" XS never thought Quislet could sound even more exuberant. "Dawnstar, you need to find our way to the other side of the barrier now!"

"I am already doing so," Dawnstar's wings spread open majestically as she closed her eyes. XS thought she detected a hint of relief. "I see the way! Gates...!"

"Way ahead of you, thanks to Tellus' link. One inter-energy field taxi service coming up! Sprock, I never thought I would be happy to teleport so many people!" XS forced the treadmill through the green teleport disk that Gates created in front of her. Only after they emerged did she let herself slow down. As the treadmill stabilized, Wildfire turned around. "We all did it! We blasted a hole through that barrier! We made it through!"

Cheers erupted all around as Timber Wolf grabbed Gates in a bear hug; Dawnstar kissed Wildfire's helmet; Agent Lure wiped her brow; Infectious Lass collapsed against the treadmill's side while Tellus supported her telekinetically; and Tyroc shook one of Chameleon Girl's hands; all while Quislet zipped around their heads. "Told you Quislet best Legionnaire ever!"

XS let herself smile as wide as she could. She could see a bright greenish yellow ray; the time beacon she had asked Brainiac 5 to set. "Hang on everyone! 31st century, here we come!"
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


This takes place before the last Retroboot story - the new Fatal Five. Sun Boy and Star Boy are still alive, Phantom Girl hasn't fled to who knows where, Glorith and Zerox are still in this plane of existence, and the Legion is not in any danger of being disbanded.

Phantom Girl wanted to pace around the meeting room to soothe her nerves, but she settled for squeezing Ultra Boy's hand instead. She wasn't used to having to restrain her emotions so, but then she wasn't used to being Legion leader, either.

"Any word, Cos?"

Her teammate and old friend shook his head. "Not a peep from Dream Girl since she left."

"Maybe she stopped for a molecudermal spa," Garth said. He held up a hand and went on before Cosmic Boy could retort. "I know Rokk. Despite her manner, she's one of our most responsible Legionnaires. I'm just trying to lighten the mood. I'm not worried, and neither should you. Nura, Imra and Jeckie make a very formidable trio."

"And Star Boy, Element Lad and Brainiac 5 are nearby, to back them up," Tinya added. "I agree, I'm sure there's nothing to worry about. We're all just anxious because - despite Nura's visions - we're not 100% sure they will succeed. Nor are we sure that this will." She indicated the blipping time beacon fixed in the center of the Legionnaires' meeting table. It had been glowing for a little more than an hour now.

"They'll be back, Tinya. I always knew there was no way we'd lose so many Legionnaires permanently," Jo said confidently. "The team's going to get back together and be back better than ever."

"I'm already looking forward to it, Jo," Rokk said as he called up the Mission Monitor Board. "When Nura asked us to ready the team I was struck at how small we've gotte-"

The room exploded in a burst of color before Rokk could finish his sentence. Only Ultra Boy didn't flinch; his invulnerability allowed him to stare into the very Sun itself. "Oh my grife..." he whispered. Then he darted forward.

"I never sprocking thought I'd be so glad to see you again!" he grinned as he gave Wildfire a high-five.

The room burst into noise as the Lost Legionnaires greeted their teammates. Infectious Lass and Agent Lure hung back a little awkwardly while Quislet zipped over everyone's heads. "What did Quislet say? Huh? Quislet is the best Legionnaire ever!"

"Congratulations, XS," Phantom Girl smiled as they shook hands. "You did what nobody else could. You know, you always have a place on our team."

"Thanks, Pha- Tinya," XS smiled. She missed her own teammates, but she was equally a part of this team right now. A little warmth wouldn't hurt. "But my heart is with my own team - I mean, the team I grew up with. I love working with all of you, but I can't forget that we have our own Tinya, and Jo, and Rokk... and some teammates without counterparts here. We have our own universe. Or we will have, if our plan works."

Gates teleported beside the pair. "Yeah. I enjoyed my time with you and all, but I miss our Teenage Death Squad and our reality, flawed capitalistic economy and horrendous political system notwithstanding." He made a show of cracking his arms against one another. "So even though I'm sprocking exhausted and want to gorge myself in some Imskian glubworms, let's get cracking."

"We've been trying to contact Dream Girl, but..." Cosmic Boy spoke. "Wait, I'm getting a call."

Dream Girl's visage appeared over the central meeting room. "Tinya. I know the Lost Legionnaires are back. Are the others I asked for ready?"

"All on standby. Should we head over there now?"

"Right now," Nura said, her normally serene and melodious voice crisp and breathless. "And not just them. Bring everybody you can. It's very bad. And tell Cos and Lydda to start remembering everything they can about 21st century magical heroes. You have to get here in sixty minutes or else we're dead. Nura out."

Everyone in the room stared silently for a second as the call ended. Tinya wished she could just disappear into the floor. But, she was the leader now. She looked at Rokk, the Legion's first and arguably best leader, and he nodded. She swallowed, then lifted her flight ring to her lips.

"Phantom Girl to all available active and reserve Legionnaires and Substitutes. Assemble in the hangar. We leave in fifteen minutes."

As the call went out, she turned to the assembled Legionnaires. "You heard Nura. I'm sorry guys, I know you must be exhausted. But we need you all; I'll have to ask everyone without injuries to join us. Infectious Lass, you're welcome to come along. Gates, I'm sorry but we'll need your powers. Tellus, work with Cos to prepare a mental packet of 21st century magical heroes and their powers and get ready to feed it to everyone en route. Jo and Tyroc, prep our cruisers. Everyone, hop to it. Let's go Legionnaires!"

Over a dozen heads nodded assent, and most of the Legionnaires ran out of the room. Cosmic Boy paused to lay a hand on Tinya's shoulder, and he smiled warmly at her. "This is one heck of a first week as Legion leader, Tinya. But something tells me you'll do just fine."

"I hope so, Cos," Tinya breathed as she tried to smile. "I really hope so."
Loving your work IB!

Zoe's story is great, it reminds me of a Twilight Zone episode where erything the main protagonist (and viewer/reader) believes is subverted and we're left watching something very unusual. I'm intrigued and unlike Raz don't know what to expect next.

Also, Quislet and Xs rescuing the lost legionnaires was genius, and picking up Drura on the way (loved her being in witness protect btw) was great to see. You obviously love Gates as you have written his character so well, it's inspiring me to give him some screen time too in one of my stories.

And what a cliffhanger! Fab, fabber and fabbest - be here within an hour or we're all dead! Nura's visions are always great but that's really quite scary. Great stuff.

More, more, more!
Thanks, Harbi! I always love reading your feedback.

I'm really glad Zoe's story has you hooked. Hopefully I'll be able to make the next twists and turns believable.

Thanks, I'm really enjoying putting the team back together. Honestly, at first I just wanted to reunite the Postboot Legionnaires as quickly as I could (spoiler!); but your own writing (among others) inspired me to do my best with this version of the Legion too. Hence the inspiration to bring the Lost Legionnaires, Quislet AND Drura all back (after you did such a good job of reuniting your own team in your fic!).

I'm pleased that you like how I write Gates; he IS my 2nd favorite Legionnaire of all time. I love his sarcastic, somewhat grumpy personality and the underlying heart of gold it covers up.

I'm glad the cliffhanger worked. I'm very excited to write the next couple of installments smile
Love the teamwork with XS and pals! Also cool to see Dreamy being her doom-portending self wink

She has the most plot devicey power there is but somehow she can always get away with being the one to just tell everyone else "the plot says you have to be here now".

I also quite liked Jo's confidence that the Lost crew were alive the whole time, and it casts his apparent insensitive jock rendition of the last Levitz series in a different light if you consider he never really grieved because he never thought they were gone smile
Thanks raz! I think Nura gets away with it because of her manner and personality. Preboot Nura plays at being shallow but is very formidable; Postboot Nura was beautiful and had gravitas; Threeboot Nura had an air of mystery.

For Jo's confidence, I borrowed from Postboot Jo during his Legion lost days. He himself stated he had the most faith of anyone that they'd make it home then smile I never liked the "dumb jock" portrayal of Jo (Threeboot Jo is probably my most hated Legionnaire). His life on Rimbor should have given him street smarts, confidence in his "intuition" (for lack of a better term) and maturity.
I think you are right about Nura...too often with precog characters they don't actually have a personality outside of speaking up when necessary to move the story along. You can do an entire story with Nura without ever using her power because her personality is strong enough to carry her on its own.

And I dislike dumb jock Jo as well, though I do really like the idea that he lets people think that's who he is because a )it doesn't really bother him what anyone not called Tinya thinks about him and b) it gives him a great advantage. The 5YL Legion was very good to him in that respect smile
Yeah, Nura's excellent fighting skills certainly help when writing stories about her smile Contrast with Marvel's Destiny.

Playing-dumb Jo is the best. It takes a lot of smarts and discipline to not reveal your advantages smile
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another universe...


Zoe tried to hold her tears in as she looked around the room that Mr. Morgan had locked her in. It was bare; besides the bed she was sitting on, there was only a dusty mirror and a small table with a jug of water and a plate of food. There were no windows or other doors, as far as she could tell. She had even scoured the walls for a trapdoor, but there was nothing.

She licked her lips; she was thirsty, but she didn't want to risk drinking the water. It could be drugged or poisoned, for all she knew. Wiping her tears, she sat back down on the bed and cupped her hands to her mouth. Jan... Jan was the only one who knew where she was. Could he be okay? The scene that had unfolded at his house played again in her mind.

Kicking and screaming, Zoe tried to wrest free from Mr. Morgan's grip. "Jan! JAAAAAN!!"

"He can't help you now. Nobody can." Mr. Morgan's voice dripped with cold cruelty as he pulled Zoe to the door.

"Zoe? Zoe?" Footsteps sounded above as Jan's voice came down the stairs. "What's going on?"

"Jan! Help me!"

"I said, he can't help you now," Mr. Morgan said icily as he dragged Zoe across the doorstep. He kicked the front door, causing it to close. Then he swiftly pulled a lighter from his pocket and lit it.

"What are you going to do?" Zoe whispered, fearful.

In one smooth motion, Mr. Morgan threw the lighter on a puddle that had collected below the front door. Zoe's throat dried up as the front door burst into flames. She kept screaming for help as Mr. Morgan dragged her off, while smoke thickened the night sky and covered the dim light from the moon.


Zoe shuddered as she blinked back tears. She could only hope Jan and his family had made it out. How awful would it be if something had happened to them just because Jan had helped her?

The creaking of the floorboards outside made her freeze. She quickly wiped her face; she didn't want to show Mr. Morgan how afraid she was. She held her breath and forced herself to stare at the door as the footsteps came nearer.

Mr. Morgan's face was stony, devoid of his usual warm and fatherly smile. A tray with a towel and a bowl was balanced on his arm. He glanced at the table. "You haven't eaten. No matter. You won't need to after we're done."

Zoe dragged herself backwards. "What are you going to do to me? What, can't you get a date, Mr. Morgan?"

Mr. Morgan closed his eyes and laughed; it was a low, guttural, deep laugh that made Zoe's blood chill. "Perhaps in another universe I would have considered taking a bride. But I know how treacherous you women can be. No, I will just put you to sleep, And when you wake up, you will remember none of this."

Zoe drew herself up and forced herself to look him in the eye. "I don't want to go to sleep. And I don't want to forget. I will remember what you did to Jan, and to Aunt Michelle, and I will make sure they get the help they need and that you are put in jail where you belong!"

Mr. Morgan shook his head with a mirthless laugh. "Such fire! But that fire is what got you into this situation in the first place. Now hush, this will all be over soon." He dipped the towel into the bowl he carried, and help it up before him. "Just close your eyes and breathe. It will all be better when you wake up."

Zoe's heart pounded as she crawled backwards; her hands closed on the jug beside the table. "Stay back! I'm warning you!" She had always imagined her first time would be with someone like Gim Allon on her wedding day; not like this, a prisoner to some monster. She held the jug in front of her. "Don't come any closer!"

Mr. Morgan didn't even laugh this time. He slowly and calmly set the tray down. "That won't work, Zoe." Then he dove forward with surprising speed. Zoe screamed as she swung the jug in front of her with all her might; Mr. Morgan's hand caught her forearm as it swung, sending droplets of water everywhere. He pushed her against the bed and held the towel up threateningly. "Be quiet, damn you!" Zoe gasped as she tried to kick against his stomach, his legs, anything that might cause him to let her go. But he was too strong, and she had never felt anyone touch her with such force. She turned her head to the side, desperately trying to avoid the towel. She could smell something weird, and it made her want to gag. Whatever happened, she couldn't let herself touch the towel. She kicked with all her might as she wriggled under Mr. Morgan.

"I said sit still, damn you!" he growled as he cupped his hands around her cheeks. He twisted her head around forcefully. Zoe clamped her mouth shut, but her eyes widened as the towel descended on her. Her desperate struggling began to weaken as she started to feel drowsy.

Her eyes were beginning to close when she heard a strong pounding. Was it her head? She felt a vague sense of floating. Mr. Morgan grunted as he let go of her wrist, which fell limply on the bed. And then everything faded into white as oblivion took her.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another universe...


"Zoe. Zoe." Zoe's mind struggled to grasp her surroundings as a familiar voice called her name. She couldn't recall where she was or what had happened, but she a vague feeling that she needed to be wide awake. Yet her body wouldn't cooperate; she struggled to move her arms and legs, but they were like limp noodles.

"Here, let me wake her." This one was a different voice, she knew. Tantalizingly familiar, yet still different. She felt something - like immaterial fingers - caress her mind. "Oh!" she gasped as her eyes opened wide.

"Do not meddle with her, woman!" She recognized Mr. Morgan's voice, though he sounded angry and imperious, so unlike the normally kind and calm teacher she knew. Suddenly, it all came back to her. He had kidnapped her! She forced herself to sit upright.

"It's okay, he's not a threat." A white-haired woman she had never seen before - yet who somehow seemed familiar - caught Mr. Morgan by the arm as he ran towards her. She swung him around like he was a sack of meat and slammed him against the wall. Moaning, he slumped to the floor.

"Are you okay, Zoe?" She turned to see a blonde woman smiling at her; she recognized her voice as the one who had talked about waking her up. "I... I don't understand. Who are the two of you? I feel like I should know you, but I've never seen you before."

"We do not have much time." Zoe froze as she recognized this third voice.

"Aunt Michelle."

Aunt Michelle was holding her arm. She appeared bruised and was standing shakily. She held up a hand as Zoe was about to speak. "Please, Zoe. We do not have much time. I know you felt I was acting strange. But that is because you need to know something. You are Zoe Saugin, but the life you are living is not your true life. And this," she gestured all around her, "none of this is real."

"What... what do you mean? What do you mean not my life? Am I..." Zoe's mind raced as she considered the possibilities; her hands felt clammy. She clutched herself in confusion. "Am I adopted?"

Aunt Michelle closed her eyes and shook her head. The blonde woman knelt down beside Zoe and placed a gentle arm on her shoulder. "Zoe. My name is Imra. I look like your friend Irma, but I am Imra. Think, Zoe. You need to remember who you used to be."

Zoe tried to get up off the bed. "I still don't understand. Who are you, and why are you telling me these things?"

"I suggest we get out of here first," the white-haired woman said as she tore the bedsheet up into strips. "Imra, help me tie him up. Aunt Michelle, is there a way to get Zoe out of here?"

"Too late." The white-haired woman yelled in pain as Mr. Morgan slammed his leg into hers; and as she crumpled, Mr. Morgan smashed her head into the floor. He stood up and advanced on them.

"Behind me," Imra said. As Zoe hid behind her, Imra held out both her hands. "I command you to stop!"

Mr. Morgan ignored her and grabbed a shaky Aunt Michelle by her neck. Zoe gasped as he lifted Aunt Michelle up. "Let go of her!" Zoe cried, as she watched Aunt Michelle's feet kick helplessly.

"I said, I command you to stop!" Imra said again.

"Foolish woman. I still have enough power to take care of you." The air around Mr. Morgan seemed to shimmer and flow, like a pond would if a pebble were dropped into it. Zoe gasped as the air pushed outwards and slammed into Imra. The blonde woman flew backwards and slumped against the wall. Zoe's eyes bulged as her mouth opened wordlessly. What had just happened?

"Zoe, run!" Aunt Michelle's voice was barely a croak. "You have to run. I will not be destroyed here, but you will be."

"You are wrong, woman. I have been here long enough to infiltrate every corner of your mind. I can destroy your mind, and the minds of all those within it," Mr. Morgan laughed. "Watch as I banish your unconscious friend." He waved his hand, causing Imra's form to glow.

"What are you doing?" Zoe cried as she rushed towards Imra. "Stop!"

"I think not." Mr. Morgan snapped his fingers, and Imra vanished.

"Oh my God!" Zoe covered her mouth as she fell forward. What in heaven's name was happening? Was she hallucinating? This couldn't be real!

"And your sister," Mr. Morgan hissed as he faced the white-haired woman, who was struggling to get up. Her form began to glimmer as well.

"NO!" Aunt Michelle held out her own hand, and the white-haired woman's form began to solidify again. "I say she stays!"

"You cannot fight me forever, woman!" Mr. Morgan raised his arm, and Zoe felt her body being pulled to him. "Not with my dear Zoe feeding me with power!"

"Let me go!" she cried as she flew through the air.

"You will not have her!" As Aunt Michelle spoke, Zoe felt herself being pulled in the opposite direction.

"I WILL have her!" Mr. Morgan said. Zoe screamed; she felt like she was being torn apart. Slowly, slowly, she was being pulled nearer Mr. Morgan. The pain was unbearable; she kicked and writhed, but there were no visible bonds around her that she could unravel. As she drew closer to Mr. Morgan, she could feel herself getting weaker. Her hands began to glow green, and the glow itself began to flow towards him.

Mr. Morgan held his other hand out towards Aunt Michelle. Stone and cement rose from the floor, twisting around like a serpent. Zoe's scream of pain began to turn into one of horror. She still couldn't believe all this was real! As she watched in shock, the stone began wrapping around Aunt Michelle's legs. Aunt Michelle's own mouth dropped open in surprise, and Zoe felt herself sliding away from her and towards Mr. Morgan.

"You have to let them both go!" the white-haired woman stood on wobbly legs, but her voice was strong. "He absorbed her first, his hold on her is too strong. And we are in his playing field now! The longer you engage him on an astral level, the more likely he takes control over your own body!"

"Nnngg..." Aunt Michelle grit her teeth even as she pointed at the rock. Blasts of energy burst forth from her hands, and where they hit the rock disappeared. But the rock still kept growing over her, faster and faster. She glanced desperately at Zoe. "I cannot let them go! I cannot release only her, but will end up releasing them both. And she is not of her own mind yet! She may not be able to resist him!"

"But at least we will have a chance!" The white-haired woman stretched her hand out. "Please! Look at you now. You're barely holding him off; he's too strong here. Trust my visions. Trust me!"

"I..." Aunt Michelle looked at Zoe one more time. Zoe was feeling steadily weaker with every second that passed, but the pain didn't let up. She couldn't speak, but she stared at Aunt Michelle with pleading eyes. Anything, anything to end this torture. Aunt Michelle nodded. "Zoe Saugin, I am sorry. I am sorry for letting this man take your life... and for only giving it back to you now. And I am sorry that you still must fight for it after I do."

The last thing Zoe heard was Aunt Michelle chanting in a language she didn't understand... and then the pain mercifully ended as she felt her very being dissolve.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another universe...


Zoe blinked as the world stopped spinning around her. She held onto the wall beside her to keep from stumbling.

Where was she? She gaped at the scene in front of her. She was in a towering cavern with a ceiling so high she could barely see the end of it; and in the middle was a throne with skulls for handrests. She gawked as she looked closer; those were real skulls! And there were skulls littered all along the floor!

And behind the throne, stone faces were frozen in grimaces of pain and anger.

Zoe suddenly felt the urge to vomit. Grife, where had Aunt Michelle taken her? Why had she taken her? What was all that about that not being her real life?

She looked around. Maybe she could find a way out...

The blonde woman, Imra, lay still on the ground. The white-haired woman was trying to sit up, moaning. But they were wearing weird costumes instead of normal clothes. And nearly a dozen other men and women were gathered around the room. One of them had a full face mask on; another was a girl with facial tattoos, not unlike African warriors she had seen.

And one of them looked like a normal man, but was green all over!

And behind this group, Mr. Morgan was wearing purple robes and a green winged hat; his beard was completely white and had grown down to his shoulders. But it wasn't just his outfit that made Zoe pause; his hands were glowing with bright light!

She backed away slowly. What was this crazy place? She found herself with her back against hard rock.

"I am sorry, Kinetix," a low, gravelly voice murmured behind her. Heart in her throat, she turned, afraid of what she might see.

A large stone man was carrying Aunt Michelle in his arms. He stared down at Zoe with large white eyes, and stretched a hand out towards her. "Please, come with me. You will be safe."

Time seemed to stand still as Zoe took in the sight. Then, without even thinking about it, she ran.

She barely heard the woman with close-cropped hair snort as she fled. "Nice going, Stone-Face. Zoe, wait!"

But the woman's calls were drowned out as the cavern began to shake.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


"Are you okay, Mysa?"

Mysa opened her eyes to Blok's gentle and gravelly voice. She quickly pulled her long hair forward to see what color it was.

White. Snow white.

Her heart soared with relief for a moment. She was back; she no longer had to use every fiber of her being to contain Mordru within her. "Oh, Blok! I am myself again!"

Blok's smile was the widest she had ever seen. He opened his mouth to speak... only to interrupted by a frazzled Lightning Lass. "Sorry to cut the reunion short," she snapped, "but this isn't exactly the best place!"

Mysa sat upright as the sound of explosions and rumbling filled the air. Zerox was shaking all around them.

"Everyone gather close," Brainiac 5 ordered as he strained to maintain a forcefield around the assembled Legionnaires. A concerned Star Boy was tending to a recovering Dream Girl, while Sensor Girl and Element Lad were kneeling beside an unconscious Saturn Girl. "A little ammonium carbonate should do the trick," Jan said as he waved his hands. Imra gave a small moan and stirred.

Mysa gasped as she looked around. "Has he gotten control of Zerox already?"

Sensor Girl stepped forward. "Be at ease, Mysa. I am keeping everything hidden from Mordru, at least while we are near him. Kinetix will be safe for now."

"She ran away almost as soon as she woke up," Ayla shook her head with frustration. "Wouldn't even listen to us. But she'll be fine until we can catch her. She has a good guardian angel."

"Let me assist you, Brainiac 5 sir," Glorith's quiet voice was laced with calm determination. Magical energies erupted around them, reinforcing the forcefield dome. The falling debris around them seemed to slow down in their descent, no doubt a side effect of Glorith's time-based magic. "Please rest, my teacher. You have just ended a terrible ordeal."

"Besides, we have a more immediate threat to deal with," Nura said as she hobbled over. "Ugh. Remind me not to enter the minds of any sociopaths in the near future." She quickly made her way to Imra. "Imra, if you're okay, we need to get Zoe's memories back so Mordru can stop leeching her powers."

Saturn Girl nodded, and forced herself up. "Thank you, Jan. I can manage now."

"Two team split then?" Nura asked. Jan nodded. "I can stall Mordru. Brainy, Thom, Ayla, Glorith, Jeckie and Blok should be more than enough until reinforcements arrive."

"And Imra and I will go after Kinetix."

"Wait," Mysa said weakly. "I shall go with you."

"No, Mysa," Nura shook her head. "You've been to hell and back. You need to rest and replenish your strength."

Mysa drew up to her full height, and made it a point to stand. "No, Nura. I appreciate the concern, and it is true I am very weak now. But I still have my magical knowledge which Kinetix does not. I will be needed to guide her with what she still must do."

Dream Girl looked at Element Lad and Saturn Girl, who both nodded. Dream Girl sighed, then nodded as well. "Okay, Mysa. I know you can take care of yourself." She checked her nails and frowned. "Ugh. I'll break three more before we finish." She looked at the others. "Keep safe, everyone. I won't lie." Her melodious tone turned serious as she looked everyone straight in the eye. "Things are going to get much, much worse in a few minutes."
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


Zoe ran and ran, her head pounding all the way. Where was she? Who were these people? Why were they doing this to her? Could she hide from them?

And would she ever be able to get home?

No, don't think about that now, she told herself. Just concentrate on getting out of here.

Stifling a sob, she kept running.

****************************************************************

Mordru crackled with energy as he let his magics feel the throne room of Zerox. "Don't be fools, Legionnaires. Your Mysa failed to pacify me with a benign fantasy of life on 21st century Earth! See how I drew Zoe Saugin into my own fantasy world without Mysa detecting it? I have already forged a link with the magic stored inside her body! And I retain that link even now that Mysa has reversed the spells that allowed us to absorb each other!"

He raised his hands higher, and the cavern shuddered. "Aaah, see how Zerox acknowledges the return of its rightful master?" He spread his hands out; tendrils of magical energy snaked into the walls and floor, causing the cavernous palace to shake. "Surrender Mysa and Zoe to me now, and I shall kill you swiftly, Legionnaires! I know you are hiding here!"

"Oh, shut up!" Electricity arced across the cavern, striking Mordru right in the face.

"Lightning Lass!" Mordru roared with anger as the shock hit him. He swiftly traced the source of the bolt and caused the ground in that area to explode. Dust filled the air, which he cleared with a wave of his hand. To his surprise, no body lay in the pit. "Face me, coward!"

What felt like jagged rock slammed into Mordru's back. He bounced forward and crashed into the wall. "Our attempts at self-preservation are not a mark of cowardice," Blok rumbled. The large Legionnaire hefted a large rock and slammed it down on Mordru. "I do not wish to use such violence, but you must be stopped."

"Good going, Blok!" Star Boy grinned as he compressed the rocks down onto Mordru as tightly as he could. Rocks joined together to form boulders. "He must be under 30 meters of rock now!"

"Not enough," Element Lad stepped forward. "Keep piling mass on him, while I transmute his oxygen and seal off the edges of the pile."

"Two parts inertron per part of titanium should do," Brainiac 5 added. "And now I shall add an extra layer of security using my forcefield."

Sensor Girl helped Lightning Lass to her feet. "Are you well, Ayla?"

"Yeah, thanks Jeckie," Ayla brushed off the dust on her costume. "Your illusions were able to throw his aim off."

Glorith, who had been hovering silently all this time, spoke in a strained voice. "It was difficult, but I have been able to block his connection to Kinetix. Hopefully my spell will last long enough for her to regain her memory, and also control of her magical energies."

"Great," Star Boy commented as he kept raining debris down on Mordru. "So we just have to keep him under wraps. Shouldn't be too hard. I mean, bury him and he shuts down. We just have to make sure we've buried him enough."

"Don't get cocky, Thom," Jan was visibly sweating as he transmuted the debris into a solid prison. "Nura predicted things would get worse. And Mordru's time on Zerox may have attuned him to the planet. It might not be so simple."

"INDEED!" Mordru's thunderous exclamation was drowned out by an exploding mass of rock and stone! Only Glorith's immediate reaction shielded the Legionnaires from falling debris that wasn't under Brainiac 5's forcefield dome.

"What happened? I thought you had cut him off from Kinetix's power?" Ayla asked Glorith.

"I did. He must still have tremendous magical stores of his own. And he is attuned to Zerox, as my teacher Mysa has predicted," Glorith panted. "We must rethink our strategy."

"I would recommend a titanium-inertron shield that completely cuts him off from the rock?" Brainiac 5's voice was calm and calculating. "Projectra, can you sense if Mordru is still under my field?"

Before Sensor Girl could answer, the ground split open outside the forcefield dome. An enraged Mordru stepped out slowly and calmly. "I am losing patience, Legionnaires. You will surrender your magic users to me NOW. Or else."

"Be calm, Legionnaires, and let us wait. I am still masking his senses," Sensor Girl warned. The seven of them held their breaths as Mordru turned around to survey the room, his hands crackling with energy all the while.

"Do you think this is as bad as it gets?" Lightning Lass whispered.

"You heard Dream Girl," Brainiac 5 said. "She asked us to educate ourselves on 21st century magical heroes. I have a suspicion that..."

His words were drowned out as Mordru thundered. "If you will not reveal ourselves, then I command my servants to seek you out!" The energy from his hands crackled outwards, illuminating the stone statues on the walls. The immobile faces, frozen in rage and pain, began to move. One by one, they tore themselves free from the cavern walls and flew down to face Mordru. The horrified Legionnaires looked on as one, wearing a hood over her face, spoke.

"We awaken, Master. What is your bidding?"

"Find the Legionnaires. Bring the magic users to me." Mordru crossed his arms and paused for a second, considering. "And kill the rest."

"As you wish, Master," the stone woman bowed.

"Will they be able to see through my illusions, Glorith?" Sensor Girl asked quietly. She was still regal, something Glorith could not quite maintain yet. Glorith shivered despite herself. "Not immediately. But in a few minutes, I think they will."

The silence between them was palpable. Then Jan took his flight ring. "Phantom Girl, for all our sakes I hope you will make it here before Nura's deadline." He didn't even wait to hear Tinya's reply before he turned to face the others. "Well, what are you all waiting for? We need to find a defensible spot. Let's move!"

The seven Legionnaires flew off. Glorith spared a backwards glance, and immediately wished she hadn't. Dozens of stone figures lumbered around; all had been heroes in life, but were now slaves to the Dark Lord in death. They had not known true peace for hundred of years. She hoped with all her heart that they could free these slaves, as they had freed Kinetix.

And she hoped with all her might that the same fate would not befall any of them here today.
Wooh!! Looking forward to the big showdown!
Thanks raz! Looking forward to writing it grin
Intermission time! I have created a Recap Thread to summarize everything that has gone on so far. I will add to it periodically. The very first post of this thread also contains a link to the recap.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


Zoe peered cautiously around the corner of the narrow passageway she had taken shelter in. She heaved a sigh of relief at the lack of movement. Faint sounds poke of a distant battle being fought; maybe with everyone distracted, she could slip outside.

And then what? She was in a place she couldn't even believe was real; what was she going to do once she made it out? Close her eyes and tap her heels three times to get home?

The clanging of footsteps pulled her out of her reverie. Holding her breath, she pushed her back against the wall, twisted her head to the side and listened intently. Were they coming closer? She pulled herself down as close to the ground as possible. She gingerly placed the hand mirror she carried on the ground, tilting it just so to allow her to peer around the corner...

The wall across her erupted in a shower of rock and dust. Coughing, Zoe scrambled backwards as a large orange creature came into view. Massive arms flexed and fangs bared, it leered at Zoe. She screamed as she turned around to run. As she swung around, a man in a form-fitting blue suit and a red cape moved to block her way. She gasped as he raised a long, gleaming sword and pointed it at her throat.

"W-wait," she raised her hands in front of her, taking a step backwards. The man flicked his wrist, slashing at the wall beside her. Zoe's breath caught as she stopped in her tracks. "No..."

The big orange creature, fangs pulled back in an vicious grin, flanked the man with the sword on his right. A huge golden gorilla stepped up to the swordsman's left. All three began to advance. Zoe held out her left hand. "St-stop! Go away!" She reached out furiously with her right hand, trying to grab hold of something, anything, which she could use to protect herself. Her hands closed around a chunk of stone; she screamed as she threw it at her attackers.

All three smiled cruelly at her feeble attempt. The golden gorilla leaped forward; the ground shook as it landed. It landed inches in front of her and bent over until its face was millimeters away. "You didn't really think that would work, did you?"

Zoe's breath caught in her throat. She tried to close her eyes, but couldn't force herself to. Somehow, the gorilla being able to talk only made things scarier.

"Come along now. It won't hurt much, and soon you'll be one of us." It reached a big, hairy hand towards her...

Something else else green and purple flashed in front of her, and the gorilla bounced back. "She's not interested, pal!" Zoe gasped as a short-haired brunette sprang into view. "She belongs to only one team, and that's the Legion!" The brunette pulled what looked like a gun from her belt and fired at the snarling gorilla's chest. It roared in pain and bent over, clutching its wound; the brunette kicked it in the head.

"Look out!" Zoe yelled as the swordsman swung. The brunette blurred and vanished as the sword met only air; a second later, the brunette reappeared and slammed the swordsman's head into the wall. "Thanks," the brunette smiled at Zoe. "Here, take this." She tossed a gun at Zoe as she disappeared once more; the orange creature lunged at where she had been. Zoe's eyes widened as the creature turned towards her. "I dunno what's up, but you're comin' with me, sweets." Hands shaking, Zoe aimed her gun at him. "No!"

"You heard her, she said NO!" The brunette reappeared with a flying kick to the orange brute's head; she landed nimbly as he went down into a heap on the ground. Holstering her gun, she turned to face Zoe with a big smile on her face. "Nice going, Zoe. Glad to see you still have your fighting spirit."

"H... how do you know me?" Zoe squeaked as she clutched her chest. "What were those things?"

"Magical heroes of the past, and now slaves of Mordru," the brunette said as she pulled Zoe up. "Bork, Nightmaster and Congorilla. They meant to bring you to Mordru so he could finish enslaving you too. But we won't let that happen, of course."

"I... I don't understand..." Zoe slipped her hand out of the brunette's. "Do you mean Mr. Morgan? What does he want with me? Who are you? Are you friends with Aunt Michelle?" She kept facing the brunette even as she bent down to pick up her handbag. "Do you know those other people back there?"

"We're the good guys, honey," the brunette smiled as she held up a ring. "See this? You used to have one like it. You just don't remember yet. I'm Shrinking Violet, but you probably know me... knew me... as your friend Sally."

Zoe's eyes widened. "How can you be her? You're so much older!" Zoe studied the brunette's face intently. "You look like her, but how can I be sure? Are we in the future?"

The brunette - Sally - chuckled. "You have no idea. Look, I know it's a lot to take in, but we don't have time to explain. There are more of these slaves around, and we have to keep moving. Wait, let me report in." She held her ring up to her mouth. "Violet to Legion. Mysa was right, the slaves are now flesh and blood. Should make things easier. I have Zoe." Sally paused for a second. "Copy. Make it fast, though." Then she held out a hand. "Zoe, I know you don't recognize me, but you have to trust me. We can help you remember everything."

Zoe clutched the gun nervously as she eyed Sally. She looked like Sally, and her voice sort of sounded like Sally's... "I don't know... prove that you are Sally."

Sally shook her head. "Your memories are different from mine. This isn't the world you know. But I know that pendant around your neck came from your mom."

Zoe fingered her pendant. "Go on."

Frustration crept into Sally's voice. "You like Gim. You've made tons of dresses for me. You adore black hole layer cake."

Zoe shook her head. "Black hole layer cake? What the sprock is that?"

"Listen to yourself." Sally's hand closed around Zoe's. "What word did you just say?"

Zoe paused. "Sprock? It's a nonsense word."

"No, it's not. Haven't you ever wondered how you came up with it?"

"I... I've never told anyone." Zoe felt her head swimming. "I always thought I invented it as a kid."

"We use it a lot here. Now, look." Sally's face was level with Zoe's own, and Zoe thought she could see the sincerity in her eyes. "My teammates can help you, if you let them. Why would I give you a blaster if I didn't want to protect you?" Zoe's hand closed nervously around the gun she held. "And here's something else for you." Sally opened her palm; in it was a golden ring with a stylized golden L and a star nested in a solid black background. "Go on, take it."

Zoe gingerly reached out and touched it. "It... it looks so familiar."

"It should. It's yours."

Zoe picked it up tentatively and gave Sally a quizzical look. The brunette shrugged her shoulders. "Try it on your ring finger. I bet it fits perfectly."

Shaking, Zoe held the ring up. It looked so familiar... The light glinted on it. It wasn't the most beautiful ring she'd ever seen, but it was the one she wanted to try on the most. But this was all too much to take in. She looked at Sally again; the woman who looked so much like her friend, yet was somehow different, looked back at her impatiently.

Zoe clutched the ring in her palm, then shoved it into her pocket. "No, not yet. I know you saved me Sally, but I'm still not sure."

The brunette sighed and shook her head. "They told me it wouldn't be easy..." Then she held her hand open. "Come on, then. I have to get you to safety until the others can catch up."

Zoe closed her eyes, then took Sally's hand. She had saved her, after all. And it wasn't like she would stand a chance on her own. "Okay, then. Now what?"

"Now..." Sally said as she drew her gun once more. "Now we find a safe place, because things are just going to get crazier."
Vi! laugh

Having the magical heroes turned bad is an awesome move (and potentially frightening considering who that could be in the DCU!) I have a feeling Zoe is gonna kick some butt when she gets her full memories and power back!
Thanks raz! I'm going to enjoy writing an awesome bunch of fight scenes here. I almost wish it could be the Postboot-era Legion in the thick of things, but they'll have to wait their turn. I'm surprised at how much fun I'm having with the Retroboot team.

And Zoe's time will come, too grin
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Tide Has Turned - 07/19/14 05:57 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


Flashes of light brightened the ancient halls of Zerox as they shook with a pitched battle. It pained Glorith to see her home like this, but the Legion had no choice. Mordru had to be stopped.

She closed her eyes to concentrate; spellcasting was a precise task in ideal situations, but even harder in the midst of a battlefield full of unpredictable opponents. She had to trust on her teammates to protect her. She could sense the magical energies aligning just so...

A faint, glowing bubble of light appeared around a section of the battlefield. The dozen or so figures encircled in it slowed to a halt.

"... there. I have cast a spell to slow down time around us," she breathed as she sat back. "This should delay Mordru's slaves for a while."

"That is good, Glorith. But we must keep moving. Look out!" Blok stepped in front of her, and Glorith could see his body light up. She held her hands up to brace herself against the shock waves.

"Nice going, Blok. I'll take him out!" Electricity arced out from Lightning Lass' hands and slammed into a blue demon with horns. His trident clattered to the ground as he fell. "The Blue Devil, you said, Brainy? I can't believe they let this guy into the Justice League."

As Lightning Lass turned to fly back, bands of cloth appeared from out of nowhere. She gasped as they wrapped around her body, binding her tight. She dropped to the floor like a sack of potatoes.

"During my time, the Justice League had better standards." A beautiful brunette with a top hat and fishnet stockings walked calmly towards the Legion. "Snoisulli lepsid," she said with a wave of her hand. "Nortreni nrut ot ria!"

The wall of intertron protecting Sensor Girl and Brainiac 5 faded. "Brainiac!" Projectra yelled as she flew to the side. "I know she can see us!"

"Hold on!" Star Boy said, hands glowing. "I've got her!" The brunette sank into the ground.

"Nurt ffo sih rewop!" The glow winked out from Star Boy's hands as the brunette rose again. She pointed a commanding finger at Star Boy. "Nam nurt ot -"

Her speech was suddenly cut off as a band of metal appeared around her face, covering her mouth. Her eyes bulged as she gripped it, vainly trying to pull it off. Suddenly, the very air around her turned into inertron.

"Thanks for the knowledge, Brainy," Element Lad said as he recreated his inertron wall. "Now, if only all Mordru's slaves had a weakness as simple as Zatanna's... GAAAH!"

Element Lad dropped to his knees as he clutched his side. Bloodstains appeared through his costume. A white-haired woman stood over him, blade gleaming despite the blood staining it. "Not all of us rely on magic," she said as she twisted her blade, preparing to drive it into her victim.

She bounced backwards as Brainiac 5's forcefield-protected form slammed into her. Her body crashed into the wall and fell, motionless. "What we Legionnaires have is teamwork, Zealot," Brainiac 5 said. "Glorith, I need your assistance, please." Glorith rushed up as Brainiac 5 inspected Element Lad's wound. She quickly placed her palm on it, and it healed before their eyes as her spell took hold.

"Thanks..." Element Lad said as he shook his head. Behind him, Sensor Girl was helping Lightning Lass up. "Grife. Glorith, Brainy, do you have any idea how many of Mordru's slaves there are?"

"I only know what historical records and Cosmic Boy's research chronicle," Brainiac 5 answered calmly. "It's hard to estimate..."

His words were drowned out as Glorith found herself surrounded by a fiery green glow. It lifted her up and above her teammates as the very ground rumbled and seemed to swallow them up. As debris rained down among them, powerful bolts of magical energy bombarded their bodies, draining their cries of pain..

She looked in shock as about a dozen figures emerged into view. She recognized them all; Mysa had taught her the stories of each one. And that knowledge chilled her blood. All were being of immense power: Jinx, Blackbriar Thorn, Torquemada, Alan Scott, Ibis the Invincible, Black Alice, Nightshade, Enchantress and Raven. She desperately ran her hands over the glow surrounding her to test it. Could she counteract it?

"Ah-ah," Black Alice stepped forward. Glorith felt the magic drain from her, as glowing facial tattoos appeared on Black Alice's face. "Thanks for the snack. Oooh, time magics. No wonder you were able to slow us down."

"Have you checked out the others?" Alan Scott asked. It was his power that was containing Glorith.

"No magic," Black Alice answered as she used her borrowed abilities to turn a rock into dust. "But the masked one has a magical background. I couldn't actually borrow her illusion abilities, though."

"Good enough." Torquemada lifted Sensor Girl's unconscious form into the air. Below her, the other five Legionnaires' bodies littered the ground. Blackbriar Thorn was gathering them in a heap, while the Enchantress was freeing Zatanna from her inertron prison. Traci Thirteen was assisting Zealot and Blue Devil up. Glorith thought her heart might stop then and there.

"Stop, let me go!" Glorith tried banging against the green flame around her; Alan Scott's, she recognized. "Please! Mysa told me what happened to you. I know you don't want to do this!"

"We are slaves, girl," the Enchantress' voice was lined with faint regret as she said this. "Our wills aren't our own anymore. We are aware, but we can do nothing about it."

"Yeah, I can't even feel sad about it anymore," Black Alice said as she caused a flower to bloom. "But hey, it'll be kind of cool to have someone else around my age as a fellow slave."

Raven knelt down as she pulled her hood from her face. "Be at ease, child. The process itself is not painful." Her soul-self sprang from her body; Glorith shrank back as it loomed at her. But there was nowhere to go. "It is best not to struggle. Let my soul-self calm you..."

Glorith tried to scream as the black bird-shaped aura enveloped her, but in moments all she felt was a quiet calm. The fiery green glow remained around her, but she no longer wished to fight against it. She noticed her friends, but could not bring herself to worry. Despite what her mind was telling her, her heart knew. All would be well.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac A Rousing Call - 07/20/14 03:18 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


Zoe crouched down behind this version of Sally, holding her blaster tensely. Sally, who also called herself Shrinking Violet here, drummed her fingers impatiently on her own blaster. "Where are they, where are they..."

Blaster. Shrinking Violet. Legion of Super-Heroes. Zoe shivered; what had she gotten into? She thought alternate realities and time travel belonged on the Twilight Zone or Doctor Who; and super-heroes only existed in movies and comic books and the imaginations of fans. But she had pinched herself over and over and knew she wasn't dreaming.

And now her life apparently lay in the hands of a woman who looked like her best friend, but acted nothing like her.

Zoe wanted to puke.

"You okay there?" Sally leaned down, her voice streaked with worry. "Your "Aunt Michelle" and company are on their way."

Zoe forced a smile and nodded. "Good girl," Sally patted her on the back. "You'll have your memories back in no time."

"if only it were that easy." Zoe's heart jumped as she recognized the voice of the blonde woman she had seen in Mr. Morgan's house. She turned to see her, the white-haired woman and an albino woman with what appeared to be antennae growing out of her head. Zoe forced herself not to stare. Sally could shrink to atomic size; so what if this woman looked like an alien?

The albino hurried over and knelt down in front of Zoe. "Are you well, Zoe?" At Zoe's nod, the albino gave a sigh of relief. "It looks like Mordru's manipulations have still left you with your own mind, if not your memories. That is good."

"Um..." Zoe scratched her head. "Do you mean Mr. Morgan? Sally here's told me that it was all a dream, and this is reality... how can that be?"

The albino traded glances with the other two new arrivals. The white-haired woman spoke up. "In a nutshell, Zoe, your essence was... absorbed by this Mordru. And he was in turn absorbed by Mysa here. Does that make sense?"

"I don't understand how I was absorbed, but... I can understand it happening. Just... not to me."

"Fair enough," the white-haired woman continued. "While you and Mordru were in Mysa's body, she attempted to pacify him with an illusory 21st century reality. He took that reality and warped it, bringing you into it. Everything you saw was... not real."

Zoe kept her face still. "Just seems too out of this world."

"You have no idea, honey," the white-haired woman brushed her hair. "And that's where we came in. Mysa here inserted herself into that reality as your Aunt Michelle."

"So that's why you acted so weird," Zoe breathed.

"I apologize, Zoe," Mysa's face was sorrowful as she said that. "I had to understand what your state of mind was like. When I found you were not truly being mind-controlled by Mordru, I tried to bring you out of there."

"And Dream Girl and I came in to help Mysa when Mordru had kidnapped you," the blonde spoke up. "I'm Saturn Girl, by the way. When Mordru was trying to drain the magic from you, we realized we had to separate you... and so Mysa freed both him and you."

"I was trying to find a way to free only you, and not him," Mysa added before Zoe could react. "I wish I could have done that; Mordru is probably the most dangerous wizard in this century. But seeing you about to be drained... I could not let that happen. And so I unleashed you both, may Amethyst have mercy on my soul."

"Do not blame yourself, sister," Dream Girl soothed Mysa. "You had no choice. Even without my visions, I can tell you that." She turned towards Zoe even as she held Mysa. "And I hope you understand her dilemma, Zoe. She was going to free you eventually and restore you whole. She just couldn't do it yet."

Zoe held her head in her hands. "This is a bit too much... I thought this kind of thing only happened in the movies! Like the Bourne Identity or something!"

Saturn Girl stepped forward and knelt beside Zoe. Zoe stared into her eyes and felt a warm sincerity that made her want to trust this woman. "Zoe... If you are willing... We can enter your mind and try to break down the blocks that Mordru has installed. He has suppressed your memories, but if we can unleash them... You will once more be in control of your powers."

"And we can put an end to Mordru, once and for all," Mysa - Aunt Michelle - added. It was odd for Zoe to think of her like that, especially now that she looked so different. "Please, trust us."

"We've been through that already," Sally laughed. "She trusts us to keep her alive, but I think this is all too much to take in."

"It is," Zoe murmured. "I honestly just wish I could go home."

Dream Girl leaned beside Zoe and took her head in her hands. "I'm really sorry to say this, Zoe, but you need to understand. Home isn't what you think it is."

"You have to hurry, Zoe," Sally said as she looked outside of their hiding place. "I can't raise the others anymore. I think it'll just be a matter of time before more magical slaves come after us."

Zoe gulped as she looked at the four women; all were staring at her, waiting for her to decide. She didn't want to trust them... but she had no choice, did she? At least they weren't trying to kill her, not like those... other things out there. She spread her hands in resignation. "Okay... let's go."

Saturn Girl nodded and took her head in her hands. "This won't hurt, but it might feel strange. I will be linking your mind with Dream Girl's and Mysa's. And we'll see what we can do about your mental blocks."

Zoe nodded and closed her eyes. In moments, she felt something pushing into her brain, not unlike the sensations when Saturn Girl had talked to her back at Mr. Morgan's.

She had to stop from screaming as her mind seemed to expand. She clutched her skirt in her hands as her world seemed to spin around her.

**************************************************************

Glorith floated serenely as Alan Scott bowed before Mordru. Her mind told her she should be afraid, but she couldn't bring herself to be. All would be fine, she knew.

"We have one of the magic users, my Lord," Alan intoned on his knees. "Black Alice has stolen her power, and Raven has stolen her will. This other woman also has magical potential."

"And we have the other Legionnaires to dispose of, my Lord," Blackbriar Thorn added. Glorith saw out of the corner of her eye that her five remaining teammates were being forced upright by Thorn's plants. Yet all five remained unconscious. A purplish glow, no doubt the work of the sorceress Jinx, surrounded them.

Mordru stepped forward and inspected each closely. Then he stopped in front of the still-kneeling Blackbriar Thorn. "Get up."

A shaky Blackbriar Thorn complied, looking hopeful.

"Imbecile!" Mordru thundered as he blasted Thorn. The druid screamed in pain and crouched down on the ground. Mordru swiftly turned and hurled blasts at Alan Scott and at Jinx. "I told you to kill the rest! Why are they still alive?"

"F... forgive us, Master," Blackbriar Thorn trembled. "We only wished to dispose of them in front of you, to prove the deed."

"You could have brought their bodies to me," Mordru thundered. "I know these Legionnaires, and it is best to kill them rather than give them another chance to thwart me!"

"We...we shall do it right now, Master," Jinx wailed. "I can burn their bodies right now!"

"No matter," Mordru paused as he looked at Glorith. "You disobeyed me, but I will forgive you this time. Now that you have brought them before me, I shall handle them. But first..."

He turned towards Glorith and took her chin in his hands. "I can feel the power that Black Alice has absorbed from you, and it is mighty indeed," he murmured. "So much more than that foolish servant of mine way back. Yes, you shall make a nice addition to my army."

Mordru stepped back and began to chant. As he did, Glorith could feel the very rock coating her feet; the rock began climbing higher and higher up her legs. Her mind told her this must be how Mordru converted each of his slaves; the magical incantations was a way of binding body, mind and soul to his will. Yet her heart told her that all would be well. It was a mantra being repeated over and over in her mind.

All would be well.

She closed her eyes and permitted herself to smile. For once, she would no longer worry.

And then the world seemed to spin as she felt herself being pulled along by a powerful force, as a leaf must be pulled in the wake of a cyclone. She heard Mordru curse, and suddenly his voice seemed distant.

She thought she should be curious, but her mind told ner not to be. All would be well.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


Zoe wanted to close her eyes, but she was transfixed as something seemed to bore deep into her mind and soul. Images - of herself, but not of her - flashed behind her eyes. What looked like her, only paler and with elf-like ears and a tail. Wearing a green skirt and diaphanous frills. Her hands glowing with green energy, and objects floating around her. A tall female alien with reddish hair and splotchy orange skin and the same green glow.

She saw Sally in a violet uniform and with a green streak in her hair. Tina in a cape and wearing her favorite red ruby around her neck. Ayla and her twin brother Garth in matching outfits, shooting lightning blasts. Jenny in yellow boots, running so fast she seemed a blur. Irma kissing Garth. This Imra, and this Sally, looked so much younger, just like her friends from school. Not like the Shrinking Violet and Saturn Girl who now protected her.

The tall female alien being hit by some sort of energy beam, and exploding into light. This Mordru - she still couldn't help but think of him as Mr. Morgan - waving his arms and drawing the light in. And Mordru in turn being turned into energy by the White Witch, whose very skin and eyes became black.

But these weren't her friends. This wasn't her. It couldn't be.

She heard Dream Girl murmur distantly; her voice was muffled, as though it came from another room. "She's not accepting it. She sees the images, but has no emotional connection to them."

"She doesn't know it's her," the White Witch replied. "It seems Mordru was more thorough than we thought."

"Then..." Saturn Girl's voice was clearer than the other two. Zoe realized she was hearing it in her mind! "We need to restore that connection. And I know just how to do it."

***************************************************************

Glorith's vision swam as she felt herself being pulled along. Milliseconds later, everything seemed to grind to a halt.

"OhmygoshareyouokayGlorithdidIgettoyouintime?"

As the world seemed to settle around her, Glorith realized she was staring at a woman she hadn't seen in a while. But she couldn't bring herself to speak. All would be well, she told herself.

"Something else else is not right..." came another voice. Glorith knew she should recognize it, and that she should be surprised to hear it. But she also knew she shouldn't worry about such things.

"Her mind has been tampered with," came the second voice again. "Let me see what I can do..."

Glorith felt something tickle her mind. And with a start, she began to feel again. She lurched forward, and the woman caught her. "Are you okay?"

"XS! Tellus!" Glorith gasped out. "How are you here? Are the others safe?"

"Fret not, Glorith." Glorith's eyes bulged in surprise as another lost Legionnaire appeared. Dawnstar's wings folded as she landed and laid Brainiac 5 and Element Lad gently on the ground. Beside her, Ultra Boy placed Blok and Star Boy down.

"Wow, you really are fast, XS!" Ultra Boy's voice was a mixture of praise and jealousy. "Vibrating through a magical barrier AND grabbing Glorith and Jeckie like that before Mordru could finish whatever he was doing... and distracting him long enough for Wildfire and Mon-El to get in there and cover us." Ultra Boy grinned as he patted XS' shoulder.

"Speed force, Ultra Boy," XS smiled back. "But your mix of powers is what was needed to get Blok."

"I thank you," Glorith nodded at the four Legionnaires around her. "But we must hurry! Mordru's slaves are hunting the Lady Mysa and Kinetix. He intends to enslave them as well!"

"We know," Dawnstar said grimly. "Saturn Girl has apprised us. And just now, Tellus has learned what happened to you. Wait here." And with a flap of her wings, Dawnstar sped off.

"I apologize, Glorith," Tellus bowed. "When I restored your emotions, I learned what transpired and communicated it to the others. All will be well."

"All IS well." Glorith turned to see Dawnstar once again; this time, she carried an unconscious Black Alice. Glorith felt her magical strength returning. "I thank you," she replied as she returned Tellus' bow. "And please, do not be sorry you read my mind. And now that my powers have returned," she waved her hands, and her six teammates stirred. "Heal, my friends."

"Ooooh, grife. Remind me not to mess with magic again," Star Boy muttered as he stood up. "No offense, Glorith. I... DAWNSTAR? TELLUS?"

The other awakened Legionnaires all uttered statements of surprise. Except for Brainiac 5. "Well done, XS. And welcome back, Dawnstar and Tellus. It is good to have you back."

Before they could welcome their teammates, Ultra Boy raised a hand. "Move, now!" A split second later, the wall behind them came crashing down. Mon-El lay facedown in the rubble, struggling to get up. An enraged Mordru appeared, hand outstretched and bathed in black energy; Wildfire floated behind him, contained in a black sphere. Nearly two dozen of Mordru's slaves appeared behind. "You will not thwart me again, Legionnaires!"

"Oh, want to bet?" Phantom Girl flew through the ceiling. "Gates, home in on my location now!"

"Would you hate me if I said you were as imperious as our Tinya's mother?" Gates' voice was teasing as his teleportation disk came into view. Over two dozen Legionnaires and allies poured out of it, several firing bolts of energy in Mordru's direction.

"You know the plan!" Phantom Girl shouted as several blasts passed harmlessly through her and slammed into a snarling Mordru. "LET'S GO, LEGIONNAIRES!"
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


Cosmic Boy surveyed the pitched battle with increasing trepidation. Maya. Tempest. Doctor Mist. Manitou Dawn. The list of Mordru's slaves grew longer and longer. He could identify most by sight, but he only had a basic knowledge of their powers. Many of these could harness powerful magics with a variety of effects.

"They haven't noticed us yet, have they?" he asked Brainiac 5.

"Doubtful," Sensor Girl replied. "I am constantly shifting my illusions. Several of Mordru's slaves have dispelled individual illusions, but without locating me they are unable to shut me down."

"And my forcefield serves as a second line of defense," Brainiac 5 added. "Just concentrate on recalling as much as you can about as many slaves as you can identify. Together, you and I should be able to cover most of them."

"I hope that's enough to keep everyone alive, Brainy..." Cosmic Boy whispered. "We just got several missing members back. I don't want our celebration to turn into mourning."

"Do not fear, Cosmic Boy," Tellus' voice was calm, but showed his mental strain. "I am broadcasting your knowledge at the very speed of thought."

****************************************************************

"Watch out for the one with the pistols, Phantom Girl. Anything he shoots at gets turned into stone during the night."

"Is that so?" Phantom Girl tensed as she approached the man called the Midnight Rider. "Guess I'm the right Legionnaire for the job. Warn everyone else away please, Tellus."

What false bravado. Tinya wasn't even sure her powers would allow her to phase harmlessly through magic. But she dove into the ground and surfaced before the man in the old cowboy outfit. "A thousand years have passed and you still haven't changed your costume? Too bad Mordru doesn't let you update your wardrobe."

Her taunts were met with a hail of bullets. Tinya thanked the gods as each passed harmlessly through her phantom form. "I've got his attention. Hit it!"

The Midnight Rider barely had time to look up before a wall of rock buried him. Tinya gave a thumbs up sign to Lightning Lass and Lightning Lad, whose hands still crackled with electricity. "Nice work, you two. On to the next target."

****************************************************************

"Tempest is an Atlantean magician. His main power is manipulating water."

"OOOOMPH!" Fire Lad barely dodged the boiling water being thrown at him by Tempest. "I'm a little bit out of my League here, guys!"

"Well, don't announce it," Color Kid joked as he flew to the side. "We don't want the Legionnaires to know. And now... He's blinded, Drura. All he can see is black." Tempest held one hand over his eyes as another stretched outwards, feeling the wall in front of him.

"Thanks, starshine!" Color Kid and Fire Lad ducked as a streak of gases flew over their heads. "Love how your powers are beautiful AND functional at the same time!"

"That's it, Comet Queen, get me close enough..." Infectious Lass dropped to the ground nimbly and placed both hands on Tempest's head. "No matter how strong Tempest's Atlantean physiology, he still can't shake off Mellorian Piscine Fever."

Both Staq and Ulu rushed to hug Drura as Tempest collapsed to the ground. "Man, we really missed you," Ulu grinned.

"Yeah, even without the butt-kicking and the gender reversals," Staq added with a smile.

****************************************************************

"Yellow Peri's power is in her book. She needs to touch it and her head at the same time to summon her spells."

"Now you tell me," Chameleon Boy snarked as he rapidly shifted from a Mimbian Brontopod into an Arcturan Rainbowbird. Its multihued plumage and vast wingspan were ideally suited to the cyclonic winds so common on Arcturus - just the thing to counteract the gales being summoned by Yellow Peri. The blonde magician was floating half a klick away. "I don't think I can get to her in time. Her back's to the rock. Who's nearby?" Cham called out over the flight ring network.

"I am not, but let us see if I can give someone else that chance." Harmonia Li conjured up a rock wall to shield herself. Planting her feet solidly on the ground, she raised her arms and began to turn the winds back. "Brace yourself, Chameleon Boy!"

"Thanks," Cham grinned as he shifted into a Sky-Jellyfish from Steeple. The winds carried him right towards Yellow Peri. As he came within a few feet of her, he quickly shifted into an Earthquake Beast and slammed her into the rock wall.

As the winds died down, he smiled at Harmonia. "Thanks for the assist. And remind me to thank my other-Earth counterpart for the Sky-Jellyfish form."
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


"Maya can control large amounts of both fire and water."

"Huh," Sun Boy mused. "Not the best combination to deal with." He looked around the battlefield. "No, not Polar Boy... not Dragonwing... Ah, perfect. Hey, Lamprey! Over here!"

The green-skinned woman turned and flew, alighting seconds later beside him. "What's up?" She was wearing her Science Police uniform now, though Dirk noted with approval that she still kept her honorary flight ring. "I need your help with something," Dirk replied. "Here's what we'll do..."

After conversing hastily, he aimed a blast of heat at the wall beside Maya. "Hey, hot stuff!" He called. "Let's see who's hotter, huh?"

"There is no flame big enough that water cannot quench it," Maya replied as she let loose a colossal wave of water.

"And there is no Legionnaire who doesn't have an ally at his or her back!" Lamprey dove smoothly into the oncoming wave and let loose her impressive electrical abilities. The current traveled through the water and threw Maya back.

As their opponent slumped to the floor, Sun Boy put a proud hand on Lamprey's shoulder. "Nice job, as expected. You always have my vote for full-time Legionnaire."

*****************************************************************

"Alan Scott, despite his impressive Green Lantern powers, has a very common vulnerability to wood."

"Wonderful," Timber Wolf grumbled as he jumped from side to side, dodging fiery green blasts left and right. "Still doesn't help me. Hey, little bug, a little help here?"

"What did I tell you about asking nicely?" Despite Gates' acerbic tone, a teleportation disk appeared right in front of Alan Scott. His green energy exited from another disk a few meters to the right, crashing harmlessly into a wall.

"Aw, you know I only have the utmost respect for you," Timber Wolf grinned as he grabbed a rock and tossed it at Alan Scott. The Green Lantern deflected it with a green bubble.

"Yeah, and all UP politicians are honest AND competent," Gates snarked as another disk opened behind Alan. Gates stepped out, accompanied by Chlorophyll Kid. "You're up, Ral."

"M-my p-pleasure," Chlorophyll Kid stuttered as he dropped a handful of seeds onto the ground. In an instant, towering oak trees sprung up and surrounded Alan.

Brin tumbled through an opening in the trees and slammed Alan's head against a trunk. "Even though I used to be called Lone Wolf, I gotta say that teamwork beats raw power any day."

*****************************************************************

"Nightshade manipulates darkness, turning shadows solid and teleporting people through them."

"So I see," Chameleon Girl shifted into a Kathooni Soundbat. Among her forms, this was the one most suited to darkness. Yet she still had trouble navigating the swirling darkness around her. "I knew I should have attended more training sessions with Shadow Lass... OOMPH!"

Yera rebounded hard as she crashed into what felt like solid muscle. "I'm sorry!" thundered her obstacle. "I knew I should have shrunk down."

"G-Gim?" Even without her form's echolocation abilities, she would know that voice anywhere.

"Yera?" Yera assumed her normal form and reached out in front of her. As expected, Gim had shrunk down to normal size. "Is that really you?"

"It is, Gim..." Yera smiled, though Gim couldn't see it. "I'm really back."

Before Gim could reply, a fierce burst of darkness toppled them both. "Two for one. I expected better," Nightshade smirked as she approached them.

"Save it for someone who can't see in the dark, lady." Nightshade yelped as a figure crashed into her. She blasted furiously in the direction of the attack, but her blasts met with resistance.

"Ah-ah. You're not the only one who can control shadows." Then two fists crashed into both sides of Nightshade's head, knocking her out.

As the darkness faded, Night Girl and Shadow Lass stood victorious over their foe. "Are you okay, Gim and Yera?" Shadow Lass asked as she turned towards their old teammates.

"Um... what say we head on to our next target, Tasmia?" Spots of color bloomed on her cheeks as Night Girl pulled Shadow Lass away. Tasmia herself couldn't help but smile at the sight of Yera and Gim locked in a passionate embrace.

****************************************************************

"This isn't going to work for long, Tinya." Mon-El's voice was urgent as he slammed into Mordru yet again. "We can only dodge Mordru's blasts for so long. And I can see the others; it's taking two or three just to take down one of Mordru's slaves."

"I know, Mon, believe me," Phantom Girl's voice was deceptively calm. "But as the ranks of Mordru's slaves thin, I'll be sending more backup your way."

"Tell them to hurry, huh?" Wildfire dodged a magical blast and hurled some anti-energy bolts of his own back at Mordru. "We may be powerful, but Mordru's no cakewalk."

"Glorith is stemming Mordru's access to magic as best she can, Wildfire," Phantom Girl replied as she darted through a large boulder. "And several others are are slowing down the rest of his slaves. Don't worry. If anyone can stall Mordru, it will be us."

"I appreciate your faith in our abilities, Phantom Girl, but I hope the other teams can do their part as well." Dawnstar kept her wings close even as she maintained top speed around the large cavern. Bolts of energy rained all around, yet she adeptly dodged them all.

"Just keep pounding him so he can't cast any more complex spells," XS pummeled Mordru with thousands of punches as she said that. "That's what we did with our Mordru."

"XS... Saturn Girl needs you and Gates," Phantom Girl noted. "Sorry, we'll have to borrow you."

"On it, Tinya!" XS zipped off.

"Great," Ultra Boy muttered as his invulnerable body absorbed a blast meant for Chemical Kid. "Our fastest Legionnaire is gone. Keep your powers on at full blast, Hadru."

"I know, Ultra Boy," Chemical Kid said through gritted teeth. His eyes were closed and his hands outstretched; his powerful abilities were slowing down Mordru's metabolism as best he could. "Grife, if he's already this tough without his full power, imagine how bad he'll become if he gets his hands on Kinetix?"

"That's why we can't let that happen," Mon-El said grimly as he slammed into Mordru yet again. "We mustn't."
Fantastic stuff IB, loving Cos informing the team about their opponents- I could see that happening in the comic, a clever way to deal with the situation. XS battering Mordru and Harmonia and Cham dealing with Yellow Peri and lamprey knocking out Maya are all great little scenes. I have a feeling Zoe will save the day ultimately, and that would be a cool ending to this section given everything she's been through. Your love of the characters shines through and continues to inspire , more, more, more!
Thanks Harbi, so nice of you to comment and thanks for the encouraging words! The Legion's large cast makes for great battle scenes like these. More coming up for sure, and I can't wait to finish this section, I'm so excited!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


A panting Crystal Kid turned to Element Lad with worry. "I - I can feel my crystal wall being chipped away by the second! I don't know if I can keep replenishing it..."

"Bobb..." Element Lad said through gritted teeth, "I'm struggling as well, and so is Star Boy. But we owe it to everyone else here to keep the bulk of Mordru's slaves penned in as long as we can." Even as he tried to encourage Crystal Kid, Jan transmuted as much air as he could into magic-resistant iron and indestructible inertron. Many of the most powerful - and dangerous - magicians were behind the wall they were holding.

Beside Jan, Star Boy was doing his best to weigh down the enemy. "And I thought I was the optimistic one," he grunted with a smile. "Good to have you in such high spirits, Jan."

Crystal Kid opened his mouth to reply, but before he could utter a word, a section of the wall exploded outwards. The Legionnaires were barely able to shield themselves in time.

"A cute trick," sneered a rich, deep female voice. "But useless against any intermediate magician."

Element Lad quickly transmuted a small section of their shielding at eye-level into oxygen. "Cos, look through my eyes," he thought as he took in the regal black-haired woman in a green bodice and cloak, not unlike what the Emerald Empress might wear.

In a second, Cosmic Boy responded. "That's the Enchantress. She's a powerful magic user, and can virtually control any non-living object. Needless to say, be very careful."

"Yeah, even if you hadn't said it like that, your shaking voice would have tipped us off," Star Boy cracked. "We need to blitz her. Follow my lead."

Star Boy aimed his power at the cavern ceiling. With a loud boom, the rock above rained down on the Enchantress. At the same time, crystal spikes formed around her feet and traveled quickly up her legs. She gave a contemptuous laugh as she waved her hands; the falling rock turned into a shower of bubbles and the crystal vanished in a flurry of powder snow. "Amateurs. Onwards, my fellows. We face no real obstacle today."

"I beg to differ." A purple-haired figure planted herself in front of the Enchantress. "I am Rainbow Girl, and I intend to stop you."

"Dori, what are you doing?" hissed Crystal Kid. "She'll kill you!"

"Even your ally knows you are outclassed," the Enchantress laughed. "Step aside, little one, and I will kill you painlessly."

"Not a chance," Rainbow Girl said as she stood her ground, despite her allies' pleas. "Today is an indigo day." Dori's hands glowed, and an indigo light erupted from them towards the Enchantress. The ground beneath rose up to form a barrier between the two, but the light snaked around it and enveloped its target.

The Enchantress fell to her knees. "What... have you done... to me?" she screamed.

"Given you a dose of compassion," Rainbow Girl said with satisfaction.

"Noooooo! Such pain!" The Enchantress arched her back and held her head in her arms. "Stop this!"

"Gladly," Star Boy jumped forward and punched the Enchantress in the back of the head. She slumped forward.

"Nice work, Rainbow Girl," Element Lad smiled as he shook her hand. "Now come on. Help us slow down the rest of these slaves."

Crystal Kid just stood silently with his mouth open. "I just saw it, but I don't sprocking believe it..." he muttered.
Good stuff IB and great characterization particularly Bbob and Thom - well done! Rainbow Girl taking out the Enchantress was a real delight, more, more, more!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


"Anna Fortune is an intermediate-level mage, but she uses spellcasings - projectiles of concentrated magic - to cause a variety of effects."

Polar Boy wove in and out of the barrage being shot at him. The first shot hit the ground where he had been standing, leaving behind a smoldering crater. The next hit the wall behind him, turning it into air.

"Sun Boy? Night Girl? Anyone?" Polar Boy yelled into his ring. "I can't get a clear shot with all this dodging I'm doing!"

"Will I do?" Polar Boy looked up to see Nightwind in her Science Police uniform. He wasn't used to seeing her flowing hair outside of her costume's cowl. She held out her arms, and gusts of wind slammed into Anna, pushing her back.

"Bloody hell, what was that spell again?" Anna breathed as she fought the winds. "Ah... Bigatin!" Anna sank to the ground and grinned. "I knew turning heavy would be useful." She aimed at Nightwind and fired. The former Academy student barely dove out of the way in time; a black hole opened where she had been standing, sucking in debris and rubble before winking out of existence.

As Anna turned to fire again, ice coated her wrist launchers. "Quickly, Berta!" Polar Boy beckoned as Anna began to melt through the ice.

"Grife," Nightwind muttered as she landed near Polar Boy. "That would certainly have been a terrible end to a short career."

"Come on," Polar Boy said as he raised his hands. "It's only a matter of time before she gets a lucky shot. We have to stop her from being able to fire."

"And how do we do that? She won't stop shooting long enough for us to grab her gauntlets."

"We remove her visibility, of course."

"What do you... ahh." A wide smile spread across Nightwind's face. "And what has worse visibility... than a blizzard."

Polar Boy smiled back as he unleashed a flurry of ice crystals. Beside him, Nightwind caused the wind in the cavern to compress into a twister. Before Anna could fire another spellcase, a veritable storm of ice and dust washed over her. "Where are you?" Anna shouted. "Blast it, stop trying to hide!"

"And now, before she can magic this away..." With a flick of her wrist, Nightwind slammed Anna against the rock. As she slumped to the ground, Polar Boy swiftly encased Anna in ice.

He turned to Nightwind with a smile. "Have I told you that you totally had my vote when your Legion application came up?"

"I hope I still have it if I ever decide to apply again," Nightwind laughed. "Now come on, let's see how many more bad guys we can double team."
Originally Posted by Harbinger
Good stuff IB and great characterization particularly Bbob and Thom - well done! Rainbow Girl taking out the Enchantress was a real delight, more, more, more!


Many thanks, Harbi smile I'm glad your are liking my little battles. I told myself I should give every Legionnaire and ally a little bit of screen time, so with the Nightwind and Polar Boy segment done I still have 11 more to go. Not going to be that easy, but it is fun thinking of unusual pairings of characters.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


"Extraño was a stage magician who gained real sorcery from an experiment. He can levitate and fire energy blasts, and uses his stage magician past to surprise opponents."

Tyroc peered cautiously around the corner that his brightly-dressed opponent had disappeared around. He wasn't at all surprised to find him missing; surprises were plentiful when dealing with magic.

Seeing nothing, he let out a soft hypersonic scream. His magic-based sonics didn't pick up any resonance, though.

"You're not going to find your Auntie Extraño so easily, sweetie." Tyroc barely had time to react before a blast of energy flew right where his head had been.

Twisting around so he faced his attacker, Tyroc let out a scream. The magician conjured up a shield to block it. He waved a hand and Tyroc felt bands of energy constricting his face. "Normally I like a deep manly voice, but yours is a bit too loud."

"How about big manly muscles?" A slab of rock slammed into the levitating sorceror. Tyroc looked down to see Power Boy and Gravity Kid. "Ugh," Gravity Kid sneered as he used his powers to slam Extraño up into the ceiling. "I hope not all gay 21st century men talked like that."

"Yeah," Power Boy nodded as he altered his density to absorb Extraño's next energy blast. "Though I think the people back then were more diverse than that."

Gravity Kid raised his hands, causing Extraño's to fall. The sorceror gasped as he flailed on the floor. "There we go. A little gravity should keep him down... WHOA!"

The two lovers toppled over as the ground shook. Extraño laughed as he stared at his handiwork. "I don't need my hand gestures in order to cast spells, darlings." Freed of Gravity Kid's power, Extraño stood up and brushed off his cloak. "I don't want to kill such a handsome young couple, but Lord Mordru's orders were clear..."

Tyroc quickly stood up and let loose a perfectly-calculated hypersonic scream. Extraño dropped like a sack of potatoes. After checking to see if Extraño was out, he helped the two former Academy students to their feet. "Thanks for distracting him enough for his spell to dissipate." As the two stood up, he smiled. "And don't worry. From the time I spent in the past, I can tell you that not all gay men were that flamboyant."
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VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


Ibis the Invincible is an ancient Egyptian prince who can do almost anything with his magical Ibistick."

"Hmph." Ibis the Invincible kicked the fallen Enchantress' body. "Felled by amateurs." She barely stirred as he walked past. Holding his Ibistick up, he faced the alloy wall that their opponents had created. "A simple matter to conjure this away."

A loud crash threw him forward. Coughing, he scrambled around. A life-sized stone statue lay where he had been standing. Muttering angrily to himself, he looked around for his Ibistick.

"Looking for this?" He gasped to see a black-haired man in a green and yellow costume grinning. "This maneuver worked really well against Pulsar Stargrave, and I'm glad it worked well on you too."

"Give that back, now!" Ibis thundered.

The brunette shook his head as he wagged an insolent finger at Ibis. "Ah, ah. One thing you should know... my code name is Matter-Eater Lad. It's a very descriptive code name, kind of like yours isn't." Matter-Eater Lad held up a rock. "See this?"

Ibis watched in horror as his opponent devoured the rock in seconds. "Now, what if I do this to your Ibistick?"

"You don't know what you're doing!" Ibis held out a pleading hand. "That is the source of my magics! Without it, I will be useless to Lord Mordru!"

"Exactly what I'm counting on." The impudent man raised the Ibistick to his lips.

"Noooo!" Ibis charged forward, arms flailing around. As he lunged for the Ibistick, Tenzil smoothly sidestepped him and grabbed arm. He flipped Ibis over, smashing him into the ground. The magician rolled over, unconscious.

"Wow." Tenzil turned to see an awakened Stone Boy approaching. "That was impressive."

"Thanks," Tenzil smiled. "We made a good team again."

Stone Boy nodded. "Glad using me as a missile worked out well. Again."

"And I'm just glad he fell for my bluff. After the Miracle Machine, I am so not eating any magical artifacts ever again." Whistling, he slipped the Ibistick into his belt pouch.

****************************************************************

"One's a speedster and the other's a teleporter," Violet complained as she peered out of their tiny alcove. The sounds of battle were getting louder and louder, but she still didn't see any of Mordru's slaves... or any other Legionnaires. "Where are they"

"Oh, don't get so testy." Gates popped into view just as XS raced in. "We wouldn't even have to rush if the telepathic network had worked."

"We already explained why," Saturn Girl said. "Now come on."

"Oh, Zoe, it's so good to see you again!" XS smiled as she hugged Zoe. "How are you feeling? How is it to be back?"

"Um... okay, I guess?" Zoe tentatively hugged XS back. "You look a lot like Jenny... are you the Jenni I know?"

"Aaah... not quite." XS stepped back and put a hand on Gates' shoulder. "Do you remember Gates?"

Zoe tensed up as she took in the sight of the gigantic bug in a red hood. "Sorry... I've seen you in my mind because of Imra here, but it just seems so weird, you know?"

Gates shrugged as he stepped forward. "Normally I'd comment on you humanoids' fair-weather memories, but I'll make an exception. It is good to see you back, Zoe."

Zoe forced a grin. "Thanks."

"Hush now, and I'll bring you into the telepathic network," Imra said. XS and Gates took their places beside Zoe and Imra. Zoe almost laughed at how surreal the moment was; she was sitting in a circle with a giant talking bug! She closed her eyes and tried her best not to laugh.

In a second, Zoe could feel XS' and Gates' presences in her mind. "Now," Imra's voice sounded in her head, "I want you to recall all your memories of Zoe. You two are her only teammates in this reality. Don't just remember what happened, but remember how each of your senses was affected; what you thought; how you felt; relive the moments as best as you can."

In an instant, images flashed in Zoe's mind yet again. But these were different somehow. The earlier images felt like she was watching a movie; these seemed like she was in a dream. They just felt more real, somehow.

She saw herself with a tail and pointed ears, teleporting into a pitched battle. She saw herself saving Sally from a woman who was about to stab her. She felt Jenny's joy at seeing her again after so long.*

She saw herself without the tail and pointed ears; she was sitting alone in a room, feeling sad. Then Jenny popped in with a smile to ask her to share a dessert. She felt Jenny's concern and care at that very moment.**

She saw herself on a ravaged planetoid, helping conjure up a forcefield against a powerful blast of energy. She recognized Lyle, but he was telling her to cut off somebody's oxygen. Jenny was right beside her, getting ready to dash off and collect some talismans. She could feel the adrenaline coursing through her body.***

She saw herself floating in space with Gates and four others; she recognized Larry and Laurel, but didn't know the green boy or the blue girl. She and Gates were having a lively debate about space exploration. She could feel his annoyance.****

She saw herself sitting in a clinic and being examined. Her mind felt dull and overwhelmed; she could see Gates offering her a carving of a moon. She could feel his warmth and concern.*****

More images, more memories flashed into her mind. Through every one, she could feel the warmth and compassion, the love and the friendship from these two. They seemed to know her so well. And she was beginning to feel like she knew them too.

As they watched the proceedings, Violet began to gasp. "I... I can feel something!"

Dream Girl looked her up and down. "I should hope so. You're glowing!"

"How..." Violet looked at her hands. "What's happening?"

"It's just as Sensor Girl suspected," Mysa considered. "Your recent battle with the Emerald Eye left you with a portion of its power. Someone must be harnessing it now. But it is not me."

Violet drew her blaster and looked around warily. "Grife. Could one of Mordru's slaves be doing it?"

"I don't think so," Nura whispered as she pointed at the telepathic circle. "Look. Kinetix is glowing in exactly the same color!"

The three looked over to the telepathic circle. Though Zoe's eyes were closed, her hands were clenched. "She is starting to absorb your magic," Mysa breathed.

"Good," Nura smiled as she turned back to watch the entrance. "Then we have a chance."

IB's notes:

*Legionnaires 36; the Legion is reunited against the Fatal Five. Mysa had just repowered Kinetix and teleported her off into battle.

**Legionnaires 42; Mysa had just restored Kinetix's original form and powers.

***Legionnaires 50, the battle against Mordru

****Legionnaires 60, the Legionnaires investigate the Anomaly

*****Legionnaires 62, being examined after returning from the Anomaly
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Volume 2: Scattered Souls

In another Legion's universe...


Jinx is a powerful sorceress who can tap the magic in the Earth. But she must keep her bare feet touching the ground to sustain these effects.

"Oh, well, that's sprocking helpful," Dragonwing growled as she let a burst of flame loose at Jinx. The bald sorceress countered by raising a rock wall for protection. "I don't suppose you've developed telekinesis, by any chance?"

"Sadly, no," Porcupine Pete spat out as he let loose a hail of quills at Jinx. The sorceress countered with a flood of water.

"Great," Dragonwing replied as both she and Pete soared up into the air above the water. "You go right, I'll go left... OOPH!" Before the pair could move, bursts of wind battered them away from their target.

Below, Jinx laughed. "Though this is a different world, magics flow pure into me, a strong vessel for a strong world... Much, much stronger than Earth..."

"Good to know, Mademoiselle." Jinx gasped as she was suddenly lifted up high into the air. She couldn't see anyone, but she felt powerful arms encircling hers. She began to kick behind her.

"Zut alors! Dragonwing!"

"On it, Jacques!" Dragonwing smiled as she punched Jinx right in the face. A second punch caused the sorceress' struggles to cease.

"Good teamwork," Invisible Kid smiled as he faded into view. He and Dragonwing exchanged high fives, even as Jacques held onto Jinx.

"Wow, nice work, guys," Porcupine Pete tried to keep the envy out of his voice as approached. "You did really well."

"You helped distract her too, mon ami," Jacques offered graciously.

"But if you want to help more," Dragonwing smiled as she removed her cape, "help me tie her up and we can use one of your quills to stake her to the wall so she can't access her powers."
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Volume 2: Scattered Souls

In another Legion's universe...


Kid Eternity can summon one deceased soul at a time for one minute each. The soul must do his bidding.

Lightning Lad tensed as Val Armorr lunged at him. Garth's flight ring propelled backwards just in time; he countered with a burst of lightning. A heaving Karate Kid fell to the ground and faded from view.

"Who's next?" Garth looked around him. He couldn't see Kid Eternity through the chaos. "Lu? Chuck? See any... UGH!" Garth's eyes widened as a familiar masked figure leaped at him, pinning him to the ground. He desperately loosed his electrical powers to the limit, but the ironed up Ferro Lad barely flinched.

"Sorry, Garth," Andrew Nolan's voice was flat as he raised his fist. Garth's eyes widened as it began to fall...

... and then it stopped inches in front of his face.

"Uh, uh! Nobody kill Legionnaires on Quislet's watch!" Quislet's ship hovered nearby as Ferro Lad's body jerked itself upright. "Thanks, Quislet, but don't hurt him!"

"Lightning Lad worries too much," Quislet chirped cheerfully as it made Ferro Lad's body march around like a toy soldier. "Quislet can inhabit iron for five minutes, Ferro Lad fade away in one, it won't crumble before he returns to wherever he came from!"

Lightning Lad stepped towards his old teammate. Ferro Lad had been a Legionnaire for such a short time, but he still had been a friend. "Sorry, Andy... Quislet, follow me as soon as you're able. Let's end this."

Lightning Lad took to the air. "Lu? Chuck? Any luck finding Kid Eternity?"

"We have," Duplicate Damsel replied over Garth's flight ring. "Hurry!" Luornu reintegrated her second body just as a large boulder fell where she had been standing. In front of her, a summoned Chemical King was guarding Kid Eternity. Condo fired beam after beam of his power, causing various effects: rusted metal, oxidized fires, sudden explosions. Luornu quickly summoned a dozen bodies and charged at him. She just had to wait the minute out.

She watched as her other bodies dodged beams and explosions; those with severe injuries were promptly integrated back into her. She shuddered as each one rejoined her to heal. She had to be careful not to sap her energy. Finally, after the minute was up, Chemical King faded away.

Luornu quickly summoned a full dozen bodies and charged towards Kid Eternity. "We have you now, Kid!" she yelled as she approached.

"Not quite," Kid Eternity smirked. "Eternity won't be beaten that easily."

Luornu tensed as she waited for the next hero to materialize. Would it be Superman? A Green Lantern? She might not even last a minute against those...

All her jaws dropped as the mists dissipated. No. It was the one Legionnaire she couldn't bear to see like this.

A girl in an purple dress and orange cape stepped forward. "Sister?"

"Oh grife." Luornu could sense her alternate bodies' confusion as one of her own stepped forward. "You... you look just like you did. The day COMPUTO killed you."

She could see the sadness in her dead self's eyes as she reached a hand out. "Luornu. Let Mordru win today. Please."

"I... I..." Fight it, Lu! You're stronger than this! He's just playing with your mind! Luornu screamed at herself as she tried to move. She could hear Kid Eternity's cruel laugh in the background. Luornu steeled herself as she drew back a fist. "I'm sorry, sister..."

"You sprocking nasshead!" Luornu and her selves turned as a familiar blue-and-white figure crashed into Kid Eternity. The white-clad redhead fell to the ground and tumbled. As he landed, Luornu saw her first body vanish.

She fell to her knees as Bouncing Boy ran to her. "Oh, Luornu, I'm so sorry you had to go through that..."

Lu hugged her husband tight as he helped her to her feet. "It's okay, Chuck. Thanks..." Luornu blinked back the tears as she forced herself to stand up straight. "I just have to accept that even though I can have as many bodies as I want now, none of them will be the same as my original Sisters."

Luornu smiled as she saw Chuck's eyes, misty-eyed and full of love. She held onto him as she spoke into her flight ring. "Kid Eternity's down, Garth."
Great stuff IB, loving your pairings, especially Dragonwing and Porcupine Pete. Lu facing her lost self was poignant too. Good to see Zoe being returned to herself, your love of the reboot team really Shi.es in the scene where she shares Gates and Jenni's memories. Really looking forward to you getting all your team together.

Love your work, more, more, more!
Post boot not reboot... Sorry. Actually, if I'm honest I don't know the difference as I only really followed the 5YG team then dipped in and out and bought old issues randomly.
Thanks, Harbi! So nice of you to keep reading and commenting. I'm glad my odd pairings worked out, and that the Lu scene did as well. I'm also pretty excited that this part of the story is almost over. Looking forward to getting all the other Legionnaires back too.

No worries, I think Postboot and Reboot are interchangeable. They refer to the same incarnation of the team. I just prefer Postboot because it's alliterative with Preboot.
By the way, I went back and gave Stone Boy a couple of lines in his scene with Tenzil and Isis. I thought I should, seeing as how everyone else at least got something to say!
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Volume 2: Scattered Souls

In another Legion's universe...


Mordru's eyes glowed as he felt his anger grow. He had enslaved dozens of the most powerful magic users of Earth's last great heroic age, yet most were not proving to be of any use now! The captured Glorith and Sensor Girl had been freed, and the Legionnaires were mounting a full-scale assault to help keep Kinetix out of his grasp.

This was unacceptable.

He cast his eye around the battlefield, mentally commanding himself to ignore the pain from the Legion's attacks. One of them must have a power that was affecting him. Though his mind was strong, his body felt like lead.

Dawnstar and Mon-El were buzzing around his head like flies. Wildfire hovered a few feet away, throwing large amounts of energy at him. That upstart Phantom Girl was darting through the walls, trying to distract him while barking instructions...

... and Ultra Boy was firing flash vision at him, while standing in front of an impudent young man in ridiculous glasses and an even more ridiculous coat. That must be it.

With a mighty roar, Mordru threw his head back and unleashed a wave of ambient magical energy. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Mon-El and Wildfire get thrown back. Dawnstar evaded a direct hit, but got caught in the shockwave as well. He heard Phantom Girl's audible gasp as all three Legionnaires fell.

"Hadru, move!" Phantom Girl commanded. "Jo, stall Mordru as best you can..."

"That won't be for long." Mordru's gigantic fist swatted Ultra Boy away like a fly, while another reached for the one Phantom Girl had called Hadru.

"No!" Phantom Girl dove towards them as Mordru closed in. A spell of time - one he had seen Glorith do - stopped her in her tracks. It would last but a few seconds, but it would suffice.

Hadru screamed as Mordru's hand closed around him and squeezed tight.

"What have you done to me?!" Mordru thundered. "And how have you delayed my army of slaves?"

"Go to Hell!" Hadru spat, though Mordru could clearly see his eyes bulging with pain and effort.

"I will one day. But you will precede me." Mordru began to squeeze tighter. Hadru's fingernails dug into his own fingers as the youngster began to writhe. "You have one last chance."

"Nn-no... no..." Hadru wheezed.

"So be it." Mordru smiled devilishly as he tightened his hold.

"NO!!" Mon-El's heat vision burned his fingers, and he opened them involuntarily. Phantom Girl caught the unconscious Hadru and flew away. Mordru screamed with rage as he unleashed the energy within him, lighting up the chamber.

Phantom Girl looked up to see Ultra Boy recovering, and Dawnstar, Wildfire and Mon-El flying out with her. Mordru's obliteration of the chamber caused rock and debris to fly everywhere. She cursed silently to herself; the maze of rock had caused the Legionnaires and Mordru's salves to spread out, and was one of their biggest advantages thus far.

"Imra, you'd better hurry," she said into her flight ring. "We're really running out of time."
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Volume 2: Scattered Souls

In another Legion's universe...


Element Lad couldn't recall being so tired in his life. Mordru's energy blast had destroyed most of his wall; he was trying to rebuild as much of it as possible, but Mordru's slaves were already streaming past.

Beside him, Glorith was chanting at a furious pace. The glow of her magic surrounded the oncoming horde. "There are too many of them, Element Lad!" she breathed.

A bolt of energy slammed into Glorith, causing her to scream. Element Lad turned to see a white-haired woman in a long, flowing robe. "We are indeed many, but even one such as I, Jennifer Morgan, is enough to fell an inexperienced child."

"Don't talk about my nova-bright friend like that, larva hair!" Comet Queen charged at Jennifer from behind, comet gases billowing around them both. Before Jennifer could react, Comet Queen punched her in the face. "Is Glorith space-snappy, Element Lad?"

Jan shook his head as he examined Glorith. "Let me see if I can wake her."

"I would not bother." Jan and Grava looked around as a woman and a man with feathers in their hair stepped forward. As one, they yelled "INUKCHUK!" Jan and Grava gasped as they both grew to gigantic size.

"Grava, take Glorith and run!" Jan yelled as he transmuted the rock around them into a magnesium flare. He didn't even stop to see if his opponents - now named by Cosmic Boy as Manitou Dawn and Manitou Raven - were blinded as he commanded his flight ring to carry him away as fast as it could.

*****************************************************************

Zoe's heart raced as he relived scene after scene. She couldn't get over how real they felt. Her adventures with XS and Gates, running around fighting criminals, seemed almost as real as the times she sat in Starbucks with Jenny doing homework and talking about boys.

She saw Gates' telling her and Jan that he had sent the Emerald Eye to them. She felt his confidence in her ability to stop it.**

She saw XS asking her for advice about a boy she liked - one she recognized as Larry Gand. She felt XS' trust in her as a confidante.

She wanted to shut the images out of her mind. Not because she hated them, but because she was beginning to be overwhelmed. Her memories of her simple life in a small town, with a normal family and normal friends and normal adolescent concerns, seemed as real as her new memories of a fantastic life catching super-powered criminals in outer space.

****************************************************************

Cosmic Boy stared in horror as Sensor Girl and Brainiac 5 fell before him, smoke rising from their bodies. He recognized their attackers - Felix Faust and the Black Orchid. The tall, lean man smiled wickedly as he wagged a finger. "So, you are the one with knowledge of all our powers and identities."

Rokk quickly pulled whatever metal he could around him and hurled the pieces at the pair. Faust quickly disintegrated the pieces in front of him. "Please, you will have to do better than that-UGH!" Rokk smiled as a large piece of scrap hit Faust on the back of the head; just as he expected.

"I won't be beaten as easily," Black Orchid's tone was cold as she leaped right at Cos. Grabbing both his wrists, she pinned him down.

"Unhand him!" Tellus telekinesis lifted her off Rokk and slammed her against a wall.

"Thanks, Tellus, I..." Cosmic Boy never finished his sentence as a pinkish glow surrounded both of them. His face froze in horror as both he and Tellus turned to stone.

The Silver Sorceress stepped out from behind her hiding place, and examined her work. "Alive, but trapped," she murmured as she checked on Black Orchid. "Trapped, just like the rest of us..."

****************************************************************

Zoe saw Gates crying out her name on while they were surrounded by aliens on a distant world. Though she looked like a spotted orange alien, she felt Gates' firm belief that she was still his friend.

She saw XS racing towards her as she, still in her orange form, was being attacked by a man who looked like a younger Superman. She felt XS' intense grief and rage as she vanished in a flash of light.***

She saw Gates and XS confronting Mysa about her fate. She felt their confusion and sense of loss at being told she couldn't be released just yet.

She saw the three of them, standing with almost two dozen others, waving to the largest crowd she had ever seen. A crowd larger than she could ever imagine. A crowd containing people from all over the world, and people who could not have possibly been from Earth.

And all these people were cheering. Cheering for them.

She felt pride. A true sense of belonging. Purpose. She looked around the faces, recognizing many - Sally, Jenny, Ayla, Candi, Garth, Irma, Jan, Tom, the triplets, Rick. But Gates and XS were telling her that she knew them by different names.

She tried to look away, but couldn't. How could it all feel so real?

****************************************************************

"Oh no," Invisible Kid froze. "I cannot hear Cosmic Boy or Tellus anymore."

"Sprock," Sun Boy said beside him as he threw a blast at the pointy-haired youngster who had been identified as Klarion the Witch Boy. "Without Cos' knowledge, we're..."

Dirk was cut off as the wall in front of them came crashing down. Before either man could react, they were pulled away by two giant hands. Dirk looked back to see Klarion being buried in the rock.

"Colossal Boy! It is tres good to see you!"

"Later with the platitudes, Jacques," Chameleon Girl landed on Colossal Boy's shoulder. "We have to keep moving." She turned and pointed behind her; a woman in metallic gold gown, arm-length red gloves and a purple flower-shaped crest was laughing as a horde of demons and ogres crawled around the caverns before her.

"All we know is that's the Queen of Fables," Gim gasped as he shrank down to normal size," but Cos wasn't able to tell us what she can do."

"Honestly, I don't care right now." Dirk didn't look back as he took to the air with his flight ring. "I agree with Yera. Run!"

****************************************************************

"I think you're going to like this one, Zoe." Zoe felt XS' voice in her mind. Though she couldn't see it, she knew XS was smiling widely.

She saw herself being supported by XS as she held a beautiful seven-pointed star that looked like light was trapped within it. She was confronting an old woman in a purple hood and dress. Zoe could feel the power from the star as she threatened to turn it on the woman.*

And then she saw her mother and her brother barge in and confront the old woman. She watched as her mother demanded the old woman alone.

And suddenly she recognized that this was her mother. The way she talked. The sound of love in her voice. It rang so clearly in her mind.

Zoe felt her last doubts vanish as everything seemed to click into place in her mind. It was like she had been swimming against a river, but now she let herself be carried by it. She remembered everything so clearly now. Zoe let herself drink in the feeling. She knew who she was. She knew who these people were. She understood everything now.

She let herself revel in the maelstrom of memories that had been unlocked in her mind. She remembered both "lives" that she had lived, but only one seemed real to her now.

She was a Legionnaire.

She forced herself to open her eyes in the physical world so she could look at XS and Gates, in the flesh, and show them that she remembered.

But her smile turned into horror as she saw XS being engulfed by a black shadow shaped like a raven. Saturn Girl screamed as a yellow glow surrounded her body.

And Gates dangled before her, blood running from his mouth and a yellow trident poking through his chest.

Kinetix watched in horror. And then she felt her heart burst as the cavern exploded with green light.

*IB's notes:

1) this happened in Legionnaires 42, which revealed Kinetix's connection with her universe's Mysa
2) LSH v4 121. That was a pretty good scene; Gates teleports the Emerald Eye into a cave, and Kinetix and Element Lad try to stop it! (Jan managed to blind it with a magnesium flare!)
3) Legion of 3 Worlds; Superboy-Prime "killing" Zoe
Great stuff IB! But now i wonder is that just Kinetix' s powers fully returning or is that the ever present Emerald Eye crashing the party?

Can't wait for the next installment!
Hi Omni, thanks for commenting smile Really appreciate your taking the time to read the voluminous amount of posts.

That's a good question on the Emerald Eye smile But no, I hadn't intended for it to show up because Mordru had not enslaved it. That would have been good though!
I finally caught up! Really like the team-ups to fight the enslaved magic users, all those little fights remind me of the old JLA/JSA team-ups smile

Extrano vs the embarassed for him Gravity Kid was pretty funny and I like the creativity with all of the resolutions as well. Looks like it's really hit the fan now, looking forward to more! smile
Hi raz, thanks for continuing to read! Glad you enjoyed all the little skirmishes. I really like writing those, gives a chance to use unusual combos of characters.

It's hit the fan all right! Looking forward to writing the next too
Wow it's getting really intense now IB! The great team ups are a hoot, as are the use of characters from our era - sort of Legion zombie magic user apocalypse on steroids- it's great stuff!

Mordru freeing himself from Hadru's catalytic abilities spells bad news (pun intended) so i@m looking forward to how you resolve this without killing everyone in the process - you're not going to, are you?

More, more, more IB, please....
Thanks Harbi!I really love mixing and matching unusual combinations of characters. I'm really stoked to finish up, it's not going to be easy but I think I know what do do...
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


"Cos? Imra? Tasmia? Brek? Nura?" Phantom Girl's breath tightened with each name that she called. Of the over fifty Legionnaires and reservists she'd brought along, less than two dozen were gathered around her. And not all of them were in good shape.

She looked around the little shelter they had created around their cruiser. Chemical Kid lay groaning as he held his ribs. Chlorophyll Kid was nursing a broken arm. Timber Wolf growled as he leaned against a wall; he had been magically blinded by one of the Doctor Fates. A goat with green-and-yellow fur chewed on a rock; an encounter with Circe had gone poorly for Matter-Eater Lad.

"It's pretty bad, isn't it?" A shrunken Rainbow Girl hugged herself as she perched on Tinya's shoulder.

"It is," Tinya admitted as she considered her options. "But we've been in worse spots before." Though her voice was confident, she wasn't feeling quite so sure. She had sent Dawnstar and Ultra Boy out to look for the White Witch's group, but neither had responded to her in the last fifteen minutes. Mon-El and Wildfire had gone out looking for other Legionnaires, only to return ten minutes later with Mon-El setting down a frozen Wildfire and then collapsing onto the ground. Things were looking incredibly grim.

She had to make a choice.

"Cham, Nightwind, start loading the wounded into a cruiser," she ordered. "Lu, have one of your bodies take them somewhere safe. The rest of us still able to fight, gather around. We have to split up and find Mysa's group. We have ran interference as long as we can; we need our magic-users."

The dozen or so remaining able-bodied Legionnaires and allies nodded. Tinya spared a sidelong glance at poor Glorith; somehow, Jennifer Morgan's attack had also frozen her in time. Her face was still contorted in pain. Comet Queen had almost dropped her when she had realized it.

Timber Wolf stepped forward. "I may not be able to see, but I can still smell. Let me take point."

Tinya wasn't about to argue with Brin. "Fine, but Comet Queen will be your eyes. I'll lead the other team." She began dividing the group into two.

"Wait, Phantom Girl!" Mandalla's voice was calm, but Tinya could sense the fear in it. "I sense something intruding into my thought-sphere."

"Brin's team, head left! My team, follow Bouncing Boy right..."

"Ah, ah, no you don't!" A radiant sphere of energy surrounded Comet Queen even as she leaped into the air. Grava gasped as she toppled to the ground, her face a mask of horror. "You mud-snorting asteroid chaser!" she screamed at her attacker. "You took my powers!"

"Let's see if we can get them back." Mandalla gestured at Grava's attacker, whom Phantom Girl recognized as Traci Thirteen. A translucent ball of multi-colored energy surrounded the young Asian sorceress, who stumbled and knelt on the ground.

"Good job, Mandalla," Tinya smiled encouragingly. "Now, quickly, let's move before more show up..."

Before she could finish her sentence, her words were drowned out by the rumble of falling rock. Nightwind quickly blew the dust away from around them. As the air cleared, Tinya's heart fell. Over two dozen of Mordru's slaves stood in the newly-created opening.

"Color Kid," Tinya commanded even as she instinctively phased. Someone had to escape and find Kinetix. Color Kid nodded as he turned everything a uniform shade of black.

A brunette in a long, flowing pink dress shook her head, causing her large gold earrings to sway. "Even though I have little real magic of my own, I can still see through your little trick." She pointed a finger right at Color Kid's location. "If you will, my dear Princess Amethyst."

"Gladly, Madame Xanadu." A blonde in a purple dress and cape raised her arm and fired a blast that blew Color Kid off his feet. The effects of his power disappeared.

"And now, you shall all join us." With a gesture, Amethyst caused a sphere of purple energy to envelope Tinya's entire group. "First, a spell to depower you..." Tinya felt herself turn solid again. She tried to remain calm for the benefit of those with her, though out of the corner of her eye she could see a look of horror appear on Crystal Kid's face. Amethyst gestured yet again, and this time a sphere of pure white settled on them. "And another spell to freeze you in time. Lord Mordru shall be pleased that we have captured each and every one of you."

"Indeed, I am!" Though Tinya couldn't move, her mind began to race as Mordru's deep voice thundered through the cave. She watched in horror as he appeared, over two dozen other Legionnaires levitating behind him as though frozen. Ultra Boy and Dawnstar were among them, as were Brainiac 5, Sensor Girl and Tellus. She quickly searched out Kinetix and the White Witch; thankfully, neither were among the captives. They still had a small amount of hope.

Mordru considered the group carefully, eyes glowing the whole time. "I can already tell that Glorith alone has magic among this group. Fetch her to me, and I shall kill the rest."

A yellow demon clothed in red snapped his fingers, and Glorith levitated through the air to land at Mordru's side. The other Legionnaires flew through the air to land in a heap beside Tinya's group.

"I shall savor this moment," Mordru smiled wide as he raised his hands, both of them crackling with energy. "The day that I have finally destroyed the Legion of Super-Heroes!" Tinya couldn't even close her eyes as the cavern filled with a bright yellow energy.

"Over my dead body, Mor-dud!" Tinya heard gasps as the yellow energy was eclipsed by a bright green glow. She heard Mordru scream in anger and pain as his body lit up.

"You DARE, Zoe Saugin?!" he screamed as he knelt on the ground, facing his attacker.

"You bet I do." Zoe Saugin floated in between the Legionnaires and Mordru, surrounded by a halo of green. "And call me Kinetix." Her blue jeans and blouse warped before Tinya's eyes. transforming into a green bodysuit that cut off at the tops of her legs. The look was completed by green boots, gloves and a set of frills around her waist and shoulders. Tinya recognized it as one of Kinetix's old costumes, from the files her Legion had shared.

"Now that I'm dressed properly," Kinetix smiled, "it's showtime!"
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


Gates had never before felt such terrible pain in his life. Thankfully, his nerves had numbed themselves shortly after the trident had pierced his body.

He stared down blankly as the gold trident hung out of his side. His mind recalled the terrible wounds he had suffered fighting in the 21st century of this universe; but the damage there was just to his skin. Now, his insides were speared and blood was pooling under him.

His eyes met Zoe's as she stared in horror. He heard her calling his name. At last, she remembers. He smiled at her even as he collapsed.

What happened next was nothing short of remarkable. Zoe's body began to glow a brilliant green. With a wave of her arm, she blasted Gates' attacker, the Blue Devil, backwards. Another wave, and she molded the trident into narrow strips of metal so she could slip it out of Gates' body with no pain.

Then Gates began to feel a tingle as his body healed itself before his eyes.

"Z... Zoe," he gasped as he felt his wounds close up and knit themselves.

"Ssssh, I know you're grateful," she smiled as she laid him gently on the ground. The rock molded itself into a soft cushion for him to lie on. "Now, rest. I can knit you up physically, but you will need to recover your energy."

She gave him a smile, then turned to the other Legionnaires. XS, Saturn Girl, Dream Girl, Shrinking Violet and the White Witch all stared at her in awe as their attackers lay on the ground. XS ran forward and hugged Kinetix. "Oh Zoe you're back! You're really, truly back!"

Zoe smiled as she hugged Jenni tight. "It seems like a lifetime ago that we last saw each other, Jenni."

Mysa coughed gently. "I am sorry to interrupt, Legionnaires, but... you have full recollection of everything that has happened, Kinetix?"

"Yes," Zoe's tone darkened as her eyes glowed green. "I remember how Mordru absorbed me, leeched off me, and cast me into this fantasy world so I couldn't fight back. I remember my own universe, and my teammates." She clenched a glowing fist and pointed it towards an unconscious Raven. Tendrils of black flowed from Raven into Kinetix; when Kinetix had absorbed the flowing magic completely, Raven turned back into stone. "I remember how to use my powers, and I remember that the Hypertaxis energy I absorbed long ago* turned my naturally-absorbent magical genetic makeup into a magical sponge." She pointed, in turn, at Blue Devil, Ocean Master, Sebastian Faust and Witchfire. The Legionnaires watched silently as magical energy flowed from each into Kinetix, causing her glow to heighten; and one by one, each of Mordru's slaves turned back into stone.

Kinetix looked Mysa straight in the eye, and smiled a warm smile that seemed to make Mysa feel more alive. "I should thank you, Mysa. And also, your counterpart in our universe. Had she not asked my mom for help, I would never have been able to absorb ambient magic*."

"And now," Kinetix turned, "I'm going to find Mordru and make him pay." She flew off before any of the others could react.

"We have to find her," Dream Girl said. "She's powerful and has an instinctive knowledge of magic, but she doesn't have extensive experience with our Mordru."

Mysa couldn't help but feel giddy. She could sense Kinetix's immense power. Would they finally be able to put a stop to Mordru once and for all? "And we have to ensure she's prepared in case Mordru tries to absorb her again. She never had a chance to learn that spell."

"Okay then." Nura turned to face the others, hands on hips. "Imra, you took quite a beating there too. You watch over Gates first. The rest of us will go after Kinetix."

"Wait," Gates stretched his arm out. "I'm coming with you. You might need me. And I'm going to enjoy watching Kinetix beat Mordru down like the has-been dictator that he is."

Nura opened her mouth to argue, then shut it in shock. "Gates... your face."

"What?!" Gates panicked for a moment. "Did something happen to it?"

"See for yourself." Nura handed him a mirror. As Gates peered into it, he nearly wept.

Kinetix had healed his scars. He was truly whole again.

***************************************************************
IB's notes:

*Kinetix first absorbed Hypertaxis energy in Legion 6, during Ra's al Ghul's attempt to jumpstart evolution on Earth.

**It was revealed in Legionnaires 42 that Zoe's mother Azra, while pregnant, encountered a dying Mysa. Azra used the Scepter of Sybolla to heal Mysa; it also affected a then-unborn Zoe's genetic structure. This allowed her to later on absorb the energy pool on Titan which would give her psychokinetic abilities.
Kinetix is back! Gates is back to normal! Awesome!! laugh
I hope Zoe's return was worth the wait, raz! tongue I never liked Gates' scars, so I just had to make sure he would get healed somehow smile

Kinetix Gates XS
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


Mordru roared as he hurled powerful bolts of energy at Kinetix. She smirked as she deflected the initial volley with a translucent green shield, and held out an arm to catch the trailing wisps. "That was our dilemma when fighting our Mordru too. Weak attacks he absorbed; strong attacks he deflected." With a wave of her arm, she caused the ground beneath Mordru to erupt. "You may have the power of Zerox, Mordru, but I have the power of my entire universe! And thanks to the Legion, you can't leech it from me anymore!"

"I have many remedies not open to one such as you, Zoe Saugin," Mordru sneered. "Such as threatening your powerless friends. You may stalemate me, but you cannot stop all of my slaves." Mordru held a dazed Glorith up by her neck. Below Kinetix, Amethyst raised her sword over Phantom Girl's head.

"Surrender, and I shall release your friends," Mordru smiled. "And I shall make your enslavement as painless as possible."

"I..." Kinetix fell silent as she weighed her options. Hands shaking, she floated to the ground. "I..."

"You don't have to do surrender, Zoe!" A sonic boom filled the air as XS rocketed in, her fleet feet driving Mordru's slaves away from the assembled Legionnaires.

"Nice teamwork, Jenni!" Kinetix zapped Mordru back even as she telekinetically pried Glorith away from him. "Now let's make sure you can all defend yourselves. I am, after all, too pure to allow such suffering to exist.*" A flurry of green bubbles landed on the Legionnaires. XS watched as each of their injuries and ailments were reversed; Wildfire defrosted, Rainbow Girl grew to full height, Tellus turned back into flesh from stone.

"Whew, remind me never to fight a magician who can turn me into an animal again," Matter-Eater Lad shook his head.

"Amazing," Shadow Lass looked down at her arms, which had been burned masses of flesh just seconds ago. "We are whole again."

"And that is why I told you slaves to kill these Legionnaires when you had a chance!" Mordru thundered. "Forget them. Bring Kinetix to me!"

"Don't let Mordru touch you!" the White Witch warned as Gates teleported in. "His absorbing spell only works if he can make physical contact!"

"Ughhh," Kinetix grunted as Isis channeled a flood of lava at her. She deftly caught it in her psychokinetic field and redirected it towards the Ragman. She quickly dodged as the werecat Shakira jumped at her, slashing her wrist. "Hey, that hurt!" Her eyes glowed green as she held up an arm. Shakira's body shuddered as her magical energy left it and leaped into Zoe; her stone form dropped to the ground. "Okay, who's next?"

"I see I shall need more power of my own!" Mordru reached out and grabbed Felix Faust by the neck. "Give me your power, slave!" Felix Faust shook and fell silent as he turned to stone.

"Legionnaires! Help Kinetix get the slaves before Mordru can!" Phantom Girl phased through a charging Etrigan. As she solidified through him, she grabbed his cape and flipped him over.

"My pleasure," Gates laughed as an attacking Congorilla vanished through his teleport disk. "If it's a choice between my greedy yet altruistic teammate and a greedy sorcerer out to oppress the free world, my conscience is clear."

"And this is after I healed you completely," Kinetix sniffed as she caught Congorilla. As the other Legionnaires threw slaves towards her with increasing speed. Magic was now flowing into her at a tremendous rate even as dozens of Mordru's slaves reverted to stone. On the other side of the cavern, Mordru started to grow in height.

"Give up, Mordru!" Kinetix planted herself between him and the Legionnaires. "You may have increased your powers by a handful of magicians, but I grabbed most of them plus the magic of my universe. You can't win now!"

"You may be powerful, but you lack knowledge and wisdom," Mordru threw his head back and laughed. His cruel voice echoed in the cavern.

"I sense Zerox crying out," Harmonia cried out as she fell to the ground, hands grasping fistfuls of dirt. "Something else else is very wrong."

"I... OH!" Dream Girl shuddered as she clutched onto Star Boy's shoulder. "We have to leave. NOW!"

"You heard them, Legionnaires!" Phantom Girl barked. "Into the cruiser!"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Wildfire landed in front of Tinya. "Wait a minute. I trust Dream Girl's visions and all, but what exactly is the problem? Mordru is big, but he has over 50 of us to deal with PLUS Kinetix, and all his slaves are gone. What gives?"

"Mordru has mingled his energies with Zerox's," Glorith breathed. "Even I can feel it."

"So can I, and I don't have much of a connection to this place," Kinetix shuddered.

As she spoke, the ground began to tremble. Mordru's face widened in delight as he grew larger and larger. He burst through the roof of the cavern.

"Zerox is mine now!" Mordru raised his hands in a wide arc as energy began to flow into him. "The nexus of magic in this universe is under my control! Once I destroy it, I will be able to absorb all ambient magical energy in this universe - enough to match you, Zoe Saugin. And as a bonus, the Legion will die when Zerox explodes!"

"You all have to go, now!" Kinetix turned and began to chant. "I will handle this!"

"No!" Mysa stepped forward. "You do not know Zerox enough. But I think I know a way."

"Please, Mysa!" Nura pulled her sister towards her. "Imra or Tellus can link you to Kinetix. You can instruct her from afar."

"No, Nura," Mysa said gently. She took Nura's hands and held them in her own. "I know you wish to protect me, and though I have resented you for that in the past, I thank you with all my heart now. But though Kinetix has the power, I have the knowledge. I must stay here and magically merge with her to guide her."

"Hey, who am I to turn down a helping hand," Kinetix grit her teeth as she tried to pry Mordru's essence away from Zerox. "If I'm as powerful as you say, I should be able to protect myself and Mysa."

"Then I will stay as well," Glorith offered. "My power may be but a flickering candle beside your flame, but I may help you tip the scales."

"Oh, Mysa," Nura hugged her sister close. "All I can see is a bright whiteness." She looked into her sister's eyes. "But you're right. I must trust you."

"Then it's decided," Tinya tapped Nura on the shoulder gently. "We should go."

"And fast," Gates spat as he triggered his power. "You've all been expecting miracles, but even I can't teleport us far enough to escape an exploding planet!"

**********************
IB's notes:

*This is a direct quote from Zoe's origin story in LSH v4 Annual 6, where she dreams of using her power to perfect herself and to help people all over the galaxy.
Hey IB, sorry I missed this somehow when you first posted it but better late than never, eh?

Loving your Kinetix being fearless in the face of Merdru. You show his brutality and her desperation excellently in the way they just grab his slaves and tear the power from them - and Mordru has become mingled with Xerox - why do I feel the ending id going to be chilling? Mysa and Glorith remaining is very touching, especially liked Mysa explaining her motives to Nura.

As ever your love of the characters shines through - in particular Zoe, Gates and XS.

More, more, more!
Hi Harbi, no worries! Yes, better late than never and thanks as always for the thorough read and the well-thought comments.

I was thinking of a good way to up the ante a bit, having Kinetix just charge in and overpower Mordru would be too easy. At the same time, she is clearly more powerful than he is (the magic of a whole universe and all that!) I am glad you liked the battle, this should be wrapped up in the next post!

Glad you liked the bit between Mysa and Nura as well! Truth be told I had planned to do that but was inspired and influenced by your story and raz's. smile
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


The now-barren landscape on Zerox was crisscrossed with bubbling red lines of lava. Kinetix's soul felt pained at the screaming of this tortured world. She could not allow this travesty to continue any longer.

She arced out of the sky and landed near Mordru's feet. His looming presence reminded her of Doctor Regulus, on the very day that Leviathan died. He had merged with a planet too, and Gim had sacrificed himself to save the team.*

She still sometimes dreamed about that day. With a pang of guilt and loss, she remembered how she and Gim had just started flirting with one another. How she had wasted her second chance with him.

She would not allow any more regrets today.

The hot, sulfuric wind streaked across her face as she landed near Mordru's foot. He was so big, he didn't even notice her presence. He had not even made a move as the other Legionnaires ran towards their waiting cruisers. No, he was too busy reveling in the power that now ran through his every fiber.

"Let him enjoy now," she thought as she located the stream of magical energy he was drinking in. "It won't last long." She closed her eyes and plunged her hand in. The currents battered into her, and she grit her teeth as she struggled to prevent being pulled in.

"What is this?!" Mordru thundered. Kinetix felt the flow of magic turn away from her and into Mordru. She redoubled her efforts to drink it in. The currents of magic swirled all around them, to and fro, like a churning sea.

Kinetix felt sweat beading on her forehead. "You may have more affinity with Zerox, Mordru," she heaved, "but its magic recognizes me! It knows I will use it for a purer purpose!"

Mordru towered over Kinetix, cloak flapping in the wind. She could almost smell the evil around him; it was hard to ignore, he was almost as tall as their old Legion HQ. "That may be, Zoe Saugin," he roared as he stooped down so his face was nearer hers, "but it will not matter if I leech the magic from you!" He raised his arm and slammed it towards the ground. Her heart pounding, Kinetix tried to jump backwards as Mordru's fingers closed around her.

She did not make it.

She made sure not to scream as his fingers closed around her waist. Her psychokinetic fields pushed frantically against his fist as he raised her up in the air. He just gripped her tighter. Zoe could feel her magic draining into him; she tried to fight back, but she could barely breathe.

"The last time I had you in my grasp was in Mysa Nal's body," Mordru's grin was full of delight. "And the time before that, I had absorbed your scattered energies after Superboy-Prime dissipated your corporal form*. You could possibly have reformed your body in time, given the nature of your physical form, but I interrupted it."

"You're an even bigger squaj than I thought," Kinetix retorted angrily as she dangled in the air. She struggled to push him away, but he was too big and too strong and she could barely concentrate.

"Call me what you wish, Zoe Saugin. You are mine again," Mordru laughed as he slammed her into the ground. She barely held onto her psychokinetic shield as he lifted her up and brought her down again, keeping her in his grip the whole while. Never in her Legion career had she been hit so hard. The world spun as Mordru lifted her up one more time. She stared at him through dizzy eyes; her field of vision was dominated by his long white beard, ridiculous hat and evil grin.

"D-do your w-worst," she spat.

"I will, and I will enjoy every moment of it." The very skies turned dark as he began his chant. "Aufero Magus Infusco."

The spell began its sinister work, and black clouds began to surround the area. Kinetix coughed as they enveloped her, blocking her eyesight. All she could see was Mordru's greedy leer as he savored the magic he was about to absorb from her.

His enjoyment didn't last. Kinetix coughed once more, then began to laugh. "You really didn't think we were prepared, huh?"

Mordru's eyes bulged as he realized what was happening. "NO!"

"Yes, evil one!" Kinetix's mouth moved, but it was the White Witch's voice which was heard. "Three souls temporarily inhabit one body."

"And you know what happens when this incantation is used against more than one soul." Glorith's voice was soft, but lined with steel.

"No! No! You cannot!" Mordru released his grip, but Kinetix held on tightly to his finger. She could already feel his magical energies flowing into her.

"Now Mordru, Mysa and Glorith have coached me well. And I can feel Zerox crying out for its stolen energy. Guess who's going to return it?" She focused her will on the ground and watched as the glow surrounding Mordru began to reverse and funnel itself into Zerox. The lines of lava began to sink down and close up even as Mordru's very form drained into the earth.

"No! No! This cannot beeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!" Mordru's scream echoed across the planet even as his physical form dissolved into smoke and dust. Kinetix directed it into the ground and far, far into the core of the planet. She watched as Zerox swallowed Mordru whole, imprisoning him in its core. As the ground sealed itself, the whole world lit up in a flash of pure bright white light; when the glow faded, Zerox's skies were clear and blue again.

Zoe laughed as flowers bloomed and the sun's yellow rays filled the air. "It's beautiful!"

"Aye," Glorith said, her voice ringing in her mind. "It is."

"And now, let us right some wrongs that have been waiting for a thousand years," Mysa sounded breathless, as though in anticipation.

"Of course." Kinetix closed her eyes and let Zerox point the way. The planet itself could sense anomalies in its crust; stone that was foreign and did not belong. She guided the planet's energies away from each of them, feeling each piece of stone releasing a soul as she did.

When she opened her eyes, Mordru's slaves stood in rows in front of her. They were all smiling.

A brunette in a stylish top hat stepped forward and took Kinetix's hand in hers. "Knaht uoy," she said.

Kinetix just smiled as she held the woman's hand in hers. "You're free now. All of us are."

She looked up as three Legion cruisers descended from the skies. This world was safe, and this Legion was whole. And soon, her own Legion would be complete again, as well.

She had never felt so perfected before. The sky glowed bright, the warmth on her face felt like a child's smile of pure joy.

And so did she.

**********************************************************************
IB's notes:

*LSH v4 83
**Legion of 3 Worlds 4
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


"You did it you did it you did it!" Kinetix laughed as XS rushed right at her, lifting her off the ground with her tight hug.

"We did it, Jenni, we all did."

"I have to admit, you have changed, Kinetix," Gates' tone was anything but acerbic as he popped into view. "The old you would have made some insensitive remark about us letting you do all the work."

"I guess "death" has a way of mellowing one down," Kinetix replied as she gently pulled XS' hands down. "Now it's time to undo our spell of combination." She whispered the incantation Mysa had taught her, and she felt the fullness in her soul ease. She saw the assembled Legionnaires gasp as the astral forms of Mysa and Glorith exited her body and solidified.

Dream Girl rushed forward and caught the wobbly White Witch as she stumbled. "Sister! Oh Mysa, I knew I was right to trust you."

"You always did have good judgment, Nura," Mysa smiled as she hugged her sister.

"Wow, Glorith... that was amazing," Chemical Kid was in awe as he helped Glorith sit down.

"Amazing? Not just! That was supernova scale rad!" Comet Queen laughed as she zipped around. "Like, that was the biggest victory ever! Big Bang Big!"

"Indeed," Madame Xanadu said as she stepped forward, serene face sporting a small smile. "We owe you our thanks, Legionnaires. And may I say, Zoe Saugin, Mysa Nal and Glorith, you bring honor to every magic user on the side of good. And though our actions were controlled by Mordru's spell on us, we must humbly apologize for having been on the side of evil."

"We accept your apology. You had no choice, after all." Zoe, Mysa and Glorith bowed in thanks as Phantom Girl broke off from the assembled Legionnaires and allies. "What will you do now that you are free from Mordru?"

"Our bodies are long gone, Phantom Girl," Alan Scott's cloak billowed in the breeze. "You only see our souls now, made visible by the strong magics of Zerox. We were only able to touch you because of our stone prisons." He pointed to the sky, and the dozens of other slaves looked up as well. "It is time for us to go."

The Legionnaires watched in awe as the army of magicians rose up, as one, and made their way up. All of them had looks of pure joy on their faces. Soon, all of them were gone, except one. A young man wearing dark glasses and a pure white suit with a long red sash around his waist lingered. He turned and approached Duplicate Damsel. "I owe you an apology, Luornu Durgo."

Luornu smiled a dim smile as she nodded in acknowledgement. "I understand, Kid Eternity. Mordru had you in his thrall. It is no matter." Bouncing Boy held her hand tight as she spoke.

"Even so, I feel I must make amends. And so..." He waved his hand, and everyone gasped as two familiar figures stood before them.

"Hello, sister." The fallen original bodies of Luornu Durgo Taine stood in front of a shocked Duplicate Damsel. "It... it's really you?" Luornu smiled as she hugged her two sisters.

"It is," the younger-looking Luornu smiled as she stroked her sister's hair. "Trinity, how you've grown. And married to Chuck, too!"

"I told her already just how good a choice it was," the second, older Luornu said with a wink. "I also told her all about how we beat that rustbucket COMPUTO."

"Oh, sisters," the living Luronu sobbed. "Even with all the bodies I can create now, I now I can never replace you."

"Good that you know," laughed the first Luornu. "But don't worry, we are well."

"Yes, you just keep living your life. Be happy for all three of us," the second Luornu added. "We have to go now, sister. Now, come here, husband."

The foursome - three Luornus and one Chuck - hugged one last time, and the two fallen Luornus faded from view. Bouncing Boy held Duplicate Damsel in his arms as the assembled Legionnaires tactfully gave them some privacy.

"Well, that's my good deed for the day," Kid Eternity took of his glasses and wiped them. "Now I must join the others."

"Wait." Sensor Girl stepped out of the crowd and faced him. "Before you go, please, grant me one boon."

Kid Eternity raised an eyebrow as he wore his glasses again. "Ah, I recognize you now. Yes, your husband spoke about you often." With another wave, a familiar brown-haired man in an orange suit materialized. With a smile, he ran towards Sensor Girl. As he did, Sensor Girl's illusion faded into the white-haired, red-clad Queen Projectra. Before she could speak, Karate Kid closed his arms around her waist and whirled her around. "You're amazing, Jeckie! Masquerading as Sensor Girl, and earning your crown all over again! I am so proud of you!"

As he set her down, Projectra touched a finger to his cheek. "And I am so very proud of you, Val Armorr. Now, hush. I wish to say goodbye properly." And she leaned in to kiss him one last time.

Again, the Legionnaires tactfully gave them their privacy.

"Well, that's two good deeds now. That should count for a lot in the afterlife, right?" Kid Eternity bowed with a flourish as Karate Kid disappeared.

"Oh," he paused as he looked at an eager Kinetix, XS and Gates. "I can't access the souls of your teammates. Different universes and all, sorry." Then he leaped up into the air to follow the rest of the liberated magicians.

"That was nice and thoughtful of him, wasn't it?" XS whispered as she watched him go.

"Yeah, it more than makes up for his awful fashion sense," Kinetix giggled, trying to hide her disappointment at not being able to see Leviathan again. "That sash, what was he thinking!"

"Just when I was beginning to respect you," Gates shook his head, "you go and make yet another shallow comment!"

"Cut me some slack Gates, I was just joking." Kinetix sighed as she looked at the landscape around. "It's so beautiful here."

"I would love to enjoy it for longer," Phantom Girl nodded as she stepped beside Zoe. "But we have to go. And I'd like to ask you, Kinetix, XS and Gates, will you come with us?"

"For now, yes," Kinetix said without hesitation. "But my friends are out there. I know they are."

"XS has said as much," Gates added, arms crossed. "And now that I know there must be a way to reach them, I'm going after them. Choosing to stay here, and being stranded in the 21st century AGAIN* has made me realize how much I miss them. No offense, I've made a lot of good friends here," Gates pointed at Timber Wolf, who shot him back a thumbs-up, "but my teammates and I have been through so much together."

"But where will you go after you find them?" Cosmic Boy asked. "Your home universe is destroyed, right?"

"About that," XS said with a smile. "There's something you should know, Zoe." Kinetix and Gates looked at XS with quizzical expressions. XS shrugged as she spoke.

"I know how to get our universe back."

*************************************************************
IB's note: the first time was, of course, during LSH v4 85-100 in the Postboot Legion's universe.
That was a really cool ending! I was wondering what was gonna happen with all Mordru's slaves, nice to see them get a happy ending smile

Was also a nice touch giving Jeckie and Lu the chance to say goodbye, and I am really intrigued about how XS, Zoe and Gates are gonna get their universe back!
Hi raz, thanks for reading and commenting smile It always bothered me that these poor souls were just trapped in stone while being tortured, so I made sure they would finally be free.

Glad you liked the goodbye scenes for Jeckie and Lu. I had to go back and edit in a part where Kid Eternity says he cannot access the souls of the Postboot Legionnaires; after the big Zoe/Gim romance in her "fantasy" world it would have been a big plot hole if she had not tried to talk to him!

I already know (and have known for a while) how the Postboot Legion's world will return smile I hope it comes as a pleasant surprise!
Great Ending IB.

that was a crafty trick you pulled there, with the three in one.

I loved Lu's goodbye. very touching.

Hmm... i can't wait for that return!
Thanks Omni, very happy you liked it smile

Glad you liked the Zoe/Mysa/Glorith merger, at first I was just going to have Mysa and Glorith hiding and waiting in the wings but realized it would not be as effective.

Glad the Lu goodbye worked too!

Am very much looking forward to the return as well. That's going to be fun (and tough!) to write.
Thoroughly enjoyed this IB.

You've given Kinetix a bit more maturity and I'm loving it - from her regret at wasting time with Gim through to her not accepting full glory to defeating Mordru. I like how you've taken an establish character and grown her personality in a convincing manner.

Mysa and Glorith hiding within Zoe is a real silver age strategy and it was great to read. Clever misdirection is always fun.

The poignancy of the deceased mystics that Mordru held control of being allowed final peace was very moving, as was Kid Eternity's final parting gifts. That was perhaps the best part of this section as it brought a small lump to my throat - aww bless smile

And what a cliffhanger! XS has a plan to get them back their universe - wow!

Great stuff IB, though now I really must demand more, more, more!
Thank you for the thorough and kind feedback, Harbi! I'm so glad you enjoyed this part. Thanks for the comment about Zoe becoming more mature (and hopefully more likable!), and in a convincing way; I'm glad she's not turning out to be a Mary Sue despite arguably being the star of this portion.

Glad you also liked the 3-in-1 trick! It just snapped into place when I was writing this part.

And same for Kid Eternity bringing the Lus and Val back for a bit. They were the two deceased who were top of mind, and this is another part that wrote itself. Glad you liked it smile

I can't wait to write the next part! We know their universe is out there,but this will hopefully explain why it is even though everyone says it has been destroyed.

Thanks again for all the support!
PAGE 1:

Ibby, your love for the Postboot Legion shines through every post. And, as someone who still has a ton of catching up to do with the Postboot Legion, I appreciate how accessible you make everything, complete with footnotes.

My favorite tributes on this page are the ones for Umbra (of course), and Invisible Kid (this one brought a tear to my eye.)
Thank you, Fanfie! I'm glad the posts turned out to be accessible. And this is indeed a labor of love, hatched at a time when the Postboot Legion was in limbo and I had no idea if I would ever see them again.

I know how big a fan you are of Tasmia, so I'm doubly happy to hear that you liked the Umbra tribute.

And I'm so happy the Lyle tribute worked well. The Lyle-Condo relationship was never confirmed in the comics, and indeed the two appeared together in only one issue. But it draws heavily on my own real life relationship with Blaze, and so it holds a special place in my heart. (Plus, Lyle having a boyfriend softens him and makes him a lot more likable to me!)
I had the impression that the Lyle/Condo relationship came from your personal experience, but I didn't say anything in the event that that wasn't the case. I'm very happy to learn that that was the case. smile

From one writer to another, I find that putting one's own life experience into one's stories can enrich them exponentially. nod
Thanks, Fanfie, I'm so glad you felt the blending of our real life relationship with this fictional one. And of course, thanks for your support of both relationships smile
PAGE 2:

Wow, Ibby, this just gets better and better.

Loved the Chuck/Tenzil banter. Adored Nightwind's success as leader on their first field assignment, and R.J. Brande congratulating her. Was greatly moved by Winema's inner monologue.

Kid Quantum II was someone I'd always been indifferent towards, so I appreciated Nightwind's noting of her best qualities.
Thanks, Fanfie, I'm glad to hear you're continuing to enjoy this.

Chuck and Tenzil have always been good friends in the Postboot.

Nightwind's lone Postboot appearance had her as a very spunky lass, and I thought she would have the chops to be a good leader. Kid Quantum II had much the same personality, and I thought it logical that they would have gotten along well.

And I thought it was about time Tinya and Winema started to get along for real smile
PAGE 3:

The point of view of the Emerald Eye! That's brilliant!

What issues was Gear in? His backstory sounds fascinating.

Reading this thread makes me wish my local comic shops had a better selection of Postboot back issues. History is being very kind to a sizable amount of the Postboot, and I think it's thanks to fans like you spreading the good word. Certainly, I don't think I'd have gotten into it if not for your enthusiasm and your ability to see the best things about it and the things with unexplored potential.
Thank you, Fanfie! I'm glad the Emerald Eye POV paid off. At first I was going to use Micro, but then I realized there was another villain who knew Violet a lot better.

Gear has a fairly interesting past. He first appeared in LSH 117 and 118 as a guard on the Blackstar Juvenile Correctional Facility. He helps Sensor lead a rebellion against the cruel masters who have enslaved them. He also appears in LSH 119, after Brainiac 5 has helped him heal from his injuries.

DNA would bring him into the Legion in Legion 3; Gear was Legion World's chief architect/engineer. He played a key role during the Robotica story by convincing the WarWorld CPU to help out. In the process, he successfully stalls out a holographic Kyle Rayner by playing possum (Legion 11-12). He also makes a pretty funny crack when Kid Quantum rages about being interrupted from the shower - "It's in the Constitution. In the case of bizarre craziness, summon the elected leader from the shower!" (Legion 10).

In the scripted-and-drawn by Giffen Legion 31, he and Chuck get into trouble after stealing some nanites from Brainiac 5 to try and clean up the mess from recent battles on Legion World. The nanites end up consuming almost everything they come across. They only get destroyed after encountering Superboy, whose 21st century germs are so numerous they make the nanites consume themselves.

Sadly, none of his other appearances are significant but he appears in a lot of crowd scenes. Here's a good article that chronicles his brief history and appearances.

I'm glad I have helped pique your interest, Fanfie! I certainly think you will enjoy large amounts of the Postboot, where characters were mainly treated with respect. Many of my best comics-reading memories are of the Postboot. Thank you also for your kind words on my enthusiasm and on this thread right here smile
You're very welcome, Ibby. And thank you for all the information on Gear, including the link to that excellent Hero History.
You're welcome as well, Fanfie! I really appreciate whenever someone wants to learn more about the Postboot version of the Legion.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac A Universe Reborn - 10/13/14 02:28 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


XS ran faster and faster and faster on the Cosmic Treadmill so that she would not have time to feel the butterflies in her stomach. She tried hard to push the thought from her mind, that what they were doing now was a direct result of their universe's Time Trapper placing some information in her mind. Whether or not the Trapper's intentions were altruistic - and that was debatable - it didn't change the fact that the Trapper had tampered with her mind.

Over in the floating bubble anchored to the treadmill, her friends and teammates were just as nervous.

"Are you sure we're going the right way?!" Gates stood beside Star Boy and Brainiac 5, both of whom were intently studying Star Boy's starfield costume.

"I heard that you always had great faith in your own Brainiac 5, Gates," Brainiac 5 responded as he calmly tracked their progress. "As I have explained over and over, the map of the multiverse that is Star Boy's costume will lead us to the spot occupied by your own universe. That is, if Kinetix will stop altering it."

Kinetix jumped as he said that, and her ever-present green aura flashed once. Brainiac 5's costume grew tighter, and the sides turned black. Saturn Girl's hair set itself into a ponytail, and her skirt disappeared. Phantom Girl's grew a cape and a touchstone. Both Legionnaires looked down in surprise.

"Nice look, but I gave up on capes long ago," Tinya smiled reassuringly as Zoe covered her mouth in shock. "It's fashionable, but impractical."

"Ohhh grife! I'm so sorry, reining in my powers is harder than I thought." Zoe waved her hand, and the costumes returned to normal. "Especially now that I'm really nervous."

"Absolute powers corrupts absolutely," Gates snapped as he turned back to Star Boy's costume. "I've said it before, too much power in the hands of one person is dangerous."

"Easy, Gates," Tinya chided as she laid a reassuring hand on Kinetix's shoulder. "Zoe has the magic of your entire universe in her, and then some. She's just nervous."

"And I don't blame her," Tyroc added from his spot beside the White Witch. "It's not my universe and I'm already quaking in my boots! At least she's managed not to turn any of us into Venturan Walking Money, yet."

Gates sighed as he turned to Zoe. "I'm sorry, I hate to admit it, but I'm just nervous."

"Then let's change the subject," Tyroc interrupted. "So, if your universe is still gone, what about that Kwai you saw back in the 21st century? How did it escape your universe's destruction when it wasn't anywhere near you?"

"I can only posit," Brainiac 5's tone was curious. "There must have been another mechanism by which that Kwai escaped your universe. It could be..."

He was interrupted by XS' tapping. "Everyone... we are here."

The group turned in awe as they emerged into the space just outside where their old universe, known to some as Universe-247, used to be. A bright white void opened up all around them.

"It's beautiful..." The White Witch intoned as the others stared in awe at it.

"Could this be what Element Lad saw, when he was on the edge of reality?" XS' voice was barely a whisper. "Outside, looking in."**

"Who cares?!" Gates teleported in front of the group and waved his arms. "All that's in the past! Let's go save our world for the future already!"

Kinetix's glow intensified as she stepped forward. "I agree with Gates. I feel like I'm about to burst." As she spoke, Star Boy's costume grew a big yellow star on his chest, while Mysa's skirt shortened. "Grife," Kinetix shook her head as she restored their costumes. "My time as a terrorform was bad enough. I don't know what's going to happen to me if I continue to hold THIS much power!" The Legionnaires gasped audibly as a green glow appeared outside the bubble, and rock began to form in the void.

"Easy, Zoe," XS put a calming hand on her friend's shoulder.

"The magic you absorbed is beginning to reassert itself," Mysa's voice quavered in a mix of excitement and awe.

"And we are here to give order to it," Brainiac 5 took out his Omnicom. "Let's begin."

Saturn Girl closed her eyes and opened her mind. "Kinetix, XS, Gates, it is time for you to remember everything you can about your world."

As the telepathic circle opened, the White Witch waved her hands. "A spell of similarity, to link your memories to this plane." For his part, Tyroc began to hum. The void outside shifted and warped and folded in on itself.

"When you are ready, Kinetix," Brainiac 5's tone spoke of his fascination.

Kinetix closed her eyes and began to release the magic inside her. Phantom Girl watched intently as the green glow funneled itself into the white space. Before her astonished eyes, stars and planets began to coalesce out of thin air.

"Brainy... are we really recreating an entire universe here?" Tinya breathed.

"Something else else like that, yes. The entire universe is actually housed inside Kinetix's body. Or rather, its blueprints are. I can only guess as to how that happened. But now we are reversing the process, drawing it out of her body and reforming it according to what it should be..."

"Sometimes, Brainy, you talk too much," Star Boy whispered as he recorded the whole process. "Just enjoy the moment."

The glow vanished slowly around Kinetix as the void began to fill with tiny specks of light. Soon, the void had changed into the familiar appearance of numerous galaxies. Zoe looked up and smiled at Jenni and Gates. "We did it. We really did it."

And she fainted dead away from exhaustion.

*************************************************************
*IB's note:

During Legion Lost, it was revealed that the void which swallowed the Legion Outpost had thrown them outside of reality. Element Lad was the only conscious Legionnaire. He described it as a white void of some sort. For the Legion to restore the Postboot universe, I posit that they also had to be outside reality - most likely not in the same space Element Lad had been in, but close to it.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Endings and Beginnings - 10/13/14 04:32 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In the Postboot Legion's universe...


One year ago.

RJ Brande


**********************************************************

"By damn! In here, in here!" RJ Brande hollered with all his might as the red skies intensified. Scores of screaming sentients ran into the bunkers, but hundreds more remained outside.

"Mr. Brande!" RJ gasped as a strong wind pushed him down. He turned to see some debris crashing where he had been. A gloved hand reached out to him; he gripped it with thanks. Nightwind, Shvaughn Erin, Impulse, Infectious Lass, Dyrk Magz, Polar Boy, Babbage, Amp Girl, Comet Queen, Retro and the Lady Mysa stood before him. "Uncanny Amazers can't make it," Dyrk said breathlessly. "This is happening all over."

"All Science Police officers and Legion Cadets are scrambling on Earth," Shvaughn Erin added. "But I don't know what good we can do."

The ground shook as a loud boom rocked the building. The group rushed out to chaos.

"Am... am I really seeing that?" Retro stammered. Nobody responded. Gigantic hands were emerging from the red skies.

"Oh grife. I really wish we had the Legionnaires here now..." Amp Girl murmured under her breath.

"Your wish is our command!" RJ Brande froze: he knew that voice. Could it be...? The group gasped in shock yet again, but this time in elation, as over two dozen colorful figures appeared. The Lost Legionnaires!

"Maybe we should add super-wish granting to our powers," Chameleon quipped as he looked around. "Good to see you again, everyone."

"Okay team," Kid Quantum barked. "Saturn Girl, fill us in. Brainy, Dreamer, take a few seconds and then tell me what you know. The rest of you, start getting people to safety. Legion cadets, help us out - Triad will tell you where to go. Let's go Legionnaires!" Most of the Legionnaires and all the cadets dispersed.

RJ Brande forced his mouth to work. "By damn! Jazmin, where have you all been?"

"We were lost in the timestream," Kid Quantum answered as she generated a quantum bubble to protect the group, while Cosmic Boy began motioning sentients into the bunker. "I'm not sure how long - Gear reckons a couple of days - and then suddenly we were drawn back here."

"It was a heckuva rush," Chuck Taine panted as he took his cap off. "Now I know what it's like being an active Legionnaire."

"You did well, Chuck," Dreamer smiled. "You helped keep our spirits up while we were being tossed around like leaves in the wind."

"How... how did you get back?" Shvaughn asked.

"I believe those hands were responsible," Brainiac 5 explained in clipped tones. "When they entered our plane of existence, we were somehow drawn here as well."

"Kid Quantum! Cosmic Boy!" The group turned around in surprise yet again. "Shikari?!" Kid Quantum gasped.

"I've finally found you," Shikari's voice was full of relief.

"And just in time too," Brainiac 5's voice was warm but business-like. "It is good to see you, Shikari. And we need you to lead somewhere. There is an intelligence behind these hands."

"And I can see us investigating the hands," Dreamer added. "But I can't see anything after, except whiteness. I do know that we all have to be there. Especially Kinetix and XS."

"Well, that's good enough for me." Kid Quantum held her flight ring up to her lips. "Legionnaires, head up to the sky. Shikari, Kinetix, XS, take point. Cadets, stay where you are."

"Any way I can help?" Chuck asked.

"Keep everyone safe," Kid Quantum smiled as she turned to fly. "I know you will."

And they flew up, all 27 active Legionnaires. As they flew closer and closer to the gigantic ethereal hands, Kinetix began to glow brighter and brighter. Then, the world seemed to shimmer and explode in a burst of light.

RJ Brande covered his eyes as a ripple in reality seemed to pass. His whole being felt, for a moment, that it was being scattered like grains of sand in the sea. The intense sensation lasted just a moment before the world flashed back into view.

They stared in wonder at a normal-looking night sky. The violent storms that were plaguing the world had disappeared.

And so had the Legionnaires.

RJ Brande stared wordlessly at the empty night sky. The Legionnaires had been returned to them for such a short time. And now they were gone again.

Today.

***********************************************************************

RJ Brande looked at the long row of golden statues they had prepared for Legion Day - the last day of Legion Month. It was almost that time of year again, and this would be the first time they would celebrate it with a completely new Legion. Yet... he couldn't shake the dream he had last night.

He took a seat as he watched the hustle and bustle around him. Spider-Girl and Blizzard were putting up banners; Tenzil Kem and Particon were going over the menu. The unflappable Marla Latham was in the middle of it all, keeping track of everything while being ably assisted by Lori Morning. The girl has really grown up over the past couple of years.

As he watched the various Legionnaires, Cadets and Support Staff below, RJ smiled. They were all working hard to keep the spirit of the Legion alive. The words he said before were true - the Legion isn't just about flight rings, or powers, or costumes, or any single one person. No, the Legion is an ideal. A way of thinking, a way of life. It is hope.

And if his dream were correct, his hope that the Lost Legionnaires would return would soon come true.

He smiled as he looked at his notes. His speech wouldn't write itself, now, would it?

**************************************************************
IB's notes:

Check the very first post of this thread for a summary of what came before. That post was the outline for this one.

This scene takes place during Infinite Crisis.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Planning for Home - 10/13/14 05:31 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


Kinetix woke up with a start. A startled XS and Gates stared back at her. "About time!" Gates' tone was harsh, but his expression was soft as he teleported to her bedside. "Here, have some kono juice. It's nowhere near as tasty as kono fruit in our reality, but it will do."

Harmonia Li leaned forward. "Kinetix, I'm sorry to push you so as soon as you have woken up, but... Can you try to levitate this glass, please?"

Kinetix's heart caught in her throat. She hadn't even considered the possibility that she would lose her powers again. She opened her hand, and the glass flew into her palm. Audible sighs of relief were heard all around, including her own. She quickly used her powers to mold the blanket away from her body as she sat up in bed. "I guess after all that, I've lost all my magic and only have my original powers, right?"

"I would think you still have the potential to access the magical forces of your home reality," Harmonia considered. "But you are correct. Currently, you only have your original psychokinesis."

"I can live with that," Kinetix smiled. "I can't believe we have our universe back! You did great, Jenni." Kinetix hugged XS and Gates in delight.

"But we also wouldn't have done it without you, Zoe," XS smiled. "Brainiac 5 explained it all. Your terrorform physiology and magically-altered DNA somehow interacted with the gigantic hands that we saw. As our universe was being converted into energy by the red skies, your body absorbed it all before it could be siphoned away!"

Kinetix put her hand on her forehead as she took it all in. "Wow. I didn't even know I was capable of doing that!"

"In my opinion, you vertebrates often underestimate or overestimate yourself because of your lack of self-awareness," Gates teased. "In any case, you probably can't do it again unless you become a terrorform again."

"Ugh, no thanks," Zoe laughed. "So, when can we go back?"

"Three more days," XS' tone was clearly impatient. Three days would be a long time for anyone in their situation, but an eternity to a super-speedster. "Brainiac 5 believes that time is moving at an accelerated rate in our universe to "catch up" to the amount of time we have spent away, and it will take three days before an equal amount of time will have passed there. I mean, we could go back earlier, but this way everyone there will have aged the same amount of time that we have."

"Or the amount of time that those of us who weren't trapped in evil old magicians have aged," Kinetix laughed. "So that means we have three days to find the rest of the gang so we can go home together."

"Dawnstar is working on that now," Gates added. "I made our Brainy promise to meet us here exactly one year after he left; with Shikari along they should be able to find their way back. But that's still four months away from today. I'd rather not wait that long."

"I'm with you on this one, Gates," XS said as she helped Kinetix up. "And I really can't wait to see them again."

"Me too. I can't wait to see the looks on their faces when we tell them we have our home back," Kinetix smiled as she turned to look out the window. The sun was shining, and the world had never seemed so beautiful before. And her heart had never felt so happy.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Stuck in Paradise - 10/13/14 06:02 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another universe...


Karate Kid stared silently as his teammates milled about this new world they had arrived on two weeks ago. They all seemed peaceful, as if their aches and pains had disappeared. They seemed quite cheery, in fact. Violet had stopped mourning Kinetix; Apparition had stopped looking at her holos of Cub; Cosmic Boy had stopped talking about what a good athlete his brother was. This definitely couldn't be just because of the meditation sessions he had been leading. Something else else else was going on.

He closed his eyes and reviewed the last few days. The Legionnaires had jumped through a series of increasingly hostile worlds - a horrible Earth ruled by evil versions of the 21st century Justice League; an apocalyptic wasteland full of decaying humans; an empire of talking apes who had wanted to imprison them; a waterworld where the seas had never subsided. Then they had emerged into this, their 38th world since they had been summoned out of limbo.

It looked just like 20th century Earth, or so Cosmic Boy had said. Bubbling rivers flowed through tranquil golden fields of grain bordered by verdant forests teeming with wildlife. The fruit growing from the trees was edible, nutritious and delicious; there was plentiful game and Timber Wolf and Shikari had caught more than enough for the entire team.

They were supposed to leave after one night, but the team had been through so much that they decided to take a break. And so one night turned into two, and two nights into three. Now, two weeks later, Ultra Boy was talking about building a cottage so they wouldn't have to sleep on the hard ground anymore. Sensor had begun painting again, and Ferro had started sewing warmer clothes in preparation for the winter. Spark and Triad were taking holos of the green leaves which were slowly turning various shades of red and orange. Wildfire, who had been the most vocal about continuing on their journey, had stopped trying to convince everyone to leave.

Yes, something was not quite right about it. He had talked to Kid Quantum, but she felt no urgency about leaving. Brainiac 5 had told him that staying a little longer would not jeopardize their chances of finding their own world. Invisible Kid had assured him that their settlement could withstand a harsh winter. Live Wire had recommended staying a bit longer so they could harvest as much grain as possible and replenish their food stores. Mon-El had used his vision powers, but had failed to see any sentient creatures on the planet. And Saturn Girl had told him that she could not detect another sentient mind in the vicinity.

This ruled out an outside influence, then. But why were his teammates suddenly so complacent?

If it had been some sort of biological agent in the area, surely Brainiac 5 would have detected it, and Ferro and Wildfire would not have been affected. Karate Kid considered. Could it be that this world was just so peaceful, so serene and so beautiful, that everyone wanted to stay?

He thought about it as he bit into the soft, round red fruit that they had picked from the trees on the edge of the woods. Maybe that was it. In any case, there could be no harm in spending some more time here.

He settled back against his cushions and let his mind wander. It WAS good to relax for a bit.

He stared out into this beautiful new world. How lucky they were to have found it.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac A Thorny Path - 10/13/14 06:16 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 2: SCATTERED SOULS

In another Legion's universe...


Herros carefully regulated his breathing as he knelt before his new master. He had never known such gratitude before meeting this man; after all, his master had been the one who had saved him when the red skies came.

Yet at the same time, he had never felt such fear.

He peered out of the corner of his eye as his master reached out for his cup. He took a sip, then set the cup down. Each action was carefully measured and deliberated. Then his master fixed his gaze at Herros. Despite himself, Herros made sure not to flinch.

"So, Herros. When we fled through the Bleed* into this other universe's 21st century, you tell me that at least one another being from the destroyed Earth-247 has survived."

Herros did not raise his head as he answered. "Yes, Master. It was the Legionnaire called Gates."

"And you are sure it was he?"

"Yes, Master. My pathfinding sense told me so."

"I see." The Master drummed his hands on the armrest of his throne. "And you also saw some creatures very similar to some beings from Earth-247, who are not quite like them?"

"Yes, Master. There was a being who was very much like the Legionnaire Wildfire. But there was something different. It was not the same being."

"This universes' doppelganger, most likely." The Master paused, considering. "And only one day after you saw him, Earth-247 seems to have been restored."

Herros did not answer. He knew the question wasn't directed at him.

The Master stood up, and Herros tensed. He listened intently to see if the Master were nearing him.

The footsteps stopped some distance away. Herros forced himself not to look.

"Prepare yourself, Herros. We are going to return to Earth-247 at this time tomorrow."

Herros' master turned and walked away, as Herros sighed in relief. He would not be punished this time.

***********************************************************
IB's Notes:

1) Herros is a Kwai. He was the Kwai who sided with the Credo in Legion 5 against the Progeny refugees on the Kwai township.

2) The Bleed is basically the space between universes.
Loving how this is turning out and i can't wait for Vol.3.

Three days to find the team and a mysterious figure is aiming to return before the team does... hmmm i wonder what that could do to their universe and its time speeding up.... i also can't wait to see who this master is!

Thanks, Omni! The mysterious bad guy will make things very exciting for our Legionnaires smile

The time speeding up thing won't be a major factor, i just introduced it as a way for the universes to "align" in terms of amount of time passed.

Thanks again for all the support smile and for the bouncing off of ideas! Our brainstorming has been very helpful to me in visualizing where I want to go next smile I'm very excited for v3 too!
Restoring Earth-247...

Damned right!

Keep it coming.
Quality read!

Using Star Boys' costume multiverse map was very clever, and the conversation between Brainy and Gates was good too. Tinyas empathy to Zoe struggling with her abilities was sweet. Zoe referencing her Terraform days was well done, just slipped in and then moved on, well done to deal with it like that as really the less said the better as that really was a terrible character story line with no real pay off other than she lost her nipples and looked like mud if I remember rightly.

"Sometimes, Brainy, you talk too much," Ha! Best quote of the piece and so true.

Loving your Gates, from his harsh tone to his caring acts - that's how I imagine him too.

The one year earlier section was poignant and linking it to the start of this fantastic thread was quite brilliant, pat yourself on the back for that idea and execution IB! Three days to find their teammates, who I imagine won't want to leave Planet Nirvana, that'll be interesting to read! Great ending to that post with Zoe being happy, somehow though I don't think it will last, or maybe that's just how I would write it smile

The final post - oh! So there's a serious villain that the Kwai is scared to look in the eye - has anyone else suggested Darkseid yet? I'm loving the cliffhanger IB!

Can't wait to read more, more and a great bit load of more!
Thanks, Harbi! Your usual support and thorough commentary is greatly appreciated smile

Gates has been a treat to write, I have to keep reminding myself that after the Anomaly he mellowed down a bit while still retaining the acerbic tone and the attitude of speaking his mind. I'm glad you like the balance I am striking. It was also fun exploring how he would react to this Brainy, given his close friendship with the Postboot Brainy.

Yes, terrorform Zoe was a terrible, terrible development and the sooner it is forgotten, the better. I am just glad I can use that episode as a way to explain Zoe's maturity with regards to power.

Tinya's empathy is one factor which I think should make her a great leader, and I am happy to be able to highlight it here.

Originally Posted by Harbinger

The one year earlier section was poignant and linking it to the start of this fantastic thread was quite brilliant, pat yourself on the back for that idea and execution IB!



Thank you for the high praise, Harbi! It was one of those ideas that just sprang to mind while I was plotting the end, and it just seemed to fit so.

And yes, Planet Nirvana and the big bad who scares Herros so will both have important roles to play. I'm excited for Volume 3 myself, especially because we will finally get the gang together... though maybe not in the way everyone hopes!
Originally Posted by Georgehaze
Restoring Earth-247...

Damned right!

Keep it coming.


Thanks, Georgehaze! It means a lot, to hear approval from a diehard Postboot Legion fan such as yourself.
PAGE 5:

Great use of Postboot Shvaughn, whom I adore. Can't wait to find out what she and Gigi are planning.

Glad your stories are all-inclusive of the Postboot mythos, even unpopular characters like Lori Morning. Based on your portrayal of her, I don't see what all the fuss was about.
Glad you liked Shvaughn's use, Fanfie! I always liked her role as an older and very competent non-powered ally to the team.

Lori was extremely childish and petulant in a large portion of the Reboot era. I took some liberties by making her more mature, triggered by her friendship with XS and her loss of the H-dial. Your comment is probably that best compliment I could receive on the inclusion of Lori smile thanks as always for the feedback Fanfie!
You're very welcome, Ibby, and thanks for the explanation about Lori's unpopularity.

Of course someday -- SOMEDAY sigh -- I'll have all the Postboot issues and I'll see what I think of her.
I look forward to that day, Fanfie. I am sure we will have lots of interesting discussions.

Possibly Lori Morning's greatest sin was when Rond Vidar and the Legion tried to rescue those trapped in the 20th century. Cosmic Boy's mind had been shut down then. Afraid she would be sent home, Lori sabotaged the time machine and trapped the Legionnaires in the timestream.

Even though she mounted a rescue, her actions were selfish AND reckless. Plus, she could simply have told the Legionnaires that she didn't want to go home especially as she had no more family then.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Fitting In - 10/27/14 10:05 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Jancel Ardeen picked at her cafeteria food. It was delicious; Titanet food always was, and cadets' needs were cared for very well due to the Titanet's crucial role in everyday life. She just didn't have much of an appetite.

Her thoughts were interrupted as a quartet of chattering girls approached. Titanians Zeela and Portela, and Naltorians Gilda and Myra. They stopped as they saw Jancel, and she could see them glancing around nervously. All the other tables in the cafeteria were filled, and they had no choice. Jancel sighed; she could really use some alone time right now. But her conversation with Mekt Ranzz had been the slap in the face she had needed. As her parents had been telling her forever, if she wanted to make friends, she would have to make an effort. She forced herself to smile as she waved at the four girls and patted the bench beside her. The four looked at each other; Jancel could tell they were communicating telepathically. Then they smiled - small smiles, but still smiles - and made their way to her table.

"Hi Jancel, how was your time at the L- at the family reunion?" Portela smiled nervously as she sat at the far end of the table. A big Saturn Girl fan, or at least bigger than most of the Titanians here, Portela already knew better than to ask Jancel about Imra.

"It was okay," Jancel forced her tone to be smooth as she drank some soup. "It's surprising how few of the other Legionnaires had siblings."

"Oh, uh, that's interesting," Myra said shyly as she sipped her iced pluberry tea. "I know the Ranzzes had an older brother, and Leviathan had a sister..."

"And Sensor had a brother, a prince," giggled Zeela. She was always bubbly, and Jancel knew she wouldn't be careful about what she said just because Jancel might get annoyed. She wasn't tactless, just a tad thoughtless. Jancel bit her lip as Zeela went on. "Too bad that prince isn't humanoid!"

Gilda laughed. "Yeah, I'm all for breaking down the barriers but I'm sure MY mom would be speechless at a serpentine son-in-law!"

Jancel joined in as the girls laughed. She had to admit, it felt good. "Or I could just imagine my mom's face if I brought home the older Ranzz. Hey mom! This guy's hot, but he killed 47 people. Is that a problem?"

Her four companions froze in shock at her quip. Portela's spoon clanged noisily on her tray as all four looked at her. Jancel's heart pounded in her chest. Had she said the wrong thing again? Grife, and she thought Zeela was thoughtless!

Then her fear evaporated as the other girls laughed. "Oh Jancel!" Myra giggled. "That was pretty funny!"

"Yeah," Zeela laughed. "I didn't know you had such a sense of humor!" Jancel made sure to smile at that.

"Gilda here doesn't seem to agree," Portela teased as she nudged the blonde Naltorian beside her. "Or are you still processing the joke, dear?"

"Hold on," Myra said as she peered over. "It's a waking dream. A dreamflash. We've been getting these more and more often."

"I wonder what this one will be about," Zeela breathed in amazement.

Myra shrugged. "Most of it's mundane stuff, like what the cafeteria will serve for lunch." She bit into her sandwich. Jancel was amazed at her cavalier attitude; if she could tell the future, there would be no end to what she could accomplish! Myra glanced at Gilda again. "Hold on, she's coming out of it."

Gilda's eyes blinked rapidly a couple of times as her chest heaved, marking the transition from vision to present. She turned wide-eyed to her companions. And then she screamed.

Zeela stood up immediately and put a calming hand on Myra. "Gilda! Gilda! What happened?" Zeela looked at Myra pleadingly.

Myra stood frozen to the spot. "It... it must have been a horrible vision. I... I don't know what to do!"

Jancel stood up, heart pounding even more. "Maybe we can try entering her mind. Just to see what she saw. If we understand that, we can help calm her down." Portela and Zeela both looked at her as if she were crazy. One of the first lessons a Titanian learned was never to make mental contact with a distressed mind. Not unless you had plenty of skill and a ton of experience under your belt. And these cadets did not have that much experience.

Jancel's pride warred against her common sense. "Come on, there are three of us, and we all have experience working with Naltorians. I..." Before she could continue, she noticed Zeela and Portela stiffening at attention. And a voice behind her spoke, causing her to freeze.

"I admire your initiative, Cadet Ardeen, but I would urge the utmost caution even in situations you think might be familiar."

"Chief Adept Erqol!" Jancel stammered. "I was just..."

"I understand," Chief Adept Erqol smiled, not unkindly. "But I would err on the side of caution, as Cadets Valya and Capule so obviously did." Zeela and Portela nodded gratefully. "Now then, let me make contact with young Gilda."

Jancel observed in interest as the older woman's telepathic signature flared up around her head and Gilda's head. Titanians could tell who was making contact with who, as long as minds were being touched directly. Chief Adept Erqol's mind touched Gilda's for only a few seconds before she stood up with a determined stare. At the same time, Gilda stopped screaming and opened her own eyes in shock.

"Chief Adept..." Zeela asked tentatively.

"Follow me, all five of you." Chief Adept Erqol started walking purposely as she sent telepathic messages left and right. "All Titanet adepts and cadets, stand ready to pool your telepathic talents together in fifteen minutes."

Jancel traded glances with the others, then began to walk. They trailed the Chief Adept through the corridors of the Titanet Institute as she continued barking orders, until they entered the lift tubes. As they walked, Gilda kept swallowing and glancing at the Chief Adept. Jancel realized that until now, only the two of them knew what Gilda had seen.

As the lift tube closed, all five girls felt the Chief Adept's telepathic voice in their heads. "I will show you what Gilda saw, because you were there. But you are not to tell a soul until I say you can. Do you understand?" Each girl thought out their assent; Jancel was the last.

And then the vision began.

Flashes of energy above a shaking Legion World.

Floating bodies in space, flight rings glistening on limp fingers.

An armada of ships above Earth.

A giant crystalline memorial shaking and cracking.

And more and more images, a flurry of them, all jumbled up. Rows and rows of bodies in glass tubes. Bloodstained floors. A small blue and white ship charging a much bigger one. A woman with orange eyes vanishing in a burst of flame. A blonde who looked like her own sister crying out in pain. And many more, of people she didn't know, or people she thought she recognized but couldn't be sure as the images were fleeting. They came faster and faster, and Jancel had to hold her breath lest she scream from the sheer speed of it all.

And suddenly the vision ended, and she breathe again. She blinked in shock, and her companions did the same. Was it Imra she had seen, come back from the dead? No, that was impossible. She quickly pushed that thought out of her head.

Still with her back to them, Chief Adept Erqol's voice sounded in her head. "Take a moment to collect yourselves, then act calm as we exit. I do not want to cause a panic." As the five girls nodded, she continued. "Cadets Ardeen, Capule and Valya, I shared this with you for another reason. As Titanet cadets, you must help me send this message out to Legion World as soon as we can. The other Titanians here will lend their psionic energies to us, but only we can see the true message. I have no time to share this with our other adepts, so I need you to assist me in this. Do you understand?"

"Of course!" Jancel could see worry on Zeela's and Portela's faces as they agreed, but she only felt excitement. At last! She would get to do something useful.

"Good. Now be ready." Seconds later, the lift tube stopped and the six strode out into the central operations of the Titanet. Striding purposely, the Chief Adept took command of the room and sat in the central chair. "Urgent message for Legion World from Chief Adept Erqol. Omega encryption," she said, as calmly as if she were ordering tea. The Titanet hummed, and Jancel hurriedly crammed the mental images into a small sphere in her mind. This would make it easier to feed the bullet to the receiver. As the Titanet hummed with the energies of thousands of telepaths, the four telepaths concentrated with all their might.

But no return signal came from Legion World.

"Have you tried all possible receivers?" Chief Adept asked, with a touch of urgency. "What of conventional communications?"

"Yes," came the puzzled reply. "This is odd. Legion World has the second highest concentration of telepaths in the Sol System, and possibly the best communications technology this side of Colu."

There was silence, as everyone seemed stunned. Jancel's heart caught in her throat. "Could somebody or something be blocking our message?" she asked the Chief Adept directly.

"Perhaps," the Chief Adept replied distractedly. "I need to call Micah Aven, if he hasn't already departed for Legion World..." She mused for a second, then snapped to attention with all the poise of a diving lunar swan. "Let us try Earth then. We must get this message through."

Jancel watched silently as the flurry of activity escalated around her. Confusion grew as Earth could not be reached either. Then Luna, then Mars. Confusion turned to fear as the Chief Adept gave the order to search for the closest planetary body that could receive any kind of transmission, whether telepathic or technological.

Jancel saw her companions looking hopeless, and she felt the same way too. Then she remembered - Winema Wazzo had hosted the Legionnaire families' reunion on RJ Brande's private planetoid. If she could locate that... it would be a lot faster than going through Earth.

She tapped into the Titanet's burning beacon of telepathic energy and began to send feelers out. She had to find that planetoid. She had to.
Super interesting! Am very much looking forward to seeing what kind of person Imra's sister develops into!
Thanks raz, glad you like it! Were you able to check out the end of Volume 2 as well? smile
Yep, sorry I thought I replied already! I don't have proper net access at home so I tend to do heaps of net stuff at once when I get a chance.....I really liked how it all ended up! Good to see everyone back together again smile
No worries, I'm glad you were able to read the posts in order smile Thanks a bunch for the comments and for following my story! Well, not everyone is together yet but it won't be that much longer smile
Hmmm here comes the Big Bad!

Can't wait and great to see Jancel again. I liked her confidence that she could help.

I'd love to see all of those images that flashed before the Adepts, it all sounds like the team isn't going to be found easily. Can't wait for more!
Thanks Omni, and you guessed correctly that the Big Bad is involved in jamming communications from Titan. Well done!

glad you liked Jancel! I'm surprised at how much I enjoy writing her. She's a lot like Lori Morning, headstrong and a tad bratty and entitled but ultimately not a bad person. And of course Jancel has matured a bit after talking to Mekt.

I might reveal some more of the images in the vision, but in a very cryptic way smile don't want to give any surprises away!

Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Impulse - 10/31/14 09:12 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

IMPULSE Impulse

"Are you all comfortable?" Though technology would ensure that Dyrk would feel nothing during the procedure, Kent still wanted to make sure his patient was receiving the best care possible. But the way the blonde was beaming back at him, he doubted that even a barrel of silverale would have made that smile any wider!

"Perfectly, Doctor," Dyrk Magz smiled as he settled back in his bed. "And even if I weren't, all that matters to me now is that you have given me hope."

The White Witch and Magnetic Kid smiled, though Kent caught the glances they shot at each other. Kent understood; the procedure they would perform had been studied and tested extensively on inanimate objects and on cloned meats, but not on sentients. But Dyrk had listened carefully as Kent had explained the risks, and he had signed all the waivers which Dr. Gym'll had insisted on. Mysa had also consulted with several of the most experienced sorcerers in the galaxy, and Kent was confident in his teammate's abilities.

Despite is own optimism though, he wanted to manage Dyrk's expectations. That was the proper thing to do; something he had learned from many patients before. Not always a pleasant lesson, but a necessary one. "Dyrk, I know you have been trying to get your magnetokinesis back for a long time but I have to reiterate that there are risks, however small. And, though the risks of any harm coming to you are quite small, we have no guarantee that the procedure will work."

Dyrk nodded his head, but to Kent's amusement the smile still remained. "I know, Doctor. But I had almost given up hope of ever manipulating metal; you have no idea how many doctors I consulted! I just know that if we fail this time, eventually you will figure something out." He turned and smiled at Mysa, who smiled back warmly despite her nervousness. "I don't know why I didn't think of consulting you sooner, Lady Mysa. I almost wish I had!"

"It would not have made much of a difference," Mysa said soothingly. "I did not regain mastery of my own talents until several months after we imprisoned Mordru. And it was only a few months after that when I met the Legion again and began researching your situation."

"In any case, we're here now," Pol chimed in. The former magnoball champion was always a go-getter, but Kent thought his alacrity stemmed just as much from nerves as from excitement. "I'm ready if you are."

"Definitely," Dyrk Magz beamed as he settled in. "I'll be smiling the whole time."

"I don't doubt it," Kent laughed as he switched on the anesthesia. In seconds, Dyrk was sleeping comfortably. As he turned to face his team, Kent's heart felt like it would burst. He had prepared so well for this day, buy he couldn't help but worry just a little bit. After all, this procedure meant the future to Dyrk, and Kent himself could not afford any mistakes. Though he would likely remain with the Legion if any harm happened to Dyrk, he could lose his medical license. That was not something he ever planned to give up. Healing was his life, and if had to choose between being a doctor and being a Legionnaire...

He looked into his Mysa's eyes, and Pol's, and those of the rest of his team. Then he breathed deeply to calm himself. "Okay, Mysa, if you will, please cast your spell of similarity and center it on Pol. Pol, please stand still. You should not feel anything..."
I HOPE IT WORKS! I HOPE IT WORKS! I HOPE IT WORKS Kinetix Gates WhiteWitch3 smile
Thanks, Omni smile Poor Magno has certainly had a lot of bad breaks. Gotta admire his optimism though!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac White Witch - 11/02/14 02:31 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

WHITE WITCH WhiteWitch

Mysa looked gently at the sleeping Dyrk Magz, and thanked the spirits as she did. As Drs. Shakespeare and Gym'll had determined, the operation had done no harm to him at all. He was still whole.

Now, whether the operation had succeeded was another matter. As predicted, the procedure had been physically draining for Dyrk and he was now sleeping comfortably. They would have to wait until he woke up to determine if his powers had returned... or they might not know right away. She would have to be patient.

Patience. Every time she heard that word, she remembered Dragonmage. Poor Xao. If only he had been more patient, like Dyrk here was. Or like Pol Krinn, who had worked hard to attain mastery in Magnoball. He had always said that he was not quite as naturally talented as his brother Rokk had been.

She looked across at her younger teammate, who was sleeping on the bed beside Dyrk's. He had also been drained by the procedure, though he would wake up much sooner than Dyrk would. It was quite interesting, what they had done. She had cast a spell that would highlight differences between Pol's physiology and Dyrk's; Kent and his team had used technology to determine which of the differences should be common to all Braalians. A combination of magic and science - mostly magic, as Dyrk's injuries had been caused by magic in the first place - had been used to restore Dyrk.

She sighed as she looked at both of them, and thought once more of Dragonmage. The young sorcerer had been severely injured fighting Mordru, losing most of his magical mastery in the process. Much like she herself had. So after she had regained her own mastery, she had taken him on as a student. But frustrated by his lack of progress, he sought out power too, unwittingly releasing four destructive elemental spirits who had possessed four sentient beings! After a momentous battle, three of the host bodies had died; destruction had visited Tokyo and planet Swizzar; most of the G'ildans had died after G'ild's oceans had been pulled into space; and Dryad had been destroyed! And all for naught, as Dragonmage lost his powers yet again at the end - this time without even a spark of the ability.

Besides mourning his loss of power, Dragonmage had been so racked by guilt that he turned himself in. Thankfully, and partly because of her testimony, the court had considered the mitigating circumstances. Dragonmage had been warned by a spirit guard, but he had not known of the true nature of the elemental beings he had released. His incarceration had been brief, and the rest of his sentence was being served as a consultant to the UP missions in the remnants of Mordru's old empire, an area of the galaxy filled with a great culture of mysticism. She only spoke with him sporadically, and often those talks centered on him consulting her about some of the stranger beliefs the mission encountered.

Such was the price of shame. Once one's head is lowered, it is difficult to raise again.

She spared a backwards glance for the two young Braalians, and stepped out into the corridor. The whole area was festive, with holos celebrating Legionnaires past and present. A hum of excited calls filled the air as people rushed to get ready for the culmination of the Legion Month celebrations. Even when the Legion had been new, she had recognized their vast potential as a force for good in this galaxy. But now... Seeing the excitement of all these people, many of whom were support staff or visitors and few with any metapowers of their own...

... She wished that Dragonmage had seen Legion membership as a chance to give back to the galaxy, instead of a chance to bolster his own ego and reputation. It was a lesson he had learned, a little too late. She was just glad that so many others had learned that lesson earlier.

Lost in her thoughts, she strode along the corridors.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Spider-Girl - 11/02/14 05:00 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

SPIDER-GIRL SpiderGirl

"Sussa! Just the Legionnaire I wanted to see." Chuck Taine beamed as Spider-Girl entered the Legion World Command Deck. Behind him, Sussa's former Workforce teammate Particon smiled, while Captain Shvaughn Erin gave a respectful nod. Sussa returned both with a nod of her own as she let a tendril of hair nuzzle the back of Chuck's neck. "What's up, oh faithful sentinel of Legion World?"

"What's up is that you WERE right!" Chuck was grinning from ear to ear now. "The checks you told us to install ARE picking up the things you told us to watch out for! Like that unreleased program that can generate detailed schematics of a place without tapping into the place's security systems? Three sentients have tried to smuggle it past security already!"

"Your intelligence is almost as updated as the Science Police's," Shvaughn pointed out with an arched eyebrow. "I find that very impressive, Spider-Girl." Sensing the veiled suspicion in Shvaughn's tone, Sussa made sure to look her in the eyes while keeping her smile warm and genuine. "I'm sure the Science Police's intelligence-gathering capabilities are much more efficient than mine, Captain," she smiled as she placed a hand just so on Chuck's shoulder. "But I made many useful contacts while working for McCauley - businesspeople, suppliers, technological geniuses and researchers - and it would be a shame not to use them to help the UP or the Legion, wouldn't it?"

"I'll say!" Chuck blurted out before Shvaughn could say anything. "This is amazing! Sussa's input has increased Legion World security by a factor of 2.87!"

"And of course," Sussa cut in quickly as Shvaughn opened her mouth, "I would be happier to share any useful information with you, Captain. In fact, I have a report ready on a former contact of mine who, it seems, may know something about the recent attempted kidnapping of the Dagoskian Vice-Chancellor's daughter." Sussa's hair deftly pulled an Omnicom from her pouch; she took it with her hand and offered it to Shvaughn.

"Thank you, Spider-Girl," Shvaughn said as she glanced at the contents. "This will be quite useful. I very much appreciate it." Sussa flashed a dazzling smile as she shook Shvaughn's hand. "Any time, Captain, and anything for the good of the galaxy. Helping others is reward in itself," she added with a wink. A tight-lipped Shvaughn nodded.

"Now if you'll excuse us, we have to get ready for the opening ceremonies," Sussa laughed as she grabbed Particon's arm with her hair and pulled her towards the exit. "Blizzard is bursting with excitement already!"

As they exited the Command Deck, Sussa barely heard Particon's excited chatter. Shvaughn Erin was smart AND experienced, and Sussa knew she would have to be very careful not to cross the line. Some of her contacts were engaged in less than savory businesses such as smuggling or bribery. Nothing worse than that, though; she would not condone extortion or slavery, much less murder. Definitely not after that squaj McCauley. She had already anonymously tipped off the SPs on the worst of those former contacts of hers. She couldn't afford to turn all of them in though; information was a useful tool and though corruption was at an all-time low, it still thrived in some areas of the UP. Still, though she was tempted at times, she made sure never to dabble in the illegal dealings of her contacts.

She was shaken out of her thoughts as a pink-gloved hand tapped her visor. "Hey, LW to Sussa!"

"Oh, I'm sorry, Jen," Sussa gave her full attention to Particon. "Sorry, I just... was trying to remember if the Omnicom I gave Erin contained my complete case files."

"No worries," Particon smiled back with a laugh. Jennifer - Particon's real name, which Sussa had just learned after joining the Legion - pointed to her flight ring. "Nightwind just said we need to meet up in two hours."

"Copy that," Sussa covered up a yawn as she stretched her arms. "Enough time for a nap. I'm bushed. How about you?"

"I think I'll go see how the food is coming along, then maybe I'll help Mr. Brande greet our guests. I want to be there when the Amazers show up."

"Okay, I'll see you in a couple of hours then," Sussa smiled as she gave Jennifer a small hug.

"Rest well, Sussa, you deserve it," Jennifer smiled. "And I really have to say, it's good to see you on the side of the angels."

"Heh. Well, a girl's got to eat, but if she can eat well while respecting the law AND being a good girl..." Sussa winked.

Jennifer laughed as she held Sussa's hand. "And if she can work for a boss who will treat her right, right?" She winked back as she waved goodbye. "It's really good to have you here. I mean it."

Sussa smiled warmly, and for real this time. "Thanks, Jen." As she waved, she couldn't help but cringe slightly at how happy that compliment made her. Maybe she was getting a bit soft.

It was nice to be respected and valued by her new teammates, though. She hummed to herself as she walked along the hall. And it was nice to actually feel happy for a change.
My posting will slow down a bit; it's the start of the Christmas season in the Philippines. For real.

Though to continue the pattern, I will have 7 posts focusing on each of the remaining 7 "new" Legionnaires. The posts will move the action along though and some of them will be quite fast-paced smile
Loving your Mysa: humble, wise and considerate - everything she had been back when she had first joined the team after the Great Darkness. Her assessment of poor Dragonmage was spot on.

And Sussa, one of the most superficial appearing characters with a depth thats rarely touched upon was written perfectly. Of course Schvaughn knows whats going on but while neither Sussa or the SPs look to hard at the situation all will be well. Hopefully something won't happen to compromise Spider Girls new outlook as I really like your take on her IB, it's really clever and enjoyable to read.

More, more, more!
Thanks for the usual thorough comments, Harbi! I am so glad you are liking my takes on Mysa and Sussa, and the Sussa-Shvaughn "standoff". Don't worry, I plan to keep Sussa as is, she adds a very pragmatic outlook to the team smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Particon - 12/07/14 08:44 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

PARTICON Particon

Particon closed her eyes as she felt the rush of air in the hangar. She was glad she had listened to Nightwind's suggestion of ditching her old armor; her special new jumpsuit was just as durable, yet lighter. She loved that it allowed her to feel things like the cool air around her.

She stood staring at the bright sea of stars outside the windows of Legion World. It felt good to be up here, looking down on the world below. She had worked so hard to make it here, and now...

Something else else sticky covered her visor. In a flash, she tore them off; twisting her body around, she dropped down to her knees and faced the direction of the attack. The pink energy she controlled flared up around her hands. "Who did that?"

"Oh, don't look so serious, Jen!" Particon relaxed as a familiar melodious laugh filled the air. The glow vanished from around her hands as she straightened up and smiled at the redhead hanging above her. Insect Queen, her former teammate in the Uncanny Amazers and probably her closest friend among the bunch after Radion. No, even more so than Radion. Insect Queen's more upbeat personality had been a beacon of hope for the Amazers as they battled to save Xanthu from Robotica.* "Lonna! You weren't due to arrive for another thirty minutes!"

Insect Queen laughed as she dropped down from the ceiling and gave Particon a big hug. "What can I say, I was excited to see you."

Particon made it a point to visibly arch her eyebrow. "So excited that you wrecked my visor?"

Insect Queen brushed her hair back with a laugh. "I was in the form of a Swizzarian Sylph Spider, Jen. So named because they are masters at covering their tracks. They have adapted so predators could barely tell they were there at all." To demonstrate, Lonna shifted her abdomen into the form of a spider whose color blended into the floor as she moved. A sticky web shot out of her hands and snared Particon's discarded visor. "Their webs disappear after a few seconds. See?"

Sure enough, the web line Lonna had used faded before their very eyes. "Clever, Lonna," Particon smiled as she took her visor from Lonna's hands. "Not that I should be surprised. You always were the most mature one on the team."

"And you," Lonna said as she flashed a dazzling smile, "have matured the most."

Jenifer paused, then flashed Lonna a quizzical look. "How so?"

Lonna brushed her hair back as she looked Jennifer up and down. Jen didn't know why, but her former teammate's scrutiny made her want to hide in the bathroom. "It's not hard to tell. You just seem more... together. No," Lonna hesitated for a second. "You already were together before - a lot more than Radion was, for example. No, you just seem... happier."

"Huh. I never thought about it that way."

"Truth to tell, I was surprised you didn't join the Legion sooner. I mean, I figured the Mordru battle had done a number on you, or maybe you wanted to keep Radion company while he healed, but..." Lonna bit her lip. "You always seemed so capable while we were in the Amazers together, and I could tell you wanted more."

Particon shrugged. "I guess... At first I wanted to make sure Radion was fine, but I also wanted some safety and security, you know? Watching Blast-Off and Atom'x die like that, and seeing so many injuries among the task force, kind of scared me a bit. But when Robotica came, I guess I realized that I needed to become more capable..." She paused, and forced herself to gather her thoughts. What exactly HAD she been thinking then? She moved to Xanthu because she thought things would be quieter and safer there, and now here she was, part of a new and inexperienced and relatively weaker Legion, risking her life to keep an entire galaxy safe.

She realized with a start that she did it to prove to herself that she could handle the responsibility. Joining the Amazers had simply been her way of trying to avoid facing the question of, was she really not good enough to be a Legionnaire?

The sheer enormity of her realization hit her, and she reeled for a moment. "Huh, I feel like I just came from a session with Dr. Ryk'rr."

"Wow," Lonna shook her head. "I'm sorry if I'm being such a downer, Jen."

"No, no," Jen smiled as she took Lonna's hands in hers. "A little introspection is always a good thing, Lonna." She smiled warmly, and the redhead smiled back. Jen savored that smile for a moment.

Then her thoughts were interrupted by Nightwind's voice over her flight ring. "Legionnaires! See you in 15!"

Particon sighed as her Legion persona switched on again. "Sorry, Lonna, I have to get ready. Have you found your quarters yet? How about the others?"

"Done, and the others will be late, as usual."

Particon chuckled as she headed for the door. "Still smarting that the Legion has now lured a total of five Amazers away?"

"Something else else like that," Insect Queen winked as she flew beside Particon. "You're our friend, and the Legionnaires are our allies, but pride dies hard."

Particon smiled as the truth of Lonna's words hit her. "Yes, it does. But you have to lower your pride before you can really get to where you want to be." She smiled as she flew on into the halls of Legion World. And now, she was exactly where she wanted to be.

***********************************

IB's notes:

1) As depicted in Legion Worlds 4. Particon, Radion, Blast-Off were Legion rejects who joined McCauley's workforce in L* 43. They deserted McCauley to help out against Mordru in L* 49-52. Blast-Off seemingly died in L* 50, though he would become one of the components of Wildfire in L* 76. Radion and Particon survived, though the former was badly disfigured, and both joined the Uncanny Amazers after. Insect Queen was an Amazer from the start.
Ibby, as with Harbi's thread, I promise I'll catch up on this thread after the holidays.
Thanks, Fanfie! I really appreciate the continued support.
IB you've brought a character to life that i never really felt very attached to during the Reboot days.

I love her interaction with Insect Queen as well. They have a sassy feel to them that i don't think we see with many of the other Legion ladies and i like that....so is there possible plans to bring Miss Lonna being the sixth Uncanny Amazer to join the Legion ranks????

Thank you, Omni, for such a nice compliment! I've been intrigued by Particon ever since the Mordru story, and thought it was a shame she didn't get an invite after performing so well in that battle.

I was surprised too by how much I enjoyed writing Insect Queen. InsectQueen All I can say is, she's definitely near the top of the list of non-Legionnaires who might get an invite!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Microbe - 12/08/14 09:11 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

MICROBE InfectiousLass1

Drura hovered above the Legion's meeting spot, heart aflutter. Of COURSE she was the earliest Legionnaire to arrive; earlier even than Blizzard, the ultimate cheerleader. And of COURSE she knew how important it was that nothing go wrong. This would be the first time this new, untested Legion team would formally spearhead a Legion month celebration in front of the entire galaxy. She was sure that for every sentient who was grateful to have an active Legion again, there was one more asking why they were celebrating a team which had not proven itself yet.

And did this team ever have to prove itself. Particon and Blizzard had both been rejected once before; Babbage was a Robotican, one of the most distrusted species in the galaxy; despite having fought him, the White Witch was the daughter of Mordru; Spider-Girl was a long-time lieutenant of McCauley, who had been impersonated by Ra's al Ghul; Magnetic Kid had made a name for himself in his own right but was still seen by some as Cosmic Boy's kid brother; some politicians had been making a big deal about Lume turning down the Legion draft once upon a time; and she was a Somahturian.

A race potentially even scarier than the Durlans or Titanians or Daxamites ever could be, or so the United Planets official report had said.

She could still hear the tremulous voice of the man who had greeted her upon her arrival on Legion World.

She sighed as she once again reined in the colonies of microbes living in her system. She had never had to worry about keeping them from exiting her system back home, but an outbreak on this closely-packed artificial satellite would be a disaster. She went through her mental checklist once more. Imskian shrinking sickness, Tenazorian jungle fever, the Guronian Flu... she had to be extremely careful of the Steeplian fungi she carried. It had adapted to become an airborne disease...

"Infectious Lass!"

Drura cursed to herself. She did not need this right now. Making a mental note to revisit the rest of her airborne microbes later, she turned to face a somber, well-groomed young man who seemed vaguely familiar.

"Ms. Drura Sehpt," he smiled, extending a hand. "Condo Arlik from Your Galaxy Direct. May I have a few moments?"

Drura calmed herself mentally as she flashed what she hoped was a sincere smile. "Of course," Drura shook Condo's hand. She noticed something odd as she did. It felt moist. She kept her face smooth as she met his eyes. "By the way, I don't call myself Infectious Lass anymore. Please call me Microbe."

"Interesting," Condo replied with mild interest. "You're the second Legionnaire to change code names. May I ask why?"

"To infect implies that I merely spread ill effects," Drura made sure to keep frustration out of her voice. She hated having to tell people over and over again, but she knew she had to fight a tide of fear and prejudice. "But if you look at my work with the UP Medical Missions, you will know that I can share beneficial microorganisms too."

"That's correct. Records show you among the current Legionnaires are the most active participant in those missions, and Dr. Gym'll has filed a petition to begin recruiting more Somahturians into the program," Condo added. He absentmindedly rubbed his fingers together as he tapped at his Omnicom, and then Drura knew. The moisture on his hands were tears.

She scrutinized his face with interest. He hid it well, but his eyes were slightly reddened. Yet for some reason he remained stoic, acting the part of the eager reporter. Why?

"... Ms. Sehpt?" Condo tilted his head in confusion.

"Oh," Drura smiled as she caught herself. Whatever it was, it was likely none of her business. "I'm sorry, I was just recalling that I have to meet the other Legionnaires in a few minutes. But I have time. Would you mind repeating that last question?"

"Certainly," Condo smiled, though it did not touch his eyes. "How do you think your Legion membership will impact Somahtur as a whole?"

Without thinking much, Drura launched into the answer she had rehearsed in her mind over and over again. She might not be sure about how Somahtur would be accepted by the UP at large, but that didn't mean she wouldn't do her best to help her people find their place. Just like Chameleon did with Durla. "I think I am giving the United Planets a chance to see how Somahturians can contribute to the galaxy..."
Love your work IB, especially as I'm not really all that sure about any of them apart from Drura. Particon and Insect Queen 's conversation was very telling. particon knowledge of Lornas more up beat personality and how she appreciated it was very sweet. Drura being keen to ensure that the wider galaxy understand that there's more to her than just making people sick was great too, you've given her character more depth in that one snippet than any other writer has that I've read, bravo! Great work IB, really splendid stuff!

More. More. More!
Thank you Harbi! I think you may have picked up the things I was hinting at in the Particon/Insect Queen piece smile I just thought of it the other day, I had planned the segment for a while but that bit was new.

And your compliment on my Drura piece is just stunning, thank you so much! I'm glad it worked instead of turning into a cliche.

Next up will be Lume, then Babbage - both very challenging to write as neither is organic! Going to have to give those some thought!
Microbe is an awesome addition to the team and I like the updated names for her and Brek. It fits with the postboot world and I really like how you handle her explanation for the name change.

i don't know how else to say it but Drura is just very likeable.

can't wait to see Lume, whose always intrigue me and wished had accepted the draft in LSH 66.
Thanks Omni, for your continued support and compliments! While Brek's name change could be explained by peer pressure or wanting to be cool, Drura didn't seem the type. I actually decided to change her code name before coming up with the reason, but luckily it fit in with where I wanted to take her.

Really glad you're liking Drura!

I'm excited to write Lume too, have a couple of things in mind though it will be.a challenge!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Lume - 12/13/14 08:56 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

LUME Lume

"You okay, Lume?"

Lume nodded as Nightwind approached it. "I am, Nightwind. I am just appreciating the illumination being provided by Legion World." There was much to appreciate; had it not been for the luminescence of the artificial planetoid, Lume might not have been a Legionnaire.

It had been years since Leviathan and Chameleon had tried to recruit it, and Lume had turned them down because of a fear of the darkness of space. The Silvans had petitioned the United Planets to release its obligation to draft a sentient, and after much wrangling the UP had agreed. Lume had been grateful then; no Silvan in living memory had ever journeyed offworld. They had no need to; each Silvan generates its own energy and is practically self-sufficient. They had little need to ally with other worlds, except for one - protection.

Lume shuddered as it remembered the old story, of how G'dath helped save the Mud'ay from extinction after a Sun-eater devoured their Sun. Burning brightly for 18 straight days, G'dath sustained the Mud'ay long enough for UP ships to relocate all of them. G'dath had only left Silvan because the UP had told the Silvans of this frightening creature who consumed energy sources. If it could absorb an entire sun, what hope would a tiny Silvan have against it?

After that incident, the Silvans had been left alone except for UP scientists who studied their biological energy production. And then the Khunds came and tried to kidnap the Silvans for use as an energy source; they had been saved only because of M'Onel's timely intervention.

The Silvans had remained content in their relative isolation after that, until Ra's al Ghul came. Many Silvans had been captured and experimented on, Lume among them. And Lume realized there were worse things to fear than the darkness of space.

Which brought it to Legion World. Space travel was tolerable now that the Thresholds allowed instantaneous travel between worlds. And Lume's world had expanded in so many ways.

Lume looked around at the nine other beings gathered around it, waiting for the signal to begin their flyby parade over Legion World. Each was there for different reasons - Impulse loved to heal, Blizzard longed for excitement, Magnetic Kid wanted to honor his brother - but they shared the common trait of altruism. And sentients from all over the galaxies had gathered on Legion World in celebration of their purpose.

Unity, hope, and justice. There was more to life than sustaining oneself through nuclear fusion.

"Okay, team," Nightwind's normally calm voice was a little breathless as she checked her chronometer. "Almost time. Get ready to give the good folks below a great show!"

"Yeah!" Blizzard's exuberance was infectious; even the normally cool Spider-Girl and the usually serious White Witch laughed and cheered. The Robotican Babbage likewise extended its fist in a gesture of approval.

"Before we begin, fellow Legionnaires," Lume smiled as it turned towards them, "I would like to express my sincere thanks. I am forever grateful to be part of your ranks. I..."

Lume's next words were drowned out as a massive blast rocked the team, and Lume felt a pang of terror as darkness took it.

*********************************************************************
*IB's notes:

1) G'dath was mentioned in Legion Secret Files 2. One of the monuments on Shanghalla is dedicated to it.
2) The Khund incident occurred in Legionnaires 56
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Magnetic Kid - 12/14/14 03:57 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

MAGNETIC KID MagneticKidII

Pol Krinn couldn't wrap his head around what was happening. One moment, he and his teammates were waiting to fly around Legion World to celebrate the Legion of Super-Heroes with thousands of sentients; the next there was chaos as half of his companions disappeared in an explosion, which had thrown him back a good few meters.

"What's going on?!" Blizzard gasped beside him as a warp opened, pulling Lume inside. Pol didn't answer; the explosion had singed his arm and though his transuit had started repairing itself, it still hurt. And he could not stop shaking the thought that he might die on his very first Legion Day celebration as an active Legionnaire.

"We are under attack," Babbage replied as it emerged from the explosion, supporting a gasping Spider-Girl. To Pol's relief, Nightwind followed, dragging a confused White Witch by the arm. Oh grife, their leader was here. Everything would be fine. "Fall back and regroup, team!" Nightwind commanded as she looked around. "I only see nine, who's missing?"

"Make that eight," a blue-skinned woman with large green eyes and lizard-like features chuckled as she appeared seemingly out of nowhere and grabbed Microbe's shoulders, turning the Legionnaire forcibly towards her. Microbe raised her hands in defense, then fell silent as she turned to stone.

"That's Stheno! Everyone turn away!" Nightwind shouted as she tried to blow the woman away. Stheno staggered back, then fought determinedly towards the Legionnaires. "Babbage, be my eyes, I can't look at her directly! Nass, not enough air coming from Legion World..."

"I will subdue her," Babbage replied as it charged at Stheno, knocking her out. It gingerly grabbed the stone form of Microbe. "She should be fine, Stheno's petrification wears off after about an hour. What do we do now?"

"You will die." Pol's blood chilled as the White Witch suddenly blasted Nightwind back, then turned towards the rest of them. A bald man with a Saturn tattoo on his scalp smiled wickedly as he placed a hand on Mysa's shoulder. "Titanor will make your deaths swift." Pol's mind raced desperately to think of something. There was precious little magnetic material on Mysa's costume, and he could not sense much on this Titanor as well. If he made a wrong move... Mysa slowly raised her glowing hands, eyes blank.

"Don't do it, Mysa..." Pol found himself yelling.

"She won't," Particon spoke calmly as she blasted Mysa from behind. As Titanor turned in surprise, Impulse slammed into him with both fists. "Whoo, nice work, team!" Blizzard cheered as he encased both Titanor and Stheno in ice. "Score one for the good guys!"

"I wish I could be that happy, Brek," Particon said somberly as she cradled an unconscious Mysa. "I hated to do that."

"But it had to be done," Impulse replied kindly as he tended to Nightwind. "I'm sure you tempered the intensity of your blast."

"I... I think we should go back to Legion World," Pol stammered.

"I gotta agree," Spider-Girl rubbed her temple. "We're in no condition for a parade now."

"No, Lume is still missing," Babbage noted. "Neither Titanor nor Stheno had the powers to do that. That warp must have been created by the former Workforce member called Abyss. He must be here somewhere. He would also not have been able to cause the explosion that stunned us. There may be other villains here."

"So smart of you, ro-butt," sneered a young woman in a yellow top and large, round red earrings. "Cherry Bomb was the one who created that blast." Beside her floated a man in a grey-and-white bodysuit; he raised his clenched fist to show off a glowing ring. With a wave, a warp opened behind him and Lume fell through. "So... so cold and dark..." Lume whimpered as it huddled, arms over its head. Behind them approached a few more villains Pol failed to recognize; a purple-skinned woman in a green costume, a dark-skinned husky woman with an orange outfit; a large and muscular yellow-finned alien; and an anthropomorphic cat. And there was one he did recognize, by the glowing axe that he held. Pol held his breath.

"Abyss, Pollen, Density, Holdur and Bandarkat," Babbage recited. Pol paid him no heed; the Persuader was bad news. Even without the stories Rokk had told him, he knew how vicious the man was. The way he brandished his axe was a clear indication. His first instinct was to flee.

But he looked around at his teammates. Four were definitely out of the fight for now, and the others looked shaky themselves. He swallowed as he started at the assembled villains, who were slowly floating towards them.

He wanted to flee. He didn't want to die. But he didn't want his teammates to die, either. As he watched his teammate's faces, full of fear and determination, he decided.

"In 5 counts, I want you all to fly as fast as you can towards Legion World," he thought out over their telepathic earplugs. He hoped everyone was wearing theirs.

"What...?" a puzzled Impulse asked. Beside him, Particon tightened her grip on Mysa's shoulder.

"Just make sure to grab Lume too," Pol thought again. Then he began focusing his magnetic powers on the cruiser they had brought with them.

"Babbage, you're the fastest. You should take Lume," Particon thought back. At least she had understood.

"The Braalian's twitching!" Bandarkat growled as he began to move faster. The Persuader raised his Axe, and Abyss raised his fist.

Pol swallowed, then used his powers to slam the cruiser right into the approaching villains. Before waiting to see if any were hit straight on, he dove after his fleeing teammates towards Legion World.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Babbage - 12/14/14 01:58 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

BABBAGE Babbage

Checking to make sure the stone form of Microbe was secure in its arm, Babbage turned itself backwards and propelled itself towards Lume. The Persuader and Holdur both saw its approach, but before they could react, Babbage had fired a dozen laser beams at them. It disliked using violence; Babbage had spent most of its Legion career volunteering for humanitarian work in a bid to show the United Planets that Roboticans could be trusted, now that they were free of COMPUTO's slavery. Yet sometimes, violence was necessary.

As the two villains were pushed back, Babbage yanked Lume out of the way just as Magnetic Kid sent their cruiser smashing into the assembled villains.

Tucking both teammates in securely under its arms, Babbage used its thrusters to propel itself towards its fleeing teammates. "That was an effective tactic, Magnetic Kid."

A dazed Pol Krinn looked at him and smiled weakly. "Thanks."

"Babbage, can you tell Chuck about our situation?" Particon asked as the White Witch moaned weakly in her arms. "I'm sure he has an idea, but best to give him an update."

"And please ask him to have the med-teams ready." Impulse's tone was somber as he checked on Nightwind. "I'd like to examine Berta and Lume."

Babbage nodded as it patched through to Chuck. "Babbage!" Chuck's voice was frantic as it made contact. "I've been trying to reach you! There's been some weird static!"

"Odd," Babbage opined. "None of the villains we encountered have that power."

"But then, most of those villains have never worked together, right?" Blizzard observed. He shrugged his shoulders as his teammates turned to look at him. "So I read the old Legion case files a lot."

"Could be a villain, could be tech, let's figure out what later," Spider-Girl cut in. "What is it, Chuck?"

"We have a transmission from Chief Adept Erqol of the Titanet. Routing to your flight rings."

"And I will patch in using my link to the Mission Monitor Board." Babbage initiated the two-way link it had forged with the monitor room; its visage appeared in one of the monitors. It could see a concerned Chuck Taine, Shvaughn Erin, Insect Queen, a shaky Dyrk Magz and Legion Cadets Mentalla and Retro, all intently staring at the monitor screen. It must have been Mentalla and Retro's shift; the Cadets now rotated on monitor duty as part of their Legionnaire training.

"Connection established, Chief Adept," Chuck spoke. "The Legionnaires are listening."

"There is no time to waste," the Chief Adept said breathlessly. "One of our Naltorian cadets had a dream. The attack on the Legionnaires was just a distraction for an invasion of Legion World! You must evacuate immediately!"

A murmur went up among those hearing the message. "Who else knows about this, Chief Adept?" Shvaughn Erin asked. "Besides those with me, none. We have been trying to transmit a message, but something has been blocking communications from Titan, whether technological or telepathic. We had to fly out of Titan's atmosphere, and have only now been able to reestablish a link."

"That may be also why Chuck has been having trouble reaching us," Spider-Girl mused. "And it corroborates the vision; why else would someone want to keep the Titanet from being able to warn us?"

"Then we have to act fast," Chuck breathed, sounding determined. "Chief Adept, if you can, please transmit as many details of the vision as you can. Stand by, Legionnaires. I'm taking the Bouncing Boy to pick you up. Retro, I want you to coordinate the cadets. Help organize the evacuation until we can return. Tell the cadets to help out until the Legionnaires return and take over. Mentalla, you're with me. I dislike putting you in danger but I'll need another pair of hands as backup. "

"It is my pleasure," Mentalla smiled determinedly as she stood up. Beside her, Retro looked on in what Babbage surmised was a mix of jealousy that he was not chosen, and relief that he would be out of relative danger. Mentalla was one of their most promising cadets, and had been one of the few to earn Reserve Legionnaire status. And on a retrieval mission, her telepathy and ability to control the bodies of others would be more useful than Retro's ability to rewind a subject's personal timeline.

"I'm going too," Insect Queen stepped forward. "Just in case there are more villains out there."

"As am I." Shvaughn was tapping furiously on her Omnicom. "I've already alerted Gigi Cusimano to coordinate with Retro and begin evac procedures. She's sent a team to safeguard President Wazzo and RJ Brande. They're going to move the UP dignitaries out stat."

"And me," Dyrk Magz spoke as he cocked his Science Police blaster. "I just woke up and I don't know if I'll get my powers back, but I still have my Legion AND Science Police training. I can help."

"No arguments there," Chuck smiled as he clapped Dyrk on the shoulder. "You've proven yourself many times over."

"Then let's go," Shvaughn started towards the door.

"I will keep in contact via the flight ring array," Babbage noted. "Chuck, Dyrk and Shvaughn are all honorary members and have their own flight rings. As a reservist, Mentalla has one as well." Babbage shifted the majority of its focus to its teammates, though kept a portion of its mental circuits tuned in to the MMB. Retro, unlike Mentalla, had not yet been granted Reserve status and would need watching.

"Come on," Particon urged as Mysa began to stir. "Let's keep moving so we can meet them half way. We have thousands of lives on our hands."

The team looked somber as they flew towards Legion World. Babbage did not need to share the emotions of his organic teammates to understand that they were both worried that they might not be capable enough to save Legion World... and determined that they would do their best to succeed.
The action is heating up!

I can't wait to see who this master villain is.

I love the villain's you've brought into try and distract the Legion.
Sthenois a character i always wanted to see comeback and take on the Legion. (i also just love nods to Greek mythology. lol)

The Persuader!

Lume's was really insightful.

Pol is such a legacy character and in such a good way, he embodies Cos in so many ways but still his own person. its clear how much he looks up to him. i sure hope he doesn't die.

Love Dryk's spirit.

i honestly love Babbage action and the forward momentum of the scene. but i hope you don't mind me saying i had hopped to see more of Babbage's inner mind. even though he's not organic i bet you could do wonders with his observations.

great work again IB and i just want more!!

Hi Omni, thanks for the support and insightful commentary as always! I'm hoping the big bad will be worth it.

Glad you liked Lume's segment, it was challenging to think of what an energy being's life would be like.

Also glad you liked Pol's segment, how he is similar to Cos yet still different. I'll do my best not to kill anyone smile

Thanks for commenting on Babbage, yes I agree I would like to explore its thoughts more. Same for Impulse/Kent, I think I could do some more work exploring his motivations.

Thanks again Omni! I'll be reading your own work soon!

I am glad I got a chance to catch up on my reading! Seeing this team in action so far has been great, I like how you capture their inexperience...can't wait to see how the rest of this pans out!
Thanks raz! Contrasting this new, inexperienced team with the "lost" Legionnaires has been fun. I love both groups equally. Glad you're enjoying and thanks for the support as always!
I have to thank Omni for some great tips om writing Babbage. I will try it out in a post soon!
Hey IB, you continue to excel, this is tremendous fun!

I can't remeber Lume at all so it's great to read your interpretation of it, certainly it's motivation sounds credible and the backstory was well done. Looking forward to reading more about this character - you've got me interested!

Pol always struck me as a second stringer, guess growing up in Rokk's shadow would have that affect. Nice to see him grow up a bit and use his head, his doubts about how to act against the White Witch was well written, and his tossing the cruiser against the villains was the perfect way to make up for his earlier hesitations. Looking forward to watching him grow as you delve more into his character.

Babbage, ah there's a cool looking robot that needed some proper screen time! Well done for taking him on, you've made him very proactive and logical which makes perfect sense for a robotic Legionnaire. Really enjoyed reading him take such a strong role.

I love how you are building up the action and mystery, you've got me on the edge of my seat IB!

More, more, more!
That's so nice of you to say, Harbi! Thanks as always for your kind feedback and support!

Lume only appeared in LSH 66 and Legionnaires 56, and it always interested me how a species of light energy beings would think.

Pol also struck me as a second stringer for a long time, especially with both Cosmic Boy and Magno as available Braalians for the team. He's a hero in his own right but certainly a very different personality from Cos, and I'm glad I was able to show that.

Thanks for the comment on Babbage taking the lead! My main struggle now is writing him to be different from both Brainiac 5 and Gear!

Glad you're enjoying the ride Harbi, I really hope I'll get a chance to write soon and continue the action - I have the next dozen posts plotted but it's getting to sit down and write that's tough smile Thanks again for the encouragement!

Up next - insights into the remaining new Legionnaires, and the return of a familiar face!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Insect Queen - 01/18/15 09:53 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

INSECT QUEEN InsectQueen

Legion World grew smaller in the distance as the Bouncing Boy zipped forward on its rescue mission, but Insect Queen did not spare a glance at the view. Nor did she marvel at the blue-and-white bouncing ship she was riding in. She was focused on her Omnicom screen as her fingers briskly searched for an insect form that would be useful in space. But her mind was distracted even as she poured through the few options that came up. Her thoughts kept flashing to her good friend Particon, out there in space with her injured teammates, and grife knows how many more villains right behind them.

"I recommend the Aarokian Sphinx Moth. Aarokian colonizers bred them from Earth specimens to ensure their wings can vibrate even in thinner atmospheres, like the artificial one surrounding Legion World." Lonna nearly jumped as Babbage's voice came over the flight ring array. The Robotican Legionnaire's voice was uncannily emotive.

"Oh... thank you, Babbage. How did you know I was searching for a useful form?"

"I apologize, Insect Queen. I was not spying on you." Lonna noted with amusement that Babbage's voice dropped in timbre at just the right moments to convey sincerity. "It was the logical deduction after I observed you searching through your Omnicom, especially after I had already uploaded datalinks on the villains we faced earlier."

"Yes... how logical." Lonna shook her head as she pondered that no robot she had ever encountered on Xanthu could be this in tune with humanoid thought.

"Forgive me, but I sense a trepidation in you. I apologize if it seems intrusive of me, but I have allowed my systems to link with the Bouncing Boy. They also automatically measure the biological readings of all my allies. Are you concerned about the villains?"

Lonna's heart caught in her throat. She was actually most concerned about Particon - but she did not want to admit that her concern was so deep as to cause Babbage's readings to go off the scale. As logical as Babbage might be, it probably did not understand that she was not ready to let Particon know. "I... this is just new to me. I am in a bouncing ship with a handful of Legion allies, three of them non-powered, off to rescue the Legionnaires, many of whom are unconscious. A dozen villains are out there, and I just heard a prophetic warning about an attack on Legion World. It's a bit beyond me... though I suppose I should be more used to it after the Robotican attack on Xanthu." Lonna sighed to herself as her pulse continued to quicken. She hated feeling out of control and... her eyes widened as she realized what she had said.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Babbage! I know you Roboticans were actually being controlled by COMPUTO then...! And you helped us rehabilitate Xanthu, too!"

"No, please do not apologize. Although it was not of our own free will, we do acknowledge the actions we have taken," Babbage's voice changed once more, and it made Lana think of how her mother used to speak when Lana had torn her dress as a child. Not quite humanoid, but very close. "In fact, I should be the one to apologize to you. Even though it was not of our own volition, our actions were indeed terrible."

"Apology accepted, and thank you for accepting mine as well," Lonna smiled. And though she would not say, she was grateful for how this little conversation had taken her mind of her worries a bit. She practiced turning into the Aarokian Sphinx Moth just to be sure; concentrating on the data feed in her Omnicom, she felt her lower body morph slowly into an exact replica.

"I'm glad you're ready." Lonna snapped to attention as Shvaughn Erin stood up from her seat. "Let's gather at the airlock. We need to be ready to help the Legionnaires board. Four of them are still down."

Lonna nodded, as did Mentalla, who was calmly sitting in front of her. Lonna eyed the cadet with interest. She was calm and confident, but Lonna could tell she was itching to prove herself.

"Uh oh. Better be more ready," Dyrk Magz's voice normally friendly voice was clipped as he called out from his seat beside Chuck Taine. "Sensors indicate at least twelve bodies pursing the Legionnaires. Only nine villains attacked them initially." The rescue team looked at each other in stunned silence. Lonna knew they were all thinking the same thing - whoever planned this attack could have recruited dozens of villains to their side.

"Then there's no time to waste," Lonna resisted the urge to test her transuit again as she walked to the airlock. "Let's start bringing them in."

"We're just about close enough," Chuck replied grimly. "Go. And remember, we can't Threshold out of here. Comms are scrambled and the Thresholds are busy funneling civilians out of Legion World."

Lonna barely heard him as she launched herself from the airlock, with Dyrk, Shvaughn, and Mentalla following right behind her. She ignored the urge to head straight for Particon, though she did wave at her friend, who smiled back. Lonna quickly coasted to a hover beside Babbage's robotic form as she shifted to a Winathian Orb Spider. Wrapping Microbe's stone form snugly, she headed back to the ship as Shvaughn Erin arrived to scoop up Lume from Babbage's other arm.

As she flew back to the Bouncing Boy, Particon angled around to accompany her. "Thanks for the save, Lonna. Just don't tell the other Amazers, okay? Especially not if that flight ring on your finger means you're switching teams."

Lonna laughed as her mind registered the gold band that surprised her with how snugly it fit. "No, I've just been deputized for the time being. So I won't tell if you won't, okay?" The two girls smiled at each other as they neared the blue-and-white ship. "Now, let's get back into more hospitable surroundings."

"Not so fast, you Philistines." Lonna gasped as the airlock door slammed shut on its own. A small, bald man with one of the most evil grins she had ever seen appeared above the Bouncing Boy with several round automatons. "Brainstorm, a powerful telekinetic," Particon whispered.

"Don't listen to him, team! I..." Chuck's voice was cut off as dents appeared on the Bouncing Boy's hull. "Surrender, or your poor Mr. Taine will be trapped inside an increasingly dense rubber ball," Brainstorm smiled with satisfaction. "I promise, we won't kill you if you do come peacefully."

"That is not an option." Mentalla's eyes glowed a light green as she focused her power on Brainstorm, whose own eyes began glowing white. "You are the one who will stand down."

"Hnnnk!" Brainstorm struggled to flail his hands. "Titanian mind-witch! Saturn Girl was able to stop me, but you shall... not... succeed!"

"I believe I will," Mentalla replied coolly as Brainstorm's arms began to raise jerkily. "My talents may not be as strong as Saturn Girl's were in some areas, but few can match my ability to control motor functions." The Bouncing Boy's door slid open quickly as Brainstorm's telekinetic shield vanished. The next instant, his body flung itself onto the Bouncing Boy's hull; it bounced once and then lay still.

"Good work, Mentalla," Blizzard smiled as he encased Brainstorm in ice. "Keep watch in case he wakes up. I think you're our best weapon against him."

"Which is why I'm taking you down!" Mentalla gasped as a blur of green flashed under her chin, knocking her backwards. The unconscious form of the White Witch flew from her arms as she did. "Score one for Micro!" The red-headed Imskite who appeared laughed gleefully.

"Nasshead!" Magnetic Kid trained his powers on Micro, trying to snag any magnetic metals on the Imskite. But before he could, a purple rope gripped hold of his arm. "Sorry, kid." Twine didn't sound the least bit sorry as she yanked Magnetic Kid towards her using her energy-absorbing lash. "Can't have you messing up Repulse's aim now."

"I don't need your help, Twine," the Braalian known as Repulse snarled as he magnetically threw metal darts at Lonna and Particon. "Behind me!" Particon yelled as her power-lance manifested; she handily deflected each projectile. Lonna took the opportunity to snag Mentalla and the White Witch with her webs; with a sigh of relief she saw that Mentalla was already recovering. "Thanks for the cover, Jen. Keep it up while I get these three to safety."

"Gladly," Particon sounded grim as she fired a few shots of pink energy at Repulse, who manipulated his metal armor into a shield. Though each shot scorched the shield, they only served to throw Repulse back slightly. "Not bad, but not good enough," he smirked as he flew closer, forming spikes on his metal glove. "Let's see how you do in close combat."

"Quit messing around, Repulse, and remove their flight rings already!" Twine hissed as her lash wrapped around Particon's right arm. "Jen!" Lonna turned from depositing her allies into the Bouncing Boy's airlock to see Particon's power lance winked out. "Mmm, I can feel this one. Very rich in energy."

"Fine, boss," Repulse's voice dripped heavily with sarcasm as he raised his other arm. "Hey, wait, they're not magnetic! Hey... OWWW!" Repulse moaned in pain as a piece of debris slammed into his mouth, courtesy of Spider-Girl's long red hair. Before he could react, another slammed into his forehead, knocking him out. "I'm glad you didn't cover your entire body in armor, you nasshead," Sussa breathed. "And who knew the Legion would be smart enough to make all flight rings non-magnetic?"

"Your allies are down, Twine." Shvaughn said as she and Dyrk trained their blasters on Twine even as their other arms held onto Lume and Nightwind. "Drop them."

"I don't think so," Twine said as she held a weakened Pol in her other hand. "I can snap this urchin's neck with one hand, while extended exposure to my lash can cause Particon's brain functions to cease. And Micro is still out there."

"We still outnumber you," Dyrk said icily as his finger twitched. "And your hand might not be faster than our... UGH!" He and Shvaughn both lurched forward as Micro grew to normal size behind them, giving both a powerful kick. "You never know where I might pop up!" he laughed.

"Like a lot of viruses I know," Lonna growled as she fired her stingers at the Imskite. He gasped in surprise as he tried to shrink away, but fainted when he was about three feet tall. "Thankfully, the Tenazorian Jumping Wasp's venom works very quickly indeed."

"Bad move, Amazer," Twine snarled as she shifted her weight to grip Magnetic Kid's neck. "Unlike Particon, this one is disposable."

"Nobody is," Impulse said calmly as he gripped Twine's wrist, breaking her grip on Pol. His other arm quickly slammed into her head. As her body floated in space, Impulse quickly grabbed Pol and started flying towards the ship. "Let's not bother with prisoners now. We have too many injured to worry about."

"I commend your concern about your comrades, but I disagree," Babbage replied as it assisted a dazed Shvaughn and Dyrk. "We could interrogate one of them on the attack. Twine might be a good candidate, as she has no powers without her lash."

"Consider it done," Lonna snagged Twine in her webs. "Someone grab her lash... Oh!" Lonna felt the recoil as something snapped her web. She looked up in horror to see the Persuader's atomic axe zipping through space to return to his outstretched arm. Behind him, another dozen villains smiled menacingly, at least half of whom had not participated in the initial attack.

"Give up, Legionnaires," the Persuader smiled as he hefted his axe. "I slice your ship in half and none of you have a prayer of escaping safely. Make this easier on yourself and give up."

Lonna looked around dazedly at her allies. Babbage was holding onto Lume and Nightwind while Spider-Girl helped a weakened Shvaughn and Dyrk; while the two Sci-cops were conscious, both were dazed. Lume was still shivering and Nightwind was still out. Impulse supported a weak Magnetic Kid while Blizzard was helping a drained Particon. With so many needing assistance, the odds were bleak indeed. But this was not her call; she was a guest here. She looked to see what the conscious Legionnaires would do. Babbage, Sussa and Brek were looking towards Kent; he was one of the older ones on the team, and Lonna guessed that the logical Babbage would respect that.

Kent spoke, his voice quavering with anger. "How do I know you won't hurt any of us if we surrender?"

"You don't," Persuader grinned. "You just have to take our word for it."

"What if we surrender AFTER you let everyone who is on Legion World now leave? And the cadets, too. You will still have ten active Legionnaires as captives."

The Persuader shook his head as he hefted his axe. "No can do, Legionnaire. We want you all, but we also want them. No, I think we'll have to make this option more attractive." He raised his axe as he turned towards the Bouncing Boy. "No ship, no rescue."

Lonna heard herself scream as she tried to catch the Persuader's arm with her webbing. She was too late; the axe zipped towards their ship even as she netted her target. A wall of ice appeared in front of it, only to be shattered as she and her allies watched helplessly. Even as the crowd of villains moved menacingly forward, Lonna couldn't force herself to look away as the razor-sharp weapon sped towards their only hope.

As she glanced towards a feebly struggling Particon, she bitterly thought to herself that so many wonderful things would end today even before they had had a chance to begin.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Mentalla - 01/18/15 10:44 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

MENTALLA Mentalla

Mentalla's head pounded she tried to understand what was happening outside the Bouncing Boy. All she knew was that the others had not returned yet. She could hear Chuck Taine feverishly radioing for help even as her mind felt his panic.

She forced her thoughts to assert themselves. I am Delya Castil of Titan. I am a telepath gifted with the ability to control the motor functions of others. Unlike others with this gift, I have pledged to use my powers for good. I am a Legion Reservist and Cadet...

It worked. She felt her mind calm itself down. She pulled herself to her feet as she looked out the porthole, and almost wished she had not. A projectile was speeding towards them, and from the wicked gleam on its blade she knew it would cut through metal and rubber as easily as it would rend flesh.

"Get out of here, Mentalla!" Chuck yelled as he frantically restarted the Bouncing Boy's systems. "Brainstorm shut us down, I don't know if I can get us started in time!"

"No!" Mentalla stammered as she tried to rouse the White Witch. "We need to save the ship or else...!"

"There's no time! One of us has to get back to Legion World..."

"But I..." Mentalla's breath caught in her throat. Was this what it was like to be a hero? To have to choose between two normally unacceptable alternatives? She began frantically opening the airlock even as she watched the Atomic Axe speed nearer and nearer. Oh grife, would she even make it? The Axe was coming closer and closer, its blade shining like Death's Sickle....

...and then she blinked, and the blade was gone. "What...?" she gasped. And then she saw it.

"Mr. Taine, look!" she pointed as Chuck hurried over. "What's happening? What... Oh!"

Mentalla did not need her telepathy to feel Chuck's joy. In front of the Bouncing Boy hovered a red-clad blonde woman with a headband. "I can't believe it!" Chuck cheered. "THUNDER!"

Thunder quickly snapped the Axe's handle and tossed the blade far in the opposite direction. Then she grabbed the frozen Brainstorm and threw him towards the Persuader, before diving towards the assembled villains. "Thunder to Legionnaires! Start moving towards the Bouncing Boy! We have to get out of here!"

"You heard her!" Impulse yelled as he kicked a snarling Bandarkat. "Take the wounded and get to the ship!"

"You witch!" screamed the Persuader as he watched his Axe fly far. "I'm going to... UNF!" Mentalla watched in awe as Thunder slammed into the group of villains. The experienced Legionnaire quickly darted from one to another, not engaging any one opponent for more than a few seconds. She was not defeating each one she punched, but she was definitely keeping them occupied.

"Ohhh... what is happening?" Mentalla looked down in surprise to see the White Witch stirring. She bent down to help Mysa up even as she kept her eyes on Thunder, studying her impressive battle tactics. "It is okay, White Witch. We are being rescued."

"And not too soon, too," Chuck said as he opened the airlock wide. "I'm beginning to worry. We've been out here too long." Mentalla heard him counting as the Legionnaires began arriving. "Here, place Lume beside the engine, this should help him recover..."

"I don't believe this," Blizzard stood beside Mentalla even as he supported Nightwind, who had began to moan. "Another Pre-Vanishing Legionnaire! Oh my grife!"

"I hope you reacted that way when you first saw me arrive on Legion World," Dyrk Magz joked as he supported himself against a seat. As Blizzard began to stammer, he held up a hand. "I'm just joking. Let's just make sure we're all here."

"We are," Chuck replied as he held his flight ring to his mouth. "You did it, Thunder! Everyone's here. Come on in and let's go!"

"Gladly," Thunder replied as she lifted a rock-skinned Density and slammed her into Abyss. "Start the engines, I'll be there in a few!"

Mentalla and Spider-Girl rushed to make sure that all the recovering were strapped into their seats while Blizzard and Impulse tended to Nightwind. "She was definitely hit hard," Impulse murmured as he checked her out. "But hardly lethal. They really do want us alive. Blizzard, help me shock her awake." Blizzard nodded as he sent a small wave of cold air into Nightwind, who opened her eyes with a jolt. "Oh! Kent! Brek! Is everyone okay?!" she gasped as she sat upright.

"Indeed," Babbage replied as it helped Nightwind stand up. "With Microbe's petrification beginning to wear off, everyone is now conscious. However, we are not yet battle-ready."

"That's fine," Thunder spoke as she emerged from the airlock. Mentalla turned with admiration as the pre-Vanishing Legionnaire addressed the group. "I'm sorry, but we need to get out of here. Mentalla, please link my mind to Nightwind's." Chuck gave her a thumbs-up even as the Bouncing Boy started speeding towards Legion World.

"Wait a minute," Shvaughn stood shakily as she faced Thunder. "Thunder vanished years ago and never returned from the future, despite her promise to do so. You have her powers and a working flight ring, but how do we know you are you? And how do you know Nightwind and Mentalla, who appeared after you disappeared?"

Thunder turned to face Shvaughn with a small smile. "I expected you to be skeptical, Captain. I know, you were only Lieutenant when I left, but hear me out. CAPTAIN MARVEL!" Mentalla gasped at the boom that appeared, though to her surprise neither the sound nor the bright light hurt her eyes. As the smoke cleared, a young girl stood before them. "Magic lightning. I can control its intensity when it hits," she said. "You never saw me in my civilian guise, but you've read the files."

"Yes, and I grant it is difficult to fake magic lightning and such a fast transformation. But I also know that Thunder would have been transported back into the future in her civilian form." Shvaughn's voice was thick with suspicion.

"Well, the Rock of Eternity was rebuilt in the future, which was how I got back here. I found the Wizard again, and he also gave me a glimpse of what happens here today," Thunder's smile slowly faded as she spoke. "It... I am sorry, but a hard decision has to be made today. And it has to be made by the Legion's leader." She turned towards Nightwind and took her hand. "I'm sorry, Nightwind."

Nightwind sighed as she rubbed her temples. "I hope I won't wish that I was unconscious again." She looked at Dyrk and Chuck as she spoke. "You also knew Thunder quite well. What do you two think?"

Dyrk shrugged as he exchanged glances with Chuck. "Shvaughn has every reason to be suspicious, I think," he said slowly. "But then again, what we saw just now IS very hard to fake. A mindlink with Thunder would be beneficial, but it could also be..."

"... a way to gain control of YOUR mind, Nightwind," Shvaughn finished.

"Okay, then I'll decide after Mentalla updates me," Nightwind said. "Delya, if you will? And update Mysa and Drura too."

Mentalla nodded, even as she mentally upbraided herself for not practicing her thought casting more. The most she could handle know was three sentient minds at once; just enough to update Nightwind, White Witch and Microbe simultaneously. Certainly nowhere close to the number of minds someone like Saturn Girl could touch. She comforted herself with the thought that she had other talents even as she linked the minds of all three with hers, updating them on the events of the past hour.

"Damn," Nightwind muttered as she got up to speed. "This IS bad, alright. I'm sorry Shvaughn, I respect your counsel and all, but I think desperate times call for desperate measures."

"Okay, then," Shvaughn's voice was icy as she pulled out her blaster. "But we will be ready to take you down if you show any signs of being mentally dominated."

"Deal," Nightwind said as she turned towards Thunder. "And Thunder, for added security, please remain powered down while our minds are linked. Mentalla, if you will?"

Mentalla's heart pounded as she turned towards Thunder's. She had read that minds touched by magic were exceedingly harder to penetrate, as she had experienced with the White Witch. Silently thanking Nightwind's foresight for asking Thunder to remain powered down, she began to initiate the link.

As she saw what Thunder knew, she almost wished she had not.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Nightwind - 01/18/15 06:02 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

NIGHTWIND
Nightwind1

Though she made every effort to project an outward calm, Berta's mind raced as she opened herself to Mentalla's telepathic link. As she locked eyes with the blonde telepath, Berta made sure her face remained impassive even as her emotions flooded through. Reacting quickly, Mentalla sent forth a thought - "You hide your nerves well."

"As do you," Nightwind thought back. "Thank you for your trustworthiness."

"Thank you as well," Mentalla returned. Out loud, she said, "Initiating mental link." Nightwind felt Thunder's mind with her own, and gasped as she saw what Thunder had seen.

She gasped as Mentalla ended the link. Nightwind could see that the young telepath was shaken; and Thunder herself looked unnerved after reliving the memories. "How...?"

"The wizard who granted me my power showed me this vision," Thunder replied sadly. "Now, do you see what must be done?"

"I... I..." Berta shook her head as she turned to face her teammates and their allies. All were staring at her in apprehension. "The invasion of Legion World is being commanded by a pink-skinned humanoid male clothed in armor. I could sense that he is incredibly powerful. He is also technologically adept, which is how he scrambled the Titanet and our communications." She breathed as she thought of what would come next. "He has assembled an army of super-powered beings to assist him. He intends to conquer the United Planets and all worlds in our universe; I saw vaguely that while he is interested in power, he is more interested in knowledge. He means to study, observe and catalogue sentient life in the universe."

Nightwind took a deep breath as she tried to wipe the memory of sentient beings unconsciously floating in transparent tubes. At least they would be in a dreamless sleep, she consoled herself.

It didn't work.

"Then what are we waiting for?!" Blizzard stood, icing up his hands as he did. "Let's go stop them!"

"No... we can't," Nightwind spoke, her voice breaking. "I saw Thunder's vision. They will overwhelm all who stand in their way. They aren't interested in killing, but they will capture everyone left on Legion World after they come in. They're too powerful."

A murmur broke out among those around them. "How... don't we have a chance?" Microbe flexed her arms, as if not believing she could move again. "We're so close to Legion World now." Nightwind shook her head. "You all know how well we did against the villains attacking us. We would be wiped out if we went against this much bigger force."

"Then..." Magnetic Kid gulped as he sat down. "What is our alternative?"

"I saw the enemy opening a massive Threshold. I didn't see where it leads, but Thunder's wizard told her it will lead us to help." The words made her feel simultaneously hopeful and despairing. She looked at Thunder, who nodded. "I'm sorry. The wizard only gave so much knowledge; he said I could not know every detail that would happen. But Solomon's wisdom told me that it might be the other Legionnaires. They must still be alive somewhere."

"I don't like this," Shvaughn spat as she looked out the window. "How can we trust some vision - you're not even Naltorian!"

"But I am from the future, and I assure you I am telling the truth," Thunder replied calmly, but Nightwind could pick up her emotional strain. She did not like the idea of abandoning so many people either. "But please, if you don't trust my vision, trust the wisdom of Solomon. And the wisdom of your leader." She placed a hand on Nightwind's shoulder. "You believe I am honest?"

"I could feel it. And Mentalla confirms it."

Mentalla spoke up, her voice weak. But to her credit, it did not tremble. "She believes she is telling the truth."

Babbage spoke up. "I have lost all contact with Legion World as well. I believe that this unseen enemy has managed to completely sever all communications. I did not want to alarm you earlier, but I have tried every wavelength I am able to access. Legion World is now a dead zone."

Berta looked at the faces around her, and saw doubt and confusion. "Look, if it will convince you... Mysa, do you feel strong enough to let us look into Legion World?"

Mysa nodded, and began waving her hands as she muttered an incantation. "I am commanding this spell to open in the Mission Monitor Board." In a flash of light, a warp opened in front of the group. It was much like an Omniscreen winking into view. All save Nightwind and Thunder gasped at what they saw.

Legion World staff were lying face down on the floor, hands behind their heads. Retro was groaning even as his forehead bled. Gigi Cusimano, Porcupine Pete and Dragonwing were huddled back to back, surrounded by over a dozen beings, two of whom Nightwind recognized as Credo* members. A third was the terrorist she had fought on Earth, Lantern. She averted her eyes as their three allies went down fighting.

"Are... are they...?" Dyrk asked.

"Alive, yes," the White Witch replied, her voice trembling slightly. "I can sense nobody has died yet."

"Take us to the Threshold Chamber, Mysa," Nightwind asked. The screen before them blinked and shifted.

The Legionnaires gasped once again at the scene that unfolded before them. Hundreds of staff and civilians huddled on the floor, looking in horror as Cadets and Science Police officers fell to overwhelming numbers. More emerged through an open Threshold; Nightwind could only guess where it originated from.

"Even the Amazers are there..." Insect Queen whispered as they watched Atmos get thrown into Amp and Density.

Tenzil Kem stood in front of a battered Gravity as a shadowy figure approached. "Who are you?!" Tenzil screamed as he grabbed a blaster from a fallen Science Police officer. "What do you want from us?!"

"I simply want to study you," the figure replies in a deep, booming voice. "But to do that, I will need you placed in stasis so I may undertake this at my own pace."

"We're not lab specimens. You can't do this!" Tenzil yelled as he pointed the blaster right at the figure, hands shaking.

"You go, Tenz..." Chuck muttered as he moved up beside Nightwind.

"Damn it, Chuck," Berta whispered as she watched in horror. "We have to tell him to stand down!"

"How?" Chuck shook his head as he watched his best friend. "We can't even get through to the Titanet adepts!"

"I would not do that," the shadowy figure said as he moved in front of Tenzil. "I have no wish to be cruel, but I will make an example of you if need be. My scans show you are a Bismollian with no unique powers, so it will not matter if I lose you as a specimen."

"Bite me," Tenzil said as he pulled the trigger. The blast aimed true, right between the figure's eyes.

It barely even flinched.

In one fluid motion, it grabbed Tenzil by the neck and ripped the blaster from his hand. Dangling Tenzil in front of the crowd, it began to speak in calm tones. "My dear sentients, this is what will happen to you if you fail to cooperate. If you do, I will simply place you under stasis until I am done with you. You will feel no pain at all. But if you fight me... Open a Threshold into space, Herros. Make it just outside this room." A blue-haired Kwai male complied, and Nightwind's eyes widened as she saw the warp appear on Mysa's screen... just as another opened a few klicks to the right of the Bouncing Boy.

"Oh my sprock. Is he doing what I think he's doing?" Kent breathed.

"I think he is," Nightwind snapped as she looked up. "Chuck, get us in front of that Threshold. Turn cloaking on. Thunder, power up and get ready to go out there. Mysa, can you cast a spell of protection from here?"

"Only on this side of the doorway," Mysa replied, brows tightened in determination as Thunder said her magic word.

"Let's go then," Nightwind turned to the doorway as the blue-haired Kwai appeared. The monstrous reptilian muscle called Bronto followed, carrying a struggling Tenzil.

"Oh my grife," Chuck breathed. "He's not really going to...? Oh my grife!" From their position, Nightwind could see Bronto pull his arm back. Then he tossed Tenzil into the vacuum of space with all his might. Herros and Bronto looked for a moment, then vanished back into the Threshold as it winked out.

"Go, Thunder, go! Bring a spare transuit!" Nightwind yelled as a red blur flew out the airlock. "Mysa..."

"Already cast!" Mysa breathed as her screen winked out. Before it did, Nightwind noted that their mysterious enemy had closed down all Thresholds in the chamber. She turned her attention to Tenzil; if they were helpless to retake Legion World, she would save whom she could. Careful to maintain outward calm, her breath caught as Thunder intercepted a gently glowing Tenzil and began to carry him towards the Bouncing Boy. As the airlock opened, Impulse rushed to them. "Help me get this transuit on them!"

"Oh my grife!" Chuck panted as he squeezed through the crowd to kneel beside Tenzil. "Oh my grife, I can't believe it!"

"Hey buddy..." Tenzil smiled weakly as he raised an arm. "I can't believe it either!"

"Don't do that again!" Chuck wrung his hands as he clasped Tenzil's hand. "You're our Head Chef, not a Legionnaire-in-training!"

"Heh, guess I just got inspired. Can't let... you have... all the fun..."

"Ssssh," Kent said, not unkindly. "You need to rest now."

"You heard him, team," Nightwind clapped her hands. "Let's give Tenzil some space. I think the rest of the injured should rest too. Kent, I know you must be tired, would you quickly check on everyone please?"

"Ahead of you, oh fearless leader," Kent smiled.

As the group settled down, Nightwind pulled Dyrk and Sussa aside and asked them to try and get a warning to Earth and any other UP worlds in range. They both saluted and ran to the controls. As she turned to check on her team, Shvaughn stepped forward and extended her hand. "That was great going, Nightwind," she smiled. "Just like Kid Quantum would have done. You have the makings of a great Legion leader."

"Thanks, Captain," Nightwind smiled as she took Shvaughn's hand. "And thank you for your trust."

"Call me Shvaughn. So, what's our next move? I completely agree with you that we are outmatched, by the way. I just wish we knew who managed to make it off Legion World before the bad guys invaded."

"I think we need to keep ourselves hidden and wait. From Thunder's vision, I saw us following some ships through a Threshold. But... I didn't actually see if we made it."

"Neither did I," Thunder mused as she joined the pair. "But I think we need to do our best to ensure we do make it through."

"Which is why we are staying in the immediate vicinity," Nightwind replied. "Although, if we can't reach Earth via comms maybe a few of us should go and make sure they get the message. Mysa could probably teleport some of us to Earth..."

"Um... sorry to interrupt boss, but something tells me we'll need every hand we can get on this..." Nightwind turned to follow Blizzard's outstretched finger, and gasped.

She had only seen one ship in Thunder's shared version. But below them, no less than five massive ships, each the size of a Dreadnought, were soaring below Legion World. The ships were dwarfed only by the size of the Threshold that opened up in front of them.

"That blue-haired Kwai Herros is there in the lead," Insect Queen called out as she took on the form of a Venusian Telescopic Insect. "I think this is it."

"I still don't believe this..." Blizzard muttered as he slumped back in his seat. "I can't believe it..."

"I'm sorry, everyone," Nightwind straightened her back as she tore her gaze away from the Threshold. "I'm going to have to ask you all to take a leap of faith here. I know we're not comfortable leaving behind all these sentients who have gathered for us today, but we won't do them any good if we get caught too. And if you had seen Thunder's vision, you would know how real it is. I trust it... All I ask is that you trust me, too."

Fifteen heads nodded, some more slowly than others, others still more feebly. Lume's smile in particular was wan; Nightwind guessed that being trapped in the dark must have been traumatic for a being made entirely of light. And Blizzard... Blizzard looked most lifeless of all. She would have to check up on both of them later.

"Sussa, Dyrk, any luck reaching the UP?"

"We managed to contact UP Fleet Admiral Everett and Science Police Commander Hagbard," Dyrk reported.

"Shvaughn's foresight paid off," Sussa added. "The Science Police received her alert before they tried to rescue us. Not in time to send backup to Legion World, but enough time to warn the UP High Council."

"Then we're settled then. Chuck, take us in. Mysa, help cloak us." Nightwind paused as she looked at the ships slowly entering the gaping Threshold. "And may we all find our way home."

***

IB's notes:

1) The Credo was a group formed by Singularity to hunt down and destroy all remaining Progeny, in revenge for their destruction of his homeworld. He tried to destroy Live Wire and the Legionnaires because Element Lad used to be a Legionnaire before he became the Progenitor. Live Wire stopped him by turning him into crystal. The Credo disbanded, but it's not a stretch to believe that some would remain villainous.
wow IB things have definitely moved forward. i still have no idea who this villain is...well not no clue my mind leads towards a certain ancestor of a team member.

Mentalla's interesting. very determined. i like that.

THUNDER'S back! i love it. she gives this team the right amount of muscle and experience i think they will need.

i love Shauvaung and her very logical thinking.

Tenzil is back in action too!

the conversation between Lonna and Babbage was really good. that's a conversation that i think needed to be shown but wasn't. gives it a personal touch to it.

too bad she won't be joining up just yet tongue something tells me she just might.

So why is Pol expendable?
Hi Omni, many thanks again for your usual support and for your insightful comments!

A certain ancestor, you mean perhaps our favorite Coluan? smile Good guess, but no. I'm actually thinking hard on how I should treat this villain and his eventual reveal. I'm not quite as good at writing villains as I am at heroes, I think.

Glad you're liking Mentalla's determination. I always empathized with her Preboot self's desire to prove herself, and thought she would make a great addition to the Postboot universe. She is also more likable than Jancel, IMO.

Glad Thunder's return had impact, and yes, it was fun showing how much more experienced she is than the majority of these new Legionnaires.

Shvaughn's skill has often been under-appreciated, and as a Captain of the Science Police I think she can be relied upon to be a very strategic AND tactical thinker. Glad it came across well!

I was happy to include Tenzil for this ride, he has always been an important supporting cast member in the Postboot. I just needed a logical way to include him, and the scene with the bad guy gave me the perfect opportunity.

I'm very glad you liked the Lonna/Babbage scene, and I actually have to thank you for that! Your comment about delving deeper into how Babbage thinks inspired me to highlight that, and it just so happened that Insect Queen was up for a spotlight. I'm glad Lonna is coming across as a competent hero, and you're not the only one who had good things to say about her before smile

As for Pol, he and Tenzil were both deemed by the bad guys to be expendable because they come from worlds where everyone has the same powers. The big bad is interested in knowledge, so he will prioritize those with unique powers. I'll go back and edit the Nightwind bit to add another reference to that.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Blizzard - 01/19/15 02:41 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

BLIZZARD
PolarBoy

A quiet air of determination and urgency hung around the Bouncing Boy as people scurried about, ensuring that injured friends were healing and that systems were up and running. All were focused on their tasks, except for Blizzard, who stared silently out of the window at Legion World while his fingers thumbed aimlessly through piles of supplies. As the artificial planetoid grew smaller, Blizzard felt his chest tighten even more.

He had already objected, but maybe he should again. His mind had been replaying the same scenario over and over again ever since they started following the ships. Maybe if he had objected more. Or maybe if he had convinced some of the others to back him up - Pol maybe? Dyrk? Particon? What if he had...

"Brek?"

Blizzard almost jumped as Nightwind appeared in front of him. "Ah... Berta?" Sprock. Brek mentally kicked himself as he avoided eye contact. Despite all his mental rehearsal, he couldn't form the words now that he was face to face with her. Brushing back tears, he turned away and began to paw through the rations he was supposed to be organizing. "How are the others doing?"

"Well... Lume will be okay, it really hates the dark, being an energy being and all. Drura is with him now, she really likes helping people heal. Everyone else is recovering nicely, and Mysa and Chuck are cloaking the Bouncing Boy as we trail the last ship."

"Good," Brek replied as started stuffing a tube of manna paste into a sack of rations. "That's great."

"But that's not really what you wanted to ask, was it?"

Brek's eyes bulged as he shoved the tube into the sack too tightly, causing the sack to burst. Paste sprayed all over his costume. With a frustrated groan, he slammed the empty tube onto the table. "I can't believe we're just abandoning everyone, Berta!"

The corners of Nightwind's mouth twitched. "I was expecting a question, but I can see that this really means a lot to you."

"Yeah, yeah it does!" Brek turned to face Berta, hands flailing as the words came flooding out. "I thought Legionnaires were supposed to protect people! How come we're just running away while we let the bad guys take over Legion World? That's our base and those people were there to see us! And we're headed to safety while who knows what is going to happen to them!"

Berta eyed him silently, hands at her sides. Then she grabbed a tissue and handed it to him. "I acknowledge your feelings on this, Brek. Is there anything more you want to say?"

Brek took a deep breath as he accepted the tissue and started wiping himself down. Luckily, the paste was designed not to stick to clothing; it had already started forming into clumps of matter. "I... I guess there's no chance of us turning back now, is there?"

"I'm afraid not," Berta said sadly as she bent down to look Brek straight in the eye. "Oh Brek, this is hard for any of us. And for me too. I'm the Legion leader who let Legion World be invaded by an unknown enemy with overwhelming power. And it doesn't escape me that 90% of the people who were there today are only there because of Legion Day!"

Brek blinked back tears as he studied Berta's face. She was definitely distraught. "Berta... I know why we turned tail. We're outnumbered and overpowered, and Thunder's future knowledge says we need to do this. I know it, my brain knows it. But it just tears me up inside too, you know?" Berta nodded solemnly as Brek took a deep breath. He was beginning to feel a little giddy because of his outpouring of emotion.

"It's just that I've always admired the Legion so much. When I became a Cadet I thought it would be the best day of my life. When they vanished I thought my world would fall apart. And I was so proud when I finally became a full Legionnaire, and I swore I would make the original team proud even if I never got to work alongside them and I can't help but think if they were here we could have done something - not that we're worse than them, but we're just inexperienced and there are more of them and they would add so much power and maybe they would know what to do and right now I just feel so hopeless and useless and..."

He couldn't stand it anymore. Without finishing his sentence, he slumped down on the floor, head in his arms as he wept.

"Oh, Brek..." Berta knelt down beside him and placed a reassuring arm around him even as she held back her own tears. "I know, and I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. So, so, sorry..."

The two huddled together for a few minutes as Brek released all the negative emotions that had been building up inside. As his sobbing subsided, he turned to Berta. "Berta... I'm really sorry."

As Berta opened her mouth to speak, her flight ring beeped. "The last ship is about to enter the Threshold, Nightwind," Spider-Girl's voice called. "As you said, we're about to go in. We're keeping close because we're going in blind. You coming to the front?"

"In a minute," Berta replied. Then she turned back to Brek. "Listen, Brek, I'm really sorry for putting you through this. And I want to thank you for continuing to follow my lead. I promise you, we'll come back in full force and save all those people. Okay?"

"Okay," Brek choked out as he dabbed the last of his tears away. He still felt light-headed, but the despair in his heart was being replaced by an odd calm. "And thank you for coming to talk to me, fearless leader."

Nightwind smiled at Brek's use of their friendly nickname. Patting Brek on the leg, she stood. "I know you'll be okay, but is there anything more you want to say?"

"Just... I'm glad you're leader, Nightwind. I could never have made such a difficult decision, you know."

Nightwind laughed. "Oh Brek, maybe you could, maybe you could not. But your compassion and enthusiasm make you special. Remember that." As Brek returned her smile, she turned and headed towards the front.

Brek watched her leave, then took a deep breath. Turning back towards the supplies, he began sorting them again. Now that they had decided on their course of action, he would do everything he could to make sure they succeeded.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Shvaughn Erin - 01/19/15 04:50 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

SHVAUGHN ERIN

Shvaughn stood with her arms crossed, calmly surveying the young men and women around her. Besides Dr. Kent Shakespeare and he century-old White Witch, all were barely out of their 20s. Less than half had had any sort of combat experience before Legion basic training. And from what she had observed, while they worked decently well as a team, they had not been forged in battle like the old Legion had.

But then, the old Legion had barely been together a few months before repelling four Daxamites during the White Triangle War. And she saw the same enthusiasm, the same hope and optimism, in these Legionnaires that she had seen in the old team. She was more than willing to bet on that.

"Is the Bouncing Boy all set?" Nightwind asked as she strode towards the front of the ship. Chuck Taine gave a thumbs-up. "All set, fearless leader."

Nightwind closed her eyes for a second, then opened them with a steely resolve that reminded Shvaughn of Kid Quantum II or Saturn Girl. "Then let's go in."

As they approached the Threshold, everyone rushed to strap themselves down. Shvaughn marveled at Chuck's foresight as she fastened her restraints; each seat was designed to allow a full range of movement of the limbs without any danger of smashing into the ship's walls. She had never been in the ship while it bounced, but from the holos she could tell that any passengers would be perfectly safe.

Besides the pilots of the craft, nobody spoke as the Bouncing Boy zipped into the Threshold and positioned itself right behind the last ship. Shvaughn involuntary tightened her grip on the edge of her seat. All of her previous Threshold trips had only lasted a few minutes at most; but she knew that if you lost your way, you could be lost forever. Everyone around her seemed to know so as well; they all sat in tight-lipped silence as Chuck Taine skillfully maneuvered the ship through the swirling colors inside the Threshold.

"So far so good," Nightwind whispered encouragingly as the colors streaked by. "Looks like they have not detected us yet." Shvaughn only nodded in assent, though she kept a hand on her blaster. Much good that would do if a ship fired on them.

And then she blinked as the colors faded, giving way to the blackness of space dotted with a myriad of tiny bright stars.

"I don't understand," Spider-Girl called from the controls. "Is that... Earth?"

Shvaughn quickly unbuckled herself and raced to join Spider-Girl. Nightwind was already there. "This doesn't make sense," Chuck breathed. "If this were Earth, there would have been no need for a Threshold..."

"This must be a different Earth. A different universe!" Nightwind's voice was barely a whisper. "Right, Thunder?"

Thunder nodded. "I understand what my dream meant now!"

The Bouncing Boy began to fill with a buzz of voices. A different universe? Could the old Legion be here? What new wonders might they see?

"Uh, guys?" Dyrk Magz's voice cut through the chatter. "I've spotted the Kwai. And he's heading right towards Earth!" Shvaughn cursed as she saw Herros' translucent wings flapping at full speed. The large ships slowly turned to follow.

"Can you get Earth on the line?" Nightwind asked. "Chuck, start taking us down and... Oh!" Her words were cut off as the Bouncing Boy shook.

"We're caught in some sort of tractor beam!" Chuck announced. "Trying to fight it..."

"I'm going out to free us," Thunder yelled. "Particon, Babbage, with me..."

"Wait," Shvaughn said as she looked out the window. "I recognize that energy." Heart pounding, she took out her Omnicom and scanned it. "Oh my grife. Oh. My. Grife." She turned around with a big smile on her face. "I think I know who has us."

Nightwind's eyes lit up in recognition and hope as a glowing green disk appeared in the middle of the Bouncing Boy and three familiar figures emerged. The group gasped as a blue and white blur raced towards Dyrk. "Icannotbelieveityouarehereyouarereallyhere! Allofyou! OhmygoshChuckTenzilShvaughnTHUNDERInsectQueenMysa..." was all they could hear as Dyrk's chair tilted backwards.

"Particon! Nightwind! Infectious Lass! Polar Boy! Your new costumes are just stunning!" gushed a melodious voice which Shvaughn had not heard in a very, very long time. "And Chuck! Tenzil! Shvaughn! Mysa! THUNDER! I can't believe I'm seeing you all again!"

"It's about time!" snapped another voice that sounded like a loud buzzing. "I hope you have a good explanation for why five large ships with the same quantum signature as our home universe are attacking this one!"

"It... it cannot be!" Lume gasped, its voice back to full strength.

"Oh, it is!" Shvaughn found herself saying as Gates, XS and a humanoid Kinetix smiled at them warmly. "We have finally found them."
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Tenzil Kem - 01/21/15 01:12 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

TENZIL KEM MatterEaterLad

Chuck Taine looked in amusement as his best friend Tenzil's jaw dropped in awe at the sight before them. They were standing in the meeting room of this reality's Legion of Super-Heroes as an alternate version of their own Apparition barked orders. This reality's versions of Wildfire, M'Onel and Ultra Boy, plus a winged woman neither of them recognized, had already headed out to intercept the ships from their own universe. Several other Legionnaires from this reality had already gone to join them; several of their own companions were huddled together with this reality's Brainiac 5, Dreamer, Live Wire, Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl and a brunette they didn't recognize and were briefing them on recent events. The others, like them, were staring open-mouthed at eerily similar duplicates of people they once knew. While many looked a lot like their own Legionnaires, like the other Umbra or Chameleon, others looked very different - this Star Boy had a full beard, this Invisible Kid was not Lyle Norg, and this Dirk Morgna retained his powers.

It was a lot to take in.

"I don't believe this, Chuck!" Tenzil raised his sunglasses, perching them on top of his head. "An alternate universe, an alternate Legion, and we find XS, Kinetix and Gates here! Grife, this is so beyond me!"

Chuck laughed as he placed a reassuring hand on Tenzil's shoulder. "It's a bit beyond me as well, Tenz. I guess I'm a little bit less surprised because we saw glimpses of them, back when I was trapped in limbo with the others. You know, before the red skies. But I have to admit, being IN this new reality is a big, big rush. I wonder if we're in one of the realities where we are Legionnaires?"

Tenzil's jaw dropped even more. "Us? Legionnaires? No way!"

"Now why is that so unusual? Have to admit, we look pretty good in spandex." Tenzil and Chuck turned to look in awe as older versions of themselves stepped forward with big grins on their faces. "Besides," continued the other Tenzil, "the ladies love a witty hero."

"Chuck Taine and Tenzil Kem, I presume?" the older Chuck smiled as both pairs of doppelgangers shook hands. Older Chuck turned to the brown-haired woman before him, whom Chuck noticed was absolutely gorgeous. "And this here is..."

"Luornu?" Chuck gasped in recognition. Her hair was longer, and she was a bit taller, but it definitely was her!

"That tone is very telling," Older Luornu smiled as she gave Older Chuck a kiss on the cheek. "Your Luornu will be so pleased to see that you made it!"

"We, uh, we're not actually an item," Chuck laughed nervously.

"Not YET," Tenzil stressed as he patted Chuck on the back. "Wow, I still can't believe I'm a Legionnaire here!"

"I can't believe that you aren't!" Older Tenzil grinned. "But then, there are a lot of differences between our worlds. Your Nightwind and Infectious Lass are full Legionnaires, your Spider-Girl is a good guy..."

"There are a lot of surprises for us all," Older Chuck noted as the two Brek Bannins and two Mysas exchanged greetings in the background.

"So, uh, while the others are talking about how to find the rest of our teammates, is this everyone?" Tenzil waved his arms to encompass the whole room as the older Cosmic Boy shook hands with their own Magnetic Kid, while Nightwind, Shvaughn and this reality's Apparition began drawing on a board. "I don't think I've seen your, uh, Shrinking Violet, for example."

"Oh, she's over there," Older Tenzil pointed to where a brunette with close-cropped hair was talking with a redhead. "Talking with her girlfriend, Lightning Lass."

"Um... what?" Tenzil looked on in shock as the alternate Violet and alternate Ayla kissed.

"You should have seen MY face when I found out," Older Tenzil sighed as he shook his head. "We went on a date once, you know."

"Something else else I never got to do with our Violet. Chuck here did that," Tenzil said matter-of-factly. Chuck exchanged glances with his older counterpart as Older Luornu studied both of them intently. "Well, SHE asked him out," Tenzil shrugged.

"If I may have your attention please, Legionnaires!" Flight rings all over the room buzzed as both the Older Tinya and Nightwind reached out over their respective flight ring networks. Tenzil leaned over and listened intently to Chuck's ring. "Everyone gather by the Bouncing Boy," Nightwind continued. "We will go track the other Legionnaires from our reality. Apparently, our mysterious enemy has some sort of ability to do this with his own technology, but as we don't we will have to use XS' Cosmic Treadmill to do so."

"Cosmic Treadmill? That would make a great workout machine for you," Tenzil joked as he elbowed Chuck.

"Dawnstar of this universe's Legion will help us track them," Nightwind continued. "The other Legionnaires of this reality will stay here and take on the ships. They will hold the fort until we can retrieve our other Legionnaires and come back here to back them up. And yes, we all have to go find them. Their Dreamer said so, and we all know better than to ignore Nura Nal's visions. After we stop the invaders, we can go back and retake our own universe."

Chuck and Tenzil looked at one another. "Well, I guess that's that, then," Chuck said as he shook his other self's hand.

"We should make time to catch up after," Tenzil added. "That is, assuming you don't run us out for invading your reality."

Older Tenzil laughed. "Are you kidding? Meeting another me is awesome!"

"He's a lot nicer than you, that's for sure," Older Chuck said teasingly. "Good luck, guys."

The Legionnaires from two realities saluted one another as they scurried off. Tenzil smiled as he followed Chuck. Soon, the gang would be back together again. Being here for that was almost worth being thrown into space without a transuit.

Almost.
I love the exchanges between the Chucks and The Tenzil's! very cute and gives the realistic perspective of some one who hasn't experienced alternate realities before.

Also might inspire someone to try and join... ;-)

Love it they found them! can't wait to see more.
Thanks Omni glad you liked it smile more to come when the Legion reunites. Lots more differences to remark upon tongue thanks for the support!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Marla Latham

Back on Legion World, in our Legion's universe...

"It's okay, just keep calm and we will not be harmed." Marla Latham wished he believed what he was telling the crowd of frightened sentients who had come to Legion World looking forward to a wondrous celebration of the United Planet's greatest heroes. Instead, they had found fear and terror.

Unconscious Cadets, Uncanny Amazers and Science Police officers littered the ground as pockets of hostages huddled together. Some had escaped before the invaders had Thresholded in, but less than half had made it; the majority of UP officials and dignitaries had escaped as well, but a defiant RJ Brande had refused to leave before the civilians had. "By damn!" he had thundered as he started directing traffic. "I'm not a UP official anymore and I sure am not irreplaceable!"

Marla had urged him to leave; as the founder and inspiration of the Legion, RJ was more important than anyone knew. And now, here he was. Marla looked on in fear as the shadowy figure peered at RJ, scanning him with some handheld device. "I see you have some mental abilities," the figure said. "Yet you are not a Titanian. Fascinating." RJ met his stare with stony silence.

"Take him away," the shadowy figure snapped his fingers. Two figures grabbed RJ and started dragging him off.

"RJ!" Marla called.

"I would listen to your own words, Mister Latham." The enemy's voice was calm and deep. "Cooperate, and no harm will come to any of you."

"It's okay, Marla. Keep everyone calm. I will be fine," RJ called as they carried him out of the Threshold chamber.

Marla sat in stony silence as the enemy walked down the line of hostages, peering at each one in turn. Rond Vidar was first; he flinched a little as the device scanned him, but to his credit he did not look away. "Baseline human," murmured the enemy. In turn, he also passed over Dr. Gym'll and Dr. Ryk'rr. Dirk Morgna was not so lucky; Marla watched helplessly as the enemy noted his ability to see heat signatures and had him taken away. Next was Lori Morning, who stared back at the enemy with a defiance greater than most older sentients. The enemy scanned her up and down and tapped a finger on his lip. "Interesting," it said. "No evidence of a metagene, but a large amount of chronal energy... this bears further study."

"Please," Marla said, heart pounding. "She is just a little girl."

"And she will not be harmed," the enemy spoke absentmindedly. "I will just understand this glorious anomaly. We shall take this Protean creature too."

"Mr. Latham..." Lori's voice trailed off as she and Proty were taken.

Then it was Marla's own turn. The scanner moved up and down, and the enemy moved on without a word.

Breathing a sigh of relief, yet still reeling from watching so many others be taken, Marla looked around to see who else remained. On the right, he noticed that at least one reporter accompanying Hannah Wells was missing. He craned his neck to see which one.

Before he could though, a rough hand pulled him down. A yellow-skinned alien with four arms waved a finger in his face. "Ah ah. The Master is about to address us."

The shadowy figure stood in the center of the room. "Sentients. I have taken away those among you with posthuman abilities, or the potential for the same. For those of you from species with natural powers, I have only selected the best specimens. Now," the enemy made it a point to turn from one end of the room to another, "I wish to invite you all to serve as my guests while I conduct my research. You will not be harmed, but I certainly would not wish for you to seek aid and disrupt my efforts." He snapped his fingers, and his thugs moved forward to herd the crowd. "You will be very comfortable, and I assure you, your wait will not be long."

Marla's heart fell as he put an arm on the shoulder of a shivering Dr. Ryk'rr. Where in heaven's name was the Legion?

They needed heroes now, more than ever.

This is great stuff! Nightwind is really coming to the party leadership-wise and I loved Chuck & Tenzil meeting their alternate reality selves too....should be fun seeing how the different universe Legions interact smile
Thanks raz smile I see this version of Nightwind as a natural leader. And I plan to have a lot more conversations between counterparts later on smile Tinya/Jo, the Rokks, the Shvaughns, the Berths, Breks, Druras, Vis and Aylas should be fun!
Hi IB, you have so much going on here! I really enjoy all the character work you've put in.

I've never liked Insect Queen, at all. Lana Lang is possibly my least favourite comic book character ever so that kind of guides my views on the character - in fact I murdered her in my Dream Boy series because of that. And, even with that you write her really well - her conversation with Babbage being a stand out point to me as it showed a very human side to her. Her concern for Particon was very touching too.

Mentalla is another character I have issues with - the silver-age trope of a spurned potential Legionnaire going off to prove them wrong kind of grated me at the time - despite the great costume. And again... her all too human fear and striving for control, and her doubts at the choices before her. Well done making her a lot less whiney and a whole lot more interesting. Bringing Thunder in to save the day against the Persuader was fun too.

Nightwind is great, trying to calm herself as Mentalla enters her mind and then dealing with the problems at hand. It's as Raz said above, she's stepping up to the plate as a leader! Thats a really hard decision she made asking the team to abandon Legion World like that.

Nice scene between Brek (loving the name Blizzard btw) and Berta. Shvaughn's assessment of the situation was well written, they really are in a poor position. There fear as they crossed the threshold was well done too, it could have just as easily ended in disaster. And finding teammates like that was a very pleasant surprise, I expected them to be captured and the other team rescue them.

The reactions of the two teams wa well written, "Wow, I still can't believe I'm a Legionnaire here!" - indeed, neither can we!

Also the comments about Ayla and Vi's relationsahip were well done, as I imagine some of the boys being shocked by that revelation.

Marla Lantham tryinng to protect the prisoners was good to see. I don't know much about him other than he had something to do with Jo's induction into the group, so thanks forfleshing out his character a bit more. Though if he wants to sacrifice Lori for the common good I won't complain smile

Ihave no idea who the villain will be, maybe the chief Life Eradicator from Shooters run on the 3boot? Whoever it is IB, I can't wait to read more, more, more!


Harbi, thanks for the usual support and the comments, your thoughts are always so insightful and it's very encouraging indeed!

I'm glad you're liking my "new" Legionnaires. Both Mentalla and Insect Queen were indeed quite irksome in the Preboot, and I'm glad you like my updated Mentalla and my take on the Postboot Insect Queen. Mentalla is the first of my featured characters to never actually have debuted in the Postboot era so I'm especially invested in her. And high praise indeed to see that you find this Insect Queen interesting!

Glad you find Nightwind's leadership credible! I'm just taking off from her appearance in Gail Simone's arc. This won't be the last hard decision she has to make.

Glad Blizzard's and Shvaughn's moments went well too. I confess I was so excited to get the gang back together that I had Kinetix, XS and Gates encounter the Bouncing Boy right away. And very glad the meeting between teams of two universes seemed realistic!

Marla was supposed to be the Legion's adult advisor, but frankly I don't think he played that role well in the Preboot. He did a better job of it Postboot (mostly because he appeared more!). Glad you found his piece illuminating.

Lori has been quite a brat, hasn't she? I still blame her for keeping half the team stranded in the past far longer than they should have, and causing them to miss the Mordru battle! smile I'll try to make her a little less insufferable.

Oh the chief Life Eradicator! Good guess, but still no. Now comes the hard part, I'm still thinking of the best way to reveal who the big bad is!

Thanks again for your comments and support, Harbi smile
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

"Oh my gosh, I really really really cannot believe you're here!" XS' exuberant voice filled the Bouncing Boy as she sat down beside Dyrk Magz. The baby-faced blonde smiled back at her, gray eyes full of joy at seeing his old friend - and one-time potential lover - welcome him with such enthusiasm. "I can't believe you're here too," he said as he held her hand. "I never thought I'd see you again. And I find it amazing that you helped restore our universe. Besides the weird shift in reality when the cosmic hands pulled you all in, we never felt a thing."

XS laughed her usual mirthful, melodious laugh. This laugh had made Dyrk's heart skip a beat many times before. "This reality's Brainiac 5 deduced that after reforming our universe, nobody would remember feeling anything different. I'm just glad nobody did, really. Think of all the trauma they would have gone through."

"That's real thoughtful of you, Jenni." Dyrk's smile lit up his face again, and Jenni had to resist the urge to hug him then and there. He was so appreciative, and in a way that Cosmic Boy or M'Onel were not - while both viewed XS as more of a slightly younger sister, XS could definitely notice the romantic undertones in Dyrk's voice. Her heart pounded a bit as she studied his smiling face and felt his warm hand. She didn't want to waste any more time; she had lost her home universe once. She licked her lips, and leaned in. "Dyrk, I... I..."

"Look alive, Legionnaires! We're almost there!" Chuck Taine's gleeful voice interrupted. Jenni cursed mentally as she sat back in her seat, while Dyrk leaned back, his cheeks blushing. Behind Dyrk, Kinetix winked at XS, who stuck her tongue out at her friend. Of all the good timing... Jenni groused mentally. Oh well... at least we will have the gang back together.

Dawnstar, the only being in the ship not from their native universe, flapped her wings as she peered straight ahead. "I can sense them. It is time to break the barrier."

Dyrk smiled at Jenni, and she returned the smile as she stood up. She stuckher tongue out again at a grinning Zoe, and headed to the cosmic treadmill they had connected to the ship, her frustration giving way to excitement. "Finally. I can't wait to see them all again."
Nice! That was sweet IB, Jenni's crush on Dyrk and his reaction to her was nicely written. The interruption is classic comic fare as they two build up the nerve to be open with each other. Doe noticing was cute too. Now you have the team away to be reintroduced and I can't wait... More, more, more!
Thanks as ever for the speedy and thorough review, Harbi! Jenni and Dyrk always seemed like such a natural couple, but sadly this was not explored beyond the late Postboot-era just before DNA took over. Given the long time in between, I thought it best they start from a feeling-out position first.

Zoe has always been perceptive, especially when it comes to teammate's crushes! And she has often teased poor Jenni smile

This part was originally supposed to be longer, but it was late and I got sleepy. At least, the team is poised to reunite... and what a reunion it will be!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Roll Call! - 03/02/15 06:33 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

Time to catch our breaths a bit!

And it sounds like a good time to enumerate our cast of characters:

1) On the Bouncing Boy, en route to the "Lost" Legionnaires:

Active Legionnaires

Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Impulse, Kent Shakespeare of Earth; enhanced speed, strength, durability and recuperative abilities, medical doctor
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Magnetic Kid, Pol Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; generate and control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth; wind and air manipulation
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth; "hard light" energy casting and manipulation
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair
Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

Allies

Chuck Taine of Earth (Honorary Legionnaire). Skilled architect and mechanic, pilot of the Bouncing Boy
Dyrk Magz of Braal (Honorary Legionnaire). Science Police officer and former Legionnaire, currently depowered though it remains to be seen if his recent operation will restore his powers.
Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Honorary Legionnaire). Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer.
Tenzil Kem of Bismoll (Honorary Legionnaire). Consume and digest all forms of matter. Skilled chef and Legion support staff member.
Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan. (Reserve Legionnaire and Cadet). Telepathic control of others' physical functions.
Insect Queen, Lonna Leing of Xanthu. (Uncanny Amazer and Legion ally). Ability to morph her abdomen into various insect forms, gaining the powers of the forms she takes.
Dawnstar of Starhaven (Member of the other universe Legion). Tracking abilities, flight, super speed and enhanced durability.

2) On Planet "Eden": The original "Lost" Legionnaires:

Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Dreamer, Nura Nal of Naltor; precognition
Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth; previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth; invisibility
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony; skilled martial artist
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electric manipulation. Formerly had Element Lad's transmutation abilities.
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy
Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electric manipulation
Star Boy, Thom Kallor of Xanthu; gravity manipulation
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time
Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; shadow casting
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; size manipulation of own body
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings). Anti-energy being.
^ this should be fun, I have 21 vs. 24 = 45 different characters to juggle! Well, let's get cracking...
You have a really good grasp of their personalities IB and excel at character driven pieces so I'm excited to see where you go next with your very expanded group. Fabbo!
Thank you Harbi, that's so nice of you to say! Your encouragement and support is very much appreciated smile
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VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

In another reality...

Dreamer lay awake as she listened to Star Boy's contented breaths. It seemed to fit so well with the peaceful world they had come to call home; chirping birds, rustling leaves, the rush of a gently flowing brook...

It was almost too good to be true. Her mind knew that; but somehow her will would not cooperate. She kept telling herself she had to do something, but every time she managed to rouse herself from her complacency, the effort exhausted her. Every time she tried to trigger a vision, her mind would cloud over.

Something else else was indeed very wrong.

She opened her eyes and sat upright. Two weeks after first coming here, she had started sleeping again. She didn't actually have to, ever since going through Khundian training, but it still felt good.

Leaving a slumbering Star Boy, she she walked around the village the Legionnaires had built. Her teammates were lounging around; even those like Brainiac 5 or Wildfire, who had been most adamant about finding their way home, seemed perfectly at ease here. And even those like Saturn Girl or Sensor, who should have been first to detect mental tampering, did not seem to notice anything amiss.

She stood silently, watching as her teammates settled into their normal routines. How could she rouse them, when she could not even rouse herself? How...

"You sense something wrong, too." Dreamer nearly jumped as Karate Kid stepped beside her, eyes even more narrow than usual. If she had access to her visions, he would not have been able to sneak up on her at all.

"Have you been able to do anything about it?" Dreamer asked quietly. She made it a point to look as relaxed as possible.

Karate Kid smiled warmly even as he lowered his voice, his tone serious. "No. I can mull over our situation, but when I try to act, I suddenly feel drowsy and distracted."

"Then, something is controlling us."

"Yes. So, what do we do about it?"

Karate Kid leaned against the post behind them, and stretched his arms out as he gave a big yawn. "I wish I could say, but I just suddenly felt the need to take a nap..."

Dreamer nodded as she pressed a finger to her temple. "I can't even trigger a vision, I..."

She stopped speaking as a shimmering array of colors appeared in front of them. "Oh my grife!" Beside her, Karate Kid tensed his muscles. Interesting. It seemed like they could act if there was danger present.

"We need to make our move now," Val murmured. The focus in his voice was comforting. Dreamer nodded and tried to trigger a vision, but swooned as she did. She bit back a curse as she balanced herself. Whatever was keeping them here was being careful.

As the colors stopped swirling, she heard gasps of surprise from her teammates. Her own jaw dropped, then turned into a smile as she recognized the blue-and-white ship that she never thought she would see again.

She and Val turned to each other and hugged in joy as Chuck Taine's voice rang through the air. "Legionnaires! We've come to take you home!"
Alright the Bouncing Boy to the rescue! I'm glad they found the team. although i hope they don't get trapped too.

I still have no clue who the villain is but i can't wait for the reveal!

and Jenni and Dryk are so cute together. i hope we get to see them become the next Legion couple.
Thanks for the comments, Omni! Appreciate your usual support smile

No, they won't get trapped but it won't be easy for them to get out of here! But I'm stoked too, so glad to have (almost) everyone together again!

Thanks, I hope my big bad villain will live up to expectations.

Jenni and Dyrk are indeed cute together and I think they have the makings of a great couple smile and it's about time Jenni got into a relationship instead of just pining over her crushes!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Royal Rumble! - 03/29/15 05:26 PM
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VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

In another reality...


"What do you mean, you don't want to leave?!?!"

Gates' irritated retort rang through the peaceful surroundings of the new home the Lost Legionnaires had made for themselves. The 21 newcomers stared in stunned silence at the 24 friends they had come to rescue, most of whom were staring impassively at Gates' violent outburst.

"Did you not hear what we said has been happening at home?" Gates spat as he continued. "Legion World has fallen, and many of our friends are in mortal danger!"

"Yeah, the bad guy almost killed me!" Tenzil said as he approached Kid Quantum and Cosmic Boy, both of whom looked like they were listening to him talk about the weather. "Mr. Brande, Marla, Lori, and a lot of others are still back there!"

"That doesn't concern us now," Kid Quantum said softly as her fingers closed around Cosmic Boy's. "We're happy here."

"You should join us," Saturn Girl added quietly. "It's very relaxing here."

"Has being here for so long addled all your brains?!" Gates thundered as he rounded on Brainiac 5. "Brainy, surely you comprehend the urgency of the situation!"

Brainy shook his head. "I understand they are in danger, but a few more days here should not make a huge difference, Gates. From what you told us, I can conjecture that the invader simply wants to study our friends. He will not cause any permanent physical harm."

"I don't believe this!" Gates screeched. "We jump through realities to get you so we can go home and save our galaxy, and you just sit here like lazy politicians whose only skill is dodging responsibility!"

"This can't be right," Shvaughn whispered. "This IS really them, Dawnstar?"

"I followed the trail," Dawnstar replied brusquely. "It IS them."

"Then something must be controlling them or something," Nightwind addressed her companions. "Mysa, Babbage, see if you can detect anything. The rest of you, don't make any sudden moves." She cleared her throat and approached Kid Quantum. "This reaction is very unusual, to say the least, Kid Quantum." Nightwind forced herself to meet her mentor's eyes; Kid Quantum had really taken her under her wing during her Cadet days. "I don't mean to imply anything, but surely you would not object to a medical examination from Impulse?"

Kid Quantum faced her, tight-lipped. "That won't be necessary."

"This can't be right!" Blizzard gasped. Nightwind shot him a warning look.

"And why not?" Electricity sparked from Live Wire's eyes as he turned to face Blizzard. "We have sacrificed a lot for our world. Haven't we earned a little rest?"

"Then take a leave of absence after we save everyone!" Kinetix shook her head. "Listen to yourself, Garth! You're talking about leaving people that we know and love at the mercy of a powerful enemy who wants to experiment on them!"

"They can take care of themselves," Triad said curtly as she pushed away Chuck Taine's hand. "We're exhausted."

"Please, guys!" XS' voice was pleading. "Our friends need us!"

"No, they don't," M'Onel replied somberly.

"I've heard enough! Something else else is very wrong here." Gates grabbed Brainiac 5 by the wrist as he opened a teleportation disk. "I bet if we get you away from here, you'll start thinking straight again."

"Leave me alone!" Brainy activated his forcefield and shoved Gates away forcefully. "I want to stay here!"

"Brainy, what are you - AHHHH!" Gates screamed as a familiar sensation entered his mind. "Saturn Girl?!"

"I'm sorry, Gates." Saturn Girl's eyes glowed a bright pink as her mind reached into Gates'. "You're out of line."

"No, YOU'RE out of line!" XS dashed forward. A second later, she was cradling an unconscious Saturn Girl while checking on Gates. "You okay?"

"Yeah, thanks..."

"You shouldn't have done that, XS," Ultra Boy launched himself into the air. "Now you're attacking us just because we don't want to go with you."

"Hey, hey, your side started it," Spider-Girl barked.

"This can't be happening," Blizzard muttered as he and the other newcomers faced the heroes they had come to rescue.

"Oh, but it is," Nightwind's voice was grim as she mentally ran through a list of their opponents. "And here I thought we were in for a pleasant reunion."
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Royal Rumble! - 03/29/15 06:41 PM
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VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

In another reality...


"Attack Plan 327-A!" Nightwind yelled as she created a mini-tornado to buy her own team some time. Though the numbers on both sides were nearly equal, the older team was somewhat more powerful and much more experienced. "XS, get Sensor!"

"Way ahead of you!" XS zipped through the fracas, and a second later her serpentine teammate slumped to the ground. "Kid Quantum's next... HEY!" XS felt herself be yanked into the air unceremoniously.

"You've done enough damage, Jenni," M'Onel said somberly. "We can't let you disrupt the lives we've made here."

"M'Onel, no! You don't understa- OH!" With a flick of his finger, M'Onel rendered XS unconscious. "Call off your team, Nightwind, or else I will have to use force."

"You will do no such thing." An aura of red surrounded M'Onel, who fell to the ground in surprise. "My powers...!"

"Gone, courtesy of my spell," the White Witch stepped forward. "Perhaps now you will listen to reason."

"No, perhaps YOU will." Mysa gasped as she felt a wind rushing towards her. She reflexively conjured up a defensive shield and braced for the impact. She tumbled backwards as Andromeda barreled into her. "This won't hold me long, Lady Mysa," Andromeda growled as she punched at the shield. Mysa closed her eyes and tried to concentrate on bolstering it.

"It will hold you long enough!" Andromeda gasped as Thunder tackled her away from Mysa. Twisting in mid-air, Thunder maneuvered Andromeda into a headlock. "Listen to reason, Andromeda, and stand down! We did not come here to fight!"

"Then why did you attack us?!" Andromeda slammed her elbow into Thunder's side; Thunder grunted but kept her arms around Andromeda's neck. "Saturn Girl made the first move, remember?" Thunder retorted as she surveyed the battlefield. "I can't see anything, but the Wisdom of Solomon tells me something is influencing you. Let's see if Gates was on the right track..." With a mighty kick, Thunder launched herself and Andromeda into space.

Down below, Ultra Boy trained his eyes on the two blurs rocketing into the sky. "Uh oh. We need our heavy hitter back." Switching to ultra-speed, he began to launch himself up.

"Does your wife know you're chasing after other women?" Before Jo could react, he was slammed into the ground by Spider-Girl's hair. A blast from Babbage finished the job, and he slumped to the ground.

"I know that even if he chases them, he's not interested," Apparition's fist slammed into Sussa's face. "And he's especially not still interested in you, Spider-Girl."

"Sussa!" Babbage turned to help its teammate.

"Oh no you don't." Babbage was stopped in its tracks by Gear's long bio-mechanical arms wrapping around it. "Now all I have to do is foozle with your CPU..."

"That will not be as easy as you think," Babbage stated as it placed its arms around Gear's own. "We Roboticans are no longer aggressive, but we have studied your Linsnerian physiology in order to defend ourselves."

"I can help you, Babbage!" the White Witch said as she dusted herself off.

"No, you are needed elsewhere." Mysa turned to see Dreamer and Karate Kid. She instinctively raised her hands as she prepared to cast a spell.

"Easy," Karate Kid said. "Dreamer and I retain enough control of ourselves to resist whatever it is compelling us to fight."

"Which supports my hypothesis that it is a being with a finite amount of energy - and it risks overextending itself by forcing us to fight you. A hypothesis which I shall soon test..." Dreamer placed a finger to her forehead and closed her eyes. "Ah. Come, I know where to go."

"Please, come with us," Karate Kid said.

Mysa glanced back towards the battle; Timber Wolf and Impulse were trading punches. She sighed as she turned to follow Dreamer and Karate Kid. "Let's hurry. If we don't stop this soon, more than egos will be bruised."
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VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

In another reality...


Tenzil Kem cowered behind Shvaughn Erin as she shot at an advancing Chameleon. The nimble Durlan simply altered his form to dodge his shot. "Sprock it, Reep! Fight whatever is doing this to you!"

"Nothing is doing this to me," Chameleon answered as he shifted form into a Neptunian Banded Octopus. "Now, stop fighting and let me restrain you."

"Ummm... you might want to look up," Tenzil said as he pointed above Chameleon as a shadow loomed closer and closer. Chameleon looked up in shock as the Bouncing Boy crashed into him. The ship's engines hummed into silence as Chuck Taine opened the hatch and beckoned to Shvaughn and Tenzil. "That should keep Cham busy for a while. Come on."

"Oh no you don't," Triad grabbed Chuck's arm. With a twist, she pulled him out of the Bouncing Boy. "Sorry Chuck. But I'm commandeering your ship."

"Luornu, no! You don't know what you're doing!" Chuck cried out.

"Do not worry, Chuck Taine." A dazzling burst of light erupted in front of Triad, causing her to collapse to her knees in pain. "I apologize, but I cannot let you take the Bouncing Boy."

"Then we will make you let us take it." Darkness covered the area as Umbra advanced on Lume. "I don't care how bright you burn, Lume. My darkfield can contain you."

Lume shrank back a bit; Umbra's darkfield was almost as black as Abyss' void had been. Then it straightened itself as it glowed as brightly as it could. "We shall see if that is true, Umbra." Lume focused its will, telling itself not to give in to its fears about the dark. After experiencing the void, it thought that it could face down any darkness.
It's a good ol' hero vs hero showdown! I like that the teams are still generally concerned about one another and trying to limit damage...and somesomething tells me it'll be good for the new Legion to see their idols have clay feet too smile
Thanks raz! This is definitely not an out-and-out battle... we'll see soon enough why our heroes are acting like that smile

Great Job IB,

i'm loving these mini battles and how well the new team is working together. I can see this battle in my mind and each time Blizzard say's "this can't be happening." its his face in a panel and then the battles surrounding that panel.

The fact that you gave me that image from this reading is awesome. so great job.

more and can't wait for this reveal!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

In another reality...


As the White Witch scurried across the battlefield after Dreamer and Karate Kid, she was oblivious to danger from above. A zigzagging Wildfire had spotted her, and recognizing the threat she posed, took aim.

"Don't you dare, Drake!" Green tendrils snaked across Wildfire's suit and tore it open. The energy that formed Wildfire escaped in a burst as Kinetix hovered behind, auburn hair flying in the wind. "I'm sorry. As soon as we get this sorted out, I'll fix your suit."

"It's good to see you again, Zoe. I thought you were dead." Kinetix gasped as she turned to face Violet. "Oh, Vi, honey! Please, I don't want to fight! You have to realize that this is madness!"

"I do, but your side attacked us first," Violet said calmly. She started growing in size.

"We're on the same side, Vi. Please, don't..." Kinetix said as she reached out with her powers. A green aura enveloped a growing Violet. Gasping, she quickly vanished as she shrank down to microscopic size.

"Oh, no..." Kinetix knew how much damage a shrunken Violet could do. She quickly surrounded herself with a psychokinetic shield as thick as she could make. Heart pounding, she waited for the inevitable attack...

Violet's voice came in loud and clear. "I'm in your inner ear, Zoe. I don't want to hurt you, but if you make any more moves, I will start playing with your balance."

Violet's tiny voice faded as the sounds of battle raged on. Kinetix could see bolts of lightning in the distance. "Violet, please..."

"I have another proposition." Microbe flew up to Kinetix, speaking into her flight ring as she did. "I know you can hear me using your flight ring, Violet. I am about to release some Tenazorian coli into Kinetix's ear canal. They are benign and don't cause damage to their host - they'll die out in a few hours. But before they do, they tend to consume any foreign objects in their host's systems. If you're not planning on vacating now, you will be forced to, anyway."

Kinetix's inner ear fell silent, and seconds later, a somber Violet grew to normal height. Kinetix ran to her and hugged her. "Vi, why are you doing this? We're just defending ourselves - you saw Saturn Girl make the first move. I don't understand, I thought we were in for a happy reunion!"

Violet began sobbing as she hugged Kinetix tightly. "I don't know, Zoe. I don't know. It's like none of us have been ourselves in the past few months we've been here, but every time I start questioning it my head hurts..."

Microbe watched the two best friends hug as she assessed Violet's words. Then she lifted her flight ring to her lips. "Nightwind, you've got to hear this..."
Originally Posted by Omni
Great Job IB,

i'm loving these mini battles and how well the new team is working together. I can see this battle in my mind and each time Blizzard say's "this can't be happening." its his face in a panel and then the battles surrounding that panel.

The fact that you gave me that image from this reading is awesome. so great job.

more and can't wait for this reveal!


Oh wow, thank you Omni, that is very high praise indeed! Thank you for that encouragement, I'm glad you're enjoying this.

I'll have to make sure Blizzard's scene is amazing indeed smile
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VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

In another reality...


Nightwind pursed her lips as Microbe's voice came over the flight ring network. "Heard you, Drura." She turned to her opponent. "You heard too, right, Kid Quantum? Something else else is manipulating you. Fight it!"

Kid Quantum grit her teeth. She blinked. Once. Then again. "I'm trying. But it hurts."

She blinked again, then threw a flurry of quantum bubbles towards Nightwind, who easily evaded them.

"You can do it, Jaz," Berta said as she advanced slowly. "Your aim was off. I know you're trying to fight it."

Kid Quantum smiled sadly. "I'm glad you know." Then she unleashed a cascade of quantum particles that covered Nightwind completely."

As she watched her protege, hanging almost frozen in time, Jazmin dropped to her knees. With an effort, she pulled her flight ring to her mouth. Sprock, it hurt! Hand shaking, she began to speak.

"Legionnaires, something is playing with our minds. Fight it as best you can... Nnngh!"

She looked at Nightwind again. Something else else was telling her to keep her frozen in time some more. Trembling, she tried to keep her arm from raising... Grife, it hurt... if only something could stop...

She gasped as her head began to swim. Was it an effect of the thing controlling them? Her lungs began to hurt. She couldn't breathe...

Her quantum bubbles disappeared from around Nightwind, who ran to her. Berta cradled her as she lay gasping.

"Sorry Jaz. I set a vacuum to form around your nose and mouth. Left just enough air for a few sentences."

As she slipped into unconsciousness, Kid Quantum managed a thumbs up. Nightwind had learned well.
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VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

In another reality...


"Jazmin!" Cosmic Boy's cry rang through the air as he saw his love slump to the ground. He quickly molded two of the metal disks on his uniform into chains and sent them flying towards Nightwind.

"Stop it, Rokk!" Cosmic Boy felt a powerful repulsion as the chains began to hang in mid-air. "Pol!"

Rokk felt a surge of pride even as his anger rose. Pol was his brother, but he loved Jazmin... "I'm glad you came here Pol, but why are you stirring things up? We can be happy here!"

"Listen to yourself, Rokk! Don't you want to see mom and dad again?" Sweat began to drip from Pol's forehead as he felt the strain. He had been practicing, but Rokk had a few years of training on him.

"I... Then you can bring them here," Rokk stammered.

"You heard what Violet and Kid Quantum said," Pol replied. "Something else else is manipulating you - UGH!" A sharp pain blossomed in Pol's head as he fell forward. But how? He couldn't see anyone.

"Sorry, Pol. Sorry, Rokk. I just seized the advantage when I could."

Invisible Kid. Of course. Pol groaned as he tried to get up.

"I would stay down, if I were you. Of course, a nerve pinch will keep you down," Lyle Norg's seemingly-disembodied voice stated. Pol struggled; if he could just concentrate... he reached out with his magnetism and sent the discs on his costume flying. He heard a surprised yelp as he felt one of his discs strike something.

And then he felt a blasting cold. He looked up to see a startled Rokk and the silhouette of Lyle Norg both frozen in ice, and a concerned Blizzard peering at him. "You okay, Pol? Lucky you kept Lyle talking, I was able to aim right at him."

"Y... yeah, thanks," Pol smiled as he slipped into unconsciousness.

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VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

In another reality...


Mysa floated along behind Dreamer and Karate Kid as they clambered up the tall, rocky mountain overlooking the Legion camp. She had been toying with speaking for a while. What stopped her was that the two Legionnaires seemed to be struggling hard against the force manipulating the others. She watched, impressed, as Karate Kid nimbly hopped from boulder to boulder even though he kept his jaw clenched. Dreamer, on the other hand, floated gracefully along even as she held her fingers to her temples.

Finally, her curiosity got the better of her. "How is it that you two are able to resist what the other Legionnaires could not?"

Karate Kid stopped as he perched on a tall, smooth boulder. "I can only guess that my training in the martial arts has given me a degree of mental discipline."

"As has my Khundian training, which has taught me focus," Dreamer added.

"I mean no offense, but I would have expected that Saturn Girl, Sensor or Brainiac 5 would also resist. Unless there is a telepathic component to this..."

"Perhaps, but then your Mentalla does not seem to be affected," Karate Kid noted.

"It could be a function of time," Dreamer explained. "We have stayed here a while. Hopefully, not for much longer." She stopped at the entrance of the cave. "This is what I saw in my vision. Sadly, I could not look further - my mind kept hurting the more I tried to probe."

"I can sense powerful energies here," Mysa murmured, transfixed by the cave opening. "Allow me a few minutes. I have a spell of revelation ready, but it will require a few modifications. This is indeed powerful."

Dreamer and Karate Kid nodded as Mysa began to levitate. She had never quite sensed anything like this before.

Inside the cave, unknown to the Legionnaires, something stirred.
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VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

In another reality...


Timber Wolf growled as he kicked Impulse in the stomach. The bespectacled doctor grunted as he tried to pull himself up. He was tougher than the average human, and one of the best at hand-to-hand among the new team, but Timber Wolf was a natural fighter!

"You think too much," Timber Wolf snarled as he looked Kent up and down. "Reflexes are too slow."

"Then why don't you come back home and teach me?" Kent replied as he struggled to his feet. "This fight is pointless."

Brin flashed his teeth. "It's not as easy as it sounds. Something else else about this place makes me want to stay." In a flash, Brin changed his stance and leaped at Kent. Kent held his arms in front of his face and braced himself for the tackle, but it still hurt. He tumbled over backwards into the dirt. He managed to catch Brin's hand as it drew back to punch him; twisting, he threw Brin over his head. The lupine Legionnaire landed gracefully and bounded back. Just as Kent managed to get on all fours, Brin kicked him in the head. Kent went down with a moan.

Brin checked to make sure Kent was down, then turned his head to the north. Something else else was happening, and he was being drawn there. He sniffed; he could sense a few of the others heading that way.

Taking one last look at Impulse, he began to run.
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VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

In another reality...


Insect Queen tried to shield her eyes from the bolts of electricity and the pink lasers that were flying in front of her. Particon and Spark were both throwing around large amounts of energy, and both were nimble enough to keep from getting hit by the other.

"Spark, don't do this!" Particon yelled as she formed an energy shield to block Spark's latest volley. "Come down and we can talk!"

"We can talk after YOU stand down," Spark retorted as she dodged several of Particon's blasts. "Just leave us in peace!"

Insect Queen crept up behind Spark in the form of a Korbali Trapper. Particon gave a quick nod - their signal that she had seen - and began to herd Spark in Lonna's direction. As soon as she was close enough, Lonna threw her webs at Spark.

"What?" Spark yelled as she was wrapped head-to-toe in webbing.

"She won't be able to get out of that," Lonna said in satisfaction. "The Korbali Trapper - and most invertebrates on Korbal - evolved to resist electricity."

"I'm sure it cannot resist slicing." Lonna screamed in pain as Shikari backhanded her. "Lonna!" Particon blasted at Shikari, who dodged nimbly in the air. "I could see your path," she taunted as she swooped down on Particon.

"If you've hurt her..." Particon stood protectively over Lonna's unconscious form.

"I only knocked her out, as I will do to you," Shikari said as she lunged at Particon. Jennifer fired another volley of pink energy beams; Shikari evaded the first two but the third hit her wing. Snarling in pain, she veered from her path and circled around. Gathering speed, she soared towards Particon.

Jennifer kept firing beams of energy at Shikari, but each one missed. She started to sweat as Shikari came closer and closer. Then, a sudden inspiration hit her. She waited until Shikari was closer... closer...

As Shikari swung her armored arm forward, Particon created a shimmering shield of energy around her. Shikari screamed as her arm hit the shield. She bounced back, smoking.

Particon breathed deep as her shield came down. Wow. She had never used her powers that way before. She quickly ran toward Insect Queen, when she felt herself being lifted up.

"You even got Insect Queen into the act. Amazing."

Particon gasped. "Star Boy! Let me help her!"

"I think she's fine. Now, where's Dreamer?"

"I don't know, Thom! You can track her using your flight ring, can't you? I swear, we're not trying to hurt you - we just want everyone to settle down and talk!"

"I'm sorry Jen, I wish I could believe you." Particon braced herself as she sank to the ground. She slammed into it with just enough force to knock her out.

"This scene is familiar." Star Boy turned around to see Gates glaring at him. "Remember when we were both new recruits, and your electric vision was unleashed on Chameleon?" (1)

"That was different, Gates," Star Boy spat. "You of all people should know that."

"I know that you and the others are acting irrationally," Gates retorted. "We came here to bring you home, and you react by attacking us! The Legionnaires I knew had much more sense than that!"

"Enough, Gates. Maybe you know where Dreamer is." Star Boy raised his arm, hand glowing purple. "Tell me where she is."

"The Thom I knew would not make threats like that," Gates said as a teleportation disk opened behind Star Boy. Thom barely had time to react before it swallowed him up. "Perhaps some time in outer space will cool your head."

"Bring him back!" Gates gasped as an armored claw slashed the air near him. "Shikari!"

"You are my friend, Gates. I do not wish to harm you."

"Kari, wait!" Shikari was moving too quickly; Gates didn't want to risk teleporting himself as he might take out one of her arms. Instead, he created a large disk in front her, sending her a few meters away.

Shikari quickly turned to face him again. But before she could, a winged figure zipped past and faced her. She recognized her; the winged alternate reality Legionnaire known as Dawnstar.

"Shikari. Surely you can see that this path is the wrong one," Dawnstar said.

"I... I know I have to free my friend Spark," Shikari replied. "And I have to defend our home here."

"This is not your home. Use your pathfinding sense to see the truth."

"I..." Shikari's mind began to pound. She knew deep down that she had to think. But... grife, it hurt!

She rushed past Dawnstar. The winged Legionnaire turned and followed her; she was just as fast as Shikari herself was! And the pain in her head was slowing her down, enough for Dawnstar to grab her leg.

"No!" Shikari said, turning around to grab at Dawnstar. But before she could, a blinding bolt of electricity blasted Dawnstar, throwing the winged tracker into the ground. Shikari turned around to see Spark floating, and a stunned Gates on the ground beside Particon and Insect Queen.

"Thanks for the attempted rescue, Kari," Spark said. She held up a small laser cutter. "Thank goodness for our utility belts... Insect Queen wrapped me up well, but she left me enough room to reach for this." She looked at the three forms on the ground. "Grife, I hated to do that to them but... it's like I can't stop."

Shikari nodded mournfully. "Even my pathfinding sense won't help. All it does is tell me... we should go where Dreamer and Karate Kid are."

The two Legionnaires looked sadly at their allies, and flew off.

********************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Star Boy used to have enhanced strength, durability, speed, unaided flight, electric vision and flame breath in addition to his gravity powers. These additional powers were revealed to have been caused by him unwittingly ingesting space-whale meat. They were unstable and he seemed to lose them permanently in Legionnaires 68.
Yay, Dawnstar! Even though she got taken down in the end I always like seeing Dawny be useful when she rarely is in the comics tongue
Thanks raz! I thought it wouldn't do to have the only non-Postboot native not do anything in the fight. And as Legion Lost v2 showed, Dawnstar's speed and agility are something indeed!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

In another reality...


Dyrk Magz ducked behind a boulder just as Live Wire threw a bolt of lightning at him. "Garth, stop for grife's sake! This isn't you!"

"And this isn't you either, Dyrk!" Live Wire's voice dripped with a sense of betrayal. "First you turn on the Legion and arrest Cos, (1) then you come here and try to wrench us away from our peace!"

"I didn't know it was Cos then!" Dyrk yelled as he scrambled along the field. He quickly raised his pistol and fired a few shots at Garth to keep him distracted. He cursed as he tried feeling for metal around; sometimes he thought he could feel magnetic fields again, but his operation was too recent for him to be sure. "And we only came here to give you a chance to be heroes again! The old Garth I knew - my old friend - would appreciate that!"

"And the old Dyrk I knew would not try to pull another out of his happiness!" Dyrk flinched as the intensity and frequency of Live Wire's blasts grew. It was odd... though Garth did have his temperamental moments, Dyrk knew he had become a better fighter than this. Now he just seemed to be blasting and blasting, as if he could smash through the rocks.

"Peek-a-boo." Dyrk started as a steely voice boomed in front of him. He turned to see Ferro bearing down on him. Instinctively, he raised his hands, then cursed. Still nothing.

Ferro shook his head as he advanced. "I'm sorry, Dyrk. I really hoped you would get your powers back. Lucky for me, you haven't yet." Before Dyrk could respond, Ferro grabbed him by the collar. Dyrk thought about kicking him, but realized he would likely just break his foot. He dangled in the air as Ferro cocked his arm. "I will be gentle," Ferro whispered. Dyrk made it a point not to close his eyes.

Then Ferro stopped.

"What is happening?!" Ferro cried.

"I happened." Mentalla stepped out from behind a boulder. She waved her hand open, and Ferro's hand opened too. Dyrk tumbled gently to the ground.

"Garth -!" Ferro's jaw clamped shut before he could finish. Mentalla put a finger to her lips as she looked Dyrk in the eye. Dyrk nodded and lay down on the ground, his pistol under his belly.

Live Wire zipped into view. "Ferro? I heard you crying out. What's wron- AGH!" Garth fell into a heap as Dyrk stood up sadly. "I'm sorry, Garth. You always were a good friend to me..."

"I'm sure he knows that," Mentalla said gently. Then she looked at Ferro. "So... any idea how we can keep him under wraps?"

Dyrk laid Live Wire into a more comfortable position, then stood up, tapping his lip. "Hmm... I have an idea."

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legion Worlds 4 - at a time when the Legion had been disbanded and vigilante acts were illegal, Cosmic Boy and Violet were operating as masked crime fighters on Braal. Dyrk, as a Science Police officer, helped take Cosmic Boy down - though Dyrk wasn't aware of his identity at the time.
Hey IB, you've lots of lovely storytelling happening here:

Gates comparing the group to lazy politicians was hilarious!

Like Berta I expected a happier reunion, though of course welcome the situation excalating into a fight between the two sides - and that's before, hopefully they all go home to deal with situation there! Phew, action overload! Fantastic stuff.

I wonder if the moves that Berta shouts out (327-A) are ones that the entranced team would recognise or are new moves her team have developed?

I'm sure everyoneelse tought it aswell but Chuck and Lu arguing was really poignant, of all the Legion's couples they are always the two that I see as most solid so it struck a chord how wrong this whole situation is. And I know that in that boot they weren't a couple but even so....

Lume's bravery in the face of Tasmias darkfield waswell written. Thunder removing Andromedawas clever while Gears "foozle" with Babbage was cute - not sure what that means but hopefully it was age appropriate smile

Also cute was the aknowledged friendship between Zoe and Vi even as they fought. Dreamer and KK's resistance is intriguing, let's hope they get to the source of this mystery before too many of their friends are hurt. And very clever of Drura alerting Jaz of Vi's admission that she knew she was being controlled, and also how Berta dealt with Jaz - creating vacuums is a very subtle application of her abilities, well done for including it.

Rokk and Pol's conversation was also very telling - just how deep is the control that Cosmic Boy won't leave to visit his family?

And now something is stirring in the cave.... oh I wish I knew more about the reboot to guess!

Particon and Insect Queen were so close to winning there I thought you would let them have it, oh well. Great shield btw, nice to see you expanding on the usage of abilities you are using. Nice use of Dawny too, she doesn't get the credit she deserves.

And finally Dyrk hasn't quite got his abilities back - I wonder if you plan on making it a gradual thing or iof something will trigger them? Or maybe he won't get them back at all?

It's concerning that the controlled group are congregating towards the cave were Dreamer and KK are trying to establish what is doing the controlling of their team mates. It's definitely building towards a proper show down! Fantastic, can't wait to see what you have planned next IB, but whatever it is I'm here waiting to read more, more, more!





Also meant to say a thank you for your notes explaining where the original stories took place, as a non reboot reader they are greatly appreciated.
Hi Harbi, thank you again for your usual detailed comments! It really warms my heart.

Glad you liked Gates' comment! His lack of faith in elected officials is always fun.

Good point on Berta's call for Plan 327-A, and yes, these would be new plans the older Legionnaires don't know. Glad you liked the more subtle use of her power over air.

Yes, Lu and Chuck was nice and there will definitely be more from these two despite their non-couple status!

Zoe and Vi had a very strong Postboot friendship and I wanted to touch on it here.

Glad you also felt Dawnstar got her due.



Don't worry, foozle is very much a kid friendly word smile thanks for the comments on the clever tactics and brave demeanor of so many Legionnaires!

I picked Karate Kid because I felt I wasn't able to really do him justice in Volume 1. I hope the mystery in the cave pays off!

Particon and Insect Queen were a treat, I wanted to have them win but I couldn't let the newbies win every battle!

Rokk and most of the others will feel quite bad when they are free of the influence. But they are definitely not in their right minds.

Dyrk's time will come, though we will still see what happens exactly.

And glad the footnotes are helpful too, and thanks again for the kind support!
Definitely my pleasure IB, your love of the reboot shines through with every post so I really look forward to seeing what you do next.
I was really hopping this was the moment Dryk got his powers back!

I can't wait to see what's in that cave and how KK and Dreamer will deal with their approaching teammates.

Zoe and Vi was great. you've showcased their friendship beautifully while still showing the struggle to resist whatever is controlling them.

can't wait for more!
Thanks Omni, I appreciate your usual support! I am really rooting for Dyrk to get his powers back too, let us see what happens...

I'm still fine-tuning the mystery in the cave, but for sure we'll have a lot of action later as Timber Wolf, Spark and Shikari and maybe a few other teammates show up!

Glad you liked Zoe and Vi. I needed to have Microbe show up to force Vi out - as the Cos/Pol scene showed, the Legionnaires are really not in their right minds now.

Originally Posted by Harbinger
Definitely my pleasure IB, your love of the reboot shines through with every post so I really look forward to seeing what you do next.


Thanks Harbi, the Legion was there for me a lot of times growing up. My writing has helped me realize how much they mean to me. And your support means a lot too, thanks again!
PAGE 6:

Spider-Girl is a character I'm not very familiar with, and I would even admit that because she was so much a part of 5YL I'm predisposed to dislike her.

But you got me to like her. Nicely done.

And I also think you managed to capture the complexities of her relationship with Jo in a wholly accessible and economical way.
Thank you Fanfie, that is high praise indeed. I hope later installments will continue to make you like Sussa.

I am also glad you felt her history with Jo was touched on clearly.

Thanks again for your usual support and your insightful comments!
PAGE 7:

Thank you, Ibby, for seeing and exploring the potential in Thunder. As Harbi said, if the writers had portrayed her better she would have been more popular with readers.

Magno is completely new to me, but I found his story very compelling.

The Spark and Kid Quantum I entries were both excellently done.
Thank YOU, Fanfie, for the feedback and appreciation. I am so glad you felt moved by Magno's story despite not having any experience with him, and I am glad Thunder's piece was true to her.

As always, I appreciate the comments.
Hey IB, we all love suspense but its been over a month since you last posted anything, so please let us know you have plans for more, more, more coming soon?
Hi Harbi, your support is much appreciated! I do have plans and a rough outline of everything that should happen next. I just don't have the time or energy, been working 12 hour days for the past month as well as two Saturdays! I am quite exhausted honestly. Hopefully things will turn out better soon.
Ouch! That sounds heavy going, look after yourself IB, we'll be here waiting for when you have time to write again.
Thanks Harbi, I appreciate the strong support smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Revelations - 06/14/15 08:00 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

*************************************************************

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

In another reality...


The mystical energies called forth by the White Witch settled on the entrance to the cave. Dreamer and Karate Kid stared at it for a few minutes even as Mysa continued to chant.

Val Armorr waited patiently. He resisted the urge to say something; he knew he didn't understand magic, but he also knew that, like him, Mysa needed to concentrate to use her craft to the fullest. And so he waited patiently, supporting Nura Nal even as her headache slowly intensified.
"Would you like to sit down, Dreamer?" he whispered carefully even as he guided her towards a suitable rock.

"Thank you Val... I just need a moment..." Nura closed her eyes as she steadied herself. Before he could move, she clutched his forearm even as she let out a bloodcurdling shriek. "Get down, now!"

Moving on pure instinct, Val jumped backwards with Nura in tow as an avalanche of rocks tumbled towards them. Setting Nura down gently, he leaped towards a still-levitating Mysa.

"I thank you, Karate Kid," Mysa intoned as the rocks smashed harmlessly against an invisible shield above her. "But I do not leave myself undefended. My spell is close to working, and I see the entity living inside this cave has taken steps to defend itself."

"And it's called some of our teammates to defend itself," Dreamer shouted urgently into her flight ring. "Do you hear that, Nightwind, Kinetix, Gates, Thunder?"

"No matter, I can extend my shields," Mysa said, eyes still closed even as a bolt of lightning crackled harmlessly above them. "I should finish with my spell soon."

"I hope so. Even your shields may not be a suitable defense against, say, Apparition or Star Boy or Violet..." Karate Kid mused as Timber Wolf and Shikari slammed into the air around them. Brin snarled. "No use, Kari. Do you see a way around?"

"I... OH!" Shikari fell as Ferro slammed into her. "I'm sorry, Kari, I'm not in control of myself," Andy moaned as Mentalla and Dyrk Magz appeared behind him. Dyrk quickly followed with a blaster shot at Timber Wolf's leg, stunning him for a moment.

"I'll free you, Ferro," Spark called from above as she aimed a blast at the blonde telepath. A piece of rock, coated in a green aura, floated up to meet it. Then smaller pieces of rock rose up to form a prison around Spark. "Sorry, Ayla," Kinetix called as she flew into view, Microbe, Nightwind and Blizzard in tow. "You need to stand down."

"I... we cannot," Shikari murmured as she struggled to stand up. A purple blur appeared in front of her and Brin, as Violet grew to normal size. "Please, guys," Violet stood with her hands in front of her. "I know it hurts, but we must stop. These are our friends. They just came to rescue us."

"Something else else is really making me want to stay here," Timber Wolf growled. "We may be outnumbered, but we're not going down without a fight," Brin snarled as he leaped forward. His leap was cut short as he was frozen solid in a block of ice. "I'm sorry, but we can't let you hurt us... or yourself," Blizzard said as he carefully created a few extra layers of slush to keep the block upright.

"And a dose of the Kwai morococcus will keep you down, Shikari," Microbe said quietly as she aimed at the insectoid Legionnaire, who collapsed in a shuddering heap.

Nightwind addressed the assembled Legionnaires. "Most of the others are recovering or restrained, except for a few in space," she explained. "How else can we help you, Mysa?"

"Get ready," the White Witch replied as the mystical energies she was handling converged on the entrance to the cave. "My spell of revelation will be complete in a few..."

Her words were drowned out as what sounded like the pained screams of a hundred lost souls invaded the air. The Legionnaires stared in shock as the cave roof exploded outwards in a shower of rock; only Mysa's and Kinetix's shields kept the team safe. A mass of pure blackness swirled around in front of them, twisting in around itself as it formed a gigantic humanoid shape.

Then the figure turned towards the stunned Legionnaires and screamed, and they felt the sound stab into their very souls.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Revelations - 07/12/15 03:28 AM
Ugh... I'm almost done wrapping this part up. I mean, I know what happens next. It's getting the words out that's tough...

Hopefully I'll be able to post this weekend.
Posted By: Omni Re: Revelations - 07/12/15 05:02 AM
patiently awaiting yours and the Legions return IB!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Revelations - 07/12/15 01:56 PM
Thanks Omni, your support is always appreciated.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Revelations - 07/19/15 06:21 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

*************************************************************

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

In another reality...


The White Witch fell to her knees as the demonic screams rang through the air. Her spell allowed her to recognize this creature now - 108 evil spirits bound to this area. Only, their captivity had not been able to seal off their ability to influence their surroundings or living beings within it. "I know what it wants," she screamed. "It wants to feed off our energies to empower itself! That's why it manipulated the original team into wanting to stay here and fighting us...!"

Her teammates fell beside her; but some were feeling more pain than others. Dreamer's face was twisted in a mask of pain as she grunted. "It's compelling us to fight!" A gigantic Violet knelt down. "Must... get... away!" She screamed as she shrank down, her fingers clawing grooves in the soil as she did. Shikari shrieked as she thrashed about drowsily, still reeling from the disease Drura had infected her with. Even Ferro held his iron hands up to his head as he dropped to his knees.

Among the Legionnaires who had been on this world for weeks, only Karate Kid could even stand. Mysa watched in amazement as he staggered to his feet.

"I shall resist..." he muttered through gritted teeth. He began to move, shakily, as he approached the spirit in front of them. Bolts of energy radiated outwards from it as Val approached, sending clouds of dirt into the air.

"This type of spirit is usually bound to a specific place by an object called a keystone," Mysa called. "We have to find that stone and shatter it. Free the spirit and it loses its power over the area!"

"I can see its path!" Shikari mumbled as she thrashed around. "It is the rightmost fork in the cave, then the third path from there... AHHH!"

"What happens if we free it?" Nightwind asked.

"I can banish it," Mysa replied.

"Then we shall go," Karate Kid nodded as he stood. Without waiting for Nightwind's assent, he flew towards the cave entrance.

"Hey, wait!" Nightwind's objection was cut off as a ball of energy slammed into the walls above the cave, burying its entrance moments after Karate Kid vanished through it. "Nass!"

Inside the cave, Val ran through the mental exercises he had picked up during his travels on Titan. One of the first things students learned was how to guard their thoughts and keep from being controlled. Sweat ran down his back as he tried to push away the forces invading mind; he felt it ebb and throb, trying to assert its dominance. Yet somehow it felt weaker; it must be straining itself. Lucky for him. Even so, every so often, a muscle tensed involuntarily; he would will it to relax as he flew down the path, one of Brainiac 5's glowballs illuminating the way. He hugged the cave walls, going down the path Shikari had instructed.

Just as he reached the third fork, the walls began to creak. Plumes of rock shot around him, trying to smash him against the wall. As expected, it can control the very cave it resides in. I cannot do this on pure training alone.

"Karate Kid to Shikari. I know it's painful, but I need you," Val said even as he twisted and turned in midair. "The spirit is throwing obstacles at me. I cannot evade and find the keystone at the same time. I need you to focus."

"I... AHHHH!" Shikari screamed through the flight ring array. "I am trying..."

"I need you to try harder," Val grit his teeth as a rock whistled through the air inches from his head. "It is taking all my focus to survive."

"I... turn 15 degrees to your left, then three klicks in that direction. I... AHHHH! It's too painful!"

"Thank you, Shikari, that was enough," Val whispered as he twisted again. He focused his eyes through the dimness, and saw a gaping maw. The cave. Anchoring himself on the cave wall, he pushed off with his powerful legs and launched himself directly at the gaping hole.

Barriers of rock rose up to meet his path. Using his natural agility and his flight ring, Karate Kid dodged each one - though not without injury. Gashes and scratches marred his limbs as he advanced. Resisting the urge to scream, he continued to advance. Finally, he neared the cave entrance.

In a thunderous rush, a mass of rock closed it off. Val had expected this. Gathering his energy, he drew back his arm and punched right at the spot he sensed was weakest.

The newly-formed wall erupted in a spray of pebbles. Val paused as tried to understand the sight in front of him - a small cavern, and in it a swirling vortex of energy rooted to a small, heart-shaped stone. It hung silently for a moment, then the air screamed as it fired bolts of energy at Val. He jumped from side to side, though one hit his arm. Grunting, he changed his stance... and brought his good arm crashing onto the keystone.

The vortex of energy screamed, and the world erupted into darkness.

Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Revelations - 07/19/15 09:24 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

*************************************************************

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

In another reality...


Karate Kid stirred as he felt his body floating in the air. It was a familiar sensation, like he was being pulled...

"Ah, glad to see you're awake," Kinetix smiled at him. "When you broke that thing's keystone, Mysa was able to trap it almost immediately. Shikari led us right to you after Dreamer told us you would need rescuing."

"That particular vision came just in time," Dreamer laughed.

"It was amazing," Blizzard's voice was full of awe. "The cave exploded, and Kinetix plucked you out of there in a psychokinetic bubble..."

"You were amazing too, Blizzard," Kinetix smiled. "You shielded us all."

"I... I... wow." Blizzard said as he sat down. "You're complimenting ME? I feel like I'm not a rookie anymore... I need a moment."

"I think we all do," Nightwind smiled. "I think we'd best call everyone together. We can debrief while we rest."

"Sounds like a wonderful idea..." Karate Kid smiled as he slipped into unconsciousness.

************************************************************

M'Onel looked around the campsite as his teammates - old and new - began to gather in a circle. Besides the glowing ball of energy that imprisoned the spirit which had been controlling them, everything seemed as idyllic and peaceful as it had been before they Bouncing Boy had arrived. M'Onel watched silently as the spirit began dissipating; the White Witch had explained that she was going to exorcise it.

"Credit for your thoughts?" M'Onel looked around to see Shvaughn Erin smiling at him. "I don't need to be a telepath to see you are not quite happy with yourself."

"I..." M'Onel paused. Shvaughn was only a few years older than most of his teammates, but she had a maturity and wisdom beyond most of them, as well. "I know I was manipulated by a magical being, but I still feel guilty about attacking teammates who came to rescue me."

"You hold yourself to such high standards, M'On," Shvaughn said gently as she sat beside him. "Karate Kid and Dreamer resisted because of their mental training, and perhaps because they were seen as less of a threat. Saturn Girl could not because her telepathy left her an open book. Shikari's pathfinding sense was blinded, though she did come through during the final battle. And you and Andromeda are as vulnerable to magical control as anyone. There is no shame in being controlled."

"I suppose... but I still feel like I should have known better."

"Is it..." Shvaughn bit her lip. She had never confronted M'Onel about his identity as Valor. As far as she knew, he did not realize that she had found out when they were trapped in the timestream* - he was in deathly pain then, though Brainiac 5 had mentioned his thousand-year imprisonment in the Phantom Zone. She had put two and two together with the Legion's "failed" public attempt to rescue him.** Out of respect for his secret, she had never mentioned it. "I know most of Earth... most of the UP... places you on a slightly taller pedestal than they do most of the Legionnaires, M'On. You don't need to meet that pedestal. You're a person, too, just like everyone else here is."

M'Onel turned slowly and smiled. "You always know the right thing to say, Shvaughn. Thanks for being there for me always." He turned back to look at his gathering teammates, relaxing around the circle. "And thank you for keeping my secret as well as any of my teammates have."

Shvaughn's heart skipped a beat as M'Onel met her eyes. "When did you..."

"As soon as Brainy let it slip in the timestream," M'Onel laughed. "I figured you were sharp enough to realize what he meant. But I always knew I could count on you; you've proved your loyalty time and again." He reached out and held her hand. "Thank you."

"Of course," Shvaughn smiled back warmly. "Of course."

"Okay, Legionnaires," Kid Quantum II's voice came over the flight ring array. "Gather around. We need to debrief."

Shvaughn chuckled as she pulled herself up. "I guess we still have a lot of work to do."

"Work is easier when you're fighting side by side with good friends," M'Onel smiled as they walked to the gathering together.

**************************************************************

Over three dozen heads turned in rapt attention, arranged in a semi-circle, as Kid Quantum II and Nightwind stood in front of them. "Are you ready, Saturn Girl?" Jazmin asked. Imra nodded. "Everyone, get ready to be updated." Her telepathic signature flashed pink as months' worth of updates downloaded into everyone's minds.

"Whoaaaaaa, so that's how you came back, Zoe..."**** Spark murmured.

"Bet you regret leaving us to stay behind with the older Legion, huh?" Star Boy laughed as he nudged Gates.*****

"Congratulations, Sussa," Jo smiled at Spider-Girl. "Glad you picked yourself up after McCauley bailed."******

"You restored our whole universe?!" Brainiac 5 gasped.

Wildfire stood up. "Grife, we have to get back there and save everyone!"

"Okay guys, enough," Kid Quantum said. "You all know what's happened, but we don't know what's happening. Fortunately, we have a plan. Nightwind?"

Nightwind stood and hoped her knees didn't shake. She knew that, to most of the older team, she was still the Cadet******* they had trained before they vanished. She also knew that Kid Quantum II believed in her, and while Jazmin would take the role of disciplinarian for now, Berta was being given the chance to act as co-leader. "Remember, we only found all of you because we followed the unknown villain's invasion fleet to the other Legion's Earth. Our best guess is it was a preemptive strike against a neighboring reality with inter-dimensional transport capability. He also has a Kwai guide, so he could have traced the original team's path there. In short, he's playing for keeps."

"So we clean up our mess," Kid Quantum added. "We help fight that invasion force off and use whatever information we can get from it to plan for how we retake our universe."

"Any questions?" Nightwind asked.

"Just one," Cosmic Boy grinned. "Who wants to say it?"

"Oh, like sprock you're going to," Live Wire chuckled.

In unison, 45 voices spoke. "LET'S GO, LEGIONNAIRES!"

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) The Legion freed M'Onel from the Phantom Zone in Legionnaires 31. At first, they pretended to botch a rescue attempt to quell religious fervor across the UP - recall that M'Onel used to be Valor, the man who "seeded" various UP worlds with superpowered survivors of Dominator experiments. His deeds have made him into a religious figure for many races. After he contracted lead poisoning, Superboy exiled him into the Phantom Zone to spare his life.

2) The Legion was trapped in the timestream in Legionnaires 47/LSH 91. During that time, Brainiac 5 tapped M'Onel's stored up energy from being in the Zone for so long. He mentioned M'Onel's 1000-year long exile where everyone could hear. I'm betting Shvaughn was smart enough to figure it out.

3) As revealed earlier, Kinetix was thought dead after Legion of 3 Worlds. Volume 2 of my story details her return and the restoration of this Legion's universe.

4) After Legion of 3 Worlds, Gates elected to stay with the Retroboot Legion.

5) Spider-Girl is Ultra Boy's ex-girlfriend. They dated when they were in Leland McCauley's Workforce. When he aimed for the UP Presidency, McCauley fired all underaged Workforce members including Spider-Girl.

6) Nightwind, along with Microbe (Infectious Lass), Blizzard (Polar Boy), Impulse (Kent Shakespeare) and Babbage, had all been Legion Cadets before being promoted to full Legionnaire status.
Posted By: razsolo Re: Revelations - 07/19/15 10:03 AM
What a great resolution! Awesome to see Val save the day and I really liked that scene with Shvaughn and M'on!

Also thanks for all the work you've put into that recap thread IB...can really see how much effort has gone into it smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Revelations - 07/19/15 10:19 AM
Aw, thanks raz! Nice of you to say.

Val's training and focus made him a good choice to resist mental domination. I also felt bad about having his Volume 1 "tribute" piece be so short and unrevealing compared to the others so I made up for it here.

I think Shvaughn and M'Onel have a lot going for them smile They did OK in Legion Worlds 1.

Thanks for the continued support smile
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Revelations - 07/19/15 03:37 PM
Lovely stuff, from the formality of Mysa to the blushing insecurity of Blizzard you havereally captured the individual voices of all your characters IB, take a bow!

It's nice that the less powerful - Val and Dreamer - are the two to lead the assault on the enemy, nice to see it isn't their stronger flashier teammates who resist and ultimately allow Mysa to capture and banish the spirits.

As Raz saidthe M'On and Shvaugn moment was well done too.

So, 45 Legionnaires to play with - what have you got it mind to do next?

Can't wait to find out. More, more, more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Revelations - 07/19/15 03:50 PM
Thank you, Harbi! I wanted to highlight that super powers aren't everything - training is important too.

Glad you liked Shvaughn/M'On too!

I have quite a bit in mind for my rather large team smile
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Revelations - 07/19/15 03:57 PM
fabbo, I'm looking forward to reading what you have planned next.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac We Shall Return - 07/19/15 05:01 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

In another Legion's reality...

Herros watched as the ship he was in rained destruction down on Metropolis. He had nothing but contempt for the city underneath them, nor for this particular reality - he and his Master had escaped here after the red skies hit their home universe, and he found it in every way inferior.

Certainly, this Earth had its own heroes, many of whom were at least as powerful, or more so, than the Legion of his own place. But they were different. And it was of no consequence; if they subjugated this Earth, his Master could study them at his leisure. And if they didn't, they could return here once they were done in his home universe. They just had to make sure nothing would dethrone them.

And that was why he needed to find his reality's Legion. Their path led here... and they were the only ones with incentive to combat his Master in their home. But still, nothing! It was like their paths had vanished.

Herros would not let on, but this worried him.

"Have you not found anything yet, Herros?" Rayl growled. His four-armed ex-Credo* teammate snarled. "The Master will have our heads if we fail! He considered sending many of those so-called super-villains along with us because he thought we could succeed!"

"Maybe we should capture one of the heroes here," the avian Nox considered as she peeked out the window. "One of them might be able to tell us something."

"That won't be necessary!" Herros snarled. "I just need more time, that is all."

"Um... time might be something we don't have much of," Nox muttered. "Brek! Ngangan! Kusp! Get ready!"

"I'm always r- UNGH!" Ngangan shrieked as her feline form was thrown backwards. Herros gasped as a gigantic hand tore into their ship. Brek blasted a cloud of cold air at the hand, freezing two of its fingers and causing its owner to yelp. "Not very nice of you," a melodious female voice complained. Another purple-sleeved hand came through the same opening and smashed into Brek, knocking the mammal into the wall.

"Get the drones! The drones!" Rayl screamed.

"Your drones are down," a woman clothed in a flowing white cape laughed as she floated through the ship's hull. Nox grabbed her gun and fired, but the bullets passed harmlessly through their assailant. "Not very smart, are you?" The woman reached a hand through the gun, causing it to spark. Nox screamed as she dropped it; she grunted again as the woman punched her in the face.

"I suppose they prefer to shoot first and ask questions later." Herros turned to see a luminescent being approach. "You are Herros, I presume? I am told you were not able to see our path. Perhaps I can help shed some light on it." A beam of light erupted from the being, causing Herros to drop to his knees in pain.

Herros screamed in anger and in pain as he was pulled roughly to his feet. The deep voice of his captor sounded... amused! "Why, Lume, did you just make a joke?"

"It is part of fitting in, Impulse," Lume replied. "And now let me tell Nightwind the good news."

***********************************************************************

This is Trudi Trusoe of the Daily Planet. Just six hours ago, our Legionnaires gathered to face an invading force from another universe. They managed to stalemate the forces, but the arrival of reinforcement Legionnaires, also from another universe, has turned the tide squarely on our Legion's side! This Legion appears to be very similar to one of the alternate teams who assisted during the Legion of Super-Villains' rampage a few months ago, with a few glaring exceptions...

"Sprock it, rust, rust!" Chemical Kid gasped as a drone fired at him. "Sprock! I still don't understand what these things are made of... oops!" Hadru felt something snap around his waist, pulling him to safety. Looking down, he was shocked to see long tendrils of hair curling around him. "Let go of me, Spider-Girl!"

"I'm the good one," she replied testily. "You should really pay more attention during meetings." As Hadru gaped, she grabbed two blasters with her hair and fired at the drones, destroying them.

Hadru gulped. "Oh, I'm paying attention now..."

***********************************************************************

"So, how is it being back with your original team?" the older Timber Wolf asked as he somersaulted over an automated tank.

"I'll be perfectly honest, Brin. I really did miss them," Gates replied as he opened a teleportation disk on top of the tank, dropping a cruiser-sized piece of debris on it. "Just don't tell anyone."

"Does that ban extend to me too?" the younger Timber Wolf laughed as he maneuvered a drone into firing at another. "Or would you prefer to keep your grumpy exterior intact?"

"Hey, I keep our team honest, Brin," Gates replied with a hint of a laugh. "Speaking of, how much longer, Brainy? Haven't you figured out how to shut down these things yet?"

"Oh ye of little faith," came Brainiac 5's voice over the flight ring array. "I will be done in 3... 2... 1...!"

Engines all over Metropolis ceased to hum as the automated drones and weapons descended slowly to the ground. "Accomplished with ease," Brainy added.

"Huh, you kids are okay," the older Brin snorted. "I can't believe our Brainy didn't figure that out."

"Your Brainy would have, I'm sure," Gates said kindly. "It's just that our Brainy had Shikari AND Dawnstar both to lead us to the lead ship controlling everything, plus Gear and Babbage to track the signal. Now come on; with your team and ours combined we should be able to clean things up fast!"

"And here I thought you hated clean-up duty, Gates," the younger Brin chuckled as he and Gates flew towards the main ship.

The older Brin stared at Gates' back mournfully. "Your team, huh..." Then he sighed as he took off into the air. "Well, Gates is finally back home where he belongs."

***********************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) The Legion 5. Rayl was the one who recruited Herros into the Credo. Nox, Brek, Kusp and Ngangan were also there. Brek has ice powers.
Posted By: Omni Re: We Shall Return - 07/23/15 06:52 PM
So glad to read these updates and see that life is hopefully calming down for you IB.

I loved how you spot lighted Val and him taking out the evil spirit was very well done. The wall exploding a cool visual.

I have a question, was it the Unknown Villain that put the spirits there or were they there naturally and he used it to his advantage...also where is Singularity through all of this...i don't remember what happened to him and i doubt he'd let his Credo members go far.

I really liked seeing Herros get taken down by Lume and i like that "its all about fitting it."

Gates and Retroboot Timber Wolf are a fun duo i forgot how much potential there was for stories for them. But i'm happy to have Gates home!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: We Shall Return - 07/23/15 08:05 PM
Thanks, Omni, it's good to have been able to write again - even just for a bit. I really appreciate your support.

The spirits were really there, just one of the hazards of jumping from reality to reality. Last we saw Singularity, he was turned into crystal by Live Wire to stop him from blowing up the Credo ship. He should still be there.

Glad you liked Lume's little joke. Yeah, Gates and Retroboot Brin had a budding friendship over in Legion Lost 2, but Gates will always be (for me) a critical part of the Reboot Legion.

Glad you liked Val's spotlight too!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: We Shall Return - 07/24/15 06:24 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

In another Legion's reality...

The younger Cosmic Boy glanced over at his younger brother, who was concentrating harder than he had ever seen him do. The two were assigned to gather up deactivated drones around the lead ship. Brainiac 5 had ordered all drones to approach, and now the two Braalians were storing them neatly into the cargo hold.

Rokk himself was feeling the strain, but not quite as badly. Ever since they were young, Rokk had just been the more naturally-talented one. He could tell that Pol was just as good as he was now, but he had had to work just a little bit harder.

They hadn't had much of a chance to talk since leaving Eden (the name Lyle had bestowed upon their seemingly-idyllic home these past few months), but now was as good a time as any.

"I'm sorry for saying those things when we fought, Pol," Rokk said. He didn't make eye contact. "I didn't mean that. Not really. I mean, I enjoyed not having to worry about anything, but I really do appreciate you coming to get me. And if mom and dad are in danger..."

Pol wiped the sweat of his brow, then turned to smile at Rokk. "I know you would come running, if you were in full control of myself. No one doubts you or any of the others, Rokk." The two exchanged a smile.

"You seem to be making a fine Legionnaire, Pol," Rokk continued. "I never knew you were interested, but I'm glad you decided to join."

"Yeah, well... I only became interested after you guys vanished," Pol laughed. "It was my way of keeping you alive..."

The two smiled again. It was the smile between two brothers who almost always compete, but who would die for one another. Or at least cover for each other if one had a really hot date.

"So, uh, alternate Legionnaires," Pol continued. "I tried to say Hi to the other Rokk, but he seemed kind of out of it. Then I had to dodge a drone, and kind of lost track of him."

"Yeah, well..." Rokk paused. "His Pol died not long ago."

"Oh..."

"But so did this reality's Ferro, and their Lyle, and their Mentalla, and one-third of their Luornu. And their Gim and Jan are both still very much alive. So that doesn't mean anything." Rokk's voice was firm. "I worried too, when I first saw you were a Legionnaire, but what happens in one reality does not have to happen in another."

"No, no, it doesn't," Pol laughed. "I'm glad my big brother is here to give me such cheesy, inspirational advice."

Rokk laughed as he punched Pol in the shoulder. "And I'm glad my kid brother is here to annoy the heck out of me."

The two grinned as they continued their work.
Posted By: razsolo Re: We Shall Return - 07/24/15 02:04 PM
I like this! We never really saw enough of Cos and Pol v1.0 interacting! smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: We Shall Return - 07/24/15 02:27 PM
Thanks raz smile we'll have a few more moments like this before the Postboot Legion makes the jump back to their universe!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: We Shall Return - 07/27/15 05:25 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

In another Legion's reality...

This is Trudi Trusoe of the Daily Planet with a more in-depth look at the alternate Legion. A mere three hours after these younger alternate-dimension Legionnaires appeared, the invading army has been defeated! Here we see them flying into action alongside the Legionnaires Gates and XS, both rumored to be from this alternate-dimension team. All in all, we count 44 different beings, all shown in this holo. Besides the 26 seen before, we also see alternate reality versions of Legionnaires Bouncing Boy, Matter-Eater Lad, White Witch, Polar Boy and Magnetic Kid; Substitute Legionnaire Infectious Lass; former Legion Academy Students Nightwind and Mentalla; the Legion's Science Police liaison Sgt. Shvaugh Erin, and even super-villain Spider-Girl! Many of the new ones do not have direct counterparts in our Legion, such as their leader Kid Quantum.

Curiously, all of these beings seem to be active members of this alternate Legion, with Nightwind taking on a leadership role.

The redheaded Legionnaire with the green costume calls herself Kinetix, the same code name used by the female Legionnaire who perished fighting Superboy-Prime. Could she have been resurrected in the same event that restored our own White Witch from her transformation into the Black Witch?

Questions also abound about the mysterious Legionnaire who wears a costume similar to the 21st century hero Captain Marvel.

Another interesting fact is that several of these Legionnaires have deceased counterparts in our reality, including Ferro Lad, the first Invisible Kid, the first Karate Kid, Magnetic Kid and Mentalla; on the other hand, many of our own Legionnaires do not seem to have living counterparts, including Colossal Boy, Sun Boy, Element Lad, Sensor Girl, Chemical King, Tyroc, Dawnstar, Blok, Quislet, Tellus, Night Girl, Chameleon Girl...

I have just received a list of code names. Besides Kid Quantum and Kinetix, the other Legionnaires without counterparts in our reality are called Andromeda, Sensor, Thunder, Shikari, Gear, Babbage, Particon, Impulse, Lume, Insect Queen, and Science Police Officer Dyrk Magz, who used to be code named Magno.


"I missed this," Spark said as she downloaded copies of the holos flashing on the screen.

"You mean the adoration of the crowds?" Chameleon teased as he rubbed her shoulders.

"I meant us flying into battle," Spark stuck her tongue to at him. "I think you are the one who cares more about the adoration, Reep!"

"She's got you there, Cham," Chuck laughed as he handed an Omnicom to Triad. The quartet were in a spare laboratory, working to organize whatever supplies they needed for the trip back home. "I'm sure Lyle would agree with me. Right, Lyle?"

Lyle Norg didn't answer; he was busy scrolling through Omnicom after Omnicom. "Lyle?" Chuck asked again.

"I'm concentrating, Chuck," Lyle said brusquely as he tapped on the screen. "Maybe you all should too. I really want to get back."

"We're working hard too, Lyle," Triad said as she patted Chuck on the shoulder. "You've been pretty intense since we came back here. Are you okay? If you're bothered about your counterpart being dead, we talked about it before... Part of me is dead here too, so I sort of know how you feel..."

"Our reality is different from this one," Lyle replied flatly. "I care more about getting back home and making sure things are okay there."

"Lyle's just worried about his parents," Chameleon stepped in smoothly before Triad or Chuck could respond again. He locked eyes with Spark, who nodded; with Lyle's blessing, Cham had filled her in on Lyle's secret relationship with their own Condo Arlik. Their return had given Lyle hope and a single-minded intensity to see Condo again, but he had not yet told anyone else about it. Spark nodded and stood. "Lyle's right, and I am worried about everyone back home. I talked to the other Dirk Morgna, and he offered to guide us through their tesseract system so we can pick out supplies. Want to come with, Lu and Chuck?" Sparing a curious glance at Lyle, Triad and Chuck stood up and followed Spark out of the room.

"Thanks, Cham. Thank Ayla for me later," Lyle said as he went continued his work. "Brainy, Gear and Babbage did a thorough job of downloading whatever they could from the lead ship's databanks, but they might not know exactly what to look for. Which leaves me to do a surface scan on everything."

"You do have a craftier mind than they do. Let me know if there's anything I can help with," Cham offered.

"Thanks. I'll be fine as long as people don't distract me and get on with their own work," Lyle replied without even looking up.

"Sure, Lyle," Cham replied as he stood up. He opened his mouth again, but thought the better of it. He began to gather the scattered Omnicoms around the room. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Lyle sip from his mug of coffee and set it beside an open Omnicom - one that showed two of the golden statues of this Legion's Hall of Heroes.

Their Invisible Kid and Chemical King. Lyle Norg and Condo Arlik.

Chameleon shivered. That Hall of Heroes had really, really made him appreciate the differences between their universes.
Posted By: razsolo Re: We Shall Return - 07/27/15 10:49 AM
Wow, I never really thought what it would be like for Lyle to know that both him AND the guy he loves are dead in this reality....not sure which one would feel worse! frown
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: We Shall Return - 07/27/15 11:35 AM
Wow, you read fast raz! smile Thanks for the usual comments and support. Yeah, the differences between realities will crop up from time to time smile I imagine it can still be pretty jarring, even if you know it's not really you. In LMB-lore, Invisible Brainiac's Earth-4 counterpart is dead. Blaze got a bit upset when he found out and I felt a little weird inside, and this is just my LMB persona!

I'll probably just have 1-2 more of these, if at all - Lyle is more affected than most because he does not know how Condo is back home, but I imagine other Legionnaires shouldn't have as hard a time processing that some of their counterparts are dead. And then it's back to the Legion's home reality.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: We Shall Return - 08/09/15 09:15 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

In another Legion's reality...

"Icannotbelieveit'stakingsolongweshouldhurry!"

Andromeda smiled with understanding. Though XS had learned to relax a bit since they were in the Legion together, she was articulating what many of them were thinking - they needed to return to their home reality as soon as they could. But even though she had forgotten to temper her super-speed in this instance, she could see that everyone was working as quickly as possible.

And that was what she had learned in the time after she had aided the White Triangle.* That each race, each species, had been given its own gifts; that there was no such thing as an absolute scale of superiority which each should be measured against; and that the greatest blessing was to be able to use one's own talents to the fullest.

And the diversity which the Legion championed was the source of its strength and success.

"We can start gathering everyone. We're almost ready," Nightwind called.

"I'm sure you'd like that job, XS," Andromeda smiled just as Kid Quantum raised her flight ring to her lips.

"Ofcourseseeyouinabit!" XS vanished in a blur of white and blue.

Laurel winked at Jazmin, who winked back. XS could traverse the entire headquarters of this Legion almost as quickly as Jazmin could give the order, and she would ensure that those engrossed in their duties - like Brainiac 5 must be - would come.

Laurel trained her eyes on her speeding teammate; she could just make out the blur as it circled around. She also picked up snatches of conversation, though she tried her best not to eavesdrop.

"My Val is proud to have you as his counterpart. He told me so," Sensor Girl's regal voice told the younger Karate Kid. Beside him, Sensor crossed her arms. "I still find it quite amazing that your Orando only has a humanoid race..." "I find it equally amazing that your Orando does not have any humanoids!" Sensor Girl replied.

"Can't believe your Mekt is back in his family's good graces. I mean, he destroyed YOUR arm!" the older Ayla told the younger Garth, as the older Garth looked on with a grimace full of disgust.

"... your pathfinding is more forward-looking than my own tracking skill," Dawnstar mused. Shikari shook her head. "It may be, but you have definitely honed your own abilities to their fullest. Tracking us across universes..."

"It never really gets easier," the younger Wildfire told his counterpart. "Still, I did spend an unknown amount of time as a feral star..."**

"I think you would have liked Monstress. Everyone liked her," Umbra stood with her counterpart in the Hall of Statues. "I... was dismissive of her at first, but now that she is gone I realize how strong she must have been, to be so kind-hearted even through her struggles." "I'm sure she would have appreciated hearing that," Insect Queen smiled.

"So you inherited the Captain Marvel legacy? He was one of the greatest heroes of the 21st century," Night Girl smiled. "Indeed he was," replied Thunder. "And beyond that, as well."

"Still feels odd that I don't have a counterpart here, apparently..." Particon murmured. Gear and Dyrk Magz nodded in agreement. Tyroc shrugged. "We thought the same thing." Harmonia laughed melodiously. "It's very possible that we do have counterparts, but they just have not found their way to the other universe's Legion yet..."

"Leviathan was the best teacher I ever had," the younger Star Boy told the older Colossal Boy and Chameleon Girl, as the younger Dreamer held his hand. "He would have been proud to see how long you have served with your Legion."

"I do still miss him from time to time," the younger Violet said quietly as Kinetix held her hand. "I liked him, but you... you loved him," Kinetix added soothingly. "I'm here for you, Vi." "Huh. Even in another universe, Gim Allon manages to make so many women feel for him," the older Violet shook her head.

"Our Jan was the sweetest, kindest, most self-sacrificing person I ever knew," the younger Saturn Girl told the older Element Lad and Shvaughn Erin,as they held hands while looking through files shared by the younger team. "Even though he became the Progenitor, well... we remember what he did before he became that. That is the Jan we celebrate."

"A bit sobering, to see my counterpart is dead, infiltrating the Fatal Five to try proving she was worthy to be a Legionnaire," Mentalla held herself, as if shivering. "Tell me about it," Ferro gently patted her shoulder. "When I first found out that my counterpart died fighting the Sun-Eater... Something else else I managed to barely survive... but you know, our teammates will do everything they can for us. And Tellus tells me that your telepathic abilities are greater than their Mentalla's were... and I've heard you have a better attitude," he smiled. Mentalla stops as if surprised, and her mouth slowly smiles. "Why... thank you."

"I was enslaved by Mordru, and watched him do unspeakable acts..." the older White Witch said as Blok stood close to her. "I am just glad his threat here has been ended for good***." "I... do not know what you have seen, but I can only imagine," the younger White Witch closed her eyes. "I... I am our Mordru's daughter." "Oh...!" the older Mysa clasped her hands to her mouth. "It... must have taken a lot to stand against him," Blok added. The younger Mysa shook her head. "Not as much as you might think..."

"Your Nightwind is amazing!" The older Nightwind gushed as she stood with both Polar Boys and both Druras in a circle. "I mean, Legion leader? She just seems so together..." "We were cadets together," the younger Drura smiled. "She used to be quite the rebel, but she worked on it." "So have you, it seems," the older Drura said admiringly. "Wow." "Hey, you guys are no slouches either," the younger Brek said as he punched his older counterpart playfully. "I mean, Legion leader too!" "The secret to that is never losing our optimistic spirit," the older Brek laughed as the two high-fived each other.

"I still can't get over it. Married and with a kid?!" the older Jo shook his head. "And what's so surprising about that, hmmm?" the older Tinya smacked him playfully. "Yeah, and that's why I'm dying to get back," the younger Tinya pursed her lips. "Shvaughn told me that Byrin is safe with my mom. I can't wait to see him again..." "We will soon, angel," the younger Jo said. "At least his rapid aging has been reversed after you found your last body...****" "Yes. But when we get back, we should do something about the slavers that killed her."

Andromeda's mind reeled at all her teammates - her friends - had been through. They had all updated each other telepathically, but of course not everyone had shared their own personal developments. And she respected them even more for seeing them soldiering on despite all each had faced. Her heart swelled with pride as she saw them entering the meeting room one by one.

It was really good to be back with them.

************************************************************
IB's notes:

1) Andromeda used to believe in the racist teachings of the White Triangle, though she did not subscribe to their violent and murderous ways. She gave them the anti-lead serum that Brainiac 5 had developed for her, only to be shocked that they used it to slowly destroy Earth. She almost died stopping them. After recovering, she left the Legion to join the Sisters of the Eternal Cosmos, which helped her fully overcome her xenophobia.

2) After Wildfire was swallowed up by the Rift (Widening Rifts), he was deposited in the Kwai Galaxy as a formless cloud of energy. He existed in a state where he could barely feel. The Kwai mistook him to be a star. He was rescued when Kid Quantum II recognized his quantum signature.

3) The older White Witch was given to Mordru by the Legion of Super-Villains. Before she first joined the Legion too, he transformed her into The Hag. Mordru was ultimately defeated in imprisoned on Zerox in my Volume 2.

4) With Reboot's permission, I am treating his untold tale as canon. In his tale, he solved the mystery of Apparition's third body - she was born half-Carggite and half-Bgztlian, and her Carggite dad stole two of her bodies away. The second body became Phase of 20th century LEGION; Phase merged with Apparition to restore her tangibility in LSH 100. The third body's whereabouts were addressed by Reboot.

Byrin is the name Reboot gave to Cub, Tinya and Jo's daughter. For much of his life, Cub aged rapidly and exhibited powers beyond phasing and Ultra Boy's powerset. Reboot fixed it so the rapid aging was due to Tinya's third body's soul inhabiting Cub's form. I am having it that Cub's extra powers also came from there.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: We Shall Return - 08/09/15 09:25 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

In another Legion's reality...


"You know, we can go with you. Help you liberate your headquarters," the older Phantom Girl offered as she watched the younger Legionnaires file into the Bouncing Boy. It and the invading ships were all parked beside one another in the middle of a large open area just outside Metropolis; each was linked to the cosmic treadmill that XS was impatiently standing beside. Nothing from their own universe, save memorials that had been created for their own deceased Legionnaires, would be left behind here after they crossed the dimensional barrier back home.

"Thanks, but you heard what our White Witches and Dreamers had to say," Kid Quantum smiled. "The barriers between our universes are thin now because the energies recreating our universe crossed the dimensional barrier from yours. We can't be sure they will always be so easy to pierce."

"We'll be fine," the younger Nightwind added. "You've helped us enough. If we bite off more than we can chew, we can still send an SOS over to you. We're just sorry the bad guys had to do some damage to your city."

"You gave us enough warning to make sure nobody died," Phantom Girl smiled. "We'll be fine too."

"And I know you'll clear up all those loose ends Gates mentioned in his report**," Kid Quantum II winked. "Okay then, I think everybody has said their goodbyes and everything is loaded and ready to go," Kid Quantum II said as she shook Phantom Girl's hand. "Thanks again for all your help. We'll be in touch."

"Count on it," Phantom Girl smiled as she flew to where the rest of her team stood. They watched as XS ran faster and faster, and the ships began to vibrate. As the younger Legion began to fade from their universe, she raised her fist. She did not need to look behind her to know that the others were following suit. As one, they saluted their counterparts. "Long Live the Legion!"

*********************************************************************

IB's notes:

Gates' story picked up after Legion Lost 2. Loose ends introduced there included the mysterious organization Echo and Captain Adym. Legion Lost 2 introduced waayyyyy too many dangling plotlines, and I'm glad they take place in the Retroboot-verse!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home...


Condo Arlik grit his teeth as his pink-skinned captor considered him. Though he tried to flex his arms, the restraints around his wrists ensured he could not move. Behind the captor, he could see an unconscious Dragonmage floating in a liquid bath. He could not help but think that Lyle had found the young sorcerer attractive, if not for the snobby attitude. Even if Dragonmage had been conscious though, he could not have helped Condo. As his captor had studied him, he knew that Dragonmage was still depowered.**

"Do not struggle, Phlonian," the man moved with a measured pace that spoke of much scientific training. Condo had often seen Lyle move the same way when he was playing around with chemical reactions. A tear fell from his eye, not from pain, but from a mixture of fear and longing. If Lyle were here, he would know what to do...

"I assure you, I do not intend to cause you pain. I only wish to study you," the man said. "I do have to take away your liberty to do it, but so be it."

"Why do you want to study me? I don't have any weird abilities..." Condo spat.

"Phlon was colonized by humans from Earth," the man began pressing some buttons. "I would very much like to know if Earth's genetic potential was inherited by your people."

"You still can't do this, you know," Condo said as he began to feel light-headed. "This isn't right!" Machines hummed a he felt a gas being pumped around him. The pink man just watched impassively as he faded into unconsciousness.

**********************************************************************
IB's notes:

Dragonmage lost his powers again after helping the Legion stop the Elementals (Legionnaires 71-74). A fair trade-off; he first lost much of his powers after fighting Mordru (Legionnaires 48-52). He regained them only by freeing the Elementals, which caused much chaos and damage across the galaxy.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Return - 08/09/15 10:22 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home...


Winema Wazzo spared a glance for the monitor centered on Byrin Wazzo-Nah, her one and only grandchild, as reports came in from all over the United Planets. Byrin was sleeping soundly, guarded by two of her best presidential guards and several of the most advanced guards Robotica had offered. Byrin was the only thing she had left of Tinya, and she would guard him with her life.

After resting her eyes on him for a few seconds, she tore herself away to read through her reports. The news channels were still reporting about the sudden lack of communications from Legion World, but most sentients had not yet taken notice. On nearly all UP Worlds, local Legion Day celebrations were still proceeding uninterrupted. Thankfully, they had been able to configure all Thresholds to bring all evacuees to the UP building on Earth - even now, all escapees from Legion World were in the UP building, strictly forbidden from leaking the news outside. She would make sure panic was averted. Sadly, after she and her contingent and the UP ambassadors had made it through, precious few civilians had emerged before the Thresholds had winked out of existence. Try as they might, even though they had managed to restart the Thresholds, no Kwai could get through again. Just like the Robotican invasion.

She could only give thanks that somehow, nobody had been caught in between Thresholds when they had suddenly disappeared. The Kwai assured her of that. Whoever their enemy was, it seemed he was trying to minimize loss of life.

So she considered her options. She had already addressed the UP Council, asking its ambassadors to tell only their world's leaders about the happenings. If she could, she would keep it secret even from them - having Legion World be taken over so quickly would only further erode confidence in the new Legion, something she did not wish to see. They were still slowly proving themselves in the eyes of the UP, and even she knew they were not quite as effective as the old Legion had been. Not yet. And in less than an hour, she would have to address them again to discuss options. She could have had the UP fleet and Science Police handle it, but with sentients from all over the UP still on Legion World, she did not dare risk acting without at least making ambassadors from all over feel they had been consulted.

She drummed her fingers as she reviewed the plans. With no way to enter using the Thresholds, her options were limited. They would have to test whether the Footstep Drives could be a viable alternative. The Coluans were doing their best, but they would not work with the Roboticans, and now both worlds were submitting proposals which contradicted one another.

Politics. She was quite good at it, and usually loved it, but today she hated it very much. Rubbing her temples with her fingers, she considered...

"Madame President! Get down!" She turned with surprise as her guards drew their weapons, even as a glowing green disk appeared in front of her. She quickly phased as a precaution...

... only to turn solid again as she saw who stepped through.

"Oh my grife. Is that really you?" She melted as the figure reached forward and held her close.

"It's me, mom. It's really me." Tears dripped down Winema's face as her daughter Tinya hugged her again. Behind her, Ultra Boy stood with a small smile. After Winema's own near-brush with death*, she and Jo had come to an understanding. She saw a few other Legionnaires, including Gates, but she paid them no mind first. Nor did she mind the exclamations of surprise from those in the room with her. She just held Tinya close as mother and daughter cried.

"Mom, there's so much that has happened, but that can wait," Tinya said gently as she pulled back. "We need to act quickly. We control five of the enemy's ships. We're jamming all outbound communications, but Sensor and Gear can't keep them hidden for long."

"From the ship's databanks, we know that Legion World is being kept shielded by a field generated from three asteroids placed just so around it," Kid Quantum II added. "It is likely that something similar was used to block off all transmissions from Titan**."

"We intend to send three teams, one for each asteroid," Nightwind continued. "One team will wait near Legion World, and will move in once we disable the field. One more team will stay on Earth, just in case."

"It stands to logic that Earth will be the next target," Brainiac 5 intoned. Winema would not admit to anyone, but she had missed his calm voice. Even in a crisis, he remained refreshingly unruffled. "This enemy clearly intends to study sentient life; and Earth has historically been a hotbed for metahumans. Xanthu and Lallor as well, but Earth has shown much more historical diversity since the 21st century, and it's importance as the seat of UP leadership will mean he can work undisturbed that much longer."

"I have their paths, Leader Legions," Shikari's voice was determined. "I know where all three are."

"Great work, Kari," Kid Quantum smiled. "Okay, Legion, we leave in thirty. Legion field leaders, let's go over the plans one more time. The rest of you, take your time to prepare. I'm sure some of you want to call your families first, but remember that some of them may be on Legion World..."

A viewscreen flashed in front of her, and the faces of UP General Hol, Fleet Admiral Everett, Science Police Commander Hagbard and Khundian Warlord Lorvack all popped into view. "Madame President!" Fleet Admiral Everett's tone was crisp, as usual. "A fleet of ships has left Legion World and is headed directly for Earth!"

"We must engage!" Lorvack raged. "I shall give the order immediately!"

"I agree," Winema stood up. "We cannot let them subjugate another world!"

"Wait, mother!" Tinya leaned beside her, to the surprised gasps of those on the other side of the screen. "We need to keep the element of surprise."

"Yes, Madame President," Nightwind spoke up. "We propose that the ships be allowed a safe distance nearer Earth, but far enough away from Legion World not to be noticed by anyone on it. This way, some Legionnaires can join the battle and we can alter their communications enough that our presence will not be discovered. This will also give our away teams time to disable the shields around Legion World."

Winema considered. She wanted to point out that the inexperienced Legionnaires had lost Legion World on their watch.... but then, they had managed to find the Lost Legionnaires and bring them home, instantly doubling their number AND more than quadrupling their combined power. And as Tinya had once told her, she should have more faith in her last line of defense.

Warlord Khorvack had begun protesting. Winema raised a hand. "My dear Warlord, I sincerely and humbly apologize for interrupting, but time is of the essence. I believe these Legionnaires have a point. I thank you again for your assistance, but as Legion World and Earth are both in UP space, I humbly request you follow our lead. You know we would follow your lead if this emergency were taking place in Affiliated Planets space***."

"Very...well. Just tell us what you intend to do." Winema could see that the Warlord was fighting against his warlike nature. She was just glad there had been some Khunds, like him, who were able to think of long-term advantages.

Kid Quantum stood. "I shall transmit our plan in five minutes, ladies and gentlemen. Okay, Legionnaires, you know what to do. Your thirty minutes are up."

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Winema was almost killed in Legion 35-38. Ultra Boy was responsible for getting her to a surgeon in time to save her.

2) I established at the start of Volume 3 that Titanet transmissions were being halted by a field around Titan. This is why, even though some Naltorian precogs on Titan could have foreseen the attack, none would have been able to warn anyone off Titan.

3) The Affiliated Planets (AP) is another grouping similar to the UP. They were initially formed as part of a plot by the Dark Circle, but continued on after the Circle was exposed. The Khunds were former members, but during Legion Worlds 4 were seen providing assistance to Xanthu (an AP member) against Robotica, hinting that they rejoined. The AP membership is much smaller than the UP's, but the AP still wields much influence. The UP and AP often aid one another against common enemies (as seen when Robotica invaded Earth; the Khunds brought the Xanthian refugees with them and warned Earth about the coming of Robotica).
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home...


The brightly-colored room was still and silent. The only movement came from the pale flashing lights positioned at just the right angle; the little spinning lamp sent colorful orbs floating around the room like a rainbow of bubbles. The calming ripples of the famous Silk River of Bgztl hummed through the air.

Apparition gazed silently at the sleeping figure in the middle of the room, her husband Ultra Boy to her left, her good friend Timber Wolf to her right. "My baby," she whispered as she leaned forward, tears welling up in her eyes. "I've missed you so much." Ultra Boy clasped her hand in his; his eyes were moist too. Timber Wolf flashed a warm smile as he breathed deeply, taking in Byrin's scent.

All three stood for a few more seconds, then turned around and slowly walked away. There was much more still to be done, and a Legionnaire's work could not wait. As they reached the door, Ultra Boy turned around for one last look. "We'll be back soon, little guy." Then he gently closed the door behind him.
These were some great little bits IB.

i really liked seeing all the comparisons between the two legions and them interacting.

I think Phantom Girl and older Ultra boy and their younger counterparts was really cute. Seriouly in all their time together the retroboot's version never got married or had kids. I guess that's where the Reboot got it right. lol

I loved the Cub scenes and the explanation of how his rapid aging is solved!

Hmmm Condo seems to be in trouble big. i hope the team gets to Legion world soon!

Pink skinned villain...i'm still unsure who it is and can't wait for the reveal. (unless i missed a post?)

keep it coming!
Thanks Omni, I always appreciate your comments and support smile

I know right, the Tinya/Jo romance has always been one of the longest. Or maybe it seemed so because they were THE main romance in the Reboot smile

Our fellow Reboot fan, Reboot, gets the credit for solving Cub's rapid aging. I just took a good idea and made it canon. I'm glad you liked the scenes though, I wanted his parents and "uncle" to get a look at him before we launch into the next bit - which will have plenty of action!

The team won't get to Legion World for a while yet - it won't be long in terms of their time, but I have a lot of dominoes to set up and push first smile

Condo is in a bit of trouble and I can't promise it won't get worse...

No reveal yet! I'm glad the villain has you hooked. I think I need to improve my villain writing.

I also have to finalize who goes where first, but once I do I plan to launch into the next part!

Thanks again smile
I really liked the two Legions interacting too, and I wonder if we're gonna end up with a new Chemical King out of what's happening with Condo..? Interesting!!
Thanks raz smile I plan to have more of the two Legions getting together in the future, though not too often.

Poor Condo and Lyle will be going through a lot more before things get better... And Chemical King? Some differences should remain between Legions tongue
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Team Assignments - 08/15/15 05:26 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home on Earth...

"Jazmin."

Kid Quantum II looked up from her quick huddle with Nightwind to see Invisible Kid walking up to them. "What is it, Lyle?"

"I need to be on the Legion World team."

Jazmin could hear Berta's breath catch. Berta was used to working with a much smaller team, and Jazmin knew they were also generally less vocal than the veteran Legionnaires. But Jazmin had also learned that they were veterans for a reason...

"Why, Lyle? We placed you on one of the force field teams because stealth is a primary consideration. We don't want the Earth or Legion World teams to be revealed early."

"You'll also need more stealth on the Legion World team. We know the bad guy has hostages. Tons of hostages. And you'll need someone with intimate knowledge of the schematics. Finally, the bad guy hints at wanting to do biological studies on his hostages. You will need someone who can understand that, and with Brainy on the Earth team..."

Jazmin considered. She could tell there was something personal behind this. Lyle had come a long way from the Legionnaire who covertly formed an Espionage Squad and lobbied for the juiciest missions to prove himself - something Cosmic Boy said he had done during the team's first year or so. There must be something - or even someone - very important to him on Legion World for him to do this.

And at the same time, he raised many valid points. Having him on the Legion World team would increase the team's success.

Kid Quantum looked at Nightwind, who nodded back simply. Berta had probably reached a similar conclusion, though she would probably only be thinking about how to implement the strategy they had concocted.

"Okay then. We'll have Tinya backing up Sussa. Cham can go it alone."

"Thanks, Jaz. Berta." Jazmin was glad Lyle had acknowledged Berta's role in the decision this time. As Lyle turned to walk away, she called after him. "Lyle... I trust you to keep a cool head, okay?"

Lyle twisted his head back to grin and nod. Then he walked away again.

"Okay... what could be turning him into a hothead?" Nightwind asked.

"Lyle's a very private person, so I can only guess..." Jazmin started. Before she could finish, XS and Dreamer sat down in front of her.

"We have some suggestions on the team lineups, leaders," Dreamer said simply. XS had her eyes closed, fingers on her temples. Nura handed over an Omnicom. As Jazmin looked at it, her eyes widened. "Interesting changes."

"Did you have some new visions, Dreamer?" Nightwind asked. They had already run everything through Nura as a matter of course.

Dreamer patted XS on the shoulder. "Frankly, no. It was Jenni."

"I know it might be hard to believe," XS began. "But remember how I knew to find Gates and get Kinetix back?** I think the Time Trapper planted these into my head too. I just know. Please believe me. Somehow I can feel that these are important."

"I don't foresee anything that will contradict her," Nura added.

Nightwind and Kid Quantum looked at one another again. This time, it was Jazmin who gave a nod. Nightwind was her co-leader now, and she wanted to reinforce the fact to the entire team. Nightwind nodded back.

"Your visions gave us our universe back, so I say we trust them," Nightwind said. "We'll review the lineups around your recommendations and announce the changes in five minutes."

***********************************************************

IB's notes:

1) XS' mosaic was introduced in Adventure Comics 526. Her encounter with the Time Trapper was in Legionnaires Annual 3. I just tied the two together in Volume 2.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Losing Your Head - 08/15/15 08:15 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home on Legion World...

Micro stared at the figure inside the cell. A gray-haired, balding man in a green robe. What was so scary about him? But his new commander had sent him to guard this man, so guard him he would. He would guard him very well.

The man stared back at him. "Micro, isn't it? Not a very scary code name, but no doubt descriptive."

Micro's hairs stood on end. "Don't belittle me, old man. Micro is a scarier name than Ra's al Ghul ever will be."

The old man raised his hands. "I'm sorry, boy. You just look so young, I... AGH!" The old man crouched on the floor, hands to his chest. "My heart...! Please, please help me!"

Micro quickly grabbed a nearby medi-kit and unlocked the cell, heart pounding. His commander had given him strict orders to guard this man, but to keep him alive. He would not let him down. He would show everyone what a big man he could be. Crouching down beside Ra's he turned him around. "Okay old-timer, breathe easy. Just give me a few minutes. I'll need to..." He stopped in mid-sentence as Ra's smiled, then slammed a hand down hard on his neck. "Accck!"

"I know that this hold disables an Imskite's ability to shrink," Ra's smiled cruelly as he twisted his fingers. "But it does not dull any of the senses." Micro screamed as his head exploded in pain. He found himself on the floor as Ra's calmly dusted himself off. "I would let you live, but then you might sound the alarm. Plus, I found you to be quite an arrogant snot." Ra's raised his foot above Micro's head. "This will be fast, but not pretty." Micro could not help but flinch. He was too young. There were so many things he still had to accomplish... and he could not bear the shame of falling to an escaped prisoner...

"Put your foot down, Ra's." A melodious voice sounded just outside the cell. Micro gasped as he saw his commander, pink-skinned and tall. Beside him was Charma, the siren with the ability to control the minds of any man; Brainstorm the telekinetic; two Gil'dans, one from each subspecies***; and a woman with a faded Titan tattoo on her cheek. He thought her name was Nara Minsork. "S-sir...!"

"I gave you such a small task, Micro," the Commander intoned. He shook his head with disappointment. "If my warning systems had not alerted me that the cell was open... Help him up, Charma."

"Stand up, Micro." Micro felt his body follow her every command; there was nothing he could do to resist. He licked his lips in fear. He didn't like failing, but he most especially did not like failing the Commander. "I'm sorry Sir, I..."

"You will not do it again."

Micro's world exploded in pain again as a wave of energy coursed through his body. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!" He had seen beings much larger and tougher fold under the pain. But he never imagined it would be so. The pain went on for what seemed like an eternity, and when it stopped his body continued to shake.

"Let that serve as a lesson. And you, Demon's Head." The Commander turned to Ra's still standing, immobile. "I asked Charma to make sure you can't talk. I do not want to bear your mind games or your prattling. I want two things from you - the knowledge you have accumulated, and to understand how the Lazarus Pit burns in your body. I had intended to keep you completely whole, but it seems I underestimated you. It won't happen again. I can still study you as a vegetable." He turned to the Gil'dans and the telepath. "First, you will transfer all his knowledge into my mind. Then you will destroy the part of his brain that controls his movement. Be open to my telepathic commands so I can instruct you. Be careful. The Legion disabled his telepathic safeguards, but his mind is no doubt powerful."

"I tried entering Brainiac 5's mind once. I upgraded myself to enter advanced minds unaided," Nara Minsork said. "I don't even need to use a mind-grabber to help me."

"And you should not. I want his mind kept healthy, aside from the destruction of his motor skills."

Nara nodded, then a telepathic nimbus surrounded her as she linked her mind to the Gil'dans. Then the nimbus extended to envelope Ra's.

A dazed Micro thought he saw Ra's eyes widen and his body convulse, but his head was still swimming. He watched as the multi-colored aura surrounded Ra's, then extended towards his Commander. The worst part was, everything happened in silence.

And after a few minutes, Ra's head bent forward. "I have him, Sir," Brainstorm said as Ra's body floated gently towards the bed.

"It is done," one of the Gil'dans added. "I can hear him screaming in his mind, but he cannot move."

"Drop your telekinesis for the moment, Brainstorm," the Commander said. He stepped forward and punched Ra's in the stomach. Ra's body lurched backwards with the force, but no sound escaped his lips. His eyes did not even blink. "It seems so. Still, I want someone to guard this cell. Not you, though, Micro." He turned to look at the redhead, still sprawled on the ground. "I have already punished you. Fail me again and my punishment shall be even more severe. The rest of you, good job."

Micro paled as his Commander stood to leave, the rest following him. Nara Minsork in particular seemed especially pleased with herself, while Charma looked relieved.

And Micro... Micro wanted to shrink down and hide in shame and fear. He knew that his Commander would never forgive him if he committed another failure.


************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Micro is, of course, the Reboot Micro Lad. He murdered another Imskite called Ion in a contest by Imsk's government to determine who would join the Legion. Violet solved the case and caught him, earning her Legion membership. (LSH v4 66)

2) Ra's al Ghul somehow survived into the 30th century. He murdered Leland McCauley and Amilia Crugg, posing as the former. It is not sure whether he murdered McCauley before or after being elected President of the United Planets. The Legion stopped his plan to induce Hypertaxis evolution on Earth by causing near-extinction events. Kinetix was transformed into a terrorform hybrid during this event. (The Legion 4 to 8)

3) The two Gil'dan subspecies in the Reboot are the brain (think Brain Globes of Rambat) and the worm (think Zymyr).
Thanks to Omni for the consulting time last week. Omni suggested making my villain more menacing by highlighting the fear of his lackeys - hence the inclusion of Micro in this last post. I chose Micro because his motivations for murdering Ion were "so I could be a big man!".

The happenings with Ra's were something I had planned long, long ago for various reasons. One, to highlight the villain's motivation (and to set up a plot point later on, watch out for it!). Two, I always thought it silly that after all the trouble he caused, the Legion would just keep Ra's on Legion World. He's dangerous! This is one way to neutralize his threat while not letting it be a permanent thing - it will be pretty easy to reverse the damage to his mind.
Nice to see the Credo again - and Lume getting into the action was fun, as was Hadru and spider Girl's encounter. The slice of media was fun too, filling in the big picture without having to recap in a dry fashion. Gates and the two Timber Wolves was good too - nice acknowledgement amongst them about each others personalities "I keep our team honest" indeed! The scene between Rokk and Pol read very true, nice interaction between them.

The friendly banter between Sparks and Cham was sweet, and Lyle's private concerns were well written too - I'm looking forward to seeing what you do about that plot line.

Xs's eagerness to get moving made me smile - so true to character! And Andromena usingthis to get Jenni to get the team together was clever- nice characterisation work in the conversations between the various members with Dawnstar and Shikari discussing the differences between them as perhaps my favourite. I miss Monstress as well!

Ah... so Condo won't be fine and dandy when Lyle gets to him unless theyget there quickly! The main bad is interested in human genetics - I have no idea who it can be but whoever it is they are really going for it! For all he says he doesn't want to cause pain somehow I'm sure he would if he thought it was worthwhile. The 'honourable' villains are always the most ruthless - Dr Doom springs to mind.

Your take on Winema is really good too - her hating politics today and having missed Brainiac 5s calm voice were really telling.

The Khund warlord wanting to get started on the attack made me smile - they are a beligerent bunch aren't they smile

The scene's with the various Jo's and Tinya's were very well written, and in particular the end of the section where Jo turning round to tell the sleeping Cub that they would be back was touching. You have a great skill of capturing the teams depth of personality.

Lyle deciding which mission he is on is just him to a tee, that bot always has an ulterior motive - he's the ultimate sneak isn't he? Guess we should be grateful that he's on the Legion's side eh? Jenni coming up with the plan was a nice twist, she's so often written as a weak link when it comes to that sort of thing, but I'm worries that the info seems to come from the Time Trapper.

Oh poor Micro, he never seems to get it that being able to shrink doesn't make him tough, maybe he's learned his lesson this time?

I was going to suggest Ra's as the main villain but you've upped the ante again by having him, quite literally, lose his mind!

One question - are Gilpans the Gildishpan?

Looking forward to more, more, more!
Hi Harbi, your thorough commentary is once again very much appreciated! I'm thrilled at how many scenes you touched on smile I'm very glad you're liking all those little bits and interactions. They're the most fun part of writing the big team that is the Legion.

Yes, the G'ildans are the Gildishpan. In the Reboot, there was a scene where a brain globe chastised the worms for mistranslating their name into Gildishpan! G'ildan was the correct term.

Lyle and Condo's love story is based quite a bit on mine and Blaze's, so things will get worse before they get better. But those two have been through so much they will definitely keep fighting for a happy ending.

I do miss Monstress as well, which is why I will definitely be revisiting her story somewhere down the line. After all the current hullabaloo is over of course.

I'm glad you commented on my honourable villain, my take on him is that he is not sadistic (at least, not in the sense that he causes pain or suffering because he enjoys it) but can be plenty ruthless and selfish. Just look what he did to Ra's. Speaking of, glad Ra's fate came as a surprise!

Happy you liked the Tinya/Jo scenes. As the only married couple (so far), I would really like to see them have a happy relationship.

Yes, Jenni's insight coming from the Time Trapper can be scary, that's a good point you raised. Of course, the team is being trusting now because that insight got them their universe back, but it's a good point - should they take everything at face value?

Yes, Micro is too overconfident and does not quite learn.

I'm glad you liked my use of the Khund warlord, it means a lot coming from you as you have featured them heavily in your own writing smile

Thanks again Harbi, my next step is to finalize which Legionnaire goes where. I already have a basic plot outline in mind, but the character bits will fill themselves in after I come up with the team assignments smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac A Fatal Mistake - 08/23/15 03:58 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, In space between Earth and Legion World...

The Persuader tapped the handle of the Atomic Axe impatiently on the floor of their ship as they advanced towards Earth. He didn't have to think often - that was usually Tharok's job when they were operating together - but something grated on him.

"Will you stop, Persuader? Your Axe isn't the quietest thing in the world, and I need to concentrate," Tharok snapped. Persuader glanced at his teammate. Tharok had also been on edge lately.

"Hey, Tharok... Something else else about our mysterious benefactor bothers me..."

"What? His immense power and resources, immense enough to free dozens of super-powered criminals AND recruit super-powered agents from the Kwai Galaxy? The speed with which he did it, so fast that we caught Legion World flat-footed before Takron-Galtos had a chance to send the alarm? His ability to instill fear and respect in all of us, such that we all chose to follow him to Legion World? That we are now, under his direction, attacking Earth with a fleet of ships and mechanical, non-sentient drones the size of a small planetary army? That he also sent a small fleet into another universe to hunt down and retrieve the vanished Legionnaires? Or that we all were required to subject ourselves to his chemically-induced hibernation so he could "study" us - who knows what information he gathered or what failsafes he installed in us? My systems don't detect anything, but his technology is so foreign that he might just have cloaked it particularly well!" Tharok spat each succeeding sentence with more and more venom. "So tell me, Persuader, which one worries you?"

The pit of Persuader's stomach began to churn as sweat beaded on his forehead. In the Fatal Five, Validus was mindless, Tharok was clearly the boss, the Empress was a psychopath and Mano occasionally had his bleeding-heart moments, but none of them could dominate you to such an extent. "Is he using mind control on us?"

Tharok shook his head. "No. None of the telepaths I spoke to noticed anything."

"I just want to know when we can ditch this army," Mano spoke up from the other side of the room. Despite Mano's willingly joining the rest of the Five to free Tharok some time ago*, Tharok still kept Mano at arm's length. And with good reason; Mano had nearly killed Tharok once.** "We're following him now because he freed us and because he has a plan. He never asked us to follow him forever."

Tharok shook his head. "He doesn't seem to want power or money, just knowledge. This expedition is to cripple Earth's armed forces and prevent them from being mobilized against Legion World. Finding the Legion is about the same thing, stopping them from stopping him. But once he finishes studying... who knows? Moving on to the next planet? The next galaxy? He doesn't seem to be planning to set up an administration here that he can govern long-term. I think he will leave once he gets what he wants, with no concern about what happens. It might turn into a free-for-all. We need to be prepared for that..."

All three fell silent, considering.

"He had Validus, Empress and the Eye stay behind," Persuader noted. "He sent just enough of us to take Earth, but kept many of the most powerful with him. He doesn't trust us either."

"He's thought about a lot of things, obviously," Tharok groused. "He's..."

His next words were drowned out as an explosion rocked the ship. Flames began licking the control room. Persuader staggered to his feet, using the Atomic Axe to lift himself up. His eyes widened as he saw a fleet of UP ships advancing on them.

"How...!" Mano cried. "These ships were supposed to have advanced cloaking!"

"They must have intercepted the first set of ships somehow. It's the only way they could have detected us without us detecting them in turn. But how? They jumped directly into an alternate universe?" Tharok mused. "They would not have returned unless... Sprock. They found the vanished Legionnaires!" Tharok raced for the controls. "We have to get a message back to Legion World!"

Before he even reached the controls, the walls of the ship buckled. Persuader and Mano were thrown off their feet as they watched Tharok slam into - and through - the hull. "Quickly, Mano!" Persuader yelled as he brandished his Axe. "If we combine attacks, even a Daxamite will fall!"

A purplish-black nimbus surrounded Mano's hands as he ignited his powers. "Just be ready to swing your Axe, and make sure you don't hit me."

Persuader deigned to answer as he tensed his muscles. He could not afford to get distracted now. He turned his head in the direction Tharok had been thrown. The next attack could come from any direction.

The floor they were standing on buckled, and both men were thrown against the ceiling. Too late, Persuader realized that the attack had come from below. As they smashed into the hull, his last thought was that they hadn't even been able to enjoy a galaxy without the Legion of Super-Heroes.

**********************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) After the Fatal Five first formed (including Mano, Persuader, Tharok, Validus and Empress but no Emerald Eye), Mano turned on Tharok when he realized Tharok had duped him into thinking they would fight mass murderers whom the Legionnaires were aiding. He realized that Tharok planned to incite war between Titan and Braal and the Legionnaires were the good guys. (LSH v4 80)

2) The Fatal Five was reformed by the Emerald Eye, sans Mano. The Eye declared it wished to serve the Empress as she had simple aims and strong desire; this would allow the Eye to better focus its powers. (LSH v4 120-121)

3) The reformed Fatal Five included Mano. They freed Tharok so they could claim their "prize", something which they had hidden away and could only be unlocked with all five original Fatal Five members present. The nature of this "prize" was never revealed, but it was supposed to help them make one last big score. In this appearance, Mano didn't show any signs of the decency he did in his first few appearances. (Legion 15-16)
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: A Fatal Mistake - 08/23/15 05:02 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, In space between Earth and Legion World...


Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation
Star Boy, Thom Kallor of Xanthu; gravity manipulation
Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers

*********************************************************************
"Nice tactic, coming at them from below." Andromeda darted in front of a UP ship as she took a torpedo in the chest. "And just like that, three of the Fatal Five out."

"Thanks," Thunder smiled as she dragged the unconscious forms of Persuader and Mano behind her. "You were the one who spotted them. With our speed it's pretty easy to keep our presence secret. I'm sure not all of the villains are as smart as Tharok is." She evaded another blast, which slammed into Andromeda's invulnerable form harmlessly. "It's great getting a chance to work with you, Andromeda. I heard so many good things about you during my own short stay with the team."

"The pleasure is mine, Thunder," Andromeda smiled as she scanned the field with her telescopic vision. "I see another flashpoint up ahead. Care to join me?"

"As soon as I stow these two. I'll just look for the explosions." Thunder and Andromeda exchanged nods as the two zipped off in opposite directions.

Thunder headed straight for the lead UP ship; just seconds earlier, Andromeda had brought a chained-up Tharok there. As she approached, she saw a dozen missiles blasting out of an enemy ship and straight for her. "Star Boy? Kid Quantum? I'm with the Terra and I have my hands full..."

"Let me lighten your load." A purplish aura surrounded the missiles, causing them to slam into one another. "I really like your expanded powers, Star Boy."*

"Thanks, I like them too." Thom Kallor pointed his hand at the ship which had fired the missiles, causing its path to shift ever so slightly. Just enough for its tail to stray into the path of fire coming from another of the enemy ships.

"Nicely done," Thunder said as she tucked Mano under her left arm, alongside Persuader, and tapped on the airlock. "Now I'm going to look and see which villains are manning that ship."

"Forget the individual ships' contents for now, Legionnaires," Kid Quantum's voice came over the flight rings. "Track my location. Another two dozen ships just left Legion World. We're jamming their communications back to Legion World, but we can only do that when they get nearer Earth. We need to draw the line here."

Star Boy and Thunder looked over to Kid Quantum's location; though faint, the golden bubbles were definitely hers. She was using her powers surgically; a rusted cannon here, a crumbling propulsion system there. They shared a look, and Star Boy shrugged. "I hope the others hurry with their missions. I could really use a chance to let loose."

Thunder nodded as Star Boy flew off to join Kid Quantum. It was frustrating, but they had to keep their presence a secret as long as they could, at least until the shields around Legion World were deactivated and the strike team could infiltrate. She really felt for her teammates, many of whom had friends and even family held hostage on Legion World now.

She didn't need the wisdom of Solomon to know how much pressure they must be under.

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Star Boy's powers have fluctuated over the Reboot era. He started out with mass-increasing powers; then developed a full suite of Daxamite-like powers which were inconsistent and difficult to control. He lost them and returned to his mass-increasing powers; Khundian training caused them to "evolve" into complete control over gravity.
Posted By: razsolo Re: A Fatal Mistake - 08/24/15 12:40 AM
Poor Persuader not getting a chance to swing his big axe around! That was a good scene between him and Tharok, I like that he's smart enough to question someone giving him everything on a platter smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: A Fatal Mistake - 08/24/15 01:05 AM
Thanks raz, glad you liked it. The Persuader isn't all that scary against the right opponent (and really, all you have to do is get past the Axe) but he's more than just dumb hired muscle.
Posted By: Fat Cramer Re: A Fatal Mistake - 08/28/15 07:43 PM
Just a few thoughts although I haven't finished the latest entries.

THANK YOU for the recap! That in itself is great reading and full of ideas and interesting character combinations.

Very realistic to have them use first names, maybe comics have to maintain some tradition, but this is so much more natural and makes them seem more like real people. Lyle's worry for Condo is touching; of course he'd be distracted by this - but is their relationship a secret? If so, hopefully for some other reason than same sex in the future. That's a truly powerful image, to have Lyle see statues honouring both their deaths, so sad.

Very sensible to put an explanation in place re: that the barriers between the universes might not always be thin. I love the idea that the Coluans would not work with the Roboticans (those snooty Coluans! wink and nice to see Winema is not such a pain in the ass.... I would never have thought of making Nightwind a leader but why not? This is what makes these stories so enticing, the focus on different characters. A well-thought out takedown of Ra's al Ghul and interesting that you have made it reversible.

I don't know where you find the time to write all this - are you secretly Carggite?
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: A Fatal Mistake - 08/29/15 02:40 AM
FC! Thank you for the comments, they have brought a big smile to my face smile

Glad you enjoyed the recap and found it helpful. It also helps refresh my memory when I need to remember what I have already established.

Lyle and Condo's relationship is a secret, but only because Lyle is such a private person. In Legionnaires 59 Lyle got a note saying "Can't wait to see you! - C". He's not the type to confide in his teammates much and he likes to compartmentalize.

Glad you liked the barriers between universes bit. Can't have people dimension-hopping all the time!

Those snooty Coluans tongue This was established in DNA's Legion, when Robotica invaded.

Nightwind appeared in Gail Simone's Legion arc and showed a lot of initiative, so I thought she would make a good leader for the "new" Legion.

Glad you liked Ra's take-diwn too smile I always found it silly the Legion would just leave him in a cell on LW. This is a nice way of neutralizing his threat, though not permanently.

Haha writing is part of how I relax on weekends smile Thanks for reading. I'm really excited to get to the end of this arc, I have major things planned!
Posted By: Omni Re: A Fatal Mistake - 08/30/15 06:30 AM
thanks for the credit IB and glad i could return the favor since you've helped me so much in my own writing.

These last post were good. Miro was a great choice. He's fear was palpable and this is giving a much better picture of your villain. Although I still have no idea who it is.

Tharok and The Persuader's moment was very insightful and agreed Persuader showing some brains is a nice change of pace for him.

Also really like the tactics of hit high and low by Andromeda and Thunder. They seem like a pair i'd like to see together more often.

Also thank for all the Editors notes. Your work and dedication is truly appreciated.
There so close to taking things back i can feel it.
Can't wait for more.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: A Fatal Mistake - 08/30/15 06:52 AM
Thanks Omni, I really do enjoy collaborating and planning with you and I think it strengthens both our work!

Glad you felt the Micro scene was effective, and really, credits to you for giving me the idea.

A clue, this villain is new and has never been seen before - but we have seen others like him!

Glad the street-smart Persuader is getting some love.

I also liked Andromeda and Thunder working together, quite a powerful pair and they are quite alike.

They are close, but they will have to go through quite a lot before their work is done smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: A Fatal Mistake - 08/30/15 07:17 AM
I'm also still juggling a few of the other teams - I'm really excited to write the rest though.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Shop Class - 08/31/15 03:20 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, on Earth...

Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Dreamer, Nura Nal of Naltor; precognition
Magnetic Kid, Pol Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth; "hard light" energy casting and manipulation
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electric manipulation
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time

Dyrk Magz of Braal (Honorary Legionnaire). Science Police officer and former Legionnaire, currently depowered. It remains to be seen if his recent operation will restore his powers.
Tenzil Kem of Bismoll (Honorary Legionnaire). Consume and digest all forms of matter. Skilled chef and Legion support staff member.

************************************************************

Besides the crackling of electrical currents, the buzzing, "pewing" sound of energy beams boring into metal, and the calm tones of Brainiac 5's instructions, the contingent left on Earth was fairly calm and quiet. They all understood that the stakes were high, and worked as quickly and silently as they could.

Spark spared a glance for Ultra Boy as they focused their powers on the sheets of metal Cosmic Boy and Magnetic Kid were holding aloft. Jo was silent and eerily focused, and the set of his jaw told Ayla that he was thinking about Apparition. Ayla knew he wasn't quite happy about being on different teams, but he was doing his best to hide it.

"Don't worry, Jo," Ayla whispered as she watched her bolts mix with Jo's ultra-vision and Particon's energy lances. "Tinya will be back before you know it."

Jo's jaw clenched, then relaxed. "And after that, we'll kick the bad guy's nass together." He flashed a dazzling smile, all the while keeping his eyes trained on the metal. "Thanks, Spark."

"Ultra Boy?" Dreamer called from across the area they were working in. "Over here, please."

The ultra-vision stopped as Jo took off. Spark turned towards Particon, who was also intently focused on her task. "I swear, his jawline could shred paper even without his invulnerability!"

"I suppose," Particon shrugged as she kept firing; her beams were welding a metal pole to another at the precise angle Brainiac 5 had asked her to. "I never really noticed."

"Not a fan of the permanent quarter-cycle shadow?" Spark laughed. "Or is it the earring? Come on, I won't tell him. And once we have our next all-girl slumber party, you'll end up telling us anyway."

Particon gave a small smile as she finished welding the poles together. "Well, I actually prefer redheads..."

Spark made a show of wrinkling her nose. "I hope you don't mean by brother Garth. I always say that he is exceptionally lucky to have gotten Imra to fall for him. Now Dirk Morgna is a fine specimen..."

"I appreciate the utility of banter in providing levity and increasing team bonding, Spark, but I need the both of you to focus on the task at hand," Brainiac 5 intoned even as he tapped on his Omnicom. "Even with Dreamer's assistance, it is taking the full attention of four of my twelve thought-tracks to build this machine."

"My apologies, Brainiac 5," Particon sounded genuinely sorry as she redoubled her efforts. Spark playfully stuck her tongue out. "Oh, no need to be so formal, Particon! Brainy's not REALLY mad. Nobody got insulted." She did, however, turn back fully towards the metal sheets in front of her. "Don't worry though, I'll be a good Legionnaire now."

"I trust you will." Brainiac 5 walked over to the other side of the clearing they were in, past the two Science Police officers who saluted him. He waved his hand in dismissal as he approached the control mechanism they were building. He would have preferred not to have anyone else here besides the Legionnaires and allies he had arrived with; given what they knew of their mysterious adversary they could not afford to blindly trust people. Yet these officers had been thoroughly vetted by Shvaughn Erin and Saturn Girl, so he could abide their presence. He just would not trust them with anything more than was necessary.

He stepped through the privacy screen erected around the workspace. "How is your progress? Did you have any difficulty understanding my instructions?"

"They are clear enough," Tenzil Kem laughed as he nibbled on an inertron bolt. He took it from his mouth, carefully wiped the tip, and fitted it into place. Smiling he turned to Querl. "Thanks for making time to dumb them down enough for us."

"It was necessary, and only took an additional ten minutes," Brainy shrugged. "Many Coluans get frustrated when translating instructions, but logically it takes less time and effort to translate correctly once, than to repeat incorrectly done work."

"And thanks for trusting us with this work, Brainiac," Dyrk Magz added. The blonde was flat on his back, tinkering with the underside of the control box. "It's good to have an active role in our task."

"Tenzil's Bismollian abilities make him ideal for shaping the smaller pieces of this machine," Brainy replied. "And your technical expertise was proven when we fought the Fatal Five together*."

"Yeah... it feels good sort of being back in action. I hope I get to return permanently, after all this."

"Your ability to feel magnetic fields has gotten stronger," Brainy replied. "And I have studied the files shared by Impulse. I cannot analyze the White Witch's part in your operation, but the theory is sound. I cannot promise that you will develop full magnetokinesis though, or that if you will, you will regain the strength and level of control you used to have."***

"That's a cheery thought, Brainy," Tenzil shook his head disapprovingly.

"I would prefer not to give false hope," Brainy replied drily.

"No, it's okay," Dyrk said as he returned to his work. "I'm just glad I can still contribute as it is."

"Of course," Brainy said as he continued inspecting their work. "Though you are currently depowered, you still have the heart and soul of a Legionnaire."

"Why, Brainy, you do have a heart underneath all that scowling," Tenzil teased as he bit into a metallic sheet. "Mmmm, cold titanium. Just the way I like it."

*********************************************************************
IB's notes:

1) LSH 121; Tharok had taken command of the Legion Outpost. Brainiac 5 distracted him while Dyrk Magz turned off the Outpost's power supply; Tharok had overlooked Dyrk because he had no powers.

2) Impulse, White Witch and Dr. Gym'll used a combination of magic and science to try and restore Dyrk's powers. It remains to be seen if it will work.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Guides and Pathways - 08/31/15 03:52 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, in an asteroid belt near Legion World...

Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication; skilled administrator

Chuck Taine of Earth (Honorary Legionnaire). Skilled architect and mechanic, pilot of the bouncing ship called the Bouncing Boy

************************************************************

Shikari's eyes flared with the tell-tale glow of her pathfinding sense as she stared at her targets. In the distance, Legion World's familiar lights glimmered in the blackness of space. But even if it had gone dark, her senses would have told her where it was. She stretched her senses farther and settled on the three asteroids now orbiting Legion World just so. She could feel the unnatural paths each took; they were clearly not moving in anything resembling a natural motion. Even without Smart Legion's analysis, she knew they were the three objects powering the forcefield that prevented them from nearing Legion World.

"I wish I could go with them," Shikari said as she watched twelve of her friends fly towards their targets.

"Yeah, beats waiting here and twiddling our thumbs," Purple Triplet muttered. "As if we can't hold our own!"

"Sister!" Orange Triplet chided. "Our role here is important. We're here to coordinate between the three away teams!"

"And you are here because we can't do this without your pathfinding sense, Kari," Neutral Triplet said soothingly as she monitored her assigned team's approach.

Shikari nodded, though she did not have to like it. Her teammates were going into danger, and her she sat hooked up to a machine that could translate her thoughts into arrows and directions for the three away teams to follow. These directions appeared on a screen for Triad to relay to each team. If only some of the other Kwai who had escaped were on Earth; alas, those who had managed to get off Legion World were stranded on far-off planets. Their adversary had somehow shut down the Threshold system, meaning they could not get to any in time.

"I'm sure they'll be fine, ladies," Jovial Legion called from his seat at the controls of the Bouncing Boy. "As for me, I'm just stoked that I get to be so close to the action!"

"You should have seen our battle on Apokolips," Purple Triplet laughed. Then her expression turned into horror as she checked her screen again. "Hey Cham, move three klicks to your right!"

"You really should pay more attention, Sister," Neutral Triplet shook her head. "Three klicks is a pretty wide margin of error."

"So sue me for not being as happy with boring tasks as you and bashful over here," Purple Triplet snarked.

"Sweet Trinity, you are so embarrassing. I'm sorry you have to see us arguing like this..." Orange Triplet fumed.

"Are you kidding?" Jovial Legion replied cheerfully. "It's you being you, and you have no idea how much I missed that."

"If it were anyone else I would roll my eyes," Purple Triplet laughed. "But from you, it's sweet."

Shikari drowned out their banter as she focused on isolating the three asteroids in her mind. It was a bit of a strain, charting three different paths at once. And she had to lead each team directly to the command centers of each asteroid. But she had already failed her team many times since they had began charting the pathways of the other universes. She would not fail them now.
Posted By: Fat Cramer Re: Guides and Pathways - 08/31/15 08:02 PM
You really write Brainiac 5 well - maybe you're channeling him! Serious but caring and masking it with frustrated sarcasm. I like how you've made Shikari so serious when she's doing her job/using her powers.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Guides and Pathways - 09/01/15 12:50 AM
Thank you FC, so nice of you to say. Brainy is a fave and it's good to know he sounds authentic.

Shikari feels she has to redeem herself, hence the seriousness. On top of the high stakes of course.

Thanks again for the continued support.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac (Post ZH Legion) Espionage - 09/05/15 07:32 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, Asteroid JM-L15 near Legion World...

Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility and disruption of mechanical devices
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony; skilled martial artist
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair

************************************************************
Apparition peeked her head out of the rocky mountain face just enough to spot the installation they needed to infiltrate. She could make out a few guards - Caress and Stormfront. Nothing too terrible. She vanished back into the rock and emerged seconds later alongside her team.

"I don't see anything we have to worry about. Lume and I should be able to sneak in and pull this job easily."

"Whoa there, Apparition," Spider-Girl said lazily as she stretched her arms over her head. She was floating comfortably over the rock, sipping on some non-alcoholic Venturan iced tea flavored with spices from Winath. "Karate Kid and I are going along for the ride, too. We're part of this little away team, after all."

"But Spider-Girl, you don't have the stealth capabilities that Lume and I do..."

"Sure, both of you can sneak in easily. But what are you going to do once you get into the control center? You materialize out of the walls and someone might spot you. Lume solidifies its energy body to touch the controls, same thing." Apparition opened her mouth to protest, but Sussa cut her off. "Listen, I know technology; McCauley didn't keep me in his Workforce just for my looks and my living hair, you know. And I've trained extensively in infiltration and surveillance. While Shikari guides us to the control room, I can help us avoid tripping any alarms."

Apparition stood quietly, considering Sussa's words. She looked at Karate Kid, who nodded; "It's true, Spider-Girl had a knack for technology while we were in the Workforce." Then she looked at Lume, who spoke quietly but with conviction. "Spider-Girl has definitely proven herself. She was able to infiltrate one of our tesseract storehouses during her audition."

"You're right. Without someone like Sensor or Chameleon, we need to work together. And I apologize if it seemed like I slighted your powers and skills," Apparition said. She extended a hand to Spider-Girl, who took it and smiled. "Glad we're on the same page."

"Now that we're all in harmony, how do we proceed?" Karate Kid asked. "As neither Sussa nor I can conceal ourselves, we will have to be very careful."

Sussa laughed as she used her hair to reach into her belt pouch. "I've already run a diagnostic on their security systems using this gadget that Babbage and Gear whipped up. Their system uses the same tech as the ships we seized. I can guide you, Apparition and Lume, into disabling it. You just lead us to the entrance with the least number of guards, and we will blow this place wide open."

Apparition smiled as Karate Kid cracked his knuckles. "Sounds like a plan."

************************************************************
IB's notes:

Asteroid JM-L15 is a homage to long-time Legionnaires artist Jeff Moy, whose first issue was Legionnaires 15! Yes, it was before Zero Hour, but I'm a big Jeff Moy fan and I very much appreciate his work.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) Espionage - 09/05/15 06:50 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, Asteroid RSTP-3680 near Legion World...

Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; controls a mystical darkfield

Insect Queen, Lonna Leing of Xanthu. (Uncanny Amazer and Legion ally). Ability to morph her abdomen into various insect forms, gaining the powers of the forms she takes.

************************************************************
"I really wish we didn't have to wait here." The frustration was evident in Insect Queen's voice as she flapped her wings. In the form of an Imskian Globeetle, she radiated just enough light to illuminate the faces of Timber Wolf and Umbra. Beyond that, the outside world was lost to Umbra's impenetrable darkfield.

"Hey, I don't like waiting either, but I know you understand the why as well as I do," Brin replied gruffly. "Cham's the only one of us who can disguise himself. He can sneak into that place, and when the time comes to tamper with the controls he can shapeshift into someone who should be there. He can do the job himself."

"Yes, but the waiting! We could be on one of the other teams, or helping out back on Earth, or anywhere except here!"

"We are here because no Legionnaire goes in alone," Umbra's voice was regal even though it was tinged in irritation. "Should Chameleon need our assistance, we will be ready to rush in. Now please, let me concentrate. As the only one who can see through my darkfield, I must keep watch."

"... I apologize," Insect Queen murmured. "I just don't like sitting idly by. I felt so helpless when Robotica ravaged Xanthu. I hate feeling this way again."

"I understand," Umbra said soothingly. "I dislike having others fight my battles as well. But this is the most practical course of action."

"Agreed." The trio fell silent as Umbra turned around, likely in the direction the installation was. She pulled her cape tight around her as she watched. "Be safe, Chameleon," she whispered.

Timber Wolf looked at Insect Queen, who seemed duly chastised. "Hey, no reason we have to get bored," he offered. "Want to play cards?"

Lonna laughed as Brin pulled a deck from his belt. "As long as we don't play for money, you're on. The Amazers' duty allowance is nowhere near as big as a Legionnaires'."

************************************************************
Inside the installation, Chameleon crawled through the vents in the form of a Bismollian Metal Worm. Dozens of legs, perfectly evolved to cling to metals, inched across the confines of the building's ventilation shaft. He wished he could change into a faster, winged form, or even just command his body to flow along, but he needed to make sure he kept hidden.

"Cham, you read me? After 2 klicks, take a left."

Chameleon morphed the organs needed to communicate. "Affirmative, Triad," Chameleon replied as he made his way down the shaft. It was tedious work, but it was work that needed doing. He thought back to the friends that they had left behind on Legion World. Soon, they would be safe again.

************************************************************
IB's notes:

Asteroid RSTP-3680 is a homage to Roger Stern and Tom Peyer, who were respectively credited as writers on Legionnaires 28 and LSH 80, the culmination of the first couple of years of the Reboot Legion and IMO some of the best Legion issues ever. Tom McCraw was also credited as co-writer on both these issues.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) Espionage - 09/06/15 03:31 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, Asteroid TMC-89 near Legion World...

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth; previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation

Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan. (Reserve Legionnaire and Cadet). Telepathic control of others' physical functions

************************************************************

Mentalla winced as the loud footfalls of the metallic Ferro and the techno-organic Gear echoed across the hallways. She said nothing even as they rang in her ears; to her, they might thunder, but she knew that with Sensor's illusion powers, they would remain hidden.

Ferro glanced at her. "Too noisy, Mentalla? I can always use my flight ring."

"Oh, thank you, Ferro. It IS a bit loud, but no need to trouble yourself..."

"No, it's actually a good idea," Sensor cut in. "Even though we're hidden, we want to ensure we don't leave any traces of our presence that can be detected after the fact. That's why we waited so long for someone to open the door wide enough for us to get in."

Mentalla blushed a little, and also smiled at being praised by one of the pre-vanishing Legionnaires. Ferro smiled back at her as he took into the air.

"Head to your right, Gear," Triad Neutral's voice called over the flight ring network. "Then go straight until you hit the third hallway on your left."

"Affirmative, Triad." Gear turned to his three teammates. "Hold on for a bit. Let me check the security systems." Mentalla watched in amazement as Gear's arm transformed into a multitude of appendages she had only ever seen in holos of the Legionnaires. The back of his head popped up and more tools came out. Gear placed his hand on the wall, as if feeling for something. "Ah, here we go." He quickly inserted what looked like a small drill in.

"Amazing, isn't it? I remember the first time I saw that..." Ferro whispered to Mentalla as Gear's eyes glowed in various colors. After a few seconds, he disengaged from the wall. "Done. The security systems will recognize us as authorized sentients now."

"Wonderful. I love it when our missions turn easy as roast," Sensor said.

"Will you be able to do that for the other teams?" Ferro asked as they continued on down the corridor.

Gear shook his head. "Sadly, no. I won't be able to affect the other installations until the other teams reach the control rooms and insert the devices we rigged. I do have every confidence that they can make it, though."

"They're all very capable. Even the new Legionnaires. And we have some great allies backing us up," Sensor added.

Mentalla nodded as she flew along behind them. Part of her was glad that their mission was turning out to be so easy. These Legionnaires were living up to their reputation.

And the more she wanted to be one of them.

************************************************************
IB's notes:

Asteroid TMC-89 is a homage to Tom McCraw, colorist for both LSH and Legionnaires and writer for LSH (his writing credits are for the early Reboot era). His first published work for DC Comics was in 1989.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, in orbit around Legion World...

Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Impulse, Kent Shakespeare of Earth; enhanced speed, strength, durability and recuperative abilities, medical doctor
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth; invisibility
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electric manipulation. Formerly had Element Lad's transmutation abilities.
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; generate and control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth; wind and air manipulation
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; size manipulation of own body
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings). Anti-energy being
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed, granddaughter of the Flash (Barry Allen)

Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Honorary Legionnaire). Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer.

**********************************************************************

Nightwind gazed out of the cruiser window at the bright lights of Legion World. After she had earned her flight ring, she would often float above the artificial satellite and admire its functional beauty. It looks so serene now... but she could just imagine what must be going on inside. She shuddered; it was difficult to just sit here and wait for the other teams to complete their work; she had the largest Legion away team behind her, including many of the most powerful Legionnaires. And yet they needed to wait; a fact which she had impressed on Blizzard and Wildfire several times on the way here.

She was also trembling for another reason. Half of her team were pre-Vanishing Legionnaires, including two Founders and two more Legion leaders, Violet and Invisible Kid. Although they had followed her lead so far, she knew they would not hesitate to call her out for bad judgment. Politely, yes, but she still felt the pressure to live up to her designation as leader. And of course, everybody was tense.

"Credit for your thoughts?" Nightwind almost jumped as the two Founders joined here. "Oh... Saturn Girl, Live Wire. Just going through the plans we discussed. We're dealing with a hostage situation and we need to be very careful..."

"Please, no need to be so formal," Saturn Girl smiled. "Call us Garth and Imra. We're all teammates and friends here."

"And don't worry, we all get these jitters no matter how many missions we've been on," Garth added. "But we've gone over the plan and the priorities again and again. Just keep a calm head. We're all here to back you, and one another, up."

"Thanks, I really appreciate that," Berta smiled. "And call me Berta."

"We'll follow your lead, Berta," Imra returned the smile. Even with her reputation for strict self-control, she seemed so very warm. "And remember what I said about sending thoughts along the telepathic link - focus on your message. Sometimes emotions tend to trickle through."

Berta blushed slightly as she considered their knowing smiles. "Thanks. I'll do my best to live up to your confidence in me."

**********************************************************************

Impulse's heart jumped as he looked at Invisible Kid, who was poring silently through the two Omnicoms gathered before him. Lyle Norg was known chiefly as a spy, but Impulse recognized his brilliant scientific mind. Kent himself had gone through many of Lyle's papers, some of which had helped him and Dr. Gym'll in treating the denizens of Legion World. Though Lyle did not have a medical degree, he could definitely earn one on his own.

He cleared his throat self-consciously. "Invisible Kid?"

Lyle didn't even look up. "Yes, Impulse?"

"I, uh, just wanted to say that I'm looking forward to being on the same team as you are later. You've always been an inspiration. I'm a medical doctor myself, and healing is my main passion. But I joined the Legion because of Legionnaires like you, who showed you could contribute through more than just punching villains and stopping crime."

"Thanks." The tone was gruff; not dismissive, but Lyle was making it clear he was busy. Kent could feel his palms getting clammy; this wasn't quite how he imagined speaking with his idol. "Well, I'm sure you're preparing for later so I won't disturb you anymore..."

Kent turned to leave, heart pounding. "Wait, Kent." Kent turned around to see Lyle standing up. "I'm sorry, I'm just preoccupied. I'm sure you understand that we all have friends there, and I'm very eager to make sure they all get out safely. Here's something you can help me with." Lyle handed Kent an Omnicom. Kent's eyes bulged as he looked at the detailed schematics. "This..."

"Is a catalogue of all equipment on the Legion World bio labs. I'm guessing the bad guy will supplement these with his own tech, but knowing what we have now will still give us an advantage." Lyle's eyes hardened as his voice deepened. "We have to make sure that whatever experiments he's doing can be reversed. I will not have anyone permanently harmed by this."

Kent nodded. "I'll get back to you right away." As Lyle turned away, Kent dabbed at his brow. "I won't let these hostages down," he whispered to himself as he scurried away to get his own notes.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, in orbit around Legion World...

XS spared a glance for M'Onel and Shvaughn, sitting together at the controls of the ship. Shvaughn was a fast learner and volunteered to pilot the ship while the Legionnaires waited for their signal to enter Legion World; she would also organize the Science Police officers trapped there once the need arose.

M'Onel was using his vision powers to monitor the planetoid they called home; the most he could see, though, were the comings and goings of ships and the occasional super-powered sentient. The shield surrounding Legion World not only kept the unauthorized out - much like the shield Robotica had erected around Earth during their invasion, even Gates could not teleport through. But this one was more advanced than anything the Roboticans could come up with, according to Babbage. It also obscured vision powers. All M'Onel could see beyond the shield was the facade. Still, he tried; Shvaughn promptly recorded and filed everything he saw. They made a good team.

Once upon a time, she would have despaired at the thought. Sometimes she blushed, thinking of the crushes she once had on Cosmic Boy and then on M'Onel. She had been attracted to their calm confidence and strength; now though, she realized that she was looking for someone to fill in the lack of confidence she herself felt. Cosmic Boy especially had always been so encouraging, and despite all his power M'Onel had treated her with a lot of respect.

Now though, she realized that she had been looking for a big brother figure, which those two had filled. Dyrk Magz, on the other hand... she smiled as she thought of her former teammate. Dyrk's gray eyes dazzled so whenever he smiled, which was nearly constant now that there was finally hope for his power's restoration. And she could tell that he liked her in a way that wasn't big brotherly, but more like an equal. She...

"Jenni, do you have a nano?"

She nearly jumped as Wildfire's "voice" sounded behind her. The technology which let him speak gave him a nice, deep bass, but there was still a touch of the mechanical in it. She turned around to see Wildfire, hands raised in concern. "Sorry Jenni, didn't mean to startle you."

"It's okay, Drake," she was careful to use the name he wanted to use. "What is it?"

"Can you help me check the thrusters on my back? I'm just doing a full check of my suit before we go into battle. You can never be too careful, especially now that my sprocking energy is finite," Drake laughed. Jenni quickly zipped around, giving the suit a once-over. "Looks all clear to me. I checked everything against the notes the doctors put together." She hesitated as she looked Wildfire up and down. "I'm sure when we get Legion World back, Brainy can figure something out with the technology the other Brainiacs gave."**

"I hope he does so soon," Drake laughed again. "It's a pain trying to mentally will all my expended energy back after every blast I fire!"

Jenni chuckled, despite herself. "It's part of the clean-up. Remember what Imra said that one time Garth complained?"

"There are no small jobs, only small people," the two said in unison, laughing heartily after. "You're pretty brave, Drake," Jenni smiled.

"I try to be," Drake confided. "It's hard, but I don't want everyone to worry more, after all the support everyone has already given. Especially not Kari." He trailed off as he stared at his gloves. "It's funny... I used to curse my condition, but now that I know I might use myself up soon, it's made me grateful that I got a second chance at life after Mordru..."***

Jenni gently took Drake's glove. "It will be okay, Drake. We're here for you." Then she gave him a hug and a squeeze. "It will be okay."

**********************************************************************
IB's notes:

1) Wildfire was kidnapped by a Qwardian who managed to tap into his energy and use it as a weapon. The strain depleted him so much that his energy has become finite, and one day he will just use himself up. (The Legion 34).

2) Wildfire's origin: he is the energy gestalt of the remains of two Legion allies who fought against Mordru: Atom'x and Blast-Off. After Mordru blasted them, their energies mingled and coalesced. (Legionnaires 49-50, 76).

3) The Robotican invasion of Earth happened in the Legion 10 to 14.
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VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, in orbit around Legion World...

Gates nodded in approval as Microbe scrolled through her Omnicom, giving him updates on the medical missions they had started. "And we have expanded her reach to 60% of all UP member worlds," she added. "Early warning systems, supported by the Naltorian trainees at the Titanet, have helped us respond to newly identified outbreaks in a maximum of two days. Detection has also increased; our average diagnosis time is now only five days after the first disease report."

"We need to cut that time down," Gates shook his head. "It must be those sprocking politicans, so afraid to make decisions that it takes them more time to order lunch than to eat it!"

"We're working on that," Microbe smiled. "The UP is setting up protocols by which the Minister of Health, or equivalent, of any world can call us in without the need for higher approval."

"Excellent!" Gates squawked. "You are surpassing my expectations, Drura. And they were quite high to begin with, so this is not some backhanded compliment!" Drura positively beamed with pride at Gates' comment.

"I'm positively thrilled at all the good we're doing," Zoe cut in, "and you know how I feel about doing good. But shouldn't we be focused on preparing for our invasion of Legion World? I mean, this IS the mission we are on right now!"

"Bah! I can focus, I will be perfectly focused when we are in battle," Gates replied. "And we have rehearsed our parts back and forth, haven't we, Babbage?"

"Gates has memorized all the identified points which he has to teleport the team to," Babbage noted. "And he assures me that he can handle the timing and speed required for our mission's success."

"See? I am just being efficient," Gates teased. "Unlike most of you humanoids, wanting to do so many things at a time but accomplishing very little!"

Zoe stuck out her tongue. "Sometimes I regret encouraging you, you're almost as bad as Brainy!" She returned to face Violet, Mysa and Brek. "Thanks for helping Violet and I review the changes to Legion World's layout, you two."

"Our pleasure," Mysa rotated the magical model of Legion World she had created. "Thankfully, we have not made too many changes since your disappearance. I just pray that we are in time to ensure no hostages are harmed."

"M'Onel is making sure of that," Violet said as she studied the schematics. "He reports that some hostages are held in tubes, but appear to be otherwise unharmed. The vast majority are locked up and conscious, with what appear to be power inhibitors, but they are otherwise unrestrained."

"I'm glad they're our first priority!" Brek banged his fist on the table. "Imagine how terrified they must be. Those sprocking bullies!"

"I really admire your enthusiasm," Zoe smiled. "You remind me a lot of Leviathan. He was always so outraged whenever he saw an injustice. He did lose his temper though," she added, laughing. "You seem so much more cool-headed. No pun intended," she winked.**

"I'm just glad I don't seem frosty to you," Brek returned. Zoe giggled. "Not bad, Brek." Brek's cheeks reddened as he watched her laugh.

"Zoe, Mysa, can you come over here?" Lyle called. "I want to test something. I think I see a way we can send Microbe's virus through the LW vents, but we'll need your help."

Zoe and Mysa quickly stood up. As they left, Brek wiped his brow. "Wow, did she really think I was funny?" he half-said to himself.

"She did," Violet said simply. Brek almost jumped. "Oh my grife, did I say that out loud?"

"Loud enough," Violet laughed. "And I thought I was the shy one!" She leaned forward. "Zoe likes boys with a strong sense of justice and the conviction to to do what is right. But she doesn't like overly stubborn boys, or ones that don't think before they leap, so don't go and do anything unnecessarily fancy in battle just to impress her." She watched Brek carefully as the latter swallowed. "Why are you telling me this?"

"You like her, and you seem like you have a good head on your shoulders." Violet settled back. "I think you might be good for her. Don't worry, I won't tell her about this conversation," she added with a soft smile. "Oh, and she dislikes watching romance holos so don't ask her out on that sort of date. She prefers traveling and outdoors stuff. And she likes black hole layer cake and hates pluberry pie."

"Th... thanks," Brek stammered as he wiped his brow again.

**********************************************************************

IB's notes:

Kinetix and Leviathan had mutual crushes on each other. They never really dated, but they flirted quite a bit (Leviathan even made Kinetix acting Legion leader once). She also cried after he died.

Violet, on the other hand, had a strong love for Leviathan although he never noticed her that way. His death made her reveal that she was possessed by the Emerald Eye, and she in turn possessed the whole Legion to try and find a way to bring her back. After she was freed from the Eye, she almost died because she could not let go of him.
Made some minor edits to the XS/Wildfire scene, to further describe the shield around LW. It prevents M'Onel from using his vision powers to see what is going on inside, and prevents the Legionnaires from physically entering (Gates can't teleport through either).
Garth and Imra's treatment and support of Berta was really well handled, so good for Nightwind to to see the founders are people too!

Your love of XS shines through IB. You write her beautifully. I liked Mon El and Shauvaghn working together - they are both professionals so it shouldn't be a surprise but it was good to read.

You write the best Gates I think, he's a character I have trouble with so I love your take on him; a camdudgeon with a heart.

Also really sweet the little flirtatious moment between Drura and Brek and Vi's advice to Polar Boy, even in this stressful situation they are stil people, and perhaps much like its widely reported amongst those trying to deal with life during wartime the Legionnaires appreciate the stolen moments they can share all the more and are more likely to do and say things that they probably wouldn't otherwise. And they are teenagers smile

Great stuff IB, I'm really looking forward to the big pay off soon.

More, more, more!
So very glad you are liking these little moments Harbi, I had fun giving them some down time smile now it is time for me to ramp uo the action, you are right the payoff will come soon!

So very glad you like my Gates too, such high praise indeed! And XS as well.
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VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, Asteroid TMC-89 near Legion World...

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth; previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation

Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan. (Reserve Legionnaire and Cadet). Telepathic control of others' physical functions

************************************************************

Ferro watched Mentalla silently as she patiently watched Gear fiddle with the door to the installation's control room. Though she was just a Cadet and a Reservist, she showed as much grace under pressure as any veteran Legionnaire - and even more than some of them had on their first missions. Sometimes Ferro recalled HIS early days with the team, when they were stuck in the 20th century; but that seemed like a lifetime ago.

"How much longer, Gear?" Sensor crossed her arms, annoyance apparent as she stared at the door. Though she still sometimes complained about her new form*, she had learned to use it well. She breathed deeply, as if calming herself. "I appreciate this is delicate work, but we don't know what the bad guy is doing with the hostages!"

"I'm almost there, Sensor," Gear squinted his left eye as he twisted his arm. "And here... we... go!" The door swung open. Gear stood up, retracting his appendages, and made a show of bowing. "Ladies first."

"Wonderful." Sensor slithered in. "Hm... Gangster, Quicksand... uh oh, Titanor. I can hide us from his telepathy too, but this will take a bit more effort than I thought."

Ferro positioned himself near the telepath. "Just warn me if he notices us, Sensor. I'll take care of him. Mentalla, maybe you can watch Quicksand."

"Of course," Mentalla said as she stood close to the villain, who could turn liquids into solids.

Gear stood beside the controls, all manner of tools emerging from his body. "Gear to Teams 2 and 3. You in position?"

"Just a sec, Gear," Triad's voice replied. "Cham's already in position, but let's give Team 2 a little bit more time."

"How much more time do they need?" Sensor's voice was tinged with impatience.

"Tinya says they're halfway to the control room."

Sensor opened her mouth to retort. "Don't worry," Triad continued on before Sensor could. "They're getting faster as they go along. Sussa's leading them in taking over the securi-cams of their installation bit by bit."

"Then we wait," Ferro added firmly as he began to float, cross-legged, in mid-air. "I'm sure they are going as fast as they can," he added with finality.

"They better be," Sensor muttered as she, too, began to float, tail tucked in under her. "I don't want to return to Legion World to see anyone we know harmed."


************************************************************
Ferro is originally from 20th century Earth. He joined the team when some of them were stranded; they allowed him to come to the 30th century with them because he had no family.

Sensor was transformed from her serpentine form in Legion 17-18. She gained arms, hair, and a humanoid torso and facial features.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac (Post ZH Legion) Best-Laid Plans - 09/12/15 02:35 PM
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VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, Asteroid JM-L15 near Legion World...

Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility and disruption of mechanical devices
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony; skilled martial artist
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair

************************************************************

Apparition squinted as she phased her hand out of the wall and into the securi-cam watching the corridor just outside the control room. She was glad she had mastered her ability to disrupt and control circuitry; it was tough enough making sure nobody saw her arm as she fiddled with the camera. Suddenly destroying it in a shower of sparks would be just perfect, especially for such a senior Legionnaire.

"Sentient approaching, Apparition," Lume whispered over the flight rings. Tinya quickly withdrew her hand, leaving only her eyes to peek out of the wall. Lume was in its energy form, hovering in the corner near one of the lights. Normally extremely bright, Lume had tones down its luminescence to match the lighting in the corridor. "Sentient clear."

"Thanks, Lume." Tinya dove right back in, phasing her face and her arms inside the securi-cam. "Ready, Sussa."

"Okay, look for the red wire running from the lens," Sussa replied. "You need to attach the microchip right at the point the wire meets the wall." Tinya licked her lips as she did. She was glad she had so much practice knitting mittens for Cub. Grife, Violet would have been the better choice for this! After a few harrowing minutes, she managed to fit the microchip. "Done, Sussa."

In her hiding place in the vents, Spider-Girl's hair tapped gently across her Omnicom, inputting commands faster than her fingers ever could. Each of the four microchips they had implanted allowed her increasing access to a specific portion of the installation's command systems, access she would need to open a hole big enough for Gear to tap through. "We're ready," she noted. "Is Gear's team in position?"

"Yes," Triad replied. "Your team is good to go."

"Finally," Sussa breathed. "Karate Kid, you're up."

"With pleasure," Val responded from his position outside. "Be ready."

Sussa counted silently to five, bracing herself against the walls. Right on target, a tremor rocked the installation on the wall outside the control room. Its door swung open and Holdur, Twine and a handful of support staff exited. "What the sprock just happened? Stormfront, Caress?"

They were met with silence. Twine and Holdur looked at each other. "Slacking off?" Holdur asked. Twine shook her head. "Maybe Stormfront would be dumb enough, but Caress is too professional. We should check it out. Doubt it's an attacker, but this field is full of asteroids bumping into one another. Might be something like that." She turned to the support staff. "You stay put. The boss will have our heads if we lose this station." The two costumed villains ran off; the staff turned to enter the room. Sussa grinned as she tapped on her Omnicom; the door swung shut as the lights in the corridor went out.

"Sprock!" One of the staff desperately pressed against the door. "Power outage? This is the sprocking 31st century!"

"It can happen," another replied as he checked the ceiling. "If something damaged the generators, then yes. Failsafes will kick in in a few minutes though."

Even as the staff were speaking, Sussa crawled along the vents above the room. She lifted the grates and dove through, landing smoothly on the floor below thanks to her flight ring. She ran to the controls and stuck the device Babbage and Gear had concocted onto it. The device beeped once, then a green light began to glow. She began inputting commands, just as Brainiac 5 had instructed her.

"Okay, rerouting information flow..." Apparition emerged from the wall as she did. "Lume's watching the door. Anything I can help with?"

"Thanks, but you've already done your part. The microchips you installed will keep my hacking from being detected," Sussa replied as she kept typing. "We don't have much time. I just need to open a back door... and... I think I've got it!"

"Indeed you have." Gear's voice sounded through the controls. "Thanks for letting me in."

"Our pleasure," Sussa smiled as she detached the device from the controls. "Now it's time to make a graceful exit."

"We'll see you outside, then," Apparition smiled as she sank into the floor. "Very impressive, Sussa."

"It was a team effort, Tinya," Sussa winked as she flew back into the vents. She quietly replaced the grate, then tapped her Omnicom. The door to the room opened and the support staff filed inside. "What did I tell you?" one of them said as he sat back down. "Failsafes kicked in."

"Glad they did," another breathed. "Stupid asteroid. Took out Caress and Stormfront and the controls to our section, I heard!"

Sussa smiled to herself as she made her way to her exit. Who knew being a Legionnaire would be this much fun?
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VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, Asteroid RSTP-3680 near Legion World...

Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication; skilled administrator

Chuck Taine of Earth (Honorary Legionnaire). Skilled architect and mechanic, pilot of the bouncing ship called the Bouncing Boy

************************************************************

"... and we figured out how to incorporate the new plastic fluid into the inner lining between the ship's hulls to make it bounce." Chuck rapped the walls of the Bouncing Boy for emphasis. "As for why a bouncing ship, well why not? It makes for a surprise tacic in battle," he smiled.

"Fascinating, Chuck. That's really brilliant," Triad Neutral smiled.

"Weird, but brilliant," Purple grudgingly admitted. "Now, no offense Chuck, but you've pretty much walked us through your activities for the past two years. Hey Cham, you done yet?"

"Sorry Triad. I had to wait for a shift change so I could do the job. Luckily, all I have to do is copy the eyeball of someone authorized - in this case, The Empress, and enable remote control. And I'll be done in just... about... now."

"Confirming!" Gear's triumphant voice came over Orange's commlink. "I am in. You hear that, LW away team?"

"Affirmative. This is Nightwind, and we are go. Great work, teams."

"Still no let up from Earth space," Kid Quantum II popped in. "We're making good progress though. Brainy's team is almost done. You go ahead, but save some for us."

"We'll try," Nightwind responded. "Heading out now - I'll alert you once we're ready, Gear."

As the commlinks winked out, Chuck leaned back in his chair. "Wow! That was great going, Shikari, Triad. You guided all three teams to the control centers just like that."

Shikari propped herself up from the couch she had been lying on. "Thank you, Jovial Legion. I am looking forward to helping retake Legion World."

"Don't worry Kari. As soon as the others return to the Bouncing Boy, we'll head right over there to help them," Triad Neutral replied as she checked the flight ring indicators. "And we're going to have a lot of words with this mysterious bad guy..."
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, in orbit around Legion World...

Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Impulse, Kent Shakespeare of Earth; enhanced speed, strength, durability and recuperative abilities, medical doctor
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth; invisibility
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electric manipulation. Formerly had Element Lad's transmutation abilities.
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; generate and control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth; wind and air manipulation
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; size manipulation of own body
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings). Anti-energy being
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed, granddaughter of the Flash (Barry Allen)

Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Honorary Legionnaire). Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer.

**********************************************************************

As the shield surrounding Legion World winked out of existence, Nightwind opened the airlock. "Okay teams, you know what to do. Fan out to your positions and stay in contact. Now, let's go Legionnaires!"

All 15 active members on board the ship echoed Nightwind's battle cry as they jumped out of their ship. Shvaughn Erin watched as they did, a twinkle in her eye. "Godspeed, Legionnaires."

The Legionnaires alighted on a small asteroid near the surface of Legion World and formed into their sub-teams. As soon as they did, Gates formed his teleport disks. "Taxi service coming up, lazy humanoids!" he joked. Invisible Kid, Impulse, Kinetix and Violet vanished into one; Babbage, Nightwind, Microbe and Saturn Girl into another; and XS, White Witch and Gates himself into a third.

As they watched the three disks dissipate, Blizzard turned to Live Wire, M'Onel and Wildfire. "You ready to kick some serious nass, guys?" Brek's hand glowed a crystalline white. "I'm looking forward to cutting loose."

"Not too loose, Blizzard," M'Onel answered as he trained his vision powers on Legion World. "Remember our part; we create a distraction only if we need to. This is still a covert operation and we need to let our teams accomplish their objectives first."

"I'm sure Blizzard knows that, M'Onel," Live Wire said gently as Brek's face fell. "He's just being enthusiastic, and I can appreciate that."

"Yeah, and you have to admit, we're all raring to kick these dweeks where it hurts," Wildfire added.

"You are right. I apologize, Brek, if I misinterpreted."

"No worries, M'Onel," Brek smiled as he extended his hand. "I'm just really stoked to be working with you."

"Pleasure's all mine," M'Onel replied with a smile as he shook Brek's hand. "I just hope we don't have to do too much work."

**************************************************************

As soon as they materialized in the workshop that Chuck Taine and Gear used to study methods of improving Legion World's maintenance, Babbage leaped at the control panel. "It is just as Gear described," it intoned as it began to type instructions. "This panel will allow me to take control of Legion World's life support systems. In five minutes I will have control of the vents; in another fifteen we should be able to access the Thresholds."

"Great work, Babbage," Nightwind said as she pulled out a pouch from her belt. She opened it, peering at the tiny spheres with propellers on top. Each was small enough to seem like a speck of dust. "And these little babies are going to make our work a lot easier."

"Especially after I infect them with the Naltorian sleeping sickness," Microbe grinned as she took the pouch. "With a few modifications, of course."

Saturn Girl closed her eyes as a pinkish aura surrounded her head. "Identifying... I've located the biggest concentrations of post-human villains. Ugh... I recognize quite a few particularly vile ones." Though her voice dripped with disgust, her expression remained stoic. "Thankfully, their imprisonment of hostages will work against them. I know where they are; we can easily avoid infecting them. I can also confirm the Threshold room is clear."

"Their attack on us will backfire as well*," Nightwind said darkly. "Nobody messes with the Legion." She put her flight ring to her lips. "White Witch, get ready to roll."

**************************************************************

Leaving Kinetix and Impulse hiding in an alcove, Invisible Kid flew into the bio-research lab, a tiny Violet on his shoulder. Much to Lyle's chagrin, it was nearly unrecognizable. He and Brainiac 5 had spent hours upon hours researching here, but now it looked like the diabolical lair of some super-villain from the 1940s. Rows upon rows of unconscious, superpowered beings floated in tubes. Violet gasped in horror as she saw friends and allies. "Atmos, Dirk Morgna, Vapor, Mekt Ranzz, Lori Morning... Even RJ Brande! It's a who's who, Lyle," Violet whispered. Lyle nodded, even as he searched the laboratory for a certain figure. His heart pounded as he did. Nightwind had said he had been taken... he must be here... he must...

There. Lyle felt the tears welling in his eyes as he looked at the handsome, adorable face he dreamed of every night.

Condo.

"Let's move, Vi. You watch my back while I tinker with the controls," Lyle whispered.

"Whoa, hold on there," Violet whispered back. "You never know when the bad guy will get here. Kinetix and Impulse are watching the corridor, at least let them give us the all-clear."

"Doesn't mean we can't start," Lyle murmured. "I can study these controls without actually freeing everyone. Okay?"

"... Okay, then," Violet said as she jumped off Lyle's shoulder and onto a table top across the entrance. "Just keep alert."

"Of course." Lyle forced himself to take his eyes off Condo and flew towards the controls. "Just wait for me a little longer, Condo," he muttered under his breath. "Just wait."

**************************************************************

XS watched as the last of the guards in the Threshold chamber slumped to the floor. "Worked like one of your spells, Mysa," she reported. "That Naltorian Sleeping Sickness is such a gem!"

"You sure they can't see us from outside?" an exhausted Gates called from beside XS. "I mean, are you very sure?"

"Yes," White Witch replied as she lowered her hands. "I rehearsed that spell extensively, Gates. A simple enough illusion spell, it is not as effective as Sensor's powers, but it will suffice. Any who look into this room will continue to perceive it as it was just before the spell was cast."

"Perfect," said XS as she zipped around. With Babbage guiding her, the Threshold gates were operational in seconds. "Now all we need is a Kwai, and we'll be in business. You hear that, Nightwind?"

"Yes. Now head over to where the hostages are and get ready to bring them to safety."

"Okay, see you in a bit," XS smiled as she waved to Gates and White Witch and dashed off.

"I hope she hurries," Gates said testily. "I won't be able to help her, and estimates say we have thousands of hostages."

"I understand your concern, but I wouldn't worry," White Witch turned to inspect the Thresholds. "She is very capable, and... OH!" A green blast of energy threw Mysa backwards. Gates turned in shock as it did. "Oh, SPROCK!"

A green light shone in the doorway to the Chamber. "Ah, much better. Now we get to see things as they are instead of as they were. Don't worry though, White Witch... Your spell worked just fine. We only countered it because we anticipated you would pull something like that... Right, Eye?" The glow faded as the Empress and the Emerald Eye walked into view. "Just like we anticipated everything you would do."

"Sprock sprock sprock I knew this was too easy!" Gates yelled as he teleported beside Mysa. "Nightwind! Get everyone out of... AHHH!" Gates screamed as his mind exploded. He slumped to the floor beside Mysa. "Ahh, Vyrgans. Such uncomplicated, focused minds," purred Ar'dn, the Gil'dan representative from the now-defunct Dark Circle. "Thank you for saving this one for me, Empress."

"As long as you let me kill him when the Master says we can." A cruel smile twisted her lips as she bound Gates' hands. "Now, let's go hunt the others."

**********************************************************************

Just three seconds after she left the Threshold Chamber, XS emerged in the Legion World entrance hall. It was the single room large enough to hold all of the hostages easily; some of the planetary habitats were too, but there were also plenty of places to hide. This space was easy to guard. She peeked in; the hostages were huddled towards the center, surrounded by a translucent energy cage. One-way visuals, she bet. SHe recognized Marla Latham and Dr. Ryk'rr, standing towards the front of the hostages and trying to keep the calm. She smiled to herself; she knew they could have counted on them to do that.

Even with the guards isolated, they could not risk infecting them; an airborne virus could slip through the cage's molecules and put all the hostages to sleep as well. No, she had to do this the old-fashioned way.

She ran as fast as she could, taking out each guard with a well-placed nerve strike, just as Karate Kid had taught her. She gently laid each on the floor as she did. Then she began studying the controls of the cage. A combination lock. Easy enough, she could just try every possible combination until she found the right one. She just had to make sure there were no booby traps. Taking out her Omnicom, she began to study the lock...

...only for it to morph and clamp down on her arm. "So you really are alive, Legionnaire!"

"What?" XS quickly vibrated her arm, blowing the being back. It crashed onto the floor, reverting to its normal form. "A Durlan?!"

"And more!" XS felt a sticky substance wrapping around her. She tried to vibrate through it, but she suddenly felt sluggish. She gasped as it wrapped around her. She turned to watch her attackers, and her eyes widened in horror. "Oh... oh no..."

"Oh yes. I recognize you, humanoid, from what I believe was your very first mission as a Legionnaire," Tangleweb* hissed as it towered over here. Beside her was a man she did not recognize, wielding something she did - the first Kid Quantum's stasis belt. She tried to scream, but she couldn't even do that as the goo piled over her eyes.

**********************************************************************

Invisible Kid feverishly tapped on his Omnicom as he accessed the settings in the laboratory. Apparently, the tubes were simulating life support functions. It was easy enough figuring out how to dismantle them; the difficulty was in making sure he disengaged all vital functions before doing so. He wished Brainiac 5 or Gear were here. It was hard to think while Condo's life was in danger...

"LYLE!" A violent shake wracked his body. He instinctively stamped down where his attacker's foot would be, only to hit empty air. "It's me, Vi. I've been calling you!" Before Lyle could apologize, Vi continued. "Start freeing those hostages! We don't have any more time!"

"What... Oh." Lyle's blood turned cold as he took in the figure in the doorway. It was just as the others had described him... a humanoid male with pink skin, dressed in armor and a cape. An unconscious Kinetix and a struggling Impulse were dangling from his hands.

"You will surrender, Legionnaires. NOW." He pointed a hand right at Condo's tube. "Some of these subjects are expendable, and I will not hesitate to destroy them."

"Oh grife..." Violet whispered to Lyle. "I'll try to distract him. You be ready to move."

Lyle hissed under his breath as he tried to calculate the odds. He could never move Condo's tube in time, not by himself. And using himself as a shield wouldn't work. No, they would have to stop the villain from blasting. "Vi, no, I think we need to play along first."

"No." A loud boom erupted as twin beams of heat seared the villain's flesh. He screamed in surprise and pain as a red-and-blue blur collected Kinetix and Impulse.

"M'Onel!" Violet screamed as she bent over to adjust Kinetix's transuit. Zoe stirred as she did, while Lyle pulled Impulse over to the controls.

"And Wildfire!" A blast of anti-energy slammed into the villain, pushing him back. "Just in time, huh?"

"Keep blasting, Drake." M'Onel moved behind the villain, pinning his arms to his sides. "I'll hold him."

"No, you will not." The villain calmly pushed his arms outwards and elbowed M'Onel in the stomach. The Daxamite staggered backwards. With surprising speed, the villain tossed M'Onel over his shoulder and at Wildfire, who evaded just in time. M'Onel just barely managed to divert his path to avoid crashing into the tube holding Dragonmage.

"How the sprock are you powerful enough to do that?!" Wildfire turned to blast the villain once more. Kinetix joined him; anti-energy and telekinetic blasts battering the villain from two sides. A gigantic Violet followed by smashing a desk on him. He staggered momentarily, then stood. "Grife, I gave it all I had!" Kinetix breathed. "I don't believe this!"

"My kind have faced beings as powerful, or more so, than you," the villain's deep voice was chilling. "No mortal being can stand against a Monitor." He began to advance on the Legionnaires. "Now, you will submit."

**********************************************************************

The earlier attack Nightwind refers to is depicted at the start of .

The Legion faced Tangleweb in ...gends-revealed-187/]Comic Book Resources
, RJ was originally supposed to be the Martian Manhunter, but this did not push through as it would have contradicted some developments in J'Onn's own title, such as his 30th century activities shown in Martian Manhunter v2 11.

Lori Morning is also a hostage because, even though she has no powers at the moment, she has absorbed a great deal of chronal energy because of her time travels.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, Asteroid TMC-89 near Legion World...

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth; previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation

Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan. (Reserve Legionnaire and Cadet). Telepathic control of others' physical functions

************************************************************

"Something else's wrong!" Fear tinged Gear's voice. His eyes glowed as he began scanning the readouts.

"What? What is it?" Sensor hissed. "We were undetected, right?"

"Wrong." Titanor's voice was cold as he reached and slapped Mentalla, who went down with a pained cry. Then he rounded on Sensor. "I don't only control minds, Legionnaire. I have decent mental shields as well. And now your mind is mine, witch!"

"I... think... not!" Tears streamed down Sensor's eyes as she resisted. "Ferro, Gear, watch out! I can't maintain my illusions and fight him off at the same time!"

"I kind of figured that!" Ferro watched as, shaken from the illusion, the other villains began to act. Quicksand raised her hands, liquefying the floor into a flowing mass of metal, and aimed it at Ferro. Ferro quickly used his flight ring to fly above the attack. He glanced at Gear; the villain called Gangster had used his ability to split into multiple bodies and was swarming his teammate with attacks. "I'll help you, Gear! You warn the other teams!"

"I already tried!" Gear's voice was desperate as he blasted at the Gangster bodies; three fell down, but the remaining five simply duplicated themselves and advanced.

"Worry about yourself, Legionnaire." Quicksand turned her fists into liquid and shot at Ferro's face; he gasped as the liquid seeped into his mask and onto his torso. "You know, I don't usually turn other beings into liquid, but your metallic body makes too tempting a target..."

Ferro screamed as he felt his arm start to melt. He swatted at Quicksand's form, but she kept flowing and ebbing; it was like trying to scrape oil off.

"I have you, Ferro!" One of Gear's arms snaked out from under the pile of Gangster bodies and transformed into a large heat cannon. "You don't need to close your eyes, right?" Gear fired; a screaming Quicksand wailed as the heat rays battered her. She turned back to her human form and slumped to the ground.

"Thanks, Gear," Ferro quickly checked his arm. The damage was minimal, and he suspected mostly cosmetic. "Allow me to return the favor." He dove at the only Gangster body that was hanging back; the body aimed a large gun at him and fired. Ferro dodged and slammed his fist into Gangster's face. In a flash, the remaining bodies faded from sight. "Whew. Glad you can only keep those bodies while conscious... Gear, keep trying to contact the others! I'll help Sensor!"

"You will not." Ferro screamed as he felt Titanor's telepathy invade his mind. "You will hurt her!"

"Yes..." Ferro felt the words escape his lips even as a revulsion filled his heart. He looked at Sensor and saw only a snooty, spoiled princess who had patronized him during his Legion career. Beside him, Gear stood. "You could have stopped me from getting damaged on Blackstar, Sensor..." Gear rasped. "You let me get hurt!"**

"Ferro, Gear, no!" Sensor backed away in a panic. "Please, fight it!"

"They cannot," Titanor gloated. "As your teammates found out so long ago, I can control more than one puppet at a time... ahhh!"

"And as they found out, you talk too much!" Mentalla staggered to her feet as she faced Titanor. "Now, let them go!" Ferro felt Titanor's mental control slip as Mentalla pressed her attack. She was trying to cut off the domination at its source! He dropped to his knees as Titanor's will went in and out of his mind. It was too fast; every time he felt a modicum of control return, it was lost just like smoke seeping through his fingers. "Uhnn... Mentalla..."

"Try to get yourself out of here, Ferro," Mentalla breathed as she pushed against Titanor. "I'm trying to drive him out..."

"You won't!" Leaping forward, Titanor gripped Mentalla's arms. "Impressive, little girl. You are challenging my domination... but physically, you are no match for me."

"You really do talk too much!" Sensor's tail looped around Titanor's torso and pulled him into the air. With a flick, she slammed him into the floor. "You okay?" She reached down to help Mentalla up.

"Yes... thank you. I really wasn't sure how much longer I could have held on..."

"You did fine," Sensor smiled as she helped Ferro up. "I saw him slap you. It looked pretty painful."

"Yes..." Mentalla touched her face and winced. "Is everyone else okay?"

"I'll be fine," Ferro added as he checked his arm again. "Thankfully, Quicksand started with the portion covered by my sleeve..."

"Glad we're all okay," Gear called from the controls as he kept typing. "But I don't know for how much longer." He turned to face his teammates, eyes glowing a deep red. "I've been shut out of this asteroid's systems, and the systems of the other two. And communications with the others are down."

"Can't... Can't you hack into them again?" Sensor asked fearfully.

"I did it once before, so I should be able to, with time," Gear said quietly. "The question is... with our cover blown, will our teammates survive until then?"

************************************************************

LSH 117 - Sensor was imprisoned on Blackstar Prison, where Gear manned the security system. Gear had simply been waiting for a powerful inmate who could help him shut down the prison. Gear was severely damaged in the battle.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/13/15 04:10 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, Asteroid RSTP-3680 near Legion World...

Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; controls a mystical darkfield

Insect Queen, Lonna Leing of Xanthu. (Uncanny Amazer and Legion ally). Ability to morph her abdomen into various insect forms, gaining the powers of the forms she takes.

************************************************************

"Well, that was a fun first mission," Insect Queen sighed as she stood up. "Don't get me wrong though; I'm impressed at how smoothly it went. We didn't even have to do anything."

"Part of the job, IQ," Timber Wolf grinned. "Legionnaires are professionals, after all."

"Hush," Umbra cautioned. "Chameleon should have returned by now. Something else else is not right, and I cannot hail him through his flight ring." She peered intently through her darkfield. "We must move... ARGH!"

Umbra screamed as a bright light pierced through her darkfield and slammed into her chest. A cruel laugh filled the area as the darkness dissipated around them. The light solidified into a slim blonde youth. "Strike one goes to Lazon!"

"You're fast, but can you think fast enough?" Timber Wolf snarled as he leaped forward. Then, he felt something wet and tight lasso around his leg. "What?"

"It is Ze Tongue, mon ami!" A green-skinned youth laughed as he pulled his tongue, slamming Brin into the ground. "Ze Legion rejected me before, but I have found ze new comrades! And my bolo-tongue, eet ees effective, no?"

"Please, even the Uncanny Amazers would have turned you down," Insect Queen sneered as she transformed into an Arcturan Gypsy Moth. Fluttering her wings, she sent hallucinogenic scales at Ze Tongue and Lazon. The latter zipped away, but the former held his head in his hands. "Vot ees... happening..." he collapsed onto the ground.

Lonna turned towards Brin and Tasmia. "Are you two okay?"

"Watch out!" Brin yelled, pointing behind her. Lonna turned around to see a purple woman in a green costume; she carried a large transparent canister with a quivering Chameleon inside. "Can't... control... body..." Cham stammered. "Watch out... spores..."

"Yes, Pollen's spores can do a lot of damage," the woman smiled as she released a burst of fine dust at Lonna before she could react. Lonna staggered backwards, wings flapping urgently; not fast enough, though. She fell, coughing. "And now for you two," she pointed at Timber Wolf and Umbra.

"Too slow, babe." Brin hurled a rock at Pollen; it struck her in the forehead. She fell down with a pained cry, and the canister containing Chameleon rolled away.

"Okay, now where's that last squaj... Yeow!" Brin fell as a wide beam of light careened into him.

"Who's the squaj now, Legionnaire?" Lazon taunted. "And now for you, Shadow Lass. This should be easy."

Umbra grit her teeth as Lazon advanced. She waited until he was closer... closer... He held out his glowing hand. "Good night."

Before he could fire, shadows enveloped him from behind, covering his face and body. "Mmmmmph!" he screamed as he willed his body to turn into light. He blasted his molecules outwards, trying to escape. It was so cold... so dark... He could feel it compressing around him as he screamed in his mind.

Outside, Umbra drew her hands back, then released a thick barrage of shadows at Lazon. The solid wave of shadows snapped into his body; he fell like a sack of pluberries.

"Good night yourself, Lazon," she muttered as she dusted herself off. "And the name is Umbra." She turned to her teammates.With a flick of her wrist, she sliced open Chameleon's canister as Timber Wolf helped Insect Queen up. "Come, now that the element of surprise is lost, I think we need to have words with whomever is in that installation." Without waiting for a reply, she gathered Chameleon in a darkfield sling and took off. Timber Wolf and Insect Queen looked at one another; he shrugged, then followed.

Insect Queen wrapped the three unconscious villains in webbing, then turned into a Tenazorian Dragonfly. As she launched herself into the sky, she thought that she might have preferred the quiet, boring wait earlier.

************************************************************

IB's notes:

This is Lazon's first actual Postboot appearance. I needed a villain who could give Umbra trouble, and decided to use him.
Posted By: razsolo Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/14/15 04:23 AM
Some awesome action! I cringed for Ferro going up against Quicksand, that could have been much worse! Good work giving so many characters a moment in the spotlight...Gear, Sensor, Mentalla...can't wait to see what Tasmia's group get up to next - two shapeshifters and two of the best fighters in the Legion are gonna be a tough combo to beat!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/14/15 04:50 AM
Thanks raz smile Glad you enjoyed the battles. It was tough giving everyone a chance to shine, now I sort of understand why they limited the team membership in the comics! There are just so many of them smile

Hope you enjoyed the battles on Legion World too, as well as the action with Tinya and Sussa's team. Much more to come I can promise you smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/14/15 05:27 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, In space between Earth and Legion World...


Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation
Star Boy, Thom Kallor of Xanthu; gravity manipulation
Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers

**************************************************************
Kid Quantum II looked with worry at the dozens of ships they had disabled. Only a few ships remained, yet... Surely someone must have figured that Legion World was being attacked. She hoped that things were running smoothly.

"Nightwind? Triad? Any word?" she barked over her flight ring as she encircled yet another ship's thrusters in a quantum bubble. She willed the bubble to age the machinery to dust; in seconds, the metal had withered and the ship began to stall.

"Still no word, Jazmin?" Thunder asked as she and Andromeda flew up alongside her.

"No... it's not like them to sign in. Brainy's team is the only I can reach. We have to expect the worst. As soon as they're done, we take the fight to Legion World."

"Or you can just die here and save us all the trouble!" A green beam of energy stabbed through space and blasted into Andromeda, who was thrown back. Thunder and Kid Quantum stared in shock as the Empress, the Emerald Eye and Validus came into view. Validus followed with a bolt of electricity that lit up Andromeda's body like a neon tube; the two attacks were too much for the Daxamite, who floated limply in space.**

"Sprock. Star Boy, get over here," Kid Quantum barked as she encased the Empress in a quantum bubble. "Brainy, you may have incoming. Thunder...!"

"On it." Thunder slammed into Validus, pushing him backwards. The gigantic villain snarled as he swiped at Thunder, who evaded smoothly. She flew around him, punching him from behind. With a roar, he blasted Thunder with more of his mental lightning. Thunder grit her teeth as she absorbed the blast; it was painful, but not quite enough. "I was prepared for you," Thunder said grimly as she gripped Validus' arm. "And I'm used to being hit by lightning!" With a twist, she flung Validus into a nearby asteroid. A cloud of dust and debris erupted as he hit. "That should keep you busy for a while... AAAAAAAAAAHH!!"

Thunder turned around to see an unconscious Kid Quantum floating by as the Emerald Eye pressed its attack. It was more painful than she had thought! She tried flying up, but the beam was trained on her; it followed her every move. Gritting her teeth, she began advancing on it. "I'm not as vulnerable to magic as Andromeda is!"

"No, but not even you can stand against this for long," the Empress smiled cruelly. "Especially not against both of us!"

Thunder screamed as she felt Validus' electricity zap her again. If we can't stop them here, they'll wreak havoc on Earth! she thought desperately. I have to... have to... She never finished her thought as she slipped into unconsciousness.

**************************************************************

Tharok fumed as he tried to communicate with his restraints. No good; there wasn't a hint of artificial intelligence for his computer half to control. He looked at Mano and Persuader; Mano couldn't move his arms, and without his Axe the Persuader was just a decently strong but still normal man. No, they weren't getting out of this one like this.

He shook his head. The Legionnaires would win again...

Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a flickering green glow. He raised an eyebrow as he observed it. It must be... "Empress!" he exclaimed as the Empress, the Emerald Eye and Validus popped into view. Within seconds, the Eye had removed their restraints and had teleported the Persuader's Axe into his hands. "Well, well, well, the Five together again," Mano sneered. "Has the big boss changed orders?"

"Somewhat," Empress said testily as she ordered the Eye to zap the security cams. "Apparently, he knew the Legionnaires had returned to this reality all along. He only told us after a group infiltrated Legion World though... He wanted them there for some reason." She licked her lips suddenly. "Not that I'm complaining too much... They walked right into the trap. I'm looking forward to killing all of them this time. We've already taken down some powerful ones like White Witch and XS; the boss is seeing to M'Onel and Wildfire personally."

"So what are we supposed to do now?" Tharok asked. "I can take control of this ship easily and use it to destroy much of the fleet. I assume you took care of Andromeda and Thunder."

Before Empress could answer, Tharok felt himself being dragged down. He stared at the hole in the hull; Star Boy floated outside while a dazed-looking Andromeda was battering a snarling Validus. "Hope you don't mind me weighing in on your discussion," Star Boy quipped.

"We don't have time for this!" Empress shrieked. "Eye, get him!" Star Boy flew down as the Eye fired at him. The effects of Star Boy's power remained, though.

"Quickly, Empress," Tharok said. "Where were we supposed to go?"

"Earthside," Empress spat even as she watched the Eye. "Group of Legionnaires building something. We were supposed to take it over. Repulse's squad will meet us there."

"Okay, send the three of us there. You and Validus stay here and keep these Legionnaires from reinforcing the ones on Earth."

"As long as you save the killing for me," Empress laughed. "Eye, you heard Tharok!"

As they faded out of view, Tharok reflected silently on what had just happened. He was still the brains of the Fatal Five... but this time, the Five were under the thumb of another, more powerful villain.

He would have to do something about that eventually.

**************************************************************
IB's notes:

Yes, Emerald Eye and Empress were just on Legion World, but they made their way to this location. It's pretty hard finding a villain who can reasonably threaten both Andromeda and Thunder after all smile

In Legion 15-16, the Fatal Five mentioned that the Emerald Eye's power had been diminished after the Blight invasion. How or why was never explained. The Eye was still pretty darned powerful though.

Validus' mental lightning was strong enough to stun both Andromeda and M'Onel in LSH 80, while the Emerald Eye took M'Onel out in Legionnaires 45. The Daxamites were fully-powered then. I figured both attacks should be more than enough to take out Andromeda and Thunder out this time, even with the Eye's diminished power.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/14/15 12:58 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, on Legion World...

Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Impulse, Kent Shakespeare of Earth; enhanced speed, strength, durability and recuperative abilities, medical doctor
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth; invisibility
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electric manipulation. Formerly had Element Lad's transmutation abilities.
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; generate and control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth; wind and air manipulation
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; size manipulation of own body
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings). Anti-energy being
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed, granddaughter of the Flash (Barry Allen)

Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Honorary Legionnaire). Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer.

**************************************************************
Live Wire cursed silently as he stood back-to-back with Blizzard. After M'Onel had spotted the danger Lyle's squad was in, they had rushed to the rescue. The time for subtlety was over, as they had been revealed anyway. But he and Blizzard were much slower than M'Onel and Wildfire, and had been intercepted on the way. Now, they were surrounded by nearly a dozen super-powered enemies. From their uniforms, they were all members of the Credo. "I thought they disbanded!" he told Blizzard. "After they saw Singularity try to blow them up to kill m- the Progenitor!"**

"Most did, but some of us stayed together," a finned Credo member snarled as it sent a barrage of teeth at them. Blizzard quickly conjured up an ice shield; it cracked under the volley, but held. "Though Singularity tried to kill us and the Progenitor saved us, it still did not undo the evil deeds of his Progeny!"

"Wonderful," Live Wire muttered as he placed his hands together. "Brek, time to do what we planned."

"With pleasure, Garth."

Garth raised his hands above his head and released the ball of electricity he had gathered. A series of blinding flashes lit up the corridor they were fighting in; the Credo members screamed and cowered. Garth doubted many had been hit, but they were down, at least.

"My turn!" Brek said, concentrating. Frost began filling the area as he super-cooled the air; the Credo had been wearing spacesuits and had not noticed the drop in temperature, but they would notice the rapidly solidifying ice encasing them. Garth supported Brek by zapping any enemies trying to break through the ice. In minutes, all were trapped.

"High ten!" Brek shouted enthusiastically as he held up his hands. A grinning Garth returned the gesture. "Okay, let's go find Imra and Berta. Their group is the only one I can raise..."

"Thanks for letting us know." Garth gasped as he felt a pair of steel-hard hands crushing his chest. "Who...?" He channeled his electricity into his attacker, but nothing happened. "Sprock, I can't affect her!"

"Density! I recognize you from the tryouts!"** Brek jumped forward, gripping Density's arm. "Let him go!"

"Hah!" Density laughed as she thrust her arm out, sending Brek flying into the wall. "You won't stop someone who can change her substance into anything that easily." As Brek slumped down, she punched a struggling Garth in the head. "Thanks for cooperating, Live Wire. The Master will be pleased." She slung an unconscious Garth over her shoulder as she lifted her Omnicom. "Density to Brainstorm. I have Live Wire and am taking him directly to the Master's chambers. Home in on corridor 33 and pick up Blizzard."

She left an unconscious Blizzard behind as she whistled to herself. Today was turning into a good day.

**************************************************************
Brek struggled to pull himself to his feet. Grife, how long had he been out? "Oh no, Garth!" He looked around in panic. Sprock. Garth had been taken, and he had just let him go!

"Nightwind? Saturn Girl? M'Onel? Anyone?" he stammered into his flight ring. No answer. Were they all locked in battle, or captured, or worse?

"Density said he would be around here." Brek jumped as he heard the approaching voices. He tensed; perhaps he could take them out. But he was in no shape to fight multiple opponents; his head was still spinning. And he remembered what Violet had said about thinking before acting.

He turned and flew as fast as he could in the opposite direction.

Heart pounding, he tried using his flight ring's tracking function to find Nightwind. Her squad must still be free... it must...

He rounded a corner in the direction his flight ring was leading him to, and stopped in awe. Three dozen or so armed sentients were pounding on the door to what he recognized was Chuck Taine's workshop, which was also Nightwind's squad's target. Blizzard crouched down as he considered. He could take the soldiers by surprise, but exhausted as he was he might not be able to handle all of them. Perhaps if he tried to freeze their weapons...

One of the sentients fumbled her weapon. Turning to grab it, she locked eyes with Blizzard. "Hey, it's...!" Acting on instinct, Brek froze her solid. The others turned around, staring at him open-mouthed. Then, the one farthest away hefted his spear.

"Attack!!!"

"Sprock!" Brek sent a flurry of hailstones at them in desperation as he yelled into his flight ring. "Nightwind, can you hear me?"

He was answered by the door exploding open. A gust of wind sent furniture and tools flying into the attacking crowd. About half of the attackers got up, only to be met by an angry Saturn Girl and Microbe. Saturn Girl looked at each one in turn, slicing into their minds and commanding them to fall asleep. Microbe threw her hands up into the stream of air being manipulated by Nightwind, releasing the tiny spheres Babbage and Gear had engineered; those unfortunate enough to be in their path collapsed into snoring heaps.

"Thanks for the distraction, Brek." Berta's voice was steely as her hair whipped in the wind. "Nass, we've lost our edge. We need to regroup. We can't let Babbage be disturbed. Where did..."

"I'm being followed!" Brek blurted out before Nightwind could finish. "I.. UNGH!"

"Thank you for leading us to your teammates, little Legionnaire," Brainstorm cackled as he poured raw telekinetic energy onto Blizzard, who doubled under the pain. "Density may have captured Live Wire, but I'll be happy to report capturing four of you..."

"Where is Garth?!" Imra's mouth did not move, but her mind screamed the words as she invaded Brainstorm's. The shock of her invasion pushed the telekinetic backwards, but he persisted. "You took me by surprise before, mind witch, but I'm prepared now!"

"No, you are not," Imra's tone was icy as she caused a spike of pain to erupt in Brainstorm's mind. He fell, cowering, to the floor.

"Nice trick. Try it on me." A moving wall of sand emerged from the wall, covering Saturn Girl from head to toe. The former Workforce member known as Dune, composed of individual particles of sand, swarmed over her. Protected by her transuit, Imra nonetheless felt her body being buffeted by the storm. Oh sprock, she thought as she tried to isolate Dune's consciousness. It's spread out among each individual mote! It's a hive mind! Unleashing her psionic potential, she attacked each particle individually; those she did fell, but millions more remained. And they were coming at her with such force; she could feel each strike on her skin even through her transuit...

"Imra, use your flight ring to stabilize yourself!" Seconds after Berta's warning came, Imra felt gale force winds cleansing her of Dune's attack. She watched as Nightwind scattered Dune's component parts around the room.

"You have a spare transuit, right?" Berta asked. Imra quickly pulled one out of her belt pouch. "I dont' need to be a telepath to know what you're thinking," she smiled. Berta smiled back as she funneled Dune's components into the transuit.

"Watch out!" Drura warned as she flew past the two girls. They turned to see the terrorist known as Lantern smiling as his fists glowed. Before either could react, a glowing green hand slammed into both women, knocking them out. "I remember you two, Nightwind and Infectious Lass. You gave me a heck of a lot of pain last time," he said as he advanced on Drura. "Time to return the favor."

"Yeah, get them," Brainstorm slurred as he picked himself up. "And I'll destroy that mind witch... ACK!" He gagged as Drura poked a transuited finger down his throat. "I know you can render microorganisms inert," she sneered as she held his mouth open, "but try doing that when the delivery mechanism is inside you!" Brainstorm kicked at her in vain as he felt his body burn and his head explode in pain. Seconds later, he was down on the floor, retching. Drura turned to face Lantern. "Stay back," she warned as she held her hands out. "Or else you'll get worse than he did."

"Hah!" Lantern laughed as he danced backwards. "I have a longer range than you do, and your teammates are all down. Face it, Germ Girl, you are doing down."

"Actually, I believe you are." Lantern stopped as he felt a collar close around his neck. Instantly, the green glow surrounding him faded, and he fell flat on his back. "What...?"

"My friend Gear once faced a hologram of Green Lantern Kyle Rayner, and studied the power ring schematics,"*** Babbage explained. "Your powers come from similar technology; a largely inferior version of the real thing, I am told. Basically, you manipulate energy. And I have just disrupted the flow of energy through you."

"Freak!" Lantern yelled as he backed away from Babbage. "I'll tear you into microchips, you..."

"Oh, SHUT UP!" Drura placed her hands on both sides of Lantern's head. Before he could retort, he collapsed in a heaving heap.

"Nice going, gang," Blizzard pulled himself up unsteadily. "Let's make sure they stay down." He quickly encased Lantern, Brainstorm and the transuit containing Dune in ice as Nightwind and Saturn Girl staggered to her feet.

"Where's Garth?" Imra asked as she brushed herself off. "Last I heard, you were running to help Lyle's team."

"We... we were separated from M'Onel and Wildfire," Brek replied quietly. "We were ambushed and Garth... they took him."

Imra nodded calmly; Brek was amazed at her self-control. "But he's still alive then. That's good. I know they have his brother Mekt, so it's a good sign. And Brainstorm mentioned they really needed him..."

"We'll get him back, Imra," Berta's voice was determined as she checked her flight ring. "Him and the others they've taken. Babbage, did you do the deed?"

Babbage tilted its head, as if listening for something. Then it tilted its head back. "Yes, Nightwind. My brethren are on their way."

"Good," Berta punched her right fist into her left palm. "Come on, gang. Lyle's team is keeping the big bad busy. Let's go after our other friends." She jumped into the air, followed by the others. Brek spared one last look at the villains they had dispatched, then took off after the others. Part of him was pleased that they had taken down so many bad guys... but another part thought that it had been harder than he had expected.

**************************************************************
IB's notes:

1) This is a tad confusing so bear with me. The Credo was formed by Singularity to get revenge on surviving Progeny (see Legion Lost for more details on this). In Legion 33, Singularity tried to destroy his lead ship to kill Live Wire, whose body was in Element Lad's form at the time (see Legion 25 for Garth's return). The disillusioned and confused Credo seemingly disbanded then.

2) The Legion held tryouts in Legionnaires 43. In Legionnaires 44, Density and other rejects Ze Tongue, Phantom Lad and Cherry Bomb tried to kill Umbra, Sensor and Magno so they could join the Legion. Blizzard was also rejected that day, but obviously did not turn to evil smile I'm guessing Density is female, but I'm not 100% sure as she spent most of the issue with her arms crossed over her chest smile

3) Gear (and some other Legionnaires) fought holograms of several Justice Leaguers in the Legion 12.
Posted By: razsolo Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/14/15 01:31 PM
More awesomeness! Drura, Berta & Imra were great, I really liked Brek's insecurity as well. Also I forgot to say earlier, but a Monitor as the mastermind is very interesting! And it's gonna be more interesting when the Fatal Five decide they've had enough of following...
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/14/15 02:11 PM
Thanks Raz, really pleased you are liking this! I am determined to give everyone a moment so more to come.

Brek still has a lot to learn but he has a lot of enthusiasm smile


The universe hopping early on made a Monitor a nice choice for me.

And the Five are going to keep being trouble, definitely.

Thanks again for the continued support!
Posted By: Omni Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/16/15 12:46 AM
IB,

These have been some great character and action scenes.

I'm loving watching the old guard and the new interact. That moment between Nightwind and Saturn Girl and Live Wire was really well done.

I love the team of Garth and Berk! They have a natural chemistry that i think will be fun to see explored.

Berk is over zealous but i like it. he's still inspired and this team needs that from time to time.

I love that he took Vi's advice and didn't do something stupid. His crush on Zoe is really cute.

Lyle's fear is so real and i hope they get everyone out safely.

You really give these villains some real nice moments too. Density was much more effective here.

Dune's take down was wicked inventive.

A Monitor! i never saw that coming. Good twist.

I agree it will be interesting to see what the Fatal Five do.

So much great stuff here IB.

Can't wait to see the finale battle.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/16/15 01:40 AM
Hi Omni I am so glad you are liking these! As a fellow Postboot fanfic writer it is great to have your seal of approval.

Brek seems to be a breakout star. I see Garth as a more mature version of Brek and I can promise more of the two of them IF Garth makes it out in one piece. Brek is still eager but has a good head on his shoulders.

Happy you like the action scenes, the vilains are surprisingly fun to work with and I enjoy thinking of ways to use their powers.

A lot of Lyle's reactions are based on my own experiences, I am glad they seemed realistic smile

Glad you liked the Monitor twist. I am actually finding him harder to write than most of the other villains! I will certainly make sure I do my best with him in the finale.

Thanks again for all your support Omni.

Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/17/15 11:27 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, on Earth...

Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Dreamer, Nura Nal of Naltor; precognition
Magnetic Kid, Pol Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth; "hard light" energy casting and manipulation; energy disruption
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electric manipulation
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time

Dyrk Magz of Braal (Honorary Legionnaire). Science Police officer and former Legionnaire, currently depowered. It remains to be seen if his recent operation will restore his powers.
Tenzil Kem of Bismoll (Honorary Legionnaire). Consume and digest all forms of matter. Skilled chef and Legion support staff member.

*****************************************************************

"Sprock, sprock, sprock! And I thought our mission would be safest!" Tenzil awkwardly used his flight ring to avoid a stray projectile. Debris flew through the air and exposed wires crackled as Spark, Ultra Boy, Particon and Dreamer faced off against the villains who had suddenly popped into view. Out of nowhere. Three of the Fatal Five were here! "And Chuck finds this sort of thing exciting?" Tenzil shook his head.

"Over here, Tenz!" Dyrk beckoned from behind a large piece of machinery. Tenzil clambered over, chest heaving as he sat behind Dyrk. "Grife, what do we do, Dyrk? Brainy and the Krinns are trying to work on the machine, but even one lucky hit will take it out!"

"I know," Dyrk said grimly as he cocked his blaster. "We need to help."

"How?!" Tenzil asked as he watched Dreamer dodge a swing from the Persuader. "I'm not combat-trained, and the other SP are already out. What can we do?"

"C'mon, Tenz, we're still Honorary Legionnaires." Dyrk turned to Tenzil, gray eyes glowing. "They don't hand out these flight rings to just anyone, you know. Come on, let's join Brainy and the others." Ignoring Tenzil's protests, Dyrk took off.

"Gaaah. Make a difference, he said. Be part of something bigger than you are, he said. No danger, just cook real good food and lend an ear to the other kids..." Tenzil spat in annoyance as he followed, keeping low to avoid becoming a target. "Sigh... I can see the headlines now... Legionnaires return. Nobody chef gets axed by the Persuader." He kept grumbling to himself as he followed Dyrk's lead.

**********************************************************************

"I thought Andromeda had taken you squajes out?" Spark aimed a blast at Mano, who deftly used his hand to block it. Sprock, he's fast, she thought as she fired another.

"She did, and I admit she was effective," Mano retorted. "But we're back, and we're not going away until we destroy you. I regret killing needlessly, but for now my path is set." He suddenly lunged forward, grabbing Spark's wrists. "You will die now."

Beads of sweat rolled down Spark's forehead as she felt Mano's energy aura come uncomfortably close to her fingers. "I don't think so!" She concentrated on the electrical charge within her and released it from her eyeballs. A stunned Mano was thrown backwards, body smoking. Spark put a hand over her aching eyelids. "Ouch... I can see why Garth never wanted to use this trick again..."

"Watch out, Ayla!" Spark felt herself being lifted up. "Jo?" she asked. "Still can't see."

"Tharok almost got you with his cannon," Ultra Boy said as he set Spark down gently. "I'll need you to draw his fire so I can get closer."

"And here I thought you rescued me to take me to safety," Ayla quipped. "Just kidding. Give me a moment and then let me at him."

"You forget that I can hear you, children," Tharok sneered as he fired beams of energy at Jo and Ayla. Jo instantly shifted to invulnerability, shielding Ayla from the worst of it. "You have to do better than that, Tharok," Jo taunted. Ayla peeked out from behind Jo, sending bolts of electricity back at Tharok. Tharok turned so that his computerized half absorbed the blast harmlessly. "You kids have just been wasting time. And now I have control of the equipment in the area... like so." A crane suddenly sprang to life above the two, smashing into a pile of crates. Before they could react, they were buried.

"Two down," Tharok smiled as he spoke into his commlink. "Persuader, how are you doing?"

"Fighting Dreamer," Persuader replied brusquely. "Later."

"Please, Persuader," Tharok snorted. "Surely you can beat someone who can only see the future."

"Don't underestimate her, Tharok." Before Tharok had a chance to turn around, he felt a something stab through his robotic chest. He looked down and gasped to see a pink rod of energy protruding from his body. A second later, his robot half was convulsing uncontrollably. Particon quickly blasted Tharok's human half into unconsciousness. "And don't underestimate me," Particon finished as she looked at her handiwork. Then she ran to where Spark and Ultra Boy were buried. "Are you two okay down there?"

"Yup... stand back, Particon," Jo replied. Jennifer backed away a safe distance. "I'm clear, and so is the area." The crates rumbled, then burst outwards courtesy of Spark's lightning and Ultra Boy's flash vision. "Whew, I do not want to be buried like that again," Spark shook her head.

"How'd you do that, Jen?" Jo asked Particon as he looked at a still-shaking Tharok.

"Energy disruption IS one of the applications of my powers," Jennifer smiled. "I simply messed with the circuitry running through Tharok's computer half, stopping his commands from reaching the other parts of his systems."

"I TOLD Garth they should have let you in first time you applied," Ayla laughed.** "Come on, let's check on Dreamer."

The three made their way to where Dreamer was locked in battle with the Persuader. They watched as she dodged the Persuader's axe for the umpteenth time. The Persuader snarled as he twisted the axe, bringing the handle down towards Dreamer's arm. She quickly reacted, using her flight ring to pirouette gracefully in the air.

"She's doing a good job," Particon noted. "Her visions are coming hard and fast."

"She can't keep it up forever, though. Allow me, please. I haven't punched anyone yet today." A burst of flash vision streamed from Jo's eyes, hitting the Persuader's right arm. The villain bellowed in pain, and nearly dropped the Atomic Axe mid-swing. Dreamer used the opening to drop down to the ground and kick the Persuader in the knee.

"Arrggh! You witch!" Persuader snarled as he grabbed the Axe again, pointing the blade at Nura. "I'm taking you down!"

"No, you are not." Jo barreled into the Persuader, switching from ultra-speed to invulnerability at the last battle. Jo's knuckles connected with the Persuader's jaw; with the momentum from his ultra-speed, it was enough to flatten the Persuader. The villain collapsed flat on his back, Atomic Axe clanking on the ground beside him.

"Thanks, Jo," Nura dusted herself off. "Evading him was easy with my precognition, but he's a good fighter. The Axe made it tough to hit him back."

"You did just fine," Jennifer smiled.

"Yeah, thanks for keeping him off our backs while we handled the others," Ayla added. "Now come on, let's go see how Brainy and the others are doing..."

"Wait..." Nura touched a hand to her forehead. After a moment, her eyes widened in fear. "Oh no! Brainiac, listen-"

She never finished her sentence. In an instant, all four Legionnaires were transformed into stone, courtesy of Stheno. The blue-skinned villain laughed as she stood in front of her victims, her serpentine features twisting in glee. "Better believe it. Stheno delivered where three of the Fatal Five did not!"

"Don't gloat yet," Repulse replied gruffly as he gathered his squad. He spared a glance for Tharok, Mano and the Persuader. "Told them they should have waited for us. Never mind, let's go." He used his magnetic powers to sharpen the blades on his wrists. "We have Legionnaires to kill."

**********************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Particon first used this trick in Legionnaires 50 to break through a mystical energy dome that Mordru and Emerald Violet had erected.

2) Particon first applied, and was rejected, in Legionnaires 43. Spark and Ultra Boy, among others, were trapped in the 20th century then so did not vote.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/18/15 02:23 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, Asteroid JM-L15 near Legion World...

Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility and disruption of mechanical devices
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony; skilled martial artist
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair

************************************************************

Karate Kid made his way relentlessly through the crowded installation as wave after wave of opponents came at him. He dodged and parried nimbly, dispatching each with as few moves as possible. He was single-minded in his goal - to reach his teammates. He sprinted at a steady pace, dropping to one knee to kick a particularly large guard in the leg. The man cried out in pain, dropping to the floor.

"Grife, this nasshead is unbeatable!" yelled a guard who was rushing at him. "Fire!"

Six blasters fired in unison. Val cleared his head of any thought as he evaded each one, largely reflexively. After clearing the distance between him and the guards, he targeted each one in turn, taking them out in seconds.

"Hold it right there, Karate Kid!" Val turned to see Violence Queen and Klamorr. He quickly dove to the left as Violence Queen fired at him; the blaster rounds seared the wall behind him. He quickly jumped forward, gripping Klamorr's beefy arm and throwing him into Violence Queen.

"Are you okay, Val?" Triad's voice called over his flight ring.

"Just having some good exercise," he replied. "Where to next?"

"Go straight. Shikari says to take the third left from where you are." Karate Kid flew through the corridors; as he entered the third left, he stopped in his tracks.

"Watch out, Val!" Apparition called as she allowed Twine's lash and Stormfront's lightning to pass harmlessly through her form. Behind her, Lume was firing laser after laser at the horned Stormfront; the large amount of crackling electricity greatly reduced visibility. Holdur tried to grab at Lume; the light-based Legionnaire evaded quickly and fired. Spider-Girl's hair looped around Holdur's leg and pulled, sending the large yellow brute crashing into the floor. "One point for the good guys!" she cheered.

"Let's make it a tie then." Caress leaped onto Sussa's back, forcing her onto the floor. Sussa writhed desperately as she felt Caress' weight pushing her down. "I remember you, pretty little thing," Caress sneered. "Now I get to finish the job I started."

"Hold on, Sussa," Val started as he leaped closer.

"I'll be fine! There are bigger threats." Taking advantage of being face-down, Sussa used her hair to grip Caress' wrists, forcing them away from her face. Cracking her hair like a whip, she pushed Caress off her and into the wall.

"Good work, Sussa," Lume said as it focused on Stormfront. The furry humanoid was throwing lightning bolts uncontrollably in all directions, all the while shrouded by a big black cloud. "As for you, Stormfront, what you lack is direction and focus." Lume stood its ground as it brought its arms together in front of it. "Something else else which I have been taught to have by the Legion." A ball of light appeared in between Lume's open palms. It coalesced into a laser, and Lume let if fire right at Stormfront. It penetrated the storm clouds around Stormfront, who screamed in pain as the laser hit. As he fell to the floor, the storm clouds dissipated.

"Now, who's ne..." Lume's sentence was cut off as Twine's lash wrapped around it. Lume crashed to the floor, struggling weakly. "You're very energetic, Lume," Twine said with little effort. "And now all that energy is feeding my lash."

"So you're like a vampire, then," Apparition countered as she rose through the floor. She quickly slammed both fists into Twine's chin, knocking the villain out. Tinya looked at her handiwork for a second. "Most villains are. Feeding off other people; just taking and taking." She quickly turned to help Lume.

"Oh no you don't," Holdur snarled as he chased after Apparition. "Not while I'm still here." Before he could reach Tinya, Val stepped in between them and slammed an elbow into his side. He followed with a pinch to the neck; the unconscious Holdur crashed into the floor.

"Nice work," Sussa clapped her hands together as if dusting them off. "Four second-rate villains down."

"We're not done yet, though," Tinya noted. "Listen."

<kzttttt> "Gear to the other teams..."<kzttttt> "Cover is blown... Cannot regain control of all systems... need to <kzttttt> destroy in order to bring shield down...

The four Legionnaires looked at one another. "It seems we have more to do," Lume mused.

"What are we waiting for, then?" Sussa shook her head, hair flailing behind her. "Never let it be said that we didn't finish a job."

Tinya nodded as she flew in the direction of the control room. "Let's go, Legionnaires!"


**********************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) The Legion and the Workforce teamed up on Planet Hell, a prison inside a sun. Caress was one of the inmates.
Posted By: Harbinger Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/18/15 05:10 PM
Thoroughly enjoying this IB, you've really ratcheted up the excitement by revealing a Monitor is behind it, and he's now onto the teams stealth attack.

Particularly like Val and Sussa, Dreamer and Shikari, though all the characters, including the villains are popping out of the screen when you write them. Really looking forward to seeing how you resolve this.

More, more, more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/19/15 12:04 AM
Thanks Harbi, so nice of you to say! I'm glad these Legionnaires are pulling their weight even though they aren't really the most powerful. Glad the villains are getting their due too.

Things are going to get a bit worse before they get better...

I'm looking forward to the resolution too smile These plots have been rumbling in my head for over a year now!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/21/15 06:24 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, on Earth...

Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Dreamer, Nura Nal of Naltor; precognition
Magnetic Kid, Pol Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth; "hard light" energy casting and manipulation; energy disruption
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electric manipulation
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time

Dyrk Magz of Braal (Honorary Legionnaire). Science Police officer and former Legionnaire, currently depowered. It remains to be seen if his recent operation will restore his powers.
Tenzil Kem of Bismoll (Honorary Legionnaire). Consume and digest all forms of matter. Skilled chef and Legion support staff member.

*****************************************************************

"Legionnaires!" Repulse bellowed into the auditory amplifier he brought. "We have incapacitated four of your number. Surrender now or we will do worse to them!"

"Just let me get in front of them," Stheno smirked. "Once they see me, they'll be out of our hair. Figuratively speaking of course," she added as she rubbed the smooth skin on her head.

"I told you, don't get cocky," Repulse scolded as he watched the machine the Legionnaires were building. No sign of movement... "We've all fought the Legionnaires before and lost. Stay sharp."

"Hmph. I almost beat 6 of them one time*. I..." Before Stheno could continue, a large chunk of debris zipped out from behind a pile of metal and struck her in the head. Letting out a cry of pain and surprise, she fell down, unconscious.

"Sprock! Fan out and... mmph!" The metal he was wearing wrapped itself around Repulse's mouth. The strips covering his limbs anchored themselves to the ground, preventing him from moving.

Abyss dropped into a fighting stance as he looked around, right hand supporting his left as he pointed his void ring out in front. "Where are you, you cowards?"

"We're not cowards. We just fight smart," Magnetic Kid's voice sounded as small bits of metal began flying towards Abyss. The villain quickly opened a portal in front of him, sending the debris flying into the void. As he closed his portal, a large metal sheet flew at him from behind, hitting his back with a crack.

Pol Krinn smiled as he stepped over the unconscious body. "Wow, I am impressed that you knew how Stheno's powers worked, Brainiac 5. I know she only fought the Legion once..."

"Once was enough, Magnetic Kid," Querl replied crisply as he landed beside Repulse. "I read all the files. And even if I hadn't, it seemed logical that her powers would only work if she consciously willed them to affect those looking at her; otherwise, those she worked with would have had to be careful to look away the whole time. Quite difficult in the middle of a heist... Be ready, though, there may be others here."

"I think Repulse can tell us more about that." Cosmic Boy's tone was anything but genial as he magnetically ripped away the piece of metal over Repulse's mouth. "Talk, Repulse. Who else is with you her, and what is your mission?"

"I ain't talking, punk," Repulse spat. "Nothing your Legion code will let you do to me is worse than what the boss will do to us!"

"Interesting..." Brainiac 5 mused. "This boss of theirs is powerful and controlling enough to have the likes of the Fatal Five following him. Very few villains we have encountered in this time have the power or resources to manage that..."

"Could it be Chu?" Rokk asked. Chu had given him so much trouble during his time as Legion leader, he still preferred not to rule her out as a suspect even though she was on Takron-Galtos. "Or Ra's?"

"I'll need time to think about it," Querl replied. "In the meantime, we should go see to our machine. Let's gather our teammates; their petrification should wear off in about 47 minutes."

"I have a better idea," a melodious voice called. "Why don't you three boys surrender and save us all the trouble?"

"Charma!" Brainiac 5 gasped as he held up his hands. "She must be using her pheromone power!" Microseconds later, Pol and Rokk followed suit. A laughing Charma peeked out from behind a pile of rubble.*** "Hah! You men. Always so overconfident, to the point of getting clumsy." She sashayed forward and put a finger under Cosmic Boy's chin. "The master will surely reward me for this."

"You mean for getting your butt kicked?" Rokk grinned as he wrapped Charma up in metal. Her eyes bulged as she struggled. "No! How could this be?"

"Transuits," Pol laughed as he magnetically levitated a small screw and sent it hovering at Charma's forehead, knocking her out. "We know your pheromone powers are transferred through the air."

"Good work picking up on my cues to play along," Querl added. "Now, Repulse, perhaps you would be so kind to tell us who else you might have brought along?"

Before Repulse could respond, Brainy felt something hitting his forcefield-covered leg. Curiously, he looked down to see what appeared to be a plastic dart. Eyes widening in recognition, he yelled out a warning. "Get away from them, now!"

It was too late. Both Rokk and Pol slumped to the floor; each had a dart sticking out of his leg; their transuits torn by the force with which the darts had been thrown. The terrorist called Arrow grinned as he stepped out of the shadows; beside him was a hooded figure. That figure held up a hand, and Querl felt as if his stomach were turning inside out. He knelt on the floor, trying his best not to throw up.

The hooded figure removed its hood, revealing her to be a Sarccan; her species could control the bodily functions of other races. "I'm very happy I had practice on other Coluans," she laughed as she walked near Querl.

"Good work, Arrow, Undertaker. Good thing some of us didn't get overconfident," Repulse said pointedly as he shed his metal prison. "Now come on; this should be all of them, based on our intelligence. Let's go."

As Arrow and Undertaker made their way to the machine, a loud VIP was heard. A blaster round hit Undertaker in the face and neck; she fell to the ground, stunned. Arrow quickly grabbed several throwing stars stuck to his body and threw them in the direction of the attack. He grabbed several more just as he released the first round. As he raised his hand high, a gob of liquid landed on it. He screamed in pain as it ate into his flesh. As he crouched onto the ground, Dyrk Magz and Tenzil Kem stepped out of the shadows. Dyrk gave Arrow a nerve pinch, rendering him unconscious; he took a rag out of his pouch and wiped Arrow's fingers dry. Tenzil checked on Undertaker;
"Out like a Naltorian hibernatrix," he laughed. "Good job setting your spare blaster to fire on delay, and predicting that Arrow would fire in that direction."

"And good job aiming your acid spit at his fingers," Dyrk added as he trained his blaster on Repulse. "Give it up, Repulse. This is made of plastic. You can't snag it with your powers. You make a move, and you go down."

"And we're wearing transuits too," Tenzil laughed as ran over to Brainy. "Come on big brain; let's see how bad a number she did on you."

Repulse slowly lifted his hands up. "I know you. You're Dyrk Magz, formerly Magno. Pretty much the only living Braalian who can't even feel a magnetic field."

"I can, too," Dyrk spat as he moved closer to Repulse. "And what does it matter? Even without my abilities, I've beaten you."

"Have you?" Repulse smirked. Too late, Dyrk realized what was happening - Repulse had been building up a large pulse of magnetic energy. Before he could warn Tenzil, he felt it cascade outwards in a burst. Dyrk just barely registered Tenzil and Brainy being thrown backwards before he felt himself slam into something. He blacked out almost instantly.

************************************************************

"Ohhh grife..." Dyrk's head was ringing as his vision slowly settled. He gasped in shock as Repulse looked at him. "I have to admit, you guys do good work. None of my squad is conscious yet. But then, none of yours are." Dyrk turned his head to see Tenzil, Brainy and the Krinn brothers were trussed up beside him. They were all bound to the machine they had been building.

Dyrk shook his head, trying to clear it. No good, have to buy time, see if one of the others can wake and do something... "I've got to hand it to you, Repulse... Never thought you were powerful enough or skilled enough to pull that off..."

"Heh. I may have stopped being a magnoball champion, but it wasn't for lack of talent," Repulse sneered as he faced the machine. Dyrk's body tingled; he could feel Repulse gathering magnetic force. He cursed himself; he should have realized that earlier. And with Pol and Rokk down, nobody could counteract Repulse's abilities. "And with this talent, I am going to destroy that machine, and you five with it. The boss is going to reward me with a nice paycheck."

"No!" Dyrk screamed as he tried to struggle against his bonds. Sprock! He could feel the magnetic currents around him, but he couldn't do anything!

"You can yell all you want, won't change anything. I almost wish that smug bastard Cosmic Boy were awake to see this. He always pissed me off with that attitude of his." Repulse held his hands above his head. "Now I'm going to rip that machine into pieces and bury you all in the rubble."

"No! Cos, Pol, wake up!" Dyrk screamed as he felt the magnetic forces come nearer and nearer. Sheets of metal at the top were beginning to fall off. A chill went up Dyrk's spine as pieces fell beside him. He drew his legs up under him to protect them from more rubble.

"Sayonara, kid," Repulse said as he stretched his hands out even further. The top of the machine shook. Dyrk's eyes widened as a large sheet of metal fell straight for him.

"No!" he screamed in his mind as he struggled even harder. "It can't end like this! It can't! He kicked his feet desperately, trying to wriggle out of his bonds. He saw the metal loom closer and closer. Sweat began dripping from his forehead and down his armpits. If only he had his powers... Sprock! Why hadn't they come back? Kent and Mysa had been so hopeful... He kept staring at the falling metal sheet. Jenni... why hadn't he said something more? He shouldn't have waited so long... The metal was only meters away, and more were falling. No... If only, if only... He hated feeling so helpless!

"STOP!" A frustrated Dyrk yelled with all his might.

And the metal did.

Dyrk stared in shock as he watched the metal hover above him. Could it be? He quickly looked to the side to see Pol and Rokk still unconscious. Then he realized he wasn't just feeling the metal bonds around his wrists... he was feeling the magnetic currents holding him there.

He wanted to cry out with joy as he saw the flabbergasted expression on Repulse's face. Then his years of training kicked in and he remembered to push.

A long, thin metal sheet smashed into Repulse, pinning the villain against a wall. Dyrk quickly lowered the other floating bits of metal safely as he removed his friends' bonds.

"Nyaaargh!" Repulse yelled as he ripped the metal off him. "I don't know how you did that, brat, but I'm going to..." Before he could finish, a blaster round hit him right in the face. As he slumped to the ground, Dyrk kissed his blaster. "Good old plastic blaster," he laughed. "And good old powers!" He gently levitated his teammates one by one using the metal on their clothing; he felt like jumping for joy, but settled for keeping a gigantic grin plastered on his face. "Oh my grife, I can't believe this is happening!" As Brainiac 5 groaned, Dyrk moved beside him. "Brainy! Brainy! Can you believe it? I have my full power back! I mean, I seem to be as powerful as I used to be! This is the best day of my life!"

Querl sat up, hands to his head. "I share your elation, Dyrk, but could you not scream in my ear?"

"Oh, sorry," Dyrk rubbed the back of his neck, but with the grin still on his face. "But can you believe it? I bet it was that Repulse's magnetic surge that reempowered me!"

"I can believe it," Querl said as he stood up. "I posited that exposure to large amounts of magnetic energy might act as a catalyst to the effects of the operation performed on you. But I decided to stay silent until I could test it out, as I did not want you to go and do anything dangerous." He gave a small smile as he looked at Dyrk. "I am glad it did work, though."

"Hah! I'm not even mad that you didn't tell me. I'm just glad I have them back!" Dyrk closed his eyes and threw his head back as he felt the glorious feeling of the magnetic currents all around him. "Oh grife, you can't know how much I missed this."

"I don't know either, but I do know how happy you are." Tenzil placed a hand on Dyrk's shoulder. "I'm really glad you got them back, bud."

"Or perhaps it would be better to call you Magno," Brainy added with a twinkle in his eye. "As a former Active Legionnaire, I think the majority would support your return to duty, if you so wished. Now," he continued before Dyrk could interject, "as our other Braalians are still drugged and I calculate will remain so for another 30 minutes, would you be so kind as to repair and empower this machine? Thankfully, you were able to stop Repulse before he did more than cosmetic damage. With my guidance, we should be ready in 12.38 minutes."

"Brainy, you could ask me to shovel dralgo dung and I would do it gladly, as long as it meant using my powers," Dyrk laughed as he used his magnetic powers to pull himself up the machine. It would be easier to use his flight ring, but... where was the fun in that? "Let's do this!"

"So, what exactly ARE we going to do?" Tenzil asked as they flew up. "I mean, I appreciate that you couldn't tell us earlier because a telepath might attack us, but surely you can tell us now? So at least we get surprised 12.38 minutes before everyone else is."

"It's simple, really," Brainiac 5 said as he strapped himself into the top of the machine. "We are going to generate a forcefield around the entire Earth."

Dyrk almost dropped himself as he heard that. He quickly activated his flight ring as he hovered beside an equally shocked Tenzil. "Whoa. You can do that?!" Tenzil asked.

"The other Legion's Earth had a polymer shield around it," Brainy replied matter-of-factly as he played around with the machine's settings. "It was extremely easy to modify it for our needs, once I gained a copy of the blueprints."

"Well, I'll be a three-toed babootch's uncle," Tenzil said as he sat down. "This day is going to be one for the memoirs, it is."

"It certainly is," Dyrk smiled as he began returning the metal sheets to the top of the machine. "It certainly is."

***********************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Stheno faced the Legion in the second story of LSH 100. She turned Element Lad, Gates, Triad and Ultra Boy to stone; Violet beat her by looking at her reflection in Ferro's mask.

2) Reboot Charma has the ability to control men - a departure from Preboot Charma, who made men love her and women hate her.

3) The Undertaker is an original creation of mine, although her species is not. Legion Academy student Tomb was also from Sarccus. I thought that a species that powerful (able to control the bodily functions of others) would make a good villain!
Posted By: razsolo Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/22/15 03:20 PM
Awesome fight scenes! It was fun seeing Particon take Tharok out, I stopped reading the reboot around about the time she came on the scene so I don't remember seeing her ever actually do anything before. She's great!

You did really well showing how dangerous Mano and the Persuader are too...I like that it took some thinking and teamwork to take them down!

Tenzil and Dyrk's last stand was suitably heroic....and Dyrk getting his powers back was really well done! Some great suspense and an awesome way for him to come back. I actually quite liked Magno back in the day and was disappointed to hear he'd been depowered so it's cool having him back in full force smile
Posted By: Harbinger Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/22/15 08:10 PM
Totally agree with Raz, your fight scenes are great!

Found it funny that Cos automatically blames Chu smile

They are in for a shock when they find out the truth.

You use a lot of characters that I assume are from the Reboot so I don't recognise them, but you write them so well that they could be your own. I assume Repulse, Undertaker and the Saccran are reboot characters? Either way, I love how you give them personalities and purpose clearly.

Saved by Tenzil and Dyrk - thats a real silver age Legion story there -the underdogs coming to the rescue!

Loved how Dyrk got his powers back after teasing us with it for so long, but my favourite part was Brainy saying he knew but hadn't said anything - how like him to make sure everyone thinks he's thought of everything laugh spot on characterisation there.

Looking forward to the climax, it's gooing to be awesome!

More, more, more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/22/15 11:10 PM
Thank you both, raz and Harbi! So nice of you to say smile

I'll reply more later - am trying to get to work early today - but Harbi is right, Repulse is a Reboot-era character (as are Arrow and Stheno). Undertaker is an original creation of mine, but her world Sarccus is not. Legion Academy student Tomb was introduced as being from Sarccus, and I thought a species that dangerous would make a good villain. I added a footnote to my post to show that, I had meant to but forgotten all about it!

If you enjoyed seeing Magno return in full glory (and I'm glad you did!), watch out because he's not the only one making a return... smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/23/15 05:27 AM
Originally Posted by razsolo
Awesome fight scenes! It was fun seeing Particon take Tharok out, I stopped reading the reboot around about the time she came on the scene so I don't remember seeing her ever actually do anything before. She's great!

You did really well showing how dangerous Mano and the Persuader are too...I like that it took some thinking and teamwork to take them down!

Tenzil and Dyrk's last stand was suitably heroic....and Dyrk getting his powers back was really well done! Some great suspense and an awesome way for him to come back. I actually quite liked Magno back in the day and was disappointed to hear he'd been depowered so it's cool having him back in full force smile


Glad you are liking Particon, raz! She actually had some good moments in the comics despite her few appearances. In Legionnaires 50 she used her powers to break through Mordru's mystic shield (using a weak spot placed by Vi) - that was the inspiration for her taking down Tharok.

Glad you felt Mano and Persuader were dangerous. Sometimes I find it hard writing them because many long-range attackers should easily be able to take them out, but their fighting skills definitely make them forces to be reckoned with.

And glad you liked Magno (not just Dyrk anymore smile ) and Tenzil to the rescue. As a fellow Magno fan, I agree it's good to have him back where he belongs smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/23/15 05:29 AM
Originally Posted by Harbinger
Totally agree with Raz, your fight scenes are great!

Found it funny that Cos automatically blames Chu smile

They are in for a shock when they find out the truth.

Saved by Tenzil and Dyrk - thats a real silver age Legion story there -the underdogs coming to the rescue!

Loved how Dyrk got his powers back after teasing us with it for so long, but my favourite part was Brainy saying he knew but hadn't said anything - how like him to make sure everyone thinks he's thought of everything laugh spot on characterisation there.

Looking forward to the climax, it's gooing to be awesome!

More, more, more!


thanks again for the kind words Harbi, glad you liked this latest installment. I have a lot of fun with the fight scenes, and am glad you like them.

Glad you also liked the littler bits like Cos blaming Chu (she really gave him a lot of headaches!) and Brainy being all "I thought of that but just didn't tell you" smile

I'm really excited to get to the end! I should be done within the next month, hopefully less. Then it's a bit of a rest for me smile
Posted By: Omni Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/23/15 08:35 PM
Dyrk Got his powers back! i'm so happy for him and to welcome him back to active duty.

IB your doing a great job of bringing this team home and to a completion!

I agree with everyone else that Brainy's line about how to fix Dyrk was great and so Brainy!

As much as Tenzil doesn't see himself as a active Legionnaire he's doing a great job.

Rokk and Chu...hmm could you be hinting at a future story line?

Undertaker in uber scary and i love it. the idea that someone can use your own body against you like that is just cool.

I can't wait for the big confrontation. Keep it coming!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/23/15 08:59 PM
Thanks Omni! Really appreciate the comments smile

Glad you liked Magno's long-delayed return. He will be a refreshing addition to this team.

Glad you all liked Brainy's line too!

Tenzil IS doing a good job isn't he? Makes me think...

Chu IS still around somewhere but I don't have concrete plans for her... yet smile

Glad you liked Undertaker too, I can't take the credit for her powers though. But she is indeed very scary and it's a wonder there aren't more villains from her planet!

Very happy you're excited. I'm excited to write too! Been sick the past few days though so not much energy, but the ideas are rolling around in my head!

I have a few more pieces to set up... and let's just say that Magno isn't the only one gaining (or regaining?) active status at the end of this!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/26/15 08:56 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, on Legion World...

Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; generate and control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth; wind and air manipulation
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed, granddaughter of the Flash (Barry Allen)


**************************************************************

The balding, pink-skinned man known as High-Brow was happy that his visor kept his eyes from being seen. Right now, anyone looking into them would notice his bewilderment at all that was happening. Here he was, maintaining a forcefield around all the hundreds of hostages on Legion World not chosen for further study by the mysterious "boss"... Of his quartet of criminals, only the amorphous Slopp was with him. Violence Queen and Klamorr had been shuttled off to some nearby asteroid.

He looked around the gathered villains and criminals with him. The agile Devil made him uneasy; she seemed to enjoy getting under other people's skins as a challenge. The ancient Scavenger kept muttering about self-righteous persecuting super-heroes while brandishing all sorts of archaic weaponry. Ar'dn of Gil'd floated in its water-filled bubble as it telepathically tasted the fear and sadness of the hostages. High-Brow wouldn't lie; he was as vile as any of them, killing and willing to kill innocents if it furthered his plans. But what made him uneasy was the vast collection of beings who were under the thumb of their mysterious master. Working with vile beings was one thing, but he wanted them to be HIS vile beings, the ones he could predict and control.

"Hate these heroes... hate, hate, hate. I thought we would be rid of them by now," Scavenger muttered as he flew past.

"Heh. You failed when you fought them, Scavenger," Devil purred as she curled her tail around her trident. "We all did. And that's why we're here now."

An uncomfortable truth, High-Brow conceded. He and his band had failed against Spark even before she became a Legionnaire. * Most of them were here because they believed the boss would be successful. And also because none of them could hope to stand in his way.

Ar'dn suddenly turned its globe around. "Prepare yourselves! Hated Legionnaires are... EEEEEEEEEEE!" A pink glow surrounded Ar'dn's bubble, drowning out its telepathy.

"Oh well, at least this alleviates my boredom." Devil sprang towards the entrance just as a quintet of Legionnaires burst in. Nightwind blasted Devil backwards with a gust of wind; she slammed into High-Brow's forcefield and slumped to the floor.

"Take them out fast, Legionnaires," Nightwind barked. "Don't let them hurt the hostages!"

"No! I will not let you win again!" Ar'dn began firing electricity wildly in all directions. Blizzard conjured up an ice shield to keep one from hitting Saturn Girl; it shattered under the attack. "Thanks, Brek," Saturn Girl replied as she refocused on Ar'dn. "But let's end this before we lose our edge." The pink cloud around Ar'dn became deeper and thicker. Ar'dn screamed again as it lost consciousness, its bubble falling and rolling on the floor.

"Hate you Legionnaires! Hate, hate, hate!" Scavenger whined as he flew towards their attackers. In one hand he held a gun. "Eat heat!" Microbe dodged the blast just in time; the floor on which she had been standing was now a blackened mess. "Why don't you just leave me alone?!"

"Slopp! Back him up!" High-Brow barked as he began fiddling with his forcefield controls. He knew they couldn't win, but he could buy them an ace in the hole.

"I comply with your instructions," Slopp droned as it extended its arms and reached for Microbe and Saturn Girl. Microbe extended her hand. "I'm not familiar with your species, but I'm sure I have something for you," she said darkly. "I hope so," Saturn Girl added as she concentrated. "Slopp's mind is quite... slippery."

"My species possesses a natural immunity to disease and telepathy," Slopp intoned as its tentacles reached for both Legionnaires. "I believe I am countering your abilities quite effectively."

"Let me save you the strain." Blizzard pointed at Slopp, causing the water vapor around it to condense into a hard block of ice. Slopp's green, gelatinous limbs looked strangely compelling, frozen like that, High-Brow thought. "And now you're in ice."

"Get down!" Saturn Girl tackled Blizzard as Scavenger swooped around and fired again. Scorch marks littered the ground and burning filled the air as he fired again and again. "Won't let you take me, won't let you!" he screamed over and over as he did.

"He's moving too fast," Nightwind called as she tried to snare Scavenger in wind currents. "Babbage, can you do something?"

"I shall." Babbage flew straight at Scavenger from above. "Your power is impressive, but your battle tactics are lacking. While you are focused on those below you, you ignore your undefended back." Babbage slammed right into Scavenger and locked its robotic arms around the villain's neck. In seconds, Scavenger was unconscious and disarmed.

"Bravo, Legionnaires," High-Brow called with all the confidence he could muster. "But in all this violence you seem to have forgotten your main objective." He made a show of holding up his wrist. "I control the forcefield keeping all your friends, and possibly family members, under wraps. If you don't surrender now, I will seal off all air entering and let them die a nasty, suffocating death. And they will know it was your fault because I'll let them hear you from inside."

Five angry faces stared at him. At least, they seemed angry. Suddenly, he wasn't so sure. Why was he feeling so... drowsy? He struggled not to yawn as he kept his eyes on the attackers.

"We didn't forget," Microbe smiled as she approached. "I targeted you from the moment we came in here." High-Brow cursed as he tried to press the button on his wrist, but never made it. He was asleep before he hit the floor.

"Nice work, team," Nightwind called as she used her powers to gather the defeated villains. "Babbage, figure out how that forcefield works. Brek and Drura, watch the door. Imra, have you found our teammates?"

"Focusing on unconscious minds is a bit trickier," Imra admitted as she closed her eyes. "And I'm having to sort through a lot of stray thoughts. I wish their flight ring signals weren't being blocked. But I think... there." She turned and pointed to a side room just off the main chamber the other hostages were in. Nightwind and Saturn Girl quickly ran inside. "Oh."

Gates, XS and the White Witch were standing silently in liquid-filled tubes. "Just like Lyle described the prisoners in the lab, only without all the wires," Nightwind mused. "And without Garth, of course."

"I'll keep trying to find him," Imra said determinedly as she closed her eyes again.

"I know you will," Berta added kindly. "Babbage, can you come over here, please? Let's get our teammates free and bolster our ranks."

"I hope you do it soon!" Brek called from the main hall. "We've got incoming!"

"Nnnh. Always something," Berta hissed as Babbage joined here. "You two stay here and keep doing what you're doing. We'll hold the line outside." She flew out to join Blizzard and Microbe; the former was creating walls of ice between the hostages' opaque forcefield and the entrance to the chamber; the latter was holding her arms out. "Nice work, Brek, but keep an inch of space open at the top. Drura, you and I are going to spread some non-lethal airborne diseases," Berta ordered. Silently, she hoped Babbage could work fast enough. They were all exhausted, and taking on random villains was hard enough. Protecting all these hostages, sealed off from them by a forcefield that prevented communication, was not going to be a cakewalk.

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) As told in Legends of the Legion 2, Spark (with some help from her non-powered friends on Winath) beat High-Brow and his gang when they tried to kidnap the Winathian presidents.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/26/15 07:02 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, on Legion World...

Impulse, Kent Shakespeare of Earth; enhanced speed, strength, durability and recuperative abilities, medical doctor
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth; invisibility
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; size manipulation of own body
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings). Anti-energy being

Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Honorary Legionnaire). Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer.

**************************************************************

"Try to hold him still, M'Onel!" Kinetix concentrated on the Monitor's limbs as she said that; the intertron floor flowed under her mental command and wrapped itself around the Monitor's feet, burying them. The Monitor grunted as M'Onel followed with a flurry of super-speed punches.

"Impertinent children!" The Monitor caught M'Onel's fist. The Daxamite's eyes bulged in surprise as he was slammed into the wall. The Monitor blasted the floor around his foot, freeing it. He took a step towards Kinetix, who made portions of the wall turn into bands that wrapped around his eyes and shoulders. "You are only prolonging your defeat," he sneered as he reached for the metal. Suddenly, he stopped; trembling, he sank to his knees. "What is happening?"

"I happened." Violet suddenly grew beside Kinetix. "Just like what I did with Roxxas the Daxamite some time ago*. I played around with your balance AND damaged your motor controls. Grife, just made it in time too - it was really uncomfortable in there!"

"Nice work, Vi, but now I could really use you here," Invisible Kid called. Vi looked at Zoe, who nodded. "Go," she said as she used her telekinesis to shove the Monitor back into the wall. As she pinned him, she began to cover his face and limbs.

"Yeah, we'll be fine," Wildfire's confidence was palpable as he blasted the Monitor with his anti-energy. M'Onel followed with his heat vision.

"Looks like it," Violet smiled as she flew towards Invisible Kid and Impulse. The two were frantically tapping on Omnicoms. "I'm downloading data from Babbage," Impulse noted without even looking up. "It helps confirm that the fluid they are in acts as a sedative and helps maintain bodily functions like respiration and nutrition; it also hydrates them."

"Wonderful," Lyle continued. "XS and the others will be in no danger if they're freed then. Babbage can continue with that. Now..." He turned to Violet. "Can you go in and investigate the wires? We need to understand what they do and how we can know if they're active or not. Wear this," he handed Violet a pair of goggles, "and we can see what you can see."

"Sure thing." Violet wore the goggles and began shrinking. Lyle turned one of his Omnicoms to Vi's view and began watching as she flew through the wires. Kent sat behind him and began charting the cables sticking out from the tube holding Condo Arlik. "Good thing you noticed that this poor prisoner's tube had the most... um... attachments," Kent noted. "Once we figure out what these do, it should be a cinch to free the others."

"... yeah, that's right," Lyle said almost absentmindedly as he continued watching Vi's journey. "Start with the most complicated..."

Kent began scribbling furiously on his Omnicom even as he spared a glance at the nearby battle. The Monitor had lunged at M'Onel, who had flown backwards to avoid being hit. Wildfire and Kinetix blasted the villain backwards with their powers. Three of the Legion's most powerful were just managing to hold the Monitor off; but for how long?

He forced himself to stop watching the battle and pay attention to what Violet was seeing. These poor hostages desperately needed to be freed, evacuated and possibly treated. He would not let them down.

************************************************************

Shvaughn Erin stared in frustration at the shield which had reappeared around Legion World. With communications and visuals cut off once more, there was precious little she could do but hope that the Legionnaires on Legion World had been able to adapt their plans in time. She wanted to shake her head; fifteen highly capable Legionnaires had gone in, far more than would usually be sent on any mission. And smaller groups had succeeded against seemingly bigger odds. But still...

She was shaken out of her reverie by what seemed to be a squeak. Was she imagining things? She listened again. Silence, but she thought... Best to be careful. She quickly set the onboard computer to silent and ran a check. Cloaking, on; communications, active; life support, active... Her eyes narrowed as she saw the next report. Heat signature detected near the airlock.

Activating her transuit and cocking her blaster, she flew to the airlock, giving thanks once more that the Legionnaires had finally granted her Honorary status and a flight ring with it. She peeked around the corner leading to the airlock cautiously, searching for signs of movement.

"Looking for me?" She gasped as a boot slammed into her knee. She rolled forward with the blow, twisting her body despite the pain so she faced her attacker. He pointed a gun at her and sneered. "Some Science Police Captain you are. Beaten by Benn Pares, master thief." His grin lit his roguish features up as his eyes twinkled. "And you're a baseline human, too. Offing you will greatly up my rep."

"Anything would boost your rep," Shvaughn taunted. "You did manage to break into Legion HQ** one time, but you went home empty-handed."

"That won't happen again," Benn smiled as he pointed his blaster at Shvaughn's head. "I have the whole of Legion World to loot now. Goodbye, CaptaAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Benn covered his ears as alarm klaxons sounded all over the ship. Shvaughn smiled; she had set the alarms to go off - at max volume - as a precaution. She quickly drew her blaster and zapped Benn's gun hand and his leg. As he dropped to the floor, crying out in pain, she finished with a kick to the head. She turned Benn Pares over; he was unconscious.

After tying Pares up, Shvaughn turned the alarms off, then pulled out the telepathic plugs in her ears. She had set them to block out any noise above a certain volume. She sighed as she settled back in her chair; she needed a bit of a rest after all this. Then she needed to think. Benn was probably expected back after some time; she couldn't just stay here. Her best option was to return to Earth and come back with whichever Legionnaires could be spared - if any could be.

Suddenly, the computer pinged again. "Unknown ship detected approaching at subluminal speed," it announced. "Grife," Shvaughn muttered as she began scanning the readouts. "This ship has weapons, but I need to know what I'm facing." Suddenly, a vessel materialized in front of her. Shvaughn gasped as she looked out the window.

As recognition dawned, a smile slowly spread across her face. "Well, it looks like I won't have to go back to Earth now..." She quickly opened her communication channels and began sending a message to the other Legion teams. Things were finally looking up.

************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Violet trashed Roxxas' motor control center in Legionnaires Annual 2 to be exact!

2) Benn Pares broke into Legion HQ in Adventures in the DC Universe 10.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: A Fatal Mistake - 09/27/15 01:57 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, In space between Earth and Legion World...


Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation
Star Boy, Thom Kallor of Xanthu; gravity manipulation
Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers

*********************************************************************

"Validus! Surely you can handle a non-invulnerable hero?!" Empress snapped as she commanded the Eye to blast Andromeda. Star Boy was flying rings around Validus! The gigantic oaf was flailing around, but Star Boy was keeping him off-balance AND evading his swats! No matter; she would deal with him later. Now she wanted to destroy that wretched Andromeda and take revenge for her humiliating defeat so long ago. She had been defeated by one flick of Andromeda's finger... and she had so looked forward to finally killing a Legionnaire bare-handed...*

Hm...

"Eye, I want you to remove Andromeda's powers!" she gleefully commanded. She saw Andromeda's eyes widen in horror as she issued her command.

"No you don't! Captain Marvel!" The Empress forced herself not to shriek as lightning came down from above, striking the Legionnaire called Thunder and the Emerald Eye! As her vision cleared, she saw a young girl - about the Legionnaires' age - floating in space with a determined look on her face. "Eye!" she called. "Kill her!"

The girl gave her the most insolent grin, then shouted once more. "Captain Marvel!" Lightning appeared from out of nowhere yet again, striking the Eye before it could react. The Empress screamed, as much in frustration as in pain, as her vision blurred again.

"Eye! You're powerful enough to stop this," she shrieked. "Eye!" As the smoke cleared, she could see the Eye pulsing and glowing. Yet nothing seemed to be happening. What was going on?

She tried to wade towards the Eye, but felt something pinning her down. She dropped to her knees and stared as Kid Quantum II and Star Boy came into view. Both Legionnaires appeared to be concentrating. Yet why couldn't she move?

Outside the area their powers were affecting, Kid Quantum II felt sweat beading on her forehead even as she manipulated the flow of time around the Emerald Eye and the Empress. "How are you doing, Thom?"

"Well enough," Thom responded. "Better than the Empress, who is feeling mighty heavy right now. And you?"

"Nnggh... The Empress is easy, she has no natural resistance to my powers. The Eye is trickier, of course... I'm slowing it down while speeding the Empress' personal time field, then doing the opposite. It's keeping them off-balance so far, but..."

"But you could use an assist," Thom smiled. He focused his immense gravity powers on the Eye as well. "Nice tactic, by the way. I think I'll do the same. Make the Eye lighter, Empress heavier, then switch..."

"Thanks. Andy, Thunder, how are you two doing with Validus?"

"Give us a second," Andromeda said determinedly as she flew around. "We want a clear shot, so let's come at him from below." Thunder joined her as they flew through Validus' chaotic web of brain lightning. Andromeda nodded at Thunder, and the two Legionnaires looped around the floating behemoth. As if synchronized, they approached from the same direction below, dodging lightning all the way, and punched Validus with all their might.

With a mighty bellow, Validus roared in pain, but the two kept pressing their attack. "XS once told me** that Validus has the slowest reflexes she has ever seen," Andromeda said as she pushed forward. "I can see it here."

"So can I. Even without Atlas' Stamina, I think I could withstand most of Validus' brain lightning by using Mercury's speed," Thunder noted.

"You definitely have an impressive array of powers," Laurel smiled as she pressed the attack with heat vision. An enraged Validus used its hand to cover the spot she had zapped, freeing the path in front of them. "Now, shall we finish this?"

"With pleasure. And your powers are more than impressive as well," Cece smiled.

"On 3 then," Laurel winked.

"THREE!" the two shouted as they rocketed into Validus. The behemoth roared in surprise and anger as they slammed him into a nearby asteroid.

Watching from afar, Jazmin and Thom looked on in awe. "That has got to be the biggest cloud of dust I've ever seen," Thom whistled.

"I'll say," Jazmin added even as she continued manipulating time around the Empress and the Eye. "But don't get distracted. I can feel the Eye breaking through my fields..."

"Let it try breaking through this." Thom waved his hand, and the Eye crashed into a nearby asteroid, all while still surrounded by Jazmin's quantum bubbles.

"Nice one, Thom. Now make it bounce again, and I'll follow your lead." Thom grinned as he made the Eye crash into another asteroid, then another, and another.

"It's working!" Jazmin noted with no small hint of satisfaction as the emerald glow surrounding the Empress faded. "We're doing it, Thom!"

"Hah! Teamwork wins again," Thom laughed as he slammed the now-powerless Empress into the ship she was kneeling on. "And now for the Eye..."

"If you will permit us." Star Boy and Kid Quantum II turned in surprise to see a combat mechanoid, not unlike Babbage, floating towards them. It carried a large opaque cube which Jazmin recognized as the prison they had placed the Emerald Eye in***, but with some additional enhancements. Beside the Robotican, Andromeda and Thunder floated with slightly confused, but elated, expressions.

"If you will guide the Eye into this containment unit, Star Boy," the Robotican continued. "We have made some modifications to make this a more suitable prison."

As Star Boy complied, Jazmin extended a free hand. "I thank you on behalf of the Legion, Robotican. And you are?"

"My apologies for not introducing myself," the Robotican bowed. "PMC-87 unit, Diplomatic Corps of Robotica. My colleague JRH-92 unit, also of the Diplomatic Corps, is even now approaching Captain Shvaughn Erin to assist her. We received a transmission from Legionnaire Babbage while the shields surrounding Legion World were down, and we of course made haste to support both Legion World and Earth. We owe you much."

Jazmin felt a small smile creep across her face even as her three teammates gave mutters of approval. And she was secretly proud of herself for engaging with this Robotican emissary as she would any other sentient species or race in the United Planets.**** As Thom used his powers to place the Eye into the containment unit, PMC-87 quickly shut it and pressed some buttons. The unit began to hum. "You may drop your fields now. We designed this unit together with the White Witch and others from Zarrox. It draws on the Emerald Eye's own mystical energy to power it."

"Wow. That sounds like a wrap," Andromeda smiled, though she shivered slightly. She couldn't forget the malevolence she had felt the first time she had encountered the Eye.

"So now we should support our Earth-based team," Thunder added.

"Oh, I don't think we need to do that," Kid Quantum smiled. Her teammates turned and gasped in unison.

A shimmering, transparent shield surrounded the Earth.

"They did it!" Star Boy cheered.

"I never doubted Brainiac 5 could," Andromeda murmured.

"So now, we consolidate our forces and wait for the Asteroid teams to remove that pesky shield around Legion World once and for all," Kid Quantum II continued. She raised her flight ring to her lips. "Hear that, Triad? Show's yours, girls."

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) LSH v4 80: Empress was looking forward to killing Andromeda with her bare hands, only to find out that Laurel was Daxamite. The Empress had not encountered the Emerald Eye yet.

2) XS said that also in LSH v4 80!

3) I introduced this prison in one of my Volume 1: Loss posts.

4) The UP voted to recognize Roboticans as a sentient species in Legion 14.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/27/15 03:43 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, in an asteroid belt near Legion World...

Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication; skilled administrator

Chuck Taine of Earth (Honorary Legionnaire). Skilled architect and mechanic, pilot of the bouncing ship called the Bouncing Boy

************************************************************
Triad Neutral prayed Purple would bite her tongue as Kid Quantum's transmission came in. "We're a little busy here, Jaz!" Neutral answered as she reintegrated to avoid a punch. She quickly triplicated again, only to have her opponent do the same. Triad cursed silently; Kuga was no tri-jitsu slouch, and he was much, much physically stronger. Grife, he looked like he had been carved from stone! She couldn't rely on superior numbers here. Worse, she still had to worry about gathering the three smaller teams of Legionnaires scattered throughout the asteroid belt and ensuring they destroyed the shield around Legion World. She didn't want to think about the fates of the Legionnaires already on Legion World if they couldn't get reinforcements through...

"Lu! Kari!" Chuck called from the cockpit. "I'm sorry, I can't leave the controls! Are you..."

"I can handle it," Purple snapped as she kicked at the nearest Kuga. "She means we can manage, Chuck!" Orange called more soothingly while she crouched down to avoid a punch.

"Yes, we can defeat our opponents, Jovial Legion." Shikari fell silent after that, a far cry from her previous penchant for combat badinage. Just as well; her opponent, Swool, was a Gil'dan in an exosuit.

"Why did you stop talking, insect?" Swool taunted as it fired at Shikari. "Afraid my telepathy will anticipate your thoughts?"

Shikari resisted retorting. Instead, she flew around to the other side of the Bouncing Boy, away from Chuck. "Triplet Legion! We need to draw them out of the ship!"

"You're right, Kari," Triad Neutral replied as she used her flight ring to leap over Kuga's "main" body. As she landed behind him, she kicked his knee, forcing him to kneel. He kicked backwards, forcing her to dodge. "And I know just the thing. Sis!"

Orange, the only one of them not otherwise engaged, urgently pounded on the airlock. Shikari quickly rammed into Swool, sending both of them tumbling outside. Purple followed as she tackled one of Kuga's bodies, and Orange pulled at another.

"You'll be okay, Chuck?" Neutral called as she used her flight ring to pull Kuga Neutral out of the Bouncing Boy. Chuck flashed his favorite sign, a thumbs-up, and nodded. "Yup, I'll have the Boy in tip top shape before you know it!"

Triad waved back, and Chuck smiled warmly. But as soon as she was out of sight, his face fell. He wished he had been as confident as he sounded. He initiated auto-repair systems to seal the hole the villains had entered through. "Okay, what do you know happened, exactly?" He began talking to himself; it helped him think. "First we're floating here minding our own business and coordinating the teams, then somebody blasts a hole in the Bouncing Boy, and these two bad guys come in... but neither of them seems to have that power... Oh grife, could there be someone else out there?"

As if in answer to his question, a sneering voice sounded over the communications link. "Hey, Bouncing Boob! This is Cherry Bomb, and with me is the Molecular Master." Chuck froze as he saw the one-time failed Legion applicant chewing gum outside his ship. But what scared him even more was the black-clad man whose hands were glowing. Violet had reported fighting him once before*, and he was reportedly immensely powerful.

"Okay, this is what we're going to do," Cherry Bomb continued. "Molecular Master is already coating your ship with an explosive mix. If you don't surrender, I explode. We'll be fine, but you, your ship and your friends blow up and the Legionnaires on the asteroids get stranded. So you have five minutes to think about it."

Sweat poured down Chuck's forehead. He knew Triad and Shikari were still locked in battle. And he didn't want the Bouncing Boy to fall into the bad guys' hands.

"Oh sprock oh sprock oh sprock oh sprock..."

He had always wanted to be a Legionnaire, but had never had the powers. Piloting the Bouncing Boy was one way to get closer to the action, as was working with the new Legionnaires that had continued after the original team vanished. This was the first time he really thought that maybe it was better to just be part of the team's support staff.

"3 minutes, Bouncing Boob!" Chuck swallowed as he made his choice. He gunned the thrusters on the Bouncing Boy and aimed for the nearest asteroid. He could hear Cherry Bomb cursing over the comms and Shikari's cries of surprise over his flight ring.

"Chuck! What are you doing?!" Triad's worried voice called. "Sorry, Lu..." Chuck muttered as he angled the Bouncing Boy just so. The ship bounced off the asteroid he had targeted and hit another one, building up momentum. He could see Molecular Master firing blasts of energy at the Bouncing Boy as Cherry Bomb began to glow.

"Chuck, please stop!" Triad pleaded. "We're almost there!"

"I really missed you, Lu," Chuck smiled as the Boy hit the second asteroid, picking up momentum as it did. He bit his lip as he watched Cherry Bomb's panicked expression as he zoomed closer to them. "Stop it, you squaj!"

Then his world went white as Cherry Bomb exploded.

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Kinetix, Star Boy and Violet fought the Molecular Master in LSH v4 109.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/28/15 01:42 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, in an asteroid belt near Legion World...

Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication; skilled administrator

Chuck Taine of Earth (Honorary Legionnaire). Skilled architect and mechanic, pilot of the bouncing ship called the Bouncing Boy

************************************************************

A reintegrated Triad wanted to look away, but she couldn't. She watched the Bouncing Boy jump from asteroid to asteroid, all the while coated in the explosive alloy generated by the Molecular Master. "Chuck!" she screamed. What was he doing? He's not invulnerable! He doesn't even have any powers! She looked around frantically, but only Shikari was nearby, and she was locked in battle with Swool.

"He's dead, witch," Kuga sneered as he grabbed her from behind.

"Let GO!" His arms were like steel; there was no way she was getting out of his grip. Triad activated her flight ring, propelling herself and Kuga backwards into an asteroid. She braced herself; the impact loosened his grip on her. She wiggled away, and followed with a kick to the groin and an elbow to the solar plexus. A pair of punches to the head finished him off.

Summoning all her will, she flew after the Bouncing Boy, heart pounding as she noticed Cherry Bomb glowing brighter and brighter. The villain had to charge herself up, but the results could be devastating - she had once blinded and deafened Umbra.

"Chuck, please stop!" she called. "Please!"

"I will stop him." Shikari dodged a round of fire from Swool, then decisively sliced through its exosuit, severing its aqueous globe from the body. Without its limbs, Swool was no threat. Shikari kicked Swool's globe away for good measure, then she began flying towards the Bouncing Boy, easily overtaking Triad. Luornu's mouth felt dry. Would she be fast enough?

Shikari dove through the space in between her and the Bouncing Boy, weaving her way through tiny asteroids and the occasional blast from Molecular Master. Her wings moved faster than Triad had ever seen. She was gaining, but to Triad it seemed like she was moving at a snail's pace.

And just as Shikari touched the Bouncing Boy, Cherry Bomb exploded.

Triad clasped her hands to her mouth as she flew closer. The light had been blinding; even with her visor on she had to blink to adjust. As the explosion cleared, she saw the unconscious forms of Cherry Bomb and the Molecular Master flying into an asteroid, no doubt just as Chuck had intended.

"Triplet Legion!" Shikari flew out of the dissipating cloud, wings fluttering. Her armored skin had protected her from the worst of it. In her arms, she cradled the still form of Chuck Taine.

"I reached him only a few seconds after the explosion hit," Shikari explained quietly. "The Bouncing Boy... it was almost completely destroyed... I saw the hull rupture. He was drowning in different fluids..."

Triad gingerly touched Chuck's face, but he didn't react at all. She barely felt a pulse. His body was almost completely coated in... whatever it was. She guessed it was a combination of the
Molecular Master's handiwork and the rubber mixture that had allowed the ship to bounce. "Shikari, we need to get him to a doctor, now!"

"Yes." The tell-tale pinkish-red glow surrounded Shikari's head as she used her pathfinding abilities. "Sneaky Legion and Doctor Legion can help him. I'll bring him to Legion World. You stay and gather the rest."

"Wait... a... minute!" Triad felt the welling of emotions that preceded an involuntary triplication. Purple jabbed an angry finger towards Shikari. "We're going with you!" Orange placed a trembling hand on her mouth. "Oh grife, he looks so weak!"

"I understand you are worried, but you must stay here and gather the rest," Shikari said firmly. "Our teammates are still scattered here, and we will all need to stand together to retake Legion World."

"Now, you listen-!" Purple started.

"No, sisters," Neutral cut Purple off. "Shikari's right. She's faster. It just makes the most sense."

Purple and Orange both stared at her. Then, after what seemed like an eternity, they nodded. Neutral turned to Shikari. "Take care of him, please."

"I will." Triad lingered for a few seconds as she watched Shikari and Chuck dwindle in the darkness of space. Then she sighed as she turned towards the asteroid field.

After her grandmother and RJ Brande, Chuck Taine was the first person to make all three of her feel the same way. And now all three of her were afraid she would lose him forever.
Posted By: razsolo Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/28/15 02:48 PM
WOW! I honestly thought Chuck was dead, it was a great sacrifice scene but very shocking....I really like where it looks like you're taking him instead though! laugh
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/28/15 03:58 PM
Glad you liked Chuck's moment, raz, and glad you were shocked by it! I think you've read my mind as to where this is going... smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/29/15 04:07 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, Asteroid TMC-89 near Legion World...

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth; previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation

Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan. (Reserve Legionnaire and Cadet). Telepathic control of others' physical functions

************************************************************

Gear hung his head in resignation. "No use. I've tried and I've tried. I can't regain control."

"No shame in that, Gear," Mentalla said gently. "But it's time for us to move on."

"Yeah..." Gear looked wistfully at the controls one last time. "Let's do this."

"Here goes nothing." Ferro stepped up beside Gear and raised his hands over his head. In one swift motion, he brought his fists down on the controls, smashing them to bits.

Alarms sounded all over the installation. The four Legionnaires looked at one another. "My illusions are on," Sensor said. "Let's go." The four raced towards the exit.

Posted By: Omni Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/29/15 08:53 PM
IB you killing me! i swear you gave me a heart attack when i read that post about Chuck and seeing all three Lu's react like that broke my heart.

The battle scenes have all been awesome. Zoe and M'onel taking on the Monitor was scary good.

Star boy and KQII also great. i never would have thought of them working so well on the Emerald Eye.

Laurel and Cece are a fun pairing still.

Can't wait for more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/29/15 11:46 PM
Thanks Omni, of course I would never want to give you a heart attack but I'm glad the Chuck and Lu scene worked so well for you.

Glad you are liking the battles and Legionnaire pairings smile there will be a few more scenes but they'll be a bit shorter and crisper as we are nearing the finale!

One thing I realized is that there is quite a lot of power among these Legionnaires. Kid Q, Star Boy, Kinetix, M'On, Andromeda, Thunder, Wildfire... all quite powerful!

Thanks, and more to come very soon!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/29/15 11:55 PM
I should add that Kid Q and Thom vs. The Eye only worked so well because the Eye is a bit weaker now, because it takes so much direction from the Empress, and because they took it by surprise (plus Thunder gave them an opening). If the Eye ever gets back to full strength it won't be so easy!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 10/01/15 01:03 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, on Legion World...

Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; generate and control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth; wind and air manipulation
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed, granddaughter of the Flash (Barry Allen)


**************************************************************

"Is it... is it really you?" Marla Latham tried in vain to keep the emotion from welling up in his voice. After spending who knows how long imprisoned with hundreds of other sentients, and not knowing what was happening outside... now, to suddenly be freed by a mix of old and new Legionnaires, all of whom he had feared were dead...

It was overwhelming, to say the least.

"It IS us, Marla," Nightwind smiled as she gently supported him. "We came back. Thanks for keeping the hostages' spirits up while we were away."

A shaken Keema Delf cowered on the floor, long red hair in disarray. "Why did you leave us behind?" the reporter moaned.

"We apologize," Babbage started, using its voice modulator to convey sorrow and sympathy. "Please believe us, we had no choice. We were faced with overwhelming numbers. We needed to retrieve reinforcements."

"What reinforcements?" Science Police Officer Sybelle Deacon snarled through her split lip. "There are less than half a dozen of you! I thought the Legion was about big numbers?" As she spoke, cracks began to form on Blizzard's ice wall. The hostages gasped and started scrambling to get away. With a thunderous smash, the ice wall caved outwards, sending fragments of ice raining down on the terrified hostages.

"Are we reinforcements enough?" XS raced through the crowd, pulling terrified civilians out of the way. As she placed a startled Sybelle Deacon down on the floor, she paused for a second. "And the Legion's about strength in numbers, yes, but also about teamwork and diversity. Remember that." She rushed away before the startled Officer could respond.

"Well said, Jenni!" Gates squeaked as he opened a teleportation disk in front of a dozen huddled hostages. The disk sent the falling ice smashing down onto the ground on the other side of the wall.

"Grife, am I glad Babbage freed you!" Blizzard smiled as he reinforced his wall. It buckled again just as he did; the large saurian Bronto and the immense brute Nadir crashed into it.

"Allow me." The White Witch stepped forward, hands glowing. She blasted the two brutes backwards, then turned her attention to the wall of ice protecting the hostages. "A spell of regeneration," she uttered. With a wave of her hand, the ice wall glowed for a moment. It shuddered again as someone started pounding at it from the other side; but as fragments of ice fell, they magically returned to the wall, repairing it.

"Oh, very nice," Blizzard said, admiring her handiwork. "At least this will give us some breathing room."

"Let's take the offensive," Nightwind noted. "Brek, when I give the signal, get ready to make holes in the ice. But only near the top, where attacks won't hit hostages by accident. Babbage, Drura, the three of us should get ready to take out attackers through the holes. XS, Gates, rescue and crowd control, please. Mysa, kindly check the hostages for injuries. And once you're done, I think you should move to support the team fighting the big bad."

The Legionnaires nodded and moved to their positions, even as the freed hostages cheered them on. XS and Gates began ushering the civilians back, away from the ice well. As they walked to the spot XS had marked, reporter Hannah Wells winked at Sybelle Deacon. "Looks like they have all the reinforcements they need right now."
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 10/01/15 02:01 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, Asteroid JM-L15 near Legion World...

Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility and disruption of mechanical devices
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony; skilled martial artist
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair

************************************************************

"Are you well, Apparition?" Lume asked as they rushed towards the control room. Lume remained in its energy form, deftly weaving around attackers as it fired laser blast after laser blast. Apparition herself skillfully used her powers to phase through attacks, punching would-be attackers before they could tell whether she was solid or not. Spider-Girl and Karate Kid brought up the rear, mopping up any remaining opposition.

"Yes Lume, thank you for asking. I just hope Triad's okay." Apparition shivered despite herself. She and Triad had joined together, so many years ago; and she had never heard Luornu seem so distraught. "Something else else must have happened, I know it."

"We will deal with it together," Karate Kid said quietly and confidently. As if to stress his point, he rammed through a cluster of soldiers.

"We're here!" Spider-Girl announced as she rounded the corner. "Okay, gang, let's do this!"

"Gladly." Apparition dove headfirst into the machinery, her phased form causing sparks to fly everywhere as she disrupted the electrical currents. "It feels good, cutting loose like this."

"Indeed. The martial arts I have learned are grounded in ancient philosophies and traditions, but it can be therapeutic to just punch things." Karate Kid leaped at the machinery on the far right, smashing it to bits.

"It also feels good to get closer to our objective," Lume agreed as it zapped the remaining computers by focusing its energy into pinpoint laser beams.

"Great, you're all efficiently destructive," Spider-Girl quipped as she peeked outside into the corridor. "Now come on. We still have to fight our way back out of here and rendezvous with Triad." Without waiting for a reply, she ran out. Lume and Karate Kid quickly followed suit. Apparition spared a moment to walk through the walls; wires and pipes exploded as she did. She wanted to make sure that these horrible installations were completely destroyed and that their mission would be a success. If one of her friends had been hurt today, she wanted all the pain to be very much worth it.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 10/03/15 07:44 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, on Legion World...

Impulse, Kent Shakespeare of Earth; enhanced speed, strength, durability and recuperative abilities, medical doctor
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth; invisibility
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; size manipulation of own body
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings). Anti-energy being

**************************************************************

Invisible Kid worked feverishly as he pieced together all the data he had gathered so far. His heart pounded as he reviewed his conclusions. "Looks like the tubes can be roughly grouped into two sets". Some of these have been prepped for... for something. Some of the tubes have had some procedure done on them. Thankfully, these are few..." Lyle's heart sank as he realized that Condo was in the latter group. What has he done to you? "I think we need to start freeing the ones who have been prepped," he added. "Before anything can happen to them."

"Do we know enough?" Impulse looked up from his notes. "There are too many contraptions attached to these tubes."

"Look at our teammates," Lyle pointed at M'Onel, Kinetix and Wildfire, who were just barely keeping the Monitor in check. "Kinetix is getting exhausted and Wildfire's energy is depleting fast! He might not be able to hold himself together. And Violet is almost done exploring the whole contraption. We have to start somewhere!" Lyle didn't say what was at the back of his mind - that they would need to do a little intelligent guesswork. Trial and error. And he hated himself for being grateful that he would not have to start with Condo. But it was a calculated risk. "Babbage's success freeing XS and the others gives us a reasonable expectation of success. The first set of tubes are in almost the same state as the ones they were in."

Kent clenched his fist as Lyle spoke. The oath he took upon becoming a doctor held him to the highest standards of healing. "Lyle... I..." He looked at his teammates. Kinetix's skirt was torn, her normally perfectly coiffed hair in disarray. Wildfire was struggling with regulating his blasts; Kent knew that he needed to conserve his energy after being imprisoned on Qward for an extended period. And even the invulnerable M'Onel was beginning to show bruises; he took the brunt of the Monitor's attacks to spare his teammates, but the power behind them was too much.

And several times during the battle, M'Onel or Kinetix had needed to redirect attacks to keep them from hitting the tubes.

"Let's bring Babbage on board," Kent suggested. "Reduce our chance for error even more."

"Fair enough," Lyle said. "I'll start and you two join me as soon as you can." He trotted over to the tube containing a sleeping Atmos. He was supposed to have some level of invulnerability. Better chance of making it. He carefully tucked his hair back into the headband he wore and began to work. Condo had always preferred he not wear the headband...

He pushed thoughts of better moments with Condo out of his mind for now, and began to work.

**********************************************************************

Kinetix dropped to her knees as M'Onel slammed into the Monitor once more, while the villain was being held in place by an inch of titanium. Grife. No matter how many times she reformed the bonds around him, the Monitor always managed to break free. She was exhausted; she could count the number of times she had been in battle for this long before. She needed a short break... she reinforced the metal holding around the Monitor's limbs.

"This will not hold me long." The Monitor blasted M'Onel back with energy from his eyes, slamming him into a wall. The Daxamite was stunned momentarily. Then he turned his attention towards Kinetix. "You have been more than a minor irritant, girl. Your unique powers are interesting, but can be of use to me even without a limb." Zoe flew up off the floor in a panic as energy began pouring out of the Monitor's eyes.

"Geez, hasn't anyone ever told you it's not polite to stare?!" Wildfire fired a beam of his energy in the path of the Monitor's beams, blocking them from hitting Zoe. She quickly reacted by molding portions of the wall into a visor around the Monitor's eyes, temporarily blocking his beams.

"Thanks, Drake. Never got the chance to tell you this before, but... impressive save," she smiled.

"Thanks too, little lady. Got to hand it to you, you've kept him off-balance pretty well despite not being invulnerable."

"But we can't keep this up," Zoe replied as she thickened the layers of metal binding the Monitor, even as he struggled to burn through the band around his eyes. "We're just barely managing to keep him in check."

"I know." Wildfire carefully rationed his energy to blast at the Monitor's hands, causing the villain to yell in pain. "We need a Hail Mary."

"Will a Hail Mysa do?" Zoe and Drake jumped as Gates teleported in with the White Witch and Babbage. "This is one time I'm actually glad to be a taxi service! Grife, you two look horrible!"

"Tactful as always, Gates," Zoe muttered as she helped M'Onel up with her telekinesis. Lar Gand rubbed his shoulder, wincing in pain. "Good timing, though," he quipped. "Come on, let's not waste this." He inhaled, then unleashed his freezing breath at the Monitor together, followed quickly by his heat vision. He alternated between the two powers as the Monitor howled in pain. "Keep him off-balance!"

"I believe I can better assist Invisible Kid and Impulse," Babbage said as it flew to the back of the lab.

"And I can do my best here." The White Witch raised her hands, and a blue aura surrounded the Monitor. The aura extended from him to Mysa, who gasped. "Oh! So much power... This is a draining spell, one which allows me to transfer vitality between beings." She waved her hands around, causing the blue glow to surround M'Onel, Wildfire and Kinetix. "The Monitor will tire, while you three will be temporarily invigorated. My pupil Dragonmage had much more aptitude for this spell than I, but I hope this will help."

"Believe me, it does." Wildfire stood up and began blasting at the Monitor, joining his power with M'Onel's. "I feel almost as strong as I was before that sprocking Qwardian kidnapped me!"

"It is but a temporary measure," Mysa said sadly. "I pray it lasts long enough to win this battle."

"I think it will." Kinetix added her telekinesis to the mix, battering the Monitor with blunt force. "I'm feeling good about this."

"So do I!" The four Legionnaires looked in amazement as a blast of nuclear energy joined their attack. "Atmos!" M'Onel gasped.

"Your friends freed me! And now I'm going to return the favor!" Atmos grinned as he joined the attack. Behind him, Legion Cadet Hotshot (formerly Fire Lad) exhaled a stream of fire. Fellow Cadet Lamprey added concentrated steams of water to the bombardment; she kept her distance from Hotshot, careful not to quench his attack. Several other prisoners had been freed, though not all were in good condition; Dragonwing struggled to stand while Retro blinked in confusion.

"None of them are physically injured," Gates noted as he gathered the freed prisoners who could not fight. "But their imprisonment has left them disoriented and sedated. I'll take these to join the other hostages we freed."

"No... want to help..." Splitter muttered as he tried to reattach his right arm. "Please, let me..."

"I sympathize, but this is no time to be hard-headed!" Gates snapped. "Part of being a Legionnaire is knowing when to bow out, Cadet." Before Splitter could protest, Gates' teleportation disk swallowed him and a few others up.

"Now the rest of us can concentrate on hitting this guy," Rainbow smiled as her aura glowed a vivid red. She added her power to the attack. Beside her, Gravity's hands glowed a pale gray as he increased the pull of gravity on the Monitor.

"Yahoo! Keep hitting him, boys and girls!" Wildfire's jubilant cry was infectious as he pressed the attack. "We're putting him down!" Nearly two dozen different meta-powered individuals were now blasting at the Monitor; rays and beams in a wide spectrum of colors combined into a potent stream that battered their target.

Suddenly, the a brilliant glow surrounded the Monitor, drowning out the blue aura from Mysa's spell. "Um, which one of you is doing that?" Kinetix asked. Before anyone could answer, what could only be described as a maelstrom as energy erupted from his body. Screams and yells were drowned out as a rain of debris and white hot heat blasted the attacking heroes; despite hastily conjured shields from Kinetix and the White Witch, people were thrown down and around.

"Oh my grife," Vapor breathed as she reformed her body. She had changed into her gaseous form to escape the blast; she shook as she coalesced into physical form beside a shocked Impulse. "I have never experienced anything so hot!"

"I see that I have underestimated your tenacity and resourcefulness." The Monitor strode forward, eyes glowing. He ignored the fallen heroes around him as he walked to the back of the laboratory. Vapor quickly turned into a cloud of hydrogen sulfide; the smell of rotten eggs permeated the lab as she launched herself at the Monitor. He exhaled; the force of his attack dissipated her molecules momentarily. "But you have also underestimated my power. Still, it would be unwise of me to allow you to loose these other resources at me. I shall start with the most dangerous." He pointed a glowing hand at Condo Arlik's tube. "I regret to do this, but I can always find another Phlonian."

Lyle screamed as the Monitor fired.

***********************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Wildfire is an gestalt of two beings whose physical forms were destroyed by Mordru. One of them, Atom'x, was "killed" trying to impress Kinetix (not at her urging!) by saving Violet alone. The other being was Blast-Off, who had a thing for Kid Quantum II.

2) The prisoners in the tubes include Legion Cadets, Uncanny Amazers and other individuals who have meta powers or have the potential to develop them. Here is a list of the ones mentioned by name in this post:

a) Atmos, Marak Russen of Xanthu (Uncanny Amazer); nuclear energy blasts, flight, enhanced strength and durability

b) Hotshot, Staq Mavlen of Shwar (Legion Cadet); breathes fire

c) Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Legion Cadet); underwater survival, hydrokinesis

d) Dragonwing, Marya Pai of Earth (Legion Cadet); breathes fire and secretes acid venom

e) Retro, Deen Toro of Retcon** (Legion Cadet); touch-triggered ability to rewind time, but leaving those affected with a memory of "future" events

**Retro's home world was not revealed in the comic books. I just decided to make him from Retcon, a world never before seen in Legion mythos smile

f) Splitter, Floyd Belkin of Lallor (Legion Cadet); ability to detach his limbs from his torso

g) Rainbow, Dori Aandraison of Xolnar (Legion Cadet); rainbow-based light powers

h) Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Legion Cadet); gravity manipulation

i) Vapor, Tal Nahii of Lallor (Hero of Lallor); transforms her body into gases
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 10/03/15 08:59 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, Asteroid RSTP-3680 near Legion World...

Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; controls a mystical darkfield

Insect Queen, Lonna Leing of Xanthu. (Uncanny Amazer and Legion ally). Ability to morph her abdomen into various insect forms, gaining the powers of the forms she takes.

************************************************************

"Hurry!" Umbra flipped herself over a charging Titania. As she landed on the floor, she blasted the super-strong female with her darkfield. The close-range attack stunned Titania's nervous system, making her fall to the floor. Ordinarily, Tasmia would have relished the chance to test her combat skills against such an opponent. But time was of the essence. "Ours is the last installation to destroy so we can deactivate the shield!"

"I hear you." Insect Queen, in the form of a Xolnaran Queen Wasp, fired volleys of stingers, piercing attackers even through body armor. "It's worth our lives to bring this shield down!"

"I agree, we're taking too long." Chameleon shifted into a Mimbian Brontopoid. Swinging his long, clawed limbs around, he took down several more soldiers. "Most of these are non-powered. Let Insect Queen and I hold them off. Umbra and Timber Wolf, you should go forward and destroy the controls. Your powers are best suited for that."

"Sounds like a plan," Brin's tone was approving as he slashed the forearm of an attacking Tyrazzian. The red-skinned warrior dropped his gun involuntarily. Brin finished him off with a punch to the face. "Come on, Umbra. Race you!"

"Gladly." Umbra's darkfield cleared a path for the two of them. Chameleon winked at her as she left; she gave a rare smile in return. Chameleon turned to Insect Queen. "Okay, Lonna, let's shapeshift like we've never shapeshifted before!"

"Hah! Compared to the Robotican invasion of Xanthu*, this is a walk in Xanthopolis Park!" She shifted into the form of a large centipede. As a horde of attackers approached, she used her body to throw them into the wall.

"Hmm, looks like I'll have to work hard to catch up." Over a dozen limbs emerged from Chameleon's torso. He began punching them in all directions, felling soldiers everywhere. "You sprocks won't get past us!"

On the other end of the corridor, Umbra and Timber Wolf kept running. "It's a good thing Cham and Triad recorded Shikari's instructions," Brin noted. "Kari's well out of range now."

"As well she should be," Tasmia replied. "Chuck's life is more important, and Shikari has done her part here."

"Yeah, I... Sprock." Brin crouched low as they emerged in front of the control room. "Something else else's not... right..." Brin fell to the ground, a mass of twitching limbs.

"What's wrong?!" Umbra asked with urgency. She turned him over. "Brin?" She barely had time to react as a her field of vision filled with green. Tasmia felt herself pushed violently on her behind as Micro grew to full size, punching her with 140 pounds of force. "Hah! The Master is going to be so pleased with me, taking two Legionnaires down by myself!"

Umbra wiped the blood streaming down her nose. "You're pathetic," she sneered. Blasting Micro with her darkfield wouldn't do; if he shrank down, she would hit Brin. Instead, she coated the area in darkness. "I've read your file, Micro. You survive on the adoration of others. True strength comes from confidence in yourself, despite what others think."

"Shut up!" Umbra quickly flew towards where Micro's voice came from. She couldn't see him; he had likely shrunk as a precaution. But he wouldn't be able to see or hear her. She just had to wait...

"You are just afraid to hear the truth," Tasmia replied icily. "You had to murder Ion** just to soothe your feelings of inadequacy!"

"SHUT UP!" Tasmia quickly stepped backwards as she felt Micro's movement from below her chin. Opening her fist, she intercepted Micro's hand as it punched upwards. She quickly inserted her fingers between his and squeezed. Micro screamed in pain as several of his fingers broke.

Before he could recover, Umbra finished him off with a blow to the neck. He slumped down, unconscious.

With a wave of her hand, Umbra made her darkfield vanish. She ran to Brin's side. "Are you okay?"

"Urgh... Remind me to thank that little punk later," Timber Wolf said as he stood up shakily. "Thankfully, I heal fast. Grife, remind me never to make Violet angry."

"Make that, never make a Legionnaire angry." Tasmia turned to the control room. "Come on, let's finish this mission."

"Allow me," Brin said as he ran inside. "I have a lot of pent-up frustration to release."

Seconds later, debris was strewn around the control room. Minutes later, Umbra and Timber Wolf had helped Insect Queen and Chameleon mop up the remaining staff; and within fifteen minutes the four were on their way to rendezvous with the other away teams in the asteroid field.

And the shield around Legion World faded away once more, this time for good.

**************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Like with Lazon before, this is Titania's first Postboot appearance.

2) The Robotican invasion of Xanthu was depicted in Legion Worlds 4. Insect Queen nearly died from exhaustion then.

3) Chameleon and Umbra developed a pretty good friendship during Legion Lost.

4) Violet, Micro and Ion were competing to see who would join the Legion as Imsk's representative. Micro murdered Ion to better his chances. (LSH v4 66)
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 10/03/15 09:01 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, above Legion World...

Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation

Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Honorary Legionnaire). Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer.

**************************************************************

Shvaughn Erin smiled as she watched from her vantage point just above Legion World. She quickly turned on her communication channel. "They did it, everyone. They did it! It's time!"

She barely finished before cheers of joy erupted across all channels, including her own flight ring. "Over three dozen ships still stand between us and Legion World," she continued. "I'm sure everyone wants a piece of them."

Kid Quantum's face and voice appeared, addressing the assembled army. "Then you all had better hurry, because we Legionnaires are already wading in. UP forces, attack!"

Shvaughn's heart lifted as she watched Science Police units, the UP Army and Navy, Khundian battleships and Robotican combat mechanoids all surge forward into the massive army the enemy had gathered. In front of them all, leading the charge, were the assembled Legionnaires under Kid Quantum's watch.

This was a sight she would remember, and treasure, forever.
Posted By: Harbinger Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 10/03/15 10:04 AM
IB this is outstanding!

So many great moments, and you keep the throttle on and keep it coming. I cant pick a favourite part as so far all of your story is great, from Shikari and Lu's organisation of the teams, Chucks heroism - like Omni I almost had a heart attack reading that post where he appeared to sacrifice himself,

star Boy and Kid Quantum taking on the Empress and the Eye was superb - I think even if it were full powered they could give it a hard time - and the fight between Thunder and Super Girl against Validus was well written too.

The hostages reaction to the Legionnaires was well done, no Stockholm syndrome thankfully smile you write Brek really well, he's one of my least favourite of the team normally but you have me rooting for the guy, well done!

Lyles fears and detminationare so nicely handled, you are a very sensitive writer that can do these sort of intense scenes with a light touch so they seem to carry more weight - personally I know I couldn't convey so much so well while keeping up the overall tension so accept this pat on the back for a job really well done.

Monel and Kinetix and Wildfire taking ona Monitor is brave! It's great to se their determination and courage in action. The freed meta captives joining in too was well done, you really do write a large cast well.

Umbra and Timber Wolf make a good couple, they work well together, and you captured that synergy well.

So the force field is down! I guess that means things will get intense now! Wow!

Your story is amazing IB and I'm really looking forward to more, more, more!

Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 10/03/15 10:23 AM
Thank you Harbi for your kind comments! I believe you are very adept at handling a huge cast, so it means a lot for you to compliment me on the same.

I'm glad you liked all the bits above, it can be a challenge to give so many characters each their moment in the spotlight so I am happy it's working for you so far.

Glad Lyle's worry and thoughts are coming off as realistic, I'm basing him and Condo on real-life Blaze and me smile

Things will be getting quite intense, we are very close to the end! The big battle of Legion World is beginning!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 10/03/15 11:23 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, on Legion World...

Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Impulse, Kent Shakespeare of Earth; enhanced speed, strength, durability and recuperative abilities, medical doctor
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth; invisibility
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; size manipulation of own body
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings). Anti-energy being

**************************************************************

Without thinking, Invisible Kid leaped in front of Condo's tube as the Monitor fired.

"What are you doing?!" Impulse yelled as he placed himself in front of Lyle. He grunted as the Monitor's blast hit him.

"Kent!" Though dazed, Kinetix's telekinesis had shielded her from the brunt of the Monitor's earlier attack. She focused on the floor, raising a section of it to block the flow of the Monitor's beams.

Lyle turned to help Kent up. "Grife, Kent, I'm sorry. I didn't think..."

"You clearly didn't," Kent snapped as he nursed his arm. Then he breathed in deeply. "I'm sorry, Lyle. This is pretty painful, but I should be fine. Please, just do me a favor and focus on freeing the rest so we can concentrate on the bad guy."

"I agree," Zoe said through gritted teeth as she tried to reinforce her shield. "And I think you'll be a lot more effective, Lyle, once you get Condo out of there," she added pointedly.

Lyle could feel himself blush. Zoe had always been particularly observant; and he acknowledged that he had let his worry for Condo show a bit too much. He turned back to the tubes. "Babbage, are you done with your diagnostics?"

Babbage's whirring and clicking paused. "I am, Invisible Kid. I believe I know what to do. We will need Violet's assistance."

"I can hear you," Violet's voice came over the flight ring network. "Just tell me what to do."

Babbage quickly gave instructions as Lyle ran to the controls. He had already applied the same settings to these tubes as he had to the others; thankfully, only a handful of hostages remained in this set. Condo Arlik, Dirk Morgna, Dragonmage and Amp Girl. It wasn't difficult to guess what had happened to them. The Monitor had revealed as much when he attacked; they had been turned into weapons. Condo must have been given powers; Amp Girl already had some so hers must have been expanded. Dirk Morgna and Dragonmage likely had had their powers restored. That must be it. Lyle forced himself not to think about the other universe's Lyle and Condo. There would be time for that later.

"Please listen to my instructions, Invisible Kid," Babbage intoned. It quickly connected itself to the panel under the tubes. The whirring and clicking intensified as it did. "The three of us will need to work quickly and in concert in order to succeed."

"Ready," Lyle and Violet said in unison. No more room for mistakes, Lyle told himself silently.

"Please, hurry." Zoe leaned forward, as if physically pushing. "I don't know how much longer I can keep this up..."

"You won't have to." Wildfire stood up. Cracks crisscrossed his visor; his suit was torn in pieces. "I don't know if I can stop this guy, but at least I can give you all a breather. At least I'll go out in a blaze of glory."

"Wait. Wait," Kent said. He was burned all over and it hurt to touch anything; even with his slightly advanced healing it would take a while. "Wildfire, what are you saying?"

"I thought I could hold back my energies, but my suit's damaged anyway," Wildfire said as he adjusted his gloves. "And this dweek is too tough. Brainy was surprised at how I was able to power Qward for an extended period of time. Now this dweek's going to feel it."

"Drake, no!" Zoe screamed as she desperately extended her field towards him. "I can fix your suit! You don't have to..." She faltered as she felt her shield buckle. Sprock it, he's too far,, she thought. If she helped Drake, she'd have to stop shielding the tubes.

"I do," Drake said as he glanced around. "M'Onel, White Witch, Atmos, all of them are down right now. I have to." He finished checking everything, then planted his feet firmly on the floor to anchor himself. "Tell Kari I... She's the one I'll miss most." Before Zoe or Kent could reply, he opened his visor one last time.

The anti-energy that was Drake Burroughs poured forth in one wide blast. The last time Wildfire remembered using this much power was when he faced Element Lad; no, the Progenitor.** A being of almost unimaginable power. He was doing the same now. He could feel his atoms bursting outwards, hitting his target, and then dissipating. He knew he could hurt the Monitor; he saw that he was doing so as he watched his opponent yell in pain. He doubted he could stop him, but he knew he could buy his friends time to recover.

He cleared his thoughts as he felt the cohesion that held his form loosen. After his ordeal on Qward, he had learned to make his individual atoms return to him whenever he used his powers. This was how he prolonged his existence. But he could only do that when modulating his blasts. Now, he was cutting loose, and the only way to sustain the intensity of his attack was to let go completely.

As he continued, he could feel his ability to think diminish. He could barely remember what had happened a few hours before. He did recall that Brainiac 5 and Gear had promised to study the technological blueprints they had picked up from the other Legions once things had settled down. With a slight pang of regret, he realized that would never happen.

But it was all good. He was going out as a hero.

"Draaaake!" Zoe screamed as she dropped her shield and focused her telekinesis on his suit. Wildfire had caused the Monitor to break off his attack; now she could help him. She wrapped her field around it, hoping she could stem the flow of his power.

But it was too late. There wasn't enough left. All she held now was an empty suit. Tears streamed down her eyes as she looked at the Monitor, who had been brought to his knees by Wildfire. The villain began to stand, though it was obvious from his appearance that Wildfire had done a lot of damage.

"You MONSTER!" Zoe screamed as she battered him with all her might. "You KILLED him!" The Monitor buckled under the strength of her assault. She was actually pushing him backwards!

"He destroyed himself," the Monitor intoned. Kinetix forced him to the knees. "You callous piece of nass!"

"You careless child." The Monitor made a fist and released his energy at the floor. Despite being airborne, the force of the shockwave toppled Kinetix over. She quickly tried to right herself, scrambling to make sure she was facing the Monitor. He loomed over her as she did, eyes glowing. "Do your worst," she hissed.

"He won't, but I will." Zoe gasped in surprise as a glowing pink dragon wrapped around the Monitor. She turned to see Dragonmage, face grim in concentration.

"You have returned my abilities, but although I am grateful for that, I see you must be stopped," Dragonmage said. The dragon form bound the Monitor tighter and tighter as it siphoned his energies. "I used this against Mordru before.** This spell caused me a lot of grief, but I gladly use it against you today."

Beside him, Dirk Morgna stood, looking at his hands. They were burning like torches. "I... I can turn the flames on and off..." He took in a deep breath. "And I can turn my heat signature vision on and off too." He turned to face the Monitor. "This might be a gift, but I don't like how you gave it to me!" He pointed at the Monitor, shooting flames at the villain. "I hate being locked up!"***

"Welcome aboard, boys," Kinetix laughed as she joined the attack. "We make a good team."

"I see my experiments were effective," the Monitor breathed. "This Dragonmage's spell is draining me faster than the White Witch's did. Though I have expended much energy..."

"Master!" Nara Minsork's telepathic voice sounded in his dead. She was nearly incoherent with panic. "The shields protecting us are down! The Legionnaires are leading a veritable army at us!"

The Monitor reeled as images flooded his mind. Dozens of Legionnaires flew in front of just as many ships. They were engaging his own forces head-on, but despite his superior technology, he could see they were outnumbered. Also, the Legionnaires had been resourceful enough to co-opt some of his technology for their own use. He had surmised as much; though he had expected their attack and had purposely let them onto Legion World as a lure, he had been surprised at how deeply they had penetrated before he had detected their presence. Indeed, they had done more damage to his plans than he had expected.

Still, he had one of the Legionnaires he needed. And now the other was here in this room. He could abandon Legion World and move to the next stage of his plan; if that succeeded, he would be able to retake Legion World easily.

He quickly focused his remaining power on the roof of the laboratory. Kinetix, Dragonmage and Dirk Morgna gasped in surprise as debris rained on them. Zoe quickly shielded them, but the Monitor took advantage of their surprise to punch Dragonmage in the head and toss Dirk Morgna into a desk. Then, he closed his fists around Kinetix's throat and watched her eyes bulge as he pulled her violently behind him. In seconds, she had lapsed into unconsciousness.

Before the other Legionnaires remaining could react, he ran out of the laboratory, a limp Kinetix over his shoulder. "Density," he commanded. "Prepare Live Wire. I will be there in five minutes."

The Monitor smiled as he made his way. He could stomach his humiliating defeat today; he would return and claim them all once he had the power of the Progenitor.

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legion Lost 12; Wildfire tried to take out Element Lad/Progenitor but was unable to.

2) Legionnaires 50; Dragonmage successfully siphoned some of Mordru's power. Mordru then attacked him, causing him to lose his magical abilities for a time. Dragonmage regained them in Legionnaires 71-73 after freeing some imprisoned and dangerous Elementals, but lost them again after stopping the same Elementals.

3) Dirk Morgna gained the power to project light and heat in Legionnaires 29, but he could not control the intensity of his powers. He had to wear a transuit lined with inertron just to interact safely with other people. He lost his powers fighting Dr. Regulus in LSH 84. He regained them in a way after being possessed by the Fire Elemental in Legionnaires 71 - the same Fire Elemental that Dragonmage had freed. The Fire Elemental was destroyed in Legionnaires 73, although Dirk was left with the ability to see only in heat signatures. In Volume 1, I made it that he learned to slowly transition between his heat signature vision and normal vision.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Condo Arlik - 10/03/15 02:16 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, on Legion World...

Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth; invisibility

Condo Arlik of Phlon (boyfriend of Invisible Kid)

**************************************************************

Lyle Norg ignored the commotion around him as he held Condo Arlik in his arms for the first time since he and his team had vanished into the Multiverse. Tears formed in his eyes as he remembered how Condo had looked that very first time they had spent the night together; he had been sleeping soundly, just like this. He cradled Condo's head gently as he stroked his cheek. How come Condo was unconscious? The other prisoners, include Dragonmage and Dirk Morgna, had woken up almost immediately. So had Amp Girl, though she had been too weak to help in the battle; but at least she had been conscious and in full control of her faculties. Sprock it! Had Condo been in a different stage of experimentation when he had been afraid?

He shook Condo gently. "Please. Please wake up, Condo. Please." He turned to Babbage. "Why won't he wake up?"

Babbage whirred and clicked as it scanned the files. "I... I am not certain, Invisible Kid. Perhaps if we examine him..."

"Please. I just want him to wake up. Please." Lyle stood up, cradling Condo in his arms. "He needs to wake up."

"Maybe I can help." Lyle looked left to see one of the Uncanny Amazers approach. He had joined the Amazers after Star Boy had joined the Legion; Thom could never quite remember his name. "Let me hold his head."

Lyle and Babbage watched as the Amazer gently placed his palm on Condo's scalp. He began to move his fingers around. Condo suddenly moaned in his sleep, but his eyes did not open.

"What are you doing? Are you hurting him?" Lyle asked fearfully.

"No. I'm just using my powers of phrenology and psychometry," he explained soothingly. "I need to touch people's heads for it to work."

"I have accessed your file," Babbage noted. "Kal Bodo of Xanthu. Code name: none. When you touch people's heads, you are able to assess their emotional and intellectual aptitudes and to perceive their pasts within the previous 48-hour period."**

"The "real name" thing was a statement," Kal shrugged. "Everyone else had code names and a "real" costume. I wanted to stand out."

"That explains the look," Lyle snarked as he took in Kal's bare torso and bicycle shorts. Kal's head was also completely bald, except there appeared to be lines on it, like a checkerboard. "Is that why you drew lines on your head?"

"They're tattoos," Kal explained with the air of someone who was tired of saying the same thing to everyone he met. "I scan people by placing my hands on their heads like so. The tattoos were my way of practicing on myself. Now, will you be quiet? I liked you better when you were blubbering about your boyfriend."

"He's...!" Lyle snapped his mouth shut. He chided himself for using insults and sarcasm to cover up his anxiety. "I'm sorry, Kal. It's my way of coping. I just care about him so much." Lyle felt his chest expand. He had spent so much time just being quiet about his personal life that it seemed odd to talk so openly to someone he had only met once before. But as he looked at poor unconscious Condo, he didn't care anymore.

"It's fine," Kal said. "I think I have it." He took his hands off Condo's head and pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket. Wiping his fingers, he turned to Lyle and Babbage. "The bad guy activated Condo's metagene, giving him the power to speed up or slow down chemical reactions. The bad guy also engineered a transfer of chemistry knowledge into his mind to let him use his power effectively. He wasn't able to transfer experience though. Because of the potential danger of said power, and his lack of experience, he was sedated more than the others were. That's why he can't wake up yet." Kal calmly placed his handkerchief back into his pocket. "I think it should wear off by itself in a few days."

"What? I don't want to wait that long!" Lyle involuntarily clutched Condo closer to his chest.

"Unlaaaaaaaaaax," Kal drawled. "I can give you the formula, if you want.I saw that too." He quickly recited a half dozen chemicals. Lyle's heart jumped into his threat. He knew how to counter it!

"Your power is amazing!" Lyle almost shrieked. He quickly set Condo down and began pulling equipment out of the laboratory cabinets.

"Thanks. Nobody's ever said that before," Kal said matter-of-factly. Lyle didn't hear; he was busy mixing the chemicals he needed to counteract the formula Kal had recited. After a few minutes, he had a small vial of clear liquid. He mentally retraced his steps, satisfying himself that he had done everything right. He wasn't about to make a rushed mistake again.

He quickly pulled out a syringe and filled it. Hands steady despite the sweat pooling on his forehead, he prepared Condo's arm, marveling at the firmness. He's been working out, Lyle thought. In one swift movement, he pumped his concoction into Condo.

He pulled out and laid the syringe down and waited. After a few seconds, Condo's eyes fluttered open. "What... where am I?"

Lyle's voice caught in his throat. "Condo, baby?"

Condo's eyes widened at the sound of Lyle's voice. He reached out and touched Lyle's cheek. "Lyle, baby? Are you really here? Am I dead?"

"No, baby," Lyle could barely talk as he began to sniffle. "We're both alive. We're both here." He began to sob as he held Condo's hand.

"Lyle..." Condo pushed himself into a sitting position. "Shut up and kiss me." He pulled Lyle tightly into his arms and the two kissed like they never had before. After what seemed like an eternity, they stopped. "I always hoped I would see you again." Condo's lip trembled as he hugged Lyle. "Oh my grife, I'm so glad I'm not dreaming."

Before Lyle could answer, he heard a cough. "Sneaky Legion!" He and Condo looked in unison to see a panting Shikari carrying an unconscious Chuck Taine in her arms. "I do not wish to interrupt your reunion, but I barely managed to make my way here through the war raging on outside. So if you would please help me save the life of Chuck Taine?" She quickly placed Chuck on the table. Turning, she surveyed the room; recovering Legionnaires and allies were strewn everywhere. "What happened here? Is everyone well?" Then she stopped. Her armored skin retracted as she flew to the far corner of the room. Kneeling down, she picked up Wildfire's empty containment suit. She looked up and locked eyes with Lyle. "No. Please tell me it is not so."

Lyle stared back at her, open-mouthed. "I'm sorry, Kari." As Shikari slumped to the floor, he closed his eyes. "I don't know how I can help him, but let's see what I can do for Chuck." He turned to his friend, all the while feeling dizzy. In the space of a few minutes, he had gone from feeling fear, to overwhelming joy, to a mixture of shame and sadness. After all this was over, he just wanted to collapse into bed.

************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) The bald Uncanny Amazer first appeared in LSH v4 82. His name and powers were not revealed. There was a minor running joke where Star Boy could never remember his name. People always called him "the bald kid". I've seen a number of fan theories, such as right here on Legion World, speculating as to his identity and powers. I decided to give him a name, powers and personality. The psychometry by touching people's heads idea hit me when I needed to find a way to make Lyle and Condo's reunion more dramatic. Harbinger's input gave me the idea to combine the psychometry with phrenology, to better describe how he uses his powers (the touching the head thing) and to tie it into fan theory. Kal Bodo is a play on the Filipino/Tagalog language word for bald, which is Kalbo.

Credits also to Omni, whom I consulted when deciding whether to give Condo the chemical reaction powers!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 10/03/15 02:18 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, on Legion World...

Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electrical generation and manipulation. Formerly had the power of transmutation.

************************************************************

Density jumped as the Monitor burst into the chambers. She had been guarding Live Wire for what seemed like an eternity, and had began to think that she would be forced to sit out the entire battle. She turned to face the Monitor. "Master! I brought Live Wire directly here, as you asked!"

"And why is he not sedated and placed in a tube?" The Monitor's voice was cold as he set the still-unconscious Kinetix down. Density found herself sweating as she answered. "I... I asked Brainstorm to bring the necessary equipment here," she replied. "He has not shown up."

"Then perhaps you should have asked somebody else." The Monitor's tone was low and threatening. Density began to stammer an apology. She never finished; bolts of electricity arced through the air and into her body.

"She really has a lot to be sorry for," Live Wire announced as he stood up and focused his attack on the Monitor. The Monitor grunted; after all the damage he had taken, he felt that. But it still wasn't enough to stop him. He blasted Live Wire into the wall. "Incompetent fools," he muttered as he placed power-dampening cuffs on first Kinetix, then Live Wire. They were inelegant, but they would do the job.

"Daoyou, come to me," he called. Scant seconds later, a green-haired Kwai entered. "You called me, Master?" he murmured, carefully not glancing at the unconscious Density.

"Yes. You will take me to the remains of the Progenitor."

Daoyou hissed, unable to control himself. The Progenitor and his Progeny had killed hundreds of Kwai and exterminated many species, all while branding them variant. "What... what would Master want with the hated Progenitor, my lord?"

"I will take his power for my own," the Monitor smiled. "I have here the Legionnaire who used to posses that power, as well as the Legionnaire who had absorbed Hypertaxis energy. Consider yourself lucky, Daoyou. You will witness my rise to true godhood."

Daoyou licked his lips. "I am honored, Master."

"Then come." The Monitor pressed a button, and a Threshold opened in front of him. He flicked a few more switches. "There. After we go through, the entire Threshold network will be disabled. This should delay the Legionnaires enough for us to succeed." He laughed to himself. He would enjoy returning to dominate all of them. The experiments he could conduct...

He kept smiling as he followed Daoyou into the Threshold.

He failed to notice the blue-and-white blur that followed him inside.

************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Daoyou is the Mandarin word for "guide". I needed a Kwai to take the Monitor where he wanted to go, but since the other villainous Kwai, Herros, was already imprisoned, I created a new character.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 10/03/15 02:20 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, on Legion World...

Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth; wind and air manipulation

**************************************************************

"Well, Andromeda?" Kid Quantum II asked as she took a short pause from surveying the battlefield. She was in the tiny room they had assigned her on the Dreadnought Terra. "Any sign of our missing Legionnaires?"

Andromeda shook her head. "I'm afraid not. Wherever they are, they're not on Legion World anymore. And neither is the Monitor."

"The Kwai can't track him either. And we haven't had any luck restarting the Threshold network. Babbage is working on it now, but it might take a while." Nightwind reported in from her makeshift command center on Legion World; the battle there had stabilized enough that she could take a short break from it as well. "On the plus side, the Legionnaires and freed hostages are generally okay... Except for Wildfire and Chuck..." She trailed off.

"Grife..." Jazmin started pacing. "Who knows what mischief the Monitor could be up to? And he's got at least two of our teammates with him. That we know off, anyway."

"Things are chaotic," Andromeda said carefully. "Perhaps the others unaccounted for are simply..."

"Where, Laurel?" Jazmin cut in. "Your vision powers show they aren't on Legion World."

"... You're right."

"I apologize," Jazmin continued. "But please, can you find Dreamer? Her flight ring is registering but she's probably in the thick of battle somewhere. Maybe her precognition can tell us something."

Andromeda nodded and left. Jazmin turned to Berta. "How are things going there? Do you need any support?"

"We should be fine, Jaz. Brainiac 5, Gear and Triad are all on standby, and Shikari has already gone to fetch them. Gear will help Babbage try to restart the Thresholds, will Brainiac 5 will support Invisible Kid, Impulse and Dirk Morgna." Berta paused as she brushed her hair back. "Grife. I've never been so... so... how do you handle it?"

Jazmin fixed her eyes on Berta's, and forced herself to smile. "It never gets easier, if that's what you mean," she explained. "I remember when I saw Monstress die... then Element Lad. And then Live Wire sacrificed himself, but he came back. And I thought I watched Kinetix blow up, but now she's back. So let's not mourn the others until we're sure, okay?"

Berta nodded. "Grife, I feel so helpless. Somehow I can't help but blame myself..."

"Comes with the territory, girl," Jazmin said firmly. "At some level we ARE responsible. We're the team leads, and we made the team assignments. But then, that's the nature of the job and everyone knew the risks. Wildfire and Chuck both willingly chose to sacrifice themselves. Everyone agreed to their team assignments. And heck, we knew the risks when we assigned the teams. The war's not yet over, so let's not go feeling sorry for ourselves. So many others need us."

Berta exhaled sharply. "You're right, as usual. And XS and Dreamer convinced us they knew what they were doing when we changed the team assignments..." She looked at the ice wall that was protecting her team and the civilians on Legion World from the Monitor's forces. "I'm confident we can hold the fort here until your group wins the war in space."

Jazmin looked at the other viewscreens; she smiled as she saw Thunder and Ultra Boy punch a hole in one ship, while a repowered Magno worked with Cosmic Boy and Magnetic Kid to dismantle another. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure. Soon, the whole team will be in one place again."
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 10/03/15 03:09 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, on Legion World...

**************************************************************

Impulse, Kent Shakespeare of Earth; enhanced speed, strength, durability and recuperative abilities, medical doctor
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth; invisibility
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication; skilled administrator
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery

Chuck Taine of Earth (Honorary Legionnaire). Skilled architect and mechanic, pilot of the bouncing ship called the Bouncing Boy
Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions
Dr. Gym'll of Jaquaa, Legion physician

**************************************************************
"How is he?" Triad blurted out as she watched Invisible Kid and Impulse examine Chuck. She had arrived just seconds ago; she, Gear, Brainiac 5 and Shikari had slipped through the battling forces above Legion World onto the artificial planetoid. She felt no guilt at leaving the battle; there was more than enough firepower up there for their side to win. She needed to be here, now, watching over Chuck.

Impulse calmly held his Omnicom as he looked at Triad. "The explosion coated his body with a mixture of rubber and metal alloy. It's being absorbed into his system through his skin. It's poisonous to him; we have to arrest the absorption rate."

"I've cast a spell to temporarily put him in stasis," White Witch added. "It's good that Shikari brought him here right away."

"Bah! I'll say it again, dangerous enough that you Legionnaires go into battle with your powers," Dr. Gym'll groused. "Even worse to have a non-powered support staff member attacking two villains head-on!"

"Why you...!" Triad triplicated despite herself, and Purple stomped over to loom at the doctor. "You ingrate! Chuck did a very brave thing, and he..."

"Enough, sister! This is not helping!" Neutral chided.

"I'm afraid it's not," Impulse said gently. "I understand you must be extremely worried, Triad, but please." Before Purple could retort, Impulse turned to Dr. Gym'll. "Doctor, please. We can assign blame later. For now, let's just save Chuck."

Invisible Kid, who had been poring over the diagnostics on Chuck with Condo, spoke up. "We have two options. Either we draw out the alloy from his cells - a feat which I don't think anyone but Progenitor Element Lad could have achieved - or we can arrest the spread of the alloy by confining it to Chuck's subcutaneous fat cells. Chuck's cells contain an enzyme that will effectively trap the alloy there so it won't poison the rest of his organs."

"And what effect will that have on his body?" Dr. Gym'll snapped. "This seems like an unacceptable risk!"

"The alloy is non-magnetic, so the Braalians can't help... Mysa, can you draw the poison out of his body?" Impulse asked.

"I tried," she said sadly. "I could control the flow, but not enough to to extract it completely. I can research a spell, but that will take time... I do not know if we can keep him in stasis long enough for that to succeed."

"What are the chances that the alloy in his fat cells will have an adverse effect on him?" Kent asked Lyle. Lyle tapped his finger on his chin. "Frankly, I do not know. It's far from a perfect solution. I am pretty sure that storing the alloy in his fat cells won't prevent us from eventually completely removing it from his system."

"You don't mind if we review your findings?" Kent asked. "Be my guest," Lyle said. Condo squeezed Lyle's shoulders in support as Kent and Dr. Gym'll pored over the data. "I'm sure your brilliant solution will work," Condo whispered. Lyle smiled at him appreciatively.

"It does look sound," Dr. Gym'll grudgingly conceded. "As a physician though, I can't recommend it without reservations. And I wouldn't feel comfortable without next of kin deciding."

"He's an orphan!" Orange protested. "There's nobody to decide!"

"Maybe... maybe you can decide," Kent said tentatively. All three Triads looked at him in shock. "Look, we know he had feelings for you," Kent continued, more boldly. "You were the Legionnaire he missed most while you were gone. He was always talking about how you used your three personalities to make the best decision. I believe you can."

The three Triads looked at one another; Purple punched one fist into the other palm, Orange wrung her hands together in anxiety, and Neutral had her hands on her hips.

"Well? We took a risk before when Neutral was beaten half to death, and look how it turned out," Purple said.**

"Some of the most brilliant minds on Legion World think this is a good idea, so why don't we trust them?" Orange added.

"We're agreed then," Neutral turned to face the others. "Do it."

"Okay then," Lyle breathed deeply as he turned on a scanner. The layers of Chuck's body appeared on the screen. "If Mysa can use her magic to make the alloy clump together, Condo can use his powers to speed up the process by which the fat cells' enzymes neutralize and trap the poison."

"Wait! Didn't your boyfriend just get his powers now?" Dr. Gym'll objected.

"He has the chemical knowledge," Lyle answered. "The bad guy saw to that. And while he isn't as practiced at using his power, well..."

"We will be guiding you and Mysa with our knowledge of Terran physiology," Kent finished.

"Let's begin, then," Dr. Gym'll said testily as he pulled on his gloves. "I swear, after all this is over I can't wait to get back to treating mutant sexual diseases on Rimbor!"

"Too much info, Doc," Condo muttered as he began to work. "Too much info."

************************************************************

Triad held her breath as the operating team stepped back from the table. The silvery alloy coating Chuck's skin had disappeared, absorbed by his fat cells. "Should't he be waking up then?" she demanded.

"Vital signs appear normal..." Kent noted as he checked the monitors. "And we were able to clear any trace of the alloy from his brain. He should be."

As if on command, Chuck's eyes began to flutter. "Oh griiiiiiiiife. Did Tenzil spike my drink again? I... OH!" He sat up with a panicked look. "The Bouncing Boy! Our mission! I'm going to hit the villains! Need to brace myself. I..."

What happened next made its way into the memoirs of Dr. Gym'll, who cited it as one of his favorite moments of all time. Chuck Taine's body inflated itself into a balloon, just like the pufferfishes of the New Japan colony. As everyone stared open-mouthed, Dr. Gym'll wrote, Chuck Taine rolled off the table and began bouncing around in his hospital gown just like a beach ball.

"Oh my gosh," Triad exclaimed. "Chuck, you're..."

"I have powers!" Chuck yelled, tears of joy streaming down his face. "Oh my grife, I have super powers!" He landed on the floor and exhaled, deflating himself. Then he inhaled again, inflating himself once more. "Oh my grife!!!" he yelled again as he bounced across the room. "I really have super powers!!!" The three Triads ran forward to hug him as he settled into a low dribble.

"Don't ever do that again!" Orange chided.

"Hey, he's kind of invulnerable now, sis," Purple laughed. "Can you imagine being flattened by a 250-pound man?"

"Oh Chuck, now you can try out for the Legion!" Neutral smiled as she hugged Chuck tightly.

"I'd say that's a roaring success, don't you think?" Condo smiled as he held Lyle's hand.

"I'll say," Lyle smiled back. "Now maybe we should leave Chuck to get dressed, huh?"

Everyone discreetly left the room as Chuck and the three Luornus held each other tightly.

************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Triad Neutral was attacked by White Triangle racists in LSH v4 67. Brainiac 5 was able to come up with a risky, though eventually successful, way to serve her in Legionnaires 24.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac All-Out War! (Dirk Morgna) - 10/04/15 12:26 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, on Legion World...

Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space

Dirk Morgna of Earth; pyrokinesis
Rene Jacques (RJ) Brande (homeworld unconfirmed); Legion Founder/Financier and United Planets Ambassador to the Second Galaxy
Lori Morning of 20th Century Earth; adoptive daughter of RJ Brande

*************************************************************

Even with the battle raging on outside, RJ Brande couldn't help but smile. After spending who knows how many days floating in a tube, he suddenly wakes up to find all the missing Legionnaires have come home! Including his own adoptive daughter, Triad!

"Oh, RJ!" Luornu gushed over the Omnicom channel they were using to speak. "I missed you so, and I'm really glad you're well!" A beaming Chuck Taine waved from behind her.

"We'll catch up soon, I promise, my girl," RJ smiled back. "For now, you go on out and help the others."

"My first battle with super powers!" Chuck said excitedly as he bounced up and down.

"Hope you get Wildfire back too, RJ," Triad added. They waved once more before winking out.

"By damn, ordinarily I would be afraid for Wildfire, but now that we have you back, Brainiac 5, I believe we can accomplish anything."

"Your confidence and optimism, Mr. Brande, is extreme as usual... and quite refreshing," Brainiac 5 replied with the hint of a smile. "I shall endeavor to ensure it is not misplaced."

"Is he really going to be okay, Mr. Brande?" For all her bluster and brashness, sometimes RJ forgot how young she really was.

"Call me RJ, Lori. And yes, I believe he will be."

"Great..." Lori murmured as she watched Brainiac 5. To herself, she muttered, "I wonder if Brainy can figure out how the bad guy gave the others powers... Maybe he can do the same for me?"

Shikari stepped forward and laid Wildfire's empty suit gently on a table. "Just tell me what to do, Smart Legion."

"Just watch over Wildfire's suit, Shikari." Brainiac 5's Omnicom glowed, and holographic schematics of the blueprints shared by the other universes' Brainiac 5s rotated. "This other-universal technology is surprisingly similar to our own. Together with my alternate-reality counterparts, we were able to ascertain a possible solution to Wildfire's predicament." The schematics enlarged and rotated. "However, we were unable to test this theory due to a lack of time and the differing physical conditions of the universe we were in... And this is where Dirk Morgna can help."

Dirk looked up from the computer readouts he was studying. "This technology... we can combine it with what we've learned studying the sample of himself that Wildfire donated so long ago. We were able to find a way to have his anti-energy supplement itself with other energy sources. But our dilemma then was whether doing so would eventually erase his memory or identity."

"Dirk's research is keyed exactly to Wildfire's energy signature, which means we no longer need to test the process," Brainiac 5 continued. "And the technology we retrieved answers how Wildfire can regenerate himself while still being him. Although Wildfire's energy form is vast, his consciousness is actually isolated in a small segment of it. He just didn't realize it because he can control all of his atoms individually. Of course, his overexertion against the Monitor has spread his consciousness around..."

"... but we can teach him to isolate it in a certain portion of his form," Dirk finished. "This is amazing!"

"Indeed. Now, let us begin. Dirk, if you would kindly place the sample of Wildfire's energy form that you have back into his suit?"

Dirk took a small black box from his pocket. It had been carefully constructed using materials similar to Wildfire's suit, but carefully modified in consultation with Dr. Mollie Dennum - the materials scientist who had helped design Wildfire's original suit. Dirk carefully placed the box inside Wildfire's empty visor, releasing the energy from the box into the suit.

"Perfectly done. And now..." Brainiac 5 flicked a switch. Machinery attached to the empty suit began to hum. "First, we need to collect Wildfire's scattered atoms. Like attracts like, and with a large enough concentration..."

Shikari, RJ and Lori gasped as the air around them began to shimmer. Orange and red spots seemed to appear wherever they looked; and the spots began to grow larger and larger. "Ohh... It's beautiful," Lori breathed. "Just like fireflies."

"These fireflies are our friend," Brainy smiled. "And he is going to come home."

"Magnifying the signal slowly..." Dirk carefully adjusted the controls. The spots began to glow and move faster and faster; the bit of energy inside Wildfire's suit did the same. Soon, like iron to a magnet, the spots of energy began to move inside the suit, inflating it like a balloon.

"Sensors indicate all of Wildfire's energy is now concentrated here!" Dirk exclaimed.

"Then why is nothing happening?" Shikari asked as she peered closer. "He is just lying there."

"He'll need a little bit more help," Brainiac 5 noted. "A battery that is drained must be given a recharge. And with Dirk's research, we can. Close your eyes, this will get bright..." Brainy flicked a few switches, and the lights in the laboratory suddenly dimmed.

"What did you do, Brainiac 5?" RJ asked as Lori clung to him in surprise.

"I just diverted almost all energy to Wildfire's suit," came the reply. "Just wait..."

Suddenly, the suit began to glow brighter and brighter. Then it began to twitch. Everyone except Brainy gasped as it began to jump on the table it was on; the rattling increased in sound and intensity, not unlike an earthquake.

"Brainy, stop! This is getting scary!" Lori whimpered.

"Sssh, it will be okay," RJ whispered.

"Yes, please let it be okay..." Shikari added.

Suddenly, the lights went back on and Wildfire's suit sat bolt upright. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH! What the sprock just happened?!"

"Wildfire!" Shikari leaped forward, pulled Wildfire off the table and hugged him. "You're back! You're back!"

"Kari, what have I done to deserve this?" Wildfire quipped.

"Do... do you remember everything?" Dirk asked tentatively.

"Yeah... I remember pouring everything I had at that squajing Monitor, then feeling myself... fading? I think that's the right term. I felt so cold, but my thoughts weren't ordered, couldn't think even, just a sensation... not unlike when I was lost in the Second Galaxy..."*** He suddenly raised his helmet as though startled. "Grife! What happened to everyone in the lab? Are they okay?" He looked around wildly, and noticed Dirk. "Hey! You were one of the captives! That means...?"

"You did it, Wildfire," Shikari said quietly. "You helped save all the captives. And our friends."

"The Monitor did abscond with Kinetix," Brainiac 5 added drily. "And perhaps a few others. But you helped drive him away. And once the Thresholds are restarted, we should be able to find him again."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Wildfire let out a blast of anti-energy. "Let's go find him!"

"I think not," Brainy continued. "Not for you, anyway. You just reformed, and you need to understand your limits. Which are... well, much higher than your previous ones."

Wildfire cocked his helmet to the side. "Wait. Do you mean..."

"Yes," Dirk smiled the widest he ever had. "You can now replenish your energy by absorbing outside sources. The modifications to your suit will convert any absorbed energy into the same form that you have, to make it compatible with the rest of you. You'll have to do it consciously, and you will have to make sure you only absorb as much as can be handled by your suit. And we'll have to teach you how to maintain your consciousness and identity, or you will risk losing your sense of self if you expend too much energy..."

Wildfire stood up and held his arms out. "But this means I'm not going to die any time soon! You hear that, Kari!?!" He turned and hugged her. "I'm not going to die!"

RJ Brande put one hand each on the shoulders of Brainiac 5 and Dirk Morgna. "I'm proud of you, both of you. You did great."

"All in a day's work, Mr. Brande," Brainy grinned. "But the day isn't over yet." He turned to Dirk. "We could use your help with the Thresholds."

"It will be an honor, Brainiac 5," Dirk smiled as they left the lab. Behind them, Wildfire and Shikari were still hugging in delight.

***********************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Wildfire was sucked into the rift in LSH v4 125. He ended up in the Second Galaxy, stranded and unformed, for a long period of time (as revealed in Legion Lost 3).

2) In Legionnaires 69, it was revealed that the Legion and RJ Brande were planning to eventually get legal custody of Lori Morning, who was still a minor. Unfortunately, Leland McCauley and Amilia Crugg beat them to it so that Lori could join the Workforce with her H-Dial. The H-Dial has since been destroyed, and McCauley and Crugg are both dead. I made it so RJ adopted her like he did Triad.

Credits to Omni for reminding me that I had a post mentioning some technology from the other Brainiac 5s that could help cure Wildfire!
:applauseapplauseapplause: *

You're a great storyteller, man! I really wish this was in comic form. Hire an artist and take my money already!

Your usage of Legion history is incredible. I'm thoroughly enjoying this. Keep it up, please.

* - I thought we had an hand clap/applause smiley but I couldn't find it!
smile
Some more awesome moments! I liked Wildfire's last stand, and again you had me thinking he was really gone! It is great to see him and Chuck back and repowered, along with Dirk, Dragonmage & Condo! Kinetix did really well for herself and I'm glad Garth got to put up a fight before he was taken too...I've got a feeling if the Monitor gets the Progenitor's power they're gonna have the fight of their life waiting for them!

I also thought Retro being from planet Retcon is a cute idea laugh
Originally Posted by kenaustin
:applauseapplauseapplause: *

You're a great storyteller, man! I really wish this was in comic form. Hire an artist and take my money already!

Your usage of Legion history is incredible. I'm thoroughly enjoying this. Keep it up, please.

* - I thought we had an hand clap/applause smiley but I couldn't find it!
smile


That's one of the best compliments I've ever received, ken, thank you! smile I would love to see this in comic form one day, even if just for myself. Or at least a big poster with all my Legionnaires on it smile Maybe after this Volume is done (which will be soon) I'll get around to it.

Really glad you're enjoying it smile Thanks again for reading and commenting!
Originally Posted by razsolo
Some more awesome moments! I liked Wildfire's last stand, and again you had me thinking he was really gone! It is great to see him and Chuck back and repowered, along with Dirk, Dragonmage & Condo! Kinetix did really well for herself and I'm glad Garth got to put up a fight before he was taken too...I've got a feeling if the Monitor gets the Progenitor's power they're gonna have the fight of their life waiting for them!

I also thought Retro being from planet Retcon is a cute idea laugh


thank you raz! As a fellow writer, I'm really happy that you found the developments believable and not totally predictable smile

Also glad you liked the returns of all these characters, and the moments for Zoe and Garth - who will have more next post!

The next post is, I hope, going to be a blast. I'm having a blast writing it.

And glad you liked planet Retcon tongue I'll have to think of something to do with it one day!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac An Unexpected Return! - 10/08/15 05:07 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home...

The Ruins of the Rosette, former Throne World of the Progenitor


Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electrical generation and manipulation. Formerly had the power of transmutation.

************************************************************

"Uhnn..." As Live Wire regained consciousness, he almost wished he hadn't. His head felt like it was being crushed by a lightning beast, and his limbs were sore; he could feel bonds digging into his wrists and ankles. He also felt cold metal pressed against his neck; he was tied to something mechanical. He struggled feebly, then stopped himself from moving; playing possum had allowed him to get the drop on the bad guy earlier, it might do so again.

He let his head hang limply, but allowed his eyes to look around. Kinetix was to his right; he could just see her frilly skirt, tattered and torn. Her gloved hand twitched ever so slightly.

He decided against calling out to her first. Best to gather more information. He looked over to the left; all he could see was the familiar landscape of the place he had "died"* fighting the monster Element Lad had become. It should have been eerily beautiful; large clusters of energized crystals threw off bolts of lightning into the darkness of space. But the beauty was marred by the remnants of the Progenitor's throne world that littered the ground.

"Ground" was actually being generous. This spot was really a large chunk of debris on which the crystals had settled. Garth resisted the urge to bite his lip as he remembered - Element Lad, now the mad god known as the Progenitor, was facing the Omniphagos, an implacable creature that consumed everything it came across. As the Omniphagos consumed Jan, Jan transmuted it into crystal; they combined to form a horrible monster that his wildest nightmares could not have produced. And that monster was going to consume the escaping Legionnaires and all life in the galaxy.

So he had made a choice; resign from the Legion and jump headlong into the mouth of the beast, using the crystals to amplify his electrical abilities in order to give the creature a terminal stroke.

Because he was inside the monster when he killed it, the electrical backlash had stunned him into oblivion. And the next thing he knew, he was in the crystalline form of Element Lad, with both his electrical powers and Jan's transmutation abilities. Thankfully, things had gone uphill from there. The Legion had ruled that his killing of the Omniphagos-Progenitor was the only available alternative to the death of other sentient beings; and he had gotten his normal body back through the science of the other universe's Legion. But he could never forget what had scared him the most; his possession of Jan's powers and the fear that he might one day turn into the Progenitor, just like Jan had.** That's why, when the other-universe Brainiac 5 had told him to transmute himself into whatever he wished, he had wished himself without the transmutation powers.

Garth shook his head. He was spending too much time reminiscing, when he should be looking for a way out. He tentatively tried to generate an electrical charge. Nothing; the manacles were working. Beside him, Zoe groaned again.

"Ah, awake, I see." Garth froze. From the bottom of his field of vision, he could see the Monitor's feet approaching. "Good. We won't have to wait much longer." Garth's mind raced as he tried to think of something to do. He couldn't begin to understand these manacles; he had already tried reaching out for a telepath, but nobody seemed to be in range. The Monitor seemed to have thought of everything.

Suddenly, a gloved hand reached for his chin. Garth resisted the urge to gasp. He would not give the Monitor this satisfaction.

"I know you're awake, Garth Ranzz." The Monitor tilted his chin up.

Garth returned the Monitor's gaze. "What do you want with us? If you want the Progenitor, he's dead."

"Uhh..." Beside Garth, Zoe was coming to. "Garth? Garth, I can't use my powers..."

"Your powers are still there," The Monitor said with satisfaction. "At least, the powers that I need are. Your electrical powers and telekinesis, respectively, are fairly impressive, but what I really need are your transmutation and Hypertaxis abilities."

"That's crazy!" Garth blurted out. "We no longer have them!"

"Yeah, if we did we would have used them against you on Legion World," Zoe added. She already sounded strong. "You're a bit too late for that."

The Monitor laughed, a deep throaty laugh. "Oh, I can very much restore those powers of yours. After the great Crisis which destroyed this reality - our reality - I escaped to another. And I spent my time studying ways to restore it. I was not successful, but apparently you were**, my dear Zoe Saugin."

"So... what? It was a one-time deal. I can't do anything of that scale again," Zoe said.

"Even so, your unique Terrorform genome**** was much more powerful than any of the other Terrorforms," The Monitor answered. "And Garth Ranzz's ability to transmute, while not as developed as the Progenitor's was, was still potentially as powerful. And while I was researching, I was able to find a way to map the genetics of individuals enough to trigger potential abilities, or restore old ones. Like I did to some of those I captured on Legion World."

"Yeah, I kind of figured that was how Dirk Morgna and Dragonmage got their powers back," Kinetix noted. "So are you saying you plan on turning us back into what we used to be?"

"In a word... Yes. And with nobody to disturb us, I will be able to complete the process I began on your friends. I can subsume your wills to mine. You will be my slaves!" The Monitor laughed. "With your powers combined with my power and my science, we will be able to place this entire reality under my rule and protection!" He checked their bonds one last time. "And please, don't tell me I won't get away with this." The Monitor stepped back and smiled; a smile which chilled Garth to the bones. "I have already started the process."

Suddenly, a tingling sensation filled Garth's body. He resisted the urge to scream, but as the intensity ramped up, he could not. Beside him, Zoe screamed as well. A bright white aura began to envelope their struggling bodies as the sensation heightened.

The Monitor stood back and watched, smiling.

Behind him, Daoyou looked around. "Master, there is something..."

"Hush, Daoyou," The Monitor admonished. "Not now. I am enjoying this."

"But Master..."

"I said, be quiet!"

The Monitor's command was met with a loud thump.

The Monitor looked around to see Daoyou falling to the ground. "What in...?"

His question was drowned out by a sonic boom and the loud snarls of a magical dragon.

"XS! Dragonmage!" Garth hissed through gritted teeth as an emerald green dragon form coiled around the Monitor while a blue-and-white blur battered him on all sides.

"And me, Garth! Are you okay?" Saturn Girl's telepathic voice filled their heads.

Before Garth could answer, he felt his bonds loosen. Beside him, Kinetix was also recovering on the ground. "Oh, Imra!" Garth hugged his fiancee. "How did you free us?"

"I did." A growing purple blur signaled the entrance of Violet. "XS gathered the four of us, and I began working on your bonds as soon as we arrived. I'm just sorry it took so long," she added as she helped Kinetix up. "Are you okay?"

"We will be, once we figure out how to turn this aura off," Kinetix said through gritted teeth. "I don't get it. We're not attached to the machine anymore, but we're still changing!"

Garth looked at Zoe; her skin was becoming brownish-orange and her eyes were beginning to turn purely green. He looked down at his own hands and gasped; they were becoming pale and were beginning to reflect the light. "Grife, not again!"

A loud zap erupted across the Rosette as The Monitor blasted Dragonmage back. He slammed both fists into the ground, sending debris flying and forcing XS to alter her trajectory. "Of course, you foolish urchins! I have planned for every eventuality! You don't need to be hooked up to my machine to complete your regression!"

"Then we'll destroy it!" Kinetix turned around, hands glowing green. She began to extend her telekinetic field to the machine. Garth saw it now for the first time; a gigantic yellow monstrosity not unlike a tuning fork. He started generating an electrical charge. "On three, Zoe. One big blast!"

"Wait! Stop!" XS ran in front of them, hands wide open. "Trust me, you have to keep the machine going!"

"What? Why?" Imra spat. She faced the opposite direction, trying to enter the Monitor's mind, even as a gigantic Violet smashed rocks into the Monitor. "You brought us here to free them!"

"Just trust me, Imra," Jenni pleaded. "Remember, I knew he was coming here because of the visions the Time Trapper planted in my head long, long ago*****. And I know we need to keep the machine going!"

"I don't know, Jenni..." Violet said as she shrank to avoid a blast from the Monitor. A recovered Dragonmage sent another dragonform at him, allowing Violet to grow again. She lifted a large slab of metal and threw it at the villain. "I trust you, but how sure are you that those visions aren't false?"

"Wait..." Zoe said as she began to stagger under the pain. "Jenni's visions helped restore me, which helped us restored our own universe. If she says we should..."

"Arghh!" The Monitor screamed as Imra made contact with his mind. "Feel pain, Monitor!" she hissed. She turned to Garth and held his hand even as he began to buckle under the pain. "Garth..." Her eyes filled with tears as she watched. "What will you do?"

Garth clutched Imra's hand with all his might as he sank to his knees. He closed his eyes and remembered the guilt he felt at not taking advantage of the other Brainiac 5's science to restore Sensor, Ferro and Wildfire to their original forms. He looked at Zoe, who nodded. He nodded back. "If XS says we should, then good enough for me."

"Garth..." Imra squeezed his hand. "I'm proud of you."

"Look out!" Dragonmage called as he skidded to a halt in front of the Legionnaires, a bright red dragon surrounding him. Seconds later, a powerful blast of energy battered the mystic's shield.

"BAH! You cannot possibly use my own machine against me!" The Monitor roared. He threw another blast, which caused Dragonmage's shield to falter. "You cannot stand against me!"

"Imra, quickly. Link our minds," Jenni said. "All of ours, even his. We need to pull the knowledge he stole on Hypertaxis and evolution."

"Done," Imra said.

"Okay then..." Imra could feel Jenni's mind literally moving at superspeed as she sifted through all the data the Monitor had telepathically stolen from Ra's al Ghul. "Zoe, Garth, focus your powers on that tall crystal spire over there."

They complied; a rainbow of Hypertaxis energy and the tell-tale purple signature of transmutation surrounded the crystal. "Focus on the memory I'm sending you," Jenni continued.

Garth's eyes widened as he took in the mental images. "Jenni... are you serious?"

"Yes." Jenni replied, lips tight. Both Zoe and Imra gasped as they realized what Jenni was asking them to do.

"Uh, guys? A little help here?" Violet called. She had grown to giant height again, using a long, thin sheet of metal to swat at the Monitor. The Monitor caught the sheet with one hand, pulling it out of Violet's grip. He threw it back at her; she shrank out of the way just in time. The break in the attack allowed Dragonmage to switch to the offensive; he sent a dozen tiny dragonforms at the Monitor. They clamped on to different parts of his body, sending jolts of energy through his body. He screamed in pain and anger, and began advancing at the Legionnaires.

"No, we need a little more time!" Jenni breathed.

Violet grew to giant size again and brought two fists down on The Monitor. He reached up and blasted upwards; Violet screamed in pain as energy seared her hands. The Monitor then launched himself forward, right at Dragonmage's shield. He pounded on it with both fists, causing it to buckle.

"Please, hurry!" Xao Jin gasped as he felt his shield buckle. "It's taking all of my power to hold this up..."

"Just a little more!" Imra said, feeling light-headed. "We're almost there..."

Garth stood silent, focusing his abilities on the crystal. Jan had been able to make this seem easy because, as the Progenitor, he had lived for eons. He was working on instinct here. Beside him, Zoe groaned. Her skin had turned completely brown and she had grown several inches; she now looked almost like she had as a Terrorform. "Don't stop, Garth! Don't stop!"

Dragonmage shouted in fear. "I can't hold this... NO!!" His shield splintered into a thousand pieces, and the Legionnaires were thrown back as a wave of energy washed over them. The Monitor's eyes glowed as he stepped over the trembling forms of Dragonmage and Saturn Girl. He leaned down and picked XS up by the collar.

"You. You have proven to be quite dangerous," he sneered. "I can dissect your form just as easily when you are dead, you miserable urchin."

XS stared back at him, willing herself not to show fear. "Good always wins, Monitor. Even if you kill me, my friends can stop you."

The Monitor drew his hand back. "They will not. And you will not even live to see them lose pitifully."

XS closed her eyes. Please, she thought. Even if I die here, please let them have succeeded. Please. She felt his hand close around her neck.

Before The Monitor could finish, the ground shook as the crystal spire cracked open. A beam of purple and orange flashed from the crystal at The Monitor's wrists. The Monitor screamed as a liquid coated his bare skin, causing it to burn; he dropped XS in his pain.

She scrambled around to stare at the place where the spire had been, heart beating in hope. A shadowy figure emerged from it, hands outstretched.

And then, it spoke. Tears of joy ran down XS' cheeks as she heard a familiar voice she thought she would never hear again.

"Leave my friends alone, you nasty, nasty man!"


************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) It's a bit too long to summarize, so check out Legion Lost (first series) 1-12 for the full story of how Element Lad became the Progenitor, a mad god who sent his Progeny to destroy any creatures he deemed variant.

2) Live Wire returned in a body that looked like Element Lad's in The Legion 25. His normal body was restored in Legion of 3 Worlds; I established in Volume 2 that he was able to restore his other arm as well, and that he had given up the transmutation powers.

3) Volume 2 of this fic tells how Kinetix, XS, Gates and the Retroboot Legion restored the Postboot Legion's universe.

4) Kinetix was transformed into a Terrorform (a forced transformation that happens during a mass extinction event; the Terrorforms are meant to safeguard other individuals within a species so the species can continue after the event) in The Legion 6. Her unique physiology, which was altered by magic (Legionnaires 42/LSH v4 Annual 6), turned her into a unique kind of Terrorform with seemingly more intelligence than the rest.

5) When XS was lost in time, she encountered the Time Trapper. The Trapper said she still had an ultimate role to play. She has been fulfilling this role slowly throughout my fic, but there's more to come... I had it that the Trapper implanted some visions in her mind which have helped guide her actions ever since Legion of 3 Worlds.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Gaining Ground - 10/09/15 08:18 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, on and above Legion World...


"I thought you were part of the Robotican Diplomatic Corps, JRH-85." Shvaughn Erin noted. "But you are proving to be a capable military field leader." She marveled at the efficiency with which her ally was leading the Robotican assault on Legion World. Already, they had disabled three ships and were 24.87 minutes away from entering the upper levels.

"Yes. We Roboticans may alter our programming to the task at hand. It is far easier for us to share knowledge than even the Coluans with their Sleepnet. If I were not doing a capable job, it would mean I were defective or that I needed an upgrade," the emissary explained.

"Oh," Shvaughn replied. She tried to think of what to say next, then wisely decided on silence.

************************************************************

"Take that, you squaj! Konk! scores!" The Uncanny Amazer with the detachable floating head roared with delight as she headbutted yet another opponent into submission.

"You seem to be enjoying this quite a lot," Zaron Lux said with some distaste. The Coluan Cadet was helping Babbage and Gear run a full diagnostics on the dormant Threshold system, in the hopes of reactivating it. Around them, Nightwind organized the Legionnaires, Cadets, Uncanny Amazers and other freed super-powered sentients in defeating the remnants of The Monitor's army stationed on Legion World.

"I hate being cooped up," Konk! replied as her head flew past the Cadet called Flying Fox. "Hey!" Flying Fox called as it hopped onto the head of another soldier. "I just beat another one, Konk! I'm leading you 8 to 5!"

"Hah! That sounds like a competition I could get into!" Jed Rikane, code named Density, laughed. The large, purple-skinned Cadet jumped from a balcony as he increased his density. His boyfriend Gravity further added to his impact by focusing his power on Jed; the resulting crash could be heard three decks away as the two together flattened an entire battalion of soldiers.

"Y-y-you know, Jed," Chlorophyll Kid stammered as he commanded Randorian poison ivy to grow and ensnare another half dozen soldiers. "I al-w-w-ways meant to ask. You do know that your code name is the same as the Legion reject-turned-villain Density, right?"

"Yeah," Jed said sheepishly as he stood up and brushed himself off. "But I couldn't quite think of another code name."

"Mass just seemed so pitiful," Gravity added as he landed beside his boyfriend.

"I think a hero - and a Legionnaire - is measured by more than just his code name." Night Girl had her back against the wall; the Tyrrazian called Rarb lunged at her. She grabbed his wrist and flipped him around and into the wall. "Like how you learn and compensate for your weaknesses," she smiled. She was proud at the progress she had made in her unarmed combat training, and felt confident she could hold her own even without her darkness-induced strength.

Yera Liggle, in the form of an Earthquake Beast, used her tail to throw more soldiers into the wall. "Lydda, that is true. But as a former actress, and more so as a Durlan, I have to point out that perception is very important in our job. Chameleon used to tell us about the mistrust and fear he faced when the Legion started, remember?"

"Keep your head in the game, Cadets!" Nightwind barked as she used her powers to create a tornado that began sucking up hapless soldiers. "We have civilians to protect!"

M'Onel landed beside her, holding the unconscious forms of Nadir and Bronto. "You have to admit, though... they are holding their own."

************************************************************

IB's notes:

Lots of non-Legionnaires here! Here's a list of those mentioned:

1) Konk!, unknown of Xanthu (Uncanny Amazer); detachable floating head, if she fails to reattach her head to her body, a new one with a different personality grows

2) Zarox Lux of Colu (Legion Cadet); 10th level intelligence. My original character.

3) Flying Fox of H'lven (Legion Cadet); levitation and other abilities. Flying Fox is Floating Foxlike Creature Boy, who appeared in a couple of DNA-era issues. Credits to Reboot for the Flying Fox code name, which he used in 21st Century Legion. In a bizarre fit of inspiration I wanted to make him from H'lven, home of 21st century Green Lanterns Ch'p and B'dg; razsolo also used H'lven recently in his own fic.

4) Density, Jed RIkane of Earth (Legion Cadet); controls his body's density; increasing his density grants a degree of strength and durability. This is Power Boy, and I gave him the code name Density to match his boyfriend's.

5) Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Legion Cadet); gravity manipulation. This is Gravity Kid, whose code name I shortened to Gravity.

6) Chlorophyll Kid, Ral Benem of Mardru (Legion Cadet); plant manipulation

7) Night Girl, Lydda Jath of Kathoon (Legion Cadet); super-strength in darkness

8) Yera Liggle of Durla (Legion Cadet); shapeshifting. This is Yera aka Chameleon Girl, and I just gave her a surname.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Gaining Ground - 10/10/15 09:02 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, on and above Legion World...

"We're getting creamed out here! What's the boss doing? Why isn't he giving orders?" Razorsoul was in near panic. The reptilian was running around frantically like a headless babootch. Emerita would have rolled her eyes if she hadn't been trying to hail someone on the comms. "I don't know," she snapped. "But panicking isn't going to solve anything!"

"Then what's going to solve that?!" Razorsoul screamed as the hull of their ship began to peel away. Emerita gasped as Cosmic Boy hovered above, bits of metal circling around him. Insect Queen and Particon were behind him. Air began to escape into space, and Emerita felt her own body being pulled into the vacuum.

"No! No! I'm not going back to jail!" Razorsoul screamed as he inflated the spikes on his body. They tore through his transuit, and he began gasping for air.

"You idiot!" Insect Queen shifted into a Xanthusian Orb Spider and began encasing Razorsoul in a cocoon. Particon used her energy powers to seal the opening Cosmic Boy had made.

"Are you in charge here?" Cosmic Boy asked Emerita. She reached for her blaster; before she could, Particon blasted it away.

"Yes, I am in charge," Emerita said defiantly.

Cosmic Boy knelt down so he could look her in the eye. "Besides the three of us, there are over two dozen other Legionnaires; just as many Legion Cadets, Uncanny Amazers and other super-powered allies; half the UP fleet and Science Police squadrons in the Solar System; and a contingent of Khunds AND Roboticans. We are very close to retaking Legion World. And your army is leaderless now. If I were you, I would surrender."

Emerita bared her teeth, then sighed. He was right. There was no way they could win.

"Well, we had a good run," she said as she raised her hands in surrender. "But all good things must come to an end..."

Insect Queen set a cocooned Razorsoul down; the webbing was tight enough to muzzle him. She put her arm around Particon's shoulders, who smiled. "For some of us, the good times are just beginning."
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Final Battle - 10/11/15 05:35 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home... The Ruins of the Rosette, former Throne World of the Progenitor

Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electrical generation and manipulation. Formerly had the power of transmutation
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; size manipulation of own body
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

Dragonmage, Xao Jin of New Shanghai; sorcery

and reintroducing...

Monstress, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III; formerly possessed great strength and invulnerability, she was thought killed by the Progenitor (formerly Element Lad) in Legion Lost 11. Now, apparently gained some form of Element Lad's transmutation abilities...

************************************************************
A thick cloud of mist seemed to surround the figure striding forward from the crystalline masses littering the Rosette, obscuring her body. But XS could never forget that voice. She ran forward, tears of joy streaming down her face.

"Monstress! Oh my grife, it worked!" She hugged the advancing figure, then stopped. Where once she would have held thick muscle and felt a body warmth as great as the warmth of Monstress' personality, now she felt cold, inorganic crystal.

"Oh, Jenni, dear, dear Jenni!" Monstress said as Jenni felt cold, hard arms on her back. "You helped bring me back?"

"We all did," XS laughed as she swept her arm to indicate her teammates. Monstress released XS from her hug and stopped in shock as she Garth. She strode up to him.

"Jan! Jan, is that you? If you're here, does this mean your're not the Progenitor anymore? What you did to me..."

"Oh, Candi..." Garth said as he gently touched her hand. "It's me, Garth."

"Oh..." Candi paused for a moment, and Jenni used the
opportunity to take her in. She looked like her old form - large, broad, muscular, with her pronounced brow and long hair... except for one thing. She was in a crystalline body, just like Garth's Element Lad-lookalike form. Candi's chest heaved for a bit. Then she broke out in a warm smile and scooped Garth, and Imra beside him, in a big hug.

"I'm so glad you made it home!" she cooed. "And that means I can go home too! Tell me, did everyone else make it?"

"I almost didn't," Garth laughed. "Then I turned into this, and, well, it's a long story..."

"And what about you, Candi?" Imra brushed her hair back. "We thought Jan - the Progenitor - killed you. I was there when he touched you and... and..."

"I don't know, Imra," Candi looked down. "I remember feeling a burst of pain, and then it was like my consciousness was floating. But I couldn't really perceive anything. I just knew Jan did something. And then a little bit of time ago - I guess when you showed up - I could feel my... self... solidifying. And I looked down and saw myself in a crystalline body. Then I saw that nasty man attacking Jenni, and that's it."

"I don't mean to interrupt," Violet said as she staggered over with Kinetix. "But we haven't actually put the bad guy down yet!" She pointed to where Dragonmage was trying to contain the injured Monitor in one of his dragonforms. "Maybe you can update Candi telepathically, Imra?" As Imra complied, she turned to hug Candi. "And it's so great to see you!"

"It is." Zoe hugged Candi as well. "That's an interesting new look," she added.

"No more so than yours, dear," Candi noted as she looked Zoe up and down. The regression to terrorform was almost complete.

"Not my best look, I know," Zoe shrugged. "But we'll have time for compliments later. Let's go!" She turned to launch herself at The Monitor, tackling him even as he broke through Dragonmage's spell. Her momentum carried them both through the rugged terrain of the Rosette ruins, shattering crystal spires everywhere.

The Monitor snarled as he tried to stand, but Zoe pressed her attack by blasting him with raw energy. As he fell back down, she began to punch. "I hate being in this form, but it gives me enough power to stand toe-to-toe with you!"

"My sentiments exactly!" Live Wire flew up beside Kinetix; he looked like Element Lad's twin now. "And now, to coat your exposed limbs with aluminum and copper, which you might know are superconductors. And with my other power..." Garth unleashed bolts of electricity on the Monitor's coated limbs, sending him into spasms.

"You miserable urchins!" The Monitor raged as he blindly fired beams of energy at the Legionnaires.

�Watch your language, you rude man!� Candi focused on The Monitor�s head, encasing it in inertron.

�Hey Candi, I have an idea.� Garth stepped forward and began transmuting. �I�m creating Baylium��

�Oh, I see,� Candi smiled as she began to transmute as well. �And when you add Transformium to the mix��

A series of explosions rocked The Monitor's body. The Legionnaires shielded their faces as he screamed in pain.

"Please tell me that got him..." Dragonmage breathed as he staggered upright.

"Do you honestly think that such an attack would be enough to stop me?!" The Monitor strode forward out of the dust, eyes glowing. As the Legionnaires charged at him, he pulled out a control and pressed a button. Kinetix and Live Wire fell out of the air as their bodies glowed; Saturn Girl and Violet knelt beside them in concern.

"What's happening?" Zoe winced in pain as she looked at her hands. "I'm transforming..."

"Back to your less-powerful selves," The Monitor gloated. "As for you..." He turned his attention to the charging XS, Violet, Saturn Girl and Dragonmage and loosed a powerful wave of energy at them. Dragonmage conjured up a shield just in time, but even then it pushed them back.

"Let me help!" Monstress added an inertron wall behind Dragonmage's shield.

"Thanks, Monstress," the sorcerer said.

"Well, you've changed, dear. I like it!" Candi smiled warmly. "Okay, we've got our defenses up..."

"And I'll soften him up." Saturn Girl's powerful mind reached into The Monitor's; the sudden intrusion stunned him momentarily. XS took advantage of the lull to batter him at super-speed; heartbeats later, a gigantic Violet dropped a ton of debris on him. Before the Monitor could recover, Dragonmage conjured up a fanged red dragon that scratched at The Monitor while Monstress coated him with sulfur.

"Nnnh... his will is strong..." Imra said. "Dragonmage, can you cast a spell to teleport us away?"

"Yes, yes, I think I can..." Xao Jin broke off his attack and began to mutter an incantation. Violet reached down to gather a gasping Kinetix and a shaking Live Wire; both had completely reverted to their normal forms, but they were also too weak to stand.

"Please, hurry!" Imra had tears in her eyes from the effort. "His mind is... is... Oh!" Imra was thrown backwards from the force of The Monitor's resistance.

"Imra!" Garth yelled as he watched her fall. XS caught her just in time and laid her gently on the ground. "I'm going to buy us some time!" Jenni called as she raced back to The Monitor. Before she could land her first punch, The Monitor released a cascade of energy in all directions. "Ahhh!" Jenni screamed as she fell to the ground, clutching her fist.

"Stop it, you big bully!" Candi pointed at The Monitor threateningly while Dragonmage began to chant faster and faster. Before either of them could continue, The Monitor placed both hands on the ground and let loose another strong burst of energy; the floor shook and caused Monstress, Dragonmage and Violet to topple. Moving with alarming speed, The Monitor grabbed Xao and Salu by the necks and slammed their heads together. Kinetix and Live Wire pointed shaking arms at him, sending a telekinetic blast and a bolt of lightning; they were still too weak, though. The attacks fizzled harmlessly as they hit The Monitor's armor. With a cruel grin, he blasted them back. Monstress cried out as she watched her friends slump to the ground. All six of them were unconscious.

"You monster!" she cried. She transmuted the air above The Monitor into a lump of iron, lead and titanium, and conjured up shields over her friends as she watched it drop on him. "This won't hold me, foolish girl!" He blasted the block as it fell, sending bits of metal raining in all directions.

"Yes, but it gives me enough time to destroy your horrible machine!" Before The Monitor could stop her, Monstress had transmuted several sections of the tuning fork's supports into oxygen. She watched with satisfaction as it toppled into the ground. For good measure, she began transmuting large sections of it into gases as well. "We may not be able to stop you," she said, "but at least we can stop your plan... OH!"

"How dare you?!" The Monitor grabbed her by the throat and slammed her down. Though she no longer needed to breathe, Monstress still felt the overwhelming force constricting her neck. She frantically tried to grip The Monitor's face and press into his eyes, but The Monitor blasted her fingers with his eyebeams. "You silly fool. Even if you destroy my machine, I can always build another!"

"But not before we stop you!" Out of the corner of her eye, Candi saw something that made her smile. "And I think we will, soon!"

"Very soon, indeed!" A glowing blue triangle materialized in the air just a few feet from where Candi lay; and out popped the familiar face of Shikari. Only a second later, dozens of familiar faces emerged, and so did dozens she didn't quite know. Kid Quantum II and Cosmic Boy led the charge, and Candi smiled with delight as what seemed like every single Legionnaire flew through the portal - including some she never expected to see again. Magno, Thunder, Dreamer... and Chuck and Tenzil? "Oh my grife," Candi breathed. "It's like everyone is here!"

"Hit him hard and fast, Legionnaires and company!" Jazmin pointed. "M'Onel, Andromeda..."

"Way ahead of you, Kid Q." In seconds, the two Daxamites had gathered the unconscious Legionnaires and brought them with the others. As Candi felt herself being carried into the air, she heard a gasp. "Monstress?!" M'Onel's face was a mix of surprise and joy as he looked at her.

"In the flesh... well not quite, dear," she said as he set her down and hugged her. "It's so, so wonderful to see you all!"

"I so want to hug you now, Candi," Jazmin smiled. "But first... Everyone, pour it on!"

And they did. Monstress smile widened even more as she saw all of them attack en masse. M'Onel and Andromeda's heat vision; Ultra Boy's flash vision; Spark's electricity; Cosmic Boy's, Magnetic Kid's - and to her delight, Magno's - magnetism; Wildfire's anti-energy; Particon's energy blasts; Kid Quantum's stasis bubbles; Star Boy's gravity powers; Brainiac 5's forcefield; Umbra's darkfield; Insect Queen's poisonous darts; Atmos' nuclear blasts; Mysa's sorcery; Vapor's gaseous form; and to her surprise, Dirk Morgna's fire powers. There were more whom she didn't know who joined in; a yellow-skinned girl with wind powers, a boy in a tasteful purple outfit lined with faux fur with ice powers, a fire-breathing boy, a green-skinned girl with water powers, and dozens more. Even a recovering Kinetix, Live Wire, Saturn Girl and Dragonmage joined the attack. Monstress lent her own power to the mix, transmuting the air around The Monitor into volatile compounds that ignited as they came into contact with the others' attacks.

"You can transmute?!" A stunned Chuck Taine said as he bounced beside Monstress.

"And you can bounce, dear!" she smiled as she watched him do so with a big grin on his face.

"Can the chatter, team!" Jazmin called as she pressed her attack. "There will be time for a reunion later!"

"That's it, Condo," Invisible Kid said from beside her. "Use your powers to slow his metabolism down even more."

"Let me add to our impact," a girl with slanted eyes said as she stepped forward. "Somehow, this villain expanded my abilities. Now I can amplify everyone's powers!" A soft glow appeared around her hands and settled on the assembled heroes. Several murmurs of approval could be heard as the attacks' intensity increased visibly.**

"No! No! I will not let you win!" The Monitor crouched down to the ground, hands glowing.

"He's going to blow!" Wildfire called.

"Shields up, everyone!" The yellow-skinned girl commanded. Mysa, Dragonmage, Kinetix, Particon, Brainiac 5, Kid Quantum, Umbra and others used their powers to create a wall blocking the group from harm. Even with all their powers, the wall shuddered and the ground shook; several of them stumbled while most took to the air to keep upright.

"What's going on out there?" Jazmin asked. "Can anyone see?"

"I see him... he's running towards the Threshold!" Ultra Boy called.

"I'll get him!" XS said. She dashed off, with M'Onel, Andromeda and Thunder following on her heels. Before they could reach The Monitor, he loosed another blast which drove them back momentarily. "You may have stopped my plans now, but you will never cage me!" he called. "Know this, Legionnaires... You have been more resourceful than I imagined... but I shall return. And you will not stop me next time."

"Oh, be quiet!" Gates snapped as he teleported beside The Monitor with Ultra Boy and Ferro in tow. The two tried to grab the villain, but he blasted them backwards.

"I'll blank the Threshold out from his senses!" Sensor yelled.

The Monitor laughed. "I may not be able to sense it, but I know it is here." He sped towards the Threshold.

A recovered XS ran up behind him, but before she could reach him he had jumped into the glowing doorway.

"Grife! He must be insane!" Ultra Boy stammered as he stood up. "He doesn't have a Kwai with him!"

"I will try to find him," Shikari said determinedly. She jumped into the Threshold, with Wildfire, M'Onel and Andromeda following closely. The assembled Legionnaires waited with bated breath. "Grife, more of us should have gone," Cosmic Boy said. "They're powerful, but even they can't stop The Monitor alone."

"It won't matter," Shikari said dejectedly as she exited The Threshold. "I don't understand it. There was no trace of his path when I entered."

"Don't beat yourself up, Kari," Wildfire said encouragingly. "Even if we had caught him, I don't know how we would have held him."

"So... does this mean it's over?" An exhausted Violet said as she sat on a rock.

"It is, Violet," Jazmin smiled as she took in the sight around her. Everyone, almost literally everyone, was gathered in one place. It was a sight to behold. "For now, anyway."

"Come on," added the yellow-skinned girl as she stood beside Jazmin. "Let's go home."

"I can't wait to see what you've all done with the place," Candi gushed as she placed an arm around Jazmin.

"Oh, you'll be very surprised," Thom smiled cheekily as he came up beside her. "It's worlds apart from the old HQ."

Groans erupted among the crowd as everyone began to file to the Threshold. "Your awful jokes are one thing that haven't changed," Ultra Boy elbowed Thom in the ribs playfully. As Star Boy's face took on a dejected look, Dreamer laughed and kissed him on the cheek. "Don't worry, Thom. You still make me laugh."

Candi laughed as she followed the crowd back. As she was about to step through, she turned back to look one last time. "I just wish Jan - the real Jan, not the monster he became - had been here," she murmured to herself. She took one last, long glance at the ruins of the place where Jan, as the Progenitor, had dissolved her body into a cloud of dust. He hadn't quite killed her, but he had... evolved her. But did that make his actions any better? She closed her eyes as she considered. What she was sure of, though, was that it wasn't poor, sweet Jan who had done that to her.

Jan had died long before that, and he probably wasn't coming back.

She sighed as she followed the others. There would be plenty of time to think later. Right now, she just wanted to go home.

*********************************************************************
IB's notes:

1) Monstress "died" in Legion Lost 11. She has never walked through a Threshold, seen Legion World, or met anyone introduced after Legion Lost - hence her lack of familiarity with the new Legionnaires and Cadets.

2) The girl with slanted eyes is Legion Cadet Amp Girl, Ming Sul of unknown. Her power is enhanced senses and reflexes. I boosted it to amplify others' abilities. Credits to razsolo, who also have her these abilities in his own story.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac (Post-ZH Legion) Settling Down - 10/11/15 06:18 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, on and above Legion World...

"I don't understand why I couldn't locate The Monitor," Shikari fumed as she retracted her armored skin. "I've tried again and again, and so have several of my path-kin, but still nothing."

"Do not be upset, Shikari," Brainiac 5 droned as he studied the results of the attempts. "The Monitor had access to advanced technology. I wouldn't be surprised if he had something that could have masked his trail even from your pathfinding senses."

"Don't worry, Kari," Wildfire placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Your pathfinding worked when we needed it to - if you hadn't been there, both Chuck and I wouldn't be here now! And we'll be ready for the bad guy if he comes back."

"Or when," Brainiac 5 mused as he watched Shikari hug Wildfire. "We will definitely have to prepare..."

***********************************************************************

"Are you sure, Condo?" Lyle's voice was thick with skepticism as he showed his boyfriend around the Hall of Heroes of the other Legion's headquarters. Brainiac 5 had said that the barriers between their universes would remain thin enough for travel for the next month or so, and that the barriers would go through irregular cycles that would allow them to visit one another. Lyle had volunteered to deliver an update to this Legion, and had taken the opportunity to show Condo around. This reality's Tinya, who had been quite close friends with Lyle's counterpart, had been so happy seeing Lyle and Condo together; something she said her own friends had never gotten around to doing, though everyone else could see their attraction. "In this other universe, both you and I are dead. I mean..."

"Hey, you yourself explained all the differences between realities," Condo pointed out. "Our Leviathan is dead, while their Ferro is, and their Triad lost a body to COMPUTO when ours didn't, and so many others."

"But..."

"No," Condo said firmly. "You know how much I suffered while you were away? I am not going through that again. I can still be a journalist part-time. I am staying as close to you as I possibly can, and that is that."

"Mmm," Lyle smiled. "Spoken with conviction. I think you're going to pass the vote with flying colors."

Condo turned to look at the statues of their deceased counterparts. "If I do, I think I'll pick a costume similar to this. I like the v-neck..."

"You look good in v-necks..." Lyle said as he moved closer to Condo, pressing his chin to Condo's neck. Lyle took a deep breathe; even without cologne, he loved smelling Condo's scent. "Now, let's make up for lost time..."

Condo smiled as he wagged a finger at Lyle. "Now, now, you can turn invisible but I can't. Let's wait until we go somewhere more private..."

**********************************************************************

"You really do like redheads," Spark laughed as she watched Particon and Insect Queen from across her.

"Yes, I do," Particon blushed as she closed her hand around Insect Queen's. The pretty redhead smiled. "And I like your eyes when they're not hiding behind a visor," she returned.

"I think we'll leave you two alone then," Chameleon said with a grin as he and Ayla stood up.

"Yeah, time to check on my other favorite couple," Ayla replied.

"No need, we were just looking for you." Garth and Imra approached, faces beaming with happiness. Before Ayla could say anything, Garth handed her an Omnicom. "What do you think?"

"Oh wow, it's finally happening?" Chameleon hugged the couple as Spark's jaw dropped in surprise as she read the Omnicom. "You are cordially invited to the wedding of Garth Ranzz and Imra Ardeen." She slowly lowered the Omnicom as she watched her brother and future sister-in-law. "Well, it's about time!" she snapped as she hugged them both.

The cafeteria around them broke into applause as Garth and Imra kissed.

**********************************************************************

"Are you sure, Xao?" The White Witch looked at her pupil with concern. "For the longest time, all you could think about was regaining your powers and joining the Legion."

"I am sure, my lady..." Dragonmage said as he stared out the window into space. "Although I have served my prison sentence, I still cannot forget that my actions resulted in the destruction of Dryad, the desertification of Gil'd... and the losses of so many lives."***

"Xao..." Mysa said as she held his hand. "You must not continue to punish yourself so. Atone, but do not lose yourself in self-inflicted suffering."

"You are right, of course," Xao smiled as he squeezed her hand. "But I have to atone some more. It is not enough. But the Legion will have my assistance if they truly need me."

"I respect your decision," Mysa smiled back. "I am pleased at how much you have grown."

"Yes..." Xao said as he sat back in his chair and stared out into space. "Perhaps one day soon..."

***********************************************************************

Monstress tapped a finger to her cheek as she mulled over the results of her exam. It felt odd... where before she would have struck soft flesh, now she only touched hard, rigid crystal. She sighed; maybe she shouldn't have been so quick to destroy The Monitor's machine. Besides her, Ferro, Sensor and even Wildfire could have used some regressing to old selves as well.

But then, she couldn't have known help was about to arrive, and Brainiac 5 had found specs on the machine anyway. He couldn't understand it yet, but there was always hope...

And she knew she was lucky to even be in this form. She had thanked XS and the others profusely for their role in her "resurrection"; Jenni' foreknowledge planted by the Time Trapper, Imra's telepathic pulling of The Monitor's knowledge, and the combination of Zoe's Hypertaxis energy and Garth's transmutation powers had been enough to allow her consciousness to take root in the crystal littering the Rosette ruins. As far as could be determined, she had all of Element Lad's old powers, though of course not quite as much knowledge. She could use them adeptly enough, but managing Progenitor-level feats like restoring an arm or creating a new organic body for herself were beyond her for the time being. It likely would be beyond her forever; Jan had only been able to manage those feats after eons of practice. She certainly did not want to live that long.

Still, she was grateful. She had spent the past couple of years living in a state of disembodied awareness... not quite consciousness, as she had barely been able to form a coherent thought. Just... awareness.

She was distracted from her thoughts by a knock on the door. "Come in," she called as she pressed the unlock button gently. She was glad she had had large fingers for a while; it made adjusting to her crystal form easier.

She was surprised at who stood on the other side. "Oh... Umbra."

"Hello, Monstress," Umbra said tentatively. "May I come in?"

"Of course..." Candi replied. "Please, sit down."

"I thank you." Tasmia took a seat and arranged her cape carefully. Candi resisted the urge to raise an eyebrow. What happened to the haughty and arrogant Legionnaire who had caused quite a bit of drama during their time lost in the Kwai's galaxy?

"Monstress, I... I am quite pleased to see you return," Umbra started. "When we were together, and just before you... were transformed... I had said some very cruel things to you."

Candi sat tight-lipped as she recalled. In the heat of battle, Umbra had called her hideous. Ugly. Although she had been transformed by a gene bomb as a girl, from a normal Xanthusian to the hulking figure known as Monstress, she had moved on. Being with the Legion had allowed her to come to terms with her disfigurement. It had still hurt when Umbra called her a freak, though. But then, she had not been herself then; Umbra had been affected by psionic backwash which had increased her arrogance. She could excuse that.

Umbra breathed deeply, then continued. "I have felt guilty over that ever since. I have regretted not apologizing to you before you... before what happened to you. And so now..." Umbra stood up, then made a deep curtsy on the floor, cape spread out gracefully. "I humbly seek your forgiveness, Monstress."

"Umbra... Tasmia," Candi stood up and beamed. "Please, call me Candi. And of course, I forgive you. How could I not, when you say sorry in such a manner?"

Tasmia returned Candi's smile. "I am dining with Sensor tomorrow evening, where we shall discuss the state of government on our respective homeworlds. I would be pleased if you would join us."

"Oh, I loved the meals I shared with Sensor way back then," Candi clapped her hands in delight. "She serves the best teas. Yes, I would be happy to join you. I never paid much attention to government but I can share some of the best shopping streets and cafes on Xanthu!"

"That would be ideal," Tasmia laughed as she stood up. "I take my leave, then."

"See you tomorrow, Tasmia," Candi waved as Umbra exited. She really had changed through all this time.

She sat down again and began opening the Legion case files. So many of her friends had changed in all this time, and she needed to catch up with all of them. As she thumbed through Ferro's file, another ring interrupted her. "Oh dear, I really need to schedule some alone time..." she mused. "Come in, please."

The door opened to reveal Insect Queen, Kid Quantum II and Star Boy. All three were old teammates from the Uncanny Amazers, and she wasn't surprised to see them. But she was surprised to see who was behind them. She nearly dropped her Omnicom in surprise.

"Daddy?" Her heart pounded as she stared. She hadn't seen her father in years!

"Oh Candi... Princess..." Her father walked forward slowly, foot limping as he leaned heavily on his cane. "I missed you so."

"Daddy..." Candi felt a pang of emotion in her gut. "I haven't seen you in forever!"

"And how I regretted that," her father said as he held her hand; Candi's fist easily wrapped around his, even with a cane in his hand. "I'm so, so sorry for never visiting you."

"I thought you hated me, Daddy," Candi started to sob though no tears came out. But she felt every bit of emotion clearly.

"I hated myself, Princess," he said as he kissed her cheek. "It was my fault that gene bomb went off. My fault. I thought you would never forgive me..."

"You're my Daddy, how could I hate you?" Candi gently closed her arms around him. "I'm just so glad you came to see me..."

"I should have done this long ago," he said softly as he hugged her back. "I hope... I hope you'll allow me to make it up to you?"

"Of course, Daddy," Candi said as she closed her eyes. She never even noticed her teammates had already closed her door to give them privacy. "Of course."

Daughter and father held each other tightly as they talked about how to make up for so many lost years.

**********************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Monstress' origin was revealed in Legion Lost 2. She was visiting a family factory with her wealthy father when a protesting worker ran up. Her father knocked the worker aside callously; as she ran to help the worker, his homemade gene bomb went off. That bomb transformed her from a normal Xanthusian into Monstress. Her father never had time for her after that. She thought it was because she reminded him of her failures. In my Monstress piece for Volume 1: Loss, I had it that her father was too ashamed to visit her.

2) Dragonmage, in his bid to regain his magical abilities, ignored a warning and released four imprisoned Elementals. The Elementals took on hosts and destroyed Dryad, removed all water from Gil'd, and caused great havoc on Earth and Swizzar. Of the four hosts, only Dirk Morgna survived. Dragonmage regained his powers, but lost them again stopping the Elementals. He turned himself in after that. Of course, he regained his magic because of the Monitor.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 3: HOMECOMING

Back Home, on and above Legion World...

"I should step down, you know," Nightwind told Kid Quantum II as they watched the seats in the meeting room fill up. "You were still sitting Legion leader when the original team vanished."

"No, you will not," Jazmin said firmly. "Look, your one-year term is almost up anyway, and I've been leader way longer than that. Let's decide this fairly, with an election."

"Fair enough," Berta laughed as she watched Apparition and Ultra Boy walk in. Judging by their smiles, they had just visited Cub. "Looks like that's everyone."

"Then let's get down to business." Jazmin cleared her throat, and beamed in pride as dozens of faces looked at her. The full-fledged, Active Legionnaires sat closest, but many others whom they wanted to honor - Reservists, Honorary Legionnaires, Support Staff, Cadets and other allies - filled the seats farther away. Towards the back, several reporters stood, including the Legion's staunch ally Hannah Wells. Devlin O'Ryan stood beside her; he was also quite a big supporter. "Okay, gang, we just finished what has probably been our most epic battle to date. And I'm happy to say that we made it with pretty much flying colors."

Berta continued as she clicked on the viewscreen. It had been hooked up to the symbiotic life form attached to the back of the Legion Cadet named Theena; this life form could somehow create two-way communications links to any place in the galaxy. Babbage had devised a way to hook it to the Monitor room.

"We have given medical and psychological treatment to all the hostages; we were lucky to see that though they were in captivity, The Monitor was apparently truthful in that he did not want to harm anyone. The hostages not brought to the laboratories for examination were not harassed by the villains guarding them, though of course we do not discount the trauma they went through. All of them have been given a clean bill of health - physically and mentally."

"As for those kept in the tubes," Jazmin continued, "it seems The Monitors' experiments have only had positive effects. Not all of you were affected, but those who were have had their powers increased... or restored. We've also run a full diagnostic, and it seems he has not tampered with your minds in any way, like he said he planned to." Several former captives sighed in relief, and Dirk Morgna let out a small plume of flame in celebration.

"The villains are all incarcerated again," Berta added. "A few minor ones escaped, but the big guns such as the Fatal Five are all behind bars again. And because they interrupted the Legion Day celebration, the culmination of our Legion Month... We're rescheduling it one week from now," she beamed. Cheers erupted through the room. A good celebration was just what the doctor ordered... literally. Dr. Gym'll had been quite insistent that everyone needed some relaxation.

"And finally," Jazmin continued as the cheers died down. "I would like to thank and congratulate each one of you for stepping up during this dark time. I speak for all of us when I say that each Legionnaire, Cadet, Ally and Staff Member played his or her role perfectly. We could not have done this without you." More cheers followed, and Jazmin and Berta let the applause die down naturally before they continued.

"So, the Active Membership has had a vote, and there are many of you we would like to honor..."

Berta pressed a button, and the faces of several Legion Cadets and allies flashed on the screen. "For your contributions during the battle, we have voted to grant Reserve status to all of you!" More cheers followed, though a bit more muted; Jazmin and Berta knew that some of these had been looking forward to full Active status. Many others were beaming, though, including some with not-so-impressive powers. At least they had hopes of being called up for selected missions. Chlorophyll Kid and Night Girl gave each other a high five, and Hotshot - formerly known as Fire Lad and Vulcan - hugged Rainbow, who had dropped the girl from her code name. Zaron Lux nodded confidently, looking as though he had predicted the outcome. Yera Liggle smiled gratefully, while the Lallorian hero Vapor beamed with pride. Flying Fox's bushy tail wagged with delight, and Dragonwing and Lamprey both celebrated with small displays of their powers. Density and Gravity shared a kiss, while Amp, who had also dropped the Girl from her code name, clasped her hands in gratitude. Dragonmage also nodded; though Mysa had approached him offering to put his name forward as a candidate for Active status, he didn't want to put the Legion in a bad light just yet. Reserve status would do for the time being.

"Of course, being a Reservist brings you a step closer to becoming full Active Legionnaires," she continued. "And we will be organizing our tryouts one month from now." This time, the cheers were louder than they had been since the meeting started.

"But some of you were overwhelmingly voted into Active status," Jazmin added with a grin. "As I call your name, please stand up and be recognized." She saw the crowd hush as they looked around. Who could have made it?

"First, we wish to acknowledge one strong candidate who was invited to join the team full-time, but decided to remain on Reserve Status for now. He is a staunch ally and friend who has come through for the team time and again. Tenzil Kem!" The crowd roared as Tenzil stood up and made a mock bow. "Call me Matter-Eater Lad," he grinned. "Hey, my alternate universe self thought it was a good enough code name, so it's good enough for me! Still, I'm happier being the Legion's chef."

"Yeah, dealing with so many species' pickiness is a full-time job," Chuck Taine ribbed his friend to laughs from the crowd.

"Before we continue, I'm sad to say that three of our active members have decided to step down to Reservist status as well," Jazmin continued. "We are sad to see them go, but we respect their decisions, and are glad we can call upon them as needed. First, we have a solid Legionnaire who has shown great creativity in using his powers and a maturity beyond his age. We wish him well in his pursuit of his athletic career. Let us applaud Magnetic Kid!" A few gasps, mostly from female cadets but a few from some males, littered the crowd as Pol stood up and bowed. "I enjoyed my time as an Active member, but the recent events have made me realize that being a superhero is not my number one priority. I get enough excitement on the magnoball court," he smiled. A female cadet swooned as he did. "But I'll definitely still be around."

Cosmic Boy smiled sadly as he joined in the applause; he had really enjoyed working with Pol as a fellow Legionnaire, but they had spoken before this meeting. Pol had really wanted to find his own way... and though Pol hadn't said so, Rokk knew that he wanted to make a name for himself out of his - Rokk's - shadow.

As the cheers died down, Berta continued. "Next is someone who has wisdom beyond his years, but more than that, a truly compassionate heart. Of sound mind and body, and truly a doctor with a bedside manner, please give a warm hand to Impulse!" More gasps followed as Kent Shakespeare stood up and bowed. "I'm still committed to the ideals of the Legion, of course, but with so many powerful members returning and joining, I think I can best help in the clinic rather than on the front lines," he noted. "I'll still be on Legion World full-time, of course." The gasps were drowned out by applause; at least Kent would still be nearby.

"And finally, we have a member who returned to us in our hour of need and single-handedly ensured our success by saving us from the initial attack on Legion World. Of course, she has a life and career of her own elsewhere, but we are happy she has promised to lend some of her time to us. Thank you, Thunder!" Thunder smiled as the crowd cheered her on. Nobody really expected her to stay for good, now that the Rock of Eternity had been repaired she could go back to her own time in the future as Thunder, not just as the non-powered Cece Beck. Still, her wisdom and power had made her quite the popular Legionnaire.

"And now..." Jazmin continued as the crowd fell silent. "Our new Active Legionnaires! She has showed tremendous grace under pressure these past few days, and a wonderful command of her power. Mentalla!" The blonde telepath stood up, face beaming. Berta had never seen the serious, studious girl look so happy before.

"An experienced hero in her own right, she is always ready to learn more. But we believe she can teach us plenty, as well. Insect Queen!" The redhead from Xanthu stood up with a bow, and she blew a kiss at her former Uncanny Amazer teammates. Atmos, Konk! and Kal Bodo all nodded; they were sad to see her go, but she had promised to keep in touch. And who were they to complain? Star Boy, Monstress, Kid Quantum II and Particon had all come from the Amazers' ranks as well.

"This next one has probationary Active status pending graduation of Legion Basic training, but we fully expect him to pass with flying colors. Condo Arlik!" The brunette beamed as he stood up and waved. "As a Legionnaire, I'll also take on the role of press liaison, using my journalistic background. I've also chosen the code name Chemical Kid," he announced. "I think it pairs well with Invisible Kid," Berta winked at Jazmin, who smiled. She had never seen Lyle Norg so happy, either.

"Next is someone who has helped out on a couple of cases. Despite going through some rather rough transformations, he has always soldiered on. Despite having some heavy responsibilities at his business, he has decided to accept the challenge of being a Legionnaire full-time; like Condo, he is on probationary Active status pending graduation from Legion basic training. Welcome, Dirk Morgna!" Dirk smiled graciously as he stood up, though his smile slipped a bit as he pondered his dad's reaction. Derek Morgna was worried that Dirk wouldn't be able to help with the family business, and was even more worried about Dirk's safety. Still, he felt confident he could handle it. "I really enjoyed the thrill of going on a mission with the team before," he said. "At first I used to be afraid of gaining super powers, but I realize now how much good they can do. I'm happy to be part of a team where I can use my abilities to the fullest. Please, call me... Inferno." Several people applauded the name, though some former Workforce members frowned a bit; not at Dirk, but at the thought of former Workforce member Inferno, who had chosen to stay behind in the 20th century some time ago.

"Our next new member is someone who would definitely have earned Active status much earlier, if he had had powers then. And we're glad he has them now, because he is sure to be an amazing asset to the team. Welcome aboard, Chuck Taine!" The rotund architect bounced up and down as his name was called. "Please, call me Rebound," he laughed as he deflated into his normal form. Triad beamed up at him as he addressed the crowd. "I'm so, so tickled to be here," he added. "It's always been a pleasure working with the team, but now I really get to be in the field! I can't wait!" Everyone laughed at Chuck's exuberance, even those who remained Reservists. It was hard not to be happy for Chuck.

"And finally, we wish to welcome two former Active Legionnaires into the fold once more," Jazmin continued. "Although he lost his powers for a bit, he has always been a hero through and through. The Legion will be much better off with your passion and optimism, Magno." Magno stood up with a wide grin as he held XS' hand; Live Wire in particular clapped loudly as the crowd cheered. Tears welled up in Magno's eyes as he wore his old costume again for the first time in ages.

"And finally, we have a Legionnaire long thought dead. Imagine our surprise and joy to see that she had somehow survived, albeit in a different form. Everyone, please give a warm welcome once more to Candi Pyponte-LeParc III, better known as Monstress!" The cheers were overwhelming this time, as a good friend once thought dead had come back to them. Candi smiled warmly as she turned to the crowd. "Thank you, all! But please, don't call me Monstress anymore." She closed her eyes as she thought of what to say next. "Now that I have his powers... I want to honor the sweet, sweet man who worked so hard to save those of us lost with him. The being who did horrible things wasn't him, and I want to remember him as he used to be. So please... call me Element Lass." The cheers were even louder this time, especially from the Legionnaires who had been lost along with Candi and Jan Arrah. Jan had indeed saved them all, at great personal cost; after rescuing them, he had become lost in time and space. Spending all those eons alone turned him mad, and that was the only reason he became the Progenitor.

Cosmic Boy raised his hand as the cheers died down. "I know it's corny, but... I really think this would be a great time for a roll call." The smile on his face was infectious.

Jazmin and Berta looked at each other and laughed. "You read our minds, Cos," Jazmin clapped. "You know what to do, team!"
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Roll Call! - 10/11/15 08:35 AM
Legion of Super-Heroes Roll Call

Active Legionnaires

Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion co-leader.
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation. Current Legion co-leader.

Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions (probationary pending completion of Legion basic training)
Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Dreamer, Nura Nal of Naltor; precognition
Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III; transmutation
Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis (probationary pending completion of Legion basic training)
Insect Queen, Lonna Leing of Xanthu; morphs into various insect forms, gaining the powers of the forms she takes
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony (Earth colony: Japan); skilled martial artist
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation.
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan; telepathic control of others' physical functions.
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; generate and control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation, disruption of energy flow
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada); inflates into a durable bouncing form
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy
Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair
Star Boy, Thom Kallor of Xanthu; gravity manipulation
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time
Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; shadow casting
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings). Anti-energy being.
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

Reserve Legionnaires (Not Legion Cadets)

Dragonmage, Xao Jin of New Shanghai (Earth colony); sorcery
Impulse, Kent Shakespeare of Earth (United Kingdom: England); enhanced speed, strength, durability and recuperative abilities; medical doctor and Legion support staff member
Magnetic Kid, Pol Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter. Skilled chef and Legion support staff member.
Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers

Uncanny Amazers

Atmos, Marak Russen of Xanthu; nuclear energy blasts, flight, enhanced strength and durability
Kal Bodo of Xanthu; phrenology and psychometry activated upon touching another's head
Konk!, of Xanthu; detachable floating head, if she fails to reattach her head to her body, a new one with a different personality grows
Radion, Roy Travich of Earth (Italy and Madagascar); flight and emission of radiation

Reserve Legionnaires (Concurrent Legion Cadets) - Partial List

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Arachno of Arachnidia; enhanced abilities of spiders
Beastmaster, Ilshu Nor of Lallor (Hero of Lallor seconded for training); transform into any animal
Brawler of Moxie; super-strength and durability, can mind-mesh with machinery to control it
Calorie Queen, Taryn Loy of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter, conversion of digested matter into super-strength
Cannus of Anthropologia; skilled tracker, canine senses and abilities
Catspaw, April Dumaka of Earth (Tanzania); enhanced agility, speed and claws
Chlorophyll Kid, Ral Benem of Mardru; plant manipulation
Comet Queen, Grava of Quaal III; super-speed flight and emission of comet-like gases
Crystal Kid, Bobb Kohan of Earth (Brazil); crystal generation and manipulation
Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal); controls his body's density; increasing his density grants a degree of strength and durability
Dragonwing, Marya Pai of Earth (Singapore and Tibet); breathes fire and secretes acid venom
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa); sound manipulation
Flying Fox of H'lven; levitation and other abilities
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Hotshot, Staq Mavlen of Shwar; breathes fire
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau); underwater survival; hydrokinesis
Mandalla, Tari Wahlmunn of Takron-Galtos; projects a thought-sphere that affects the target's mental and physical functions
Night Girl, Lydda Jath of Kathoon; super-strength in darkness
Porcupine Pete, Peter Dursin of Earth (Jamaica); ejects quills from his body
Rainbow, Dori Aandraison of Xolnar; rainbow-based light powers
Retro, Deen Toro of Retcon; touch-triggered ability to rewind time, but leaving those affected with a memory of "future" events
Sizzle, Teela Spuunvil of Abaddonus; absorbs and redirects energy
Spectrum, Ulu Vakk of Lupra; changes the color of people and objects
Splitter, Floyd Belkin of Lallor; ability to detach his limbs from his torso
Stone Boy, Dag Wentim of Zwen; turns self into stone
Tellus, Ganglios of Hykraius; telepathy and telekinesis
Theena of unknown; attached to a symbiotic alien able to open "viewscreens" allowing communication across distances
Tomb, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions
Vapor, Tal Nahii of Lallor (Hero of Lallor seconded for training); transforms her body into gases
Veilmist of Khundia; teleportation
Vision, Rhent Ustin of Earth (Egypt); microscopic, telescopic, heat, freeze, and hypnotic vision
Yera Liggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Zarox Lux of Colu; 10th level intelligence

Honorary Legionnaires and Legion Support Staff

Cub Wazzo-Nah of Bgztl and Rimbor; son of Apparition and Ultra Boy, confirmed phasing abilities
Devlin O'Ryan of Xanthu; report and Legion deputy media liaison
Dr. Gym'll of Jaquaa; Legion physician
Dr. Ryk'rr of Jaquaa; Legion psychiatrist
Dr. Mollie Dennum of Hephaestus; materials scientist
Gigi Cusimano of Mars; Science police lieutenant and commander of the Science Police contingent on Legion World
Hannah Wells of Earth (France and Mali); reporter and Legion media liaison
Lori Morning of 20th century Earth (USA); RJ Brande's adopted daughter
Marla Latham of Earth (Germany and Sweden); Legion adult advisor
Proty of Vyrga; shapeshifting and limited telepathy
Rene Jacques Brande of unknown; Legion Founder/Financier and United Planets Ambassador to the Second Galaxy
Rond Vidar of Earth (Iran); skilled scientist specializing in time studies
Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Ireland); Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer
Winema Wazzo of Bgztl; United Planets President

Andromeda Apparition Babbage PolarBoy Brainiac51 Chameleon ChemicalKing CosmicBoy1 Dreamer Monstress Ferro Gates Gear SunBoy InsectQueen InvisibleKid1 KarateKid1 KidQuantumII Kinetix LiveWire Lume Magno Mentalla InfectiousLass1 MOnel1 Nightwind1 Particon ChuckTaine SaturnGirl1 Sensor Shikari Spark SpiderGirl StarBoy1 TimberWolf1 Triad UltraBoy1 Umbra Violet WhiteWitch Wildfire1 XS

Dragonmage Impulse MagneticKidII MatterEaterLad Thunder

Atmos Radion (Kal Bodo) (Konk!)

AmpGirl BeastBoy Brawler CalorieQueen Cannus Catspaw ChlorophyllKid CometQueen CrystalKid PowerBoy (Dragonwing) Tyroc (Flying Fox) (Gravity) FireLad Lamprey Mandalla NightGirl PorcupinePete RainbowGirl Retro Sizzle ColorKid ArmFallOffBoy StoneBoy Tellus Tomb GasGirl Veilmist Theena VisiLad (Yera) (Zaron Lux) Proty
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Roll Call! - 10/11/15 09:40 AM
(IB's note - Harbi commented on Dirk Morgna, and originally I had him decide to take Reserve status. But I got to thinking and decided to make him a full-time Active Legionnaire. Thanks Harbi smile )


Awesome!

You really didn't make it easy for your team did you? That fight scene was inspired, and returning Candi is an amazing idea, and as Element Lass too, wow! Will she still have her strength or is it just the transmutation abilities? Her scene with Umbra apologising and her dad was really poignant.

Well, bye bye thunder, and its a pity that Dirk decided not to hang around, though hello to Chuck, Condo, mentalla and Magno. I'm not a fan of insect queen so I'll wait and see what else you can do, though I think it's the icky visual of her being half bug that I hate... eww....

Jas and Berta being co-leaders is good, that would work well. And thank you for the roll call, greatly appreciated!

I hope you are taking a well deserved rest after that IB, your story has been a cosmic rollercoaster ride that must have driven you to distraction to plot out. Well done, it was worth the time and effort as you have written a truly classic legion tale.


I hope you decide to carry on with this universe you have created as I'm eager to read more, more, more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Notes on the Legion membership - 10/11/15 09:47 AM
And here we go, ladies and gents. Thanks for reading along until this point. It's been quite a ride; four years and two days from the first post to this point, to be exact! I'll be taking a bit of a break after this, but I'll be back to writing early next year.

This roll call is pretty voluminous, and I'm still toying with some membership shakeups. But for now, the Active membership will stand pat at 42 Legionnaires. We have 21 girls, 19 guys, and two gender-neutral (Babbage and Lume). Non-humanoid Legionnaires are Gates, Sensor, Lume, Babbage; I might need to add more later on, but I think I'll need to drop some. This Volume was pretty difficult to write because of the large cast, and I don't think I can handle a large ongoing with 41+ Active Legionnaires and so many reservists and support staff!

Some notes on my choices:

Magno and Chuck as Rebound were sure bets from the start. I love both their personalities, and Chuck is a top fave.

After consulting with Omni to test my idea, so was Condo as Chemical Kid. His relationship with Lyle gives me a gay male couple on the team. Like with Mysa, I think I may have some initial difficulty getting a handle on Condo's powers though.

After I decided to give Condo the Chemical King powers, instead of Element Lad's transmutation, I hit on the idea of a returned Monstress as Element Lass. Sweet, sweet Candi is another favorite of mine, and her return allows me to up the Legion's power quotient as well.

I decided on Mentalla on a whim; I found that I had fun writing her, so she got called up to Active status. Her story in the Levitz era has always stuck with me and I see a lot of myself in her.

Finally, I hadn't originally planned on Insect Queen, but Mystery Lad posited a while back that she would join. And after rereading some of the scenes I used with her (the Monstress and Star Boy tributes), she seemed like a natural fit. Her relationship with Particon was a stroke of inspiration at the start of Volumne 3.

As noted above, I at first had Dirk Morgna remain a reservist because he used to express fear at losing control, and even with them I thought he would find it hard to disentangle himself from his responsibilities at Morgna Industries for the time being. But thanks to Harbi, I took a second look and saw some scenes (Legionnaires 43, 71) where he expressed enjoyment at the thrill of accompanying the Legionnaires on missions. Now that his powers are much more controlled, I decided he would be the type to take on the challenge of joining the Legion. So join he does smile

As for the new Legionnaires at the start of Volume 1, or the interim team, they were: Nightwind, Microbe (Infectious Lass), Blizzard (Polar Boy), Particon, White Witch, Lume, Spider-Girl, Babbage, Impulse, Magnetic Kid.

Nightwind, Microbe (Infectious Lass), Blizzard (Polar Boy), Particon and White Witch were all established Postboot characters. I always felt all of them deserved to be Legionnaires long ago, so all got flight rings.

Spider-Girl was also an established Postboot character, and I was inspired to add her based on her TMK/5YL usage. Lume as well, and I always liked light-energy based characters (Kimiyo Hoshi is a fave of mine and my own LMB character Invisible Brainiac has light powers), so Lume got added in.

Babbage was never really a favorite, but I decided I needed a brawler/physical attacker/short-range fighter type for this interim Legion.

Now on to the cuts:

I originally added Kent Shakespeare beside, like Blizzard, he made a cameo as a Legion Cadet; and like Babbage, I wanted another physical/short-range attacker for the interim team. But now with the Legion reunited, I decided to drop Kent first but keep him as a reservist and Legion doctor. Sadly, as I went through Volume 3 I decided I needed a better handle on the character. And I made sure to note that if he were to choose between being a doctor and a Legionnaire, he'd pick the former.

Finally, I had a lot of fun writing Pol, but with Cosmic Boy and Magno both back I wanted to increase my power diversity. I think my references to his doubts early on paved the way for his exit; and also, Pol only joined the Legion in the first place as a way to honor Cos. His heart was never really truly in being a superhero (at least, he doesn't think so as of now!) This isn't the last we'll see of him, though.

Of the other reservists, Tenzil and Dragonmage were both strong candidates. But as I was writing, I decided it wouldn't be that "organic" to have them suddenly become active members. Tenzil has always been content to be a support staffer (unlike Chuck, who played a fairly big role during Legion Worlds as a field agent under the Legion Subterfuge Team).

Dragonmage was a very strong contender for Active status, but I decided against it because of the heavy consequences of his actions in releasing the Elementals. Dryad blew up and Gil'd was desertified, leaving pretty much the entire Gil'dan population on-planet dead. That's not the kind of thing you can sweep under a rug, and if I were a voting Legionnaire it would be enough to make me vote No.

Finally, Thunder has a life of her own in the 90th century, and nothing is keeping her from going back to the future. But she can and will pop in from time to time, as will all the others mentioned above.

On the other Reservists, some of those I'm considering for future active membership are Amp (Girl) and... well, just here, really. I think the six I listed above (Pol, Kent, Dirk, Dragonmage, Tenzil, Thunder) plus Amp are more than enough candidates for now. I already have 41 Active members to juggle smile Though some might need to take a leave of absence...

Finally, let's tackle the "original" Legionnaires who appeared in Legion of 3 Worlds. I'm thinking of having a few leave the team for a bit - maybe Ferro, who still hasn't fully dealt with his inability to turn back to flesh; and Sensor, who still hasn't fully dealt with her mutation. But besides that, I don't see any reason for them to leave the team.

Same for everyone else, really, including the returned Andromeda who has given up her cloistered ways - I don't see any reasons for any of them to leave the team at the moment, except maybe to take a break.

The resurrected Kinetix was a lock for me as well - she is still my #1 fave - and bringing her back allowed me to restore the Postboot Legion's reality smile And there was no way I was going to leave XS and Gates in comic book limbo!

And that's that. I'll still think on my membership choices over the Christmas holidays, but I don't foresee myself changing my mind on a whim. Story-wise though, I already have a plan for getting at least one of my Reservists upgraded to Active status... wink

Thanks again y'all for reading along. Comments, suggestions and questions welcome! I'd love to hear thoughts on the lineup too smile
(IB's note - Harbi commented on Dirk Morgna, and originally I had him decide to take Reserve status. But I got to thinking and decided to make him a full-time Active Legionnaire. Thanks Harbi smile )


Originally Posted by Harbinger
Awesome!

You really didn't make it easy for your team did you? That fight scene was inspired, and returning Candi is an amazing idea, and as Element Lass too, wow! Will she still have her strength or is it just the transmutation abilities? Her scene with Umbra apologising and her dad was really poignant.

Well, bye bye thunder, and its a pity that Dirk decided not to hang around, though hello to Chuck, Condo, mentalla and Magno. I'm not a fan of insect queen so I'll wait and see what else you can do, though I think it's the icky visual of her being half bug that I hate... eww....

Jas and Berta being co-leaders is good, that would work well. And thank you for the roll call, greatly appreciated!

I hope you are taking a well deserved rest after that IB, your story has been a cosmic rollercoaster ride that must have driven you to distraction to plot out. Well done, it was worth the time and effort as you have written a truly classic legion tale.


I hope you decide to carry on with this universe you have created as I'm eager to read more, more, more!


Hi Harbi, thank you for the comments and encouragement and support! I'm glad you liked the finale, I couldn't make it easy because of how powerful the bad guy was.

Glad you liked the return of dear, dear Candi. She always made me smile and I'm happy to have her back. No super-strength for now as this lineup has quite a lot of heavy-hitters, though her crystalline body does give her a bit of strength and durability.

Thunder will show up fairly often, don't worry. Given her history though, I could not come up with a compelling reason for her to stay in the 31st century long-term.

As for Dirk, I actually had a hard time deciding if he should get Active status or Reserve status. In the end, given his role in the family business and his past disastrous brushes with power, I decided on Reserve... but this doesn't close the door to future Active status smile In fact, I have a story idea in mind already where he will definitely play a big part, and that might inspire him to become full-time wink

Glad you also liked the "promotions"/returns of Chuck, Condo, Mentalla and Magno!

Perhaps I can do something about the visuals of Insect Queen smile

Jaz and Berta have a good dynamic, glad you like it. And the roll call was a big help for me too, so hard to keep track of so many characters!

And thank you so much, it was indeed hard plotting (and writing!) this long, long story. I need some R&R now, and to catch up on other things that I have neglected while writing this smile

Thanks again and I will definitely continue this in the near future. Thanks a bunch for your support smile

Okay, I feel so indecisive, but I'm decisively so! Harbi's post got me to thinking, and I reviewed past issues (Legionnaires 43, 70, 71) where Dirk Morgna appeared. He enjoyed the thrill of going on missions, and with Dirk's attitude, he's totally the type who'd take on the challenge of being an Active Legionnaire AND doing medical research AND helping run Morgna Industries at the same time. So...

Welcome to the Legion full-time, Dirk!
Posted By: Fanfic Lady Re: Legion... Still Lost. - 10/11/15 11:09 PM
Ibby, I just finished reading Volume 1. All the tributes were outstanding, but I'd have to say my favorite was the long one for Garth with Jancel & Mekt. I'm so glad they didn't go the predictable villainous route, that was a remarkable subversion of clichés that you did. Great work all around.

I'll start Volume 2 next weekend.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Legion... Still Lost. - 10/11/15 11:39 PM
Thank you Fanfie, I really do appreciate your making time to read. I'm glad you liked the semi-twist with Mekt being fully reformed and Jancel getting a wake up call.

Thanks again for reading and commenting, I do so appreciate it!
Posted By: Omni Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 10/14/15 01:49 AM
Wow IB i've had so much to catch up on. i loved every minuet of this ride. Your battles were really well done.

The monitor using Zoe and Garth to gain the Proginator's power was ingenious. You've made this Monitor very power hungry. But it works well.

OMG! Candi is alive! i love it and a really creative way of bringing her back. It makes sense that as a "God", Jan wouldn't necessarily kill her. and if Garth could come back through the crystals why not her too. But i have a question. did it only work because of their memories? Also Is this the last of the trapper's knowledge?

I'm so happy Chuck is alive and now Rebound!

Thank you for the acknowledgements for Condo, Wildfire and the others. I'm glad Condo has made the team and him and Lyle finally get to have a life together. Lyle deserves it.

I love all the side characters you've added. M'Onel's comment about them holding their own is spot on.

I loved Wildfires! and a great use of Dirk's research and the explanation of how he has to keep his consciousness alive, reminds me of how Wildfire will sound in Legion of Super Heroes Annual #7 i think it is, when he has to get back into his suit after being attacked by the cannon.

I had a feeling about Insect Queen and Particon being a couple and i'm glad Insect Queen had been bumped up. I think she'll make a great Legionnaire and she adds a new power set which is always fun.

Umbra's humbleness was well done. I'm glad she was able to say sorry and be forgiven.

Candi's moment with her dad was really touching and a good way to bring your lost post full circle.

This looks to be a great team and a lot of great story potential.

I'm so glad for this happy ending and it will be a well deserved break. But i still can't wait for more.


The Monitor getting away holds some great story potential for his return.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 10/14/15 02:54 AM
Hi Omni many thanks for the usual comments and support! Really tickled to see you like this, and thanks again for our conversations. They have helped me mold my own eyes so you definitely deserve the shoutout.

Glad you liked my returns and additions.

On Candi, her return was enabled by the Hypertaxis energy of Kinetix and the transmutation powers of Live Wire. She was existing in a sort of disembodied state, so they just helped her coalesce so to speak. Glad you liked how she returned and glad it made sense!

So far this is the last of the Trapper memories, but I may revisit that some time in the future...

Lonna and Jen (Particon) are my only female couple and I'm happy you like them. Ditto Lyle and Condo, I especiLly enjoy writing those two as Blaze and I have gone through many things in real life as well. It is very cathartic for me.

Glad Drake's return and Dirk's role in it rang true! I forgot the LSH Annul v7 scene so thanks for bringing it up, i will be sure to reread.

Lastly, glad you like Candi and Tasmia and Candi's dad, i think Tasmia as well has grown a lot after Legion Lost. And yes, the Monitor will be back to darken the Legion's doorway again...

Thanks again for the support!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac (Post ZH Legion) Legion Day - 10/18/15 02:52 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING ON

Legion World. The Legion Day celebrations.

Legion World. A mobile, artificial planetoid that became the new headquarters of the Legion of Super-Heroes after their reformation post the Blight invasion. Legion World was moved just off Earth to counterbalance Luna**, but was moved back once Luna was restored to its proper orbit.

Legion World was recently invaded by an extremely powerful other-dimensional being known as a Monitor, who had gathered an immense army of criminals, villains and hired mercenaries. The second Legion was forced to flee, but retrieved the first Legion from a different dimension. They freed Legion World without casualties.

- Encyclopedia Galactica entry on Legion World



Devlin O'Ryan was literally bouncing as he faced the holo-cams. "Sentients and gentlebeings! I cannot tell you how excited I am to be here, in the front row, as the Legion will kick off Legion Day with their flyby! As you all know, Legion Day was rudely interrupted by the mysteriously powerful being known as Monitor... Thankfully, it seems no lasting damage was done to Legion World, or harm to the hostages."

"Cut the cams, Lizu." At Hannah Wells' command, the four-armed cameraman dutifully obeyed. Devlin tilted his head in surprise. "Something else else wrong, Trudi?"

"It's Hannah now, Devlin. I gave up being Trudi to be myself, remember?"*** Hannah Wells said, not unkindly. "You're doing a great job, Devlin, but despite being strong Legion supporters, we should also try to paint a balanced picture. It's not quite right to say that no lasting harm was done to the hostages without citing a source, and even then, we should clarify that assessment."

Devlin frowned, then nodded his head. "You're right, Hannah. I'm sorry."

"No harm done," Hannah smiled. "Now, I'll have the cams turned on again in 30, so think of what you're going to say."

At Hannah's signal, Lizu turned the cams on. Devlin broke into his on-screen smile and continued. "As per preliminary medical and psychological assessments, none of the hostages seem to have been harmed by their captivity. Of course, they will continue to be observed, especially those who were kept in the Monitor's laboratory. Among those who were, some reportedly gained super-powers or had their existing ones enhanced; all of these are affiliated with the Legion in some way..."

*************************************************************

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others. (Legion Reservist and Cadet)
Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid

**********************************************************************

"Okay, Reservists!" Kinetix smiled warmly as she watched the newly-promoted Cadets look at their costumes. "Now that you've earned your flight rings, you also get individualized costumes. No more last-minute changes, okay?"

"Yes, no more, please!" Lenzslo Philish, the lead Athramite assigned to Legion World, shook his head. He and his team had been up all night catering to the requests of the new set of Legion Reservists; prior to their mass promotion, only Mentalla and Echo among the Cadets had earned that designation. The other previous reservists - Nightwind, Microbe, Blizzard, Babbage and Impulse - had all long since been promoted to Active status. Comet Queen and Rainbow weren't the only ones who had kept requesting tweaks to their costumes; Density and Gravity insisted on matching costumes, which had kept the Athramites scrambling to find a color scheme that flattered Caucasian and purple skin tones equally. Things had gotten so bad that Kinetix and Element Lass had needed to step in to help out.

"Oh, you poor, poor Athramites," Element Lass cooed as she wagged a finger at the Cadets. "Look at how tired they are! Any more changes you want can be made after the parade; grife knows I've had my share of costume changes, but never with such a tight deadline!"

Zoe chuckled as she eyed the assembled Reservists. "I've had more changes than anyone here, but most of them were those I made myself," she laughed.

"Only because you have your powers," teased Mabuhay***, Kinetix's childhood friend from Aleph. Granted a scholarship at the Zoe and Candi Institute of Design, she had been brought in to help design and prepare the Reservist's costumes. "Remember how many of our moms' clothes we ruined as kids because of the improvements you tried to make?"

Zoe stuck her tongue out at Mabuhay. "You enjoyed playing dress-up as much as I did, Mabuhay!" She turned to the Reservists. "Now, put on your new costumes and line up according to the program. We have a full parade here, including our Honorary members, so don't hold up the line!"

Babbage glanced at its former classmate Amp. The normally cheery Ming Sul was in a quiet mood today; even Retro, her closest friend among the Cadets, failed to cheer her up. It decided to approach her. "Amp? You seem rather unhappy today. I thought being promoted to Reservist would please you."

"Oh..." Amp glanced at Babbage with an odd look that Babbage's sensors could only categorize as a mix of surprise and several other emotions which it could not quite classify yet. "It's... it's nothing, Babbage."

A lie. Babbage's sensors could more easily identify those through physiological changes; unlike emotions, which Roboticans had not quite yet been able to program into their sensors. "You seem rather quiet, unlike the majority of the Reserve Legionnaires," Babbage continued. "Are you certain you are alright? If you would like to share, I promise I can keep a secret." It was true; Babbage was programmed with the utmost discretion, and would not divulge something which had been agreed to be kept secret unless Babbage decided it would do more harm than good.

Amp eyed Babbage up and down; Babbage recalled its rocky first encounter with her and Retro. It acknowledged that Roboticans were not quite so trusted yet, especially after the ravaging of Xanthu. Babbage itself had not participated though, as it had been newly created after Robotica had been freed from COMPUTO. That was the reason Babbage had been chosen to represent Robotica in the Cadet program. Amp looked around; nobody else was in earshot. She sighed. "I believe you. It's nothing really, just a bit silly..." She cast an eye towards Condo Arlik and Dirk Morgna. "Among those who gained new or expanded powers because of the Monitor's experiments, I'm the only one who wasn't even offered Active membership. And Dragonmage," she cut in hastily before Babbage could respond. "But that's because of his past. I mean, I have more combat experience and training than Chemical Kid and Inferno! And for that matter, I enrolled as a Cadet before Mentalla did, not to mention Nightwind and Microbe. You and I and Kent and Blizzard were all classmates, Babbage!" She held her arm as she said this; Babbage could tell that Amp was becoming agitated. It mirrored Amp's pose to help put her at ease. Amp took a deep breath and continued. "I know it's silly, but I can't help wondering what more I'm lacking. I think my powers are now good enough to qualify me for Active status... Sometimes I think I just wasn't in the right place at the right time. I mean, Mentalla was lucky enough to have been with the rest of you in the other Legion's dimension... Or maybe I am just too weak. After we were freed, Dirk Morgna and Dragonmage were able to help battle right away, and I wasn't..."

Babbage paused for a moment as it thought of the appropriate response. It recalled the deliberations the Active membership had taken when voting on new members; Mentalla, Rebound, Inferno and Chemical Kid had made the cut, while Matter-Eater Lad had but declined. Mentalla had indeed been in the right place, but she had been chosen to accompany Chuck Taine and the others because she had already been a Reservist. Chuck himself had been an easy decision for Active membership due to his long service in support of the team. Dirk Morgna and Condo Arlik had been chosen pending completion of Legion basic because of their powerful abilities, control, and their roles in the final battle. Tenzil was in a similar boat as Chuck; a long record of service as Legion support staff and good performance during the final battle.

Amp had played a key role as well, boosting everyone's powers during the final stand against the Monitor. Yet she had not displayed a compelling enough performance to have gained a majority vote. And with so many other Cadets being promoted to Reserve status, it might have diluted the impact of said promotion in her mind. Babbage decided to choose its next words carefully.

"I understand your frustration, Amp. I am certain that you are not too weak; your inability to battle after being freed was not unique to you. Condo Arlik had been sedated as well. As for your feelings that you simply were not given the proper opportunity to be seen, we considered that as well during our deliberations. Because of that, we agreed to set tryouts in one month so that other Reservists and Cadets would get the chance to display their prowess. I am certain you will do a fine job during those tryouts."

"Yeah..." Amp shot a sidelong glance at Mentalla, who had made no changes to her costume. "Thank you, Babbage... Just please, don't tell any of the other Legionnaires what we talked about, okay?"

"I promise." Amp uttered her thanks, then turned around to join the other Reservists. Babbage watched her break into a smile as she did, though it could tell it was not quite genuine.

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Blight Invasion - Legion of the Damned, LSH 122-123 and Legionnaires 79-80.

2) The moon (Luna) was sent blasting into Earth by Ra's al Ghul to attempt to force humankind to evolve. (Legion 6-8).

3) Legion 35-38; Hannah Wells used to go by Trudi Trusoe, but was so inspired by the Legion she decided to use her real name and quit being a personality.

4) This is Devlin O'Ryan's first Postboot appearance.

5) I introduced Mabuhay in the Kinetix tribute in Volume 1. Mabuhay is a Tagalog/Filipino word meaning "live". Nice connection to Zoe, which means "life".
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) Legion Day - 10/18/15 12:19 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World. The Legion Day celebrations.

"Okay, everyone, remember to keep flying at the same pace as the one in front of you," Kid Quantum II called as she glanced out at the crowd. "Let's keep the line flowing, okay?"

"Yes, ma'am!" Nearly a hundred voices called from behind her. Besides the 42 Active Legionnaires, there were about three dozen Reservists and a handful of Honorary Legionnaires, including Shvaughn, RJ Brande, Marla Latham and Lori Morning. Even Drs. Gym'll and Ryk'rr and Rond Vidar had been given that honor for their long service in support of the Legion, and their strong role in rallying the hostages during the invasion of Legion World. Gigi Cusimano of the Science Police had earned the ring as well, working well with the Legion as head of the SP contingent on Legion World and helping bolster the training programs for both the SPs and the Legion.

Not a few Active Legionnaires had expressed reservations at the mass promotion of Cadets to Reservists, though others like Blizzard and Wildfire had argued strongly in support, citing the Cadets' strong contribution in the retaking of Legion World. Others had cited the opportunity to include these Cadets in routine missions, alongside the Legion's expanded mandate to protect both the UP's Galaxy and the Kwai's Galaxy, as well as the need to continue the many programs that had been started recently, such as the Medical Missions began by Gates. In the end, the vote had prevailed by a clear majority.

"We're almost go, Legion," Marla Latham called as he signaled the team. Despite his busy schedule, Marla had taken it upon himself to head the preparations.

"Big smiles, everyone," Nightwind called as she began using her wind powers to whip up the flaps on her costume. Jazmin smiled as she watched several other Legionnaires imitate her example - Rebound had gleefully inflated himself, Shikari was armored up, and Spark and Live Wire were generating small bursts of electricity. Element Lass had figured out how to make her costume change color as she flew by playing around with elements in the fabric. Dreamer wore the tiny white cape that she only brought out for formal occasions, and Blizzard was experimenting with putting frost on his shoulders and head, to Kinetix's amusement. Even Cosmic Boy, ever the showman, was making the discs on his uniform rotate around him.

"Sentients, I present to you... The Legion of Super-Heroes!" Kid Quantum II could feel the smile spread across her face as she jumped from their perch high above the great Threshold Hall; her co-leader Nightwind was beside her, and the remaining Active Legionnaires followed suit. She could barely hear the announcer reading each Legionnaires' code name as she flew above the ground. Sentients from every world in the UP were here; a particularly loud group of Phlonians were dressed all in dark green, the color of Chemical Kid's costume, out in full force to celebrate their first citizen in the Legion. There were a handful of Coluans, their green skin plainly visible in the crowd; most were fairly young, but Jazmin was pleased to see that there were a few families, and even one or two with gray in their hair. There were even a few Gil'dans and Sklarians, and it warmed the heart to know that not all survivors of those worlds blamed the Legion for what happened.*** There were also a few Enwans; the large-eyed, yellow-skinned group cheered as Nightwind passed by. The brunette smiled and waved; though she was born on Earth to an Earthling father, her mother had come from Enwa. There was even a smattering of Carggites in the crowd, nearly all of them displaying differences; Triad's update had been right, a lot of those like her had chosen to live offworld to escape from persecution. And Jazmin also spied a few Daxamites; though the technology on the red-sunlight bracelets they wore kept the bracelets invisible to most, their Legion flight rings allowed them to override that technology.

She allowed her mind to wander a bit as she looked over the crowd; different races and species stood shoulder-to-shoulder, forming a kaleidoscope around the hall. This was the Legion's dream of interspecies diversity and cooperation made flesh.

It was enough to bring a tear to any eye.

************************************************************
Colu.

A world of unparalleled intellect, the United Planets depends much on its technological contributions. Even with the membership of Robotica, Colu still retains its seat at the forefront of UP research; the Coluans maintain that their organic minds and capacity for emotion allow them much more creativity and imagination than any robotic mind could ever hope to achieve. The Roboticans call that logic sound and do not dispute it.

- from Encyclopedia Galactica 3015


Orin Fex held his thumbs and forefingers together as he watched the viewscreen. It was embarrassing enough that Brainiac 5 had achieved so much more with the Legion than he ever had on Colu; Querl Dox had been "given" to RJ Brande for causing massive damage to property in his studies.* But Dox's newfound predilection for applied science, rather than pure theory, had caused murmurs on Colu and encouraged radicals among the youth. Add to that Brainiac 4's irrationality and exposure as leader of the Dark Circle...!**** Colu was still the intellectual jewel of the UP, but Orin Fex was not so blind as to ignore the sneers and gossip by the other UP delegates during meetings.

Colu had tried to regain its prestige by raising the alarm against the Robotican invasion, and had even sent Sharn Nux to try and eliminate Robotica's leader COMPUTO... but Sharn Nux had failed, and Brainiac 5 had caused COMPUTO to "evolve"! Coluans everywhere had shuddered at the term; only organic species had that capacity! And worst of all, the United Planets had voted to recognize the Roboticans as a sentient species AND had admitted the blasted world!

Colu would have seceded on the spot had it not needed the trade and resources granted by other UP member worlds.

And now, many Coluan youngsters were emulating Querl Dox. One, Zaron Lux, had even enrolled in the Cadet program!

The Coluan government had had no choice but to cooperate with the Legion's exercise of hooking the Robotican Babbage to the Sleepnet. With the proper safeguards, of course. But change was afoot in Colu, and Orin Fex did not like it.

Recent events, though, had given them an opportunity...

Orinx Fex considered. The Legion was beloved, but would they still remain beloved if he could expose negligence on their part during the Legion World invasion?

As he watched the Legionnaires parade past on the viewscreen, he considered again.

************************************************************

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan; telepathic control of others' physical functions.

**********************************************************************

Mentalla kept a perfectly-composed smile as she flew over the crowd. She was not shy, just careful; having traveled extensively in her youth, she had experienced firsthand the suspicion and mistrust other species felt towards Titanians. She forced herself not to clutch at the Saturn symbol that held her green cape together at her neck, and focused instead on smiling and waving back at the cheering crowd.

Behind her, Ferro licked his lips subconsciously. Not that he could feel or taste anything; being stuck in his iron form had that drawback. He couldn't smell anything, either; yet he was strangely drawn to Mentalla. Delya. She was prim and proper, much like Saturn Girl was; but there was something else. Though she had plenty of self-control, like Saturn Girl did, she would never be called icy. She was, instead, very kind and warm; he sensed the same earnestness and desire to prove herself that he himself felt before accepting his disfigured face.

He watched as she flew ahead of her, and he kept feeling the desire to get to know her more.

************************************************************

Rimbor. This lawless world barely maintains its United Planets seat; the ruling council is comprised of representatives of the mining enterprises which headquarter their operations there, and most of their decisions impact off-world trade and navigation and mining regulations. The inhabitants of Rimbor are left largely to fend for themselves. Gangs and crime groups have cut up the territory of Rimbor into their own little turfs.

Recently, though, some gangs such as the Wolfpack have started maintaining order in their territories. Their influence is spreading slowly, but it is spreading, leading sociologists to declare that there may be hope for Rimbor yet.

- from Encyclopedia Galactica 3015


Luonel Burdo gripped his hood tight around his head as he moved quickly through the crowded, dirty streets of Rimbor. This was the world to be whenever one wanted to disappear, and that was what he needed right now.

He cursed his stupidity as he wove his way through the tangle of thugs and other undesirables. He should have learned his lesson when he gave up two of Tinya's selves to the Luck Lords; he had risked so much. If Tinya had died and an autopsy had been made, he would have been exposed... He was just lucky that he had charmed Winema**** enough that she had never found out until it was too late.

And when she had called him in a fit of rage, he had run. He ran from the full force of the law, and that sprocking Legion of Super-Heroes which Tinya had joined. They had already taken down the mining company which had bought her third body; it would probably only be a matter of time before they took down the slavers that had sold her to the miners. They wouldn't be able to take the Luck Lords down that easily, though. And if he could, he would have hold up with those blasted Luck Lords... if they weren't looking for him, too.

And he kicked himself mentally again as he thought about how stupid he was. Having to give up two-thirds of his daughter was dangerous enough; now he had to go and get himself into debt AGAIN, and he had nothing left to give. The Luck Lords would take delight in torturing him if they ever got their hands on him.

He ducked into an old alleyway and looked around carefully. Sighing, he pulled out a loaf of bread and began eating. He had to think carefully; most of the gangs and clans on Rimbor would sooner kill him than take him in. The ones starting to go on the level, like the Wolfpack, would probably turn him in instead of letting him hide with him; or at the very least, they would alert the Legion to his presence. Tinya had run with them for a while, after all.

After 10 minutes, he brushed the crumbs off his cloak and began to move again. Without advanced technology, he could never be sure if he was being followed.

He hated living like this, but at least he was still alive.

************************************************************

Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light

**********************************************************************

Lume watched in awe as sentients from dozens of worlds gathered below. It recognized some Vyrgans from its time as a prisoner in Ra's al Ghul's laboratories.***** Many other species were there, but he had trouble differentiating most; he was still amazed at how many species and races in the United Planets looked exactly alike.

The energy being from Silvan suddenly gasped as it turned a bend. Could it be? Turning into its small firefly form, Lume made its way down to a group of shining lights hovering above the crowd.

"Lume!" The cheers that met it were melodious to its ears.

"Light-kin!" Lume intoned as it adjusted its glow to match those of its brethren. "You have arrived!"

"Of course, Lume," laughed one called Ponlu. "The Thresholds allow us to travel through space without the darkness. There was no reason for us not to come."

"I am honored, light-kin," Lume laughed. "I must join the other Legionnaires now, but I shall come find you and show you the wonders of this place."

The other Silvans shone in greeting as Lume made its way back to its teammates.

************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Colu's ruling council is at odds with the Legion and the UP over the admission of Robotica into the UP; the Coluans even sent Sharn Nux to destroy Computo, and she nearly killed Brainiac 5 to accomplish her mission (Legion 10-16).

2) All of Gil'd's water was stolen by the Water Elemental (Legionnaires 71-72).

3) Sklar was destroyed by Mordru after a Legion attempt to stop him failed (Legionnaires 48).

4) Cargg institutionalizes any Carggite, like Triad and her grandmother, who display differences among their bodies. Triad escaped from one such institution. I explored this in the Triad piece, and had it that many Carggites escaped offworld where they became more relaxed in displaying their differences.

5) After the White Triangle war, in which rogue Daxamites destroyed Trom and ravaged Earth, I explored the consequences in the Andromeda entry. I had it that Daxamites traveling offworld had to wear bracelets that radiated red sunlight to minimize their powers; they still retain slightly enhanced strength, speed, senses and durability, but only at about peak human levels.

6) Brainiac 5 had a bad habit of causing explosions while conducting research, leading him to destroy several laboratories. The Coluans gave him to RJ Brande, and he was eventually drafted into the Legion. In both places, he continued blowing up labs. (Legionnaires 0, LSH 77, LSH 82, LSGH 88...)

7) Brainiac 4, Brainiac 5's mother, wanted to feel something - anything. She failed to do so even after giving birth to Brainiac 5, until she became Dark Circle leader and sent the Dark Circle fleet to war against the UP fleet over Durla. She enjoyed it so much she tried to kill Brainiac 5 to feel even more joy. (Dark Circle saga, LSH 106-108 and Legionnaires 62-65).

8) Luonel Burdo is Apparition's dad. He was the Wazzo family groundskeeper, a rough type whom Winema fell in love with at first sight. Ironic isn't it? Maybe that's one reason why she hated Ultra Boy so much at first. Anyway, Burdo was a pathological gambler, and secretly a Carggite. He gambled away his money at the Luck Lords' casinos, and to escape his debt he gave up two of Tinya's bodies. Winema and Tinya never found out until Tinya, whose body died in the White Triangle War (Legionnaires Annual 2) but whose spirit survived in Ultra Boy's body (LSH 82), merged with Phase of 20th century LEGION (LSH 100). Turned out that Phase was one of her other bodies (LSH 102). Her third body was never found... but Reboot's excellent story revealed that this third body had been sold to a slave trader, who in turn sold her to a mining company, and the third self had died in those very mines.

9) Ra's al Ghul had experimented on Winathians, Carggites and Vyrgans in order to create the Footstep Drives, which allowed ships to teleport by harnessing hybrid clones. I revealed in Volume 3 that other races, such as Lume's, had also been studied.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) Legion Day - 10/18/15 02:01 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World. The Legion Day celebrations.

Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation.
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

**********************************************************************

Saturn Girl smiled as she clasped Live Wire's hand in hers. They had been through so much; and now, they were finally going to have their happily ever after.

She blushed as Garth sent a mental image of them sipping kono juice in a hot tub - the very first mental image she had caught from him, all those years ago when they had first met on that fateful flight to Earth. She had chastised him then, but now she welcomed it. She sent him a mental image back, one which caused his eyes to widen and a mischievous grin to appear on his face. "Oh, Imra, if the other Legionnaires knew how naughty you can get," he thought back.

"Now, now, you know this side of me is only for you," she replied with a mental wink, all the while keeping her face smooth and composed. This was a skill she had developed early on in her training.

She let her mind wander free, as she gently touched the thoughts of the others around her. Not penetrating their subconscious minds, but just feeling the emotions they were letting off. There was so much love in the air, she was giddy! And it wasn't just the strong marriage of Apparition and Ultra Boy or the passionate romance between Star Boy and Dreamer or the playful affection between Spark and Chameleon; she was happy to feel the comfortable attraction between XS and Magno; the deep caring between Wildfire and Shikari; the childlike exuberance of Triad and Rebound; the mutual respect between M'Onel and Shvaughn Erin; the laughing understanding between Particon and Insect Queen; the supportive collaboration between Cosmic Boy and Kid Quantum II; the passionate reunion that Invisible Kid and Chemical Kid were enjoying; the long-term plans that Density and Gravity were dreaming of; and, she noted with a smile, the excitement that Kinetix and Blizzard were feeling at discovering more about each other.

She paused as she felt a familiar mental signature, one she honestly did not expect to see here today. "Jancel?" she sent.

"Hey, Imra." It was indeed her little sister.

"Oh Jancel, I'm so glad you came. You and your friends are being honored for your role in warning Legion World of the upcoming invasion..."

"Yeah... I wouldn't want to miss THAT, you know. Finally, my own medal."

"You... you deserve every bit of that." Imra's heart caught in her throat; Jancel had always been jealous of her, and before she was lost, Jancel had never bothered to return her calls. For her to be here, on Legion World, on a day that honored Imra and her team... "I'm really glad you're here."

"It IS good to see you. Mom and Dad say HI, they're somewhere in the crowd too."

"Dinner later, okay? I'd love for you to meet Garth's sister Ayla, I think you'll like her a lot."

"I'm sure she's a lot cooler than you," Jancel replied, with a hint of a smile. "See ya, okay?"

"See you, Jancel."

Imra smiled. There was indeed much to celebrate today.

She snuggled up to Live Wire happily in her mind as they flew on.

*************************************************************

Dr. Mollie Dennum of Hephaestus; materials scientist
Dr. Ryk'rr of Jaquaa; Legion psychiatrist
Marla Latham of Earth (Germany and Sweden); Legion adult advisor
Rene Jacques Brande of unknown; Legion Founder/Financier and United Planets Ambassador to the Second Galaxy

**********************************************************************
"By damn!" RJ Brande murmured as he looked at the crowd below. Though he had a flight ring, he chose to sit in the flyer that followed the Reserve Legionnaires and Cadets; the former were reveling in their new flight rings, while many of the latter were enviously motivating themselves to earn that coveted status. A few other Honorary Legionnaires like Shvaughn Erin, Gigi Cusimano, Lori Morning and Proty were also happily flying behind the others. With him were Marla Latham, Rond Vidar, and Drs. Ryk'rr and Gym'll; Marla was busy tapping away on his Omnicom, arranging details of the celebrations, while Rond and Dr. Gym'll were discussing the latest findings on using chronal research in medical diagnoses. Dr. Ryk'rr was chatting with newcomer Dr. Mollie Dennum*, a renowned materials scientist who had been brought in to assist with the repairs on Legion World.

Dr. Dennum was gushing with exhilaration. "I can't believe I'm HERE!" she told Dr. Ryk'rr for the tenth time this parade. "Working with the Legion is so interesting, there are so many personalities involved. It must be fascinating working as their psychologist!"

"It is," Dr. Ryk'rr smiled politely as she mirrored Dr. Dennum's own mannerisms. "I am sure you will find no day is like the day before, here." RJ Brande smiled; though he himself had telepathic abilities**, Dr. Ryk'rr was an expert at reading people. He was happy she used her powers for good.

He quickly turned to Marla and tapped him on the shoulder. "By damn, Marla! We all appreciate your hard work, but you should really enjoy yourself for a little bit! Surely you have arranged all the major details by now!"

"No detail is too small, RJ," Marla said as he continued to focus on his Omnicom. "I have to make sure the Legionnaires are scheduled just so for the crowd games! You know how many of them will be entertaining? "Guess the species" with Chameleon; "Guess my weight" with Star Boy; "Spot the Legionnaire" with Invisible Kid;**** "Guess the Element" with Element Lass; "Get a Hero Costume" with Kinetix; "Make a Snow Sculpture" with Blizzard; "Guess the Temperature" with Inferno; I'm just lucky Dreamer decided not to do "Find Your Fortune!"

"Marla!" RJ said as he pulled Marla's Omnicom down forcibly. "You've been working so hard, you deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labor just for a little bit. Look around you! Look at all the Legionnaires flying through the air; you help keep them organized! And look at all the sentients below! They would not be here if not for you!"

Marla gulped as he drank in the enormous crowd, which stretched as far as the eye could see. And in the sky above them were dozens upon dozens of young heroes wearing costumes in all colors. He settled back into his seat as tears began to well up in his eyes.

"You're right, RJ," he whispered as he drank in the sights. "It IS beautiful..."

RJ Brande smiled as he lay back into his seat and sipped his Martian martini. It was, indeed, very beautiful.

*************************************************************

Pon

The Lesser Moon of Xanthu. For much of its existence, Pon has been devoid of resources or life; however, just before the Dark Circle crisis****, Legionnaires Star Boy, Monstress and Kid Quantum II discovered a Dark Circle installation manned by Gil'dans and Sklarians that was scrambling communications out of Xanthu. The Khunds destroyed this installation and any proof it existed. Today, Pon is back to its normal quiet existence.

- from Encyclopedia Galactica 3015


Several figures sat around the dark table, all hooded to prevent their identities from being known. Now was not yet the time to reveal themselves; not until they could be sure they trusted one another.

Their leader stood up; though he was small in stature, he still commanded the room. All looked at him in silence.

"We have found, and contacted, almost all of the twelve that we need," he intoned. His voice was robotic, masked by a scrambler. Only he knew the identities of all the others in the room. "There is one last, though, who will be quite difficult to reach." He paused, waiting for his words to sink in.

"How may we assist, Master?" This speaker, a female, was quiet but confident. "Command us and we shall obey."

"I already know to whom I shall initially assign this task," the Master spoke. He turned and pointed to one of the cloaked figures. "After this meeting, stay and I shall give you instructions."

The chosen one bowed, then remained silent. The Master quickly discussed his other plans, then beckoned to each of the others one by one. In turn, they would follow him into the inner sanctum. The others remained silent; even if they wanted to speak, their words would not be heard by the others. The Master was careful that way.

The one the Master had chosen waited patiently as each of the others entered the inner sanctum; after receiving instructions, each one left the cave. One by one they did, until only she remained.

"Enter, Rat," he said. She sat down across the Master, who slid an Omnicom across to her. She looked down and raised an eyebrow as she read it.

"At last, then, Master?"

"Yes. We have found the last one. Your job is to secure him."

"I shall not fail, Master."

"I trust you will not. If you do, another will take your place as the Rat."

She bowed, then stood up silently. As she exited the cave, she pulled off her hood to reveal bright blue hair and yellow skin. She looked out at the debris surrounding Pon, and remembered with bitterness her dead world of Sklar. Those bumbling Legionnaires had let it die; and now she would see them pay.

And if this all worked, she would get her world back.

"I'm doing this for you, Mom," she said as a tear slid down her cheek. "Kono's going to prove she can pack a punch, too." ******

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Dr. Mollie Dennum consulted with Ferro on "fixing" his disfigured face (Legionnaires 58) and helped the Legion build a containment suit for Wildfire (Legionnaires 76).

2) RJ Brande first revealed his telepathy in order to help Violet overcome the effects of her possession by the Emerald Eye (Legionnaires 52). The origins of his powers were never revealed, though Invisible Kid would remain suspicious for a time.

3) All three of these games were first mentioned in the second story in LSH 100.

4) At the very beginning of Volume 3, a Titanet trainees from Naltor saw the invasion about to happen. The Titanians saw that outbound telepathic transmissions from Titan were being blocked, so they had to physically travel far enough away from Titan to send their message. They were able to warn Legion World just before the invasion, enough time to allow the majority of hostages to escape.

5) Kono appeared during the Dark Circle storyline (LSH 104 thereabouts until LSH 108) and after (Legionnaires 67, 77). She is wanted by the Science Police for stealing various priceless artifacts for wealthy businessman Viktor Rhysson.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) Legion Day - 10/18/15 05:13 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World. The Legion Day celebrations.

Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter. Skilled chef and Legion support staff member. (Legion Reservist)
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body

**********************************************************************

Matter-Eater Lad laughed as he zipped over the crowd. Though he had gained Honorary status some time ago, and with it a flight ring, using one as a Reservist AND wearing a superhero-type costume was a hoot! With his trademark shades on his face, he enjoyed zipping around his fellow Reservists. Magnetic Kid gave him a thumbs-up as he did a mid-air cartwheel, and even the serious Impulse gave a small smile.

Now, THIS was the life. Enjoying the fun and the adulation, but not risking your skin every single day.

He laughed as he angled himself closer and closer up the line, past the other Reservists and near where the Active Legionnaires were. There was one Legionnaire in particular he wanted to see...

"Hey, Vi!" he smiled his most dazzling smile as he came up beside Violet. She smiled back, and the green streak in her hair made her violet eyes gleam even more. "Looks like you're getting the hang of your flight ring," she complimented.

"Oh, this?" Tenzil tucked his legs under him, much like Brainiac 5 did when he was puzzling over something. "You should have seen when I first tried it. Almost went through the roof. Not with excitement, mind you." He made a show of rubbing his skull. "These things should come with helmets!"

Violet giggled. "We first tried them out in the old Legion plaza. So I guess not helmets, but anchors?"

Tenzil laughed. "I like that. Oops, our new member is flying too far! Somebody yank him back!"

Violet laughed again, and this time brushed her hair back. "You know, I think we should have made you an Honorary member way earlier. And not just because we found out the other Legion had their own Matter-Eater Lad who joined early on. You came through against the Monitor's army. Chuck told me how you nearly died standing up to him..."

Tenzil made a show of shrugging. "Yeah, well... I don't go seeking danger, but when I need to be a hero, I need to be..."

"And that's why you decided not to go for Active status? Because you had a very clear majority."

"What, not unanimous?" Tenzil made an exaggerated face, causing Violet to giggle again. "Seriously though... I get enough fulfillment manning the kitchens. I contribute to everyone's nutrition, and get tapped for official functions and the odd medical mission. And being a Reservist lets the team call on me as needed. I think it's all good."

"Yeah... it was on a mission when I was possessed by the Emerald Eye, and when Magno first lost his powers, and quite a few Legionnaires have died... so I see your point." Violet took on a pensive look. "The Legion's the only real home I've ever known, though, and I can't imagine leaving it."

"Same here, and I can tell you that all the support staff feel very much part of the family," Tenzil said gently. "Just being here makes us all feel part of such a big whole. And it's a far cry from my life on Bismoll. Nothing much there worth going home to."

"Funny... I feel the same way about Imsk," Violet murmured. "I was an orphan. I know my family was killed in an accident when I was little."

"Oh, I'm sorry..."

"No, it's okay. It was so long ago I don't even remember what my parents looked like," Violet smiled. "I grew up in the capitol. Micro did, too. Only Ion among the three of us came from a complete family. I guess that's why she was the most well-adjusted of us. Of course, Micro killed her..."

"Because he didn't have the inner confidence to believe in himself, and because he underestimated you," Tenzil said firmly. "Big mistake on his part."

"He always did want to be a big man," Violet noted. "So, enough about me. What's your sob story? Why the lack of longing for home?"

"It's a long story," Tenzil said sheepishly. "Longer than our flyby, anyway."

"So tell me about it some time," Violet smiled as she arced towards the left. Tenzil followed, though he veered a bit too far. He quickly angled his body so he followed Violet's path. As he did, Kinetix gave him a big wink; a slightly flustered Tenzil smiled back. "Maybe while you teach me how to make that delicious black hole layer cake of yours?" Violet finished.

"I'd love that," Tenzil said as they started to descend. "Uh... tomorrow, then?"

"It's a date," Violet winked as she started to grow. The crowd OOOHed as she used her powers to dazzle. The Legionnaires were only a few meters above the mass of sentients now, and most were using their powers in some way. Apparition phased through Ultra Boy's torso as he flexed his arms; Umbra was trailing wispy bits of darkfield behind her cape; Chameleon had morphed his antennae into a replica of the Legion symbol; and Insect Queen had sprouted iridescent wings while keeping her abdomen in humanoid form. Tenzil reached into one of his belt pouches and pulled a large rock; he chewed on it as they swung past. "Coooool!" a group of kids cheered as he munched on it loudly.

"One last pass, Legion!" Nightwind called over their flight rings.

Tenzil smiled as he followed Violet. This really was the life.

**********************************************************************

IB's note:

Violet's parents never appeared Postboot. This made me decide to make her an orphan.
Posted By: Omni Re: (Post ZH Legion) Legion Day - 10/21/15 12:42 AM
IB volume 4 is starting off on a good note! Legion Day is finally here!

I loved each of these moments for different reasons.
The Encyclopedia Galactica is a great inclusion and i can see how beneficial it is to have. I may start to include that in mine story with new worlds.

Devlin and Hanna are kind of like Lois and Jimmy. i like it!

"Yes, no more, please!" Lenzslo Philish, the lead Athramite assigned to Legion World was such a cute moment and a nice nod to when Montress i mean Element Lass did the same and then her commenting on it made me laugh.

The pre-parade moment with Amp and Babbage. i loved that he used his logic to showcase how much she's needed but just didn't get to showcase what she can do. But it gives high hopes that Amp will be a Legionnaire soon.
But i feel her pain. Its hard when you know you have the experience but still haven't made the grade. But She's relatable so i can see her stepping up.

Orinx Fex better reconsider. But i like this potential sub plot thats developing. Could they have over looked something?

Ferro and Mentalla seem like a cute couple. I'd really like to see Andy happy.

Tinya's father is finally coming into focus huh? this is going to be an interesting reunion.

You're bringing a lot full circle from loss here and moving forward and i'm loving it!

Lume and his light-kin are great and i would love to see more of Lume.

that fly by really was the realization of the true dream of the U.P. and RJ and it was a great moment to see. Now that would be a great one for a Cover or draw up done.

Imra and Jancel was good too. I hope they reconnect.

Marla's worrying was well done. Always the adult adviser.

The Dark Circle rising again and with Kono its lead spy. This looks like the Legion has a fight coming.

Vi and Tenzil's moment was a great moment. They really are adorable together and its cute how he makes her smile. I loved every minuet of that scene.

and i will say i was surprised you started writing again so soon. i'm happy for it and can't wait for more but please do take the rest you need. we want you at your best!

Great job IB again.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) Legion Day - 10/21/15 07:57 AM
Hi Omni, thanks for the comments! I really appreciate your strong support.

I would love for you to do Encyclopedia Galactica entries in your own work, I am sure you would come up with some very interesting descriptions.

Glad you liked the little moments sprinkled throughout, Hannah/Devlin and lead Athramite Lenzslo among them. Candi really terrorized the Athramites during her time smile

Glad you found Amp's feeling relatable, Omni. I have been in a similar boat myself before, and I'm glad the arguments had merit and she did not seem entitled. She is definitely one of my prime candidates for full-time membership.

Ferro does have eyes for Mentalla, but she has not made her own feelings known yet. Ferro's crush on her just wrote itself smile much like Brek's crush on Zoe! It just seemed so right.

I think Lume (and Babbage) are among the Legionnaires I wasn't able to give much focus to in Volumes 1-3, so expect more of these two. They are both so alien and so different from the others, I'm excited to explore them more.

Imra and Jancel's relationship will only get better, much like Garth/Ayla/Mekt.

Really glad you enjoyed Tenzil and Vi. There was only a small hint of that in the Reboot I think - Legionnaires 66, where Tenzil makes Vi a giant sundae - but it also has roots in the Preboot. I think they would make a good couple, and Vi may be a contributing reason for Tenzil to accept full-time active status wink

villains and sub-plots: Colu will continue to make trouble, while Tinya's dad is going to get into deeper trouble. And Kono is part of a new group, not really the Dark Circle but something just as sinister wink Some other characters will resurface here too!

I would love to see that fly-by in print one day smile

And thanks for the concern smile I'm not really feeling sick but I do need to focus on some errands and tasks I have been neglecting. But I just needed to write these bits out because so many ideas were floating around in my head. Now that I have set up these plotlines though, I will be resting for a bit smile

Thanks again Omni!
Posted By: razsolo Re: (Post ZH Legion) Legion Day - 10/21/15 12:59 PM
What an awesome finale! So much to love about it, the final fly-by was classic Legion optimism and I love the cuts to future threats and thorns in the side....Kono was one of the best characters to come out of 5YL so it will be interesting to see what she's like in this different context!

Speaking of 'best characters', soooo glad to see Candi back! That was totally unexpected but very logical! You've got a massive and very powerful Legion team, I wouldn't want to be a bad guy going up against them!

Funny that we both thought of using H'lven around the same time laugh

I don't think I can take credit for Amp Girl's adjusted powers, but it does sound familiar....maybe someone else on the board came up with something similar!

Looking forward to seeing where this new Legion go when their adventures are ready to go, and seeing new relationships develop between them all! Oh, and before I forget...super glad that Insect Queen is a full member! I love Insect Queen!! laugh
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) Legion Day - 10/21/15 05:12 PM
Hi raz, thanks for the comments! Glad you enjoyed the return of Candi and the promotion of Insect Queen!

Candi especially is a big fave of mine and I'm glad her death in Legion Lost left me an opening for her return - and with the return of Element Lad's powerset too, though without her "human" body.

This IS a powerful team huh? With White Witch being promoted, Kinetix returning, Monstress as Element Lass, and the powering up of Condo, among others... if my plans for Volume 4 come to fruition there will be a few powerful new members to round out this team too smile Not too many though, I don't think I can juggle too many more!

I remember you used Amp in your piece where some Legionnaires travel into the team's future, and Yera and Gim had a demon child or something like that. Amp used her powers to boost Tinya's and phase the child into the Phantom Zone. smile

I'm pretty excited to continue writing. Kono was always fun 5YL, and even in the Reboot she was never evil, just a thief. So I'm going to have a bit of fun with her.

thanks again for the comments and continued support smile
Posted By: razsolo Re: (Post ZH Legion) Legion Day - 10/23/15 12:16 PM
Wow, you've got an impressive memory! I had forgotten all about that, I had to go back and re-read it hahaha laugh
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) Legion Day - 10/23/15 12:25 PM
Haha writing stories in the Postboot and Retroboot verses AND in the LMB verse has helped sharpen my memory!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) Legion Day - 10/24/15 09:07 AM
Quick note and minor edit, but I retconned Lamprey to have water manipulation powers instead of bio-electric blasts. I wanted to differentiate her more from Live Wire and Spark.

Because Amp (Girl's) powers were expanded, I also retconned her to be in the same group of hostages as Condo, Dirk and Dragonmage.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) Legion Day - 11/09/15 04:13 PM
I kind of sort of miss writing, but as I only have my phone with me it is hard.

I am also not sure how to end my Legion day segment. I have some ideas but I am still playing around with them...
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) Legion Day - 11/15/15 07:45 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World. The Legion Day celebrations.

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others. (Legion Reservist and Cadet).
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau); underwater survival; hydrokinesis. (Legion Reservist and Cadet).

**********************************************************************

Amp scowled as she watched the dozens and dozens of heroes ahead and behind of her in the flyby. Even the likes of Stone Boy and Spectrum were using their powers and working the crowd; Dag Wentim had turned his whole body, except his head, into rock and was flying in his "statue" pose; while Spectrum was making his multi-hued costume change color with each second. And here she was, with no flashy powers! Even if she used her powers to enhance those of the others, the crowd would never know her part in it unless it were announced.

She sighed as she forced herself to regain composure. She was just upset; her conversation with Babbage had forced her to confront her own feelings head-on. She was just frustrated at her lack of progress. After all, she wanted to be a Legionnaire so badly, and not for the adulation - she genuinely wanted to do good and to better herself in the process. Whether or not the crowd applauded her now was not important.

"Ming... watch out!" Amp looked sharply to the right as Lamprey's warning came. Ming Sul quickly arced her body down as Lamprey veered into the space she had been occupying. Amp flew up and grabbed Lamprey's arm, helping steady her. Lamprey must just have lost control; Amp didn't really know Tayla Skott that well, but she knew she was a diligent student and was watching where she was going. "Here, I've got you," she said.

"Thanks," Lamprey exhaled as her cheeks reddened. "I'm so sorry, and I'm so glad that you dodged. Grife," she looked down at the crowd below. "I hope nobody saw me!"

"It's okay," Amp replied with a hint of a smile, and hopefully without a hint of bitterness. "Most people are watching the active Legionnaires, anyway." She gestured towards their fellow Cadets; Comet Queen was chattering animatedly with Porcupine Pete as both snapped holos of the active team, oohing as Kinetix changed her outfit for the fourth time and Chameleon mimicked M'Onel's costume while keeping his head the same. "See?"

Lamprey laughed in relief as she righted herself. "Thanks. I don't know how you do it; you fly as well as most of the Legionnaires, and certainly better than any Cadet. I can swim really easily, but flying seems to be a different skillset entirely."

"The trick is to start slow while you're still getting used to it," Amp explained as she remembered getting top marks in flight ring training. Only Zaron Lux and some of those with natural flight powers had beaten her. "Once you get the hang of it, you can do it subconsciously. Like flying a hovercraft. Come on, you can fly beside me and I'll help you."

"Thanks," Lamprey replied as she licked her lips and followed Amp. "That's really nice of you."

"No problem. I could use the practice too. Legion tryouts and all that..."

"Yeah," Lamprey's face brightened. "In just a month! I'm really excited, but trying not to get my hopes up. Still, I'm working towards it..." She fell silent for a moment as she veered too far to the left; she corrected her path easily enough as Amp looked on. "Hey, I talked to Wildfire and he said he would give me the schedule of the special basic training session for Chemical Kid and Inferno. He'll check but he thinks interested Cadets can join. Do you want to come with? I already asked Comet Queen and she doesn't want to, and I don't want to ask too many others so it won't get too crowded."

Amp felt herself smile at Lamprey's offer. "Wow, thanks, Tayla. Any extra training would be great. Retro's too lazy for something like that, but I am definitely in!"

"My pleasure, Ming," Tayla smiled as she extended an open palm. "Let's help each other. With luck, active status will be ours."

Ming smiled as she shook hands with Tayla. This looked like the beginning of a beautiful friendship - and hopefully would help stack the deck in their favor come tryouts. She looked down and began to wave at the crowd below. Now, maybe she could begin to enjoy Legion Day in earnest.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) Legion Day - 11/15/15 09:13 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World. The Legion Day celebrations.

Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation. Current Legion co-leader.

**********************************************************************

Enwa. An average-sized planetoid with an average economy and average population size for a UP World. In fact, Enwa scores near the galactic average for most indicators save one: emigration. Thousands of Enwans have moved to other UP worlds to escape Enwa's four-cycle night and its middling economic prospects, and their remittances to family form a significant portion - 24% as of 3014 - of Enwa's economy. These remittances come in the form of credits sent to their families at home, a testament to the strong family ties of Enwans.

Taking advantage of new UP legislation on dual citizenship, many of these Enwans have reapplied for Enwan citizenship, and an estimated 250,000 Enwans now hold dual citizenship from Enwa and the worlds they now reside in. - Encyclopedia Galactica


As she was making the tassels on her costume fly around wildly using her powers, Nightwind caught sight of a group below which made her smile.

"Jaz, I'm just going to head down for a bit. My mom's family is here from Enwa!" Kid Quantum winked and waved as Berta flew down excitedly, cloth strips on her costume trailing behind her.

"Mom! Grandma!" she reached out and hugged the two most important women in her life. "And you brought everyone!" In turn, she hugged her two aunts, three uncles, and the eleven cousins she had among them.

"Your dad will be bringing his side of the family over for dinner," her mom said as she kissed Berta on the cheek. "But we couldn't wait."

"We're so proud of you," Her grandma kissed her on the forehead as she hugged her tight. "All of Enwa is. You are our first citizen in the Legion, after all."

"I almost am, grandma," Berta corrected gently. "Once my application pushes through, mom and I will be the proud holders of dual Enwan and Earth citizenship. But I have never forgotten my Enwan roots," she added firmly.

"I'm just glad to see something good has come out of the Enwan diaspora," her Uncle Habagat** teased as he poked her mother playfully. "Those of us who decided to stay certainly think so."

"You are never going to let me hear the end of it, are you, big brother?" Nightwind's mom elbowed him playfully. "But if I had not moved to Earth, I would never have met my wonderful husband... or had my wonderful daughter."

"And despite being only half-Enwan, I still love Enwa very much," Berta smiled. "By the way, I'll be visiting again very soon - I can't say why yet, but we will be traveling to different UP worlds soon and I asked to be the Legion representative to Enwa."

Her grandmother clapped her hands. "Then we shall have a feast when you do!" Her cousins began chattering excitedly, with some of the younger ones asking for her to bring snacks that were hard to find on Enwa. Berta smiled. The Legion was her family now, but it was also great to have her own flesh and blood here with her today.

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Habagat is the south-west monsoon in the Philippines. It is characterized by hot, humid weather and frequent rainfall.

2) Enwa's entry in LSH Secret Files 2: "Class-M planetoid populated by yellow-skinned humanoids with large eyes that allow them to function during Enwa's four-cycle night." I always thought that Nightwind could be from Enwa, given her physical characteristics. Why not explore a new world, instead of having so many Legionnaires be from Earth?

Enwa's situation is based strongly on the Philippines. 2.3 million Filipinos are Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who work abroad. Many are the sole breadwinners for their families still in the Philippines.
Posted By: Harbinger Re: (Post ZH Legion) Legion Day - 11/15/15 09:34 AM
Two nice sections there IB.

Loving Amp's personal growth, it's good to see you didn't take the bitter and twisted route with her and instead focussed on her strength of character and positivity. Lamprey and her sneaking in extra training was good too, it's always great to see bonds being made between two very different characters.

Nightwind's family are a great addition to her back story, as is their world's story. Very well done for incorporating real world issues so well into your story - the diaspora from Asia (and Africa, and thats before we get into the recent heartbeaking flood of refugees streaming out of war zones in the Middle East) is an ongoing truth about the current world that touches many millions of lives. I bet Berta's gran would cook a tremendous feast!

More, more, more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) Legion Day - 11/15/15 10:00 AM
Thanks, Harbi, for the usual support!

A lot of my own experiences are going into Amp's story, and I am happy you like her growth. Lamprey is another character whom I think has a lot of potential, and these two will definitely not let Legion membership just slip past their hands.

Glad you liked the Enwa situation. You are right about the heartbreaking situations in the present, and writing about them in this fictional and more optimistic world is a way of helping myself process that.
Posted By: razsolo Re: (Post ZH Legion) Legion Day - 11/17/15 10:41 AM
I like Nightwind's huge family and the cultural background you're giving her...it can be difficult making Legionnaires' family lives & background really unique without being obviously alien, great job differentiating her from the rest of the team!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) Legion Day - 11/17/15 01:06 PM
Thanks, raz! Nightwind's story is strongly based on realities here in the Philippines, and I am glad it translated well into fiction.

Next up - a few more scenes delving into the private lives of a few more Legionnaires!
Posted By: Omni Re: (Post ZH Legion) Legion Day - 11/17/15 07:32 PM
both of these down moments were really well done and I'm liking the friendship that is developing between Amp and Lamprey. They will be a good due to follow once they make Active status someday.

Nightwinds moment was really nice. its always good to delve more into the families and histories of the legion. a tour of worlds? i like that idea.

looking forward to more.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) Legion Day - 11/18/15 04:50 AM
Thanks Omni! Amp and Lamprey both have the right attitude, and that is just as important as having the right powers.

Look for more exploration of worlds and backgrounds soon too smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) Legion Day - 11/18/15 06:44 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World. The Legion Day celebrations.

One by one, the members of the Legion landed on the large upraised stage smack dab in the center of the crowded room. Active members stood on the outer edge, joined by the former Active members who had stepped down - Thunder, Magnetic Kid, Impulse. The large pool of Reservists followed, and then the Honoraries.

The Legionnaires gave one last show of power, each using their special abilities to the delight of the crowd. Bolts of energy in every imaginable color erupted into the air, while others were coated in their tell-tale power signatures. The crowd grew even wilder as the holocams rotated around to take in the spectacle.

Then, as one, the Legionnaires stopped. Nightwind stepped forward. "Sentients, we thank you for joining us in our long-awaited Legion Day celebration. But this day is not about the individual Legionnaires; indeed, it is about an ideal that is larger than any one of us - and believe me, Violet can get pretty large!" A ripple of laughter went through the crowd as Violet enlarged ever so slightly with a wicked smile.

"The Legion is about acceptance, diversity, cooperation, and a firm belief in the power of good and the importance of working towards that good. And you don't have to possess metapowers or special abilities, or put on a skintight costume, or become a master combatant to join in that." A spotlight shone on the Legion's Honorary members and Support Staff as the Legionnaires turned towards them and applauded. Rond Vidar touched his spectacles nervously, and Dr. Mollie Dennum jumped excitedly at being recognized. "Indeed," Nightwind continued, "we are happy to work with wonderful sentients from all over the United Planets and beyond in our day-to-day operations, which have branched out from assistance in defense and rehabilitation, to education, healthcare and development. We have set up an exhibit on these in the Allon Hall. Interested volunteers can also sign up there."

As excited murmurs spread through the crowd, Nightwind stepped back to give Rebound center stage. The rotund Legionnaire inflated and bounced high up into the air to get the crowd's attention. "Nightwind was very much right when she said you don't need to be an active Legionnaire to contribute. But for those who do think Active duty is right for them, you are in luck! Open tryouts will be held in one month; this will coincide with the Legion Cadet program's next intake. We invite those eligible to apply for either one. Those interested can see the exhibits in the Superboy hall, where Legionnaires and Cadets alike will share their experiences. Our Legionnaires will also be traveling to selected United Planets worlds for an information caravan! The full schedule will be shared on the Interwebs today." The murmurs rose in volume to a full chatter at this announcement.

"These initiatives are a good way to increase inclusion, and allow more sentients to contribute in making our galaxies a better place," Kid Quantum II continued. "Before we march on forward, though, we want to take a moment to remember our pasts. There are some absent Legionnaires whom we want to remember."

The lights in the great hallway dimmed. Sensor resisted the urge to shake her head; this was unnecessary, but it did give an air of solemnity to the proceedings. She never did like pomp and circumstance, but she understood its use. She quickly caused an image of Superboy to appear over the assembled Legionnaires. A triplicated Triad stepped forward. "We were fortunate enough to have had Superboy, Conner Kent, join us briefly before he returned home*. It was an amazing experience, working alongside someone known only from history. We learned as much from him as he learned from us."

As Triad stepped back, Sensor conjured up an image of the first Kid Quantum, James Cullen. Jazmin reached out a hand as her father and mother stepped onto the stage. Cosmic Boy shook Mr. Cullen's hand as Jazmin hugged her mother. Jazmin recalled how elated her parents had been when she had called them after their return; James' death had been so long ago that her parents had now accepted it, but Jazmin's final return had given them one living child. She intended to keep their family as whole as possible. "James was one of the first Legionnaires, and the first to die in the line of duty. His death has led us to adopt several measures to keep our Legionnaires safe, not the least of which is our requirement that participants have inherent powers not reliant on technology. Yes, I am confirming this once and for all," Jazmin emphasized.

Sensor concentrated, and an image of Leviathan, Gim Allon, joined James. His parents and his sister came on stage to stand beside Gim's old friend Gigi Cusimano, who shook Admiral Allon's hand and gave Mrs. Allon a hug. Gim's sister Drianna brushed her hair as she looked at Gim's image. Violet and Kinetix came up to greet the family as Star Boy faced the crowd. "Leviathan was, and still is, the toughest trainer I have ever had. He had high standards for us, and even higher standards for himself. He always led by example, and his sacrifice proves that he would never ask anything of his team that he would not do himself. His legacy lives on, as many of his training ideas are being used not just in the Legion, but also in the Science Police and the UP Military." Dreamer held Star Boy's hand as he stepped back.

Finally, an image of Element Lad appeared, a serene smile on his childlike face. Murmurs ran through the crowd as some of the Kwai and others from the Second Galaxy tensed up; even some from United Planets space went still. The Progenitor's actions had been widely reported. Element Lass stood, facing the crowd with determination. The crowd grew quiet as they took in her crystalline body, gleaming in the light. Live Wire stood slightly behind her and squeezed her hand in support. "Although Jan Arrah eventually turned into the Progenitor, we are not here to remember that aspect of him. We do not excuse his actions during that period of his life. But we do remember his heroism when he was still one of us; without him, several of us would not be here and neither would our galaxy. This day, we remember not the Progenitor - but Element Lad, one of the best of us."

Muted, polite applause went up through the crowd, though a handful of fans burst into cheers. Element Lass nodded, satisfied, as she melted back into the crowd of Legionnaires.

Cosmic Boy cleared his throat as he levitated himself. "Now, we have an action-packed day planned for you. Copies of our program are available for download. I won't bore you with any long speeches, as I'm excited to continue myself! Have a great Legion Day, everyone!"

The crowds cheered as the Legionnaires took off again, one by one, broad smiles on their faces as they circled the great hall.

************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Superboy returned home during the Fatal 500 story in the Teen Titans/Legion special. At the same time, the Legionnaires were lost in the timestream. The less said about that, the better...

2) Here are bios of the four absent Legionnaires:

Element Lad, Jan Arrah of Trom; elemental transmutation
Kid Quantum I, James Cullen of Xanthu; ability to generate a stasis field; relies on his quantum belt to enhance his powers to as point where he can affect objects larger than his fist
Leviathan, Gim Allon of Mars; growth to giant size
Superboy, Kon-El/Conner Kent of Earth; Kryptonian/Human hybrid and clone, Kryptonian powers
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 11/24/15 12:24 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World. The Legion Day celebrations.

M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers

Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers (Reservist, former Active Member)

Rond Vidar of Earth (Iran); skilled scientist specializing in time studies (Honorary)
Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Ireland); Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer (Honorary)

***********************************************************************

Thunder smiled as she flew over the large crowd below. She was so glad she could now travel through time with relative ease; she thought back to her first encounter with the Legion*, and her despair at being stranded 60 centuries in the past!

She smiled even wider as she remembered how supportive her new friends had been. She was glad to have returned to help them in a time of crisis, and to join them in celebration now.

"Thunder?"

She turned to see Rond Vidar thumbing his spectacles as he approached. She made sure not to let her smile slip as she faced him. "Rond! How did you enjoy the parade?"

"I'm glad it's over," Rond said flatly. "It gives me a chance to follow up on my messages to you."

"Oh, yes. I hope you received my reply," Thunder said evenly.

"I did, and I'm here to try and convince you that your replies are counter-productive," Rond pointed out. "Sharing your knowledge of the future state of time travel can only be beneficial to the galaxy as a whole."

"Rond..." Thunder hesitated as she thought about how to word her response. The Wisdom of Solomon AND her studies in school had both told her that sharing future events to those in the past was to be avoided as much as possible. "Rond, believe me, I would love to help you with your scientific advancement. But scientific discoveries are meant to be made at the proper time... Besides, wouldn't it be more fulfilling for you to make those advancements on your own, instead of having them handed to you on a silver platter?"

Rond peered down his glasses at Thunder, as if considering. "That is true, but I don't expect you to provide blueprints and scientific formulae. What I do want to know is why time travel is not more commonplace in your time. We already know that even 20th century science was advanced enough for time travel... so how come this area of study hasn't advanced significantly in the next 7,000 years?"

"Rond, a lot of history has been lost since Earth d..." Thunder almost bit her lip. Revealing that Earth was dead in her time was telling too much! "... since this time. Even if I told you what I knew, it would be very little and much of it is only known through a smattering of historical records. I'm sorry, but I can't reveal my future knowledge. I would be more than happy to help you in other ways though, like contributing to studies you are running in the hear and now. Data gathering, for instance."

Rond opened his mouth to protest again, but before he could retort, a crisp voice cut in. "Rond, stop harassing Thunder. If she says she can't tell you anything about the future, she really can't." Thunder felt a wave of relief wash over her as Shvaughn Erin and M'Onel stepped beside her.

"Captain Erin." A hint of frostiness permeated Rond's voice. "Of course you would want to limit scientific inquiry. That's what the Science Police does."

"We regulate, not limit," Shvaughn Erin replied calmly, as if she had explained herself many times before. "Believe me, Rond, we support scientific inquiry as long as it is done responsibly. Remember, RJ Brande himself reopened the Time Institute during his term, and Winema Wazzo has continued his policies. We just need to make sure that scientific advancement is done properly and within accepted guidelines."

"Besides," M'Onel added, "don't you agree with Thunder's point that any discoveries you made would be more rewarding if you arrived at them yourself?" He held Thunder's gaze as he said this, and Thunder gave the smallest of smiles. M'Onel was the first Legionnaire she had met, and she still counted him as one of her closest friends on the team.

"Hmph," Rond snorted. "Well, I can see there's no more point in arguing. I do have some experiments I'm running now, though, so if I can take you up on your offer before you return to your native time, Thunder? I can also use your help, M'Onel. And," he continued somewhat testily, "feel free to join in and observe, Captain Erin."

"Thank you, Rond," Shvaughn smiled sweetly. "I would love to contribute to your research."

"Well, you are certainly more open-minded than most of your colleagues," Rond muttered. "And I say that without any hint of sarcasm. I'll send you the details." With a small nod, he turned to leave.

"Thank you both, for backing me up," Thunder smiled. "Rond can be persistent! I'm just glad the other Legion scientists aren't pushing me."

"Brainiac 5 is smart enough to understand the implications of revealing future knowledge," M'Onel said. "You don't have to worry about him. And Invisible Kid seems to be very busy right now."

"I'll say," Shvaughn added with a twinkle in her eye. "I've never seen him like that before. I'm happy for them."

"Love seems to be in the air now," Thunder added with a laugh. Shvaughn smiled back, and M'Onel blushed slightly. How funny it was that the man who spent a thousand years in the Phantom Zone was more discomfited than the woman only a fraction of his age! Thunder quickly grabbed their hands. "If you aren't busy, I would love to introduce you to my parents. They're watching the parade in the meeting room - this is a strange time for them, after all."

"I'd love to," M'Onel said as he flew up. "I'm glad they were able to make the trip."

"And thanks for suggesting they stay away from the crowds," Shvaughn added. "It's always best to limit contact between sentients from different centuries. Not that we have any protocols for that, but it makes sense."

"My pleasure. Besides, no offense meant but they are not really comfortable wandering around either. It's a strange time and place for them," Thunder continued as she started flying towards the meeting room. "I'm just glad they insisted on coming. Now I get to celebrate with all of my family."

She smiled to herself as M'Onel and Shvaughn followed her. Despite her relatively short time with the team, the Legion really had become her family away from home. She would definitely make sure to visit often.

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) LSH v4 110. The Rock of Eternity exploded, stranding her int he 30th century in her Thunder form only. When she reverted to her human form, she would return to her native 90th century. Thunder returned home in Legionnaires 81. My Thunder comes from a few years in her future, where the Rock of Eternity has been fixed, allowing her to travel through time such that she can transform into Thunder and back while in the 30th century.
Posted By: Klar Ken T5477 Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 11/24/15 09:26 PM
Well, I really didn't mean to steal your Thunder with my latest Rainbow Girl installment-- honestly, that was originally written probably December of last year.

Your Post-Zero-Hour M'Onel has a slightly different history from my 'Batch SW6' Valor, and my characters are easily in their mid-to-late twenties.

Rond ought to know better than to ask questions about the future. His query concerning future time travel tech is sort of like an Egyptian from the 40th century C.E. asking, "Why don't you guys build pyramids anymore?" To give a proper answer would require an entire history of the world.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 11/24/15 11:03 PM
I think it's great that we are both using versions of Thunder and Lar Gand. There's room for all of our realities and then some.

Ah well, you know how Rond is...
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 11/27/15 05:20 PM
So just for fun, I was thinking -

What nicknames would Shikari give all the Legionnaires? I already thought of Jovial Legion for Chuck and Triplet Legion for Lu. I like to think that she already knows everyone's code names, but still likes using her nicknames. Just because.

I also think she would change some of the nicknames she used in Lost. Brainiac 5, for example, went from Green Legion to Smart Legion in canon. I imagine that Kid Quantum II (Brown Legion), Saturn Girl (Fair Legion), Monstress (Large Legion) and Chameleon (Orange Legion) would change...

As a bonus, adding some non-Active Legionnaires who will be getting a lot of use soon... smile

Amp - Boosting Legion
Andromeda - Contrite Legion
Apparition - Spirited Legion
Babbage - Robotic Legion
Blizzard - Cold Legion
Brainiac 5 - Smart Legion
Calorie Queen - Consuming Legion
Chameleon - Changing Legion
Chemical Kid - Chronicler Legion (Condo is a reporter)
Chlorophyll Kid - Plant Legion
Cosmic Boy - Founder Legion
Density (Jed) - Tough Legion
Dragonmage - Dragon Legion
Dreamer - Future Legion
Echo (Tyroc) - Loud Legion
Element Lass - Sweet Legion
Ferro - Iron Legion
Flying Fox - Lupine Legion
Gates - Opinionated Legion
Gear - Mechanical Legion
Gravity Kid - Weightless Legion
Hotshot (Staq) - Fire Legion
Impulse - Healer Legion
Inferno (Dirk) - Sun Legion
Insect Queen - Insect Legion
Invisible Kid - Sneaky Legion
Karate Kid - Fighter Legion
Kid Quantum II - Leader Legion/Time Legion
Kinetix - Animating Legion
Lamprey - Swimmer Legion
Live Wire - Electric Legion (same as Spark)
Lume - Bright Legion
Magnetic Kid - Athlete Legion
Magno - Cheerful Legion
Matter-Eater Lad - Food Legion
Mentalla - Controlled Legion
Microbe - Infectious Legion
M'Onel - Heroic Legion
Night Girl - Night Legion
Nightwind - Windy Legion
Particon - Energy Legion
Rainbow - Rainbow Legion
Rebound - Jovial Legion
Saturn Girl - Disciplined Legion
Sensor - Royal Legion
Spark - Electric Legion (same as Live Wire)
Spectrum (Ulu) - Color Legion
Spider-Girl - Whip Legion
Star Boy - Heavy Legion
Tellus - Aquatic Legion
Theena - Monitor Legion
Thunder - Empowered Legion
Timber Wolf - Hunter Legion
Triad - Triplet Legion
Ultra Boy - Bold Legion
Umbra - Dark Legion
Vapor (Tal) - Airy Legion
Veilmist - Vanishing Legion
Violet - Small Legion
White Witch - Magical Legion
Wildfire - Fire Legion
XS - Fast Legion
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 11/28/15 07:12 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World. The Legion Day celebrations.

Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space

*************************************************************

"Well, it's nice to FINALLY get some time to catch up and think!" Gates' normally acerbic tone was unusually warm and friendly; it was certainly not what most of his teammates were used to hearing. To Brainiac 5, though, it was a common - and welcome - occurrence. The two Legionnaires were walking in a corridor high above the festive celebrations below. Neither liked crowds, and neither had volunteered to participate in the power displays going on now, where several Legionnaires were wowing the crowd with their abilities.

"I swear, sometimes I think this team's ego is too big. Look at all the credits we are spending on this self-aggrandizing Legion Day, when millions across the galaxy need better access to healthcare or education?"

"I agree with you on the improper allocation of resources," Brainiac 5 looked up from his Omnicom to address Gates. He rarely did for other sentients, as one of his twelve thought-tracks was enough for most conversations. But he wanted to show Gates that he was listening, and he had learned that making eye contact was one of the best ways to do so. "However, you would be pleased to know that the recently revitalized Brande Industries is funding 43% of the costs. Private donors account for another 49%, and our own Legion funds another 5%. The United Planets and its individual member worlds are only contributing 2% of the funds."

"That is... definitely refreshing," Gates conceded. "I would rather the governments spend their money more wisely, but I do understand they would need to contribute something, even as a token, to show their support. And to inspire their people."

"That's certainly magnanimous of you. Are you sure you're OUR Gates?" Brainiac 5 teased, though his tone was as serious as ever.

"Hey, being stranded a thousand years in the past of ANOTHER universe*, being painfully scarred there, and THEN being skewered by a magical zombie while fighting to restore our own reality** tends to make you mellow down a bit."

"Indeed. Kinetix herself seems to have mellowed down as well. I am glad both of you are back to normal, and that Candi is back, albeit in altered form." Brainiac 5 paused as he tapped in a few instructions into his Omnicom. "Apologies, ongoing experiment. I'm glad our team is back together, and that so many of us have been restored or enhanced in some way."

"You have changed quite a bit yourself," Gates joked. "You would never have so openly expressed happiness at the team coming back together."

"You know I am more comfortable with such emotional expression now," Brainy replied as they walked along.

"Just don't tell the others," both said in unison as they shared a hearty chuckle.

"Want to grab lunch?" Gates asked. Before Brainiac 5 could respond, his Omnicom beeped. "Apologies, Gates. My group of Coluan students has arrived. I'm hosting a discussion on methods of cooperation with the Roboticans while maintaining Colu's security. Babbage and Zaron Lux have done a wonderful amount of work on the subject. You are, of course, welcome to join us..."

Gates shrugged. "Sure, I have nothing better to do n-" Before he could finish, excited squeals echoed along the hallway. Gates' mouth opened in consternation as Shikari and two other Kwai led half a dozen young Vyrgans towards him. "Gates! It is the great hero, Gates!"

Gates raised his arms in exasperation. "What now?!"

"It looks like you have a fan club," Brainiac 5 commented. "I expected as much. You have developed quite a reputation among younger Vyrgans."

"I should just teleport away..." The glowing green glimmers of a teleportation disk started.

"They will just find you, you know. Best to get it over with," Brainiac 5 noted. He cleared his throat as Shikari and the others neared. "Thank you for teleporting me to my meeting, Gates. It saves me a lot of time."

"Er... yes. My pleasure, Brainiac," Gates stammered as Querl vanished into the disk. Gates forced himself to smile as he faced Shikari and the others. Predictably, the rather slow-moving Vyrgans beamed large smiles at him as they approached. What surprised Gates, though, was when the two Kwai knelt before him.

"Okay... I can understand those from my own species giving me much undeserved hero worship, but what has addled your brains?!" Gates chirped.

"Kwai culture values place and direction above all things," Shikari explained as she looked at the two Kwai.

"And your abilities allow you to change your location with a thought," one of the Kwai continued. The other just bowed lower. "Even though your abilities are not as far-reaching as the Thresholds, they are still amazing."

"Yes, Mr. Gates!" One of the Vyrgans piped up. They were crawling at such slow speeds. Gates felt exhausted just looking at them; he remembered how hard it had been to move around before he had mastered his powers. "Your abilities allow you to make such a difference! You are our hero!"

Gates blistered. "A fine hero I am, if that is what you have learned!" He waved an arm at the startled Vyrgans as he lectured them. "I consider my greatest contributions to the United Planets to be those not directly linked to my powers, such as the medical outreaches we started. And yes, my powers have admittedly been useful, but it was my choices that made me a hero! Look at all the sentients out there who misuse their abilities, or who contribute greatly without having any special abilities at all!"

"But... but Mr. Gates!" A young female stammered. "We always assumed that the reason you have an independent mind is because of your powers!"

"Oh, please! I was just fortunate enough to have both characteristics. But remember Mantis Morlo? He was an independent thinker too, but he had no powers!" Gates cringed a bit at that name. Morlo had exposed himself to mutagens to try and develop teleportation abilities as well; he had instead mutated himself into a large, hulking, power-hungry madman.*** Gates had been trapped in their 20th century then, but his teammates had defeated Morlo. Gates was still embarrassed by the whole affair. "Look, I know that most Vyrgans tend to conform to the norm, but that doesn't mean you can't learn to consider new ideas. You're here on Legion World, aren't you? Tell me, did your parents and families support your visit?"

"No, they didn't," one Vyrgan answered as he looked down. Behind him, Shikari seemed amused. "We had to remind them that you were declared a planetary champion by Matriarch."

"There, you see? That is a sign of independent thinking. My own independence started because I read literature from off-world! Of course, it was easier for me because I could teleport into our planetary storehouses... We didn't have libraries then..." Gates mused. Seeing the downcast look on the youngsters' faces, Gates' heart softened. "Look, I may have castigated you just now, but I see your good intentions. I have some spare books I can lend you. Even though most of our people tend to conform, I know Matriarch has an open mind. She has encouraged independent thinkers like Mantis Morlo before. You just need to expose yourselves to different ideas. Shikari can attest to that, can't you?"

"Yes, Opinionated Legion is correct." Shikari had retracted her armor, and bent down to face the Vyrgans directly. The two Kwai behind her looked up as well. "I used to be an embarrassment to my people, as I had the fierce mindset of a hunter and warrior. But now, many of my path-kin embrace those same ways. My people are also opening up and embracing new ideas, and our own Matriach is wise enough to see that this can be beneficial if harnessed properly."*****

"Please... teach us," one of the Vyrgans pleaded as she looked at Gates and Shikari, in turn. Murmurs of agreement arose from the others.

"Only if you promise to stop with the hero worship!" Gates groused. "Now, stand close together. I'll bring you to the library, and let's get started."

"Now, aren't you glad I brought them to you?" Shikari whispered as Gates prepared a teleportation disk.

"Indeed I am, Kari," Gates smiled. "I always did fancy myself an educator..."

************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legion Lost 2, in which several Retroboot Legionnaires plus Gates were stranded in their universe's 31st century

2) Volume 2, in which the Legionnaires retrieve Kinetix and fight to reclaim her absorbed magic from Mordru so they can restore their own universe. The actual post where Gates was injured and then healed is here.

3) Legionnaires 45

4) As shown in Legion Lost 3 and the Legion 5. I expanded on this idea in Volume 1.
Posted By: Omni Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 12/01/15 05:10 PM
I really like this one IB, your bringing everything you started in Vol. 1 full circle here.

Gates attitude and out burst at those who showed him hero worship was right in line with what i would expect from Gates.

His and Brainy's friendship is really well developed. i like that Brainy learned to look at Gates to show he cares and his attention.

Shikari's people looking at Gates like a god... him that could have some interesting story implications.

The explanation of resources discussion was really well done.

Rond's determination to talk to Thunder and get some answers kind of scars me and i think that could be trouble if she goes to the Time Institute.

M'onel and Erin make for a cute pairing that i dont think has been seen before. Can't wait to hear more about them.

Can't wait for more.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 12/02/15 06:23 AM
Thanks Omni, glad you liked these bits.

Gates and Brainy make such an interesting pair. And Gates' crankiness is always fun to write.

I always like exploring Shikari's previous misfit status.

Rond will not give up that easily.

I like Shvaughn and Mon for each other, both are so mature.

And of course, though Thunder is taking Reserve status she will be back!
Posted By: razsolo Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 12/02/15 09:34 AM
Gates and Brainy do make a great pair, I like reading them together smile

Shvaughn and Mon are interesting too...I am so used to thinking of her as Element Lad's girlfriend and of Mon with being with Shady that it's always jarring to me to see them together in your series but you make it work really well!

I also don't for a second expect Rond to give up that easily wink
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 12/02/15 09:42 AM
Thanks raz, glad these interactions are doing it for you smile Mon and Shvaughn just seemed to evolve naturally in this continuity smile
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World. The Legion Day celebrations.

Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation

*************************************************************

"Cooool!" Chameleon smiled at the sounds of amazement from Spark's old friend Hegga and her twin Megga. The brunettes cooed in appreciation as Chameleon transformed into an exact duplicate of Megga. Despite his duplicating their physical forms exactly, though, including the slight differences in how they parted their ponytailed hair, on the surface, a sentient would be hard-pressed to tell which of the two he was duplicating.

Most sentients, anyway. Twins, of course, could always tell each other apart.

"Wow... Am I that fat?" Megga winced as she wrinkled her nose.

"You're fatter," Hegga teased. "Cham's just being polite."

"I think you're both in wonderful shape," Cham said tactfully. "Of course, I say this in a totally platonic way. Everyone knows Ayla is the most beautiful, in my eyes."

"He's so perfect," Hegga winked as she elbowed a laughing Spark. "I don't suppose you have any other teammates who are single and looking."

"Most of them are taken or chasing someone in particular, but maybe you'll find one of the Cadets appealing," Spark considered. "Come on, let's grab the rest and get hopping. There's a lot of ground to cover." She cupped her hands over her mouth and yelled. "Hey Garth! Quit being all-talk and get a move on!"

Live Wire stuck his tongue out at Ayla. Beside him, Saturn Girl rolled her eyes, to the laughter of Garla and Lando, Garth and Ayla's other pair of childhood friends. The six of them had been close ever since their kindergarten days on Winath, and the two pairs of non-powered twins had stood by Spark during the brief amount of time Garth had left her alone on Winath while he was searching for Mekt.* They had kept in touch ever since Spark joined the Legion, and Spark was always grateful for a chance to talk to good friends outside of work.

As Imra helped Ayla usher the group together, Chameleon saw a flash of pink out of the corner of his eye. He turned to look, but it had vanished.

He quickly sidled over to Spark and whispered in her ear. "Ayla? Mind if I catch up? I think Sensor needs my help."

Spark nodded in understanding. Without skipping a beat, she waved Hegga and Megga towards Garth and the others. "Cham has some Legion business to attend to, but we'll make sure you don't notice he's gone," she winked. Chameleon smiled as she led her friends down the hall, and smiled even wider as Hegga and Megga turned back to wave at him. He waved back, then quickly shifted into the form of a Bgztlian Translucent Dragonfly - fast and hard to see. He zipped down the hallway, made a hard left, and continued down past the areas which were sealed off from guests. This area of Legion World contained laboratories, workshops, hangers and temporary holding cells. Chameleon knew that his flight ring would ensure that scanners would recognize him. It was made of a malleable metal able to adjust in shape and size - to a limited degree. But enough so that he could change shape and still carry his flight ring around with him.

He zoomed right and stopped in the middle of the empty hallway. Seemingly empty, that is.

He quickly shifted back into his usual form, and made a show of putting his hands on his hips. "I know you're there."

The air shimmered, and an instant later Sensor appeared. "I don't need to ask how you knew I was in this very spot, but I am wondering what prompted you to find me."

"I was sure I had seen you passing by earlier. When I turned to look, you were gone. That meant you didn't want to be found. And I know you're dreading the possibility of your father visiting..."

Sensor shrugged. Chameleon used to find it curious how well she had learned to use her new arms and facial features to express emotion, until Sensor had explained that her mental abilities allowed her to subconsciously pick these up. "I know it's not right to keep running away, but I'm not ready to face him yet."

"And why is that?"

Chameleon almost jumped, as Sensor's face took on a mask of horror. She quickly used her illusion powers to conceal herself as she hissed angrily. Chameleon raised his hands in front of him. "Jeka, I didn't...!"

"No, he didn't." King Charlz of Orando slithered forward, accompanied by Prince Willum. Unusually, they were not accompanied by a retinue of raccoon servants or officials. "You have forgotten our serpentine senses, my dear? Just like you have forgotten to return our calls? We know you are here. Why do you continue to hide?"

"Father, I..." Sensor trailed off, as her seemingly disembodied voice spoke. "I... am ashamed."

"Of what?" King Charlz drew himself up. "You should be ashamed if you have done something wrong. By all accounts, what happened to you was an accident. There is nothing wrong with that."

"But I... I am hideous."

"Sister, weren't you the one who so vehemently argued for fair and just treatment for all, regardless of species?" Prince Willum spoke. Not as loudly as King Charlz had, but just as regally. "What makes you think we would shun you just because your physical self has transformed? Show us more esteem than that."

"You are still my daughter, Jeka," King Charlz added. "Nothing will change that. Least of all an accident that has changed only your outer form."

The air shimmered again as Sensor dropped her illusion. She stood there for a second, then rushed forward to hug her family. "I'm so sorry..."

Chameleon smiled to himself as he flew silently away.

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) As depicted in Legends of the Legion 2.
I liked Sensor's reunion with her family, and it's nice to see Ayla having old-school Winathian friends too. She strikes me as one of the Legionnaires who would be more likely to have a life outside the team that she'd want to stay connected to smile
Thanks raz, appreciate the comments, as usual smile

Ayla's friends were really THERE for her in their lone appearance. It touched me so much I wanted to use them again.

Glad you liked the Orandan Royal Family getting back together. Sensor's father and brother have learned their lesson from before, and are much more liberal now!
Oh cool, I didn't realise the Winathians were canon characters...nice one! smile
Thank you smile The Reboot introduced so many little canon bits that I don't need to look far for story ideas smile
Posted By: Omni Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day (Family Reunion) - 12/29/15 11:18 PM
This scene was really touching IB.

Sensor and her family was very well done. Her father has come along way from the over baring and slightly xenophobic king we once knew.

and its great to see all of your sub plots from vol. 1 coming back around. i know i've said it before but its true. they remind me just how rich your story is.

i can't wait for more.
Thanks Omni, so nice of you. I really appreciate the comments!

I hope to get through this portion soon so I can start having some more action again.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 12/30/15 12:33 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World. The Legion Day celebrations.

Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III; transmutation
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

*************************************************************

Blizzard tried hard not to lick his lips as he surveyed the crowd of young sentients milling around his teammates. They were in a large hall just off the Threshold chambers, and nearly a dozen Legionnaires were scattered all around, demonstrating their powers and answering questions. Element Lass' deep, melodious voice filled the air as she quizzed some school children on the elements; with every correct answer, she transmuted a new one for them to identify. "Candi always loved children," Kinetix whispered to Blizzard with a smile. "It's great to know that the things she has been through have not dampened her spirit."

"Yeah... she's a wonder. I'm glad I got the chance to meet her," Brek whispered back as they watched Candi transmute a block of silvery-white terbium into the similar-looking praseodymium. "Okay, kids," she boomed. "This element has greenish oxides, and in combination with neodymium, can be used to create high-powered magnets..."

Brek's attention was yanked away by a tug on his pants. He looked down to see a young Terran, probably no more than five. "And which Legionnaire are you?"

He knelt down so he was face-to-face with the kid. "Hey, little guy. I'm Blizzard. I can make things super-cold."

The kid wrinkled his nose. "Oh, you're one of the newer Legionnaires." He sniffed, then turned to face Kinetix. "And you're Kinetix. Finally changed back, huh? My uncle said your Terrorform form was hideous."

Brek knew his face was reddening. He opened his mouth to snap at the kid, but Zoe winked at him. Then she knelt down too. "Yes, if you've been following the Legion you will know that I thrive on change. But not all changes are good, and I'm happy to be back to my normal self. Now, maybe you would like a little change too? What's your favorite color?"

"Green," the boy replied. "Why?"

"Good choice," Zoe laughed. "I think it would look good on you." She touched his red shirt, and the tell-tale green glow of her powers surrounded it. The boy gasped in surprise as his shirt turned a dark green, with the words "Long Live the Legion" on it in white. "Wow, that is so cool! I'm glad you're back too!"

"Kinetix is really good at that," Brek said, doing his best to smile. "I have a trick of my own too, though. What's your favorite juice flavor?"

"Pluberry!" The kid said, still beaming as he admired his shirt.

"You're in luck. I have just the thing," Brek winked. He opened his belt pouch, taking out a small flask of clean water. He could do this trick in almost any environment, but hygiene was important. From another pouch, he took a polymer cup and a small bottle of flavoring. "Kinetix, would you mind holding the cup for me?" Zoe smiled as she did; Brek's heart jumped a bit as she took the cup from his hand with hers, instead of using her telekinesis. He opened the flask and poured some water out, using his powers as he did.

The little boy gasped as the water turned into finely shaved ice. He gasped again as Brek poured the pluberry flavoring onto it. With a wide smile, Brek took the cup and handed it to him. "Here you go. Don't forget to toss the cup into a recycler once you're done with it."

"Oh wow! You two are the coolest! I'm going to tell my uncle he's wrong!" The boy rushed off, yelling "Thank you!" as he did.

"That was really nice, Brek," Zoe smiled as she touched his shoulder.

"Yeah, well," Brek hoped he wasn't blushing. "If you hadn't kept your cool... which I should be better at... Thanks for handling him well."

"My pleasure. It was sweet of you to want to defend me," Zoe winked.

Brek smiled back. Before he could continue, a now-familiar blue and white streak appeared.

Sorry to rush everyone," XS's voice rang out as she ran around the room, "but you might want to stand back!"

"And Jenni's grown too. At least we can actually understand what she says even when she's speeding," Zoe winked as she and Brek complied.

Jenni stood in the center of the room, beaming excitedly. "Okay kids, Magno's so happy he has his powers back he's going to show you a little trick!" Dyrk's grin was even wider than the one he had upon first joining the Legion. He ran a finger along the metallic armbands he wore, as if to remind himself that this was all real. Then he flashed his dazzling smile at the audience. "Stand back, everyone. I'll need some room for this to work." He concentrated on the props he had prepared, a pile of tiles colored golden yellow or black. The yellowish ones were made of a different metal, so he could use his magnetic powers to "feel" the differences. He pulled them forward with a wide flourish of his arms, causing the disks to begin spinning around in a tight circle. The crowd oohed and aahed as they moved faster and faster, each one rotating as the whole collection began to form into a sphere.

"This gets better, folks," Magno beamed as he made the tiles stop spinning. The tiles settled into a gigantic mosaic of the Legion logo. The crowd went wild.

"Way to go, Magno!" XS jumped.

"You have some good moves too, XS," Magno called out over the cheering of the crowd. "Show everyone how fast you can move!" With another flourish, he threw his arms back. Bereft of his magnetic control, the tiles began to fall. The crowd gasped again, many covering their ears in anticipation of the loud crash.

The crash never came. In the space of a blink, XS had run forward and caught all of the tiles, arranging them on the floor in the pattern of the Legion logo.

This time, the crowd really went wild.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 12/30/15 05:04 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World. The Legion Day celebrations.

Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions (probationary pending completion of Legion basic training)
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; generate and control harmful and beneficial microorganisms

Magnetic Kid, Pol Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis (Reserve Legionnaire)

**************************************************************

Microbe heaved a sigh as she walked along the hallway, away from the large area where her teammates were displaying their powers. This hadn't been quite as bad as she expected. Her powers were nowhere near as flashy as the majority of Legionnaires' were, and she certainly had limited options when it came to displaying her powers. But she was able to draw her share of gasps and cheers by using some of her more benign microorganisms to change the colors of flowers and leaves. The children from Colu and Mardru* had been especially appreciative.

Of course, she had to keep herself from focusing on the ones who had been afraid. Not a few mothers had politely tugged their children away with the pretext of watching another Legionnaire. Others had stayed, with plenty of antibacterial gel and even a few filtration masks on their faces.

Still, nobody had been rude, and more had stayed than had left. She had made progress. As one of the very few Somahturians who had made it offworld, this was significant indeed.

Maybe next time, more Somahturians would visit. A wide grin spread across her face as she recalled the family of four who had posed with her. All wore completely-sealed bodysuits and helmets, of course, much like the one she had worn in her early days as a Legion Cadet**. Well, not everyone had as much control over her abilities as she had.

She turned the corner and almost bumped into Magnetic Kid. The ex-Active Legionnaire nearly jumped. "Oh, Drura! Whew, I'm glad it's you. I was afraid it was another reporter, rabid fan, or advertiser asking me to model..." He ran a hand through his hair and clicked his teeth. "I apologize, Drura. That must have made me sound like a big, arrogant squaj."

"Only a small one," Drura laughed, sticking her tongue out. "No worries, Pol. I know what it's like feeling hounded. I dealt with that a lot when I first joined."

"It can be a pain, yeah..." Pol shook his head. "Most of them want to get in on the ground floor, after my recent departure from active duty."

"You know, Chemical Kid might be able to help you out with that," Drura said helpfully. "After he joined, he got me a few choice segments on Your Galaxy Direct. Some of them were with Chameleon, Saturn Girl, Andromeda and Babbage. It really helped me talk about what it's like for a Somahturian to be a high-profile Legionnaire. I know the others enjoyed the opportunity to plead their peoples' cases too."

"Yeah..." Pol nodded his head, considering. "Maybe if I give an exclusive, and state my case once and for all, people will stop hounding me for comments. I'm so tired of telling people I didn't stop down because Magno rejoined or because I'm afraid to live up to my brother's reputation as a Legionnaire. Then, of course, there are all the comparisons of our best Legion AND Magnoball moments..." He bit his lip as he looked at Drura, who was nodding politely. "I'm sorry, I'm rambling again."

"It's okay," Drura smiled sweetly. At least Pol was self-aware enough to stop. "Come on, I know Chemical Kid is in the Mission Monitor Room."

"So, tell me more about what you said in your interviews," Pol smiled. Drura began explaining her views on Somahtur's contribution to the UP as they flew down the hall.

************************************************************

"... aaaaaand, besides your spot with Hannah Wells on The Earth Spins, which you don't really need me for as Hannah is a big supporter, Hectorrr Arroo says he'll get in touch with you for a segment on UP Today," Chemical Kid finished. He set down the Omnicom which he had been tapping on furiously for the last few minutes. Behind him, Invisible Kid was dutifully switching between Mission Monitor Board channels. The couple had volunteered for this monitor duty shift to catch up on work; Lyle was reviewing some plant samples from the recently revitalized Xanthu to see if the Hypertaxis energy used to restore the planet had had any effect. Condo was editing an article on the Khunds' much-improved relationship with the UP, which had been spurred by their initial alliance against COMPUTO's Robotica, and further cemented by the Legion's disappearance. Of course, he inhibited himself from writing about the Legion directly, now that he had a flight ring himself. But that still didn't stop him from using his contacts to help his teammates out when he could.

Like now.

Magnetic Kid stood up, a big smile on his face, and gripped Condo's right hand tightly. "Thank you, Chemical Kid. I can't believe how quickly you helped me. This is so great of you."

"Please, call me Condo," Condo smiled back.

"Don't call him cutie, it might get to his head," Lyle called out.

"As if you don't call me that every time we're alone," Condo retorted without breaking his smile. He turned back to Pol. "Anything for a teammate."

"Ex-teammate, actually. I'm just sad we didn't get a chance to serve together," Pol noted.

"Hey, you're still a Reservist, and I'm still technically on probation. Based on everything that's happened this past week, I'm sure we'll get the chance to go in the field together," Condo pointed out.

"I'm sure you'll pass Legion training with flying colors," Drura added. "The course is designed so that even those with no combat or law enforcement experience can learn everything they need to while there. Power control is an issue for some, but from what I've seen you have no problem with that, either."

"Yeah..." Condo smiled as he used his powers to ripen a Winathian apple. "I really appreciate how lucky I am, not only to get these powers but to have some good control over them, and to have been unconscious for most of the Monitor's occupation. Lyle's chemistry knowledge helps too - but don't tell him that, he's already full of himself as it is."

Lyle stuck his tongue out at Condo, as Pol and Drura giggled. They both stood up. "So, thanks again for helping out," Pol added. "We're going back out there. See you at the dinner later?"

"Maybe sooner," Lyle checked his Omnicom. "Our shift ends in about 30. Which should be just about enough time for me to send out these findings."

Drura and Pol waved goodbye. After they stepped out, Lyle turned to Condo with a smirk on his face. "So, are you still worried about being perceived by the others as just "Lyle's significant other"?"

Lyle yelped as Condo playfully punched his shoulder. "Fine, you're right. I feel like I'm fitting in, and everyone appreciates me for my unique talents, and I'm not just Mr. Lyle Norg."

"Mmmmm," Lyle said as he sidled up to Condo. "Mr. Lyle Norg sounds nice."

Condo held up his finger as Lyle got closer. "Actually, I was thinking you would be Mr. Condo Arlik."

"Har, har." Lyle sank back down in his chair as he looked at his Omnicom. "Well, maybe after our shift we can go back to our quarters for a bit. We still have time before the Foccarts arrive. My biological parents are, as usual, busy."***

"Aw, Lyle," Condo said as he squeezed Lyle's shoulder. "I know you care more about Jacques and the Foccarts than you do your own parents. Have you found any more leads?"

Lyle shook his head sadly. "None. But I know he's alive. It just doesn't make sense otherwise. My restraints were removed while Charma held me captive. And there's the moving goblet you saw at my memorial..."

"I could have been imagining things..." Condo began. "But then again, I might not have..."

"And so the search continues," Lyle said as he began tapping his chin. "Grife, I hope I can conclusively prove something, soon. The Foccarts have always been there for me. I would love to give them some good news."

"I'll help you any way I can, Lyle," Condo said as he hugged Lyle tightly.


************************************************************


1) Mardru is the homeworld of Chlorophyll Kid!

2) Drura's full bodysuit and helmet appeared in Legion 35-38.

3) As revealed in Legionnaires 66, the Norgs were always traveling on official UP business. Lyle was practically raised by the Foccarts. Jacques was like the brother he never had; Jacques ingested Lyle's invisibility serum while controlled by Charma and was thought dead. Jacques is know a deep-cover UP operative, and using his invisibility has the potential to kill him. Jacques resurfaced briefly, invisibly saving Lyle from Charma, but he didn't reveal himself. In my Volume 1 entry, I had Jacques move a goblet at Lyle's memorial invisibly while Condo was there, though Condo wasn't sure of what he saw.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World. The Legion Day celebrations.

Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis (probationary pending completion of Legion basic training)

*************************************************************

"Dad." Inferno tried hard to keep the exasperation from his voice, but he was almost certain he wasn't succeeding. "We've been over this a zillion times. I will be okay."

"Dirk, son, don't get your old man wrong." Derek Morgna's mustache bristled as he addressed Dirk, and even through the screen of an Omnicom Dirk could tell that his father was in full dad mode. "I'm not trying to be an old fuddy-duddy here. But the Legion wasn't able to protect you against Dr. Regulus twice*. And remember that Fire Elemental that possessed you?** And then you got kidnapped on Legion World and experimented on. Just because your full powers are back and completely under control doesn't mean you have to join the Legion...!"

"The Legion saved my life, dad!" Dirk instantly felt ashamed at having raised his voice. He cleared his throat, calmed himself and continued. "I'm sorry for speaking loudly, dad. But without the Legion, I might not have escaped Regulus OR the Fire Elemental with my life... and they rescued me from the Monitor. I owe them a lot. Besides, how many Legionnaires have died in the line of duty? As a percentage? I had a lot of fun, and it feels great to do good. How much more can I do as a Legionnaire, with these powers?"

Dirk's dad sighed deeply, the way he would when Dirk was younger and was being insufferably stubborn. Grife knows Dirk had been, then. But this time... He understood his dad's reservations, but why couldn't his dad see his point?

"Look, I'll head over there in a bit. I don't want to make a fuss in front of everyone. But I really hope you'll reconsider."

"Thanks for the concern. See you later, dad..." Dirk sighed as the call ended. "Sprock..."

"Inferno?"

Dirk almost jumped as the ethereal figure of Apparition floated through the wall. "Oh, I'm sorry," she said gently. "I sometimes forget that not everyone is used to my powers. And I am very sorry if I seemed like I was eavesdropping. I was just on my way to check on Cub, and this was fastest."

"No, no, it's no problem, Apparition. Just... well, I guess you know how parents can be."

"Do I," she said with a smile. "If you could only have seen how my mom reacted during the early days. Trying to disband the Legion in the UP Senate, harassing poor Cosmic Boy, calling me up randomly and yelling at me..."

"Heh. My dad isn't quite as loud, but he's definitely just as persistent..." Dirk chuckled.

"It WAS hard," Tinya laughed. "I think I was the only Legionnaire then whose parent wasn't quite supportive. Everyone else had folks cheering them on. Well, those who had families." She paused for a moment. "Look, I certainly don't mean to pry, but I know how stressful arguing with parents can be. And you seem very close with your dad. If you want to talk about it... After all, it can be tough smiling and waving to the public while these things weigh on your mind..."

Dirk smiled. "An invitation to talk from a pretty lady sounds like just the thing. Thank you, Apparition."

"Call me Tinya," Tinya smiled back. "As long as you remember I am also Mrs. Jo Nah."

Dirk threw back his head and laughed. "Fine, as long as you call me Dirk. And pardon the harmless flirting. I guess I picked it up from my dad and uncles. They always talked that way, even after they all settled down and had kids..."

"It's nothing. Jo turns on the charm without thinking of it too. As for my mom, well... I've never seen another sentient melt her like my dad used to when I was younger. But the less said about him, the better..."*** The two floated down the hallway as they regaled one another with stories of their childhood days.

*************************************************************

1) Legionnaires 29, when Regulus gave Dirk his powers; and Legionnaires 39/LSH 83, when the Legion fought Regulus again on McCauley property Gallan.

2) The Elements of Disaster: Legionnaires 71 to 74.

3) Apparition's history with their parents has been chronicled elsewhere, but a quick recap: 8) Luonel Burdo is Apparition's dad. He was the Wazzo family groundskeeper, a rough type whom Winema fell in love with at first sight. Ironic isn't it? Maybe that's one reason why she hated Ultra Boy so much at first. Anyway, Burdo was a pathological gambler, and secretly a Carggite. He gambled away his money at the Luck Lords' casinos, and to escape his debt he gave up two of Tinya's bodies. Winema and Tinya never found out until Tinya, whose body died in the White Triangle War (Legionnaires Annual 2) but whose spirit survived in Ultra Boy's body (LSH 82), merged with Phase of 20th century LEGION (LSH 100). Turned out that Phase was one of her other bodies (LSH 102). Her third body was never found... but Reboot's excellent story revealed that this third body had been sold to a slave trader, who in turn sold her to a mining company, and the third self had died in those very mines.
Some more great moments.

Tinya and Dirk's were really cute and I like that you explained where Dirk's womanizing ways come from.

They both really are the only one's whose parents aren't thrilled with them being in the Legion. i never realized that before. One would think there would be more parents.

Zoe and Berk are also really cute and i liked their moment. She might be really good for him. I'm with him though would find it hard to always be on like that.

Dura and Pol are a nice pairing and i wish Pol was sticking around. I'd like to get to know more about him. Going to Condo was a great idea and that part was also well done.

Dura's world sounds like it would be interesting to visit. is it possible to go there?

His and Lyle's banter is cute and i liked that bit about taking each others names.

Jenni and Dryk are cute and glad they are going to finally get a chance.

Can't wait for more.
Thank you Omni, you sure read fast! Really happy to hear from you.

With this Dirk, I think a lot of his flirting is harmless. Just subconsciously turning on the charm. (I'm actually a lot like that in real life, so have had to be careful people don't get the wrong idea).

Your comment made me think, and yes, the Legion parents are overwhelmingly supportive! Now that Sensor's dad has come around. But I think Andromeda's family would definitely NOT be supportive at all smile

Glad you like Zoe and Brek. In the 21st century Legion fic (spread out over multiple threads, but catalogued in the Bits directory, I also had Brek crush on Zoe. It just seemed right to carry it on over.

Zoe has also mellowed down, time was she would have sassed that kid back. I also agree with you and Brek though, it's tough keeping your cool like that while people are being rude.

Glad you liked Drura and Pol - I wonder if I should develop that. I was really just looking for two Legionnaires who would have trouble with the media. Happy that Condo's continuing dabbling in journalism works for you too.

Somahtur should be possible to visit, with the proper precautions. Thanks for giving me the idea to visit it. Perhaps soon... wink

Much of Lyle's and Condo's dialogue with one another is patterned after how Blaze and I talk in real life smile Happy you liked it too.

And XS and Magno, finally glad they have a chance too!

Thanks again for the usual support Omni!
You may enjoy writing the action scenes, but it's great to have this interlude of character development. What a good idea to have each scene with a limited number of Legionnaires, and to incorporate their families and backgrounds.

I loved Tenzil's explanation of how he sees his role; not everyone has to be a full-time hero, and the heroes rely on the supporting staff.

Not much attention has been given in the comic to learning to use the flight rings. Of course, some would take to it better than others.

The Kwai admiration for Gates makes perfect sense!

I'm so glad to see other parts of the Earth (New Seoul) than the original U.S.A. represented.

Boy, is Rond ever a sourpuss here! It's an interesting layer to his personality; he always seemed like Mr. Affable in the comic, yet his desire for knowledge may well cloud his mood. Will he do anything for time travel knowledge?

This huge cast of characters is great fun! (And the recap thread is a big help for this sporadic reader.) Your story shows that you can cover a huge amount of territory in text form, which just isn't possible in a comic. Illustrations are nice, but this text story is really substantial.
Hi FC, so nice of you to comment again! I'm very happy you enjoyed this batch of scenes, and that you liked the delving into the Legionnaires' families.

I always imagined Earth would still very diverse even 1000 years from now, so places like New Seoul will pop up.

Preboot Rond has indeed been very affable. My inspiration for Rond here is Legionnaires 44, where Rond forcibly deaged Lori Morning, to use her pent-up "chronal energy" to contact Brainiac 5 in the past. He's a lot more like an obsessed scientist in the Reboot.

So happy you are enjoying the humongous cast! Comments like yours inspire me to keep such a large group of characters around.
I'm with FC, the advantage of writing text pieces over comics is that you get to go a lot more in-depth...I really like reading these quiet moments, you are good at giving everyone a distinct personality.

Drura finding a non-harmful way to show off her power was cool, as was the mention of people still being scared of her. I liked Magno and XS's little stunt too smile
Thanks raz, happy to hear the cast continues to remain diverse smile

I was thinking that Drura hasn't had the benefit of years of exposure like Cham does, and her powers are more subtle. But she is slowly winning the war smile

XS and Magno make a good couple, in and out of the field smile
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World. The Legion Day celebrations.

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan; telepathic control of others' physical functions
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada); inflates into a durable bouncing form, skilled architect and mechanic
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication, skilled administrator
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings). Anti-energy being

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others. (Legion Reservist and Cadet).
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau); underwater survival; hydrokinesis. (Legion Reservist and Cadet).

*************************************************************

Mentalla smiled warmly as she ushered a group of guests from seemingly every world in the United Planets. Some of them were eagerly bombarding her with questions on her journey from Legion Cadet to full-fledged Legionnaire; many of those questions asked how they, too, could one day join the team.

"Please, everyone, please," Mentalla laughed as she calmed the ground. "We will get to your questions, I promise." The normally reserved blonde was surprised at how much she enjoyed dealing with so many sentients; being the studious type, she normally did not spend much time socializing.

This also more than made up for her decision not to join the power displays that her teammates were putting on. It would not do to frighten people by taking over their motor functions!

As she opened the door to the VR viewing chamber, a beaming Rebound greeted the guests by ricocheting in front of them. "Welcome, folks!" he beamed, to their welcoming oohs. "I'm Chuck Taine, code name Rebound; I will also be one of the Legionnaires overseeing the Legion Cadet program, at least until we can find a full-time Head to take over." Mentalla smiled at Chuck's exuberance; though he had been working with the Legion much longer than she had, he had also only gained his powers a short time before. A well-deserved reward for nearly sacrificing himself, in fact.

"I'm sure Mentalla, one of our most successful graduates, has given you a good backgrounder," Chuck laughed. "And she probably has told you that the VR room is..."

"Used by Active Legionnaires and Cadets alike to practice their powers and combat tactics!" volunteered a young Talokian.

"Very good," Chuck winked. "And now, you can watch two of our promising cadets demonstrating their abilities." As he flipped the controls, Chuck whispered at Mentalla. "You know, they both volunteered for this. Said something about wanting every extra bit of training they can get."

Mentalla nodded as she watched Lamprey and Amp step out onto the field. "Lamprey has always been very studious - she and Nightwind and I used to do group study a lot. As for Amp, I remember her excelling naturally at many classes, but I'm glad to see she's now willing to put in extra work."

"I think she really wants it, especially now that her powers have been enhanced," Chuck added. He turned his attention to the floor. "You ready, ladies?"

"Always," Lamprey replied determinedly. "Looking forward," Amp added as she pumped her fists together.

The crowd gasped as the VR rapidly filled with water, transforming into an undersea environment. Amp activated her transuit immediately, while Lamprey took a deep breath as her long green hair flowed in her natural element. Four humanoids clothed all in black floated in front of them, each carrying blasters. As one, they began to fire.

Amp's body glowed red as she used her powers on herself, boosting her speed and strength. She kicked quickly, evading the enemy fire. Lamprey brought her arms together, pushing the water into balls and throwing them at the enemy. She bowled two of them over with one hit.

"Yeah!" she cheered. "Score two for us!"

"Watch out!" Amp sped towards Lamprey, pushing her out of the way as their remaining two opponents fired at where they had been. "Th-thanks," Lamprey stammered. "Any time," Amp replied as she pulled Lamprey behind a rocky outcropping. "Can you take these two down with your powers?"

"They're a bit too far," Lamprey peeked her head cautiously out as blaster rounds battered their hiding place. "Unless you boost me."

"My pleasure." Amp's reddish glow extended to Lamprey, who breathed deeply as she concentrated on the water molecules around their opponents. With a flick of her wrists, she pulled the two humanoids into one another. The two grunted before floating limply in the water.

The two Cadets smiled at each other as the VR room returned to normal. Up above them, cheers sounded as the audience went wild. The viewing room erupted with questions and exclamations as the visitors practically swarmed over Rebound and Mentalla.

"That is so cool!"
"I want to learn to fight like that!"
"Can they beat up space dragons next?"

"Easy, easy, there will be time for all your questions!" The crowd hushed as Triad entered the room, and ooohed again as she triplicated into three identical beings, with only the colors of her eyes and her clothes differing. She continued quickly, before the crowd could buzz again. "Those who want to learn more about joining the Legion Cadet program can stay here. Those who want to continue the tour can join Wildfire and Ferro; they can answer your other questions about the Cadet program as well." About two-thirds of the group shuffled after Ferro and Wildfire, while the rest milled around Triad.

"Follow me through this doorway, and I'll walk you through the application process..." Triad began.

"Okay, folks!" Wildfire clapped his gloves together energetically. "Up next, we'll take you through the planetary zones around Legion World that mirror each of the UP worlds! We have plenty of fun stories to share with you. Right, Ferro?"

"Hmm? Oh, yeah," Ferro forced a smile as he tore his gaze away from an oblivious Mentalla. "This will be fun, folks."

Wildfire considered his teammate curiously as they led their group through the doorway.

**********************************************************************

Triad Neutral wiped her brow as she started uploading Legion Cadet applications into the central database. They had received 267 just today; thankfully, the actual enrollment tryouts would be easier to organize. They could be done together with the Legion tryouts, with applicants indicating whether they were applying for Active Legionnaire or for Legion Cadet.

Triad Orange was busy organizing files, while Triad Purple was ushering the last of the tour group out. "Come on, folks. If you have any more questions, you can read through the link we sent you..."

"Wait, Ms. Triad." A sandy-haired young man turned back. "I just..."

"I'm sorry, sir, but we really have to get moving," Purple cut him off. "We really need to keep moving. There are many more tour groups on the way..."


"It's okay, Sis," Neutral spoke up as she approached the man. "We do have time for one more question, but that's it, okay? We have many more guests to entertain."

"It's not really a question. I... I have something I need to say." The man triplicated, and at once, Triad understood.

Each of his triplets was wearing the same pullover sweater... yet each was in a different color. The triplet in the middle looked at them silently, arms in his green pockets. The one to the right puffed his chest out confidently as he pulled his red hood back. And the one on the left shyly averted his gaze as he his his hands in his blue sleeves.

"You're like me..." Triad Orange whispered.

"Cargg has been changing slowly," the man said quietly, "but life can still be hard for us. My family... well, I... I left Cargg before they could find out. It's hard to talk about it to my non-Carggite friends, they don't really understand... But I don't know if I could have stayed sane without you as an inspiration. Thank you."

Triad Neutral looked at Orange and Purple, who nodded. Neutral gently took the man's hand. "Want to talk about it over a hot cup of Winathian coffee?"

The man smiled gratefully as Triad led him out the door.

**********************************************************************

Ferro heaved a sigh as the last of their group stepped through the doorway back to the Threshold chamber. He didn't need to breathe, now that he was stuck in his iron form, but exhaling still helped psychologically energize him. "Whew! Guiding guests is almost as tiring as beating up the bad guys, isn't it, Wildfire?"

"Oh, I don't know..." Wildfire said, his vocoders expressing his amusement. "Somehow I think you'd take tour guide duty any day over talking with a certain newly-graduated Titanian Cadet..."

Ferro's head snapped up as his mouth dropped in shock. "Oh man, was I that obvious?"

"Maybe just a little bit," Wildfire laughed. "I take it you haven't asked her out yet?"

Ferro shook his head. "Please, Drake, do me a favor and don't tell anyone. I mean, come on, I've gotten over my disfigurement, but now I'm stuck in this metal form. Ironic, isn't it? I'm totally comfortable with how I look now, but I can't turn back to flesh and blood and enjoy being human again..."

"Welcome to the club, pal," Wildfire said, his voice tinged with regret. "At least you have more of a chance of being human again than I do. I'm just a ball of energy, remember?"

"Aw man..." Ferro rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably. "I'm sorry, Drake. That was so insensitive of me."

"It's fine, Andy," Wildfire shrugged. "I've had my share of near-death experiences even after becoming Wildfire. My current situation is far from ideal, but at least I'm grateful to still be alive, such as it is..."

He clasped Ferro's shoulder as he continued. "But then, Shikari has been there for me even though I'm just a ball of energy who could never physically do much for her. Who knows? Maybe Mentalla will be the same for you."

Ferro shook his hand. "Asking someone to love a scarred, deformed face is one thing. Asking someone to love a living block of metal.." He sighed as he looked out over the patchwork collection of planetary zones below; Naltorian coral seas beside sunlit Winathan fields beside Tharrian desert. So much natural beauty, which neither he nor Wildfire would be able to experience in full. To be able to taste hot chocolate, or feel the cool breeze on his face, or smell the fragrant wildflowers again...

"It doesn't get any easier, does it?" he asked quietly.

"Not by much," Wildfire replied as he stood beside Ferro. "But good friends can help ease the pain a bit."

Ferro took one last look at the magnificent snow-capped peaks of Xanthu's Atlas Mountains. "I feel like punching something. VR workout?"

Wildfire gave him a thumbs-up. "You're on." Ferro grinned at Wildfire as they flew towards the VR room.

**********************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legionnaires 24 revealed that Carggite triplets who show differences of any kind are repressed and persecuted on Cargg. Triad was institutionalized after her grandmother died because she had no legal guardian. This repression did not seem to be common knowledge among the other Legionnaires at the time.

2) In Legion Worlds 5, Ferro was severely injured by the brute Nadir on planet Steeple. If he switches back to his human form, he will die. To add to the tragedy, he had already accepted his disfigured face and was comfortable enough to take his mask off; he can't do that now as it is fused to him in his iron form.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 01/10/16 11:11 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World. The Legion Day celebrations.

Dreamer, Nura Nal of Naltor; precognition
Insect Queen, Lonna Leing of Xanthu; morphs into various insect forms, gaining the powers of the forms she takes
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation, disruption of energy flow
Star Boy, Thom Kallor of Xanthu; gravity manipulation

Atmos, Marak Russen of Xanthu; nuclear energy blasts, flight, enhanced strength and durability (Uncanny Amazer)

*************************************************************

Insect Queen smiled at Particon as they held hands while waiting in the Threshold Chamber. A crowd from Xanthu was pouring through, and they were expecting their former teammate Atmos to be part of that crowd. "You looked so sexy, demonstrating your power lance a while ago," she whispered to Particon, who smiled back. "So did you, insect abdomen aside," she joked. Insect Queen swatted Particon playfully as they did.

Across from them, Star Boy smiled as he grasped Dreamer about the waist. "Things sure have a way of working out for the better, huh? Our inter-dimensional trip led to the Brainiacs curing me, and now you're both Legionnaires too, and we even got Candi back! And Xanthu's getting better than ever."

"Yeah, the terraforming has really paid off," Particon noted. "I'm hopeful Xanthu will be back to its old self soon."

"I'm sure it will," Dreamer smiled. "Not a vision, but I have confidence in the abilities of everyone involved."

"The Legion certainly does a great job of bringing great people togeth- oh!" Insect Queen exclaimed as she felt a man bump into her. "Um, excuse me?" she said as she watched him walk away. He turned to her and sneered. "Too good for Xanthu, are you?"

"Hey!" Particon snapped. Insect Queen put an arm on her shoulder. "It's okay, Jen. Let him be."

"Are you okay?" Star Boy frowned. "I know not all Xanthusians are happy about their Amazers joining the Legion, but that guy was awfully rude."

"He was." The Legionnaires turned to see their ally Atmos stride through the Thresholds. The mohawked redhead drew whispers and stares as he passed through; besides his distinct look and costume, his powers had the odd side-effect of turning portions of his torso invisible. There was nothing invisible about the look in his face, though. "I have to warn you, Lonna. He is certainly not the only one."

Insect Queen's face fell at Atmos' words; Particon put a supportive arm on her shoulder. "I didn't realize... While I was an Amazer, many Xanthusians grumbled about the Legion, but..."

"Many Xanthusians are scared," Atmos replied calmly. "Robotica ravaged our world, and many do not wish for it to happen again. And although Star Boy and Insect Queen were on hand to fight the Robotican invasion, well... let's just say many would like some more reassurance. We are only four Amazers left on Xanthu, with five former Amazers as Legionnaires, not counting Atom'x who was thought killed and is now half of Wildfire*."

"Particon shouldn't be wrapped up in this. She isn't even originally from Xanthu!" Insect Queen protested. "I understand their sentiments, but this isn't really fair for her. Nor is it completely fair for the rest of us; though maybe we should do more for Xanthu even now that we are Legionnaires..."

"I don't think Atmos necessarily subscribes to this same opinion," Dreamer said carefully as she positioned herself between her teammates and Atmos. "And I also don't think any of you should feel guilty about joining the Legion. Both Legionnaires and Amazers are able to do plenty of good, you know."

"Xanthu... I told the other Legionnaires long ago, that being so remote has made Xanthu a little bit too eager to prove we're just as good as the "important" worlds like Earth or Colu," Star Boy considered. "Maybe... Maybe we should take some time to show Xanthu just how valued it is."

"I think you're getting a little idea there," Dreamer smiled as she kissed Star Boy on the cheek.

"It sounds like something I would like to hear," Insect Queen added as she held Particon's shoulder.

"Why not?" Atmos crossed his arms over his chest. "It certainly can't hurt."

"It's just an idea," Star Boy began. "But Xanthu could really use a big celebration after all it's been through..."

*************************************************************

1) The four Amazers are Atmos, Konk!, Kal Bodo and Radion. The five former Amazers are Star Boy, Element Lass, Kid Quantum II, Particon and Insect Queen.

2) Wildfire's origin is told in Legionnaires 76.
Posted By: Omni Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 01/14/16 03:36 AM
IB some more good quiet moments.

I can't wait to see what the The former Amzers will do to help heal Xanthu heal. I think that's a great thing to follow up on and its understandable why the people would feel scared.

Ferro and Wildfire's moment was good as well. They both will find a form of happiness. i hope Mentalla sees Ferro for who is soon and I like tat Wildfire's the inspirational voice in your reality and not the woe is me. one.

The VR battle was fun and cool and nice to see a moment of action the two of them are fun in battle. Yet again i like this pairing.

Traid's moment was touching and its shows how much she's made a difference in both the Legion and on Cragg. I like how Neutral was all for taking one more question.

Great work IB. looking forward to more and to these tryouts that keep getting mentioned.:)
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 01/14/16 10:33 PM
Thank you Omni, so happy you liked this batch of entries too! smile

I get inspiration on writing Ferro from your own work, I think you write him really well. He has come a long way from the shy and insecure hero. As for Wildfire, the Postboot one has always been considerably more upbeat than the Preboot one; and his near-death (or near-dissolution?) experience vs. the Monitor added to it! As for Mentalla... let's see. As a telepath she might be able to relate to Ferro on a deeper level, but she also has physical needs. I'll have to be very careful to handle this properly so both Ferro and Mentalla come out sympathetic.

The Xanthu developments are certainly interesting, among the planets I believe they suffered most from Robotica. Come to think of it, several planets suffered under the Blight too, but maybe all of them have recovered by now. But this brings to mind Corvan IV, whose terrorists tried to make a statement way back in Legion 1...

Happy you liked Amp and Lamprey's workout! I think these two could be good friends.

Glad Triad's scene rang true as well. She certainly won't let her impact on Cargg stop there wink And she is definitely embracing the differences among her three selves!
Posted By: razsolo Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 01/15/16 05:20 PM
I really liked Triad's scene as well...I like seeing follow-up every now and then on how Cargg is developing. You do that quite well actually, using little bits like that and Gates' earlier scene to show that the other worlds of the UP aren't just static backdrops smile

Another thing I really like is the Amazers' chat. I love that the Legion is a big enough group that it has subset groups like the Amazers or Academy graduates or Subs...it makes for interesting dynamics!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 01/15/16 09:54 PM
Thank you, raz! Triad's story and Cargg's situation really strike a chord with me. Living in Southeast Asia, where the LGBT community is hardly embraced, makes me relate to it very much.

I also have a deep interest in modern day geopolitics, an interest which seems to find its way into my writing tongue

And I agree with you on the subgroups! Thanks for mentioning the Subs too, this reminds me... I have had scenes with them before, but seeing as Brek and Drura are the only ones so far to have graduated into the Legion gives me an idea...

Ditto for Academy graduates. Now that they're in a much bigger group... Hm... Berta, Brek, Drura, Babbage, Mentalla and the now-Reservist Kent are the only former Academy students SO FAR to make it in...

PS forgot to mention, thanks again to Omni for consulting with me before. Because of our chat, I decided not to "fix" Sensor or Ferro - only Wildfire, because he was in mortal danger.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 01/22/16 11:43 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World. The Legion Day celebrations.

Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony; skilled martial artist
Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; shadow casting

Impulse, Kent Shakespeare of Earth (UK: England); enhanced speed, strength, durability and recuperative abilities; medical doctor and Legion support staff member (Reservist)

Brawler of Moxie; super-strength and durability, can mind-mesh with machinery to control it
Calorie Queen, Taryn Loy of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter, conversion of digested matter into super-strength (Reservist and Legion Cadet)
Catspaw, April Dumaka of Earth (Tanzania); enhanced agility, speed and claws (Reservist and Legion Cadet)
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa); sound manipulation (Reservist and Legion Cadet)
Tellus, Ganglios of Hykraius; telepathy and telekinesis (Reservist and Legion Cadet)
Theena of unknown; attached to a symbiotic alien able to open "viewscreens" allowing communication across distances (Reservist and Legion Cadet)

*************************************************************

Gear closed his eyes for a second as he linked himself with the Mission Monitor Board. Now that he was connected to it, he did not need his biological eyes to see what was happening.

Though the Legion Day celebrations were continuing, some of the more studious Cadets were getting a workout in. The super-strong Calorie Queen was pulverizing rocky blocks with her fists; Tenzil had jokingly said that the Legion should vote her in as an Active Legionnaire instead of him. The quiet Tellus swam in the gym pool; he was as graceful in the water as he was awkward on land. Thankfully, his flight ring and telekinesis helped him fly relatively smoothly. Echo was practicing his sonic powers, testing the shattering points of various materials.

And in the center of the gym, four figures were engaged in what seemed to be a free-for-all.

On one side, Karate Kid nimbly dodged every swipe from the agile Catspaw. She laughed with each dodge; though she was a committed student, she also knew how to enjoy herself. "So tell me, teacher," she purred. "Most of my classmates are not this slow. What am I doing wrong with you?"

"You're telegraphing too much," Karate Kid explained patiently as he leaped back. "There is a little twitch in your arm just before you swipe."

"So I see..." Catspaw meowed. As Karate Kid swung his arm around to counterattack, she flipped backwards, landing softly on the floor.

On the other side of the gym, things were not quite so lighthearted.

"Dodge all you want, Umbra! All I need is to get one of your limbs pinned..." Brawler, brash as ever, molded bits of metal into snares that shot at Umbra from all directions. Gear silently gave thanks that the Cadet had finally learned to make his power work on metallic objects that did not contain circuitry; repairs were easy and relatively inexpensive, but no less tedious. Umbra, however, was not impressed. "Perhaps you will be more successful if you stop talking and focus," she said icily as she effortlessly evaded another volley. "You're not even a quarter as fast as Cosmic Boy or Kinetix."

"I'm just trying to corner you. It's part of my strategy," Brawler said through gritted teeth. Sweat was pouring down his face. Gear sighed inwardly; Brawler was a decent fighter, but his ego would be a major liability in the field.

Behind him, he heard a much louder sigh. He turned to see Theena, head resting on her palm as she slowly sifted through the monitors. Every time she changed a channel, so did the views being displayed on the symbiotic life-form attached to her back. Gear considered; though Theena was a Cadet, her powers hardly made he suited for Active duty. She would make a great Espionage Squad member, however, or an excellent choice for manning the Monitor Board.

Which was where Theena spent plenty of her time, in fact. Her symbiote allowed her to see and hear anything within an approximately 1-kilometer radius; Babbage and Rebound had figured early on how to hook her into the Mission Monitor Board on Legion World, magnifying her range. She could now extend her views to any point on the artificial planet, though - and she had been the one to suggest this - she could not see into people's bedrooms or toilets. She was the logical choice to oversee security while Legion Day was going on.

Well, one of the logical choices. Gear considered. He himself felt no desire to mingle with huge crowds of fawning sentients, but in general the Cadets were like children waiting for their birthdays.

"Theena. It's a shame you have to stay here while the celebrations are going on. Why don't you go and enjoy the Legion Day celebrations? I can handle this myself."

Theena's head snapped up in surprise. "Oh, I couldn't do that, Gear!"

Gear shook his head. "Come on. I'll miss your company, but Legion Day only rolls around once a year. And you're more sociable than I am. You know I hate talking to crowds." He made a face, causing Theena to laugh. "Go on. You can just bring me some food from the commissary on your way back... tomorrow."

"Thank you!" Theena jumped with joy and gave Gear a little kiss on the forehead. Then she ran out with a big smile on her face.

Gear settled back in his seat, with a smile on his as well. He toggled back to the screen watching over the gym. Brawler was still trying, in vain, to snag Umbra. The blue-skinned Legionnaire frowned in boredom and annoyance. With a frustrated grunt, Brawler raised his arms, sending a rain of metallic debris flying at Umbra. "Look out!" she yelled as she unclipped her cape from her costume, swinging it in front of her to catch most of the items. A few pierced holes in her cape, but Umbra herself was unharmed.

Catspaw and Karate Kid were not so lucky. Caught unawares, the two reacted in time to avoid the worst of it; but a large beam struck Val's right foot as he jumped aside, while a nasty-looking sheet of metal hit Catspaw's side as she leaped away. The feline Cadet hissed in pain as she rounded on Brawler. "What gives, nasshead?"

"Hey, hey!" Brawler raised his hands. "I didn't mean to!"

"You still caused bodily harm," Umbra's tone was darker than the shadows surrounding her fists.

"I'll say," Catspaw snarled as she raised her claws. Crimson blood stained the side of her costume. "You'll pay for that."

Gear sighed as he raised his flight ring to his lips. "Doctor Kent. You're needed in the gym."

*************************************************************

Impulse titled his head slightly as Gear's voice came over his flight ring. "Be there in a bit, Gear. I just need to patch up this brave little girl's arm." He smiled warmly at her. "Don't cry, honey. It's just a little scrape. Half an hour with this medi-patch and you will be as good as new."

"And then I can play on the space-gorilla bars again?" she sniffed.

"Only if you're careful," the girl's mother chided gently. She smiled warmly at Kent. "Thank you, Doctor."

"Or would you prefer to be called Impulse?" The girl's father spoke with a curious tone, his mustache flaring. Kent put on his warmest smile; he knew where this was going.

"Impulse is still my code name, whether I'm on or off the field. Either form of address is fine."

"Let's go, dear. I'm sure Dr. Shakespeare has many other patients to see," the mother said with a touch of embarrassment. "Come on." She herded her husband and daughter away, giving Kent a smile. He smiled back gratefully. As soon as they exited the clinic, he held his flight ring up.

"Sorry, Gear. Just finished with a patient. What's this about the gym?"

"Training accident. Hotheads involved. I could send the medi-bots, but you did insist on finishing your shift today, and I think a good bedside manner can help diffuse the situations..." Gear's voice was not without a touch of amusement.

Impulse barked a laugh. "Any Legionnaires there?"

"Karate Kid and Umbra. Trainees involved are Brawler and Catspaw."

"Oh, I'm sure they can calm everyone down..." Kent barked a laugh. "So I heard you insisted on manning the Monitor Boards even though at least six other Legionnaires offered to take shifts today."

Gear chuckled. "What can I say? Probably for the same reasons you chose to take your shift..."

"It's a tough job..." Kent continued, even as he grabbed his medikit and started for the door.

"But we love doing it," Gear finished.

"And how. That's why I stepped down from active duty. The Legion has plenty of other strong, more-durable-than-average heroes on its roster."

"And even though I'm on the Active roster, I do tend to go on fewer missions than most," Gear mused.

"We have quite a bit to bond over," Kent laughed. "Let's talk more about this next time? I think I need to get over there before they injure each other some more."

"I wouldn't worry TOO much. I won't spoil things for you, though. Best you see it for yourself. Talk to you later, Doc."

Impulse smiled as he flew along the corridors. Gear had a great sense of humor, certainly not something he had expected from a techno-organic being. He mused as he gripped his medikit; he knew Gear enjoyed the occasional mission, and sometimes he did miss that as well. But there was more than enough excitement on a planetoid as large as Legion World to keep him busy. Still, maybe he could...

His thoughts were disrupted as he entered the gym. Calorie Queen was holding a rather noisy Brawler up in the air; he was strong, but she was stronger. "I assure you, you can kick at me all you want. I still won't drop you," she said calmly as she kept his feet dangling off the ground. Darkfield bonds kept Brawler's limbs from moving, though not his tongue. "Let me at her, I'll...!"

"Oh, be quiet." With a flick of Umbra's wrist, a shadowy gag appeared around Brawler's mouth.

"Coward! Let me punish him!" Catspaw snarled as her limbs flailed in the air. Below her, Tellus' tail twitched as he concentrated. "She... is... quite... energetic," the amphibious Cadet's normally calm telepathic "voice" echoed.

"Don't make me use my powers, Catspaw..." Echo warned. "Calm down. Brawler may be brash, but I'm sure it was just an accident."

"I agree. He has no reason to harm us on purpose," Karate Kid added, even as he carefully stretched his leg out in front of him. "I am sure an apology will ease Catspaw's anger."

"I think that's the way to go," Kent said as he strode towards Catspaw. Her wound seemed shallow, but the flailing was causing the blood to continue flowing. "April, if you don't stop moving around, this trickle of blood will turn into a fountain. I know you heal faster than most, but why don't you let me patch you up?"

"... Fine. But Brawler and I are not done," she hissed.

"Oh, we will see to it that he knows that," Umbra said darkly.

Impulse sighed inwardly as he began to get to work.

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Theena and her symbiote appeared in the Threeboot, and the symbiote seemed to allow her to see and hear things happening anywhere. No limits were ever set. This seems a bit too powerful, so I gave her some limitations.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 01/23/16 12:48 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World. The Legion Day celebrations.

Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair, extensive espionage contacts
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time

*************************************************************

"You're pretty hairy," Spider-Girl cooed as she admired Timber Wolf. "I like that."

"I bet you do," the lupine Legionnaire smirked. "And I like a woman who takes very good care of herself." He winked at her, a wink which she returned with interest as her long, red hair curled around his forearms.

"I hate to interrupt, but feel free to continue when I'm out of the room," Ultra Boy quipped. "Seriously, though. Thanks for helping me out here."

"Hey, anything for Tinya." Brin turned to face Jo and looked him squarely in the eye. "Thanks for including me."

"I owe her safety to you," Jo replied. "So of course."

"Nice to see you have become all mature," Sussa snarked. "Please and thank you and all that."

"Sussa, I apologized..."**

"You did, well after the fact," Sussa cut in sweetly. "And I'm over it, and over you. But I figure the way you did it allows me at least another year's worth of friendly ribbing."

Jo sighed, while Brin tried to hide a rather broad smile. Jo shot him a glare, at which Brin shrugged his shoulders. You do kind of deserve it, he mouthed. Jo shook his head in annoyance.

"Anyway..." Sussa continued as she tapped on her Omnicom. "My contacts have corroborated the rumblings you two have heard from your old gangs on Rimbor. There are now three confirmed sightings of Luonel Bordo within the last week."

"Tinya's dad," Brin breathed.

"And a wanted sentient-trafficker," Jo said grimly. "With an outstanding warrant of arrest."

"Which means we can go in as Legionnaires," Sussa smiled. "If that's what you want, anyway." She and Brin turned to look at Jo, who clenched his fists.

"I think it's time to bring this to Tinya's attention..." He frowned as he studied Sussa's files. It was time for some major justice. And, though Tinya had healed a lot since she found out about her dad's crimes*, this would be the perfect chance to close off this part of her past once and for all.

************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Spider-Girl and Ultra Boy were an item in the Workforce. Apparition and Ultra Boy fell in love at first sight, and Jo just kind of blew Sussa off without really ending things with her (at least it seemed in Legionnaires 26, where Jo justified his date with Tinya by saying "Don't start with me, Sussa. I'll hang around with whoever I...")

2) LSH v4 102, where Tinya found out that her dad gave away her two "bodies" (her dad is Carggite!)
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World. The Legion Day celebrations.

Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers

*************************************************************

Andromeda lowered her voice out of force of habit as she spoke with Obin Der and Teena Dav in one of the Legion's small meeting rooms. She didn't need to; they had complete privacy. But force of habit was strong; she remembered having to keep her voice low as she spoke with Roxxas and other White Triangle members and sympathizers in her brief time in the Daxamite capital. It seemed like a lifetime ago now; her father had surprised her with a draft notice for the Legion of Super-heroes*; this granted her amazing powers under Earth's yellow sun, but forced her to mingle with other races.

She considered her words as she spread mashed Daxamite peas mixed with fragrant oil on her crackers. Traditional Daxamite food from the desert; food she had not tasted in years. How thoughtful of Obin Der to bring some.

"I am happy you both were able to come here," she continued. Among the handful of Daxamites living offworld, only Teena had been available and willing to join the celebrations on Legion World. The others were a little too scared of being exposed as Daxamites in such a crowded, multi-species environment. "How are you adjusting to your new life, Teena?"

"It's amazing! I love the powers; sometimes I fly at night, or when I'm traveling in remote places like the glaciers of Tharn," The young girl gushed. Obin Der had shared her story; she had just wanted to see the galaxy, and wearing the bracelet that severely limited Daxamites' powers and acted as a tracking device was a small price to pay for that. Having never experienced the full potential of her powers, even these limited ones were magical to her - and indeed, very few beings in the United Planets would ever experience anything like them.

Andromeda herself was exempted from wearing one, due to her Legionnaire status and RJ Brande's presidential pardon**, but she still asked for one to wear when not on Legion business. It was great for reducing the fear others sometimes felt in her presence.

"I hope you have been updating your family, Teena," Obin Der smiled. The Ambassador worked hard to ensure the continued safety of Daxamites who chose to spend extended amounts of time offworld. "Your mother worries, you know."

"I call her every two days, Ambassador," Teena smiled. "I realize now how lucky I am that they are way cooler than most parents."

"Yes, the galaxy is still a little afraid of us," Andromeda said gently. "Not undeservedly; few species or races have this much power. You ARE lucky; I haven't spoken to my own family since..."

"I'm sorry." Teena's smile wilted a little. "I... most of us, most of us who left Daxam, know your story very well." She leaned a little closer, and tentatively stretched her hand out. "You were very brave, standing against those who... who had beliefs that were drilled into your whole life."

Andromeda smiled, a genuine smile of gratitude. "That is very nice of you to say." She took Teena's hand in hers. "All of us here are very brave. It is my hope that one day, all of Daxam will see that there is no reason to fear - much less hate - other worlds."

Obin Der took a sip of his rich Daxamite blue tea; the scent of herbs filled his nose. "Amen to that."

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) LSH v4 66 and LSH v4 70. Andromeda's family shared the White Triangle's racist and xenophobic views. She established that in Daxam's cities, children were taught about the seeding of worlds by Valor, and how most humanoid races/species in the UP galaxy shared common ancestry from Earth. The White Triangle chose to live apart, in the desert, to perpetuate their beliefs.

2) LSH v4 80. Andromeda aided the White Triangle by giving Roxxas an anti-lead serum. To her horror, it allowed them to ravage Earth. As atonement, she turned herself in. RJ Brande pardoned her upon becoming UP President.
Christopher Kent (Lor-Zod) had one of those red-sun bracelets. I assume that the technology has improved over they past millennium, and they no longer tend to explode like a cheap lithium-ion battery.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 01/23/16 11:02 PM
Oh yes, the bracelets used by the Daxamites are very safe. It wouldn't do to have them maiming random citizens...

... and the UP as it is now would definitely not build such unscrupulous failsafes into them. Nope.
Posted By: Omni Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 02/02/16 06:06 PM
Ib This Legion day is truly epic in scope.
i'm loving how were getting to see everyone!

Brawler and Thenna i want on the team asap! just saying. She's great and he's awkwardly bad. but i just want to see more of him. }Maybe once he's learned a bit more.

I loved Umbra's cape trick. that was wicked cool!

And Calorie Queen lifting Brawler up was a funny image.

Sussa, Brin, and Jo out to get Tinya's dad? this is going to be a fun mission to watch. they are the ones who can go where no other Legionnaire can go...well expect for maybe Lyle or Cham. lol

Old habits die hard for Andromeda. i liked that you referenced that! IB i really do love how complete your world is and how well tied it is to the actual series.

that moment was really inspiring and shows how much work they've done but still needs to do. I like that Andromeda choose to wear the bracelet.

Can't wait for more.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 02/02/16 11:21 PM
Thanks Omni, so nice of you to say. I'm glad you're liking these little moments. I'm having an easier time using Legion Day to move my universe forward, so it might maintain the same "level" and "flavor" throughout without necessarily building up into a crescendo.

Glad you liked the appearances of more Cadets - many making their debut in this reality! Brawler is a guy I love to hate, though at least he's not as hideously arrogant as Preboot Atmos or Threeboot Ultra Boy. Calorie Queen is a great character too (though writing Tenzil has made me partial to him!) And I love Theena, and was inspired to include her after you did the same in your story.

Umbra is an amazing fighter, look for more cool moves from her smile

Tinya, Jo, Sussa and Brin is a story waiting to write itself wink

And glad you liked Andromeda's "realness" smile

Thanks again for all the support!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 02/13/16 09:30 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World. The Legion Day celebrations.

White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery

Dragonmage, Xao Jin of New Shanghai (Earth colony); sorcery (Reservist)

*************************************************************

"I wish you would stay longer, Xao." The White Witch tried, but failed, to keep the sadness from creeping into her voice. "Are you not punishing yourself too much? You are a Reserve Legionnaire. You have earned your flight ring."

Dragonmage lowered his eyes as he brushed his hair forward. "I thought I could bear the shame of my past actions, My Lady. But during the fly-by... I could feel the looks of scorn from many of those in the crowd. I should not have joined even that."

"Xao..." Mysa held his hand. "Your mistakes had grievous consequences, but they were not intentional. Compare yourself with Andromeda. She, too, made an error. But she has atoned for it. She told you herself. She has made peace with herself."

"It is not the same, My Lady... Much like your defiance of the accursed Mordru, whose rule you never believed in; and her turning her back on the White Triangle beliefs of her family, which she once embraced..."

Dragonmage's lips formed a small, mischievous smile, and Mysa laughed - partly at his cheeky comparison, but more so at seeing him make a joke. Perhaps Dragonmage was closer healing than she thought. "You are correct; our situations are not the same," Mysa said gently. "And I understand you need time to work through it. Just know this: I firmly believe that your status as a Reserve Legionnaire will aid you in your journey towards forgiveness."

"I thank you, my lady," Dragonmage's voice was quiet as his eyes filled with tears. "You are indeed as kind and compassionate as you are beautiful..."

Xao blushed as he said that. He was used to being forward about his burning ambition and desire to learn, but not about his personal thoughts and feelings. He averted his gaze; bad enough that he still felt the burden of his mistakes, but to so awkwardly express himself to the Lady Mysa at a time when he was clearly not worthy of her...

"I thank you, Xao," Mysa gently touched his wrist. "You are very sweet, to say that."

Dragonmage returned her warm smile, and opened his hand to take hers. The two walked silently to the Threshold chamber, Dragonmage carrying his knapsack. Mysa squeezed his hand one last time as he approached the open Threshold. A green-haired Kwai turned to him. "And where would you like to go?"

Xao hesitated. Now he had his full powers back, and now he had completed his sentence for his mistake in freeing the Elementals... but now he was also bereft. With joining the Legion not an option for the time being, he needed to find his own path. Mysa squeezed his hand again. "I am sure, wherever you go, it will be an important step in your journey, Xao."

He squeezed back in gratitude. Taking out his Omnicom, he tapped on the Galactic Maps button to show the Kwai his destination. "Take me to New Shanghai, please."

As the Kwai armored up, Xao turned to hug Mysa one last time. "I will keep in touch."

"I look forward to it." Mysa stood silently, watching Xao as he entered the Threshold. Then she sighed as she turned around to exit the Threshold Chamber.

Hidden from view, another pair of eyes watched as well. Then that pair of eyes vanished, one phrase in its thoughts.

New Shanghai.

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

White Witch enlisted Dragonmage in her bid to counter an awakened Mordru. After Dragonmage lost his powers fighting Mordru (Legionnaires 50-52), she taught him again.

Unfortunately, Dragonmage became impatient and unleashed four powerful Elementals despite being warned by a mystical avatar. The four Elementals possessed four hosts, including Dirk Morgna. They also caused planet Dryad to explode, and removed all the water from planet Gil'd, causing the death of numerous Gil'dans.

Dragonmage helped stop the Elementals, but lost his powers again. Of the four hosts, only Dirk Morgna survived. In shame, Dragonmage turned himself in to atone. (Legionnaires 71 to 74).

I had it that he spent time working with the UP to reach out to worlds formerly under Mordru's control, in his empire which spanned several star systems on the fringes of the UP's galaxy, over a century before the UP was formed (location and date revealed in Legionnaires 49).

His powers were restored by the Monitor. Although Mysa offered to nominate him for Active membership, Dragonmage declined as he was still ashamed of his past actions. The Legionnaires did grant him Reserve status for his efforts in redeeming himself, and for helping out against the Monitor.

And yes, Mysa is Mordru's daughter in this reality. She helped defeat him, but was aged into a hag in the process. (Legionnaires 48-50). She manipulated Kinetix to help find the Emerald Eye, the only one of Mordru's talismans and weapons she was not able to seal away. (Legionnaires 42, among others). She helped fight Mordru again, having her youthful form restored in the process.
Posted By: Omni Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 02/18/16 01:21 AM
I really like that Xao isn't willing to take the easy way to atonement.

His and Mysa's relationship whatever it maybe is really well done.

Hmmm vanishing eyes... i wonder who that is and what they want with Xao...could this be the magical punishment that comes with his hubris?

Can't wait for more.
Posted By: Fat Cramer Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 02/18/16 02:22 PM
Ferro and Wildfire sharing a common problem - of course! That makes so much sense. These Legion Day pieces really individualize the characters in a realistic way. Triad helping her fellow Carggite, Gear avoiding the socializing, Xao's inability to forgive himself.

I'm curious to see what you do with Brawler; he's got a long way to go to qualify as a Legionnaire - maybe he slips to the dark side?
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 02/19/16 12:40 AM
Hi Omni and FC! Thanks for the comments and feedback. I really appreciate it.

Xao does still have a bit of pride. He and Mysa do have more than just a teacher-student relationship.

The vanishing eyes will tie into something else I introduced...

Happy you are liking the little moments. Drake and Andy have a lot in common now, look for more!

Brawler, have not thought about where he will go. I needed someone to cause an accident so I could feature Kent, but it looks like Brawler stole the show!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 02/27/16 08:01 PM
Originally Posted by Fat Cramer

I'm so glad to see other parts of the Earth (New Seoul) than the original U.S.A. represented.



FC's comment has inspired me to firmly established where in Earth my Earthling Legionnaires are from.

I see these countries existing as distinct regions on a united Earth; there is a centralized Earthgov, but these regions have some autonomy in internal affairs. More importantly, they are proud of their rich, long histories and distinct cultures.

Here they are:

Active Legionnaires

Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation. Current Legion co-leader.

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis (probationary pending completion of Legion basic training)
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation, disruption of energy flow
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada); inflates into a durable bouncing form

Reserve Legionnaires (Not Legion Cadets)

Dragonmage, Xao Jin of New Shanghai (Earth colony); sorcery
Impulse, Kent Shakespeare of Earth (United Kingdom: England); enhanced speed, strength, durability and recuperative abilities; medical doctor and Legion support staff member

Uncanny Amazers

Radion, Roy Travich of Earth (Italy and Madagascar); flight and emission of radiation

Reserve Legionnaires (Concurrent Legion Cadets) - Partial List

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Catspaw, April Dumaka of Earth (Tanzania); enhanced agility, speed and claws
Crystal Kid, Bobb Kohan of Earth (Brazil and Peru); crystal generation and manipulation
Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal); controls his body's density; increasing his density grants a degree of strength and durability
Dragonwing, Marya Pai of Earth (Singapore and Tibet); breathes fire and secretes acid venom
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa); sound manipulation
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau); underwater survival; hydrokinesis
Porcupine Pete, Peter Dursin of Earth (Jamaica); ejects quills from his body
Vision, Rhent Ustin of Earth (Egypt); microscopic, telescopic, heat, freeze, and hypnotic vision

Honorary Legionnaires and Legion Support Staff

Hannah Wells of Earth (France and Mali); reporter and Legion media liaison
Lori Morning of 20th century Earth (USA); RJ Brande's adopted daughter
Marla Latham of Earth (Germany and Sweden); Legion adult advisor
Rond Vidar of Earth (Iran); skilled scientist specializing in time studies
Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Ireland); Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer

I also took the liberty of establishing that Karate Kid's home, Omega Colony, was colonized by Japan.

Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony (Earth colony: Japan); skilled martial artist

Some of these characters have two countries; their parents came from these different countries.

I wanted to do the same for Xanthu, seeing as how we have so many characters from there... but I don't feel up to creating an entire geography for Xanthu just yet!
Posted By: razsolo Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 02/28/16 12:03 AM
That's great IB, glad to see Australia gets a nod with Lyle laugh

I get what you mean about starting on Xanthu...a while ago I was thinking of doing Winath, maybe if I had an extra couple days in the week wink
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 02/28/16 12:27 AM
Thanks raz! Glad to hear from you again re my work, hope you're all caught up smile I wanted to cover as many modern-day countries as I could, and something about Lyle just screams Australia smile

yeah, world-building is tough isn't it? And too many worlds to really deep-dive into!
Posted By: razsolo Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 02/28/16 01:02 AM
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
something about Lyle just screams Australia smile


Must be the headband wink

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 02/28/16 01:58 AM
That COULD be it... I wonder what Condo thinks about the headband? wink
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 03/23/16 07:19 AM
I have two more segments plotted for Legion day but I have not been able to actually write. Things are hectic right now...

One segment will comment on a long-lost character...
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 03/24/16 05:52 AM
Hey IB, yor Legion Day Celebration has been really wel written, lots and lots of delightful moments. You've nailed every single character moment.

It's a pity Tenzil chose to stay out of active service as you have a really good take on him but his reasoning was spot on, and I'm sure we'll see him again.

Gates being a superstar to the Kwai and the new generation of free thinkers amongst the Kwai, along with his real friendship with Brainy was really well done. Nice pick up on the Kwai's respect for place and direction and good job tying that

The section where the new costumes were being designed was great, loved Kinetix and Candi. Babbage and Amp 's friendship is good to see as was her take on her lack of promotion. You've written her disappointment and later realisation when she trained with Lamprey to keep on chugging away very well. Great characterisation there IB, well done.

You have an interesting take on Mentalla, she kind of annoyed me with her immaturity in the comic (boo hoo they rejected me so I'm going to show them) so its good to see you've made her a bit more mature and flexible. Ferro's crush on her is sweet and I have a feeling it may well lead to something as I'm sure she could help him with his current predicament. Looking forward to where you take this.

I have no idea who Brawler is but he's a fun character, it's good to see the way less than perfect candidates deal with the stress of cadet-hood. Gears reaction was nice, cool, calm and collected, with a hint of amusement. Your take on Kent I'd great too (actually your take on all the characters is great) and I like how he's met a kindred spirit in Gear, they're both professionals so it makes perfect sense really. Cats paw is still a pain, but nice to see her taking training seriously, and of course your Val is as cool as he should be.

Spider Girl, Timber Wolf and Ultra Boy on a mission together is just asking for fun and mishaps, I'm looking forward to their catching up with Tinya's father.

Andromedas meeting with fellow Daxamites was another nice scene.the Daxamites agreeing to the power dampening bracelets was nicely explained. Dragonmages conversation with Mysa was great too, you've given him a lot more personality than I ever remember him having before, well done. I totally agree with your reasons for not including him in the full team though hope you don't forget about him as you write him so well.

IB, you Celebration Day has been epic. There have been no big action scenes and it is all the better for your focussing on these smaller inter-personal moments. I've thoroughly enjoyed catching up with your story, it's amazing!

More, more, more!
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 03/24/16 05:54 AM
Also meant to say, you're giving the team countries of origin is great, well overdue and truth be told I wish I'd thought of it first laugh

Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 03/24/16 06:36 AM
Hi Harbi, I'm so happy you caught up, I really enjoy and value your comments smile

So glad you liked Legion Day and all the character moments!

Tenzil will definitely be showing up often, I think part of his charm is his practicality. I do have plans for him which will hopefully delight you.

The Kwai's valuing place and direction was mentioned in Legion Lost 3, and I always thought a teleporter like Gates must be fascinating for them. Funny how both the Kwai and the Vyrgans seemed to evolve societies which traditionally value conformity, but now have Legionnaires (Gates and Shikari) turning these things on their heads!

Zoe is playful and Candi is so, so sweet, and their love for fashion will definitely bring them together again.

I always thought Babbage, as a robot, would have some programs designed to interpret (if not completely comprehend!) human emotions.

Amp's story draws from my own experiences with delayed promotions, and she is reacting very much as I did smile Happy you're liking it. She and Lamprey will definitely show up often - look for them to give the other Cadets a run for their money!

This Mentalla is more mature than her Preboot counterpart, and knowing her other self's fate (killed by the Emerald Empress!) had grounded her even more.

As for Ferro, he will certainly be making some moves in the future. Whether they come to fruition, well... we shall see.

Brawler appeared exactly once, in Showcase 1995 6, where he crushed on (and annoyed Andromeda) and bullied fellow Cadets (then called Academy students) Tomb and Cannus. He's actually quite physically attractive, one of the few men in the Legion's time to sport stubble... but his bad attitude totally negates that.

Catspaw, despite her animalistic reactions, is a serious student, happy you liked that aspect.

Gear and Kent make a nice pair, yes, both take their duties very seriously and take much more pride in doing a good job than in hearing the roar of the crowds.

Tinya's father will give Jo, Sussa, Brin and Tinya many more headaches before they catch up with him. I'm going to have fun writing this quartet of Legionnaires.

Laurel and the other like-minded Daxamites have accepted that they need to assuage the galaxy's fears so they can move around freely, but for them it is worth it.

And Dragonmage will certainly show up again - I have big plans for him and would love to have included him if not for his (arguably) checkered past.

And I did get to thinking, even though Earth is unified 1000 years from now, we are just such a diverse planet that there is merit in spreading out the Earth-born Legionnaires and cast all over the globe smile I think I'm going to have tons of fun exploring how these countries are 1000 years from now.

Thanks again for all the kind words, they encourage me even more to write again soon!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 07/16/16 08:54 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World. The Legion Day celebrations.

Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery


Gigi Cusimano of Mars; Science police lieutenant and commander of the Science Police contingent on Legion World
**************************************************************

"Hold on a second, Rokk." Jazmin squeezed her boyfriend's hand gently. A women clothed all in white was crossing the hallway behind Cosmic Boy, brow furrowed. Jazmin lifted herself up in the air and flew towards the White Witch.

"Lady Mysa?" Jazmin said gently, though not tentatively. "Are you okay? You seem troubled." Though Mysa had joined the team while she was lost in limbo, she had worked with her twice before* against Mordru and the Elements of Disaster. And even if she had not, Mysa was her teammate now. That was enough reason to be concerned for her.

Mysa smiled, a sad but gentle smile that lit up her face. "Please, Jazmin, call me Mysa. And I thank you for asking. I am well. I just said goodbye to Dragonmage, and I do miss him already."

"He's going home, right?" Cos asked. He paused as both women looked at him, then smiled sheepishly. To Jazmin, at least, she knew it was sheepish. Any other sentient would call it a charming smile. "I'm sorry. I saw you were both talking in normal tones, so..."

"No, no, please don't apologize," Mysa said soothingly. "I am quite grateful that you both asked. It has been so long since I had friends,** and I appreciate your concern." She looked at both serenely, though her eyes spoke of her worry. "I especially appreciate how welcoming everyone is."

"Of course. We are all teammates now," Jazmin smiled warmly. "And we have to take care of one another." She paused as she looked at Mysa; the women was stoic, but she definitely felt things deeply. "Say... Cos and I were about to take a Threshold down to Earth. Just to get away from the bustle for a bit. Would you like to join us?"

Mysa's smile was wide. "I thank you... and I would love to. However, I am due to assist in the VR room. Maybe another time?"

"The invitation is always open," Cos said. He gave a little wave, and Mysa waved back with a warm smile before turning to leave.

Jazmin fixed Rokk with a warm smile as she laid a hand on his firm arm. "Sometimes I worry about them. Not about the state of the team as a whole - we are the strongest we have ever been, with many new and capable Legionnaires - but about some individual team members."

"They'll be fine," Cos smiled back as his eyes twinkled. She loved it when they did. "Especially as they know their leader really cares for them."

She gave his arm a pinch, and he jumped back with a small growl. "Stop messing with me, Rokk Krinn, and let's get a move on." He stuck his tongue out at her, but his smiling eyes told a different story. "To the Thresholds!"

"You'll love this," Rokk grinned. "The old Hall of Justice was started by the Justice League after..."

Jazmin laughed to herself as Cos enumerated the Justice League members at the time the Hall had been built. He was such a history geek; name almost any 20th century costumed hero and he could tell you their powers. And she loved how his face lit up whenever he did.

They took the back hallway to the Threshold chambers, as it was not open to the public. Jazmin enjoyed the respite from the crowds. As co-leader, she had spent her share of time dazzling the crowds, and she had also spent time entertaining diplomats. A quick trip off Legion World was just the thing she needed.

"... and it was not that long after when the second Firestorm joined. And soon after, Kimiyo Hoshi rejoined. Did you know, at one point the League had only the two of them plus Zatanna, Vixen, John Stewart?"

"All pretty powerful, though," Jazmin pointed out as they entered the Threshold Chamber. They quickly took to the air; the chamber was full of sentients joining the celebrations, and many would definitely try to ask for a holo. Jazmin was happy to oblige, but she could use a recharge.

"But not quite a team," Rokk added as he waved to the crowd. He spared a smile for them, then turned his face back to her. They continued to fly towards the Threshold that had been reserved for Legionnaires and staff. "Well, they were all professional, but Kimiyo Hoshi wasn't exactly the most pleasant hero. Not that I would know..."

"Hmmm. So, among the ones you did meet in the 20th century, which one did you like best?"

Rokk tapped a finger to his lip. "Hmmm... I'll have to say..."

Before Rokk could answer, a Kwai burst through the Threshold, a Science Police Officer in his arms. The man's face was blackened, and boils massed on his arms. Murmurs erupted around the room as the Kwai asked loudly for a medic.

"What happened?" Jazmin asked. Before the Kwai could answer, Gigi Cusimano stepped up behind her. "Aldin was assigned to the Metropolis ingress." Her tone was grim. "Who did this?"

"A man throwing fire," the Kwai was calm, his chest barely heaving. "I took him back to save him, but there are others there..."

"Thank you, but we will need you to bring us back." Gigi lowered her visor. "At least, I'm going down there. Fire-retarding systems should help, but if there's a post-human there... Reyes, take care of Aldin." A nearby officer saluted as Gigi pulled out her blaster. "We should be able to take care of this, Kid Quantum, Cosmic Boy."

"I'm sure you can," Jazmin said soothingly. Gigi was extremely professional, and unlike many Science Police officers, she had never harbored any sort of grudge against the Legion. And she certainly did not want to upset someone she would have to work closely with on Legion World. "But if you don't mind, we'll join you. We were heading to Metropolis, anyway."

"We can help with the crowd," Rokk added. "I'm sure there's tons of sentients down there."

Gigi nodded, then motioned to the Kwai. "Lead the way, please." Translucent wings fluttered as the Kwai dove into the Threshold. Jazmin quickly followed into the space between dimensions; though you could keep sight of your Kwai guide a few meters ahead, she still remembered the uncertain exhilaration of passing through the doorway for the very first time. The bright whiteness could be confusing, and civilians were required to ride transports to enter a Threshold to minimize the chances of anyone getting lost. After a few seconds, she stepped into chaos.

A handful of science Police officers were herding terrified sentients out of the hall where a Threshold to Legion World had been set up. Fire-retardant sprays were pouring from the ceiling onto a blond man wreathed in flames. Such was the intensity of his powers that some of the spray evaporated before it reached him. He wove his way through the spray, blasting at the machines pumping it out. He kept screaming all the while, and it took Jazmin a moment to make it out. "Where is she?!"

"Lieutenant! Legionnaires!" An officer - her helmet named her Richards - saluted. As soon as Gigi returned her salute, she began her report. "Several minor injuries, but no dead yet. Only Aldin needed immediate medical attention. Motive unknown."

"It may have something to do with what he's yelling," Gigi noted. "Who is this she?"

"No idea, Ma'am. We asked for a telepath, but..."

"YOU!!!"

Jazmin felt a blast of heat almost as intense as that of the Fire Elemental she had once battled as several fireballs streaked in her direction. She quickly threw up a quantum field to slow down their flight.

"Move away!" She gestured towards the Science Police officers around. "I can slow down the radiation of heat, but not stop it completely!" Gigi nodded as she directed her officers to clear the remaining civilians. "Let the Legionnaires handle the firebug," she called.

"Fine with me. Looks like it's us he wants," Rokk noted grimly. The four discs on his costume levitated in front of him. "Let's end this fast." He sent two of the discs flying in front of the man, who promptly blasted them back. "You! You were there with her! Where is she?!!"

"Who are you talking about?!" Rokk replied as he maneuvered the two remaining discs behind the man.

"SANDY!!!" The name erupted from his throat as a corona of fire enveloped him. Jazmin flinched despite herself, though she maintained her stasis field; the area was not yet clear. Rokk's two remaining discs clattered to the ground as he stood in shock. "No..." he whispered. "It can't be... Inferno?"

Jazmin froze. She had made the connection at the same time. "I never even knew she had family here."

"I never even thought to check..." Rokk said grimly. Jazmin could sense the guilt in his voice.

"We have to talk him down," Jazmin noted. "Rokk, he knows you, can you..."

"Officer down!" Gigi's strident call interrupted her. Officer Reyes was screaming on the ground; flames licked at her uniform. She was rolling around, trying to put them out, but Jazmin could feel her pain. The emergency systems were not strong enough to deal with them. Jazmin quickly enveloped Officer Reyes in a stasis field. "Quickly, Lieutenant. I will need to time my removal of the field just right..."

Gigi nodded as she raced to get a hand-held chemical spray. Jazmin grit her teeth as she maintained her stasis field just so; she was thankful that poor Officer Reyes would not feel like time had stretched for her. She turned her head. "Rokk..."

"I'll do it," Rokk said. He had already put on his transuit. Calmly walking towards the man, hands raised, he spoke slowly and carefully. "Listen... are you talking about Sandy Anderson? Inferno?"

"YES! Tell me where she is!" the man screamed. Tears began welling up in his eyes, though any that fell were quickly evaporated by the intense heat he was emitting. "She went with you on a secret mission* and vanished!"

"She... she did not vanish. She decided to stay."

"LIAR!" A plume of fire blasted the ceiling. "Why would she do that?!"

"I... I don't know," Rokk said sadly. "But I can prove that she decided to stay. Here... I'll take out my Omnicom, okay?"

"No funny moves!" hissed the man.

"None..." Rokk said as he slowly reached into his belt pouch. "I'm not using my powers... See?" He slowly tapped on his Omnicom until he found the file he wanted. He was thankful that it did not show any indications the team was in the far past; their jaunt through time was still a closely held secret and any indications of where they had been - such as the time portal that had opened up in 30th century Metropolis - had been carefully explained away. He set his Omnicom to broadcast, and pressed play.

The image appeared above him; Saturn Girl's Omnicom screen calling Inferno. After a few rings, Inferno's short-haired, scowling face appeared beside Saturn Girl's calm, long-haired visage. "Inferno!" Imra said, excitement filling her tone. "We're finally going home!"

"So?" Sandy's contempt showed as strongly as Imra's confusion. "I don't have a home there. You go back if you want. I'm staying here."

"But..." Before Imra could finish her protest, the call ended abruptly.

"We kept this... as a record... in case anyone ever came looking for her," Rokk whispered. "None did until now."

"No! Lies, lies, all lies!" The man screamed as he released another vast explosion. "I don't believe this!" He began charging towards Rokk, who hastily pulled a metal shield together. "Please, listen...!"

"No, I won't! You're lying!"

Out of the corner of his eye, Rokk saw that Jazmin had finished with Officer Reyes. She was keeping the officers back a safe distance, though the ones remaining were now training their blasters on the man. Jazmin's own hands glowed, ready to release her quantum spheres at the first sign of trouble. He had to keep the man talking. "How can you be sure? I showed this to you... Look, if you surrender, we can figure out a way to go back to her. We can try. Wouldn't you like that?"

"How do I know you will tell the truth? How?"

"If I were lying, would I have showed you that?" Rokk showed the palms of his hands. "Please. Try to trust us. What do you have to lose?"

"I... I..." the man knelt down and covered his face with his hands. The fiery aura around him winked out, though fires still littered the ground. Gigi quickly ran up to him and placed restraints around his arms. "Good job, Cosmic Boy."

"Yes, good job talking him down, Cos," Jazmin said as she patted his shoulder. "Nobody died today."

"Yeah... good job..." Cos said as he stared at his Omnicom. "But I have a promise to deliver on..."

Jazmin squeezed Rokk's arm as she watched the man walk away, still sobbing. Inferno wanted to stay... so why do I feel so guilty? she thought.

*********************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) The Mordru battle was in Legionnaires 48-52; the Elements of Disaster were in Legionnaires 71-74.

2) In L* 48-52, Mysa explains that most of her friends were killed fighting Mordru.

3) The secret mission refers to the time Inferno was stranded in the 20th century along with some Legionnaires (LSH 85-100). Inferno left the team in LSH 96. She decided to stay behind in LSH 100.
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 07/17/16 06:29 AM
Nice little story IB, so glad to see you writing again!

You obviously really like Jazmin and have rounded out her character nicely, her compassion for her teammates was well done. And who exactly is this man that he wants Inferno so badly? I've never read the stories you reference so am eager to find out more.

Rokk's love of 20th century heroes was nice too, he's a big boy scout at heart isn't he?

Looking forward to where you take this storyline and, of course, for more, more and more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 07/17/16 07:24 AM
Thanks Harbi, glad you liked it! Jazmin has always cared for her team members, on the same level as Cos, which is part of what makes them a great pair.

As for this man, you might be surprised smile I have a couple of ideas but still deciding which one smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 07/31/16 01:31 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World. The Legion Day celebrations.

The Hall was a bustle of activity, but much quieter than what was going on outside.

Outside, sentients from all planets and ages were chatting excitedly, walking around while trying to see as much as they could. Exhibits on Legion homeworlds and Legionnaire powers; holos showing great battles and humanitarian efforts; info-boards detailing the application process for the Cadet program, which certainly got many more glances than the ones for the Science Police or the various United Planets offices.

But there were no crowds clustering around Legionnaires, for all the Legionnaires were inside the Hall.

Laughter filled the air as old friends exchanged stories of the past year, sharing new relationships, career changes, and adventures had. Tears of joy were shed as families traded hugs, reveling in the warmth and comfort that waves through viewscreens could not replace. Element Lass hopped from friend to friend, doling out bone-crushing hugs and showering gifts. RJ Brande beamed as he moved from table to table, shaking hands with parents and praising their offspring.

Condo smiled happily as he rested a hand in Lyle's. His parents were there, and the Foccarts, of course. Danielle beamed at him from across the table. Even Lyle's biological parents had taken time off from their busy schedules, though their meal was interrupted by one call or another.

Lyle turned to look at Condo, and Condo melted as those brown eyes stared into his. "I have something to say," he whispered. Then he stood up.

Condo's heart lurched as the background music - a tasteful melody reminiscent of the susurration of palm leaves on the beaches of Ventura - stopped. Legionnaires, Cadets, families, allies, diplomats, servers, support staff, all stopped what they were doing and turned to face a standing Lyle, who tried to pull Condo up with him.

"What are you doing?" Condo hissed, conscious of all the curious looks.

"Condo Arlik, I have something to ask..." Lyle smiled bashfully, a smile reserved only for their most private moments. Certainly not the cheeky grin he usually wore in public.

"L-Lyle..." Condo tugged at his collar nervously. "Is this really the time?"

"Yes, yes it is. I can't wait anymore." Lyle had pulled Condo closer, close enough for Condo to smell that familiar freshly-cleaned scent. "Condo, will you..."

Then Condo's whole world began to shake.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Post ZH Legion: The Day After - 07/31/16 02:02 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World.

Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions (probationary pending completion of Legion basic training)
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility

******************************************************

"Condo, will you wake up?"

Condo grunted as he buried his face in his pillows, trying to ignore Lyle tugging at his foot. "Five more minutes...! I'm still sleepy..."

"Come ooooon, Condo. It's your first day of training, the last training you need before you graduate from probationary status!"

Condo yanked his foot out of Lyle's grip as he pulled the sheets over his head. "I can dress up quickly, Lyle..." He settled back in as he heard Lyle mutter and walk away. Ahh, just a few more minutes...

He stirred as he felt the blankets fly off him. Before he could react, a sudden cold stabbed his waist. He yelled, sitting up as he watched Lyle laugh at him, a bucket of ice swinging from his hand. "Come on, Condo, or I'll give you a bath right in bed!"

Condo grunted as he felt his side. The ice cube was still sitting on his sheets. "Awww... I dreamt it was still Legion Day..."

"Come on, sleepyhead. That was five days ago. We had our time off, and now it's back to work."

Condo shook his head. Lyle's announcement had been a dream. He felt a bit relieved at that; it was too soon. As his head cleared, he remembered. He and Lyle had talked about spending more time away, but they agreed that getting Condo up to speed on Legion matters was more important. So they had taken two days off - one to visit Condo's family and one to visit Lyle's adoptive family, the Foccarts - and then had come back.

Sighing, he stood up. He was more of a night owl - a habit developed by years of chasing stories during the day and feverishly submitting them at night, to try and submit before others could. News was useless if it wasn't new. He gratefully took the mug of coffee that Lyle handed him. He took a sip, then paused. "I see you tried to caramelize the sugar again."

Lyle shrugged. "I like my coffee sweet."

"Here," Condo took Lyle's mug, and concentrated on the sugar in it. Before the Monitor had taken him, he hadn't even thought of the science behind it. But now... it was in his head, and he barely even needed to strain to remember what compounds to affect. A blessing, and one of the reasons why he had made probationary Active status so quickly - far more quickly than others who had spent years honing their powers. The thought sobered him up.

Lyle took the mug back and sipped. "Oh..." he murmured. "Just the way I like it. You're getting really good at using your powers. Training should be a breeze for you. Despite how lazy you are to attend it."

Condo bristled. "You know I'm eager. You just can't see it through all my sleepiness."

"Well," Lyle tapped him on the chest. "We have just enough time before training for me to wake you up..."

Condo smiled as Lyle licked his lips. "I'm already awake, and I can see you are too..."
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Post ZH Legion: The Day After - 07/31/16 09:43 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Bagan, Myanmar, Earth

Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body

Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter. Skilled chef and Legion support staff member. (Reservist)

************************************************************

Kinetix held up her Omnicom as the sun began to rise above the plains of Bagan. Clad in khaki shorts and a cool, white button-down, her hair held back by a headband, she was the very picture of neatness despite not using her powers to get ready. "This is amazing, guys! Look, look!"

"It IS beautiful," Violet smiled quietly as she watched the sun climb higher. As it did, the dozen or so hovercrafts in the sky began winking out their lights one by one, so as not to spoil the view. Violet held her breath as more and more golden domes and brown spires emerged from the mist. Their vantage point on top of Lawkaoushaung Temple really did give them a good view of the area. "This is the most beautiful sunrise I have ever seen!"

"A great way to start our trip," Blizzard laughed as he shielded his eyes. The sun was bright, though despite the warm, humid weather, he did not sweat. It was nothing compared to the heat on his homeworld Tharr; though the low-level field of cold he was projecting helped too. Bagan was one of the few places on Earth that did not use weather control unless there was an emergency, claiming that it wanted to preserve the authenticity of its ancient roots for tourists. Brek didn't mind, though he also saw no reason to be uncomfortable.

He raised his own Omnicom and snapped a few shots, marveling at how hundreds of temples could now be seen dotting the plains, where a few minutes ago there was just darkness. "Here, Zoe, let me get a few shots of you."

Tenzil munched on a small bar of energium. The alloy was manufactured on Bismoll, and he swore by it; not only did it stimulate wakefulness and alertness, but it was tasty too. He was used to waking up early - he had to, to get to the kitchen before the Legion's early risers did - but he wasn't used to climbing up ancient staircases in the darkness of night with only a flashlight to guide him. Kinetix had decided not to use her powers to light the way, saying that it would be more fun to climb up the way ancient Earthlings had done so. Well, it had been a bit fun until he had skinned his knee. Tenzil wanted to shake his head. Violet had enjoyed it, though, and he wasn't about to spoil that. He swallowed the last of his energium and grabbed his own Omnicom. "The sun's up high, Vi. You should get a shot, too."

"Let's get one together," Violet grabbed his arm and pulled him beside her. Tenzil sometimes forgot how strong she was. He smiled into the Omnicom as he felt the sun's gentle rays bathing him from behind.

"This is just perfect," Brek breathed as he drank in the view. "This is my first vacation since becoming a Legionnaire, and I don't even miss being in action."

"After all we've been through, I should hope not," Zoe teased. "We deserve a good break. And what better way than by..."

"Seeing the mystical monuments of Southeast Asia!" Brek and Violet continued in unison. Violet winked at Brek. He winked back surreptitiously; she had tipped him off about Zoe's love for archaeology, and what better spot on Earth than Southeast Asia with its magnificent temples to deities of long-vanished cultures? That it tugged at Zoe's other interest, magic, was another bonus. Together, Brek had helped Zoe craft an itinerary that hit most of the best and most well-preserved spots in just a week.

"You both know me so well," Zoe laughed. She called up a map of Bagan on her Omnicom; red circles marked the ten or so temples they had picked out from over two thousand. "I spoke with our driver. Let's hit Shwesandaw Pagoda first, then Dhammayangyi next..."

Brek smiled as he watched the sun light up Zoe's auburn hair. Once, he had thought the only important thing in life was being a Legionnaire. Now, he realized that it wasn't the only thing.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: The Day After - 08/05/16 08:17 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Enwa

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation. Current Legion co-leader.

************************************************************

Nightwind tapped her fingers on the window of the shuttle as her memories flashed back to Legion Day. During her closing speech, a reporter with brilliant blue eyes and a nasty grin had interrupted her to ask if she had made the command decision to abandon Legion World in order to retrieve the lost Legionnaires. She had owned up to it, publicly, because there had been no choice. "Against superior numbers, we did not stand a chance," she had added. That was what she had told the hostages as she comforted them. Most did understand. And the Legion's lawyers had assured her they had no legal liability, and the Science Police and UP Army top brass had commended her decision.

So why did she still feel bad?

Even their warm reception at Enwa's main spaceport had not chased the memories out of her mind. If she could, she would have Thresholded straight to their destination, but opening a Threshold there would have been reckless.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Ferro's soft voice shook her out of her reverie.

"Oh, just... looking at the terrain below," Nightwind replied. She felt a twinge of guilt about lying. "It helps take my mind of... Legion business. I know we did the right thing back during the Invasion of Legion World, but I also know some of the hostages suffered a lot of fear..."

"You did what was right under the circumstances. I think any of our past leaders would have decided the same thing in your position," Ferro replied. His voice was so gentle, yet strong. Like he completely believed what he was saying.

"Thanks," Nightwind smiled. "That means a lot."

Ferro shrugged. "Just telling the truth." He settled down to look out the window, though Nightwind was sure he could not see much. Few besides natives could; Enwa was in the middle of its four-cycle night, which would be ended only by a one-cycle day. Only the relatively faint glows of Enwa's four moons lit the sky; they were traveling over undeveloped land now, with none of the bright lights in the cities. That was why Enwans had developed such large eyes. The moonlight was bright enough for her, but certainly not for most.

Lume seemed to be thinking the same thing. "I can add some more light, Ferro. Perhaps it will let you see more. From what I read, Enwa has beautiful geological features."

"Yes. Much of Enwa remains undeveloped. It isn't easy to terraform at night, and we are not quite as technologically advanced as the galactic average." Nightwind considered her two teammates. Unlike Lume, whom she had handpicked for this, Ferro had volunteered. He seemed very much like he wanted to get off Legion World. She would have to find time to chat with him on this trip.

The next few minutes passed quickly, with Nightwind sharing some tidbits about her mother's world. Ferro oohed and ahhed, though Nightwind was sure he did not see much. He did share a holo of the Grand Canyon from the 20th century; one of his fondest memories from his home time.

As for Lume, to its credit, it did not seem to fear the darkness of the night at all. Its time in Abyss' void and in Umbra's darkfield had made it used to the dark, though it still avoided it. Good.

Finally, the shuttle docked. As they stood, Nightwind tapped both of their shoulders. "Thanks again for coming, both of you. Now, remember, Enwa rated a visit of its own because it is a gateway to other even less-developed worlds in this space sector. And personal interaction is very, very important; where most UP Worlds could get things done via an Omnicom call, Enwa is... not quite the same."

The two nodded as they made their way off the shuttle. True to her point, the exit was manned by a plump young Enwan with a pleasant smile. Nightwind smiled as she held up her Omnicom for him to scan.

"Welcome to the city of Mountain Breeze," he bowed. "We hope you have a pleas-"

His words were drowned out as a chorus of "Berta!" filled the air. Her grandmother, two aunts, three uncles, and eleven cousins all ran to her.

"Have you been eating enough? You look like a waif!"

"Did you bring me some pluberry chips?"

"Oh cool, it's Lume and Ferro! Can you sign my Legion poster?"

"Your mom is late again, I see!"

Berta smiled as she got lost in a series of hugs. Her earlier worries and thoughts vanished as she let herself relax.

It was good to be home.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Post ZH Legion: The Day After - 08/05/16 09:30 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Rimbor

Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair, extensive espionage contacts
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time

*************************************************************

"Pretty girl." Zan Mal licked his lips as the lithe brunette walked past. Her face was hooded, but her long hair fell to her shoulders. And she moved with a grace like a dancer.

He looked around. Nobody nearby, or at least nobody who would care. A man was passed out on the street; he would be lucky if he woke up with his wallet.

He pulled a knife out of his pocket and advanced. In one swift motion, he reached for her wrist with his left hand and raised his right. "Keep quiet or I'll..."

His eyes widened in surprise as his fingers went through her. Before he could react, she had slammed a heel into his instep. "SPROCK!" He doubled over in pain as another hand latched onto his wrist and twisted, causing him to drop the knife.

The woman pulled him up. "Where is Luonel Burdo?"

"Who?" He spat. "I have no idea who you're talking about, you witch!"

"He probably isn't using that name." Behind her, a taller woman came out of the shadows, long red hair billowing behind her. Zan gasped in surprise as she used that hair to pull a holo out of a belt-pouch. She brandished that same holo in front of him. "This man."

"And why the sprock should I answer you?" Zan snarled.

"Because this." The brunette twisted his wrist even farther, causing him to groan.

The redhead arched an eyebrow. "Well done. You're putting just the right amount of pressure, but a little bit more and you'll dislocate his hand..."

Zan moaned. What was it to him if this guy was found? "Okay, okay! I sold him some rations two cycles ago..."

*************************************************************

Apparition fumed as she and Spider-Girl walked away from the thug they had left tied up in front of the Science Police station. "The UP really needs to do something about this place."

Timber Wolf shrugged. "It's a fine balancing act, Tinya. The SPs are undermanned, and they can't push too far just yet because Rimbor doesn't exactly have a ruling body. Just rival gangs and clans. It will be a long time before order is brought to Rimbor."

Beside Apparition, Ultra Boy held her close. "That sprocker did give us some useful information, honey." He avoided casting a smug look in Timber Wolf's direction. Brin didn't understand Tinya like he did; he knew she did care about the situation on Rimbor, but that she also was realistic enough to know crime could not be solved overnight. No, she was just frustrated over their lack of progress.

"Yeah, like narrowing down our search to a much smaller radius. Two blocks, in fact." Spider-Girl smiled as she tapped her Omnicom. Ordinarily, she would have kept her belongings under wraps here on Rimbor, but walking around with three others - including an Emerald Dragon gang member and the Wolfpack gang leader - made it very unlikely anyone would mess with them.

"That's progress," Brin smiled encouragingly at Tinya. He had noticed her frustration over their relatively slow search, but he was just letting Ultra Boy be the one to say the right things. Grife knows he could use a little nudge every now and then. "Come on. Hubble is making his special Plevitz purple pepper pasta for dinner."

"I..." Tinya brushed her hair back, then smoothed her face into a warm smile. "I would love that. Come on, let's get some rest." She turned and beamed at each of her three teammates in turn. "And thanks again for coming over here to help me."

Jo and Brin both smiled back, while Sussa shrugged. "It's Legion business, after all." She acted flippant because she hated being all touchy-feely, but she did give Tinya a wink to acknowledge her appreciation. "Now come on. My feet hurt and I'm hungry."
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: The Day After - 08/13/16 12:18 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Earth - the set of UP Today

Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; generate and control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

Magnetic Kid, Pol Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis (Reservist)

*************************************************************

XS beamed as she glanced around the set of UP Today. "Wow, I never imagined it would look so... so... simple!"

Beside her, Magno smiled, a tight-lipped smile. "Yeah, it is nice..."

"Thanks for coming here, both of you." Cosmic Boy's smile was much warmer, though worry tinged the corners of his eyes. "Pol and I appreciate the support. Drura is used to the positive media attention, but Pol always hated giving interviews."

"So did you," XS pointed out. "But we could never tell, even during the early days when Chu was breathing down our necks! I'm sure Pol will do great!"

"Yeah, I'm sure..." Magno muttered.

"Ah, Magno, XS, Cosmic Boy," Hectorrr Arroo called, taking care to name the Legionnaires in the order they were seated. The host of UP Today was warm and friendly, and had a way of putting all his guests at ease. His vaguely canine features and large smile helped with that. "Thank you once again for being here. Microbe and Magnetic Kid are just about done with make-up; it's your turn, Cosmic Boy." He turned to smile at XS and Magno. "I know you declined to appear on the show, but if you do change your minds..."

"Thanks, but we're fine," XS laughed. "Just here to support our good friends."

"Right..." Magno said. "Just here to give a hand to our friends."

Cosmic Boy gave them both a wide smile as he stood up to leave with Hectorrr. As they exited the room, XS turned to Magno. "Dyrk... is something wrong?"

"Wrong?" Magno rubbed the back of his head. Grife, Garth told me to be honest! Well, here goes...

"It's just... I can't... well, we were supposed to meet up with Kinetix and the others, but we decided to push it back to support Rokk and Pol, and of course Drura... well, it's fine, I'm not really that interested in old ruins, not as much as you are... but... it seems like ever since you have been gushing over Rokk... and I know you used to crush on him, before you crushed on M'Onel, and... it also makes me feel bad whenever the tabloids refer to me as a replacement Braalian, even if I joined before Pol ever did, and..."

"Oh, Dyrk." Jenni took his hands in hers, and squeezed them. "They're my friends. You're my boyfriend. Of course I want to support them, but if I had to choose, I would choose you. I just want you to tell me if anything ever bothers you."

Magno swallowed. This wasn't what he had expected... or maybe it was. Jenni was much more open and friendly than most people. She certainly wasn't the type to get all indignant like Saturn Girl sometimes did when Live Wire said something wrong... "Jenni, I... I'm sorry. I didn't want to seem all whiny..."

"You won't seem to be," XS smiled. "It's sweet of you to be concerned. But I love you, and if there's anybody on the team you should be able to be completely honest with, it should be me." She paused for a moment, then added. "And nobody on Legion World thinks you're just a substitute Cosmic Boy, least of all me. Did he train as a Science Police Officer, and go to a different universe without his magnetic powers? I don't think so."

Dyrk's eyes began to water. "Oh, Jenni..."

They kissed so hard that they didn't even hear the show start.

***********************************************************

"... and people should remember that Somahturians, just like many other species, have to go through an intense screening process to be able to leave our world safely. Either you wear a full bodysuit at all times to contain the microbes you carry, or you are tested on your control. That is the exact same procedure I went through when I left to join the Legion Cadet program."

"Your training is, indeed, well-documented," Hectorrr noted. "Thank you, Drura." He turned to the screen. "We'll be out for a short break, sentients. When we return, we will talk to the galactic heartthrob, Magnoball champion and Reserve Legionnaire - Pol Krinn!"

The applause thundered as Hectorrr switched the cameras off. "That was a wonderful interview, Drura."

Drura smiled warmly and extended a hand. "You were very kind and respectful, Hectorrr. I wish all sentients were like you."

Hectorrr returned Drura's handshake. "My pleasure. You do good work, and my world is one of those you have helped with your medical efforts. I'm happy to let the whole galaxy see just how big a contribution Somahtur can make."

"I'll second that," Pol added. He gave Drura a reassuring smile. "Wow. I don't think any Legionnaire could beat you in giving an interview."

"There's not much to it," she laughed melodiously. "Just remember your core message and stick to it. Now, I have to run to the ladies' room, but I'll join you after the break, okay?"

"And I just have to check on the write-in questions," Hectorrr added. "Don't worry, we've discussed the scope of the interview, and I don't intend to digress."

"Thanks," Pol said, though Hectorrr was already hurrying away. The break would not be long.

"And your core message is, I want to follow my own path." Rokk stepped out from backstage as he stood beside Pol.

"Rokk... we've talked about this," Pol said. He was already almost as tall as Rokk was, and he stood squarely to face his older brother. "I'm not leaving the Legion just because you're back. I mean, it's good to have you and Magno as fellow Braalians on the team, but... after all the battles we've been in, I realized it's not just for me. It's not because I feel like an inferior Cosmic Boy..."

Rokk held up his hands. "I know, I know..." The two fell silent. "It's just... it seemed so sudden, you know. I can't help but feel that part of it is me coming back to active status."

Pol shook his head. "Not completely. Even from the beginning I was having doubts. During that year when you were lost, we had barely gone on any missions, but the ones that we did made me realize I prefer the thrill of the magnoball courts to the thrill of the battlefield. Our retaking of Legion World cemented that. It's not because I want us to be in separate fields, no. You're my big brother, Rokk, and I look up to you and strive to be as good, but I don't obsess myself with beating you."

"I see..." Rokk trailed off. "That's really... Mom and dad would be proud."

"Coming from you, that is a really big compliment," Pol winked. "And... thanks for the support today."

"Of course, Pol." Rokk rested a hand on Pol's shoulder. "You won't mind if I call you little bro more, though?"

"As long as I get to call you Rokky Wokky in front of the other Legionnaires," Pol laughed. Rokk punched him playfully.

Hectorrr rushed back in, tongue panting. "Whew! Finally got all the questions sorted - we had over five hundred, twice as many as we usually get. We go live in five..."

"Just in time, then." Drura walked back in. Pol's gaze followed her, and Rokk punched his brother playfully again. Pol shot him a glare.

Hectorrr smoothed his hair as he faced the three Legionnaires. "So, we begin with Pol and Drura seated. Rokk, wait for the signal..."

Pol felt his brother's magnetic field pulse in a familiar pattern, the same way they used to whenever they were teasing each other as kids. He resisted the urge to stick a tongue out. So he admired Drura... he could. He forced himself to focus on Hectorrr's instructions, even as he felt the rising color in his cheeks.

Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: The Day After - 08/29/16 02:59 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Pub Street, Siem Reap, Cambodia, Earth

Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body

Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter. Skilled chef and Legion support staff member. (Reservist)

************************************************************

Violet sipped her drink as she watched the bustling crowd of tourists outside. Pub Street had been a haven for backpackers in the 21st century, when people still traveled long distances using ancient transport. Now that they were doing the same, in a fashion - using only their flight rings to travel around instead of relying on fliers and Thresholds - she could understand the appeal. After spending a long day seeing a dozen of Bagan's best pagodas, a few hours wandering around the enormous Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar's old capital Yangon, and about an hour flying from Myanmar to Cambodia, all she wanted now was to sit and not think about anything but the nice, comfortable bed waiting for her. Thank grife she had decided to wear a transuit; Kinetix hadn't, and she was sporting a fairly deep tan that made her auburn hair seem dull in comparison. Violet didn't mind tanning, but she did mind getting sunburned. Even with Earth's ozone layer having long since been repaired, she was cautious about exposure to ultraviolet rays. Imsk's thinner atmosphere and comparatively less sophisticated climate control technology had taught her to be cautious.

Across their table at the interestingly-named Temple of Food, Blizzard was turning increasingly red. "This White Russian is AMAZING! Not like anything we ever had on Tharr... In that baking heat, you wanted to drink as little alcohol as possible," he rasped. Violet tried not to raise an eyebrow. This was Blizzard's third drink, each one a different type. He had decided to stick to Earth food and drink on this trip, and had developed quite the taste for alcoholic cocktails.

"I guess that's why you Tharrians have such poor tolerance," Kinetix giggled. This time, Violet did raise an eyebrow at her friend. Zoe shrugged. "It's nice that we're all having fun," she said casually. "Besides, I brought some Vitawater sachets along. They keep you wide awake in the morning."

"I'll probably need some of that," Tenzil muttered. "I'm his roommate, after all." He took a bite of his creamy Cambodian chicken curry and white rice. "Mmmm, coconut milk... I think Gravity would like this. His family came from this area..."

"Hey, hey, I'm not drunk yet!" Brek protested as he took another sip of his drink. "Hmm, I think I like this even more than the tequila sunrise..."

"This is probably my last drink," Violet said pointedly as she set down her own Imskian Microbrew. Unlike the others, she hadn't enjoyed the Earth cuisine as much, and had been happy to find some comforts from home. Tenzil had stopped asking her what she wanted to order, though he did always offer her a taste of his own food. "We do have a full day tomorrow, and the temples here in Cambodia are generally much larger then the ones in Myanmar."

"I know!" Zoe gushed. "Ta Prohm, where Tomb Raider 14 was filmed - like the first Tomb Raider; Phnom Bakheng, where we should really see the sunset; and of course, the magnificent Angkor Wat! And that's not even half of all the ruins here. We'll need at least two whole days to see the best of the best!"

"I just hope we don't encounter any more disturbances like the one at Shwedagon Pagoda." They had timed their visit to coincide with the sunset; the breathtaking sight of the pagodas spires lit up in the dark still stayed with her. It was so beautiful, and walking barefoot along the same paths taken by pilgrims over a millennium ago had given her chills. But the magic of the site had almost been spoiled by alarms, apparently set off by a Bgztlian who had phased through the center of the monument.

"Just don't look at me next time an alarm sounds," Tenzil quipped. "I kept my promise not to eat any of the monuments!" Violet laughed as Tenzil made a face of mock innocence. "You better," she chided. "We don't want a diplomatic incident."

"Not even RJ Brande's riches could buy my way out of a formal complaint from Winema Wazzo," Tenzil winked. "Say, they never did find the tourist who phased, did they?"

"Probably ran off to another part of the Pagoda," Zoe shrugged. "I'm just glad it wasn't a robbery or a super-villain attack. At least we didn't have to get involved. I mean, we're on vacation, after all!" She settled back in her chair. "Oh, that girl's outfit is perfect!" She absentmindedly altered her own sundress into a green one, and added a sarong around her waist. Violet smiled; at least Zoe stuck to her own outfits now. After that embarrassing incident at the club* where Zoe had made her almost naked, Violet had made her friend promise never, ever to alter her own clothes without asking. She had almost missed that while Zoe was gone, though. Almost.

For now, she was just happy to be here, on vacation, with her friend, the boy who liked her friend, and Tenzil, with his cute grin.

"I think... I need to go to the bathroom," Brek slurred as he set down his drink. "Don't worry, I'll be fineeeee," he added as Tenzil stood up, too. "I can still walk, you know..."

"Eh, I need to go too," Tenzil shrugged. Zoe flashed him a grateful smile as the two boys left. As they watched him go, Zoe sighed. "He's just having fun, you know."

"I know," Violet replied. "And he was responsible enough not to order another drink. Don't worry, I don't think he's being childish." It was the truth, though if Brek had gotten drunk enough to need to be carried home she would have said something.

"I'm glad." Zoe smiled, and Vi smiled back. It was great that they approved of each other's choices in Brek and Tenzil more. Zoe leaned back as she sipped on her own cocktail, a curious blend of chocolate milk and cognac called a Lumumba that was apparently popular in Earth's tropical regions. "This is nice; after all the intensity we've been through recently, it's great to just relax and not have any drama."

"It is," Violet agreed. "Just don't go digging up any magical artifacts again, please? Last time, we nearly got ourselves buried!"**

"Oh, you!" Zoe laughed as she took a sip from Violet's Microbrew. "I learned my lesson. Remember, I gave up all the magic in our universe to restore it!"***

"So you did," Violet smiled back at her friend.

It was turning out to be a really good vacation.

************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legionnaires 23

2) LSH Annual 6

3) The end of Volume 3 of this fic
Posted By: Fat Cramer Re: Post ZH Legion: The Day After - 09/03/16 01:22 PM
Haha! Tomb Raider 14! (Only 14,though? Did they skip a century or two?) Thanks for the image links, it's so interesting that you include these places in your story.

If Zoe's there, however, can disaster be far behind?

Lyle and Condo have such a comfortable relationship, it makes me smile.

Good move to have Pol exit, IMO. Reminds us that not everyone is cut out for superhero-ing, regardless of their power.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: The Day After - 09/03/16 08:16 PM
Thanks, FC! Travel has always been my passion, which helps explain my feeling of kinship with Zoe. As for disaster following her, well, she does have a habit of finding trouble...

Only Tomb Raider 14 because they rebooted the franchise a couple of times wink


Glad you like the Lyle/Condo dynamic! Blaze and I are much like that in real life smile

Pol's exit kind of just wrote itself. He'll still be around, but yeah, this Pol doesn't much have the desire to be a hero.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 09/04/16 04:21 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World. The VR Room.

Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions (probationary pending completion of Legion basic training)
Dreamer, Nura Nal of Naltor; precognition
Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III; transmutation
Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis (probationary pending completion of Legion basic training)
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony (Earth colony: Japan); skilled martial artist
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation, disruption of energy flow
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings). Anti-energy being

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others. (Legion Reservist and Cadet).
Arachno of Arachnidia; enhanced abilities of spiders (Legion Reservist and Cadet)
Beastmaster, Ilshu Nor of Lallor (Hero of Lallor seconded for training); transform into any animal
Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal); controls his body's density; increasing his density grants a degree of strength and durability (Legion Reservist and Cadet)
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation (Legion Reservist and Cadet)
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau); underwater survival; hydrokinesis. (Legion Reservist and Cadet).
Mandalla, Tari Wahlmunn of Takron-Galtos; projects a thought-sphere that affects the target's mental and physical functions. (Legion Reservist and Cadet)
Porcupine Pete, Peter Dursin of Earth (Jamaica and Mexico); ejects quills from his body (Legion Reservist and Cadet)
Sizzle, Teela Spuunvll of Abaddonus; absorbs and redirects energy. (Legion Reservist and Cadet).
Splitter, Floyd Belkin of Lallor; ability to detach his limbs from his torso (Legion Reservist and Cadet)
Tomb, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions (Legion Reservist and Cadet)
Vapor, Tal Nahii of Lallor (Hero of Lallor seconded for training); transforms her body into gases
Veilmist of Khundia; teleportation (Legion Reservist and Cadet)
Vision, Rhent Ustin of Earth (Egypt and Spain); microscopic, telescopic, heat, freeze, and hypnotic vision (Legion Reservist and Cadet).

*************************************************************

"Look out!" Lamprey dove as she screamed out her warning, narrowly avoiding Wildfire's anti-energy blast. Inferno was not so lucky; the blast clipped the redhead's leg. "Ouch!" he hissed. Even with his transuit on, it must have hurt.

"Here, let me help you, Dirk." Chemical Kid laid his hands over the injured area. "I can accelerate your healing..."

"Watch it!" Amp tackled Condo out of the way as yet another blast flew through the air. Despite her smaller, leaner stature, she was able to push the bigger Condo out of the way. Lamprey quickly followed, pulling Dirk to safety.

"Thanks Ming -" Condo began. Before he finished, Amp had fixed him with a fiery glare.

"You may be Active Legionnaires, but you were asked to go through Legion Basic for a reason," Amp snapped. Seeing Condo's and Dirk's abashed looks, she softened. "I'm sorry for snapping. But you have to be more alert if we want to win," she said firmly.

"We need to regroup," Lamprey said calmly as she surveyed the area. Wildfire led six Legionnaires against their team of fourteen trainees, yet even with the two probationary Actives and two champions of Lallor, they were not doing particularly well. "We need to come together, everyone," she called into her flight ring.

"I can shield us," Density said as he squared his stance. "Tel?"

"Way ahead of you." The leaner Gravity hovered behind Density as he increased his muscular lover's mass. "it's a good thing you're wide as a lightning beast, honey."

"Yeah, that's how I got you to notice me in the first... Oooph!" Jed's reply was cut off as he sank into the liquefied floor.

Element Lass wagged a finger from the other side of the room.
"Sorry, Jed dear, but I had to take advantage of your distraction!" she called. Lamprey was still amazed at how her deep, husky voice always sounded so sweet, even in the midst of battle. "I'll fix the floor later, Chuck dear!"

"I know you will, Candi!" Rebound called as he ricocheted along the walls towards Gravity, causing the lithe young man to dodge frantically. Lamprey quickly sent a spray of water at his eyes. She knew she was not strong enough to knock him of course; not with his speed. But she could at least make it hard for him to see. Chuck sputtered as he drank in some water; he quickly bounced back towards the other Legionnaires.

Lamprey breathed in relief. Chuck's brief time with powers had shown how tactically proficient he was; even when he had been a non-powered member of the support staff, he had already acted as a coach to Nightwind and the others. But now...

"I'll keep him down!" Vision called as he loosed his heat vision towards Chuck. His four eyes glowed; despite his small frame, Vision was certainly potentially quite powerful. Each of his eyes could access all of his vision powers. "I... aaah!" A burst of light caused him to miss. "I hope that magnesium flare wasn't too bright, dear!" Element Lass called from afar.

"Cover me," Amp said as she darted towards Jed. Condo quickly flew up and began blasting at Element Lass. Energy crackled through the air as his chemical powers stalemated her transmutation. Mandalla stepped up to help; the air around Element Lass' head turned hazy as a thought-sphere enveloped her. "This should help keep her off-balance," Mandalla called, her pretty face a mask of concentration. Condo smiled gratefully at her. Amp quickly reached down and grabbed Jed's hand. "With me amping you, you should be able to lower your density enough to phase yourself out of the floor." Jed grunted as he slowly eased his way out.

"Okay, who else do we have..." Lamprey looked around the room. Particon had one hand up, shielding her from a barrage of Porcupine Pete's quills. With her other hand, she was firing bolts of energy at Beastmaster, keeping the Lallorian animorph at bay even as he shifted forms quickly in an effort to break through her guard.

Wildfire was half-coated in webbing, though he used his one free hand to keep Arachno off-balance. The large arachnid had come to Tomb's aid; as one of the Legionnaires without a physical body, Wildfire had taken it upon himself to distract the Sarccan Tomb from attacking his teammates. Everyone knew how dangerous Tomb's ability to control the bodily functions of others could be.

Behind Wildfire, Splitter had detached one arm, holding it in his other like a club; he stood, scowling. Wildfire was obviously moving too quickly for him to even try to land a hit. Lamprey doubted he could affect Wildfire even if he did get a hit. She tried calling him on the flight ring again, but he ignored her.

Vapor and Veilmist materialized beside Lamprey; the latter was nursing a bruise on her arm. "We heard your call," Vapor noted, her hair still a cloud of mist. "What now?" Amp, Density, Gravity, Inferno, Sizzle and Vision clustered around as well. In front of them, Chemical Kid grit his teeth as he parried Element Lass' attacks, while Mandalla strained to keep her thought-sphere in place.

"We need to start taking Legionnaires down," Amp noted. "Density, if you can get close to Element Lass while Chemical Kid is distracting her. I can go with you. Vapor, you're the only one that can really affect Rebound, so he's your assignment."

"The rest are ours," Lamprey smiled. Amp smiled back; the two of them were beginning to work well together. Ming quickly vanished into the floor with Density, as Vapor transformed into gas. Lamprey turned towards the others. "Particon and Wildfire are being kept busy for now, but I think you can help take them down, Sizzle and Vision." Lamprey added. "Amp and I were talking, and we think that Vision can power Sizzle up..." The two looked at each other in surprise, then nodded slowly. "Of course... I can fire blasts of heat..." Vision began.

"Which I can absorb!" Sizzle clapped in glee. The red-skinned girl's short hair made her look young and perky; it matched her personality "Let's do this!" She grabbed Vision's arm, and the two ran off towards Wildfire. Lamprey turned to Inferno, Gravity and Veilmist. "That leaves Karate Kid and Dreamer..."

"Who are coming this way!" Inferno snarled at the two Legionnaires running towards them. "Keep away!" Inferno hissed as he fired blast after blast in their direction. Val jumped backwards and forwards, almost as if dancing; Nura simply glided away calmly.

"Make a wall of fire," Lamprey noted. "Try to corner him. Gravity, this is your opening."

"Let me," Veilmist smiled slyly. Before Lamprey could object, she vanished. Lamprey cursed. The half-Khundian was much smaller than most Khundian females, though she still had a relatively big frame - Andromeda big, not Element Lass big. Yet she seemed to have inherited all of the Khundian aggression. Rebound had remarked more than once that it was lucky that Veilmist had inherited her father's UP citizenship, else the Khundian Army would have come to try to retrieve her. "Veilmist's teleportation can get her close, but against a hand-to-hand combatant... Gravity, as soon as Veilmist appears, be ready."

Tel nodded as he took a fighting stance. Sure enough, Veilmist appeared behind Karate Kid, striking with her fist. It connected, but Val rolled forward with the punch. And before Veilmist could teleport again, Dreamer swooped down and gripped her neck in a nerve pinch. "Knew you would do that," Nura said softly as Veilmist slumped to the ground.

"Go, Tel!" Lamprey yelled as she loosed a stream of water onto a portion of Dirk's fire wall, turning it into steam. She hoped it would obscure everyone's vision long enough. Tel concentrated beside her, and moved his arms up in a lifting motion; she heard a loud thud. When the steam cleared, Val and Nura were both hanging from the ceiling. She gasped in relief; the steam had prevented them from maneuvering enough to escape from Tel's range.

Suddenly, she gaped as they began to move.

"How?" Dirk asked beside her.

"I'm tired," Tel heaved. "And they must be using their flight rings..."

Lamprey set her jaw as the two Legionnaires began to move, slowly, off the ceiling. "One each, Dirk?"

"I'll take Val," the redhead licked his lips. "One, two..."

A siren rang out. "Time's up!" Wildfire yelled in triumph. Lamprey groaned, as did many of her classmates. As the room fell silent, she could see Rebound clutching his throat as a cloud of pale green gas surrounded his head; it quickly solidified into Vapor. Density and Amp had just reached Element Lass, and Jed had his arm raised behind Candi. Lamprey shook her head. They had wasted too much time; if they had come together earlier, they could have actually taken down some of their opponents.

"Not a bad session, Cadets," Particon said as she helped Veilmist up. "I saw some good tactics today, though there were some bad ones, too."

"You are learning, but you need to learn some more," Wildfire added. "Fights should be ended as quickly as possible, to minimize collateral damage. Still, not a bad battle. You are improving."

Condo and Dirk looked abashed, as did Beastmaster and Vapor. It could not be easy for those of their status to face failure, especially considering their superior numbers. Lamprey locked eyes with Amp; she could see her determination mirrored in her friend's. If they wanted to make it into the Legion during the upcoming tryouts, they would have to work harder.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 09/05/16 05:07 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation

*************************************************************

"Are you sure, Garth?" Cosmic Boy's voice was tinged with worry, even through the Omnicom channel, though the former Legion leader managed to keep it from dripping with shock. "I mean..."

"I'm sure, Cos." Live Wire made sure to keep his voice even. After all, his best friend was just concerned. Best friend. A long time ago, when the Legion had just started, he thought it would always be easy to call Rokk that. But a lot had happened since. When Rokk stood by as Chu expelled him from the Legion*; though it had been part of Rokk's plan to get Chu to trust him, and Rokk had explained everything in due time**. Then there was Rokk's own pursuit of Imra; it was obvious that Rokk and Imra had carried on while they were stuck in the 20th century. But then again, when Imra realized that it was Garth she loved, Rokk had finally stood aside***. For a time there, though, Garth had considered Magno his "true" best friend.

But then, their time together in limbo had reinforced Garth's friendship with Rokk. And Rokk was just concerned, Garth told himself. He slowly let go of his annoyance. "I appreciate the concern, and believe me, I have thought long and hard about it. But there haven't been any incidents. And Imra's okay with it. For that matter, so is Ayla."

"Well, you and they would know better than I would," Cos smiled. Garth smiled back. "And I have to say... it's an honor."

"I know you'll keep from messing up," Garth cracked.

"And so will you," Cos winked. "Okay then, I have to head over to Brainy's. Thanks again, Garth."

"My pleasure," Garth said. A few seconds later, Cos winked out.

Garth leaned back in his chair and sighed. Sometimes, he thought he would prefer facing Mordru again to all these preparations...

Suddenly, he was enveloped in a warm hug. "How's my handsome husband-to-be?" Saturn Girl asked as she pecked him on the cheek.

"Still handsome," Garth smiled as he leaned in for a kiss. Of course, whenever he thought of Imra, he knew all the hassle would be worth it.

Behind Imra, Spark stuck out her tongue. "Ugh, if this is a sign of things to come, I'm going to become diabetic!"

Garth stuck his tongue out too, though he kept smiling. "The next time I see you and Cham with your heads together, I'll say the same thing." It was a twin thing, and he and Ayla had long since stopped bickering all the time. Well, at least even if they did bicker, they knew they could count on one another.

He turned back to Imra. "How was it?"

"She said yes, and with only a little snark, surprisingly." Imra sighed, and Garth squeezed her hand. He had seen firsthand how deep Jancel's jealousy towards her sister ran. "I'm just glad things are a lot better between us."

"What is it with us and our siblings, huh?" Garth laughed. As Ayla opened her mouth, he quickly cut in. "Excepting you, of course, Ayla."

"You better watch that big mouth of yours, brother," Ayla laughed. "Otherwise, Imra and I are going to talk about you behind your back. All the time."

"Well, maybe not behind your back," Imra winked. "It would be fun to talk about you while you're there." Ayla laughed at the horror that spread on Garth's face at the thought of his fiancee and his sister joining forces.

"Just kidding, Garth. Maybe," Imra quipped mischievously. "Now, I have to get ready for my Monitor Board shift." Her hands moved to straighten her ponytail; she always made sure she looked perfect when on official Legion business. Ayla grimaced; she hated Monitor Board duty. For a time before they got lost in the multiverse, Gear, Chuck and Triad had been on semi-permanent duty. But since their return, all three had expressed their desire for more field work, and so the Active membership had begun rotating once more. Satisfied with her neatness, Imra fixed Garth with a look. "Are you sure you don't want me to join you, though? If you can wait, I can join you immediately after my shift..."

Garth gently kissed her on the forehead. "Thanks, Imra, I really appreciate it. But Ayla and I can handle it. I don't want to spook him, and considering his good behavior recently I think nothing bad will happen."

"Okay then," Imra smiled. "I can't wait to hear how it goes." They kissed again. Garth closed his eyes to avoid seeing Ayla mock gagging in the background. He made a mental note to zap her butt after Imra left.

************************************************************

"Just you wait until you let your guard down..." Ayla muttered as she and Garth watched their Kwai guide fly back through the Threshold. As expected, Spark had tried to get even for Garth's earlier zap. Garth had successfully parried every bolt she threw at him, though.

"Now who's acting like a child," Garth laughed. He took a moment to breathe in the pure, fresh air. "Ahh, it's good to be back here."

"Yeah. Even if we keep coming back every few days, it still feels good every time we actually are here," she replied. "Come on, race you." Before he could reply, she launched herself into the air. Grinning, Garth flew after her. It always went this way; one or the other of them would get a head start. They had stopped keeping count long since.

In minutes, they were at their destination. They could have Thresholded right outside it, but they didn't want to risk opening the inter-dimensional doorway where someone could accidentally walk through it. All United Planets worlds, and even most of the Affiliated Planets members, had designated zones for Thresholds to open. Spark stuck her tongue out at Garth again as she landed. "I didn't even need that head start to beat you, slowpoke." She stopped as she saw his face. "Hey, I know you're nervous. It'll be fine."

Garth felt the lump in his throat as Ayla placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I know. But I can't help it. Grife, I feel even more nervous now then when I proposed..."

He breathed in deeply as he felt Ayla's fingers intertwine with his. "It'll be fine, Garth." She smiled at him, and he smiled back as they entered.

A smile slowly spread across Mekt's face as he saw them, even as he scrubbed at his sweat with a damp towel. He quickly set his scanner down as he walked towards them with outstretched arms. "Ayla! Garth! What brings you here?"

"I hope you don't mind if we don't hug you back, Mekt," Ayla laughed. "You know we love you, but we can love you without getting your sweat on us!"

Mekt laughed as he dabbed at his face again. "Of course, of course. Do you need mom and dad?"

"No, not right now..." Garth said as he swallowed again. He could feel his heart rise into this throat. Grife! When had he last felt like this?

Ayla squeezed his hand again. "Garth has something to ask you," she said. Garth grit his teeth. Ayla knew him too well; if she didn't prod him know, he might put it off. He quickly cleared his throat as Mekt looked at him with a smile. "Anything, brother."

Garth swallowed one more time. It was now or never. "Mekt, I..."

Mekt's mouth dropped open as Garth asked. Then everything seemed to blur as Mekt dropped his towel and rushed at Garth, enveloping him. "Oh Garth, of course! Of course I'll be your best man! How could I ever say no?"

Garth didn't even care that Mekt's sweat was dripping all over him. He was getting married to the most wonderful girl in the galaxy, with his sister as a Maid of Honor and his brother and his best friend as his Best Men. He smiled at his twin and at his older brother. "Come on, let's go tell mom and dad."

************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) LSH 72.

2) As revealed in L* 36 and LSH 80.

3) Saturn Girl and Cosmic Boy were among those trapped in the 20th century. Saturn Girl latched onto Cosmic Boy as a means of security, and she even unknowingly animated his comatose body for a time. She finally stopped when Shvaughn Erin realized Cos was still comatase (LSH 96). When Saturn Girl realized her love for Garth, Cos took it like a man. Spark spoke to Garth about Imra in LSH 100, so I am assuming either she or Saturn Girl told him the whole story.
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 09/06/16 06:21 PM
Hey IB, I don't have much time so will need to be brief with this review, sorry.

I think Pols right to step down thought it's a pity as his lack of stellar confidence like Roll is really quite sweet. Loved Drura getting the opportunity to speak up about her people, I think I'd be scared of them in real life so it's understandable why the public in your story would be concerned - nice observation about human nature there.

The training session was well done, though to be fair the students did quite well given they were up against proper Legionnaires. Amp and Lamprey are great characters, and am glad you included Candi as I've been wondering what you'll do with her in her new identity/power set.

Zoe, Tenzil, Brek and Vi seem like they would naturally be friends, you have a good group there. I'm intrigued by the person that phased through the monument - was that just random or will that be the start of a bigger mystery/ story? Guess I'll need to keep reading eh?

You have Garth and Ayla totally nailed with their banter, though I'd forgotten Mekt had been cured on this reality so it's nice to see Garth having him as one of his best men.

Loads of fun moments IB, it's always a joy to dive into your stories and be carried off on the adventures


The one problem is that I'm left with a strong desire for more, more, more and now I'll be on baited breath for the next installment smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 09/06/16 09:27 PM
Thank you for your kind words, Harbi, you make me blush! And you certainly encourage me to write more smile

True, the students did very well - I was thinking about how to have them do quite well but not well enough. More on that in the next installment or so. Amp and Lamprey are a duo to watch aren't they? Both very strong-willed candidates. And Candi is still her sweet self.

Happy you liked the groupings - Zoe / Vi / Brek / Tenzil, and Tinya / Jo / Brin / Sussa. I'm going to have lots of fun with these two quartets!

Happy that Pol's decision felt realistic to you. Don't worry; like others who stepped down, we will still be seeing him quite often.

And very happy you loved the Ranzz siblings!

Thanks for the continued support smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 09/07/16 05:32 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions (probationary pending completion of Legion basic training)
Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis (probationary pending completion of Legion basic training)

*************************************************************

Inferno forced himself to stay calm as he walked out of the VR Room. He hated losing... no, not quite. He hated failing. There was a difference. If he lost because of circumstances beyond his control, that was one thing. But losing because he had not given his best?

He mentally replayed his actions during the training session. There were so many times he could have done better, applied tactics that he had learned during their classroom sessions. Why hadn't he? He...

"Dirk? You okay?"

He turned to see Chemical Kid walking towards him. His dark green costume, with his logo emblazoned on the middle in silver, was almost a match for Invisible Kid's. Sometimes Dirk thought they were joined at the hip, though he understood that each had thought the other dead for a while.

Dirk fixed him with a look. They had barely spoken with one another before. "I'm fine, thanks. Why do you ask?"

"You've been muttering to yourself, that's why." Chameleon's head snaked out from behind Condo. "Sorry, my body's still in the VR Monitoring Womb. I watched the whole thing," he said matter-of-factly. Dirk wasn't surprised; many Legionnaires took a keen interest in the Cadets, even among those who had never been Cadets themselves.

"I suppose we could have done better," Dirk laughed as he put on his most charming smile.

"You actually did reasonably well, especially against six Active Legionnaires," Chameleon began.

"But that's exactly it," Condo piped in. "We're Active Legionnaires too. Probationary, yes, but some of the Cadets fight better than we do. And I'm ashamed to admit it, but Amp and Lamprey both showed more leadership than we did."

"Not all of us were expert combatants when we first joined," Chameleon said soothingly. "And knowing how to work as a team is more important than being the alpha sentient." Dirk's mouth opened to retort; Condo had said exactly what he was thinking. How could they prove that they deserved their spots on the Active team when even some Cadets were outperforming them?

Chameleon seemed to know exactly where they were coming from, though. "Still, being a Legionnaire also means knowing your limitations AND wanting to improve. Something else else you both have shown." He gave them a disarming wink. "Condo came to me for help. When we were lost in the Kwai Galaxy* I led the team's training sessions. Want to get a little extra practice in?"

"We'll help too." Dirk turned to see Karate Kid, Rebound and Wildfire walk out of the VR room. Chuck had a large smile on his face.

"We are teammates, after all," Wildfire added. "Just don't expect us to go easy on you, not like what we did back there." Dirk's heart lurched for a bit. That had been going easy?

"Your desire to improve already makes you a winner," Karate Kid gave a small bow. "Of course, training is only effective if it gives results,"
he added with a small smile that, on any other Legionnaire, would have seemed cheeky.

"Practice does make perfect," Condo smiled.

Dirk felt his mood lighten. Maybe they weren't up to snuff now, but he was confident they would be. He held out a hand in thanks. "Let's do it."

**************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legion Lost 1-12
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: Legion Day - 09/08/16 04:07 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan; telepathic control of others' physical functions.
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation, disruption of energy flow

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others. (Legion Reservist and Cadet).
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau); underwater survival; hydrokinesis. (Legion Reservist and Cadet).

*************************************************************

"That was a good fight."

Amp and Lamprey both seemed to give a jerk as Particon approached them. Unlike her companion Mentalla, Particon had never been in the Cadet program with these two. Some of the Cadets still seemed a bit jumpy when around Active Legionnaires.

She doubted that was the case with these two, though. She had seen them in training, and knew they were made of stronger stuff. In fact, many Legionnaires had taken notice.

"It was," Mentalla said. Particon noted that her tone was complimentary, but not the sort of approving that a teacher would use for a student. Mentalla often helped run the VR Room sessions, but she seemed to avoid participating in them when her former classmates were involved. "And we saw you two take charge during the fight."

Particon smiled at the surprise on Amp's and Lamprey's faces. "Nobody ever told you that before? Don't worry. We Active Legionnaires do take notice."

"Thanks," Lamprey grinned.

Beside her, Amp gave a more restrained smile. "We really want to do well during the upcoming tryouts," she added.

Particon made sure to smile broadly. "I am sure you will." What she avoided saying was that the Active Legionnaires had discussed offering Active membership slots to promising Cadets even before the tryouts. Things had not been ironed out yet, so best to avoid saying anything.

"I'm sure you know that any of us would be willing to give you additional training sessions," Mentalla added. "Just ask anyone."

"Thanks. We will," Amp smiled. It seemed genuine; though Particon had a hunch that the pretty girl must be feeling a bit envious of those who had been offered Active membership after the liberation of Legion World. She had heard whispers among some Cadets that Mentalla, Chemical Kid and Inferno at least had been in the right place at the right time. These three had not been established heroes, ex-Legionnaires or long-time support staff members like Insect Queen, Rebound, Magno and Element Lass, after all. That would explain Mentalla's reticence. Well, Particon was confident that her new teammates would prove themselves. And as long as the Cadets weren't acting up because of that, she saw no need to straighten them out.

"Actually," Lamprey ventured, "we could use some help, if you are free. We could use help building our resistance to telepathic intrusions..."

"That's not something the VR room can teach well," Amp added. "And we could use help taking on multiple foes at a time, too."

Mentalla smiled; the normally stoic blonde was quite pretty when she did. "Of course, I would be glad to help."

"So will I," Particon nodded. Any Legionnaire would be glad to help Cadets, especially ones who were so eager to learn.
Posted By: Omni Re: Post ZH Legion: The Day After - 09/08/16 07:29 PM
Hey IB, great job on these moments.

I gotta ask is Berk known for being a drunk in most realities?

The Zoe, Vi, tenzil and and berk combo works well for me and i'm wicked curious about the person who phased through the monument.

The scrimage was really well done. i liked how well Amp and Lampery tried to lead the team and then the scene between them and Particon and Mentalla is really well done and i knew they'd be joining the main team soon! i can't wait.

Dirk and Condo will be fine and i understand their frustrations after the battle. but i like the point chameleon makes. they weren't the super stars they are now of the hero game and it will be good to see these guys go through the ranks.

Im with Harbinger that it was a good idea to have Pol step down and the hero biz isn't for everyone. i also liked Dura's spotlight. i really love how well rounded and have expanded on their universe. i always felt like that was something missing in the comics.

XS and Magno are cute.

Garth's choice of best man and the whole scene was really well done and i can't wait for the wedding.

Can't wait for more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: The Day After - 09/08/16 10:46 PM
Thanks Omni! Happy you are liking them.

My interpretation of Brek is that he's a very eager guy, likes trying new things (which makes him a match for Zoe, who thrives on change!). of course, he is so eager that he wants to try everything. I wouldn't call him an alcoholic, but when faced with a menu of things he has never had before he would want to try as many of them as possible.

You and Harbi both picked up on the phaser smile We shall see...

Happy that Amp and Lamrey, Condo and Dirk are all proving their potential. I think their attitudes are what makes them great - they might not be perfect now, like you said, but they have the desire to learn. And happy you liked my 20-character battle tongue

I think Drura, Cham and the telepaths could get together, they all come from species/worlds that face distrust by others.

I'm also looking forward to the Garth/Imra wedding smile I hope this will be one wedding where nothing untoward happens wink

Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: The Day After - 09/09/16 09:55 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Rimbor

Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair, extensive espionage contacts
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time

*************************************************************

Shikari strained to perceive the path of this man - this Luonel Burdo. She had studied everything Spirited Legion had given her, every scrap of information, every article owned by this man.

By all accounts, she should be able to find him. Yet, there was nothing.

Her mind zoomed back out from the surrounding area, and back in to the rooms the Wolfpack called "The Q". She locked eyes with Spirited Legion, and lowered them. "I am ashamed to say there is nothing."

Spirited Legion froze for a moment, then smiled. "Thank you, Shikari. I know you tried your best. He must have some sort of cloaking device that can hide him even from your powers."

Shikari heartened a little, but she still felt ashamed that she could not help her friend. Her pathfinding senses had always been right before; she detested facing something that could block them.

Spirited Legion straightened up and sighed. "Or if not a device... a telepath? Keeping him hidden?"

Bold Legion placed a hand on his wife's shoulder to comfort her. "But Kari was able to see through Universo's illusions, and he was supposed to be the best of the best."

"A device does sound more likely," Whip Legion said. She held four different Omnicoms in her long red hair; she brought one up to show everyone. "I have found two or three that, with a few modifications, could possibly be used to stymie Shikari. And just to be sure, I checked - he could not possibly have gone off-world. He's a wanted man, and nothing short of changing his gene signature could have gotten him off Rimbor."

Shikari stopped listening. If it were technology, Whip Legion would find out what it was. Though, perhaps she should ask her later; if these things could block her pathfinding, it would be useful to know what they wee and how to counter them. For now, she began to tune in on the sensations of the area around the Q. Always best to learn a new area in case escape was needed. She did long to go out and explore, but the others had convinced her to stay behind. She was not so easily disguised as the others, and seeing a Kwai in the area might cause their target to run away.

Shikari sighed and tried to put Luonel Burdo out of her mind for now.

The Q. A curious name, that. What was a Q? Timber Wolf's wolf-kin Crody said it was short for Quarters. Her Legion friends had said that people in this galaxy liked using shortened names for things. She didn't quite understand it herself; names had to be descriptive. Like their Legionnaire code names - though she still preferred using the names she had thought up. Like the one for her teammates approaching her.

"Are you okay, Kari?"

"Yes, Hunter Legion. I am just... disappointed that I could not be more help."

"Yeah, well... Tinya's dad has escaped my own senses, and Ultra Boy's, and Spider-Girl's tech too. He is just really, really good at hiding." Hunter Legion sat down beside her. "Makes my head hurt, in fact. We've been thinking of everything, and I even got my crew looking."

"I am sure we will find him," Shikari said confidently. "Somehow or other." She was certain of that; even if it was not her own pathfinding sense that would lead the way. But there was no shame in finding him using a different method.

"I know we will," Spirited Legion said, and this time her smile seemed genuine. "Thank you, all, for helping me."

"We're teammates," Shikari said. What she didn't say was that she felt a close kinship with Spirited Legion; she had come to know her well back in her home Galaxy, or at least she thought she did.* She was still amazed at how Saturn Legion had mimicked Spirited Legion so well. Well enough to convince even her husband Bold Legion. Shikari felt no shame in not detecting the deception. Still, it did make her feel odd; it was not proper to be so familiar with Spirited Legion, even though she was so much like the Spirited Legion she had become friends with.

"Even so," Spirited Legion smiled as she took Shikari's hand. "I really do appreciate the help."

Shikari gave a slow smile as she squeezed back. Perhaps it would not be so hard to get to know this Spirited Legion as well as the one she thought she had known.

*************************************************************

Apparition looked out at the Rimborian sky. The acrid air pollution and the flashing neon signs made the moonlit clouds glimmer in all sorts of colors. It was pretty much the only bit of natural beauty on Rimbor. How odd that something so disgusting could be so beautiful.

She sighed as she looked at the darkened rooms of the Q. Brin would be keeping watch downstairs, but everyone else was fast asleep. And now that things were silent, she began to wonder again if she was doing the right thing.

"Honey...?"

She gave a start as Jo peeked out of their room. He was shirtless, of course; he always was, and she usually loved feeling her skin on his. But she was preoccupied with thoughts of her father. "I'm sorry, did I wake you?"

He shrugged. "Nope... these Wolfpack beds aren't exactly the easiest to sleep in." She gave him a stare, and he held up his hands. "Hey, hey, just joking. I know how they took care of you**. Sorry, babe. Old habits die hard."

That statement made Tinya's heart wrench. She shifted her weight as she leaned against the wall. "Jo..."

He stood beside her and gently took her hand. "I know something's bothering you, Tinya. What is it?"

"It's..." She took a deep breath, then steeled herself. "I'm just wondering if I should be dragging everyone into this. Last time I was here**, the Wolfpack members nearly died; and your old Emerald Dragon gang was slaughtered! And that's just because of my mom's bounty hunters. We know my dad is involved with the Luck Lords. What if worse happens?"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa there," Jo said as he held her to him. "Baby, you always were a thoughtful and responsible one, and it's cool that you're worrying about all of us. But we're your friends, and your dad is a sprocking nasshead who deserves to be in jail. Even if he hadn't done what he did to you, he is a suspected accessory to slave trading, and that's enough reason to bring him in."

"But should we risk violence here? I wouldn't want any more people to get hurt because of my own personal business..."

"More people would get hurt if we don't bring him in," Jo said firmly. "As far as we know, he's desperate. And if he could do that to you, who knows what he could do to people he doesn't even know? And besides - he's hidden himself so well. It is going to take a lot of skill to find him."

Tinya breathed deeply as she let the words sink in. "I... I think you're right."

"Remember that next time we argue about what toys to get Cub," Jo laughed. She grinned as she poked a finger in his chest. "I'll concede that only if you concede I'm right about the diapers."

Jo's face fell. Tinya preferred the natural ones made from Avalonian wool, as those were easier to recycle and were softer. But they also made a much bigger mess. She laughed at his adorable look of dismay. "I'm just kidding, honey. Now, come on. Let's go back to bed." She grabbed his hand and led him back to their room.

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legion Lost. In order to calm Ultra Boy down, Saturn Girl used her telepathy to make everyone think Apparition was Lost with them. She planned to tell Ultra Boy eventually, but decided not to when she realized how dependent Jo was on Tinya. Needless to say, the ultimate reveal caused a lot of consternation for the Lost team.

2) Legion Worlds 6. Tinya ran to Rimbor while she was pregnant with Cub. She and Timber Wolf saved each other's lives, and Brin and his gang (the Wolfpack) took her in. Tinya's mom, Winema, hired three bounty hunters to follow her; they cut a bloody swath across Rimbor and almost killed her, too.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 09/11/16 04:12 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion co-leader.
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication

*************************************************************

Brainiac 5 wanted to raise an eyebrow at Cosmic Boy's ludicrous suggestion, but he knew better.

After all, he was intelligent enough to recognize that any sentient with the normal capacity to feel emotions would be offended by having a suggestion dismissed offhand. He himself certainly would; and if one with a twelfth-level would, surely he could not expect those of average intelligence to have enough self-control to brush such a thing off.

His dexterous fingers quickly tapped on his Omnicon, which was linked to Babbage through the laboratory's uplinks even while its body was physically elsewhere on Legion World. The Robotican Legionnaire was downloading the files from its experiments with the Coluan Sleepnet. Continue downloading, Babbage. I shall give the appearance of providing all my attention to the others, but will continue reviewing your files.

Understood, Brainiac 5.

Querl was grateful that Babbage, at least, did not question him at all. His teammate thought along the same logical lines as Querl did; though of course Babbage did not need to process and account for emotions. In making decisions, Babbage could be more efficient; but Querl also recognized that his capacity for human emotion meant he could learn more effectively from experiences and about sentient beings. Babbage had to rely on upgrading its programming.

Putting that thought away, Querl switched his overt attention from those of his thought-tracks that were occupied elsewhere, and faced Cosmic Boy and Kid Quantum. His background thought-tracks would continue learning, while he gave his teammates the appearance of his full attention. As always, being the most intelligent being in the room meant he had to make allowances for the rest.

"Why do you want me to rebuild my time machine?" he asked.

"We left Inferno behind in the past," Cosmic Boy replied. "Someone nearly burned down the Hall of Justice asking about her."

Querl shook his head. "I am perfectly capable of rebuilding the time machine, but unless we can ascertain that Sandy Anderson was meant to come home to our time, it would be reckless to retrieve her." Querl had already considered several scenarios. If Sandy did have to return home, convincing her would be a difficulty; they would have to forcibly return her. But the Legion had more than enough resources for that. Confirming her impact on history would be more difficult. Though, the fact that their timeline remained intact seemed to prove it; but then, if time had changed, would they know? He filed that thought away for future exploration.

"How soon can you do it?" Cosmic Boy asked.

Querl wanted to raise his eyebrow again. "The last time I created a time machine, you let the Science Police arrest me. I highly doubt President Wazzo will be as lenient with me as President Brande was."*

"And you didn't lift a finger to help him, either!" Gates snapped. "To be fair, I know you only let Querl get arrested to get close to Chu*, but you didn't even let him know!"

"Thank you, Gates." As his closest friend in the Legion, Querl knew Gates would rise to his defense. It was a small matter to express his gratitude verbally whenever he did. It was these little things that strengthened their bond, such as Gates calling him Querl instead of Brainy.

"I'm certainly not authorizing any time travel," Kid Quantum frowned. "Rokk, you are reading too much into your promise."

Of course. In talking down the man, Cosmic Boy must have promised to retrieve Inferno. A logical act given the circumstances, but one that would raise an ethical dilemma in someone like Cosmic Boy. Had it been Spider-Girl or Invisible Kid who had said that, they would not be having this conversation now.

"I'll make sure everything is above-board, Jaz." Cosmic Boy's face had a stubborn cast to it. Kid Quantum's face darkened. Though he was her boyfriend and the Legion's first leader, she could not like his lack of deference to her leadership.

"I can certainly help, but only if the proper clearances are given," Querl responded before Kid Quantum could speak. He had made sure to cut in before she opened her mouth, to avoid appearing rude. They could iron out their differences later; he did not want to waste any more time. "That is, I will look into the historical records to ascertain whether Sandy Anderson was meant to come home; I already have, but given the recent warpings of reality**, it would be good to confirm. But, I would rather we proceed through the appropriate channels before we do anything more. I would hate to visit Takron-Galtos as an inmate, again."

"And rightly so!" Gates chirped for emphasis. "Really, Cosmic Boy, I expect you to be less reckless! The situation isn't such that you have the license to be a James Bond, you know! I thought selective application of the law went extinct together with North Korea?"

"James Bond?" Kid Quantum muttered. Clearing her throat, she fixed Cosmic Boy with a look. "I agree with Brainy and Gates, Cos. Don't go forcing the issue. You have my permission to speak with President Wazzo, but don't do anything beyond that."

Cosmic Boy pursed his lips. Querl knew he must be struggling with his promise, but he would be too professional to disagree with Kid Quantum. At least in public. "Yes, Jazmin." He turned to Querl and the others. "Thanks too, Brainy, Gates."

"You are welcome," Querl called as the two left the room. As the door shut, he turned to Gates. "James Bond? I would not have expected you to be a fan, Gates."

Gates shrugged his shoulders. "What can I say? I enjoyed those spy movies when we were in the 20th century***, though I would not recommend them to impressionable youth who have the propensity for mimicking the stupidest actions in popular culture!"

"Hmmm. Perhaps. I am certainly not the least bit surprised that you implied disapproval of the North Korean regime's actions."

"Well, I'm glad you understand - though I never expected anything less!" Gates waved his arms for emphasis. "What most of our teammates fail to appreciate is that I only advocate the beneficial aspects of communism. The type of oppression that the Kims practiced only served to make things worse for their people!"

Before Querl could respond, the door to the lab buzzed. "Brainiac 5?"

"Ah, Andromeda, come in." The statuesque blonde had her hands folded in front of her as she entered. Querl was not surprised; she had acted meekly around him ever since she returned to the team. He had saved her life, after all, despite her xenophobic contempt of his species.****

"This will take only 15 minutes," Querl noted as he directed her to the examination table. "I only felt the need to run the tests again because of the recent restoration of our universe."

"Please, don't apologize. I am grateful for your concern for my health," Andromeda replied. She lay down on the table, hands clasped on her stomach. She made as if to speak, then closed her mouth.

Querl studied her surreptitiously. It seemed that she had completely abandoned some of the vows of the Sisters of the Eternal Cosmos*****. He did not need to run any tests to know that Andromeda had some sort of crush on him, or at the very least an admiration. But he had no desire for that now; his early fascination with Andromeda****** had only been because she reminded him of his mother. Tall and blonde and confident. He idly considered that his decision not to pursue anything with Andromeda was because of negative associations with his mother*******, but even if that were so, she would not be a suitable mate for him. Too little in common.

While he was thinking that, he had already initiated the scan. And Gates had teleported over to where Andromeda lay. "If you don't need to ask her anything, may I, Querl?"

"Certainly, Gates."

"Wonderful. Andromeda, we are sending a team to Loberzia to assist in repairing their waste-recycling infrastructure. Would you like to join them? M'Onel isn't available then and..."

Brainiac 5 tuned out their conversation as he focused on the readings. Interesting. No chronal energy, no trace of frequencies from alternate universes. Whatever it was that had caused Andromeda to revert to her previous physical form, and presumably altered her thoughts enough that she felt no need to return to the Sisters of the Eternal Cosmos,********* it continued to leave no trace.

He shifted back to the present, where Gates was rattling off medical and developmental missions that his Legion committee was working on. Querl cleared his throat, and Gates graciously paused.

"I may have to run more tests," Querl began. "But as of now, you seem perfectly healthy. Whatever it was that altered you, you show no ill effects; indeed, your physical scans are, by all indications, identical to those taken before your experience in the Anomaly."

Andromeda breathed in relief. "That's wonderful. I do feel odd that I suddenly feel no desire to rejoin the Sisters, but somehow I just feel the need to take a more active approach."

"Saturn Girl certainly found no sign of telepathic tampering," Querl noted. "Well, that is all for today, then."

Andromeda stood to leave. "Thank you, Brainiac 5." He merely inclined his head. Andromeda stood there, fists clenched. She looked like she wanted to say something. Querl sighed. Yet more interruptions; he would have to devote precious mental resources to addressing whatever it was in a sensitive manner.

Thankfully, a call came over his Omnicom before Andromeda spoke. He quickly answered it. "Yes, Triad?"

Triad Neutral came on-screen, her purple and hazel eyes showing clear worry. "Brainy... I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but there is something you need to see. I can patch it through."

"Something else else about Colu, no doubt. Very well." Querl sighed. For all its intelligence, his homeworld had proven to be extremely obstinate and rather short-sighted. Yet, they were smart enough to make trouble.

Orin Fex's frowning visage appeared. Querl noted that he was addressing the UP Assembly.

"Consider the effect of the Legion's negligence during the Legion Day Attack!********," he thundered. "Giving two hundred and thirty-one of the galaxy's most dangerous criminals access to Legion World? Leaving 30% of guests as hostages behind while escaping?"

"Ludicrous," Querl muttered.

"I should say!" Gates was quivering. "We turned over all our logs to the UP, who cleared our actions! Our teammates attempted negotiation, and assessed the situation carefully before making a tactical retreat."

"And we have been helping the hostages recover," Andromeda said quietly.

"That's not the worst part," Triad Purple said grimly. "That squaj is really making me mad..."

"The Legionnaires may have returned to free the hostages, without any casualties," Orin Fex continued on. "And they had enough foresight to warn the UP before vanishing to retrieve the lost Legionnaires. But they left the Thresholds operational! We were only fortunate that they decided not to invade every single UP world!"

"Grife, he's right about that, you know..." Triad Orange whispered.

"Sister!" Triad Purple snapped.

"She is correct, though." Querl's voice was grim. He didn't blame Nightwind or the others who escaped. They all shared the blame; in their hubris at using the Thresholds to connect the galaxy, they had failed to build appropriate safeguards. But then, nobody had thought to prepare for an invasion on Legion World. They should have. "We were fortunate that the Monitor forbade the use of Thresholds - he didn't want to risk anyone invading Legion World that way. But even citing Thunder's knowledge of that edict to help justify the decision to abandon Legion World, does not excuse us from letting it happen again. And if that weren't enough, he could raise the issue of the weapons we have on Legion World."

"He seems to be making exactly that point," Andromeda said quietly.

"I propose not only imposing appropriate legislative and regulatory safeguards on Legion World," Orin Fex thundered on, his shoulder-length brown hair swaying as he gestured. "I propose imposing technological safeguards as well! Colu must be given access to Legion World; only we can be trusted to do that!"

The murmuring from the crowd could be heard through the transmission. But Querl barely registered that; he suddenly felt his blood rush to his head. Not only did most of his fellow Coluans detest him, but Orin Fex had once sent one to sabotage any chances of resolving the Robotican invasion of Earth peacefully***********. Anyone who believed Orin did not have an ulterior motive in mind was being quite naive.

Querl quickly wrenched all his thought tracks to focus on the remainder of Orin Fex's speech. Not since losing their universe had he done so; but then, few adversaries could be as dangerous as a Coluan with a grudge.

********************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) L* 32 - under President Chu's regime. It was implied later that Cosmic Boy only did so as part of his attempt to investigate Chu. In LSH 80, then-President RJ Brande pardoned Brainy.

2) The destruction of their universe (as shown in Infinite Crisis) and its restoration (as told in Volumes 1 and 2 of my fic)!

3) The Team 20 arc running from LSH 85-100

4) LSH 70

5) Her Sister Andromeda phase. In her appearances in Legion of 3 Worlds she certainly never showed any indications she still thought of herself as a nun.

6) Prior to LSH 80, when Andromeda first joined the Legion

7) Brainiac 4 left after Brainiac 5 was born, as she felt that he could fulfill her obligations to Colu on her behalf. In her quest to "feel something, anything", she eventually ended up leader of the Dark Circle - where she discovered she enjoyed killing. She tried to kill Brainiac 5 in LSH 108.

8) Andromeda had become a nun and was then physically altered by the Space Anomaly (LSH 104). However, when she returned in the Fatal 500 story, she had somehow reverted to her original form. In Legion of 3 Worlds, she never showed any indications of being a nun. As I speculated in Volume 2, she was somehow altered during Infinite Crisis.

9) As told in Volume 3.

10) As told in Legion 10-14. Sharn Nux was sent to kill/destory COMPUTO. She nearly killed Brainiac 5 in the process.
Almost 2 months since the last installment. I do have a long term plot for Volume 4, which will tie in many of the plotlines I have sprinkled in so far. others are stand alone and due to be resolved soon.

My life is going to take a major turn in a couple of months though so I may not be able to continue for a while (have to be a reaponsible adult and prepare)!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: The Day After - 10/31/16 12:58 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Enwa

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation. Current Legion co-leader.

************************************************************

Lume watched in silence as Nightwind sat, her back to him, long hair billowing in the wind. According to its Omnicom, the temperatures were in the single digits and the wind was cold and dry. Just like where Nightwind had grown up in Iceland, she had said more than once. Lume wouldn't have been able to tell; its self-generated light was more than enough to counteract the cold.

Lume still felt a slight chill, though, that had nothing to do with Enwa's harsh climate. It had tried to approach Nightwind earlier, but Ferro had stopped it with a shake of his head. Lume understood that Nightwind wanted to be alone, but it didn't understand why carbon-forms could be so... it struggled for the correct word. Lume's people had emotions, true, but they quickly shook off anger or sadness or fear, and bounced back to their normal state of contentment. Yet carbon-forms could spend weeks in altered states. Or weeks bouncing from one state to another.

"Shouldn't we...?" Lume began.

"No, not yet," Ferro whispered. "This is a lot for her to take in."

"She always did have very high standards for herself," Nightwind's grandmother whispered. She looked to Lume and Ferro. "I would have brought you some nice, hot ginger tea, but what would you do with it?"

"I'm sure our teammates will love the snacks you're planning to let us bring back, Grandma Amihan," Ferro said soothingly. Grandma Amihan smiled; she had insisted they all call her Grandma, and Ferro had seemed very pleased with that. He had never met his own grandmother, after all.

"Berta will love them too, when she gets her appetite back," she added as she folded her arms. "Knowing her, she will be back to her normal self soon. I only wish the news had reached her after her visit. But, ah," she said as she shrugged her shoulders, "might as well wish that the sun would rise every day." Her lined face fell silent as she looked at Berta again.

"Sadly, we're not on leave, though even if we were I think Berta would still be keeping up on Legion-related happenings," Ferro said quietly.

Lume nodded. "She is so responsible." Too much so. When Nightwind had seen news of Orin Fex's address at the UP Assembly, she had watched the holo right away. Lume knew she had never really forgiven herself for abandoning so many sentients during the invasion of Legion World, despite everyone agreeing that they had no choice. And she had spent more time than any other Legionnaire in assisting the freed hostages. Despite most of them coming to no harm, many still suffered from the fear and uncertainty of their captivity.

"She is a great leader," Ferro added. "She cares a lot. Maybe too much."

"I don't think you can care too much." The three jolted as Nightwind stood up and turned to face them, hair still billowing in the wind. "I apologize. I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I just automatically let the winds carry sound to me... It's a hard habit to shake, being alert at all times."

Grandma Amihan crossed herself, a habit Nightwind said had come from when her ancestors emigrated from Earth when Enwa had first been colonized. "You honor the Creator himself when you use your powers, Berta," she breathed. Berta smiled politely, though Lume knew she didn't put as much stock into her grandmother's religious beliefs as she did. Science had told her that her powers were merely a mutation, after all.

"Thank you, grandma," Berta sighed as she walked towards them. "And thank you for your concern and the kind words, Lume and Ferro."

"You deserve them," Ferro said simply. "We all think so. Being leader is tough, but you're not afraid to make the hard decisions."

"Is that how I seem?" Berta laughed, a laugh without mirth. "But they tear me up inside, too. And now I have to make another tough decision." She paused, and Lume saw her heave a very deep breath. "I've decided to step down as Legion leader. I don't have the right to hold that position anymore."

Lume opened its mouth in shock as it exchanged startled glances with Ferro. Beside them, Grandma Amihan crossed herself again as she mumbled a prayer. Lume felt very much like praying, itself. The wind whipped itself into a frenzy as Nightwind stared at them, defiantly. "I'm going to message the others right now," she added as she began to walk back towards the house. "And don't try to convince me otherwise, because I've made up my mind."

Lume felt a chill, one that had nothing to do with the weather. It watched silently as Nightwind walked by.

***********************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Amihan is a season in the Philippines characterized by the cool northeast winds brought by the trade winds. Amihan is also a bird in Philippine mythology, one of the first creatures to inhabit the universe.
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Post ZH Legion: The Day After - 10/31/16 05:22 PM
You write a brilliant Querl IB, capturing his arrogance and understanding equally.im surprised by his lack of attraction to Andromeda though look forward to seeing where you take us with that.

Your Nightwind is great - nicely nuanced with her flaws and strength and history, well written! Ferro's a sweetheart, and Luke is nicely alien without being too weird.

You are really great at your character writing, it is good to read your version of the team as it makes me think more about my own writing.

And what is Orin Fex up to now? Loving the suspense.

Great stuff IB, more, more, more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: The Day After - 11/01/16 02:21 AM
Thank you Harbi, glad you liked all of the bits of characterization I included!

And it's a wonderful compliment to hear that my writing makes you think of your own. Your writing has also made me think of how I'll build up my own characters. There's so much creativity here on LW and it can be quite inspiring smile

Orin Fex is definitely up to something and I hope what I conceive will be worthy of such an intelligent adversary tongue
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: The Day After - 11/07/16 04:12 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Siem Reap, Cambodia, Earth

Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body

Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter. Skilled chef and Legion support staff member. (Reservist)

************************************************************

"Aw maaaaaaaan. Thanks, Tenz," Brek slurred as he plopped onto his bed. He took off his shirt and flung it onto the floor, then curled up with his head on his pillow. "I don't normally drink this much... I'm not drunk, though. Not yet."

"Yeah, I don't think you are," Tenzil said with a shrug, even though Brek's face was a bright red. He took a swig of water; helping Brek walk back to their room hadn't been a cakewalk. The Tharrian wasn't particularly heavy, but he had been talkative. And he had kept wanting to look around.

"This alcohol will go through my system fast," Brek promised. "And I'm not going to throw up. Promiiiiiiise."

Sprock, I hope not," Tenzil thought as he reached into his bag. He just wanted to clean up, change, and call it a night. He walked into the bathroom, but kept the door open so he could hear Brek, who was now humming a tune he didn't recognize. He was thankful for the earplugs he had brought along; now would be the perfect time to use them.

"Teeenz, don't tell me you're going to sleep alreadyyyyy," Brek called from the room. "It's still early!"

Tenzil sighed as he slipped into his sleepwear - shorts and a shirt. "We have a long day tomorrow, Brek. We'd better rest up."

"Okaaaay then..." Tenzil could hear Brek shuffling around. Good, looks like he's getting ready for bed.

Tenzil aimed the sonic cleanser at his face to get the dirt out, then gargled to clean his teeth. Little rituals he took for granted, but he had certainly appreciated them after Ayla had regaled him with stories of the appalling hygienic practices in the 20th century. Liquid scrubs, toothpaste? Those poor 20th century sentients. He gathered his things and stepped back into the bedroom, and gaped.

Brek was still on the bed, but he was now clad only in his underwear. Arms crossed behind his head, and one leg crossed on top of the other, he appeared not to care one bit at his roommate's obvious surprise. Tenzil bit his lip and tried to act nonchalant. He had encountered beings with a very lax approach to nudity - and Brek had told him once that on Tharr, people wore as little as possible because of the baking heat. And Tharrians and Bismollians had the same boy parts, both having come from Earth stock. Still, the toxic environment on Bismoll meant that covering up was necessary, and he was not at all used to Brek's casual approach to near-nudity.

Brek propped himself up on one shoulder and watched Tenzil. His head was swimming, but he wasn't quite ready to go to bed yet. "Hey, I know we have to get some rest, but maybe we can stay up and chat a bit. You know, get to know one another more..."

Tenzil shrugged as he sat on his own bed. Brek thought it was silly how his roommate went to sleep wearing so much. They were both male, and sleep was supposed to be comfortable! He idly scratched his side. "So, are you into ancient history? Do the crumbling temples excite you as much as they do Zoe?"

Tenzil laughed. "I do appreciate the local food we've been trying."

"But this wouldn't have been your first choice for a vacation either, huh? I mean, if Zoe hadn't wanted this so badly, I'd have settled for a relaxing snow-spa on Tharn..."

"I know what you mean. I love trying new dishes, but I could just as easily have popped into the restaurants and eaten them there. And the locals wouldn't be very happy to see me take a bite out of their temples..."

"Yeah. They are good sites, but I wouldn't go to all the effort the girls did to plan the trip." Brek yawned. "Still, it's nice getting to know the girls more. They don't nag, unlike some of the girls back home on Tharr..."

"Yeah..." Tenzil smiled, as he felt himself relax. He hadn't really gotten to know Brek that much before this trip, but he did appreciate the Tharrian's friendly, relaxed demeanor. Too many of the Legionnaires maintained an intensity that could be tiring. "And I like that they're not all helpless. I once dated a Bismollian who yelled at me for not walking on the danger side of hovertraffic..."

Brek snorted. "I blame that holo series for romanticizing those old courting rituals from way, way back. I mean, I once had a girl scream at me too, for not holding her hoverseat so she could sit. And I'm like, how was I supposed to know you wanted me to do that? I'm not a telepath!"

Tenzil shook his head. "Yeah. No problem for me to do it for you, but don't assume I should know."

"Exactly!" Brek raised his palm, and Tenzil hesitated for a moment before smacking it in a high five. He just hoped that Brek hand't scratched himself somewhere else besides the side of his belly.

"Ah, man..." Brek lay back on the bed, hands over his torso. "Hey, I'm using my powers to cool myself a bit - I'm used to the cold - but let me know if they're affecting you, okay?"

"Thanks. Just keep doing what you're doing," Tenzil said. He stifled a yawn, and raised his hands behind his head. This bed was amazingly comfortable; he would remember to thank the girls for choosing such a good hotel. "So, what made you like Zoe? I mean, I know she's a looker; but what else?"

"I guess... I found it fascinating, among the girls on the team she looks so dainty, always changing her costume. And the skirt and frills make her seem so prim and proper. But she can really take care of herself, you know? She's a beast in battle. I mean, I'm looking for someone who will need me without being too clingy... and what about you and Vi?"

Tenzil scrunched up his face in thought. "I've seen her when she was still her old super shy self... and I guess I like how she's grown as a person. She became way more confident, but not in an arrogant way." He turned to look at Brek, who was listening intently. He certainly wasn't the self-absorbed sort. "I guess I'm looking for someone who will be a great partner, not just some delicate flower I have to take care of, you know?"

Brek nodded. He was pleasantly surprised to see how much he and Tenzil had in common. And he really felt, instead of being just two guys who happened to be dating best friends, they could be friends in their own right. He stifled a yawn, and resisted the urge to lie flat on his back. If he wanted to get cleaned up, he would have to do so soon, before he drifted off. Still, he was enjoying this conversation. And he couldn't really see himself having this kind of guy talk with his other long-time teammates like Kent or Pol. And especially not Babbage and Lume! It was nice having a non-work conversation...

"So, are you one of the "sex only after marriage types"?"

Tenzil shrugged. "I'm okay with before marriage."

"Me too. Although Zoe's different, I mean, I'm okay if something happens, but I'm not in a rush to make it happen, you know?"

"Yeah, I feel you." Tenzil fell silent. Brek clicked his tongue, but decided not to press more. It's not like he needed to know Tenzil's intentions. It was just nice talking about it, that's all. He yawned again, this time spreading his arms wide. Sprock, he was really sleepy. He forced himself to get up by raising his legs and springing himself forward. "I'm gonna... get ready for bed." He felt himself wobble a bit.

"You need help?" Tenzil sat up.

Brek held up a hand. "Nah, nah, I'm fine, thanks." Besides, it would be a bit too weird to have Tenzil help him in the bathroom. "Was nice chatting... but you go ahead and sleep..."

Tenzil shook his head as he watched Brek disappear into the bathroom. He would have to stay up a bit longer just to make sure Brek didn't hit his head or anything. He stifled a yawn. Still, he had enjoyed their little chat, though he wasn't so quick to open up as Brek was.

And it was nice getting to know his teammates on a more personal level.

Tenzil settled back into bed with a small smile.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: The Day After - 11/07/16 09:20 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Angkor, Cambodia, Earth

Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body

Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter. Skilled chef and Legion support staff member. (Reservist)

************************************************************

Kinetix clasped her hands in glee as she looked up at the sprawling temple in front of her, bathed in the light of the rising sun. "Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of the Angkor Park! I can't believe we're here! Can you imagine the treasures that lay inside?"

"Not powerful objects, I hope," Violet laughed.

"No, no, you know I don't look for power anymore," Zoe stuck here tongue out at Vi. "I'm talking about the beautifully-preserved carvings and bas-reliefs! They show historical events and myths... And imagine, they did it all with primitive technology. There are almost no places left on Earth this beautiful! And can you imagine, the stone here is still mostly the same stone the temple was originally built with? It's been reinforced from time to time, but conservationists have made sure it looks exactly like it did at the turn of the 25th century, when the Angkor Park was chosen as one of the first fifteen Earth sites to be preserved for posterity..."

"With you, we really don't need a tour guide," Brek quipped. Despite being all tipsy the night before, Brek was just as energetic as everyone else this morning. Everyone else except for Zoe, that is.

The foursome trooped inside through the temple's main entrance, as Zoe gushed about how the temple's layout replicated its ancient builders' understanding of the universe.

"I am a bit surprised at how vast it is," Tenzil noted, as he looked back at the long, long bridge they had taken just to get to the main temple.

"Yes... Such a large complex would be unthinkable on Imsk," Violet noted. "We have such little space, so all our facilities are more... practical."

"That's one reason why I find these ancient religious sites so fascinating," Zoe noted as she took a holo of the temple's towers. "It's fascinating to learn more about the beliefs they had in the olden times."

"And the architecture is pretty fascinating," Brek added. He winked discreetly at Tenzil, who winked back.

"Actually, it is..." Violet said quietly. "It's the architecture I appreciate most... as I said, most buildings on Imsk are functional. And not all that beautiful. Hmm..." She consulted her Omnicom. "Says here, there's a scale model of the temple over in the corner near the entrance. How about I take a look, while you guys go ahead?"

"Sure," Zoe said. "I want to see the apsara carvings, before we get in line for the upper levels. There's a queue to get in, so I think we should get that out of the way as soon as we can..."

"Okay, give me fifteen minutes," Violet smiled.

"I'll go with you," Tenzil offered.

"Okay, see you!" Brek waved. Zoe was already floating ahead, taking holos as she went.

"She always likes to levitate," Brek muttered as he launched himself into the air after her.

"Thanks for wanting to come along," Violet told Tenzil as they began walking. "I guess old espionage habits die hard. First thing I do in a new building is to understand the layout."

"Hey, always good to know that information. You never know when you have to anticipate where a bad guy will try to escape, or lead an evacuation," Tenzil smiled.

"You're certainly thinking tactically, for someone who doesn't want to move to Active status," Violet's eyes twinkled as she smiled.

"Can you blame me, after my near-death experience when the Monitor invaded?" Tenzil laughed. Violet giggled as they walked along.

*************************************************************

"Oh, I like this shot!" Zoe beamed. She was standing beside a row of apsara carvings, mimicking the pose of the nymph closest to her. She had even used her powers to give herself the same hairstyle. "You are so great at taking holos, Brek!"

"I had a lot of practice on family vacations," Brek smiled. "My mom loved to pose. Her favorite was this..." Brek used his powers to generate a small snowball, and held it between his palms in front of his face. He stuck his tongue out as if to lick it.

Zoe giggled. "She's a very fun-loving mom."

"Yeah. She really encouraged me to join the Legion..." He trailed off. "Almost broke my heart to have to tell her I didn't get in."

"Oh, Brek... But you're in now. And she was so proud of you during Legion Day," Zoe said. "My mom thinks she's really nice."

"Awesome! My mom thinks your mom is cool, too," Brek said. "I think she's cool." Brek's heart leaped a bit as Zoe smiled at him. She had a really nice smile. And very lovely lips...

He cleared his throat awkwardly. "Oh, there they are."

Zoe waved as Vi and Tenzil came running towards them. "Finally! Come on, let's go before the line gets any longer."

There were about ten sentients ahead of them in the line to the upper temple levels. "Wow, it's a good thing not many people decided to head directly here," Tenzil noted.

"I know, right? We'll be the first ones in today," Zoe said excitedly. "Oh, they're finally letting people in!" An attendant in uniform - a blue collared shirt and black pants - came up and addressed the line. "Just a few reminders before you go in," she noted. "No touching the carvings, please. And be careful when taking holos of yourselves. We do not allow you to use Omnicom-hoverboards, as they have damaged the temple before..."

"Must be hard for those traveling alone to take good holos," Tenzil whispered to Brek.

"Good thing we don't have that problem," Brek whispered back.

"And it's really nice to be on a leisurely trip," Zoe added. "Not Legion business, or even a work-related dig. I like the feeling of excavating something, but it's also nice to just look and appreciate..."

Neither Zoe nor Violet noticed Tenzil and Brek giving each other a surreptitious look as they carefully began their ascent. "Grife, these stairs are steep..." Brek noted.

"They did it on purpose," Zoe explained as she hugged the steps. She was determined not to take a shortcut and fly. "It was their way of showing that it should be difficult to reach the gods. There are some temples in the area whose steps are so narrow that you have to crawl to get up; and you're forced to show the proper respect."

"Imagine, Earthgov has to periodically renew the steps every couple hundred years to make sure they're this steep..." Violet noted. She was already ahead of the others.

"I'm okay if they don't renew them..." Tenzil huffed as they continued up. Finally, he thought as they got to the top. He took a swig of his water as he took in the ancient stone corridor. "Wow, this part looks a bit like a maze..."

"Over here," Violet pointed. "Sign says we should go this way." The tourists ahead of them were already far in the distance. The Legionnaires kept a slower pace, though. Zoe kept admiring the bas-reliefs and carvings as they walked through, while Brek marveled at the walls. "Don't tell me Earthgov purposely keeps it damp?"

"Just like the old days," Zoe giggled. "Cambodia is a humid place, after all. It used to rain here quite a bit before weather control."

"Wow... they sure know how to keep the atmosphere..." Tenzil quipped.

"Hey... you see that?" Violet was up ahead, peering through a window. "I thought I saw someone phasing through the wall down there."

The other three looked at each other. Zoe raised an eyebrow. "Another Bgztlian wanting to see the ruins up close?"

"Like in Shwedagon Pagoda?" Violet shook her head. "It's the most obvious explanation, but it seems odd..."

"And phasing through protected buildings is prohibited, even if you're a Legionnaire or a Science Police Officer," Brek mused. "Most Bgztlians should know that."

"The tourist signs ARE all over..." Tenzil trailed off.

"I'm going to check it out," Violet said as she shrank down. Before the others could react, she had zipped through the window she was looking at.

Tenzil shrugged as he looked at Zoe and Brek. "Well, you're the Active Legionnaires here."

"Vi will be fine," Zoe said. "Besides, it wouldn't feel right to psychokinetically widen the window so we could follow..."

All three crowded around the window, trying to see Vi. "I guess we watch and wait, then..." Brek trailed off.

Down below, Violet grew to normal height as she landed beside the wall where she had seen the figure slip through. She quickly inspected it for a crack where she could see the other side. Once she did, she shrank through and flew in, thankful that her transuit protected her from the tiny plants growing in the crack. That had been one of the things she found most difficult when using her shrinking power. It was toughest on the more rural worlds, where she often encountered animals that made her have to shrink down to subatomic size. Once, a Winathian orb-weaving spider had startled her so that she grew reflexively, almost forgetting that she was in a very small space. Luckily, she had remembered before hitting her head - or being attacked by the spider.

She paused on the other side of the crack, and surveyed the area. From studying the model, she knew she was probably in one of the side rooms on the upper levels. Up ahead, she could make out a small altar, decorated in red and gold, a smiling Buddha sitting in it. There was a small cluster of flowering plants growing to one side of the altar - Violet recalled reading that Earthgov purposely let some plants grow, in patches, to add atmosphere and color to the temple. But there was nothing else.

She quickly grew to about 7 feet; tall enough to get a better look, but not tall enough to attract unwanted attention from guards or other tourists. She turned around, scanning the area. Still nothing. Could she just have imagined it? She...

A flash of movement from the corner of her eye caught her attention. It seemed like... something going into the rock behind the altar? She tapped her flight ring to signal Zoe and the others, and then flew to the spot. Crouching down, she examined the wall carefully. There were cracks here and there... She found a fairly large one, and crept down to peek through.

All she saw were trees in the distance.

She took to the air and flew to the top of the wall to scan the area. Still nothing.

She sighed as she landed. Well, she hadn't been sure, but it was worth checking out.

"Nothing, I take it?" Zoe asked as she flew towards Violet. Tenzil and Brek landed beside her. Vi shook her head sadly.

"It could be just the light..." Brek offered helpfully.

"Or even if there had been someone phasing, maybe it was just a tourist. Or a prankster, at most," Zoe offered. She tapped her Omnicom. "Though, I looked through the reports on the incident at Shwedagon, and nothing was stolen, no graffiti or vandalism was found..."

"We can keep our eyes out to see if anything will be missing here," Tenzil noted.

"I guess..." Violet added.

"I wonder..." Brek rubbed his chin. "I remember reading about the Kono/Viktor Rhysson case. Phasing Sklarian steals historic treasures for rich tycoon."

"I remember," Zoe's brow furrowed. "I was there when we caught him. But he wouldn't be dumb enough - or brave enough - to try that again. Another collector?"

"But nothing was missing from Shwedagon," Violet noted. "Unless, there was something hidden in the spire? And something here?"

Zoe shook her head. "Unlikely. Earthgov has thoroughly scanned and x-rayed all these ruins, and they do so regularly. And..." She paused. "I used to be able to sense magical objects*, but I seem to have lost that ability. I can still sense the structure of objects with my psychokinesis though, and I didn't feel anything in the spires at Shwedagon. And now..." She concentrated for a moment. "I don't feel anything under this altar or in this wall, either. They just seem like solid blocks of stone."

Tenzil scratched the back of his head. "Well, maybe you really did just see a tourist... though I suppose we could ask M'Onel or Andromeda to use their x-ray vision, just to be sure that nothing is hidden here?"

Violet sighed, then shook her head. "No... Even if there really was someone both here and in Shwedagon, there are no indications that any crimes were committed. I think your suggestions are best. Let's just keep an eye out to see if any graffiti or vandalism do turn up here."

The other three nodded. "Okay then," Violet smiled. "I'm sorry for disturbing our vacation."

"Nah," Brek smiled. Zoe clasped Violet's hand soothingly.

"We're Legionnaires, we have to be alert," Tenzil laughed.

Violet smiled back as the four took into the air to continue their tour.


*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Kinetix displayed the ability to sense magical objects (or at least, emanations of magic) in LSH 66 and LSH v4 Annual 6, though her magical "sense" seemed spotty at best.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: The Day After - 11/09/16 01:05 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Rimbor

Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair, extensive espionage contacts
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time

*************************************************************

Timber Wolf's nose was on overdrive as he strode along the filthy alleys near the Q. With technology and Shikari's pathfinding failing, they had to resort to the old-fashioned methods. Time to cast a wide net.

On the plus side, Shikari had been able to trace Luonel Burdo's path up to approximately one week ago. That helped narrow it down to a twelve-block radius. And Spider-Girl and Apparition had been surprisingly effective at finding and questioning witnesses.

Brin liked working with Tinya, Sussa and Kari. All were efficient, all were fun, and all were extremely professional. He couldn't really say the same about...

"Hey, Wolf. Are you tracking or are you just out for a morning stroll?" Ultra Boy quipped over the flight ring relay. Brin sighed to himself.

"We real trackers don't project that we are tracking, U-Boy. What, you think I would have survived this long if people could tell I was sniffing?" He paused to let his comment sink in, then added a jab of his own. "So maybe you shouldn't pose like one of the Space-Pirates of Simballi, eh?"

"Har har, Wolf. Don't worry about me, I'm hidden. U-Boy out."

Brin sighed again. On one hand, he and Jo had developed a better working relationship. Jo had apologized. Still, rivalries died hard, and both of them were the alpha male type. Brin had to admit that he liked knocking Jo off his high horse every chance he could get, too.

He put Jo out of his mind as he continued sniffing, searching for a trace of the man who had brought them all here.

***********************************************************

"How is the costume working for you, Shikari?"

"It is okay, Spirited Legion." Apparition looked Shikari up and down with pride. Her hair was done up in a bun and hidden beneath a beanie; her wings were folded up inside a bulky coat. To the untrained eye, she looked just like a typical bipedal sentient.

"Now that we're done preparing Kari," Spider-Girl interjected, "I was wondering... I know you have no love lost for the Luck Lords, but..."

Apparition folded her arms over her chest. "Are you suggesting contacting them for help?"

Sussa shrugged. "It could help."

Tinya shook her head. "I know it could, Sussa. But... the Luck Lords accepted my third self as an indentured slave. Well, servant, though she grew up in their care. Seems like slavery to me. In any case..." she took a deep breath. "I can see the benefits of asking them for help, I'm not that driven by anger... but their actions with my third self show they may be complicit in sentient trafficking, too. I don't want to ask them for help, if it means we lose the opportunity to put them away in the future."

Sussa nodded. "Yeah, it would be difficult to offer them an attractive enough deal for them to help us. Okay, then, let's go..."

"Thanks," Tinya smiled. She was grateful Sussa hadn't pressed the issue.

The three headed out the door. Sussa went one way, and Tinya and Kari another.

*************************************************************

Luonel Burdo kept his head down as he lost himself in the throng of sentients. He was rarely alone these days; it was safest. The Luck Lords preferred to operate out of sight, and he was not nearly so important that they would risk exposing themselves to get their hands on him.

Of course, the artifact he had stolen was much more important than he was. And the Luck Lords were patient. They would not stop coming after him.

Unless... he could broker a deal. He had done it once before, with Tinya's two selves. Maybe they would leave him alone if he returned the artifact.

At least then he would only have to worry about being caught by the Legion.

They would certainly be more merciful.

He turned that thought over in his head as he kept walking through the crowd.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Post ZH Legion: The Day After - 11/09/16 02:39 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Insect Queen, Lonna Leing of Xanthu; morphs into various insect forms, gaining the powers of the forms she takes
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion co-leader.
Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation
Star Boy, Thom Kallor of Xanthu; gravity manipulation
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication

Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa); sound manipulation (Cadet and Reservist)

*************************************************************

Kid Quantum sank into her seat as she hit the "send" button. Today was not a good day, so far.

"I guess it's a good thing we have so many Reservists now, huh?" Echo smiled from beside her.

"Yeah," Jazmin groaned. "I'm not surprised that so many Active Legionnaires want to take time off. But it is a bit of a pain managing the schedules." She sighed as she stretched her arms above her head. "Still, I hope all you new Reservists realize that you earned your status. We didn't vote you up just so we could all take vacations."

"Of course not," Echo said with a twinkle in his eye. "We know we wouldn't have gotten in if we hadn't deserved it. Said with all humility, of course," he laughed.

Jazmin laughed as well. Echo certainly put in the work; according to logs, he was up there with Amp, Lamprey, Inferno and Chemical Kid in number of extra combat training sessions, and he was had volunteered for his share of Monitor Duty shifts too. He was definitely dedicated, and one of those the Active membership had flagged as one to watch for the upcoming tryouts.

The tryouts! She was just glad other Active members had volunteered to spearhead the preparations. It was taking a lot of time just managing everyone's leaves so the entire Active membership would be here for said tryouts.

She sighed as she looked at her messages. Nightwind's recent resignation as leader, and requests from some Legionnaires to take time off, had spurred her to draft her latest message asking all Legionnaires to send in their requests for time off ASAP. She had asked - nicely - that they log their plans for the next 6 months, at least. The Legion had more members than ever, but that didn't mean their workload wasn't increasing, either.

She checked the Monitor Board logs. As of now, only Blizzard, Kinetix, and Violet among the Active membership were vacationing. XS and Magno were still thinking of joining them towards the end of their trip; Jazmin had asked them to make their decision quickly. Live Wire and Saturn Girl had taken some time off to plan their wedding. Of course, the last two would take a much longer break after they did get married.

Apparition's team and Nightwind's team were on Legion business, so that didn't really count.

She looked at the requests that had come in. Umbra wanted to check in on Talok VIII; after her long absence, she wanted to make sure her people didn't give in to paranoia and xenophobia again. That would count as Legion business.

Brainiac 5 wanted to visit Colu to see what Orin Fex was up to. Gates wanted to tag along. Jazmin had been firm; Brainy could visit Colu any time he wanted, but given Orin Fex's fiery rhetoric, he would need an invitation if he wanted to visit government offices. She hadn't said it out loud, but considering how diplomatic Brainy and Gates were together, she hoped the Coluans wouldn't extend such an invitation.

And of course, Rokk had gotten wind of Rond Vidar's invitations to M'Onel and Thunder to participate in his studies on time. Rokk wanted in on that; he was becoming obsessed about leaving Sandy Anderson behind. Apparently, the pyrokinetic they had under custody was a distant blood relative. Jazmin shook her head. She had read Sandy's file; he was not a sibling, and the file had not mentioned any distant relatives. But then, Sandy had always been close-mouthed about her past, and her former Workforce teammates among the Legion had known nothing about her family.

Ah, well.

"Jaz?" She was shaken out of her thoughts as Triad stepped in. "Is now a good time?"

"Any time, Lu. What can I do for you?"

"Well... after the tryouts are over, I wanted to take some time off to visit Cargg. Just to see how the Divided Trinity is doing. I've already asked Chuck to join me..."

"Of course," Jazmin said without hesitation. It had taken a lot to convince Triad to go back to Cargg before, considering her terrible memories of the place. "Visiting the Divided Trinity could still be considered Legion business, you know. You don't have to take personal time off for that."

"Oh... thank you," Triad smiled. "By the way, I've already set up the team calendar. Anyone can plot their requested leaves directly. Will make for easier tracking."

Jazmin smiled at that. "You're a lifesaver, Lu."

Triad winked as she stepped out of the room. She was quickly replaced by Star Boy and Insect Queen.

"And what can I do for you two?" Jazmin asked.

"I know you're aware of the recent anti-Legion sentiment on Xanthu..." Thom began.

"Yeah. You said you had ideas on fixing it?"

"It's quite an interesting idea," Lonna began. "Many Xanthians are resentful that the UP and the Legion didn't help out more during the Robotican invasion. They acknowledge we helped restore Xanthu, but they're worried we're leaving it undefended with so few active Amazers left."

"So we think we could second some of us to Xanthu. It is on the fringes of UP space," Thom noted. "Those stationed there would still be Legionnaires, but we would rotate out every so often. Just like what we used to do when we had the Outpost."

"Not a bad idea," Jazmin said quickly. It did make sense; back when the Outpost* was operational, the Legion's active roster had been split evenly between HQ and Outpost. It wasn't so necessary now that the Legion had Thresholds, but stationing some Legionnaires semi-permanently on Xanthu would be a good symbolic move. "I've thought about doing something similar for the Kwai Galaxy. Of course, we have to consider our messaging. Other planets might demand their own semi-permanent delegations." She sat up straight in her chair. "I don't suppose you'd like to come up with a proposed communications for this? We can vote on it next membership meeting."

Thom's jaw dropped open. "Wow. I thought I'd have to work harder to convince you."

Jazmin punched him playfully. "Hey, the idea makes sense. Besides, when I saw Lonna with you I knew it would."

"Har, har," Thom grunted as Lonna gave Jazmin a high five. Lonna ruffled Thom's hair playfully. "You always were the most fun to tease," she joked. The redhead stood up. "Thanks, Jaz. We'll work on it and get back to you soon."

Jazmin nodded. It benefited her, too; with so many details to consider in running the team, she delegated as much as she could now.

She looked down as her Omnicom pinged. It was a message from Echo. She rose her eyebrow at the Cadet, who shrugged. "I took the liberty of taking down minutes," he explained. "I always was good at taking down notes."

"Impressive, Troy. Very much so. I -" she was cut off as her Omnicom rang. Echo tried very hard not to laugh; Jazmin's ring tone was the latest hit on the UP music charts. It was a rather upbeat tune by the Graemlinz.

She shot Echo a look, who shrugged. "I have no preconceptions about what type of music you would like..." he said.

She laughed as she answered the call. Sensor appeared; Jazmin was pleasantly surprised to see that Sensor was in her own quarters, but the lights were on. A welcome change. She was becoming more and more comfortable with her appearance.

"Kid Quantum... After the tryouts are over, I should like to spend some time on Orando, as well. There are welcome changes to our treatment of the Raccoons. I should like to ensure that things continue to progress well."

"Of course, Sensor," Jazmin said. "The Legion upholds equality."

"I thank you," Sensor said with a smile. "We are fortunate indeed to have such a supportive leader as you."

Jazmin sighed again as Sensor ended the call. "I wonder which other Legionnaires would want to visit their homeworlds..."

Her Omnicom pinged again with yet another message from Echo. Jazmin looked down. "Minutes again? That was a very short call."

"No... a compilation of newslinks to all Legionnaire homeworlds," Echo smiled. "I know you're updated, but this can help."

"Wow. You're almost as efficient as Triad is," Jazmin laughed. "Maybe you two should teach a Cadet course in administration..."

"As long as I still get to go on the field," Echo chuckled.

Jazmin smiled as she scrolled through Echo's list. It was tiring, but she did take heart from the fact that so many others were working as hard as she was.

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) The Legion Outpost debuted in LSH v4 100. At first, only a small group of Legionnaires would be stationed there. After the Dark Circle crisis (L* 62-65, LSH 106-108), then-leader Saturn Girl decided to permanently split the Legion membership between the Earth HQ and the Outpost, to make the Legion more responsive to issues off Earth.
Posted By: Fat Cramer Re: Post ZH Legion: The Day After - 11/16/16 04:18 AM
You raise an interesting question here: would Shikari have detected something was amiss with Imra posing as Tinya? She wouldn't have known who either one was, but I wonder if her powers could detect falseness, impersonation, misleading.

Thanks for the tour of Angkor Park! I had to look up "apsara", which of course led to more link jumping/internet time gobbling, but they are really beautiful carvings. It's very positive to think that they will survive and be appreciated far into the future.

Brainy is the ultimate multi-tasker. His annoyance with Rokk does feel spot-on and it's good to see he is aware of others' social dynamics. That he's over his crush on Andromeda makes sense to me (although I liked the relationship in the comic). It made me think of Harbi's recent installment in which Zoe says of M'windaji "He's not the One". Brainy must have come to that same conclusion, although he probably treats it more as a finished experiment than a love affair.

Moons of Colu! Orin Fex! I love that character, such a grumpy, conniving, devious politician.

Polar Boy's mother, so funny! I can imagine she'd be a full-on enthusiast like her son, he must have got it from somewhere. They must be quite a team back home!

Finally, your story makes me think we really need a crossover with Rocket Racoon to liberate Orando!
Thanks for the usual thorough comments FC!

You raise a very good question on applications of Shikari's powers. I am a tad wary of overly expanding them, as she already has a bit of overlap with Nura as it is (in Legion 11 or 12 she "saw the future path" of a Batman hologram and avoided its attack). A bit too much like precognition. I was alluding more to her familiar with fake Tinya rather than to any new uses of her powers

Happy you liked reading up on apsaras and Cambodia!

We will be seeing Orando in the future smile

Happy you liked the Laurel/Brainy dynamic. Yeah, Brainy does not like wasting time!

Thanks again for reading and commenting smile


Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Rimbor

Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair, extensive espionage contacts
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time

*************************************************************

Sweat poured down Luonel Burdo's face as he cobbled together the equipment he had acquired. Heh. Acquired. Just as he had acquired most of the meager belongings he now had.

He spared a glance for his hired guns. Two dozen Emerald Dragons waited outside the room he was working in, in various positions. Many were wrinkling their noses at the filth; their own headquarters was a mess now, but it was still much cleaner than the sewers beneath Rimbor. Burdo didn't care. This was the safest place he could think of. He was just glad the Dragons were desperate, and that they were still a long way from recovery after being decimated by those three bounty hunters*. Bounty hunters! Even if their numbers hadn't been reduced, their reputations would have taken a big hit. Being taken in by bounty hunters was much more demeaning than being taken in by Sci Cops.

He chided himself as he felt his mind wander. He had to focus.

He was interrupted by a loud rapping on the door. "Yo, this gonna take much longer?" Mo Seh, the senior Dragon, had a gruff voice made coarser by years of cigarettes and booze.

"Not much more," Burdo said as he tried to make his voice sound threatening. He was not a fighter at heart, but he always was able to put on a decent act. It was hard, though; being on the run for so long had left his nerves shot. "Remember our deal! You stay here until my contacts show up and bring me home. You know I've already set up the transfers..."

"Yeah, we checked out the link you said," Mo sneered. "Just remember, we only provide protection. My boys and I ain't gonna fire on no cops or Legionnaires..."

"Yeah, yeah," Burdo tried not to sound like he card. It shouldn't matter, anyway. The Dragons would be able to stall anyone pursing him, but they sure would not be able to stop either Luck Lords or Legionnaires.

His only hope lay in his contact responding right away, and agreeing to his offer...

************************************************************

"I really do appreciate you helping out, Sussa," Apparition said as the two Legionnaires trudged along the alleys. Tinya took care to watch where she stepped; there was plenty of filth, and she couldn't use her flight ring or her phasing as they had to avoid attracting attention.

Spider-Girl shrugged. Her long red hair was curled up on her head, hidden under a turban. Tinya marveled at how she looked just like one of the nomads of the Atlas cluster. "Scum like slavers deserve to be put behind bars," she noted. "I turned a blind eye to some of McCauley's unethical practices when I worked for him, but he certainly didn't go quite this far... Though some would debate that point."

"I'm just glad you're with us now," Tinya smiled. She trusted Jo completely and felt no jealousy towards her teammate, but she wanted Sussa to know that. "I admire how well you did for yourself after all the chaos after the Blight."

Sussa laughed softly. "Not bad for an orphan from Luna, eh?"

"I would like to know more about your past." Tinya wrinkled her nose as she stepped over a particularly smelly puddle. A couple of kids ran past and began stomping in said puddle; she drew her cloak tight around her to avoid getting splashes on the costume she wore underneath.

"Wait until we're past before you splash!" Sussa hissed at the kids. One stuck his tongue out at her before continuing. She glared back, then turned to Tinya. "Not much to say. My folks were McCauley Industries scientists. Died in a lab accident when I was younger, same one that gave me my powers. McCauley paid someone to watch over me after that, eager to exploit said powers; I was his first Workforce member. No matter how he tried, though, he was never able to replicate these powers. Didn't help that the accident destroyed my folks' notes..."

Tinya was about to ask a follow up when Sussa's Omnicom beeped. "Excuse me," the redhead said. Her eyes widened as she looked. "Movement from the Emerald Dragons. Over two dozen of them were seen gathering..."

Tinya and Sussa exchanged glances. "We know he spoke to some Dragons in the past couple of weeks..."

Tinya raised her finger to her lips. "You hear that, team? Kari, can you locate the Emerald Dragons?"

"Already done," Shikari's voice was eager. A lead was a lead, no matter how tenuous. "Location sent to your Omnicoms." Shikari learned fast.

"Then we'll see you all there," Tinya said. She hitched up her cloak and began to run.

************************************************************

"Once, you have broken our trust, and that cannot easily be restored," sneered a Luck Lord. Even through the video relay, contempt was evident in its voice.

"Twice, you have failed to pay your debts," added another.

"Thrice, you have shown your capability for deceit," scoffed a third. "And still you continue to do so, for you have not given us your true location."

Burdo winced. But then, he knew it would be difficult to convince the Luck Lords to deal with him again. Though their livelihood came from fleecing others through games of chance, they had succeeded only by being cautious. That they were even talking to him meant that the artifact he held was very precious, indeed.

"I'm just being careful," Burdo said. "And look, I don't want any trouble... I only stole this thing to keep myself hidden. I was afraid you'd cut me loose when the UP started looking into your operations..."

One of the Luck Lords laughed, a chilling laugh that held plenty of menace and not a hint of mirth. "Is that supposed to make us sympathetic?"

"I'm just trying to explain..." Burdo gasped, heart pounding. He hated how the Luck Lords could speak and laugh like that, when their faces appeared to be giant eyeballs. No mouth, no nose, no expression... He put that thought out of his mind as he continued. "Look, if you help me off-world and set me up somewhere hidden, I'll promise never, ever to leave there. And I'll give you the thing back. Isn't that what you want? You get your precious artifact back, and you are assured that I won't testify against any of your operations."

"And what operations are those, Luonel Burdo?" One Luck Lord leaned forward slightly. "Our gambling operations do not violate any laws. And we have no other businesses."

"And our taking in of your two daughters was done completely legally," another Luck Lord hissed softly. "Unlike you and your involvement in slavery operations."

Burdo began to sweat. It looked like his silence was not that attractive a bargaining chip. "In any case, it would still be good to keep me quiet... And I can give you back the artifact."

The three Luck Lords fell silent. Burdo wanted to wipe his forehead, but settled for loosening his collar. He took a deep breath as he watched the three Luck Lords. He realized that he had never even seen one blink.

Finally, one broke the silence. "Very well."

"Wonderful," Burdo said as he exhaled. He resisted the urge to break into a big smile. "So, how will I get out of here? Will you send a ship?"

"One of us will escort you until you release the artifact to us." Burdo could feel his face fall. He certainly did not expect to be traveling off Rimbor with a Luck Lord. He would probably be safer from other forces, but he didn't trust them. The Luck Lords probably sensed that; after a moment, the same one who spoke added, "We will not try to take it by force. Simply give us your coordinates and we shall be there in thirty minutes."

Burdo paused for a moment. But what choice did he have? He quickly gave the coordinates of a meeting point a few klicks to the northeast - close enough to his current position, but in a place where he could ascertain if he would be double-crossed.

As the image of the Luck Lords winked out, he began throwing his belongings into his bag. An hour! In an hour, he would finally be off this forsaken world. He could almost jump for joy.

He was interrupted by Mo Seh's insistent voice. "Burdo!" It was accompanied by a loud banging on the door.

"I'm almost done!" Burdo snapped. "You'll get your pay in an hour, once I've met up with my contact!"

"These Dragons and your contact are all going to be very disappointed, then," a chilly voice said from behind him. Burdo froze. It couldn't be... He turned to face his assailant.

"Tinya, baby?"

"I'm no baby of yours." Tinya's face was like thunder. Burdo shuddered. She obviously knew. Behind her, he could see the Dragons raising their arms. True to their word, they had decided not to fight Legionnaires. He recognized Ultra Boy, and saw three others he didn't know. One, a pretty redhead, was checking the licenses of each of the Dragons.

He licked his lips. "Listen, Tinya, I..."

She cut him off, all the while maintaining eye contact. Rage and pain were evident in her gaze. She quickly moved up to him and grabbed his arms, twisting one behind his back. Before he could gasp in pain, she had slammed him against the table on which his bag lay. "Luonel Burdo, you are under arrest for the violation of the UP Anti-Slavery Act. Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law. You are entitled to an attorney." She quickly patted him down, emptying his blaster from his pocket. Then she turned him around.

"Are you integrated?" she snapped.

Burdo smiled faintly. "I'm sorry, Tinya." Then he felt himself zip through space, into his waiting "main" brother just a short distance away.

He quickly checked the inner pocket of his shirt. The Luck Lord's artifact was still there. Good, his deal could still hold. He looked back over his shoulder for a moment. Well, Tinya would never forgive him. And neither would Winema. At least they could live their own lives far, far away from him.

Then he ran for the rendezvous point.

***************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legion Worlds 6. The Bounty Hunters that Winema Wazzo hired to retrieve Apparition and Cub.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Rimbor

Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair, extensive espionage contacts
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time

*************************************************************

"I knew it!" Apparition thundered as she raced out of the room. As she phased through the door, her four teammates turned to look at her. "It wasn't his main body! We have to move fast. Carggites can only integrate over short distances."

"I think he still has the object that masks him from my senses..." Shikari noted. "I can only find his path up to a point..."

"And from my penetra-vision..." Ultra Boy said through gritted teeth.

"I have his scent. We can at least guess the direction where he's headed, and hopefully get close enough for us to find him with our eyes." Timber Wolf raised his head and sniffed. "There," he pointed northeast.

"You four go, and I'll follow," Spider-Girl noted. "I'll check this room to see if he left anything behind." She cocked an eye at the Dragons, arms still in the air. "And I don't think these guys will give me any trouble. We've already disarmed all their guns. They own them legally, so they can keep them, of course."

The leader shook his head. "Hey, we don't want any trouble. Can't afford any. Besides, Jo here used to be one of us, eh?"

"Used to," Jo replied grimly. "Don't try anything." He turned to address the others. "Now, come on."

Timber Wolf raced down the hallway, Shikari and Ultra Boy hot on his heels. Apparition turned to Spider-Girl. "Holler if you need anything." Without waiting for a reply, she dove through the walls and headed straight northeast. Her father was not going to get away.

*************************************************************

Burdo kept his cloak tight about him as he weaved his way through the crowds. He had about fifteen minutes before the Luck Lord would appear. He wished they had decided to meet sooner; the Lords had a base not too far from here, and could teleport short interstellar distances. But this would have to do. The crowds would make the Legionnaires act cautiously. He slowly inched his way to the coordinates.

*************************************************************

Timber Wolf, Shikari and Ultra Boy aligned themselves behind Apparition. The four zipped through the skies, silent and focused.

"He's somewhere down below..." Timber Wolf trailed off as they flew into a square full of sentients. It seemed that nearly every race, every species, in the United Planets was represented. "Sprock."

"I can use ultra-speed to check every one out," Ultra Boy offered. "Shikari can help me."

Apparition bit her lip. "Wait. If he still has something that makes him immune to your senses, would it help to search for a blind spot?"

Ultra Boy's face lit up. "Angel, that's genius!" He gave Tinya a peck on the cheek and flew off, Shikari close behind. Timber Wolf gave Tinya a thumbs up and followed.

Tinya took a moment to tamp down the anger she felt. She had honestly expected to be a bit more conflicted... but she supposed that she had never spent any time with her father. She remembered him hardly ever being home. In fact, her hyper-busy mother had had much more time for her, growing up.

This, coupled with his betrayal, made bringing him to justice so much easier. Instead of worrying about the love she did not feel, she would have to restrain her anger.

She swooped down after her teammates.

***********************************************************

"Hey, I know that babe. She's a Legionnaire!"

Burdo's heart jumped as the crowd around him began to turn towards the sky. He ducked and kept moving, all the while thinking that crouching down would make him stand out.

But he only needed to stay out of sight a few more minutes. The rendezvous point was already in sight.

Up ahead, a Luck Lord stepped into view. Ordinarily, a member of such a strange species would have drawn more than a few looks. But now, everyone was looking at the Legionnaires in the sky. Burdo felt a little bit grateful for that. It would help make his getaway cleaner...

A winged insect-girl appeared in front of him. "Stop, Luonel Burdo."

He felt himself being lifted up into the air, even as his heart fell. "Good going, Kari."

Burdo twisted his neck in horror to see Ultra Boy lifting him. "No! Help me, help me!" He stretched his arm out towards the Luck Lord.

"It can't help you," Tinya said grimly as she landed in front of him, facing the Luck Lord. Burdo blankly registered that the crowd around them had vanished. Nobody on Rimbor wanted to be around four angry Legionnaires. "This man is under arrest. Any act aiding him now is grounds for arrest as well."

The Luck Lord spread its arms. "Well, then, who am I to stand in the way of the law?"

"No!" Burdo screamed. "We had a deal!"

"Our deal was that we would assist you off this planet," the Luck Lord said calmly. "But we certainly did not know you were a felon. Another convenient obfuscation of the truth from you."

"Probably something you are used to doing yourself," growled another Legionnaire. Burdo recognized him as Timber Wolf; he was often featured in news that featured Tinya.

"No, you..."

"Oh, be quiet." Ultra Boy yanked Burdo's arm back, causing him to groan. Burdo hated pain. He fell silent with a whimper.

"Our operations are completely legal," the Luck Lord said with a hint of satisfaction. "I am certain you know that."

"Your operations may be," Tinya said as she stepped up to the Luck Lord, "but your act of indenturing two of my selves was not! We were infants then!" She pulled out her Omnicom. "We can take you in for questioning, in suspicion of your violation of the UP Acts on Child Labor."

"Indeed? Well, we would be happy to cooperate, but I fear such questioning will lead nowhere. You see..." The Luck Lord pulled a document from its sleeve. "Your father put your selves up for adoption."

The Legionnaires fell silent, and Tinya looked as if she had been hit by a hammer. Wordlessly, she reached for the document. The others crowded around it.

"You... adopted me?" Tinya said. She looked at the Luck Lord.

"And we only put you to work in the casinos once you were of the age of majority. 14 years," the Luck Lord said with satisfaction. "Anything before that? Simple chores."

"The sprock they were," Ultra Boy said menacingly.

"You will also note," the Luck Lord continued, "that the document is silent on your Carggite origins. Indeed, as far as we knew, Luonel Burdo was from Earth. I am certain you will find his fake identification among his belongings."

"We can still take you in for aiding Burdo's escape..." Timber Wolf growled.

"But we didn't," the Luck Lord said as it spread its arms again. "We arrived here with the intent to aid him, certainly. But once you advised he was under arrest, we took no further action."

The Legionnaires erupted in a chorus of anger.

"Why, you..." Ultra Boy growled.

"Vile tricksters," the winged female hissed.

Tinya held up a hand. "The Luck Lord is right," she noted. "We don't have any legal basis to detain them." She faced the Luck Lords. "I assume we can keep this as our copy?" At the Luck Lord's nod, she tucked the document into her belt pouch. "But don't think this means we won't be watching."

"We would welcome your watchful eyes," the Luck Lord said cheerily. As cheerily as any sentient with a giant green eyeball for a face could. "We would welcome your assistance should anyone threaten our operations."

"Wait! You can't just leave me here!" Burdo began struggling as he tried to kick Ultra Boy. If the Legionnaire was using super-strength, then he would not be invulnerable. "I still have the... the thing!"

"Oh, yes, this man has something of ours. Indeed, he offered its return so that we would aid him," the Luck Lord said calmly. "Simple blackmail, in fact... perhaps and you can return it to us once your investigations are concluded?"

"Send us a formal request," Tinya said brusquely. "Come on, let's go home."

"Tinya... baby... don't do this to your daddy..." Burdo whined.

She fixed him with a stare that would have made Winema proud. "Don't you ever use the father card again, you selfish, vile coward!"

"You'd better keep quiet when she uses that tone," Ultra Boy whispered in Burdo's ear as he lifted up into the sky.

The Luck Lord watched in satisfaction as the four Legionnaires took off. Once they were out of sight, it bent down to the ground and picked up a small, dark green sphere. "Ah, our treasure. What luck for it to have fallen out of Burdo's pocket just as he was caught..."

Tucking the sphere into its robes, the Luck Lord walked off.

Unseen by anyone, a figure peeked its eyes out from the ground. Smiling to itself, it began to follow the Luck Lord.
Excellent story IB, I love your choice of characters and their interactions.

Luonel is such a creep! His schemes within schemes are great, as was his using the reintegration of his selves to escape- nice trick. His plan to get off Rimbor was so close to fruition. But did he really think the Luck Lords could be trusted? I reckon they manipulated it so he'd get so close before failing at the final stretch. And speaking of the Luck Lords, oh they're tricky. So officially they adopted Tinya, oh that's clever! Neat idea there IB. I'm looking forward to finding out what the mysterious green globe is. I assume that was Tiny at the end spying on them?

Tinya's anger towards him is well written too, she's a tough cookie. Youve really captured her determination to bring her father in for questioning well. Her idea to scan for blind spots was very clever too, nice way to show that she's so smart.

Speaking of tricky, Sussa is always fun and you've caught that too, street smart and sassy. Timber Wolfs gruffness was good to read too and it's interesting that he could still smell Luonel while the others hyper senses couldn't track him. Jo's protective nature towards Tinya was well done, as was his casual dismissal of the Dragons- nice to see him moving on.

Excellent stuff IB, looking forward to more, more, more!
Thanks, Harbi! Glad you enjoyed this outing.

Burdo is indeed a creep. If Tinya's this mad, wait until Winema gets her hands on him. He IS very tricky, though. The reintegration thing was a bit of last-minute inspiration, as I remembered how he used his Carggite abilities to pull the wool over Winema's eyes all these years.

The Luck Lords do have a lot of luck wink The adoption was my solution to the question - how do the Luck Lords escape liability for whatever happened to Tinya? They're smart; while Burdo is tricky, he's a short-term thinker. The Luck Lords plan for the long term. And that green globe will eventually show up again smile But it wasn't Tinya spying on them...

I wasn't very clear with Brin's power use here, or the nature of the globe, mea culpa. The globe masks the user's presence within its sphere of influence, but it doesn't eliminate all their traces. So Brin was able to track Burdo's scent along his path, up to the edge of the globe's range.

Happy you liked all the little character bits. Tinya especially, she got a lot of flak from fans for doing a lot of whining in the Postboot after she died (not that I blame her of course); I decided to use this arc to highlight her toughness and intelligence. She did have many instances where she directed Jo's use of his powers, proving she has quite the tactical mind.

Thanks again for reading, I do very much appreciate it!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

The Wolf Den Bar (soon to be opened), Rimbor

Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair, extensive espionage contacts
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time

*************************************************************

"You're gonna love this, Tinya!" Mash grinned as he licked his fingers. "Saw this on the cooking channel. Bgztlian brownies!" The portly Wolfpack member donned oven mittens and popped them in the oven.

"Not like mom used to make, huh?" Rn'drr winked. He took a swig from his Jackpot Silverale - a premium blend from Ventura - and placed his boots on the table.

"Please, Rn'drr," Tinya giggled. "Mom would never be caught dead cooking. Her only domestic skills are ordering staff around." That prompted Jo and Brin both to snicker. The two exchanged glances, then burst out laughing. Tinya laughed too, but as the rest began to trade jokes, she fell silent.

Shikari twisted her head to look at Tinya. "You are very quiet, Spirited Legion."

Brin took notice as well. "Are you still thinking about what happened with the Luck Lords?" Tinya nodded. Brin paused a bit, then continued. "You certainly took the news of your other self's adoption pretty well. I guess you have some good news about it?"

"I'm sure my angel does," Jo said, giving Tinya a kiss on the cheek. "She's had quite the legal education over the years."

"A benefit of acting like mom's assistant before I joined the Legion." Tinya settled back in her seat. "That adoption is invalidated on so many accounts - my father's failure to disclose that he only handed over two-thirds of a Carggite child OR that my mother was still alive; my mother's lack of consent; failure to involve UP Child Services... I'm honestly not worried at all about the adoption. I'm more worried that we couldn't find the object my father was using to conceal himself."

"It is weird. We did a thorough search of the area..." Sussa pointed out. "And he obviously had it with him up until you caught him. You all had difficulty detecting him."

"Yes, the blind spot was definitely there," Shikari added. "I apologize. I only realized it was gone when we were returning here."

"It's all our faults, Kari," Tinya smiled. "My father himself was surprised. He swore he kept the device in his pocket. So it must have gotten lost after we caught him."

"Eh, then let the Luck Lords find it," Jo said dismissively. "It's theirs. Besides, it's not like its particularly dangerous. It's no Emerald Eye, and we know how to tell if it's active."

"Still, it would have been nice to study it." Sussa used her hair to bring her glass to her lips. Rn'drr made a surprisingly good Naltorian Sunrise. "Imagine, an object that can stymie almost all methods of detection within a certain radius..."

"I did realize that I could smell him within the sphere of influence..." Brin said. "But it took an extremely high level of concentration. And we could see him, but for some reason it was hard to focus on him."

"Like he was only in the corner of our eyes," Shikari added. She shivered despite herself.

The five Legionnaires fell silent again. It was a troubling tool. If it fell into the wrong hands...

"Hey, don't be so glum!" Crody spread his hands wide. The new Wolfpack leader shook his head as he held out his mug. "Come on! We're having your going away party AND celebrating the soon-to-be opening of the Wolf Den! Work can wait!"

"Yeah, and dinner's almost ready," Hubble laughed as he set the table, his cheeks almost as red as his hair. Tinya noted with amusement that, although they were gleamingly clean, none of the plates and dishes matched. Hubble grinned as he set the last plate. "And I've tasted Mash's cooking. They're actually good this time!"

"HEY!" Mash thundered from the kitchen.

Everyone laughed again. Tinya smiled as she lifted her own glass. "You guys are right. We caught a bad guy today, one who was involved in sentient trafficking. And the Wolf Den is going to be a great community center for your neighborhood. We should be celebrating."

Murmurs of agreement erupted from around the table. Tinya gave Brin a smile as she leaned against Jo. She would enjoy tonight, and worry about Legion business again tomorrow.

Well, except for one little bit. She pursed her lips as she excused herself to call her mother. If the Science Police gave her the news before Tinya herself did, she would never hear the end of it.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Dili-Tawi

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation. Current Legion co-leader.

************************************************************

Dili-Tawi: This small planet is not much bigger than the largest satellites orbiting Jupiter and Saturn, but has a considerably larger population. Yet, its population is shrinking; citizens often migrate offworld for better economic opportunities.

Colonized by humans in the late 24th century, its early inhabitants were mostly drawn from the then-poorer regions of Earth.* Primary industries include mining and cultivation of cash crops such as organic coffee. It has few visitors besides citizens returning for short visits.

Dili-Tawi joined the United Planets during the great expansion precipitated by former President Chu's Sun-Eater hoax. - Encyclopedia Galactica**. Like with neighbor Enwa, its UP membership has made it an attractive destination for citizens of nearby non-UP worlds.


Ferro and Lume looked up in surprise as Nightwind spoke. She had been silent the rest of the trip, after all. "Okay, when we open the session, I'll give a brief update on the Legion's activities since we inducted our latest members. Then I'll give details on the upcoming tryouts. You've seen the holo, right? I was thinking we could split the parts among the three of us."

Ferro gave Lume a glance. "You're not going to announce your stepping down as leader, are you? Many of the others have good points."

Nightwind sighed as she thumbed her Omnicom. She had just finished reading the thread of her resignation announcement a few minutes ago. She had almost wished she hadn't approved the idea for a message board! But it had made sense; with such a large team, and with so many members out on missions, or taking time off, or doing who knows what, having a message board would allow the team to disseminate information and discuss points of action MUCH more effectively. A little bit too effectively.

A third of the team had reacted to her intended resignation in shock. Blizzard, in particular, had posted a most effusive endorsement of her leadership. Another third had come up with arguments on why she should not. Saturn Girl and Apparition had pointed out that resigning would be admitting guilt or wrongdoing. Chemical Kid and Inferno had argued about the negative publicity and the implications on public support. Babbage had shared a list of relevant UP laws stating why she should NOT resign. Cosmic Boy had posted a rather long speech, which she had skipped over - not that she would have admitted it to anyone else. Dreamer had messaged to say she hadn't seen anything about Berta's tenure, other than that she would definitely NOT be co-leader a week after the tryouts. And Brainiac 5 had shared his extremely detailed scenario analysis of the Legion World invasion; though unlike Cosmic Boy's post, his included a summary at the end stating that Berta's decision to abandon Legion World had been the most logical choice. And Kid Quantum had even called her to try and talk her out of resigning as leader.

Berta felt a bit ungrateful. Here she faced an outpouring of support from the team, and it still did little to alleviate her doubts. Still, she did agree to consider her decision. And even if she did ultimately decide to step down, she didn't need to announce it to the public... yet.

"No, Ferro, I won't." She gave her two teammates a smile. "Don't worry about it. Now, come on, and let's get ready."

*************************************************************

This is Devlin O'Ryan from the Earth Spins! I'm sure you're all excited to see our THREE Legionnaire guests today; they have a very important announcement for us! Give a big appendage to: Mentalla, Microbe and Wildfire!

Thank you, Devlin! Microbe here, sentients. The Legion and our staff want to thank all of those who have been offering their time for our various initiatives throughout the galaxy. We're happy to announce that we've updated our links so you can sign up for the programs that most interest you. First off, you can volunteer your time to help with any number of programs that provide assistance to developing worlds.

Each link highlights our current programs per UP member world, including the stories of some of our volunteers.

Hi everyone. As a graduate of the Legion Cadet program, I'd like to stress that we have made our enrollment process easier. You can submit applications via our link. Each application is guaranteed to be responded to within one UP standard month.

And lastly, I think you will find this announcement very exciting. Save the date, sentients, because we are going to have tryouts soon! Yes, we are looking to expand our active membership! So get your costumes ready, folks - Wildfire and the rest of the Legion will be waiting for you! Legionnaires will also be visiting selected worlds to share more information!

Thanks, Legionnaires! So what are you waiting for, sentients? There are many, many ways to give back to the galaxy - just check out the Legion linkpage! I can see a lot of you excited sentients in the audience waving your flags - I bet you're checking it out already! I see the flags of Earth, Mars, Titan, Winath, Aleph, Kathoon... I bet there's more outside, isn't there? We'll cut to my colleague Keema Delf...

Yes, Devlin. I'm out here in Justice Plaza, and I see flags from almost every UP World, and more besides. I'm here with a citizen of Rann, and another from Lupra. Let's hear from them about their plans for the tryouts...


***********************************************************

As the holo finished, Nightwind gave her biggest smile as she turned towards the crowd. She had to force herself to keep it on. Unlike the audience of the Earth Spins, the crowd on Dili-Tawi was decidedly more... subdued.

As the Governor of Dili-Tawi coughed gently, the quiet crowd gave some polite applause. She sighed inwardly.

"Perhaps Enwa will be more enthusiastic?" Ferro whispered to her.

"Well, this will be good practice for then," Lume whispered back.

Nightwind forced herself not to shake her head in disappointment. "So... if any of you have any questions about the volunteer opportunities with the Legion, we're right here!"

The crowd stared back at them, politely.

The Governor coughed again. A nervous young man stood up and shuffled towards the microphone. This time, Nightwind looked at her teammates; Ferro gave an imperceptible shrug. "Yeah, he's wearing the uniform of the Governor's Office, but it's something..." he said quietly.

"So... um... Ms. Nightwind, Mr. Ferro, and Sentient Lume..." the young man stammered. "Uh... do... do you give out flight rings to Cadets?" A small murmur went through the crowd, though it seemed only the younger attendees took interest. Ferro quickly took a microphone. "One has to reach Reservist status before getting one's own flight ring and being trained in its use. Any Legionnaire is entitled to one, whether Active, Reserve or Honorary..."

As Ferro continued, Nightwind took a step backward and leaned towards Lume. "I'm sure the Enwan crowd will be livelier, but I had hoped Dili-Tawi would show more interest..."

Lume cocked its head. "Perhaps we should find out what would interest them. After all, my own Silvan brethren did not show much interest in the Legion until I joined..."

"Hmmm... that's a good point, Lume." Nightwind mulled it over. She began going over what she had read about Dili-Tawi. Like Enwa, it was one of the poorer UP worlds. And like with Enwa, most citizens of Dili-Tawi she had met elsewhere lived frugal lives in order to send money back home... Because those left on the homeworld typically spent most of their time making ends meet.

She slowly smiled. She leaned over and hugged Lume close. "Lume, you're a genius!"

"I am?" Lume said in confusion. But Nightwind had already stepped forward.

Ferro was explaining the criteria for Reserve membership in the Legion. Nightwind coughed gently; Ferro looked at her and nodded. "And Reservists can be called upon to assist on cases as needed. I think Nightwind wants to add something?"

"Thanks, Ferro. One of the questions we normally get from new Reservists is how much time they need to give to the Legion. As of the moment, we only ask that Reservists be on call should their special talents be needed for a particular mission. Any commitment beyond that is purely voluntary... unless, of course, one is enrolled in the Cadet program." This caused not more than a few of the younger audience members to lean forward. Nightwind smiled to herself.

"When I was a Cadet and Reservist simultaneously, I had a few classmates who maintained part-time jobs to help support their families," she added. This caused a few of the older audience members to sit up. "Some had no intention of applying for Active membership, in fact. They wanted Legion training in order to move on to private security firms, for example. Well, I have to admit, those do pay just a little bit better," she added with a laugh and a meaningful look at Ferro and Lume. She surveyed the audience with satisfaction; most were leaning forward now.

Ferro seemed to get the idea. "That's actually a good point. We recognize that Active membership is not for everyone. The Cadet program allows students to develop their powers to the fullest and learn several, more useful skills besides. Skills such as forensics, basic psychology, languages, and more. I've spoken to quite a few students who appreciate the educational allowances we provide; many of the more frugal ones save up quite a bit to send to their families back home." A murmur rose through the crowd at that. Emboldened, Ferro continued. "We like to think of it as an additional incentive to those who want to learn."

Lume raised its hand and took a microphone itself. "Even volunteers get a little allowance, of course, to take care of transport and food costs when volunteering. Just a little thank you for sharing some time with the galaxy."

Nightwind beamed towards the crowd. "I hope that answered your question, sir," she addressed the staff member who asked. He stammered a quick yes as he sat back down. "Now, any more from the group?"

Several appendages shot up. Nightwind gestured towards an older woman in the back.

"You said some of your students went on to private security firms. What did other graduates of the Cadet program do?"

As Ferro began talking about the careers of former Cadets, Nightwind and Lume grinned at one another. The Legion had talked about this before. They had agreed that spending resources training those who never intended to become Legionnaires was still beneficial to the team, as it would increase their network. Moreover, it helped with the economic prospects of those who enrolled. A win-win for all. Nightwind made a mental note to bring this up next meeting, so the team could incorporate it into communications.

It looked like Dili-Tawi would not be a waste of time, after all.

*************************************************************


IB's notes:

1) Dili-Tawi's name is a portmanteau of Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, and Tawi-Tawi, a province in the southern Philippines.

2) As depicted in LSH 78. Chu skillfully used her Sun-Eater hoax to scare worlds into joining the UP. Her exact words: "I promise you all: The Sun-Eater will not destroy one single UP Star-system." As the President of one non-UP world said, "Call the UP! I don't care if we have to beg! We're joining!"
I really liked Tina's confrontation with her dad, it's good seeing her tough side come out! Also I dig how creepy you made the Luck Lord, IB - he really comes across as alien and manipulative!
Hi IB, I liked your ending to the Rimbor story with the Legion and the Dragons hanging out. Your focus on how smart Tinya is was well done as she's often been shown as as Jo's Girlfriend Who Ocassionally Does Stuff In Between Bitching in the comics. Her knowledge of the law, and knowing she had to tell her mother first, were nicely done.

You have a real love of Berta don't you? You have her 'voice' perfect, her insecurities and intelligence are really good to read- well nuanced. And I loved the teams reaction to her thoughts on quitting. Trust Brainy to be all logical when she really needs support! Dreamys vision was interesting though, who will be the next leader? Brainy perhaps?

Nice also that you included Delvin as well btw. The section with the advert to join the cadets was clever, to be honest I wish I'd thought of something similar for my current good will tour storyline! You've clearly given a lot of thought in where exactly you want your team to be within your universe, and what their role would actually include. And the populace of Dili Tawi initially not being interested was very well done.

I don't know anything really of Lume so would be grateful if you gave it a bit more focus- I assume it's a reboot character? Anyway, your Ferro's great as well, though here's hoping he can get unstuck from his metal form soon.

Really looking forward to your try outs!

Great stuf again IB, I'm looking forward to more, more and much more!
Thanks, raz! Those Luck Lords sure are sneaky, and I'll have some more fun with them later on.

Glad you both liked Tinya. Harbi was spot on about fan complaints re Tinya not really doing anything but whining and being catty, at times. So I wanted to round her character out more and make her more like the early Postboot Tinya.

Thanks, Harbi, for the great compliment on my writing of Berta. I always felt she should have been a Legionnaire a long time ago smile

Lume will definitely get more focus before this trio returns to Legion World. Happy that your interest is piqued.

As for Ferro, I feel for him and would love to see his condition reversed. But I still have to think of a good way to do that. Omni was right too, in that his condition opens up a lot of story and character development possibilities.

Thanks again for all the support!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Dili-Tawi

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation. Current Legion co-leader.

************************************************************

Lume tried to understand. The thought patterns of these carbon-forms often confused it, but it had begun to understand some of their values through the patient explanations of his teammates. Unlike its fellow Silvans, the carbon-forms had much more complex physical needs such as shelter, and their incredibly complicated nutritional needs. Those, Lume could understand, as it had studied biology and chemistry.

What had confused it more were the psychic and emotional needs. To a Silvan, all that was important was the continued sustenance of the chemical reactions that allowed one to produce its light and energy. Pleasure was taken from the simple joys of everyday life - communing with light-kin, admiring the beautiful night sky. But these carbon-forms...

Lume shook itself out of its reverie as the next carbon-form sat down before it. "Greetings! I am Lume. And you are?"

"H-hi," smiled the male. Lume guessed the male was below 30 years, but it was not quite sure. These humanoid carbon-forms tended to look so much alike. "How may I assist you?"

"I, uh, just wanted to know... If I volunteer for one of the outreach missions, does that come with a tour of Legion World?"

Lume tried not to sigh. "When you sign up for a mission on the weblinks, you can also sign up for a tour of Legion World. The schedules are posted online, so we encourage you to check the schedules of both the outreach missions and the tours before deciding."

The male stammered his thanks and left. Lume made sure to wave and smile as he did. Inwardly, Lume wanted to shake its head. These carbon-forms had the most curious concerns. Lume understood wanting to participate in outreach missions for fulfillment; and Lume understood wanting to explore Legion World. But Lume did not understand the need to pretend that one's main goal was to participate in the outreach, when one really wanted to tour Legion World! Why the pretense? Once, Gates had tried to explain the reasoning of hypocritical politicians and two-faced corporate executives, but Lume still could not understand how carbon-forms had built a system that required the masking of motivations. On Silvan, one merely had to ask.

"How's it going?" Lume looked up to see Ferro leaning on the table. The masked Legionnaire had been circulating through the crowd, chatting up those who had stayed to partake of the free snacks offered by the Dili-Tawi government. Something else else else Lume didn't understand, but Nightwind had explained that, especially in these poorer worlds, snacks and giveaways were needed to attract sentients to an event.

"Mostly inquiries about the outreach missions," Lume sighed. "The only possible applicant is the cousin of one of the attends, who is supposedly strong enough to lift a mud-ox on her own. I explained that we would have to measure her strength before admission, but that we could refer her to the Science Police if she turned out not to have sufficient powers. And yourself?"

Ferro nodded. "Sounds about right. As for me, there was some interest, but most are concerned they will not be able to support their families. I had to explain about our flexible training schedules and that the Thresholds allow for part-time training." He looked over to the side, where Nightwind was chatting with some local officials. "I hope Nightwind is having better luck."

"Excuse me..." came another male in the line.

"I'd better go back," Ferro sighed and tilted his neck to the side to stretch it - he did not need to, but explained it made him feel better. Then he walked back to the crowd.

Lume made sure to beam its best smile at the new arrival. "How may I assist you?"

The male licked his lips. "I'm interested in joining the Cadet program."

"Wonderful!" Lume said. "And have you started the application process?"

"Um..." the male scratched his head. "I looked at the site, and I'm not sure if I can make it, I mean, I know the Legion encourages anyone with a power that is more than the capabilities of the typical baseline species and race, and I know you have many cadets with many different abilities, and I just remembered what you all keep saying about the Legion encouraging diversity, and also that not everyone joins the Cadet program expecting or intending to become a Legionnaire, but I'm not sure if my power is what you're looking for, and..."

Lume tried not to grimace as it held out a hand. "I am afraid I did not quite understand your response." The male opened its mouth to begin, but Lume quickly forestalled him. "What exactly is your power?"

The male gulped. "I can hold my breath." Lume felt its jaw drop.

The male inhaled, then began to babble again. "But I can hold it for like, a really really long time. Like, hours. Like I can hold my breath and function normally underwater, so I hunt for shellfish in the seas, even without a transuit, though I normally wear one still to be safe, and..."

Lume chided itself mentally as it studied the babbling male. It should not have reacted so. During the Lost Year, before the reunification of the Legion, Lume had helped select students for the Cadet program. Not a few of its teammates had spoken with Lume about its initial dismissal of low-powered Cadets. Spider-Girl in particular had been most vocal, citing her own fairly weak power and her Legion membership as an example. Impulse had said that the criteria for the Cadet program could be looser than criteria for Active Legion membership. Blizzard had been most emphatic, citing the likes of Cadets Color Kid and Stone Boy.

Babbage had been the only one to agree with Lume initially. But both had come around after being convinced that the Cadet program was a way for even these lesser-powered individuals to learn to use their abilities safely, and to discover the limits of what they could do. And graduating Cadets with weaker powers were often referred to the Science Police, becoming worthy allies in the process.

But Lume looked at the male again, who was continuing on and on about how he used his power to aid in the clean-up of a nasty haze from a power plant accident. It was one thing to be encouraging, but another to give false hope entirely.

Lume considered, then decided.

"Please, allow me to interrupt you," Lume said. The male stopped once again. "What is your name?"

"F'e1lpz, pronounced "felps"" the male said quickly. He opened his mouth to say more.

"Well, F'e1lpz," Lume continued before he could continue, "I understand your apprehensions that your power is not sufficient to qualify you as a full Legionnnaire. I have to be honest, I cannot honestly say that it is particularly impressive." Poor F'e1lpz' face fell; Lume had had enough experience around its carbon-form teammates that it recognized it. But Lume pressed on. "However, I do not want to discourage you." F'e1lpz looked at him quizzically.

"We have many Cadets with powers that are not particularly impressive," Lume went on. "We have one that generates foul odors. We have another whose sole ability comes from a symbiote that can open viewscreens. Yet another can only turn into immobile stone." F'e1lpz seemed to hearten at that, though he sighed. "But those sound better than my power."

"Please, do not make such a judgment recklessly," Lume continued. "It is true that becoming an Active Legionnaire requires a certain level of power, because of the danger of our work. But, we also firmly believe that there is a place for everyone. It is true that many of our Cadets now will likely never be Legionnaires because of their powers. But we have placed many Cadets with the Science Police, the UP Armed Forces, or private security firms."

"Even like me?" F'e1lpz said, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. Lume kept quiet for a moment. With the ubiquity of transuits, it did seem unlikely that someone who could hold his breath would be sought after... but then, Lume was no expert in security and defense. Lume decided to continue being honest, yet hopeful. "We have never had anyone quite like you. But if you are accepted into the Cadet program, we would do our best to help find a place for you."

"That would be amazing," F'e1lpz gushed. "Anything would help my family."

Lume smiled, and this time it did not have to force itself. "I'd be happy to help answer any questions you have on the application."

As F'e1lpz happily pulled out his Omnicom, Lume's smile broadened. Even though it was not fulfilling any of its physical needs, Lume felt quite satisfied at giving him some hope.

************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) F'e1lpz is named after Michael Phelps tongue Credits to Set for suggesting I use a more futuristic-sounding spelling!

2) The Cadet who can generate foul odors is Polecat.
That is so creepy, to be adopted by the Luck Lords - or sold to them, in fact. To have them running casinos (do they have other adoptees working there?), and so "observant" of the law - I guess they could teach Las Vegas a thing or too.

Tinya's father is a Class A creep, worse than Jo's mother in the reboot. But he reminds me of the character Angel in The Rockford Files (before your time!) - a whiny, petty criminal who was always in trouble, always looking for a big score (and always bailed out by his pal Rockford).

The device that stymies detection is a very interesting artifact! I hope we learn more about it and why the Luck Lords want it.

The idea of a message board for all the Legionnaires to keep up with one another is very clever and practical, more personal and variable than - and a good supplement to - a mission monitor board.

The part about recruiting cadets - I'm looking for a word to describe and not finding it - is sort of a rebalancing or rehabilitation of the unpleasant rejection process that the Legion is so noted for. Applicants are treated kindly, encouraged and made to understand that not everyone becomes a Legionnaire, but everyone can improve their position with training. There's also a better understanding of motivation and the financial practicalities that most people deal with. It's not mollycoddling, or every kid gets a prize - but everyone has a purpose and a contribution to make that, with work, can be developed. Yes, I liked that section very much.
Thanks FC, your insightful comments are always so appreciated!

The Luck Lords are too careful to actually buy anyone, but I would't put it past them to have more adoptees. All "legal", of course. This isn't over by a long shot!

I think you encapsulated Tinya's dad's personality so well. Gets into trouble, tries his darnedest but always digs himself in deeper...

Glad you liked the message board idea! It works so well here, I thought the Legion would love it. What with so many members...

And I'm thrilled you like the new recruitment strategy. I'm channeling a lot of the training philosophies and the realities of developing economies like my own. Very thrilled you liked how it all came across.
IB,
as always i'm happy to see the Reboot Legion flourishing in your hands. You've given those really good adventrues and cleared up dangling plot lines.

The search for Tinya's dad has been really well done. I liked that you brought Shikari in and that there is tec out there that can deceive her path finding abilities. I also liked how you brought up that Shikari has technically met a different Tinya. it never felt like that was really addressed in the series.

Spider-girl has a past and its more than just as a bad guy! good character building.

Tyroc's name change to Echo i think works so much better for him and its nice to see he's shown up.

So with a detachment of Legionnaires on Xanthu, does that mean we'll be getting more Legionnaires on various worlds expanding their ranks even more? or is it just Xanthu and the second Galaxy getting the special treatment? the guidlines for having a Legion team sationed on a planet is good and can't wait to see what those are as well.

Tinya being up on all UP laws makes so much sense! diplomats daughter why didn't i think of that. great character bit.

the Luck Lords are scary and i can't wait for the team to go after them.

i really like how the Dili-twai team dealt with the crowd and answered question about the cadet program and the UP in general. it was well done.

Can't wait for more!
Omni! Thanks for your comments, and I'm sorry I missed reading when you first posted. Things have just been so hectic here back in school.

Glad you liked Kari's thoughts about meeting a "fake" Tinya way back then, and my little backgrounder on Sussa. I always did want to explain why she ended up working for McCauley, and feel like it was a good way to flesh her out.

Happy you liked Troy as Echo. I'm not sure if I want my version to be all tied to Marzal, so I decided on this little change for now.

To be honest I haven't fully planned for Xanthu and the Second Galaxy yet. I figure, with Thresholds and all, it will be easy enough to send Legionnaires out and have them recalled to Legion World quickly, so I'll see how it goes.

Thanks for the compliment on the Tinya bit. Winema seemed to have such high expectations of her back in the day (Legionnaires 0!), so I imagine she picked up a few things from assisting her mom.

The Luck Lords will get their turn in the spotlight, for sure smile

and glad you are liking the bits about the away team promoting the Cadet program. One thing I love about a text format is being able to explore all these little questions about the practicalities of things introduced in the comics!
Hey, Ibby,

Just read the opening 4 chapters of Volume 2, with the various conversations and confidences between different Legion members as they continue to wander.

Beautifully done, my friend. Your love for the Postboot characters shines in every syllable. The Reep/Lyle chat, and the Brainy/Val chat, those in particular brought tears to my eyes. And that's a good thing.

The main reason I love the Postboot Legionnaires -- and, as I've said often, it's thanks to you that learned to appreciate them in the first place -- because they proved that there's no need for creepiness, pathology, or nastiness for Legionnaires to be well-rounded, fully-engaging characters. I'm glad you're carrying on, and if the upcoming Postboot trades are any sign, even DC is finally learning to appreciate this version of the LSH.

Hi Fanfie,

Thank you so very much! I sometimes think about whether I should introduce more interpersonal conflict between my Legionnaires, but you have reinforced my conviction not to make them nasty or mean just for the sake of it.

Thanks again for your comments, they mean a lot.
Oh, it's my pleasure, Ibby.

One of the main reasons I put my own Postboot fanfics on hiatus was that I found I was doing just that, making the Legionnaires snarky and stuff in ways more appropriate for the Preboot/Retroboot versions. In particular, I had Spark talking more like the other Ayla, and even though it was fun writing it, at the same time it didn't feel quite right.

That said, one of the 7 Worlds of Wonder does have a Legion iteration based on the Postboot (it's Earth-7.7.) Once I'm done with the Retroboot within the next year or two, I'll get to that one. And do it right this time. smile
One great thing about us here at Bits, we can and do use our writings to distill what makes different versions and eras of the Legion unique. Not just in the case of individual characters, but how they come together as a team smile

here's to more such writing from us!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac PostZH Legion: Mystical Mountains - 05/07/17 01:03 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

The Cordillera Mountains, Philippines, Earth

Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body

Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter. Skilled chef and Legion support staff member. (Reservist)

************************************************************
For 3,000 years, the high rice fields of the Ifugao have followed the contours of the mountains. The fruit of knowledge handed down from one generation to the next, and the expression of sacred traditions and a delicate social balance, they have helped to create a landscape of great beauty that expresses the harmony between humankind and the environment.

- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, on the inclusion of the Terraces in the World Heritage List



"How much longer are we going to spend here?" Tenzil grumbled as he adjusted his shades. The group had been trekking through the ancient Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras for over an hour now.

Zoe laughed as she looked at Tenzil. He was all wrapped up in a transuit; its atmospheric-control features kept him comfortable from the harsh sunlight and stifling humidity that characterized much of the Philippines. Even at this high altitude. She herself had chosen to climb transuit-free; she loved feeling nature at its rawest. "We're almost there, Tenz. The Batad Cluster is the smallest one. And also the steepest," she added with a laugh. She frowned as she saw a speck of dirt on her shorts; without much thought, she brushed it off with her telekinesis, leaving the cloth pristine. Realizing what she had done, she conceded to herself that her telekinesis did make things a lot easier for her to bear the climb.

"Let's stop for a bit," Violet suggested. Salu took a sip from her water bottle. "You know, as much as I enjoy the natural beauty, I do have to admit that the scenery hasn't changed much over the past hour..."

"You're right," Zoe said as she looked at Salu and Brek. Both had also chosen not to wear transuits, but the heat was beginning to bear on them - even with Brek's cooling of the air temperature around them, and Zoe's telekinetic shielding from the sunlight. "Maybe we should cut this short. After all, we have a big day planned for tomorrow."

"Yes, please," Brek exhaled as he used his flight ring to hover in the air. Without seats around, hovering was the best way to rest weary legs. "We can enjoy the view by air."

Zoe laughed as she took off. "Fine, then. A short flight over, then a big feast tonight!" She let the wind flow through her air as she zipped down the mountain. It was nice seeing all this greenery. After checking to see that her companions were behind her, she whipped out her Omnicom - telekinetically, of course. It was always best to be careful - Star Boy had almost lost an Omnicom once flying over Metropolis, and only Gates' quick teleportation had saved him from possibly killing someone with it. She set their course for the nearby town of Sagada.

As they flew, Zoe let her thoughts wander. She idly contemplated the difficulties early Filipinos had traveling over the rugged terrain; in the 21st century, the winding, mountainous roads would have stretched their trip to six hours. Now, it would be over in minutes.

Zoe was shaken out of her reverie by Brek's voice. "You sure put a lot of research into our itinerary." She returned his smile as he flew beside her. "I love learning about different cultures, whether past or present. One reason I didn't mind my mom's job too much."

"Do you like the past more than the present, though?" Brek asked. Zoe paused for a moment. Brek smiled apologetically. "A bit of a weird question, I know."

"No, no, it's not," Zoe considered. "It's actually made me think, and that's a good thing. I mean, I'm naturally curious about how different sentients live, and Earth more so than most other worlds. The sheer variety of cultures here is immense compared to most other worlds... And it's not easy to separate past from present. Many Earth civilizations have died out, but you see traces of ancient practices even in the modern day."

"Like how Shvaughn keeps saying, "Saints preserve us", despite not really believing in saints?"

"Exactly," Zoe smiled. Brek often seemed like a happy-go-lucky, cheerful guy with nary a care in the world. But these past few months, she had come to realize how deep and insightful he was.

A beep from her Omnicom interrupted her. "Arriving at the Hanging Coffins of Sagada."

"Yes!" Zoe smiled as she arced her body downwards. "Sky burials are fairly common in the UP, but people from Sagada keep the actual coffins suspended!" In seconds, she and Brek were hovering just above the coffins. A transparent energy screen kept them from going close. Violet and Tenzil followed moments later.

"Hmmm... when you said hanging coffins, I was expecting something more... magnificent..." Violet muttered. "Like coffins made from precious stone, or with beautiful carvings..." The coffins were wooden boxes of various colors. Most had the names of the deceased written on them in bold letters of the old Latin alphabet or in Interlac.

"I agree they're not spectacular in themselves," Zoe breathed, "but it's just amazing to see this practice up close!"

"It IS interesting," Tenzil noted. "I can see how some people would be awed at this. Sometimes we get tourists on Bismoll who wonder at how Bismollian remains can sparkle so... but for us, it's mundane because of our mineral-rich diets."

"Their reasoning is most interesting for me," Brek said as he peered at the exhibits. "The locals believed that the higher up coffins were, the closer they were to their ancestors... Ah, and there are practical reasons, like keeping the bodies away from animals..."

Zoe and Brek spent the next few minutes reading the exhibit text, while Salu admired the mountainous scenery. Tenzil chewed on some soil and pebbles; he claimed that every country they had visited so far tasted different. As the first hints of twilight appeared in the sky, the four took off once more for a well-earned dinner.
Posted By: Omni Re: PostZH Legion: Mystical Mountains - 05/07/17 11:51 PM
Another good down moment for the team. I do like this quartet. Zoe and Berk make a cute budding couple if that is the direction they are headed.

Your imagery of the mountains is really well done. These moments really do flesh out your love for Zoe as we see into her. i like how she acknowledges the little things like her powers and how easy it is for her.

Tenzil complaining was funny once you described him and his transuit shade wearing coolness.

Zoe's love for archeology is show cased well here and i like your point about how somethings are passed down even if we no longer celebrate them or practice aspects of long dead cultures and using Shavangs "saint's preserve us" line was a good example.

The floating coffin's things was new and a tradition that i could see developing someday. i like the reasoning about being closer to the ancestors and the coffins being normal and not ornate at all. that gave it some real weight that this was a practice for ordinary people and not kings or queens or even a heroes burial place.

looking forward to more.
Thanks Omni, I appreciate your detailed reading and comments smile

Zoe and Brek will certainly grow closer wink

Glad you liked Tenzil's complaining, Zoe's self-reflection and love for architecture, and the imagery. I have been to these mountains and was inspired to describe them well. Glad you also liked the musings on culture.

Also happy you liked the description of the coffins. They are a real, modern day tourist attraction - one that I visited a few years ago. Glad to share them with everyone here smile
Posted By: razsolo Re: PostZH Legion: Mystical Mountains - 05/08/17 10:01 AM
Thanks for the link IB - I had not heard of these hanging coffins before, it's really interesting! I am glad some non-western culture survives another thousand years laugh

I like how this trip is showcasing Zoe's interest in other cultures, and little throwaway bits like her thoughts about needing to be careful carrying things while flying and Tenzil's remark about Bismollian remains glittering do a lot to give their universe depth...Also, why am I not at all surprised that Star Boy would be the one to drop an omnicom on someone lol wink
Thanks Raz, glad you liked this little bit from my home wink Those hanging coffins are not the most famous sight in the Philippines, but they are certainly one of the most unique! Your common is apt, as I was just planning on including bits in the next post where I talk more about how many Earth cultures decided to have little pockets of preservation.

Zoe is my author avatar here, in the sense that I also love learning about other cultures. Glad you like the throwaway bits too (I always imagined fliers had to be careful about dropping things; the Bismoll one was a flash of inspiration)! And yes, Thom is such a klutz wink
Posted By: Harbinger Re: PostZH Legion: Mystical Mountains - 05/09/17 10:23 PM
IB, this is a cute vignette, and your love of the characters is very obvious especially Zoe who always shines when you write about her.

After reading this I was reminded how much I enjoyed yours and Blazes travelogue story and how much I've missed it.

Tenzil was great, he's always fun and the mental image of him in a trans suit with his shades on was great.

As Omni and Raz have already brought up, the throwaway lines like Star Boy dropping debris are really good additions to the ongoing plot, rounding out your characters and adding nice depth.

As FL commented before, the positivity in this version of the team is one of the strengths especially as you write it so authentically, it reads 'real'.

As always, thoroughly enjoyed your story and looking forward to more, more, more!
Harbi, thank you for your usual support. I'm happy that Kinetix shines under my writing, and does not come across as a Mary Sue or a panel hog!

It's very kind of you to mention my Homecoming travelogue. I always had such fun writing it, and I'm almost done - 25 countries left to feature, if I counted right. Perhaps I can write some more during the summer - it's just too hectic otherwise!

Tenz is the type who would wear his shades even when not sunny; and when it is sunny, he relishes the chance to look "cool"!

Happy that you like the throwaway bits and the positivity as well! I'm glad that the optimism and brightness comes across as very real smile

More to come soon - I was hoping to finish this little Philippine trip last weekend, but alas, didn't have enough time (what with papers and schoolwork and chores). Maybe next weekend - before the deluge of midterms starts!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

The Cordillera Mountains, Philippines, Earth

Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body

Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter. Skilled chef and Legion support staff member. (Reservist)

************************************************************

Zoe munched eagerly on her breakfast of freshly-baked pandesal, the soft, round, fluffy little rolls that Philippine locals swore by. She remembered having them at her friend Mabuhay's home when they were kids; along with them came an assortment of spreads, jams, and cheeses. Today, she was having them with local peanut butter; it was much creamier and sweeter than any peanut butter she had tasted elsewhere. Mabuhay had always joked about the fattening nature of Filipino food; most was either fried or loaded with sugar. Zoe didn't mind, though; they would need it for the six-hour trek through the Lumiang and Sumaguing Caves.

She did wish that Mabuhay could join them, but her old friend was working feverishly on her next collection. Zoe clicked through the reports from the Institute of Functional Design*,and was glad that the students were doing well AND that the name had been changed. Really, their parents had been sweet, naming it the Zoe and Candi Institute, but she and Candi had thought it was gauche to have it named after them!

Salu stifled a yawn as she sat down beside Zoe. She nursed a cup of coffee in between her hands; the scents of cinnamon and hazelnut wafted around her. Two empty cups were stacked beside her.** "I don't suppose..." Salu paused as she let out her yawn. She shook her head and downed her cup of coffee, closed her eyes for a second, then continued. "I don't suppose I could bargain for another hour's sleep?"

"I wish," Tenzil grinned. "But if we want to have a proper lunch..."

"I know, we need to count 6 hours backwards from noon," Salu sighed as she stretched her arms above her head. "I would be much more enthusiastic if we could start at a NORMAL hour..."

"At least we have a good breakfast," Brek pointed out. He picked up his fourth pandesal and spread edam cheese on it. How the Dutch cheese became a delicacy in the Philippines, Zoe was not quite sure. But she didn't care; it went extremely well with the pandesal.

"Yeah, because it looks like we will need it," Tenzil whispered. "I met our guide, and he is..."

"OKAY, TOURISTS!!!" A portly, dark-skinned man with a thick mustache waved his arms towards them. His grin made Zoe's skin crawl as he looked her up and down; it seemed a little too appreciative. "Well, aren't you a pair of pretty ladies?" He winked and elbowed Brek in the side; the Legionnaire winced in surprise. He raised his sunglasses as he leered at Zoe and Salu. Are you ready to get wet?"

"Yes, we are ready for the caves," Zoe said flatly, not wanting to encourage his innuendo. Jokes between friends were one thing - her conversations with Vi and Ayla about their male teammates were certainly not meant to be overheard - but she had just met this man. She resisted the urge to telekinetically alter her outfit to cover up her legs. She would do this as they entered the cave, not before!

"Not in that outfit, you're not," the man grinned. "Listen to Papa Jack, and you'll have a good time! The belts are a good idea, not least because your Legion icon will make for a great picture later!" Papa Jack's smile grew even wider as he rubbed his hands in glee. "Ah, wait until I tell my buddies that I was the guide for four Legionnaires!"

Zoe bit off a retort as Salu stepped in front of her. With a firm glance at Zoe, she spoke. "And what should we be wearing?"

"Lose the shoes," Papa Jack grinned as he pointed at their feet. "You should wear these." He held up his own, and Zoe frowned in surprise. Ferro had shown her a pair from the 20th century; they were called flip-flops. "I had no idea they still made these."

"We like to keep our traditions," Papa Jack said proudly as he puffed out his chest. "And these make for easier climbing. We call them slippers here in the Philippines, but they will definitely not make you slip!"

"Okay, then, let's give it a try..." Green glows surrounded all their feet,and moments later, all four were wearing flip-flops.

"Huh," Tenzil said as he wiggled his toes. "I'm glad I trimmed my toenails and all that."

"Now listen carefully to the rest." The four gathered around Papa Jack, who rattled of a series of reminders. Zoe, alone among the four, had chosen not to use a transuit, and found herself making sure her limbs were completely covered to help her withstand the cold inside the caves.

"Too bad you don't want to wear a transuit," Papa Jack winked. "It will be more comfortable... and besides, you have such nice skin, you shouldn't cover it up."

Zoe grit her teeth as she bit back another retort. The caves weren't the only thing that would be cold.

************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) I had the Institute of Design be started by Zoe's mom Azra, and Monstress' dad, to honor their fallen (at the time) daughters.

2) Violet's sleepiness and Zoe's rise-and-shine attitude are a reference to LSH v4 Annual 6, where an energetic Zoe wakes up a sleepy Violet while on a dig.
Posted By: Set Re: PostZH Legion: Mystical Mountains - 05/25/17 09:24 AM
So I'm just starting this, and not yet ready for in-depth commentary. But I'm hugely impressed so far.
Thanks, Set! I appreciate you taking time to read my work. I know you commented on some of the very earliest posts before. I'm pleased you like it so far!
Posted By: Harbinger Re: PostZH Legion: Mystical Mountains - 05/25/17 07:26 PM
Set, you're in for a treat!
Thank you Harbi, so kind of you to say!
Posted By: Set Re: PostZH Legion: Mystical Mountains - 05/26/17 12:02 PM
So. I've finished Volume 2, Scattered Souls, which I read twice, 'cause that's how I roll.

Random thoughts as I'm reading (some of which become moot as I read further!);

My first thought is that various grudges and conflicts were being cleared away a little too quickly in the first five or six posts, but then I remembered that this was supposed to represent weeks, or even months, of time stuck together, and that it would be unnatural for their relationships not to evolve over that time, as if no time had passed, particularly when they are cut off from a world of distractions they could use to put off uncomfortable conversations or encounters. Nobody can close a door, or put on loud music, or go shopping as avoidance measures. Everybody is kind of in everybody else's face, 24/7, so things are going to have to move forward.

I like the references to stuff that happened in Legion Lost, with Echo and Captain Adym, and with the mosaic and XS, and various other details from the sometimes very tonally different Legion bits and pieces we've gotten over the last decade. Your research is top-notch, and it's neat to see, and very impressive. References to issues and numbers just makes it all the cooler, sort of like the little boxes with editors notes that used to be common in comics of the 70's and 80's.

In the Universo Project, Saturn Girl enters Dream Girl's mind to break Universo's control, to find that Nura has spun her prison into a giant ruby, and remarks that it's a sign of her strong will that she's turned her prison into something glamorous. I get a similar vibe from how Zoe's fake reality here includes a bunch of her friends, re-imagined as 'Sally' and 'Irma.' Her own strength seems to come from her strong affection for and ties with her friends (and not necessarily her family, who are sidelined or given short shrift in her dream-existence, which her mother absent and her brother mentioned, but not seen), which suggests that her Legion life has had a stronger influence on her than what came before, which might be handy when it comes time to choose a superhero 'fantasy' life over this mundane 'reality'... Also intriguing that she's included some of her dead companions, Candi, Gim and Jan. That could pull her in another direction when it's time to choose, a world in which some of her friends are dead, or one where they live on? And does that 'prove' the reality of what she's learning, because it's *not* as pretty and perfect and safe and happy as the world she'd be leaving behind? If it was a lie, wouldn't it be shinier and more tempting, and not contain such loss?

Gates is being more impulsive and ornery than I recall, although I'm not too terribly familiar with him. Perhaps being in the 'wrong' universe is causing him some stress? Perhaps being in a different universe than his 'hive' world, even if he's not the hive-iest hiver around, is wearing on him on some psychological level? It's one thing to not *choose* to go home, but to know that the option is there, and another entirely to be unable to go home, or even know that 'home' still exists!

I like the explanation you've come up with for why Drura got 'thrown into the past.' Woo, Earth-Man with Infectious Lass's powers would indeed by nasty, assuming that he could just unleash all sorts of alien contagions that don't particularly affect humans, to cause suffering and death among aliens on Earth!

<<This takes place before the last Retroboot story - the new Fatal Five. Sun Boy and Star Boy are still alive, Phantom Girl hasn't fled to who knows where, Glorith and Zerox are still in this plane of existence, and the Legion is not in any danger of being disbanded.>>

Yay! I was not a fan of that nonsense, and prefer Sun Boy, Star Boy and Phantom Girl to still be active, and Zerox to remain where it is, for now.

And everyone's back! No lengthy reunions, and off to the Sorcerer's World on a desperate mission! Good economy of storytelling, and good writer's discipline to bypass a reunion scene which might have just felt like another feelgood nostalgia scene in a story that, by it's very nature, is going to have quite a bit of that already.

In this next bit, Zoe takes long enough to make her big decision that I get a little bored with it. Narratively, it needs to take long enough for the rest of the Legion to be in deep doodoo with Mordru and his army of magical slaves, but still, it, IMO, went a bit long and didn't really do Zoe any favors. OTOH, I like that words like grief and sprock are plot-relevant. smile

Huh. Good to see Zatanna again, but would she know what inertron is?

Glorith having healing abilities is both very convenien and very sensible, since she manipulates time. A quick time-spell, and your targets body heals as if it’s had hours, or even days, to recover. Clever.

I like the teamwork with Sun Boy and Lamprey vs. Maya.

I also like the use of Chemical Kid, working with the heavy hitters Mon-El, Wildfire and Ultra Boy. Also cool to use Dawnstar as a spoiler, to draw fire, since she can evade attacks fairly well so long as she has ample room to move.

Ooh, Crystal Kid gets to play with the big leagues, too!

Ha, Rainbow Girl with yet another powerset! Is it heat/cold/light/kryptonite radiation? Is it green lantern energy constructs? Nope, it’s emotion control today! Quantum Rainbow Girl is the best Rainbow Girl!

I have barely even heard of, let alone read about, some of these magical characters, like Anna Fortune and Ibis the Invincible. Very cool. I like the idea of magical bullets conducting spell effects, and want to read more about Anna Fortune now!

During the flashback scenes you leverage your knowledge of the Reboot Legion, and Kinetix’ history in particular, very effectively here.

I like that not every team has the exact powers necessary to counter their threat. Lacking someone able to make Jinx super-light, or a telekinetic or gravity manipulator, the Legionnaires make do by just hoisting her off the ground with merely human strength and a Flight Ring.

Effective and creepy use of Kid Eternity, and cool way to work dead Legionnaires like Ferro Lad, Chemical King and Lu’s dead original third into the story. I also like how you suggest a limit to Lu’s new ability to create many duplicates, that it takes up some sort of resources, and that them being injured weakens her. The last Legion run didn’t really last long enough to get into any sort of detail or limitations on her new power, so it’s up to us to decide where we want those limits to be (can she create hundreds of dupes? Can she send them off to die by the dozens and be unaffected? Is she mentally linked to them? Do they have duplicate Flight Rings? All questions we kind of have to decide on for ourselves.).

HA! Manitou Dawn and Manitou Raven using the power of Apache Chief is too funny!

<<*This is a direct quote from Zoe's origin story in LSH v4 Annual 6, where she dreams of using her power to perfect herself and to help people all over the galaxy.>>
I guess that explains why that quote is so much clunkier than your own writing! (“I am too pure?” Even in comic books, who talks like that?) :)&#61514;

<<"And you know what happens when this incantation is used against more than one soul." Glorith's voice was soft, but lined with steel.>>

Mordru may know, but I don’t! I’m guessing that the spell fails, but that feels like an arbitrary thing. Perhaps it fails because the spell pits soul against soul, and two (or three!) souls can overcome one?

Nice big climactic battle, and I like the use of Kid Eternity during the resolution. Very cathartic, for various Legionnaires.

And the epiloque, dealing with lost Reboot Legionnaires. I like the 'name-drops' of the zombie apocalypse, planet of the apes and water world realities! Interesting that Karate Kid was on the verge of snapping out of it, and then a bite of the apple and he’s ready to stay in paradise a little longer… Suspicious!

Great story, so far. Can't wait to dive into Volume 3! I like the plotting, the language choices, the characterization, pretty much everything! Thanks for putting such dedication into this !
Set! Thanks for the detailed review (and for reading Volume 2 twice, whoa!)

Originally Posted by Set


My first thought is that various grudges and conflicts were being cleared away a little too quickly in the first five or six posts, but then I remembered that this was supposed to represent weeks, or even months, of time stuck together, and that it would be unnatural for their relationships not to evolve over that time, as if no time had passed, particularly when they are cut off from a world of distractions they could use to put off uncomfortable conversations or encounters. Nobody can close a door, or put on loud music, or go shopping as avoidance measures. Everybody is kind of in everybody else's face, 24/7, so things are going to have to move forward.



Indeed, and I'm glad that came through. Another thing I was going for was that they had lost their entire reality, so all they had were each other. I would think grudges (especially silly ones like the Thom/Jo thing that started with Thom telling Cos that Jo was having pains; and the Brin/Jo thing which was completely juvenile!) would start falling away.

Originally Posted by Set

I like the references to stuff that happened in Legion Lost, with Echo and Captain Adym, and with the mosaic and XS, and various other details from the sometimes very tonally different Legion bits and pieces we've gotten over the last decade. Your research is top-notch, and it's neat to see, and very impressive. References to issues and numbers just makes it all the cooler, sort of like the little boxes with editors notes that used to be common in comics of the 70's and 80's.


Thanks! A lot of those hanging threads from the Retroboot have always bugged me. And besides, I needed to get XS and Gates back in so took the opportunity to resolve some of their danglers...

Originally Posted by Set


In the Universo Project, Saturn Girl enters Dream Girl's mind to break Universo's control, to find that Nura has spun her prison into a giant ruby, and remarks that it's a sign of her strong will that she's turned her prison into something glamorous. I get a similar vibe from how Zoe's fake reality here includes a bunch of her friends, re-imagined as 'Sally' and 'Irma.' Her own strength seems to come from her strong affection for and ties with her friends (and not necessarily her family, who are sidelined or given short shrift in her dream-existence, which her mother absent and her brother mentioned, but not seen), which suggests that her Legion life has had a stronger influence on her than what came before, which might be handy when it comes time to choose a superhero 'fantasy' life over this mundane 'reality'... Also intriguing that she's included some of her dead companions, Candi, Gim and Jan. That could pull her in another direction when it's time to choose, a world in which some of her friends are dead, or one where they live on? And does that 'prove' the reality of what she's learning, because it's *not* as pretty and perfect and safe and happy as the world she'd be leaving behind? If it was a lie, wouldn't it be shinier and more tempting, and not contain such loss?



Part of the inspiration from Zoe's reality came from LSH v4 Annual 6 and L* 42. Zoe always yearned for power "so she could make a difference"; being a hero was such a big fit. She was never very close to her bro. I did mention her mom, but as in "real life", mommy Azra was a traveling archaeologist / explorer.


Originally Posted by Set

Gates is being more impulsive and ornery than I recall, although I'm not too terribly familiar with him. Perhaps being in the 'wrong' universe is causing him some stress? Perhaps being in a different universe than his 'hive' world, even if he's not the hive-iest hiver around, is wearing on him on some psychological level? It's one thing to not *choose* to go home, but to know that the option is there, and another entirely to be unable to go home, or even know that 'home' still exists!


Gates would probably not admit it to most (except Brainy), but he did miss his team and his reality! I alluded to this in the earlier scene with Brainy and Val as well.

Originally Posted by Set


I like the explanation you've come up with for why Drura got 'thrown into the past.' Woo, Earth-Man with Infectious Lass's powers would indeed by nasty, assuming that he could just unleash all sorts of alien contagions that don't particularly affect humans, to cause suffering and death among aliens on Earth!


The scariest part about Drura's powers, I think, are that she just has to release something - and it would spread on its own. Very, very difficult to contain.

Originally Posted by Set

<<This takes place before the last Retroboot story - the new Fatal Five. Sun Boy and Star Boy are still alive, Phantom Girl hasn't fled to who knows where, Glorith and Zerox are still in this plane of existence, and the Legion is not in any danger of being disbanded.>>

Yay! I was not a fan of that nonsense, and prefer Sun Boy, Star Boy and Phantom Girl to still be active, and Zerox to remain where it is, for now.




That last Retroboot story was a big mess, no way I could have fixed that wink

Originally Posted by Set

And everyone's back! No lengthy reunions, and off to the Sorcerer's World on a desperate mission! Good economy of storytelling, and good writer's discipline to bypass a reunion scene which might have just felt like another feelgood nostalgia scene in a story that, by it's very nature, is going to have quite a bit of that already.


Thanks! That's how the Legion rolls - when an emergency rises, they just have to move!


Originally Posted by Set


In this next bit, Zoe takes long enough to make her big decision that I get a little bored with it. Narratively, it needs to take long enough for the rest of the Legion to be in deep doodoo with Mordru and his army of magical slaves, but still, it, IMO, went a bit long and didn't really do Zoe any favors. OTOH, I like that words like grief and sprock are plot-relevant. smile


I completely agree with you. Looking back, I could have trimmed down the word count/scenes with Zoe struggling. I wanted to have at least one scene with everyone in the large, large cast I had assembled, but those scenes could have been worked in without Zoe thinking so much. I remember being stuck there for a while, I was doing tons of overtime then, but still!


Originally Posted by Set


Huh. Good to see Zatanna again, but would she know what inertron is?


Mordru would have used her as a slave before, so she would have learned a little about the outside universe in that time.

Originally Posted by Set


Glorith having healing abilities is both very convenien and very sensible, since she manipulates time. A quick time-spell, and your targets body heals as if it’s had hours, or even days, to recover. Clever.

I like the teamwork with Sun Boy and Lamprey vs. Maya.

I also like the use of Chemical Kid, working with the heavy hitters Mon-El, Wildfire and Ultra Boy. Also cool to use Dawnstar as a spoiler, to draw fire, since she can evade attacks fairly well so long as she has ample room to move.

Ooh, Crystal Kid gets to play with the big leagues, too!

Ha, Rainbow Girl with yet another powerset! Is it heat/cold/light/kryptonite radiation? Is it green lantern energy constructs? Nope, it’s emotion control today! Quantum Rainbow Girl is the best Rainbow Girl!

I have barely even heard of, let alone read about, some of these magical characters, like Anna Fortune and Ibis the Invincible. Very cool. I like the idea of magical bullets conducting spell effects, and want to read more about Anna Fortune now!

During the flashback scenes you leverage your knowledge of the Reboot Legion, and Kinetix’ history in particular, very effectively here.

I like that not every team has the exact powers necessary to counter their threat. Lacking someone able to make Jinx super-light, or a telekinetic or gravity manipulator, the Legionnaires make do by just hoisting her off the ground with merely human strength and a Flight Ring.

Effective and creepy use of Kid Eternity, and cool way to work dead Legionnaires like Ferro Lad, Chemical King and Lu’s dead original third into the story. I also like how you suggest a limit to Lu’s new ability to create many duplicates, that it takes up some sort of resources, and that them being injured weakens her. The last Legion run didn’t really last long enough to get into any sort of detail or limitations on her new power, so it’s up to us to decide where we want those limits to be (can she create hundreds of dupes? Can she send them off to die by the dozens and be unaffected? Is she mentally linked to them? Do they have duplicate Flight Rings? All questions we kind of have to decide on for ourselves.).

HA! Manitou Dawn and Manitou Raven using the power of Apache Chief is too funny!




Glad you liked all these little bits! I tried my best to have everyone get the chance to shine. For some, such as Ibis, I don't have any appearances - so extensive Googling was a must!

Rainbow Girl's powers have been so varied over the years, so I just went with this. I honestly have no idea what Retroboot Rainbow Girl's final powerset is, but figured I would never get to write her again, so... wink I also remember she had one appearance where she draws on powers similar to the GL rings, so that's where my compassion-inducing idea came from. I will have to check where that happened... against Earth-Man, I think? I remember a scene where she glows red and suddenly levitates some debris.

Anna Fortune's spellcasings can be seen in the JSA All-Star series smile

Can't take credit for Manitou Dawn and Raven growing, I remember Manitou Raven doing that once in a JLA comic smile

I am especially proud of the Kid Eternity scene, thanks. I always thought that Lu's power should be finite in that sense - having tons of dupes that can die without any ill effects (being tired, sapping her energy/will) seemed like too much of a power-up! I would say she can sense each dupe's feelings, but not actually FEEL them (unlike her closer mind-link with her original bodies!)

Originally Posted by Set



<<*This is a direct quote from Zoe's origin story in LSH v4 Annual 6, where she dreams of using her power to perfect herself and to help people all over the galaxy.>>
I guess that explains why that quote is so much clunkier than your own writing! (“I am too pure?” Even in comic books, who talks like that?) :)&#61514;



Zoe's origin story was... interesting. I would say it was well-plotted, but the lines in her "diary" were way, way clunky, all right! Maybe that was their way of positioning her to be a future villain? tongue

Originally Posted by Set


<<"And you know what happens when this incantation is used against more than one soul." Glorith's voice was soft, but lined with steel.>>

Mordru may know, but I don’t! I’m guessing that the spell fails, but that feels like an arbitrary thing. Perhaps it fails because the spell pits soul against soul, and two (or three!) souls can overcome one?



Yeah, that's what I was intending. The spell can only be used on one soul at a time. Try it on two or more, and it backfires horribly.

Originally Posted by Set


Nice big climactic battle, and I like the use of Kid Eternity during the resolution. Very cathartic, for various Legionnaires.



I thought that giving Jeckie and Lu a little closure was the least I could do. Sadly, could not do the same for Zoe and Gim, but she'll move on from that smile


Originally Posted by Set


And the epiloque, dealing with lost Reboot Legionnaires. I like the 'name-drops' of the zombie apocalypse, planet of the apes and water world realities! Interesting that Karate Kid was on the verge of snapping out of it, and then a bite of the apple and he’s ready to stay in paradise a little longer… Suspicious!

Great story, so far. Can't wait to dive into Volume 3! I like the plotting, the language choices, the characterization, pretty much everything! Thanks for putting such dedication into this !



Thanks for bringing up those name-drops. Maybe one day, I will revisit some of those smile

Really glad you liked this! (and thanks again for the comments and constructive criticism!) I hope you will find Volume 3 as big a treat as Volume 2 was - you liked the big, climactic battle in Volume 2, and Volume 3 has quite a bit of that too wink
Posted By: Set Re: PostZH Legion: Mystical Mountains - 05/30/17 05:17 PM
And Chapter 3 is done now!

I am reading these at work on breaks/lunch/downtime (waiting on other people, mostly) after cut-and-pasting them into a word document, because I can't access the internet at work, so I don't really get to see other people's reactions to this, which is a bit of a shame, since I'm sure other readers are having valuable insights that I'm missing (and I'm flat out repeating them, in other instances!). But I only have so much time at work, and cut-and-pasting the entire thread didn't seem to be an option anyway...

On to random observations;

I like the notion of starting things out with some unrelated characters, like Jancel Ardeen, it sort of reinforces that there’s an entire world around these Legionnaires, people living their lives, whose fates depend on the heroes, and who, for better or worse, will get tangled up in the outcome of their adventures. What a great way to remind us about the greater universe full of people that the Legion are fighting for, and make the story a bit less zoomed in to the point it feels a bit incestuous, or even gives the impression that the heroes are the source off all the problems (since all we ever see is disaster happening around them). Comics tend to spend too much time 'zoomed in,' IMO, and very much give that impression, that the world might be a better / safer place without the Justice League / Avengers / X-Men / Authority, who seem to always be surrounded by a cloud of destruction, while the rest of the (unseen and unmentioned) world around them 'feels' like it's much safer, by comparison.

By spending even just one post, your very first post in this chapter, dealing with people just living their lives, the people who will be affected by what's to come, it puts the hero's struggle into focus, and this is a good thing, and a good way to start the chapter and set the tone before a sort of 'Civil War / the heroes are the problem, look at all this mess that happened because of them!' tone creeps in.

And now something more critical (and skipping ahead to the end, since I read this one twice as well, re-reading it while composing my thoughts), although I haven't read Chapter 4 yet, so I might be premature and talking out my ass.... There seems to a lot of bringing everyone back, and giving everyone closure and eliminating any regrets (this latter bit highlighted by scenes like the later reconciliation between Umbra and Monstress, or Candi and her father). Used sparingly, this is perfectly in keeping with comic-book tradition, where nobody stays dead, and no ‘permanent’ change lasts past the next creative team shuffle. Dyrk getting his powers back, after Zoe and Gates and XS are brought back into the fold, and, later, Monstress, etc. return, and Chuck and Condo gain the powers they had in the Preboot, feels like you’ve maybe tapped that well a lot. I love my Legionnaires, and hate to cause them pain in my own fanfic (or keep them in pain, if the canon sort of left them there), but I wonder if a sense of risk and danger is being lost here. (And I recognize that you haven’t undone *everything* unhappy in their past, Gim and Jan and James Cullen, for instance, are still dead, dead and dead.) Now, sauce for the goose, I do the same thing myself, utterly ignoring that Preboot Sun Boy and Star Boy are supposed to be dead, or finding ways to bring back characters that I like, so I'm hardly one to harp on this, but it just feels like this sort of thing is happening a lot here, and the more people 'come back,' or 'get their powers back' or whatever, the less powerful it is, for me.

Wow, that’s a harsh fall for Dragonmage! I’ve always been intrigued by him, perhaps mostly his visual and his (rare in the Legion) ethnicity. And there’s something that’s the opposite of what I mentioned above, which is probably a good balancing item, piling on some new regrets, and some fairly epic loss (entire worlds? Yikes. That's not easy to come back from, ask Jean Grey!). To be a complete hypocrite, I kind of wish it didn’t happen to someone I’ve seen so little of as Dragonmage, because he feels like his story never even began, really, and he’s already been kind of beaten down and ‘failed’ as a hero, because of his own power-seeking nature (ironically giving him the sort of storyline that was more Kinetix’s bag, in the Reboot!). OTOH, I'd probably be jumping up and down and pulling my hair out if it happened to an established Legionnaire that I feel like I know better, so Dragonmage was a better choice.

Eh, pour syrup on me, as I sit here and waffle.

Spider Girl, Infectious Lass, Nightwind, etc. are good to catch up with, they tend to get underutilized in the comics. And I’ve seen very little of Insect Queen, Particon, Lume, etc. so more on them is always welcome. The Reboot really added a *bunch* of new female characters, didn’t it? That’s cool!

I love Stheno! Pol? Meh. My least favorite Krinn brother. smile

Great to see a living Mentalla get to strut her stuff, although I think she’s better suited to a team that doesn’t have an Imra….

While Tenzil is recovering from being tossed into the hard vacuum of outer space, Nightwind un-ironically motions for everyone to stop crowding him, saying, “Give Tenzil some space.” and I laugh out loud and say, “Tenzil’s already had all the ‘space’ he can stand.” smile

Ooh, a bit of drama between Dawnstar and Shikari, on 'Eden.' I've always wondered how those two would interact. Dawnstar's a bit prickly, at times, and could be irked that her Reboot doppleganger is so much different than herself, compared to the Reboot versions of Shadow Lass or Dream Girl.

Perhaps I read it too fast or whatever, but I’m still not clear on what these 108 evil spirits in the keystone in Eden were all about. I see the narrative use of the entities, to give the team a chance to rescue those lost, and have some hero on hero action that's not too clichéd, but I'm not entirely getting the in-story reference. 108, for instance, seems like a highly specific number, and I feel like I should be recognizing something here, like how 108 villains got sent to the Phantom Zone in a past story and their essences ended up here, a lingering threat to anyone who lands in the 'spiritual sinkhole' where their darker impulses ended up.

I like the idea of the Affiliated Planets. It would make sense that there are some other planetary alliances out there (perhaps even a few within the UP, just as Germany and France often seem to have a special relationship above and beyond their EU ties). Planets that, for reasons of tradition, or just a desire to maintain some unfair or 'barbaric' practices, like slavery or honor duels to the death or hereditary monarchies, that the UP frowns on, might be 'UP allies' without necessarily being able (or willing) to abide by all the terms and conditions of UP membership.

Micro Lad's just a toad in any reality, isn't he?

<<"Why, Brainy, you do have a heart underneath all that scowling," Tenzil teased as he bit into a metallic sheet. "Mmmm, cold titanium. Just the way I like it.">>

I like the way the second sentence could be taken as a follow-up to the first, suggesting that Brainy does have a heart, but it's cold titanium. Well juxtaposed!

I like seeing the espionage aspect in play, and GEAR and, especially, Spider-Girl, get some good play here. I love this use of Spider-Girl, and she'd be a natural Espionage Squad member. Instead of teams attacking and taking out the asteroids, and having four running fights on their hands, they neutralize the asteroids without a fight, and with much less risk of personal injury, or something going catastrophically wrong, or the hostages being endangered. (And, later, it all goes south, but, hey, it was a good idea, and it's not like the Legionnaires, even the stealthy ones, aren't also good at punching face!) Great use of Shikari and Triad here, as well, coordinating three teams through a maze of corridors.

Ooh, a Monitor! I was expecting a Controller, from the visual hints, but this is more out of the standard Legion villains lineup/playbook and therefore intriguing!

Are Gangster (the multiplying villain) and Pollen from the reboot or original characters? In either event, they seem cool.

I like the use of Drura here, and her combining her powers with GEAR and Nightwind to spread 'sleeping sickness' or whatever around quickly through airvents and via nano-tech, to target specific groups. Great teamwork!

Rokk, Pol, Dyrk, Repulse. Wow, it's magnokinesis-palooza all up in here!

And Violet dives into someone's inner ear. Little lady has consent issues! Git out of mah body, girlie! (I'm reminded of how she blocked some dark servants artery in the Great Darkness Saga. Her power can be brutal!)

And Chuck is covered with bouncy formula. Doesn't take a Naltorian to tell where this is going. smile

I was just thinking that it was weird to have Jed go by the name Density when there was a villainess using that name earlier, and then it gets mentioned in-story. Ha!

There's some tantalizing stuff in your Roll Call. Nightwind is from Iceland? Lyle Norg might be Jewish? Partocon is from India and / or the Phillipines? (And what does it mean when a character is from two places?) Chuck's Canadian? Crystal Kid's Brazilian, Jed's from Mongolia and Nepal, Visi-Lad's Egyptian, all interesting choices! I like the notion of making Troy Stewart this universe's Echo. Nice way to streamline those two underutilized characters together. And there's Theena, who, in the Threeboot, was drawn to have pods of (explicitly) unknown origin that looked exactly like the Dominator technology later shown. Is she a Dominator plant (unwittingly). Since the Dominators use plant-based biotechnology, was that a bad pun on my part? smile

Good stuff, and it's quite possible that my quibble earlier about so many people coming back from the dead, or coming into power, is going to end up sounding silly when I read Chapter 4! There's still Nura's dire prophecy for Thom lurking in the uncertain future, after all...

Huh, the post says, 'Quick Reply' and this is anything but a 'quick reply.' smile

Thanks for the great story, so far, hopefully I'll have more free time at work over the next couple of nights to get into Chapter 4!

Your writing is professional grade, so much so that the rare typo (generally always an obvious spellcheck fail, like heat for height), or sentence fragment is an outlier.








&#61514;
Hi Set, thanks again for reading and reviewing - that was fast! Really appreciate the time you put in smile and reading it twice - wow!

Originally Posted by Set

I like the notion of starting things out with some unrelated characters, like Jancel Ardeen, it sort of reinforces that there’s an entire world around these Legionnaires, people living their lives, whose fates depend on the heroes, and who, for better or worse, will get tangled up in the outcome of their adventures. What a great way to remind us about the greater universe full of people that the Legion are fighting for, and make the story a bit less zoomed in to the point it feels a bit incestuous, or even gives the impression that the heroes are the source off all the problems (since all we ever see is disaster happening around them). Comics tend to spend too much time 'zoomed in,' IMO, and very much give that impression, that the world might be a better / safer place without the Justice League / Avengers / X-Men / Authority, who seem to always be surrounded by a cloud of destruction, while the rest of the (unseen and unmentioned) world around them 'feels' like it's much safer, by comparison.

By spending even just one post, your very first post in this chapter, dealing with people just living their lives, the people who will be affected by what's to come, it puts the hero's struggle into focus, and this is a good thing, and a good way to start the chapter and set the tone before a sort of 'Civil War / the heroes are the problem, look at all this mess that happened because of them!' tone creeps in.


My initial intent for that scene was to explain why the Titanet - which was being set up as an early warning system due to the combination of Titanian and Naltorian talent - couldn't predict the events to come. But it did end up serving a nice dual purpose!

Originally Posted by Set


And now something more critical (and skipping ahead to the end, since I read this one twice as well, re-reading it while composing my thoughts), although I haven't read Chapter 4 yet, so I might be premature and talking out my ass.... There seems to a lot of bringing everyone back, and giving everyone closure and eliminating any regrets (this latter bit highlighted by scenes like the later reconciliation between Umbra and Monstress, or Candi and her father). Used sparingly, this is perfectly in keeping with comic-book tradition, where nobody stays dead, and no ‘permanent’ change lasts past the next creative team shuffle. Dyrk getting his powers back, after Zoe and Gates and XS are brought back into the fold, and, later, Monstress, etc. return, and Chuck and Condo gain the powers they had in the Preboot, feels like you’ve maybe tapped that well a lot. I love my Legionnaires, and hate to cause them pain in my own fanfic (or keep them in pain, if the canon sort of left them there), but I wonder if a sense of risk and danger is being lost here. (And I recognize that you haven’t undone *everything* unhappy in their past, Gim and Jan and James Cullen, for instance, are still dead, dead and dead.) Now, sauce for the goose, I do the same thing myself, utterly ignoring that Preboot Sun Boy and Star Boy are supposed to be dead, or finding ways to bring back characters that I like, so I'm hardly one to harp on this, but it just feels like this sort of thing is happening a lot here, and the more people 'come back,' or 'get their powers back' or whatever, the less powerful it is, for me.



Totally valid point, Set. I was consciously aware of how many returns and "resurrections" I had planned though - Zoe, Gates and XS are all faves of mine, as is Chuck; Condo and Lyle are surrogates, somewhat, for myself and Blaze; I always liked Dyrk and figured that a combination of science and magic - as is present in the Legion now - could give his powers back.

And Monstress was a flash of inspiration as I was nearing the end of Volume 3, where I was thinking about whether to give Condo the Chemical King powers or the Element Lad powers, and realized there was a plausible way to get the Element Lad powerset back... on another character smile

Not the most realistic plotting I admit, but I did let my nostalgia and love for the characters guide my hand here. With an entire universe being restored and a Monitor being involved, I just ran with it.

I am trying to keep in mind the need for more "realism" so to speak in Volume 4... let's see how that pans out smile

Originally Posted by Set


Wow, that’s a harsh fall for Dragonmage! I’ve always been intrigued by him, perhaps mostly his visual and his (rare in the Legion) ethnicity. And there’s something that’s the opposite of what I mentioned above, which is probably a good balancing item, piling on some new regrets, and some fairly epic loss (entire worlds? Yikes. That's not easy to come back from, ask Jean Grey!). To be a complete hypocrite, I kind of wish it didn’t happen to someone I’ve seen so little of as Dragonmage, because he feels like his story never even began, really, and he’s already been kind of beaten down and ‘failed’ as a hero, because of his own power-seeking nature (ironically giving him the sort of storyline that was more Kinetix’s bag, in the Reboot!). OTOH, I'd probably be jumping up and down and pulling my hair out if it happened to an established Legionnaire that I feel like I know better, so Dragonmage was a better choice.

Eh, pour syrup on me, as I sit here and waffle.



I share Dragonmage's ethnicity, but in this case I really had to let my better judgment rule. Unlike with the "fixes" above, there was no plausible way for me to "fix" this one so quickly- Dragonmage's Reboot actions, though inadvertent, DID lead to the destruction of Dryad and mass deaths on G'ild. Blame it on the canon writers (L* 71-74) wink

Originally Posted by Set


Spider Girl, Infectious Lass, Nightwind, etc. are good to catch up with, they tend to get underutilized in the comics. And I’ve seen very little of Insect Queen, Particon, Lume, etc. so more on them is always welcome. The Reboot really added a *bunch* of new female characters, didn’t it? That’s cool!

I love Stheno! Pol? Meh. My least favorite Krinn brother. smile

Great to see a living Mentalla get to strut her stuff, although I think she’s better suited to a team that doesn’t have an Imra….



Happy you are liking these bit characters whom I've promoted to the big leagues! I have always had a soft spot for these characters, both Preboot and Reboot. And Particon and Stheno are completely Reboot original; both had such intriguing concepts that I couldn't let them go wink

Ah, poor Pol. Even I never really warmed to him, though I hope I did him justice.

Originally Posted by Set


While Tenzil is recovering from being tossed into the hard vacuum of outer space, Nightwind un-ironically motions for everyone to stop crowding him, saying, “Give Tenzil some space.” and I laugh out loud and say, “Tenzil’s already had all the ‘space’ he can stand.” smile



Heh! I wish I had thought of that tongue Sounds like a joke Tenzil would make!

Originally Posted by Set


Ooh, a bit of drama between Dawnstar and Shikari, on 'Eden.' I've always wondered how those two would interact. Dawnstar's a bit prickly, at times, and could be irked that her Reboot doppleganger is so much different than herself, compared to the Reboot versions of Shadow Lass or Dream Girl.



I always imagined Dawnstar would be more intrigued by Shikari's different powers - or perhaps dismissive, as she is very sure of herself.

Originally Posted by Set


Perhaps I read it too fast or whatever, but I’m still not clear on what these 108 evil spirits in the keystone in Eden were all about. I see the narrative use of the entities, to give the team a chance to rescue those lost, and have some hero on hero action that's not too clichéd, but I'm not entirely getting the in-story reference. 108, for instance, seems like a highly specific number, and I feel like I should be recognizing something here, like how 108 villains got sent to the Phantom Zone in a past story and their essences ended up here, a lingering threat to anyone who lands in the 'spiritual sinkhole' where their darker impulses ended up.



The 108 spirits do not have any connection to anything in the Legion mythos. 108 is a sacred number in many Eastern religions. It is also central to my favorite video game series EVER, the Suikoden series - each installment of which involves recruiting 108 characters wink

Originally Posted by Set


I like the idea of the Affiliated Planets. It would make sense that there are some other planetary alliances out there (perhaps even a few within the UP, just as Germany and France often seem to have a special relationship above and beyond their EU ties). Planets that, for reasons of tradition, or just a desire to maintain some unfair or 'barbaric' practices, like slavery or honor duels to the death or hereditary monarchies, that the UP frowns on, might be 'UP allies' without necessarily being able (or willing) to abide by all the terms and conditions of UP membership.



The Affiliated Planets are another concept that the canon writers can take credit for - it was formed as a puppet organization by the Dark Circle (LSH 104-108, L*62-65) and continued after the Circle dissolved. It did seem like a good idea to pick up on.

Originally Posted by Set


Micro Lad's just a toad in any reality, isn't he?

<<"Why, Brainy, you do have a heart underneath all that scowling," Tenzil teased as he bit into a metallic sheet. "Mmmm, cold titanium. Just the way I like it.">>

I like the way the second sentence could be taken as a follow-up to the first, suggesting that Brainy does have a heart, but it's cold titanium. Well juxtaposed!



Micro Lad really is a brat.

And happy you liked that little play on words wink

Originally Posted by Set

I like seeing the espionage aspect in play, and GEAR and, especially, Spider-Girl, get some good play here. I love this use of Spider-Girl, and she'd be a natural Espionage Squad member. Instead of teams attacking and taking out the asteroids, and having four running fights on their hands, they neutralize the asteroids without a fight, and with much less risk of personal injury, or something going catastrophically wrong, or the hostages being endangered. (And, later, it all goes south, but, hey, it was a good idea, and it's not like the Legionnaires, even the stealthy ones, aren't also good at punching face!) Great use of Shikari and Triad here, as well, coordinating three teams through a maze of corridors.


My use of Spider-Girl was inspired by her 5YL portrayal. And I purposely played up the espionage aspect so Volume 3 wouldn't be full of fights; plus I wanted the Legion to be super careful about the hostages. Glad you liked them all, especially Gear, Triad and Kari. It was tough thinking of something for every single one of my 45+ characters to do! smile

Originally Posted by Set


Ooh, a Monitor! I was expecting a Controller, from the visual hints, but this is more out of the standard Legion villains lineup/playbook and therefore intriguing!



A Monitor just felt right, especially considering how the Reboot faded away because of Infinite Crisis!

Originally Posted by Set


Are Gangster (the multiplying villain) and Pollen from the reboot or original characters? In either event, they seem cool.



Both canon characters from Legion Worlds 5, and I did feel they had tons of potential too!

Originally Posted by Set


I like the use of Drura here, and her combining her powers with GEAR and Nightwind to spread 'sleeping sickness' or whatever around quickly through airvents and via nano-tech, to target specific groups. Great teamwork!

Rokk, Pol, Dyrk, Repulse. Wow, it's magnokinesis-palooza all up in here!

And Violet dives into someone's inner ear. Little lady has consent issues! Git out of mah body, girlie! (I'm reminded of how she blocked some dark servants artery in the Great Darkness Saga. Her power can be brutal!)

And Chuck is covered with bouncy formula. Doesn't take a Naltorian to tell where this is going. smile

I was just thinking that it was weird to have Jed go by the name Density when there was a villainess using that name earlier, and then it gets mentioned in-story. Ha!



Drura, Nightwind and Babbage combining powers was fun! After playing plenty of Plague Inc. (simulation game where you infect the world, where air is one of the carriers), having Berta and Drura work together just made tons of sense.

Sometimes I wonder why we don't see more fights between people from the worlds that have powers. I'd expect the Legion to occasionally run into more Naltorians, Titanians, Carggites, Braalians and what have you smile

Go, Vi! Her scene messing with Roxxas' inner ear in L* Annual 2 was so effective, I had to use this bit again!

I think all my readers figured out where I was going with Chuck right away tongue

I couldn't think of a better code name for Jed, so I just went with Density and had everyone in-story laugh at it tongue

Originally Posted by Set


There's some tantalizing stuff in your Roll Call. Nightwind is from Iceland? Lyle Norg might be Jewish? Partocon is from India and / or the Phillipines? (And what does it mean when a character is from two places?) Chuck's Canadian? Crystal Kid's Brazilian, Jed's from Mongolia and Nepal, Visi-Lad's Egyptian, all interesting choices! I like the notion of making Troy Stewart this universe's Echo. Nice way to streamline those two underutilized characters together. And there's Theena, who, in the Threeboot, was drawn to have pods of (explicitly) unknown origin that looked exactly like the Dominator technology later shown. Is she a Dominator plant (unwittingly). Since the Dominators use plant-based biotechnology, was that a bad pun on my part? smile



A lot of the countries I picked are those I really, really want to visit one day!

A character from two places has mixed parentage. It's pretty common nowadays, so I imagine it will be unremarkable in the 31st century.

I'm not closing the door on Echo appearing separately, but for now I really liked that code name... AND I'm not sure I want to deal with Marzal, so Troy gets to be Echo for a bit.

And Theena - a Dominator "plant", hee! Thanks for this idea, I may have some fun with it...

Originally Posted by Set


Good stuff, and it's quite possible that my quibble earlier about so many people coming back from the dead, or coming into power, is going to end up sounding silly when I read Chapter 4! There's still Nura's dire prophecy for Thom lurking in the uncertain future, after all...



Heh! I may have some surprises in store, but don't count on it... though my head tells me to, my heart won't let me kill my babies just yet!

Originally Posted by Set


Huh, the post says, 'Quick Reply' and this is anything but a 'quick reply.' smile

Thanks for the great story, so far, hopefully I'll have more free time at work over the next couple of nights to get into Chapter 4!

Your writing is professional grade, so much so that the rare typo (generally always an obvious spellcheck fail, like heat for height), or sentence fragment is an outlier.


&#61514;




Many,many thanks for the kind words! Looks like my nearly three decades of reading and writing has paid off wink Now to figure out how to make money from all this writing skill tongue
Posted By: Set Re: PostZH Legion: Mystical Mountains - 06/02/17 11:23 AM
And I'm caught up with Chapter 4, to date!

Again, random thoughts that struck me while reading;

It makes sense that Amp Girl would be piqued that she didn’t make the cut. The nature of subtle ‘buffing’ powers are such that her contribution to the last big fight went more or less unnoticed. Tenzil and Chuck also nearly died during their big moments, so they got a lot more attention! I like the idea that she's very driven, very conscious of how she's doing and where she thinks she should be at this point, and that not succeeding brilliantly kind of burns her a bit. She feels a bit like an overachiever with a 'five-year plan,' perhaps whose achievement-conscious parents sent her to all the best preparatory schools and whatnot.

Ah, Orin Fex, such a useful quasi-villain. Are his shenanigans during the Robotican situation well known, or, at least, known on Colu? If he messes up another scheme, for what other Coluans might consider petty emotional vindictiveness, I could see him getting called back to Colu and replaced with another UP representative (and *really* having something to be mad about!). I doubt Brainy would be so political as to consider de-throning Fex in this manner, depriving him of a lot of his power, and the bully-pulpit he's using to undermine the Legion, but *Gates* sure as heck would think of this, and is just the scheming political bug to plant this idea in Brainy's twelve-track mind...

Delya, kind and warm? Well, this is another universe, I suppose, and we didn’t really get to know her in the Preboot, although she seemed a bit driven to prove herself, and perhaps with just a touch of both overconfidence and condescension to her fellow applicants. (I remember her giving a fake looking smile to Energy Boy, when he was bragging about them 'getting in together' that made me think that she was dismissing his chances...) But that could just be me reading into her expression.

I don’t care for the idea of Tinya being half-Carggite, but accept it as part of this continuity, just like Orandans being snake-peeps. I am curious as to whether or not Luonel Burdo has also gambled away his own other selves into debt-slavery… It would make sense that he would have gambled himselves away before turning to his daughter, but he could be just that much of a slimeball! (And now I've read further, and he was able to at least duplicate, so he *did* sell his kid before he sold himself! Dirtbag!)

Mollie Dennum is a play on the element molybdenum, right? ‘Cause that’s what I hear everytime I read her name. smile
Brande is the Martian Manhunter?!? (secret telepath + martian martini = Set leaping to conclusions!)


Ah, Violet's an orphan. The Legionnaire from Imsk has the smallest family. Heh, smallest, get it? I'll show myself out...

Oh dear, Gates is (kind of unintentionally, but he's totally enabling it!) fomenting a youth rebellion back on Vyrga, as should surprise exactly no one… smile

Does Dirk have a mother in the Reboot continuity? I toyed with the idea for a fic that Derek Morgna was simply too self-involved to ever get around to marriage, and instead had himself cloned, and that Dirk is quite literally a younger version of his father (and was raised mostly by a succession of nannies). But that's all in my head, and for all I know he's got one of those mom's that got kidnapped once and was never seen or mentioned again, like Shady's parents.

It would be an interesting twist if a side-effect of Mentalla’s proficiency at taking control of others is that she is telepathically ‘loud,’ so much so that while she can broadcast her thoughts like a champ (powerfully enough to drown out someone’s own nerve impulses and wrest control of their limbs), she is ‘too loud’ to be able to ‘hear’ as well as someone like Imra, and doesn’t receive thoughts, or tell when a boy (like Ferro) is crushing on her, that well… A different sort of Titanian might have a 'quiet' voice and find it difficult to project their thoughts, but be one heck of a 'listener,' able to hear other people's thoughts at greater range, or 'hear' even subconscious thoughts or deeply buried memories or whatever.

Ferro's tics, like taking a deep breath, or 'cracking' his neck, are interesting. It's like he hasn't entirely accepted that he's got a metal body now. His metal is flexible enough that he can walk and talk and stuff, which leads me in a prurient direction, and to wonder if he actually might discover that he *can* 'be a boyfriend' to Delya (or whomever), unlike Wildfire, because his various 'tics' suggest that his metal body might still be able to function appropriately, as long as he's careful (since he'd remain crazy strong and stuff). Oy. The places my mind goes...

Sensible to give Theena a range limitation. Going with the notion that her symbiote seemed to be plant-like in nature, I fanwanked that it released some sort of spores that coated areas she had been, or people whom she’d been in contact with, and that anyone carrying those spores, she could view on her ‘monitors.’ So she couldn’t open a viewport to anywhere she hadn’t been, or ask to see someone that she’d never met (or even met long ago, since the spores would have perhaps a 30 day lifespan).

Of the newbies, I'm a big fan of Visi-Lad / Vision (who is even more intriguing to me with your additions of him being Egyptian, and him being able to produce any of his visual powers through any of his eyes). He reminds me of a Marvel mutant named 'Peepers,' who is unfortunately dead, but shared lots of visual senses, and eyebeams, although not, I don't think, visual hypnotism.

Lots of people sticking their tongues out, for a story in which couples are old enough to be having kids and getting married. It seems like an odd juxtaposition between occasionally childish behavior, when these young people are clearly transitioning into adulthood. I haven't read too much of the Reboot, but remember feeling the same way about the comic, that these people were being drawn as children, and even sometimes written kind of brattily, and yet being thrust into war situations, surrounded by dead bodies, and, occasionally, *breeding.* (Tinya and Jo, obviously.) It was a bit jarring, like the writing couldn't decide whether or not they were cub scouts or special forces, and sometimes yawed from one extreme to the other. Maybe that's what Gates objected to, when he called the Legion a 'teenaged death squad,' not merely that exact thing, but that these young people were being forced to grow up (and lose their innocence) too soon.

While a man with the power to hold his breath for hours on end intrigues some ladies, Phelps is far too ‘normal’ a name for the 31st century. It should be Felpz or something smile

Bismollan corpses sparkle because of their high mineral content? Interesting. But do Bismollan *vampires* sparkle? :>

So someone who can phase is following them, and Kono, a phasing Sklaran angry over the destruction of her homeworld, has also been stalking some Legionnaires. It’s all part of some plan, because, on her own, I’d expect a vengeful Sklaran would go after Dragonmage, who is publically known to be at least partially responsible for the destruction of her homeworld, not playing peek-a-boo with some unrelated Legionnaires, some of whom weren’t members, or were dead, when the event in question happened…

If I didn’t know it was Kono, I’d suspect a red herring, and question where Tinya’s third body ended up. A Bgtlzn spy/assassin working for the Luck Lords that ‘adopted’ her as a child would be one hell of a twist as a villain!

Great stuff! Your writing continues to shine.



You are a wonder,Set. What a speed reader!

Originally Posted by Set
And I'm caught up with Chapter 4, to date!

Again, random thoughts that struck me while reading;

It makes sense that Amp Girl would be piqued that she didn’t make the cut. The nature of subtle ‘buffing’ powers are such that her contribution to the last big fight went more or less unnoticed. Tenzil and Chuck also nearly died during their big moments, so they got a lot more attention! I like the idea that she's very driven, very conscious of how she's doing and where she thinks she should be at this point, and that not succeeding brilliantly kind of burns her a bit. She feels a bit like an overachiever with a 'five-year plan,' perhaps whose achievement-conscious parents sent her to all the best preparatory schools and whatnot.



Originally Posted by Set


I was going through a similar phase at work while writing the start of Volume 4. By all accounts I was doing excellently, all my teammates and all my bosses were praising me, yet I was NOT getting promoted. The bosses did acknowledge I was overdue for one, but budgets and seniority of other teammates stalled me. I channeled some of that into writing Amp, and I'm glad you like it!

[quote=Set]

Ah, Orin Fex, such a useful quasi-villain. Are his shenanigans during the Robotican situation well known, or, at least, known on Colu? If he messes up another scheme, for what other Coluans might consider petty emotional vindictiveness, I could see him getting called back to Colu and replaced with another UP representative (and *really* having something to be mad about!). I doubt Brainy would be so political as to consider de-throning Fex in this manner, depriving him of a lot of his power, and the bully-pulpit he's using to undermine the Legion, but *Gates* sure as heck would think of this, and is just the scheming political bug to plant this idea in Brainy's twelve-track mind...



Orin Fex would probably defend his vindictiveness by citing logical reasons for opposing the Legion wink I would say that he covered his tracks during the Robotican invasion quite well; with Sharn Nux gone there's nobody to question or give him up. And he was smart enough to cover his trail... so far.

And Gates and Brainy make a dangerous combination on their own wink

Originally Posted by Set


Delya, kind and warm? Well, this is another universe, I suppose, and we didn’t really get to know her in the Preboot, although she seemed a bit driven to prove herself, and perhaps with just a touch of both overconfidence and condescension to her fellow applicants. (I remember her giving a fake looking smile to Energy Boy, when he was bragging about them 'getting in together' that made me think that she was dismissing his chances...) But that could just be me reading into her expression.



Preboot Delya was very self-possessed, I remember. I wanted my Delya to be driven but playing "within" the rules, and not to the point of being dismissive of others. And having the more accomplished Saturn Girl also on the team at the same time would drive a pang of self-doubt or two into her.

Originally Posted by Set


I don’t care for the idea of Tinya being half-Carggite, but accept it as part of this continuity, just like Orandans being snake-peeps. I am curious as to whether or not Luonel Burdo has also gambled away his own other selves into debt-slavery… It would make sense that he would have gambled himselves away before turning to his daughter, but he could be just that much of a slimeball! (And now I've read further, and he was able to at least duplicate, so he *did* sell his kid before he sold himself! Dirtbag!)



Burdo is indeed a dirtbag. And in the Reboot, Carggite triplets die when they are separated for a prolonged period of time (Triad herself was in danger of that a couple of times!). In LSH v4 102, Tinya even remarks that being half-Carggite saved her from dying; and she does not know if her dad knew that it would save her, or if he had gambled. Which ups the dirtbag level a lot!

Originally Posted by Set


Mollie Dennum is a play on the element molybdenum, right? ‘Cause that’s what I hear everytime I read her name. smile



Ooohh, never thought of that. Clever of the writers wink and clever of you for figuring that out!

Originally Posted by Set


Brande is the Martian Manhunter?!? (secret telepath + martian martini = Set leaping to conclusions!)




It was wildly speculated when RJ revealed his telepathic abilities! But who knows...

Originally Posted by Set


Ah, Violet's an orphan. The Legionnaire from Imsk has the smallest family. Heh, smallest, get it? I'll show myself out...



That sounds like something Tenzil would say, but probably not to Violet's face wink

Originally Posted by Set


Oh dear, Gates is (kind of unintentionally, but he's totally enabling it!) fomenting a youth rebellion back on Vyrga, as should surprise exactly no one… smile

Does Dirk have a mother in the Reboot continuity? I toyed with the idea for a fic that Derek Morgna was simply too self-involved to ever get around to marriage, and instead had himself cloned, and that Dirk is quite literally a younger version of his father (and was raised mostly by a succession of nannies). But that's all in my head, and for all I know he's got one of those mom's that got kidnapped once and was never seen or mentioned again, like Shady's parents.

It would be an interesting twist if a side-effect of Mentalla’s proficiency at taking control of others is that she is telepathically ‘loud,’ so much so that while she can broadcast her thoughts like a champ (powerfully enough to drown out someone’s own nerve impulses and wrest control of their limbs), she is ‘too loud’ to be able to ‘hear’ as well as someone like Imra, and doesn’t receive thoughts, or tell when a boy (like Ferro) is crushing on her, that well… A different sort of Titanian might have a 'quiet' voice and find it difficult to project their thoughts, but be one heck of a 'listener,' able to hear other people's thoughts at greater range, or 'hear' even subconscious thoughts or deeply buried memories or whatever.

Ferro's tics, like taking a deep breath, or 'cracking' his neck, are interesting. It's like he hasn't entirely accepted that he's got a metal body now. His metal is flexible enough that he can walk and talk and stuff, which leads me in a prurient direction, and to wonder if he actually might discover that he *can* 'be a boyfriend' to Delya (or whomever), unlike Wildfire, because his various 'tics' suggest that his metal body might still be able to function appropriately, as long as he's careful (since he'd remain crazy strong and stuff). Oy. The places my mind goes...


I haven't decided about Dirk's mom yet. I'm inclined to remain silent on it unless I can make it add to the story - I have too many characters running around as it is wink

Intriguing thoughts on the differences among the telepaths! I think this is a great way to differentiate them. Among the worlds where everyone has the same power, Titan is ripest for this kind of differentiation, I think.


Originally Posted by Set


Sensible to give Theena a range limitation. Going with the notion that her symbiote seemed to be plant-like in nature, I fanwanked that it released some sort of spores that coated areas she had been, or people whom she’d been in contact with, and that anyone carrying those spores, she could view on her ‘monitors.’ So she couldn’t open a viewport to anywhere she hadn’t been, or ask to see someone that she’d never met (or even met long ago, since the spores would have perhaps a 30 day lifespan).

Of the newbies, I'm a big fan of Visi-Lad / Vision (who is even more intriguing to me with your additions of him being Egyptian, and him being able to produce any of his visual powers through any of his eyes). He reminds me of a Marvel mutant named 'Peepers,' who is unfortunately dead, but shared lots of visual senses, and eyebeams, although not, I don't think, visual hypnotism.



Theena's Threeboot depiction had her seem to have almost limitless range, and I didn't want that. The Thresholds themselves are already a bit too wide-ranging for me! You have, as usual, an interesting take on her powers.

I have to think about Vision's limitations, too. I'm pretty sure I've only used his canon Preboot powers for now. I don't want him to suddenly sprout new powers like crazy under my writing!

Originally Posted by Set


Lots of people sticking their tongues out, for a story in which couples are old enough to be having kids and getting married. It seems like an odd juxtaposition between occasionally childish behavior, when these young people are clearly transitioning into adulthood. I haven't read too much of the Reboot, but remember feeling the same way about the comic, that these people were being drawn as children, and even sometimes written kind of brattily, and yet being thrust into war situations, surrounded by dead bodies, and, occasionally, *breeding.* (Tinya and Jo, obviously.) It was a bit jarring, like the writing couldn't decide whether or not they were cub scouts or special forces, and sometimes yawed from one extreme to the other. Maybe that's what Gates objected to, when he called the Legion a 'teenaged death squad,' not merely that exact thing, but that these young people were being forced to grow up (and lose their innocence) too soon.



Spark just has this carefree personality to me, so her sticking her tongue out feels right. I have to watch myself for making others do that though. I don't remember having anyone else do this, but I might have.

And that sounds like something Gates would object to...

Originally Posted by Set


While a man with the power to hold his breath for hours on end intrigues some ladies, Phelps is far too ‘normal’ a name for the 31st century. It should be Felpz or something smile



Thanks to you, I have changed Phelp's name to F'e1lpz wink

Originally Posted by Set


Bismollan corpses sparkle because of their high mineral content? Interesting. But do Bismollan *vampires* sparkle? :>



No plans for vampires in the immediate future, but we shall see wink Maybe I'll name one Edward...

Originally Posted by Set


So someone who can phase is following them, and Kono, a phasing Sklaran angry over the destruction of her homeworld, has also been stalking some Legionnaires. It’s all part of some plan, because, on her own, I’d expect a vengeful Sklaran would go after Dragonmage, who is publically known to be at least partially responsible for the destruction of her homeworld, not playing peek-a-boo with some unrelated Legionnaires, some of whom weren’t members, or were dead, when the event in question happened…

If I didn’t know it was Kono, I’d suspect a red herring, and question where Tinya’s third body ended up. A Bgtlzn spy/assassin working for the Luck Lords that ‘adopted’ her as a child would be one hell of a twist as a villain!

Great stuff! Your writing continues to shine.



Ooh! Great idea for Tinya's third body, that would add a lot of drama. But Reboot's story already had Tinya's third body die, and I accepted it as canon explicitly in my writing, so there it stays.

Ah, Kono was too obvious, wasn't she?

Dragonmage, Dragonmage. Well, he is not off the hook yet... and I'll give you a bit of a clue. That scene at the very start of Volume 4 where Kono appeared is laden with imagery, and a hint as to where I am going....

Thanks again, Set! Appreciate the reading and the encouragement!
Posted By: Set Re: PostZH Legion: Mystical Mountains - 06/03/17 02:32 PM
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
You are a wonder,Set. What a speed reader!


And I've been reading each installment twice! (Once just to read it, again to add comments.) My job has it's perks. smile

Quote
Preboot Delya was very self-possessed, I remember. I wanted my Delya to be driven but playing "within" the rules, and not to the point of being dismissive of others. And having the more accomplished Saturn Girl also on the team at the same time would drive a pang of self-doubt or two into her.


One advantage of her very brief tenure is that you have great freedom to characterize her in all sorts of directions. We really only got to see her in a very specific context, as an applicant who seemed like a veritable shoe-in, replacing a founding telepath going into retirement, to lose that seemingly 'in-the-bag' role to Tellus, who added telekinesis to his bag of tricks. It would have been a very logical human reaction for her to feel 'robbed' in this case, and even more driven to prove that the Legion had made a mistake, which could have led to her somewhat rash (and ultimately fatal) idea to infiltrate the Empress's Femme Fatale Five... This Delya lacks that specific character-defining event, and so, logically, would be quite different.

Quote
Intriguing thoughts on the differences among the telepaths! I think this is a great way to differentiate them. Among the worlds where everyone has the same power, Titan is ripest for this kind of differentiation, I think.


I love the idea of different residents of the various worlds having different levels of proficiency, or different specialties, that not all Durlans, for instance, are as good as Cham at some of his tricks, and that not all Imskians can shrink (and grow back again) as fast or as capably or as much or as adaptably as Violet. Telepaths have tons of areas they can go into, like specialists in tapping (or manipulating) sensory information, or specialists in reading, recovering, altering or even deleting memories, or specialists in translating languages, or specialists in adapting or even imparting skills, etc. IMO, the average telepath on Titan doesn't *need* to have telepathy that functions much more powerfully than a human's vocal abilities, perhaps being able to 'talk' to a few people in a room, read surface thoughts and 'shout' over a distance of a kilometer. Saturn Girl's ability to project her thoughts over an entire planet, or to seize control of people's minds, project false sensory information, deeply probe into unwilling minds, etc. could well be *vastly* exceptional, and not at all indicative of what Joe Average from Titan can do.

It makes Legionnaires like Phantom Girl and Chameleon Boy that much more special, for me, if not everyone from Bgtzl can just freely pop between universes, for instance, or not everyone from Durla can turn into a giant monster or tiny bug.

Sometimes I take that to extremes, such as fanwanking for Emerald Legion that only the elite among Carggites get 'the full treatment' and can triplicate, while 'middle-class' folk can only duplicate, and the lowest classes are stuck with a single body, unless they win a lottery or something, or that the elemental powers of Element Lad represent the power of *all* Tromnians, and that when they were alive in their hundreds or thousands, each of them was individually only a fraction as powerful as Jan is now.

Quote
Theena's Threeboot depiction had her seem to have almost limitless range, and I didn't want that. The Thresholds themselves are already a bit too wide-ranging for me! You have, as usual, an interesting take on her powers.


Yeah, she definitely had too much range, and it seemed that her sensors could find and display anything, except when the writer didn't want to let her do that, in which case she vanished for a dozen issues with no explanation... smile Always better to build a limitation in at the outset, than find oneself writing a character out (or worse, having them pick up the Idiot Ball and never use the power you gave them to do anything useful, because it would 'wreck the story').

Quote
Thanks again, Set! Appreciate the reading and the encouragement!


Very much my pleasure. Your writing is a treat!
You make a good point about Mentalla's different history. And her being aware of Preboot Mentalla's fate is bound to make her more cautious too!

You also make a good point about the Legionnaires who share the powers of their entire planets. It's easy to forget that they must be more skilled than the average citizen, something that should be shown regularly. else, why would they be here in the Legion? even if not more skilled in terms of power mastery, at least in terms of crime fighting skills (Cham as detective, Triad as an administrator, Violet in hand to hand, Tinya in leadership and politics...). of course, Imra and Rokk and Nura have those as well as greater skill in their powers too, and the four I mentioned earlier are also more skilled overall. We also have Shikari the fighter.

Glad you are enjoying my writing, Set! That inspires me to write more &#128512;
Posted By: Set Re: PostZH Legion: Mystical Mountains - 06/05/17 12:41 PM
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
Glad you are enjoying my writing, Set! That inspires me to write more! smile


Yay!

I've been trying to write, but the story, while finished in my head, needs a ton of work and development of the middle parts, and I'm just too un-disciplined in my dotage.
I can relate. I plotted my Volume 2 and Volume 3 (broad strokes anyway, many details such as Monstress or the Monitor or the inclusions of Mentalla, Insect Queen, Tenzil and Dragonmage came later!) while I was still writing Volume 1. So the whole idea took nearly 5 years to materialize! There were times I had to force myself to write... although as I neared the end I became more and more inspired smile

You can do it!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

The Cordillera Mountains, Philippines, Earth

Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body

Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter. Skilled chef and Legion support staff member. (Reservist)

************************************************************

Blizzard was silently thankful. The temperatures in the caves were low enough that he didn't have to worry about using his powers. That meant he could concentrate on placing his right foot just so...

"Come on, Brekky boy!" Papa Jack's loud laugh echoed through the caverns. "Papa Jack's leg is strong enough to hold you!"

Brek grit his teeth, but maintained his focus. What kind of Legionnaire would he be if he let Papa Jack distract him? That's what Wildfire had taught in Combat 101 - you distract the enemy with your quips, and don't let them get to you!

"You're sure, right?" He said as he carefully placed his foot on Papa Jack's thigh, exactly where the older man had indicated. Papa Jack grinned as he did, portly belly shaking with laughter. "I've lifted guys much taller and bigger than you, my little friend!" Before Brek could retort, Papa Jack had lifted his leg up, giving Brek the boost he needed to reach the rope hanging above. Brek used his arms to pull himself up, grunting as his weight left their guide's leg. He fumed to himself as he climbed up to where Tenzil and the girls were waiting. Kinetix was frowning; she never was very good at hiding her annoyance when she felt someone was being rude. Brek decided not to mention their guide's "little friend" crack; he would be generous and assume Papa Jack wasn't talking about his lack of height.

Besides, Tenzil had been a trooper this whole time, despite having tripped and fallen in the ice cold water they were wading through. Brek didn't want to appear whiny in front of the girls.

He drew breath as he reached the end of the rope. "Wow. That was quite a workout."

"Indeed," Violet muttered. "Not as strenuous as my usual but certainly very tiring considering we're not in a gym."

"I'm just a bit disappointed that we passed the area with all the remains," Zoe said. "I could feel the magic strongest there..."

"Not this again, Zoe," Violet chided. "We're here on vacation, not on an expedition. Besides..."

Zoe raised her hands. "I know, I know. Believe me, I've learned my lesson. I don't want to find another Star of Akkos."*

"I know you know," Violet said. "I'm also happy that there aren't any human bones that might fall on us."

"It was pretty odd, having skulls peeking out at us," Brek shivered, and not because of the cold.

"Yeah, dealing with the dark, cold wet is bad enough," Tenzil said with a laugh. "I..."

"Okay, kids!" Papa Jack's voice boomed as he climbed up the rope. "You all had a good rest?"

"Yes," Tenzil said quickly. Brek and Tenzil exchanged looks. They had both seen firsthand how snappy Zoe could get when she was annoyed. Violet already had a hand on Zoe's shoulder. "So, we go this way, Papa Jack?"

"Yes indeed!" The quartet of Legionnaires quickly fell in line, single file, as they followed Papa Jack through the caverns. The way forward was relatively flat, and Brek used the time to admire how smooth the cave walls were. Their guide happily explained how the action of water kept the cave walls so smooth.

"These caves used to be under the ocean, billions of years ago," he continued. "And that's why we have places like this!" He turned around with a grin as he swept his hand out dramatically, light-globe held high. Brek heard himself gasp as he walked forward. A large open area stretched before them, full of stalactites and rock formations from floor to ceiling. He craned his neck; he could make out the floor below. It was at least as high as the Legion's main meeting room!

"How high is.. hey!" Zoe cut off in surprise, as Papa Jack took off his flip-flops and tossed them over the edge. Her hands glowed green as she extended her telekinetic field to them. "What gives?"

Papa Jack laughed as he shook a finger at Zoe. "We're climbing down the old-fashioned way, little missy! That's why we're losing the footwear. Your toes will get a much better grip without them!"

"You've got to be kidding!" Tenzil said as looked over the edge. "We're way too high up!"

"No..." Zoe quickly crouched down and scooted over towards the edge. She carefully slipped one foot over the edge. "He's right."

"How can you tell?" Tenzil asked.

"It's your archaeological training, isn't it?" Brek quickly slipped in, heart pounding. "I mean, you went on all those digs with your mom before you got your powers..." He was rewarded with a warm smile. "Oh Brek, you remember! Yes, I know I levitate all the time, but every once in a while I go on a climb the old-fashioned way, just to keep in shape."

Brek tried to keep from grinning too much as Zoe continued down. Papa Jack laughed as he watched her go. "Well, she's a fast one!" He started over the edge. "The rest of you, watch where I put my hands, and follow!"

"I think she has the right idea," Tenzil said as he began clambering down after Zoe. "I'm getting hungry, and I don't want to eat any of the rock formations here..."

"Smart, Tenzil," Violet said. "We don't know how delicate some of these structures could be."

"Yeah. And besides, I don't really like the taste of limestone," Tenzil quipped. Brek noticed that Tenzil slyly licked his finger, though, when Violet wasn't looking. Tenzil caught his eye and put a finger to his lips, opening them in a "sssh"ing motion. Brek winked to show he understood. With a furtive glance towards Violet, Tenzil continued downwards.

Brek suppressed a shiver as he followed. He didn't really like heights, though he took comfort that he could activate his flight ring in case of an emergency. Besides, he did need to improve his physicality... You never knew when you would run into an opponent immune to your power, as Chameleon reminded regularly during their training sessions...

Brek forced himself to concentrate as he clambered down, carefully putting his hands and feet in the exact places Papa Jack was directing him. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he made it to the bottom.

He raised his water bottle to take a sip, but yelped in surprise as Papa Jack punched him in the shoulder. "See, that wasn't so hard, little guy?" Brek made a face before downing some water. If Gates or Umbra had tagged along...

"We're not alone," Violet said. Following her gaze, Brek saw another group of younger sentients. Probably around 15 or 16 years old; old enough to be Legionnaires, but they seemed younger. Most of their peers did; Legionnaires tended to be emotionally mature for their age group. Brek was glad he wasn't wearing anything that marked him as a Legionnaire; although, they seemed so engrossed in their surroundings that he doubted any of them would have noticed their quartet. The others were just as careful; Violet had already hidden the flower on her headband, and Zoe had stopped her hair from floating, allowing gravity to make it settle on her shoulders. She still looked great, though.

Tenzil gently brushed against him, and Brek tore his eyes away from Zoe. He raised his left eyebrow in subtle thanks. He didn't want to seem like a goof for staring!

"So, we are in the zoo," Papa Jack started. "Lots of limestone formations here. This over here is the jellyfish..." Brek listened attentively as their guide pointed out various structures; some of them did look vaguely animalistic, but he had to struggle with others. When Papa Jack said one looked like a turtle, which one? Even standard Earth sea turtles were so varied, especially after Earthgov had imported some Naltorian and Aarokian species to control the invasive populations of G'ildan jellyfish that had been playing havoc with the Pacific reef systems' balance in the 26th century...

"And if you squint just right, that one looks like a... hey! Hey, missy!"

Brek turned to look at where Papa Jack was pointing. Zoe had began wondering down a side path hidden behind one of the larger structures. "Come back," Papa Jack called, waving his arms. "There are a lot of confusing paths here!"

"Zoe, what's going on?" Violet said.

"There's something here...!" Zoe called back. "I can feel it. And... Hey!" A brilliant green glow surrounded Zoe as she ran forward.

Violet quickly propelled herself into the air. "She must have seen something, if she's using her powers to light the way..." Shrinking to make herself move faster, she darted after Zoe. Tenzil and Brek looked at each other, and shrugged. They both flew as well, ignoring Papa Jack's sputtering.

"I hope she hasn't found another magical artifact..." Tenzil muttered as they darted forward.

"If she does, I'm sure she'll be more careful..." Brek returned. "At least, I hope so...Hey! There is someone there!" Brek gaped as what seemed to be a pale-skinned humanoid face emerged from the rock wall. "Is it someone phasing?"

"Hold it right there!" Zoe yelled as she extended her field towards the figure. "Stop sneaking around there!"

The figure quickly dove into the wall. Zoe cursed as she withdrew her field; her hair was floating again, as it did normally. "Damn! I don't want to clear away the wall, I don't know what's behind there."

"I'll follow," Violet's voice was grim as she began to shrink. "Activate your flight rings, everyone... oh!"

Their conversation was cut off as a brilliant white light filled the chamber. Brek grunted, despite himself. He could hear the other tourists screaming, more in surprise and fear than in pain. Instinctively, he threw up an ice shield to protect himself; then cursed himself for this move. If his shield shattered...

It didn't matter, though. The light became brighter and brighter, and he felt the world explode.


***********************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) The Star of Akkos was the artifact that caused Kinetix to lose her powers in LSH v4 Annual 6.
Posted By: Omni Re: PostZH Legion: Mystical Mountains - 11/03/17 01:43 PM
a white exploding light can mean many things....here's hoping its nothing to do with Zoe losing her powers. we just got her back. but you've thrown in her lust for power a bit...so i'm a little scared tbh.

This mini team continues to work well and i like how Berk is just so enamored with Zoe and its cute.

Papa Jack may end up getting a wallop from Zoe if he's not careful.

Hmmm who is this mysterious phantom i need to know!!!!

Good characterization of all. i like that Vi stands up to Zoe now and tries to keep her in check but i could see that going south if she harps on Zoe too much.

Can't wait for more.
Posted By: razsolo Re: PostZH Legion: Mystical Mountains - 11/05/17 09:56 AM
I thought I commented on this a while ago, sorry IB! I have been enjoying Zoe and pals' time off and I agree with Omni that it's cute seeing how Brek is so enamored of her...looking forward to seeing where this bright light is going now though!
Thank you guys! especially glad you like Brek’s little crush!

Omni, glad you like this quartet. They have amazing chemistry I agree. Vi has been able to chide Zoe for a while (memorably in L*37 and even as far back as LSH Annual 6), but I agree they are more equal now. and yes, a delicate balance indeed as Zoe won’t take things lying down if Vi does go too far

Papa Jack, is, sadly, like quite a few guys I know, some from back home. he means well but he just has trouble figuring out boundaries

Don’t worry, I love Zoe too much to have anything bad happen to her without better set up and higher stakes, especially after all the trouble I took to bring her back lol! but white lights aren’t always good...

more to come soon I hope!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

The Cordillera Mountains, Philippines, Earth

Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body

Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter. Skilled chef and Legion support staff member. (Reservist)

************************************************************

Kinetix glowed brighter than the green star Floran as she used her telekinesis to clear dust and debris from her field of vision. "You're not getting away, you thief!" She snarled as she searched for the figure she had seen earlier. It was obvious that there had been an artifact of great magical power embedded in the walls of the cave, and it seemed evident that the thief's attempted retrieval of that object had unleashed a burst of magical energy. She wouldn't let anyone desecrate this beautiful place!

She paid no heed to the bits of limestone rained down on her, bouncing harmlessly off the shield she had woven without thinking. She kept looking for the humanoid form she had seen clothed in dark brown, paying no attention to even the buzzing in her ears...

She almost jerked back as violet filled her vision. "Zoe! If I had yelled any louder I could have damaged your eardrums," Violet snapped as she grew to normal size in front of Zoe. "What are you doing?"

"I need to catch the thief, Vi!" Zoe waved away another batch of debris with her hand. "Whoever we saw stole a powerful artifact..."

"Never mind that," Vi shook her head. "I think the thief vanished. I was close to whomever it was when I shrank, but after the white light I couldn't see the figure anymore. RIght now, though, we need to make sure everyone's okay."

"You and the boys can handle it," Zoe retorted. "I can try to sense the magic and..."

"Zoe, listen to yourself!" Vi raised her voice ever so slightly; for her, that was akin to screaming. "Are you trying to say that this magical object is more important than the lives of the tourists trapped in this cave?"

Zoe faltered. Memories of the time Violet had dragged her out of the ruins they had found the Star of Akkos in flashed through her mind.* So did memories of her dream not more than an hour before that had happened - of searching for power, so she could use it to help others. She shuddered involuntarily. Helping others made her feel good, but so did wielding power... but she had resolved never to let her love for power overcome her duty to others. "I... grife, Vi. No, no, I'm not. I'm sorry, I got carried away. You're right. We save the people first, and try to track the thief after."

Violet nodded. "Good. You go on back and make sure everyone's safe. I'll..."

"Get out of the cave and call for help," Zoe finished. "See you in a bit."

Before Violet finished shrinking again, Zoe had already turned back into the corridor from where she had come. Groans and cries filled the cave. Brek was moaning as he lay on the floor. "Are you okay?" she asked with concern. He waved her off. "Fine... managed to turn my ice wall into a flurry of snow when everything blew up, but not in time to stop some of it from smashing into my ribs..." He winced. "Wish I had thought of it a bit earlier... Usually better at judging the consistency of ice needed to withstand a blast..."

"Magic can be unpredictable," Zoe muttered. "You stay here, and I'll gather everyone and bring them here."

"Way ahead of you." Tenzil was floating towards them, helping an injured man along. The man was groaning while holding his leg; his dark skin and features marked him as a local. About a dozen frightened sentients followed behind, each as diverse as the Legion's own membership. "Mister Cruz here is one of the other guides. Besides us and Papa Jack, says there were a total of three guides and thirty-two tourists in the chamber."

"Any other groups before or after us?" Zoe asked. Having booked the tour, she knew that all groups started at about roughly the same time in the morning or in the afternoon, but groups could start from either end of the cave connections. Tenzil shook his head. "None from the end we started at; there were two groups starting from the opposite end, but they would still be half an hour away from this chamber."

"Good job, Tenz. Violet's heading out, so she can check on them. We should prioritize the sentients here, with us." After ushering the tourists to a spot near Brek and checking if anyone knew where the others were, Zoe and Tenzil started off in opposite directions.

Moving quickly, Tenzil had already found and sent a handful of tourists back to where Brek and the others were gathered when he heard a shrill whistle. "What have we here?" Tenzil followed its sound. He bent down beside the remains of what had been rather long stalactites. The sound was coming from here. "Oh, thank grife! Please, please get us out!" Tenzil shone a light near the hole, careful not to have the beam blind anyone under. "Are you injured? Can you move all your limbs?" After the trapped tourists replied in the affirmative, Tenzil stepped back and studied the pile quickly. "Okay, it shouldn't take long to eat a way for you out of here. Just relax, and I'll have you out in a bit."

Over on the other side of the cavern, Zoe had already rescued a few more tourists, using her telekinesis to gently get them back on their feet. She flew along through the pathway, carefully checking under any piles of debris to make sure no sentients were buried, unconscious, under any rubble. She flew around a curve in the path and stopped.

Papa Jack was kneeling, his back to her, while chanting something under his breath.

"What's going on?" She said quietly as she flew beside him. "We should get out of here."

Papa Jack flashed her a sharp glance, one which made Zoe start simply because it was so at odds with the jolly and somewhat buffoonish man who had guided them down here. He shook his head and continued chanting. Zoe hesitated; she had been around magic users long enough to see that Papa Jack was probably doing something. Maybe keeping a spell going? She turned to face the wall he was facing, and tried to see if she could sense anything. She wished she still had her sensitivity to magic,** but Mysa had told her it was gone. She was no more sensitive to magical objects or energy than the typical sentient. But she could still tell if anything was in that wall - or had been. She concentrated, and sensed a small spherical hole - possibly where something had once been. And there was... something more...

"Oh!" she gasped as images flooded her mind. Sacred burial caves. Drawing on the energies of the dead. An artifact in the shape of a crescent moon. Sealed in the wall. Using the energies to keep the community above the caves flourishing. Keeping the caves intact. Imbuing selected members of the community with minor magical abilities for protection - covert, defensive. Hiding themselves in plain sight. Keeping the mountains whole.

Whole.

"Oh no," she whispered. She shook her head to clear it of the images; they must have been revealed to her by the residual magic in the place. Someone must have stolen that artifact - perhaps for power, perhaps for riches. But that wasn't important now. She swiftly knelt beside Papa Jack. "You can't keep this cavern from collapsing in on itself alone!"

Sweat beaded on Papa Jack's forehead as he ignored her, all the while chanting. Zoe bit her lip as she considered; the images she had seen clearly showed that the artifact was what kept this particular cavern from standing. Its removal had caused the explosion, and the loss of the artifact explained why debris continued to rain down even after the explosion. But could Papa Jack hold it up? Her own powers could supplement his efforts in a particular area, but she could hardly substitute for the magic that protected an entire cavern. She hated to admit it, but she simply was not pwoerful enough.

She glanced once more at the determination on Papa Jack's face. Then she brought her flight ring up to her lips. "Tenzil, we have to gather everyone together, now. Please give me a count of how many we have already. Brek, I think you should form an ice shield around you just in case. Make it nice and thick above - there's a chance the cavern will come crumbling down on all of us. I can help you reinforce it later." Barely waiting for her two teammates to respond, and for Tenzil to say they had the two other guides and twenty-two of the thirty-two tourists, she knelt down beside Papa Jack. "I'll be back." She gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder, then dashed off, conscious of the bits of rock that kept raining down from the cave ceiling.

In minutes, she found a group of six tourists - two injured enough that she had to telekinetically carry them back to where Brek was. Tenzil met her, leading the remaining four. "What's going on, Zoe?" he asked as he gently laid one tourist down on the ground.

"I'll explain later," she said quickly. "Keep everyone together here. I'm fetching Papa Jack. And be ready, because the ceiling MAY come down."

She darted off amidst gasps from the tourists. She knew Tenzil would soothe everyone with his humor while Brek would keep working on his ice dome. Coming to a stop beside Papa Jack, she knelt beside him. "You can't keep this up forever. Everyone in the cavern is safe. We have to go now!"

He shook his head as he kept chanting.

"Papa Jack, listen to me!"

He ignored her.

"I know how important this place must be to you. But we can restore it after. Believe me, you shouldn't risk your life if it won't do any good. The artifact your people prize is gone - it must be. And you can only sustain its magical effects for so long."

She could see tears begin to form in his eyes, and she felt all the worse for being so annoyed with him earlier. "I should know about being stubborn. But a tactical retreat will enable you to fight another day. There is no point in losing your life over this." She paused, then knelt in front of him, staring into his eyes. "Please."

Tears began streaming down his face. Then he stopped.

She smiled at him as she pulled him up. "You did keep the cavern whole long enough for us to find everybody."

He shook his head. "I wasn't even thinking. This place is sacred to us, and..."

His words were drowned out as a loud crack sounded above them. Without looking, Zoe extended her telekinetic field around Papa Jack, grabbed his shoulders, and flew forward just seconds before a large piece of rock crashed into where they had been standing.

"Zoe...!" Tenzil's worried voice sounded over the flight ring array.

"Coming, Tenz! Just hang on...!"

She flew into Brek's ice dome and set Papa Jack down, then extended her field around the inner surface of the dome. Brek quickly sealed off the entrance she had flown through, and Zoe extended her field around that area as well. They could hear the cracking of ice as rock hit on from the outside.

Tenzil looked at her. "Now what do we do?"

She sat down with a sigh. "Now we wait. I'm sure Violet will be back with help soon."

Brek grunted. Zoe looked down to see he had a small cube of ice where his ribs were. "It's a good thing nobdoy here has any life-threatening injuries."

Zoe nodded as she took his other hand in hers. "And I'm also glad this is towards the end of our trip." She sighed as she checked the time on her Omnicom. "I wonder if we can still get that buffet dinner later."

Tenzil surreptitiously dabbed at his mouth, then settled back, hands on the floor. "Might as well try to make ourselves comfortable." He looked over to where a young sentient was sobbing. "Hey, kid, don't worry. That ice dome and that telekinetic shield is stronger than you think it is. Why, these two once withstood a mystical explosion that leveled a mountain..." As Tenzil continued with his story, the child slowly stopped crying and began to sit up and take interest. So did the other tourists. Soon, everyone except Papa Jack was listening keenly.

Zoe placed a comforting hand on Papa Jack's shoulder. He just stared straight ahead, silently. Brek gripped Zoe's hand tightly as they exchanged glances.

"We're going to catch whoever stole the magic in this place," she said quietly. She knew she was saying it as much for her own benefit as for Papa Jack's.

****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) LSH v4 Annual 6, when the Star of Akkos robbed Zoe of her powers

2) Legionnaires 42; an unborn Zoe was caught in the energy from the Scepter of Sybolla, which her mother Azra had given to an injured Mysa to heal herself. Zoe's genetic structure was affected, allowing her to absorb an energy pool on Titan which gave her her telekinetic powers. She has since lost that ability after relinquishing all the magic she absorbed in order to restore this universe (see Volume 2 of this fic).
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Mystical Mountains (Post-ZH Legion) - 01/06/18 02:37 PM
Hey IB, this is really good.

I really like your team of Tenz, Vi, Zoe and Brek - none of whom would usually interest me all that much but you've crafted this really sweet story with unrequited love, a mystery, action and a stunning (real life) panorama of sites for the team to explore - it's very engaging and draws in the reader without the need for raging space battles with all the blitzkrieg they entail. It's also really noticeable that you've left the larger team behind and are purely focussing on this rather low-key adventure - as we are here because of our love of the large team this is quite brave but pays dividends as we follow your small team into the caves - Well done!

Zoe's lust for power is almost a trope in itself but you give a very kind spin to it by emphasising that she wants it to be able to do more good.

I like how practical and pragmatic you have shown Vi to be without making her into a Rambo-esque cypher *Cough* Levitz!*cough* she seems really sweet and genuine in your story, if she'd been more like this in canon I may have liked her a bit more.

I've always had problems with Brek, and if fact couldn't wait to write him out from my own fic, but here he reads to be as a bit naïve but good hearted, dealing with things in a puppy dog manner without it being saccharine - that's a good tightrope to walk if done well, and you have.

Tenzil is such a fun character it's impossible not to have him goof around and you've caught that aspect, though if I'm honest I kind of expect more showing off and joking around from him - I guess he's on his best behaviour smile

The Bgtzler thief stealing all these mystic artefacts is a good plot - I love a good mystery and you've certain provided us with that.

Looking forward to seeing where you take it from here IB, will Zoe get her hands on the thief (and the mystical objects) o will this feed into a larger storyline?

More, more, more!
Thanks Harbi, glad you are liking it! I was tempted to give this story a much bigger bang, but finally decided it would work better as a more low-key one. Happy it works!

Zoe's power lust has evolved, thank goodness - after all she's been through, she would have to be pretty dense to not have learned anything.

This Violet certainly has a better head on her shoulders than always-angry Levitz Vi! I also grew tired of that version fast!

I liked Brek best when he was well-meaning, if a bit too optimistic smile

Tenzil has always been a bit more low-key in the Reboot than his TMK-era counterpart was. I WAS wondering if I could sneak in some more wisecracks last installment, but I had a hard time thinking of some given the situation smile

It certainly looks like a Bgztler is behind this... wink A clue, this isn't the first artifact that has mysteriously and suddenly disappeared... wink
Posted By: Fat Cramer Re: Mystical Mountains (Post-ZH Legion) - 01/07/18 11:00 AM
I like the low-key too. There's still plenty of tension as the cave collapses and we learn what Papa Jack is trying to do. They're all heroes, but I can almost see the determination on Zoe's face as she vows to protect/restore the magic of the site.

Papa Jack started out as a bit of a buffoon, but has certainly shown that he's got some deep layers. I hope he stays as part of the story and search for the thief.
Thanks for the comments, FC!

Zoe really is a determined person, and sometimes she needs to think twice before committing to an action!

Papa Jack reminds me of someone I used to work with; he would also be goofy and make outlandish statements for attention, because he thought it was funny. But he was very capable at his job.
Posted By: Omni Re: Mystical Mountains (Post-ZH Legion) - 01/08/18 05:12 PM
Ib, another good installment and sets up a mystery for this quartet to keep looking into.
The part with Vi and Zoe was really well done. it show cased their friendship in such a great way. i love how Vi is the voice of reason and can talk Zoe down. i agree that she's come along way from her over zealous power hunger.

Zoe walks that fine line of power and corruption as she knows just how bad it can get for her to do so even if her intentions are good. But something tells me we could still see a "Dark Kinetix" sort of storyline coming.

I'm glad that white light was just a burst from the magical energy but its sad to see these caves getting destroyed.

Looking forward to see where this goes.
Thanks, Omni!

You're right, Zoe is better able to resist temptation now, but she is still susceptible to it smile

I've been to the actual caves, and it is a bit sad. But it's nothing the Legionnaires can't eventually fix smile
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

The Cordillera Mountains, Philippines, Earth

Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III; transmutation
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body

Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions (probationary pending completion of Legion basic training)
Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis (probationary pending completion of Legion basic training)

Impulse, Kent Shakespeare of Earth (United Kingdom: England); enhanced speed, strength, durability and recuperative abilities; medical doctor and Legion support staff member
Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter. Skilled chef and Legion support staff member. (Reservist)

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others (Reservist and Cadet)
Calorie Queen, Taryn Loy of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter, conversion of digested matter into super-strength (Reservist and Cadet)
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau); underwater survival; hydrokinesis (Reservist and Cadet)
Tomb, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions (Reservist and Cadet)
Vapor, Tal Nahii of Lallor (Hero of Lallor seconded for training); transforms her body into gases (Reservist)
Veilmist of Khundia; teleportation (Reservist and Cadet)

************************************************************

Blizzard stirred, in that manner in which one does when it is about time to wake up. His mind was beginning to fight with itself, as conscious thoughts were beginning to form. He struggled against it; he wanted to rest some more. But there was some outside stimulus, that felt like a loud rumbling... deep, booming... How could that be? If he were in his room on Legion World, it would be full of the ambient sounds of winter - a gentle breeze, the calmness of a light snowfall.

But wait... he was beginning to remember. He was on vacation. Where had they gone? Temples, a cave... A cave!

He jerked up with a start, and came face to face with Element Lass. Behind her, a glowing Inferno waved; he was generating enough flame to light up the cavern.

"Well, it's about time, sleeping beauty!" Her worried smile belied her teasing words. "We were beginning to think you were out of it! Now just you relax, I've transmuted most of the debris to oxygen, and we have a nice pallet here for you..."

"Where's Zoe?" Brek blurted out. Then, as if realizing what he had said, he quickly stammered. "And Tenzil, and the tourists...?"

"Everybody's fine," Candi laughed soothingly as she gently patted him on the shoulder. Her touch was surprisingly light. "Now, you sit back down and rest. Creating that ice dome must have tired you out."

Brek leaned back with a sigh. In seconds, he was asleep again.

The rest of the Legionnaires, Active and Reservist, worked efficiently. Violet was taking charge, giving orders with a calm and quiet confidence. She noted, with some approval, that most of the Cadets were being very professional; many of those here would certainly get her nomination come the tryouts the team was planning. But it was expected; nearly everyone here had volunteered, and it was usually the most serious, dedicated Cadets who volunteered for these routine missions.

This one was seemingly routine, anyway. But a quick glance over to where Kinetix and Chameleon, with Papa Jack in tow, were rummaging around some rubble told Violet all she needed to know about that.

She put that out of her mind now, and concentrated on making sure things were going smoothly. "Good job, you two," she told Amp and Lamprey. The former's hands glowed with her tell-tale red signature as she boosted Lamprey's powers to control water. The result was that stray puddles around the chamber were being collected into a pool off to the side. Violet quietly noted the intensity with which the two were working; they both acknowledged her encouragement cordially, but they kept the banter to a minimum. It was obvious that these two were among the ones who wanted to be Legionnaires the most. In fact, they had volunteered for almost every single mission opened to the Cadets. Word around the cafeteria was that most active Legionnaires were heavily considering voting for them when the time came.

Violet made up her mind to observe them carefully. Lamprey seemed like she would work well with anyone, but lately Amp had been a little too tense... And she seemed to have a chip on her shoulder around some of the newer Actives, like Mentalla, Chemical Kid and Inferno...

************************************************************

In the middle of the cavern, Impulse was seeing to all the injuries. Under his direction, Vapor turned herself into an anesthetic gas to allow one sentient with a broken leg to sleep. She quickly move on to the next patient, a young girl who was shivering. "Easy there, honey," she cooed softly. "I'm turning into fueramium gas; it will just warm you up a little bit." Impulse smiled approvingly at her as he continued setting his patient's leg. Beside him, the silent Tomb waved his hands over a young boy who was crying. Kent made sounds of reassurance. "Tomb won't hurt you," he whispered. "See, your arm is hurt and bleeding. Tomb will make it feel better. Can you be brave for me?" The child bit his lip and nodded. Tomb waved his hands again, and the flow of blood from the boy's arm trickled off, leaving only a small smudge. The child stopped crying and looked at Tomb in wonder; the quiet Cadet gave a small smile back. Kent took careful note; they had been working with Tomb to be more welcoming, and he did make an effort when dealing with the public. He was making some progress, but he lacked the natural flair that Chameleon or Microbe had in acting as ambassadors for their species.

On Kent's other side, Chemical Kid assisted Kent by stailizing the metabolisms of some of the more badly-injured patients, or those who had to be kept sedated. "You've been making a lot of progress in your studies of biology," Kent complimented. Condo grinned back. "I have a good tutor... well, two good tutors. Both you and Lyle have been teaching me so much." He heaved a little sigh. "You're a lot nicer about it than he is, of course," he laughed.

"Oh, am I?" Kent cocked an eyebrow. "Sure," Condo said. "I think most of the team knows that. You know how Lyle is when he feels you're being a little bit too slow. Not that he appreciates being reminded that he can be a little high-and-mighty sometimes..."

"Do tell," Kent said quietly, as he looked down at Condo's firm, strong arms hovering above his next patient. Condo's powers worked their effect, slowing down the patient's metabolism of sugar. He was unconscious and could not eat, so his body's energy needed to be conserved. Kent started to say something, then stopped. It wouldn't be right to comment on how reckless Lyle had been when they had retaken Legion World, that he had taken some chances - justified, of course - with the other hostages besides Condo. And what good would it do?Nothing; Lyle had been cleared as following the Legion playbook during the team post-mortem. Kent gazed again at Condo; he really liked how his relatively dark complexion looked against his dark green costume. Impulse very consciously kept from licking his lips as he allowed himself to admit the possibility that he was very, very jealous of Lyle Norg for landing such a fine specimen of masculinity.


************************************************************

Over to the side, Tenzil and Calorie Queen were eating through rubble to make beams. They very carefully applied just the right amount of saliva to keep the ends smooth. As they finished, Tenzil watched in approval as Calorie Queen carefully took a beam. Consulting his Omnicom, he directed her. "Just slant it five degrees, and... there!" He wiped his forehead as she took the next beam. "Well, I sure am glad you're a living furnace..."

"Luck of the draw, I guess," she laughed. "A happy accident at my mother's lab."

"I assume she couldn't replicate it, or else we would have our own little Legion on Bismoll."

"There was certainly no ethical way to try to recreate it on Bismollians," she said matter-of-factly. She fell silent for a moment, then spoke up quickly. There was no hesitation it her voice, but she blurted out her words as if she had rehearsed them for ages before finally being able to say them. "Say... I was wondering if I could buy you a drink. You've spent so much time with the Legion, and maybe you could give a fellow Bismollian some tips."

"Sure thing," Tenzil laughed. "Why, I already told the team I have no plans of returning to active duty, and your extra abilities would make you a far better Active Legionnaire than I would!"

"Oh!" Taryn froze as she was lifting the next beam. "You did that, for me?"

Tenzil shrugged. "You've been working hard, and you're far more competent than like 90% of our race. You definitely deserve to be seriously considered for a full-time slot on the Mission Monitor Board."

Calorie Queen spent the next thirty seconds effusively thanking Tenzil as he smiled.


************************************************************

Towards the end of the cavern, Element Lass and Inferno were working together to clear the path to the surfance. The explosion had destroyed many of the passages leading to the cavern. Candi was now transmuting many of the larger pieces of rubble into oxygen. Dirk held his arm up, giving her light so she could work. He frowned.

"Are you okay, dear?" Candi arched an eyebrow in concern. "You don't seem too happy."

He inhaled. "No... it's just that I don't feel very useful here. And I feel like... well..."

"Like you have something to prove?"

Dirk's lips clamped into a tight line.

"You can tell me, dear," Candi said gently. "I know you don't like being on probationary status, but this is only because being a Legionnaire is difficult. You need to be trained for it. But it doesn't mean we think you don't have what it takes to be a Legionnaire."

"But a lot of you gained active membership right away," Dirk pointed out a little irritably. "I've been studying the archives."

"I understand the team tightened the rules after we were lost in the Kwai Galaxy," Candi explained gently. "The threats being faced were tougher, and there was a need to be more careful. But when we voted, we all knew that you would pass with flying colors."

Dirk's tongue clicked. "I know, I know... I know it will only be a couple more weeks. I just can't help but feel frustrated, because I'm taking the same classes as the Cadets..."

"There will always be people who seem to take things too seriously," Candi laughed. "Why, when Karate Kid was new, he read every single line of the Legion constitution... Kid Quantum did too, you know. She had such a chip on her shoulder!"

Dirk smiled. "She certainly seems more relaxed now, I..."

They were interrupted as a pinkish figure flashed into view - Veilmist. She cast her eyes around her, and smiled when she saw Dirk. She moved closer to him, wiggling her hips just so. "My, isn't this mission so boring? What say you and I go and... explore."

"We're needed here, Veilmist," Dirk said quietly.

"Mmmm, but just for a little while..."

"I think, dear," Candi cut in, "that you should go see Impulse and ask if any more of his patients are ready to be brought to the surface."

"I think you should," Dirk said calmly.

Veilmist fixed him a stare, then tossed her head back with a sniff. She vanished in a pink glow.

Dirk turned to look at Candi. "I guess some people need to be more serious," he laughed.

Candi chuckled. "As long as she does as she is told, I guess I can't complain. Not everyone in the Cadet program wants to be a Legionnaire - nor should be one."

Dirk nodded in acquiescence.

************************************************************

In the passageway leading out of the cavern, Chameleon crouched beside an almost perfectly round hole. Kinetix shuddered as he turned towards her. "Er, pardon me, Cham. That just looks a little creepy." He cocked his head to the side, then laughed. "Oh, I'm sorry. It's just that the form of the Kathooni Thousand-eyes is useful for spotting things in the dark. Zoe made a face as the multiple small, beady eyes Cham had sprouted blinked in unison. "Well, have you found anything?"

Cham shook his head. "Nothing physical. But I'd like to run some scans. There may be a signature we can trace." He took out his Omnicom and held it over the hole. "Now, you say you saw a figure that seemed to phase through the wall."

Zoe nodded. "I'm pretty sure it was humanoid, but that's all I can swear to."

"Then..." Chameleon made some adjustments to his Omnicom. "Let's see what we can find..."

"Find our treasure," Papa Jack said grumpily.

Zoe put a soothing hand on his shoulder. "We will do our best, you know that."

Papa Jack remained silent, sullen face staring longingly at the former receptacle of their treasure. Zoe hesitated. This man was so different now, his obnoxiousness gone. Perhaps it had been an act for the tourists. She felt a sudden, complete sense of sympathy for him. "Maybe you can tell us more about the artifact that was stolen?"

Papa Jack turned and fixed his eyes on her. "Promise me you won't broadcast it. We hid it for a reason - we did not want to be exploited! A millenium ago, my country was colonized by those who treated us as lesser people, just because of the color of our skin. My people were among those who resisted, because we were up here in the mountains. And we hid that artifact so it could not be used by those who wanted to profit from us!"

Zoe wanted to argue, that the United Planets was different from the colonists of old. But one look at Papa Jack's face told her it would do no good. "You have my word," she said quietly.

Papa Jack breathed deeply, then began to speak in the manner of one used to telling stories. "The White Stone of the Adranika holds the essence of the ancient Adranika race. When swallowed by one pure of heart, she gains the abilities of enhanced strength and speed, flight, invulnerability, and a limited form of telepathy. In fact, she transforms into the magical Darna. But, the stone can only be used by one pure of heart, one who is selfless, who knows nothing of hatred or vengeance. It is very powerful; so powerful that attempts to use it wrongly are disastrous."

"What do you mean, attempts to use it wrongly?" Zoe furrowed her brow. "I thought it could only be ones by those who are pure?"

"It only grants powers directly to those who are pure," Papa Jack nodded in clarification. "But, over a millenium ago, during the Spanish-American War, Spanish soldiers and American soldiers had heard of the stone. They were both competing to get it. A squad of Spanish soldiers finally found it, and many of our people fell to try and stop them. They were unsuccessful, and the stone was taken."

"I..." Zoe wanted to ask why the stone wasn't used, but fell silent. The poor man was so troubled by the stone's disappearance, it didn't seem right. But Papa Jack met her eyes. "I know what you want to ask. Nobody in our village could use the stone because... we were all too vengeful. We were too angry at our treatment before and during the war. The Spanish had exploited us for centuries, while the Americans lied about helping us win our independence. We ended up trading one colonial power for another because we trusted them at the start of the war!"

Zoe kept silent, though she mad a mental note to look up the history later on. "And the Spanish tried to use the stone?"

"Yes. None of them could use it, so they tried to force it to give up its power. They conducted some experiments on it... and they caused an explosion that wiped out their camp." He shook his head. "History is quiet about it, because they didn't want to admit they lost the war because of that. But that's what must have happened."

"And I guess after their camp blew up, you were able to get the stone back..."

"Yes, we recovered it before the Americans could. And because we could not use it, we kept it here." Papa Jack sighed as he looked again, longingly, at the wall. "But the stone had a natural affinity for this sacred place, and... we think it tried to protect itself, by helping form the cave system."

"That is probably what did happen," Zoe said quietly. "It knew it would be away from bad hands here."

Papa Jack nodded. "That is why we must find it."

"We will do our best," Zoe replied. She looked him in the eyes.

He looked back. Then without a word, he turned and walked away.

Chameleon straightened up from his kneeling position, and stood beside Zoe. "A magical artifact goes missing. Sound familiar?"

Zoe whirled on him. "You can't mean Mordru..!"

"Thankfully, no." Reep held up his Omnicom. "Already asked Gear to check. But I do recall him gathering various magical artifacts when he woke again.*"

"So you think this was stolen by someone who wanted magical power?"

"It's one possibility," Reep acknowledged. "I've already asked Mysa to come take a look, and I've had Lyle quietly check on Dragonmage..."

"You've thought of everything, haven't you? I'm impressed - just like a detective on Crime Scene Investigation: Ventura."

"As long as it's not the Rimbor series," Reep laughed. "I hate the lead actor there." His tone hardened as he rubbed his chin. "We can't afford to jump to conclusions, though." He held up his Omnicom. "It is not commonly known, but Bgztlians leave a faint energy signature shortly after they phase. It doesn't last long, but Bgztl has taught the Science Police and us the methods for detecting it. It was used when we caught the famous Phantom Lad thief a while back."

"And I take it you have just tested for that?"

"I have, and I've asked both Tinya and Lyle to look at the results." Cham met Zoe's eyes. "Whoever was phasing, wasn't a Bgztlian."

Zoe considered. "Any other suspects, then?"

"On an off-chance I checked Radion - he can phase. But he's definitely on Xanthu." Cham's voice dropped. "But there is one another phaser that we know off. A Sklarian named Kono."

Zoe's breath caught in her throat. "That's the thief who was stealing ancient artifacts for Viktor Rhysson, right?**"

"The very same one."

"And if she stole this because it was magical, not because it was valuable... Mordru destroyed Sklar. Could it be some twisted revenge plot?"

"The Sklarians have never quite forgiven the United Planets for not doing more to help them resettle," Cham said quietly. "And we have heard rumblings from within the Affiliated Planets too. I think this bears looking into."

"And there's a possibility something was stolen in Cambodia, too..." Despite her transuit and her telekinetic field keeping her warm, Zoe shivered. The team had nearly been wiped out against Mordru. If the Sklarians should try to waken him...

She suddenly felt very, very cold.

***********************************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Mordru was revived in Legionnaires 44. He collected mystical artifacts and absorbed power from beings such as his grandson, a powerful magician in his own right (Legionnaires 45-50).

2) Kono was hired by rich businessman Viktor Rhysson to steal various treasures, such as the Mona Lisa, some crystals from the Crystal Caverns on Earth, and a batarang.
Posted By: razsolo Re: Mystical Mountains (Post-ZH Legion) - 01/17/18 11:09 PM
I am glad to see Calorie Queen getting some love, she is one of my favourite obscure Legion characters smile

And nice to see that the never-ending CSI franchise will continue on long after television has become an obselete technology hahaha laugh
I love Cal as well,I always had a soft spot for her as the "super" Bismollian. I can imagine how frustrated she must have been, being barred from being a Legionnaire despite having more impressive abilities than Tenzil did.

Well, you know how we humans are. Some things are just meant to keep running for a long time wink
Posted By: Omni Re: Mystical Mountains (Post-ZH Legion) - 02/10/18 03:11 AM
This could be huge! Mordru awakened because of revenge? i'm on board. i hope the team can find Kono.

agreed the CSI franchises liked got me laughing.

It was nice to see the rest of the team coming in and helping resettle the caverns and tend to the wounded.

The history lesson from Papa Jack was really good and thank for the link on the stone. Its interesting that the item Kono stole has a negative affect on those who seek vengeance.. i wonder if she has the Black stone from the link or will go after it to take on Mordru?
Posted By: Omni Re: Mystical Mountains (Post-ZH Legion) - 02/10/18 03:24 AM
This could be huge! Mordru awakened because of revenge? i'm on board. i hope the team can find Kono.

agreed the CSI franchises liked got me laughing.

It was nice to see the rest of the team coming in and helping resettle the caverns and tend to the wounded.

The history lesson from Papa Jack was really good and thank for the link on the stone. Its interesting that the item Kono stole has a negative affect on those who seek vengeance.. i wonder if she has the Black stone from the link or will go after it to take on Mordru?

Papa Jack mentioned an explosion and then retrieval of the stone.. i wonder if any information was lost in the intervening millennium that might have more clues about the explosion. In the link it talks about Darna and Darna sounds a bit like Zoe... minus having to forgo the love part. Zoe and Berk just got to flirting. i hope she doesn't have to give that up.

I liked the moment with Candi and Dirk and we never got to see them together before and she still gives great advice. Dirk can get through it. But i understand he has been waiting for this for a long time.
Is your Vielmist from Khuadia?

can't wait for more!
Thanks, Omni! Kono certainly has a good reason to want to get back at Mordru... and she won’t be easy to find!

There may be ways to manipulate that magical stone smile Interesting that you saw some parallels between Darna and Zoe!

Candi is such a dear, and in many ways is quite wise.

Veilmist here is half-Khundian, which is why the Khunds haven’t tried to “repossess” her yet. Also explains why she is less warlike and why her physique is different. Amilia Crugg, our other female Khund, has a very different look and attitude so I made Veilmist half-Khundian only to account for the differences
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Mystical Mountains (Post-ZH Legion) - 02/13/18 08:09 PM
That was a really nice collection of vignettes within the bigger rescue story IB, some very sweet character moments and great observations.

So am I right in thinking Brek has a blizzard playing as ambient background noise in his apartment? Whatever floats your boat, I guess, though personally I'd go for the sound of waves lapping a warm shoreline.

You take on Candi is really sweet and kind, though I'm having trouble picturing her as anything other than the Monstress so could you put a reminder of how she appears now please - I did scan back a bit ut didn't fing the poat where she returned. It was well written how she caught and reacted to Brek calling out for Zoe, bless him.

Lamprey and Amp being keen and professional was good to see, you've taken those two on an interesting character arc and well done for reminding us that Ming is a little miffed she didn't make it to the main team at the last try out too, hopefully she'll get over that soon.

Characters that change into gasses always confuse me, as I wonder if the anaesthetic gas breathed in by the injured would mean there would be less of Vapor to reform when she resumed her human form? Still, nice scene with her helping Dr Shakespeare. I've no idea who Tomb is - sorry I really don't know much about the reboot characters - but it's a neat ability, and him not being a natural ambassador is a good take on having an alien on the team (I assume he's an alien?).

As Dr Shakespeare appears to be gay in all the fan fics that are being written her can we safely assume that when/if he appears in a comic there'll have been enough fans that will have read our work that DC will have no choice but to have it as canon? The Legion has always been defined and refined by the fans so I think so smile

Possibly my favourite scene was Tenzil and Calorie Queen's as it really highlighted Tenzil's decency and her keenness. And she'd be a really interesting character to work with so well done for bringing her back. I'm looking forward to seeing where you go with her story.

Candi and Dirks scene was really good too - discussing which Legionnaire was the most focussed and how they've mellowed was a nice way of Candi to encourage Dirk without just telling himto calm down. Veilmist is shocking isn't she? Oh well, with that figure and confidence to wear so little I might be too smile Nice of Dirk to knock her back.

The last scene brought it back on track with Papa Jack explaining what was stolen - good of Zoe to realise she needs to research the history, that's a surprisingly mature thought. Chameleon being all over the options is totally on point and it's god to see you're bringing in Kono to the story, I was probably the only person that liked her in the 5YG stories.

Mordru! It's getting real! I'm looking forward to finding out if he really is coming back or if that was a bluff from you to throw us off scent.

Great stuff, thoroughly enjoyed this IB, and of course I'm eager to read more, more, more!
Thanks for your usual thorough comments, Harbi! I always enjoy reading about the little bits that you like, as well as ypour overall impressions.

Originally Posted by Harbinger

You take on Candi is really sweet and kind, though I'm having trouble picturing her as anything other than the Monstress so could you put a reminder of how she appears now please - I did scan back a bit ut didn't fing the poat where she returned. It was well written how she caught and reacted to Brek calling out for Zoe, bless him.

Candi is very observant and sensitive smile I have it that she looks just like she did before (her big hulk-like physique), but in a crystalline body. If she could, she would probably make her appearance more svelte, but I have it that her powers are not that advanced (she is like the Element Lad of the early Preboot, simple transmutations). I also thought it would be better in terms of the diversity of body types, considering the majority of Legionnaires still have the traditional superhero builds!


Originally Posted by Harbinger


Lamprey and Amp being keen and professional was good to see, you've taken those two on an interesting character arc and well done for reminding us that Ming is a little miffed she didn't make it to the main team at the last try out too, hopefully she'll get over that soon.


Glad their heroic journey seems natural for you! They will get more chances to shine soon, as will Dirk and Condo!

Originally Posted by Harbinger


Characters that change into gasses always confuse me, as I wonder if the anaesthetic gas breathed in by the injured would mean there would be less of Vapor to reform when she resumed her human form? Still, nice scene with her helping Dr Shakespeare. I've no idea who Tomb is - sorry I really don't know much about the reboot characters - but it's a neat ability, and him not being a natural ambassador is a good take on having an alien on the team (I assume he's an alien?).



You raise a good point about how Gas Girl's powers work. I have an idea on that, which I may expound later on. But basically, I think she can "borrow" matter from other gases not originally part of her body to reform. But I try not to think of it too much.

Tomb appeared only once in the Reboot, but he has such an interesting look and powerset that I have him here again. And yes,he is an alien from the world of Sarccus.

Originally Posted by Harbinger


As Dr Shakespeare appears to be gay in all the fan fics that are being written her can we safely assume that when/if he appears in a comic there'll have been enough fans that will have read our work that DC will have no choice but to have it as canon? The Legion has always been defined and refined by the fans so I think so smile



This is one of the reasons why I am making my Dr. Shakespeare gay! (or maybe he is bi, haven't decided yet haha).

Originally Posted by Harbinger


Possibly my favourite scene was Tenzil and Calorie Queen's as it really highlighted Tenzil's decency and her keenness. And she'd be a really interesting character to work with so well done for bringing her back. I'm looking forward to seeing where you go with her story.

Candi and Dirks scene was really good too - discussing which Legionnaire was the most focussed and how they've mellowed was a nice way of Candi to encourage Dirk without just telling himto calm down. Veilmist is shocking isn't she? Oh well, with that figure and confidence to wear so little I might be too smile Nice of Dirk to knock her back.



One lovely thing about the Legion is how the more minor characters get a chance to shine! I'm happy to further develop these, like Cal and Veilmist,and to use these scenes to develop the more major characters as well!

Originally Posted by Harbinger


The last scene brought it back on track with Papa Jack explaining what was stolen - good of Zoe to realise she needs to research the history, that's a surprisingly mature thought. Chameleon being all over the options is totally on point and it's god to see you're bringing in Kono to the story, I was probably the only person that liked her in the 5YG stories.

Mordru! It's getting real! I'm looking forward to finding out if he really is coming back or if that was a bluff from you to throw us off scent.

Great stuff, thoroughly enjoyed this IB, and of course I'm eager to read more, more, more!


I also think Kono is too good a character to not use, and as she has appeared before in the Reboot, she is ripe for the picking!

Zoe has definitely matured a lot since the early days, while Cham is so intelligent and observant that it is easy to give him something to do even when he doesn't use his powers much.

Heehee, more on the Mordru mystery soon!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Buried Hope (Post ZH Legion) - 02/13/18 10:11 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Enwa

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation. Current Legion co-leader.

************************************************************

Ferro stared at the sheets of rain pouring down the windows of Grandma Amihan's little house. He had been told that this was the normal weather here in DIli-Tawi, only kept in abeyance by modern weather control. Yet due to maintenance work, weather control was very much absent at the moment.

He sighed inwardly; time was, he had enjoyed walking barefoot outside under a light rain and feeling like it was washing away all his worries. Now, even he would not feel anything even if he bathed under Niagara Falls.

He shook his head, as if to clear it. There was no sense in dwelling on his condition. Brainiac 5 was already looking into the possibility of having Element Lass transmute him back to flesh and blood, but she would need a lot more proficiency with her powers to do that. He supposed he could wait for the eons it would take; both he and Candi weren't going to age, not in their present conditions.

He sighed and turned back inside. Lume was curiously watching Nightwind and Grandma Amihan play a game that hailed from the far past. There was a two-sided board with two large bowls at the ends, one for each player; and ten little bowls on each side. Each of the little bowls was filled with shells. Players would take turns selecting one bowl, and would drop one shell each into the holes in a clockwise direction. The aim was to get as many shells as possible into the big bowl that belonged to the player. There were, of course, several rules which allowed players to dramaticaly increase the number of shells she could claim, but Ferro paid barely any attention to it.

Instead, he studied Nightwind intently. Several reports had come in recently from Legion World, including an update on the tryouts being planned. The Cadets would be in for quite a surprise... Nightwind had been very quiet about Legion business on this trip, though. The last couple of times Ferro had mentioned one of the updates this evening, she had brushed them off.

He could understand. This was one of their last nights here, and while officially they were on Legion business, it was an opportunity to reconnect. And to think.

He, on the other hand, had too much time to think.

Ferro glanced over at Lume, who was watching the game intently. Although the game could be played on most Omnicoms - Ferro had checked the application store, and it was there - Grandma Amihan insisted on playing with real shells and her antique board, treated so the wood would last. She claimed it helped her think. Ferro believed she just liked the tradition.

He sat there silently for a while. He wasn't lost in the game, but he didn't want to disturb any of the others...

Suddenly, a familiar voice drew his attention. He jerked his head towards the video-screen on the wall. The long-running video-novella (about a pair of twins separated at birth due to some freak accident; Ferro had been enthralled when he saw it, though Nightwind and Lume had made fun of the fact that the plot was so predictable and the acting so dramatic) had been interruped by the voice of Brad Majors, a reporter covering some of the outer worlds.

"Trouble in Enwa! It seems that the maintenance schedule was ill-timed; maintenance is ongoing at a time when large portions of Enwa are being visited by a deadly typhoon bearing heavy rains. Flooding is reported in many outlying towns near the capital..."

Ferro met eyes with Nightwind and Lume. There wasn't any question about their next move.

"I'm sorry, grandma," Nightwind kissed Grandma Amihan on the cheek. "I have to go."

"Of course, of course," Grandma Amihan waved them off with a small smile. "You Legionnaires have your responsibilities."

Scant minutes later, the trio were flying above the streets. Nightwind's face was grim. "The drainage systems have improved recently, but it seems like the local government has not been giving them enough priority..."

Lume shook its head. "Don't blame them too much, Nightwind. You carbonforms have so many physical needs, so I understand the need for your governments to prioritize. And this kind of maintenance is infrequent..."

Nightwind sighed. "I know, Lume. Its just that my mother told me many stories of her youth, when Enwa was still a very poor world. How she would have to wade to school in flood waters waist-deep, and how many lives were lost because... Oh!" Instantly, her voice changed to the sharp commanding tone that she often used in the field. "Ferro, shore up the soil on that cliffside. We must prevent a landslide. Lume, search-and-rescue. Give plenty of light while you're at it. I will coordinate with the authorities."

As soon as Ferro and Lume flew in different directions, so did she. She was confident they would do what is needed. In not much time, she found the local emergency services standing on a tall dump truck. The chief was bellowing into a megaphone, for all the good it could do.

"Let me help," she said. Without waiting for more than a nod, she used her powers to make his words carry far into the night.

Not far from her, Lume had shifted into its normal form - a small glowing firefly. It glew to its limits as it zipped around the area, looking for sentients in trouble. It relied on its eyes, as light was much faster than the sound which would carry to it anyway. Lume went as fast as it could while still being able to register the shapes and figures below it. It stopped upon seeing a pair of small children struggling in the water; Lume quickly shifted into its humanoid form and swooped down. It thanked its lucky star - one that all Silvans had - that it had learned to solidify its limbs without channeling heat and light through them.

"Shinings, carbonforms," it said gently as it hovered in front of the children. "I am Lume of the Legion of Super-Heroes. I am here to help."

"Our mama..." whimpered the older of the two.

"Take my hand," Lume said gently. "And I will help you find her." It fired a beam of light into the sky, the prearranged signal agreed with local services. They would be here in seconds, to take the children that Lume was carrying into the night sky.

Over by the cliff overlooking the town, Ferro had grabbed a scrap of metal from a nearby pile of junk. He had fashioned it into a very crude shovel; easy doings for someone as artistically inclined as him. He quickly programmed his Omnicom to instruct him on how to dig a trench just so in order to stop the landslide. Concentrating on his task, he trusted his teammates to do their part. Heaven only knows how many sentients needed immediate help; but if he did nothing, the whole town would be in even more danger.

It was hours later when the Legionnaires finally paused for more than a few minutes each. Well, for Nightwind, anyway; Lume and Ferro did not need rest, something all three were thankful for. Their speedy action had ensured that the area had no casualties.

After checking that the local services needed nothing more, the three flew home.

"It was good to be in action and help the locals," Ferro said quietly.

"Yes, yes it was," Nightwind whispered. Ferro glanced at her, but her face was expressionless. He supposed she was still feeling guilty about the hostage situation earlier on Legion World.

"Listen, Nightwind..." he began. "You're a great leader and..."

He was interrupted by an intake of breath from Berta. She was staring in horror ahead of her. Ferro followed her gaze, and felt his heart leap.

Where Grandma Amihan's house had been, now stood a big mound of dirt and soil.


************************************
IB's notes:

1) I am describing the traditional Filipino game called Sunka.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Buried Hope (Post ZH Legion) - 03/06/18 04:11 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Enwa

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation. Current Legion co-leader.
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

Chlorophyll Kid, Ral Benem of Mardru; plant manipulation (Reservist and Cadet)
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa); sound manipulation (Reservist and Cadet)
Vision, Rhent Ustin of Earth (Egypt); microscopic, telescopic, heat, freeze, and hypnotic vision (Reservist and Cadet)

************************************************************

Nightwind's mouth worked wordlessly for a second. Ferro reached out to shake her. This was not the time to panic!

To her credit, before Ferro laid a hand on her, Nightwind had recovered. "You're the only one who can reach her, Ferro. Start digging. Lume, we need light." As Ferro and Lume sprang forward, Nightwind took to the air. "I'm going to contact the safety crews and first responders, then I'm going to make a sweep of the area. We had a few neighbors here..."

"Nightwind to Captain Flores." As she waited for her flight ring to patch her through to the Science Police captain in charge, she surveyed the area. Most of the neighbors' houses seemed intact; unlike in the early days when cleaning droids were uncommon, now Grandma Amihan did not need to have neighbors close by despite her advanced age. Nightwind tried not to let her focus wander; she needed to keep calm.

Soon, Captain Flores' voice sounded over the communications channel. "What is it, Nightwind?"

"Landslide at my coordinates, near the Sierra Madre neighborhood," Nightwind responded. "I will send coordinates. At least one house buried..."

The Captain cursed. "I'll dispatch some units at once."

"Thanks, Captain," Nightwind said. She widened her eyes again - the better to focus, given her half-Enwan physiology - and counted the neighboring houses. All there. She heaved a sigh of relief. Captain Flores' team could take a census of those in the houses, while the Legionnaires cound concentrate on digging out Grandma Amihan's house. She quickly patched a call through to Legion World. "Gear? I'm going to need some help here..."

Down below, Ferro had fashioned a crude shovel and was digging through the soil as fast as he could. Lume's countenance was serious as it lit up the night sky. Nightwind flew up higher so Gear could home in on her flight ring, and...

The night sky was colored in blue and white as a Threshold opened up. Nightwind breathed in relief as Gear led over half a dozen Legionnaires and Cadets. "I asked Triad to take over, I thought I could better help here," Gear smiled. Nightwind liked how his calm tones always seemed to calm her. XS came rushing up, and hugged Nightwind. "Oh I'm so sorry, I'm glad Dyrk and I got back from trying on our outfits for Garth and Imra's wedding just as you called in, now we can help..." Magno put a hand on Nightwind's shoulder. "We'll find her, Berta," he said quietly.

"I know we will," Nightwind smiled. She turned to address the rest. "Thanks for coming, everyone. Okay, it seems only one house is buried in the landslide, but we have to make sure everyone is safe. XS, get a count of the number of people living in each house and do a census. Let us know the moment you determine if anyone is unaccounted for. Vision, look for anyone buried under the dirt, and tell Ferro where to dig. Magno and Gear, help Ferro with the digging. Echo, can your sound powers stabilize the area?"

Troy nodded. "I can make sure no further landslides happen."

"Good. Chlorophyll Kid, help Echo out. Let's go, team!"

Nightwind had made sure not to say "Let's go, Legionnaires!" With tryouts coming up, she did not want to fan the flames of anxiety some of the Cadets were feeling any more than necessary. She watched as they all flew off. Magno fashioned two large pieces of metal into even larger shovels; Dyrk wielded one magnetically as Ferro took another manually. Gear's eyes were glowing, and Berta was sure he was supplementing Vision's efforts even as Gear had also techno-morphed appendages that would be needed if they were near an unconscious body. Vision concentrated beside the trio. "I don't see anyone yet, but I do know where the house is..." he stammered.

Up ahead, Echo followed the slope of the mountain as he flew. Berta knew he was using his sonic powers to pack the dirt and earth together, making them harder to dislodge. Beside him, Ral bit his lips as he fingered the seeds in his belt pouches. Unlike Troy, Ral did not seem quite so certain of his capabilities; the active Legionnaires had taken notice of which Cadets seemed to know the full extent of their powers and skills, and sadly Ral was not quite one of them despite his extensive botanical knowledge. Berta thought he could get there, though; Blizzard had always had faith in his former Substitute Hero teammates. And even accounting for his optimisim...

Nightwind bit her lip. She really did have a bad tendency to let her mind wander when there was something she didn't want to dwell on. Like lately with her feelings of guilt. And now, Grandma.

But she needed to keep busy. Her teammates were doing what they could. If she interfered...

She looked in the direction of town. No Science Police craft yet. She began to pace back and forth in mid-air. Where were they? What could she do?

Minutes passed. She couldn't take it anymore. She landed gently beside Vision. "Do you see anyone yet?"

"I... I don't see anyone..." Vision stammered. "Just a house, and I can see inside it, but..."

"Are you sure? Could the dirt be obscuring your x-ray vision?" Nightwind asked.

"I... I don't think so... I'm pretty sure..."

"I'm not detecting any heat signatures either," Gear said quietly. "No signs that there is anyone organic buried down there."

Ferro, Magno and Lume were pointedly keeping quiet.

Before Nightwind could speak again, a blue-and-white blur appeared in front of her. "I checked; all sentients living in the nearby houses accounted for," she blurted. "How about...?"

"If Grandma isn't here, then..."

"Nightwind. Berta." Captain Flores' voice was calm and steady. "You should get to the hospital right now. Let us handle this."

A pang of hope rose up in Nightwind's chest. "Do you mean...?"

"Your Grandma is safe," Captain Flores smiled warmly. "She was making her way out of the house when the landslide came. Got her as she was crossing the front porch. Youngtser named F'e1lpz was passing by and saw her; apparently he can hold his breath pretty well. He swam to her and dug her out, and they made it out before the succeeding landslides came and buried the house. Lucky thing too; he was only here to spend the weekend with family before heading off to Earth, he says."

Lume gasped loudly from above.

Nightwind scarcely heard; as soon as Captain Flores stopped speaking, she shook his hand eagerly. "Thank you!" she whispered. "Gear, take charge over here, please." Then without another word, she flew up into the air, hand on her Omnicom and tears streaming down her face. She would have to call all her aunts, uncles and cousins; and her parents too, they were due to arrive tomorrow for a big party. But at least she would be calling with good news.

She let her tears flow as she flew through the rain.
Posted By: razsolo Re: Buried Hope (Post ZH Legion) - 03/07/18 02:09 AM
I'm glad Nightwind's grandma wasn't killed, and it's good to see more Legionnaires using their powers outside of just fighting bad guys too smile

I also really like Lume, and that you're using Rhent...I think his powers have a lot of potential, but I have never really been able to think of a way to use him myself smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Buried Hope (Post ZH Legion) - 03/07/18 10:41 AM
Hi raz, glad you’re liking Lume and Rhent! That’s why I added a lot of humanitarian (sentientarian?) elements to this Legion, more opportunities for more characters to shine (no pun intended with Lume lol)

And Grandma has a lot to teach Nightwind still smile I hate killing characters off, but I’m also happy to say I have a good reason for keeping Grandma around haha
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Buried Hope (Post ZH Legion) - 03/15/18 11:30 AM
I should add that Rhent Ustin is potentially quite powerful, considering the variety of powers he has. It is a bit odd though, that they pretty much mirror the abilities of the Kryptonians or the Daxamites... I might have to tweak his power set to differentiate him a bit... hmm...
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Buried Hope (Post ZH Legion) - 03/28/18 10:11 AM
Hey IB, sorry, I've only just discovered these post.

Better late than never, here's a review for you:

Ferro thinking about his current condition was a good reminder and I'm glad you didn't dwell on it as angsty teens get boring fast. You've a good skill at mixing the motivations that gives them more realistic and rounded characters.

I'd love to learn the shell game, I do love a board game!

It's great that while enjoying down time the team don't forget they are Legionnaires when needed.

Nightwind taking command was good to see, she's another character that you've done some great work on, she reads as canon in this story.

I don't know anything about Lume - a reboot character I assume? still, I love it - "Carbonforms" indeed. Very sweet the way it helped the two children.

Where's Grandma's house? What a great cliffhanger!

Ferro's concern and Nightwinds pragmatism were well done in the situation, I think most people would be inconsolable if they found themselves in Berta's shoes.

Gear turning up to help was sweet, I really like him. And the other legionnaires showing their support to Berta was sweet too.

Also, very nice that the students are all capable but not necessarily confident in the field. Poor Ral, he's such a sweet guy (in everyone's version) but never seems to reach his full potential. I'm looking forward to seeing how you develop him.

Great teamwork from the group to search for Grandma, and I'm glad that she survived too.

So, Phelps saved her, how funny! Hopefully he'll show up in your academy or substitute team.

Berta's teas of relief at the end was a touching point. For all her pragmatism she's still a caring woman that bottles things up while dealing with a situation. Your take of her is really well written.

This was fun IB, and I'm looking forward to more, more, more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Buried Hope (Post ZH Legion) - 03/29/18 08:37 AM
Hi Harbi,

Thanks for the usual thorough comments!

Lume appeared twice in the Reboot. Introduced in LSH 66, he was supposed to join the Legion but could not (or would not) because it required space travel, and "space is dark". He reappeared again in Legionnaires 56, helping M'Onel stop Khunds from abducting Lume's people to use as an energy source. "Shinings, carbonforms" first appeared in LSH 66 as well smile

Poor Berta certainly had to work hard to keep from falling apart! But she's a Legionnaire, and had to be professional.

Haven't seen the last of Ph4lps for sure! He saved a life today after all smile

Ral does have potential, doesn't he? But it's a process.

Thanks again Harbi, glad you liked it! Hope to provide more soon!
Posted By: Omni Re: Buried Hope (Post ZH Legion) - 04/05/18 03:12 PM
I liked the Enwa missions end. I likd that it was a natural disaster that was the problem.

Berta worked through her issues well. I know she wants to step down but she's a very capable leader. I'm glad no one was seriously injured or killed by mudslide.

It was cool to see the Legionnaires come in a help with the clean up. I always enjoy when you showcase them doing more than the standard super heroics. it makes this world seem even more real as I could see them being a first responder unit of sorts.

Poor Ferro. hopefully Brainy can figure out something to help him.

loving these smaller missions. can't wait for more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Buried Hope (Post ZH Legion) - 04/06/18 10:53 AM
Thanks, Omni! I also enjoy these non-fighting missions. Makes a nice break especially after all the space battles last volume!

Happy that Berta's leadership comes through despite her issues and doubts! I wanted her to be questioning but not whiny.

Yeah, poor Ferro. I'm sure there's a solution out there for him, but it may take some searching...
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Buried Hope (Post ZH Legion) - 04/28/18 11:35 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Enwa

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation. Current Legion co-leader
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada); inflates into a durable bouncing form
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

Chlorophyll Kid, Ral Benem of Mardru; plant manipulation (Reservist and Cadet)
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa); sound manipulation (Reservist and Cadet)
Vision, Rhent Ustin of Earth (Egypt); microscopic, telescopic, heat, freeze, and hypnotic vision (Reservist and Cadet)

************************************************************

"Grandma..." Nightwind began, the words catching in her throat.

"Now, listen here, Berta," Grandma Amihan said gently, but firmly. Though her body was frail, and her voice ragged with fatigue, her eyes were bright with alertness and intelligence. "You will not blame yourself for not being there when the landslide hit!"

"But, Grandma..."

"You were doing your job as a Legionnaire! You saved many lives! Now stop feeling sorry for yourself!" Grandma was using the tone which had caused her vast brood of children and grand-children to wince with defeat many times before. Her, lying in the hovercouch that carried her around the home.

"Now", Grandma snapped as Nightwind began to protest. "You became a Legionnaire because you wanted to. You have to begin accepting the fact that you have a responsibility to the greater good; that if you had not left me, thousands more might have been killed; and...!" she raised a finger as Nightwind began to protest, "that if you hadn't made the decision to leave Legion World when you did, you may have all been captured and may never have taken it back!"

As Nightwind prepared to protest, Grandma raised the rest of her hovercouch so she could sit erect. Her eyes caught Berta's, and Berta had to swallow. This was Grandma's best no-nonsense look. "Now, don't pretend. I know you have been moping about your decision. Now let me tell you again: your teammates agreed with you, the UP cleared you after their investigation, and - " she paused for emphasis, her finger jabbing at Berta, "nearly all of the hostages agreed with your decision after the fact - and the Legion has apologized and is making restitution for everyone, and even those who feel bad about it have decided not to take legal action! So tell me, what is there left to feel guilty about?"

"I... I just..." Berta began. "I... it still doesn't feel right!"

"Pshaw!" Grandma grunted. "The only alternative would have been to surrender - and then who would have fetched the other Legionnaires and given them the information needed to rescue everyone?"

"But we could have prevented the takeover if only we had had the appropriate safeguards for the Thresholds...!"

"You already had some safeguards in place! The villain here was just too technologically advanced," Grandma snapped. "Not even the Coluans, brilliant as they are, thought of it. Not even the Naltorians and Titanians with their fancy Titanet early warning system predicted this in time! So stop thinking you could have foreseen everything!"

"I..."

"And your teammates gave you a vote of confidence!"

"But Grandma, I still want to step down!"

"Then do it!" Grandma thundered, or it would have been a thundering had she been completely well. But her face certainly took on a mask of sternness. "Do it if it feels right, but stop feeling sorry for yourself! Make your decision and then move on!"

Berta fell silent. She looked around at the house; the Legionnaires had repaired it in no time flat, what with Gear - and a newly-arrived Chuck - providing engineering knowledge and Ferro, Magno and XS providing the muscle. Now the Legionnaires who had helped with the search-and-rescue were waiting in the living room, and Berta's parents and cousins and uncles and aunts were on their way, too. She reflected on how readily everyone had followed their lead; how Ferro and Lume had been encouraging and supporting her through the trip; and how even the more tenured Legionnaires naturally deferred to her.

She swallowed. She wouldn't change her mind about stepping down as leader... but she felt like she could live with her decisions now.

The doorbell rang. XS and Lume stood up simultaneously. "I'll go see who it is," Lume said. "Race you," XS winked. In a flash, the two vanished.

She squeezed Grandma's hand and smiled. "Thanks, Grandma."

"I may be old, but that just makes me wiser," Grandma winked.

Berta smiled back as she squeezed Grandma's hand.

In a second or two, XS and Lume had returned with F'e1lpz. The Cadet applicant stammered as he extended a hand. "Gosh, thanks for inviting me...!"

"How could we not?" Lume laughed. "You rescued Grandma Amihan, after all!"

F'e1lpz blushed as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I was just trying to help..."

"And that is part of why you are getting into the Cadet program," Rebound laughed as he stepped forward. "As the sort-of-headmaster, I semi-officially welcome you!"

F'e1lpz giggled as he clutched Chuck's hand. "I... I'm so grateful..."

"As we explained before, attitude and values are more important than sheer power," Lume smiled. "And you certainly have the correct attitude."

Berta smiled as the other Cadets and Legionnaires crowded around F'e1lpz. Already, Echo and Chlorophyll Kid were inviting him to training sessions, and Vision was offering to show him around. Berta clutched Grandma's hand again. One thing about the Legion, is that it would go on no matter what.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 04/28/18 01:56 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication (Active Legionnaire)
Theena of unknown; attached to a symbiotic alien able to open "viewscreens" allowing communication across distances (Cadet and Reservist)

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Theena sighed as she looked at the screens in front of her, without seeing. Her partner today was Triad, but her thoughts were focused on Gear.

She thought back to the last time she was on Monitor Duty with Gear; the tall Legionnaire had been the only one so far who seemed to care. He had understood perfectly that she hadn't joined the Cadet program just to be on Monitor Duty all the time. It was because of his intervention that her mandatory shifts had been reduced to the minimum required from any Cadet; this had made her feel so good that she volunteered for extra sessions often. Mostly when Gear was also on duty, of course.

She bit her lip as she thought, once more, of opening a viewscreen on her symbiote to peek at Gear. "I wonder what he wears when he sleeps?" she thought idly...

"Oh, nass!" Triad Purple's outburst made Theena jump up. The last time she had been caught daydreaming, Purple had given her a tongue-lashing. All the Cadets knew to walk on eggshells when Purple was around - or when Triad was in her orange-and-purple outfit. One never knew when Triad was simply integrated, and many a Cadet had been caught by surprise by Purple bursting out suddenly.

"What is it?" Theena stammered as she begin searching the screens in front of her. Then she, too, gasped.

A distress signal from the Moon had appeared. McCauley Industries under attach, it read.

Triad Neutral quickly began typing on the keyboard. "I'll see who's here... Wildfire, Particon, Karate Kid, Umbra, you're up."

"Um, Triad? I don't think they'll be enough." Theena's eyes were wide with fear as she used her viewscreens to peek at the Moon's surface.

All three Triads gasped behind her as they watched. Legions of creatures, of every shape and size, were swarming the Moon. Smoke was rising from McCauley Industries' headquarters.

"Good work, Theena," Triad Neutral's voice fluttered, though she kept calm on the surface. "Can you get me...?"

One of Theena's viewscreens blinked, and Evolvo jumped into view. The diminutive, pale humanoid's face was flushed, and blood was pouring down the side of his head. Dressed in a suit, he looked far different from the hired muscle that he was in his Workforce days, though Theena knew that he played a key role in many of the deceased Leland McCauley's* plots. This intimate knowledge had helped Evolvo succeed in his triumphant return to McCauley Industries, taking it over when a power vacuum developed after McCauley's death.

Now, though, Evolvo looked anything but the tycoon he had become.

"Ah, Triad. I'm happy the Legion has finally looked into this disturbance."

"Spare me the tone, Evolvo," Triad Purple spat. "Just tell me what you know."

"Not much," Evolvo said calmly, but quickly. He always spoke quickly, but even now there was a hurried undercurrent to his manner. "Exactly twenty-seven minutes ago I received a call from one of my labs. A technician was screaming about an experiment gone horribly wrong. Video logs showed a tube - which was being used to test a healing bath - exploding; liquid spilled on several employees in the lab. They immediately began to mutate, and tore the lab - and the poor sentients inside - to shreds."

"What in grife's name have you been experimenting on?" Triad Orange said, horrified.

"Not now, Sister," Triad Purple whispered. Turning to Evolvo, she glowered. "We will investigate later, Evolvo. Now, can you transmit your data to us?"

"I already prepared it," Evolvo said, tapping on his Omnicom. "If you would open a channel..."

He was interrupted by a crunching noise.

"Boss!" The mutant Dendronite called Amber** screamed as she popped into view. "Stay back, they're here!" Her arms in front of her, she cast her sap-like gel in front, catching a creature. Theena gasped. It was barely humanoid, but different, somehow. Not like any species she had ever seen before. Worse, it was wearing a lab coat.

Another Workforce member, Sandstorm, stepped into view. Unlike Amber, who had been hired by McCauley, Sandstorm had been hired by Evolvo recently. "It's... it's Doctor Zhivago."

Theena felt a chill down her spine.

Evolvo was calm as he surveyed the creature who had been Doctor Zhivago. "It appears that our staff have been mutated by whatever happened."

"Grife, I didn't sign up for this..." Amber shuddered.

"Sadly, it's in our contract," Sandstorm shrugged. The sentient from Mica was impassive as it examined doctor. "Considering I am composed of sand, I doubt I would be affected. However, I suggest that you both, being organic life forms, get into transuits right away. And so should our Workforce colleagues...

Sandstorm was cut off as the wall behind it crashed open. Standing in the doorway was another Workforce member, Lupine. Yet, it's normally smooth fur was now covered with jagged spikes, and its fangs had grown since Theena had last saw him.

"Too late, I fear," Evolvo said dryly. He raised an arm, activating his telekinesis and sending Lupine flying back. "This is quite bad, Legionnaires. Obviously, sentients are being mutated somehow. I've already begun transmitting the data, but..."

"Brainy, Lyle!" Triad Neutral barked. "I'm routing a data stream to your Omnicoms..." She turned to Theena. "Reach every available Legionnaire, now!"

"I already have," Theena said as calmly as she could, though her heart was beating. "There aren't many..." Viewscreens popped open, showing a dozen Active Legionnaires in all.

"I don't think this is enough," Triad Orange said quietly. She zipped through a multitude of screens in front of her; Evolvo had given the Legion access to his securi-cams, and chaos reigned. Every room and corridor they could see in McCauley Industries was filled with creatures - mutated creatures - running riot through. Any McCauley Industries employees fortunate enough not to have been transformed were running in fear or being cornered.

"We have no choice," Triad Purple said. "Theena, call in all the Cadets."

"No, Sister!" Triad Orange gasped. "We can't risk the Cadets, they're not ready!"

"The Reservists are," Triad Neutral said quietly. "They have to be. They have to go now, while we recall the other Legionnaires." She turned to Theena. "Do it."

"And hurry," Amber snapped. "I don't think we can last... AAAAH!" Amber's scream was followed by the Omnicom channel to Evolvo going dark.

Theena swallowed as tears fell down her eyes. This was worse than the most horrible monster movie she had ever watched. Triad Purple placed a strong hand on her shoulder. "We will get through this, Theena."

Theena wished she felt that confident.

**************************

IB's notes:

1) Evolvo used to be in the Workforce. After the Blight invasion (LSH 124-125, L* 81), Leland McCauley fired Evolvo and Spider-Girl and hired adults for his Workforce, in a bid to gain influence in the United Planets after RJ Brande and the Legion had been discredited because they had been used by the Blight. In canon, McCauley had become UP President but was murdered, his identity taken over, by Ra's al Ghul. I had it that after Ra's was exposed, Evolvo seized the opportunity to take over McCauley Industries.

2) Amber was introduced in L* 81. So was Sandstorm's "worldmate" Dune. However, because I had used Dune as part of my Monitor's army, I had to replace him with a new character. Lupine (along with Catspaw) appeared in L* 69 as potential Workforce members, but we never saw them join.

3) Karate Kid, Live Wire, Particon, Spider-Girl and Ultra Boy used to be Workforce members too, and all served alongside Evolvo. I have it that Spider-Girl chose not to return to the Workforce or MCCauley Industries, as she didn't want to be burned again after McCauley had unceremoniously and suddenly fired her. Evolvo had always been sneakier and had less ethics than Spider-Girl did, too.
Posted By: Omni Re: Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 04/28/18 07:26 PM
IB some good emotional moments here and the start of something new!

Berta's grandma is so sweet and strong and i loved her speech and even though Berta still choose to step down as leader it was great to see the support she has around her. Berta is very lucky.

The mini speech F'e1lpz got was also nice and a really good reminder about what it takes to be a hero.

Evolvo what have you been up to?
Mutants ravaging across the McCauley industries sounds scary but i can't wait to see the battle and all the cadets at work.
Hopefully Amber, Sandstorm and Evolvo are ok.

Looking forward to more.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 04/28/18 08:32 PM
Hi Omni, thanks for the comment!

I love grandmas in general, and Berta's grandma is a very good example of one wink

F'e1lpz will be a good addition to the Cadet program, for sure! Maybe not Legionnaire material, but I can see him in the Science Police wink

Ah, Evolvo. He and McCauley were two peas in a pod...

Well, we'll see what happens to Amber, Sandstorm and Evolvo... wink
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Over Luna

Active Legionnaires

Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Insect Queen, Lonna Leing of Xanthu; morphs into various insect forms, gaining the powers of the forms she takes
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony (Earth colony: Japan and Myanmar); skilled martial artist
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; generate and control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation, disruption of energy flow
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time
Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; shadow casting
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings). Anti-energy being.

Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions (probationary pending completion of Legion basic training)
Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis (probationary pending completion of Legion basic training)

Cadets and Reserve Legionnaires

Beastmaster, Ilshu Nor of Lallor (Hero of Lallor seconded for training); transform into any animal
Vapor, Tal Nahii of Lallor (Hero of Lallor seconded for training); transforms her body into gases

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Arachno of Arachnidia; enhanced abilities of spiders
Brawler of Moxie; super-strength and durability, can mind-mesh with machinery to control it
Calorie Queen, Taryn Loy of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter, conversion of digested matter into super-strength
Cannus of Anthropologia; skilled tracker, canine senses and abilities
Catspaw, April Dumaka of Earth (Ghana and Tanzania); enhanced agility, speed and claws
Chlorophyll Kid, Ral Benem of Mardru; plant manipulation
Comet Queen, Grava of Quaal III; super-speed flight and emission of comet-like gases
Crystal Kid, Bobb Kohan of Earth (Brazil and Peru); crystal generation and manipulation
Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal); controls his body's density; increasing his density grants a degree of strength and durability
Dragonwing, Marya Pai of Earth (Singapore and Tibet); breathes fire and secretes acid venom
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
Flying Fox of H'lven; levitation and other abilities
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Hotshot, Staq Mavlen of Shwar; breathes fire
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau); underwater survival; hydrokinesis
Mandalla, Tari Wahlmunn of Takron-Galtos; projects a thought-sphere that affects the target's mental and physical functions
Night Girl, Lydda Jath of Kathoon; super-strength in darkness
Porcupine Pete, Peter Dursin of Earth (Jamaica and Mexico); ejects quills from his body
Rainbow, Dori Aandraison of Xolnar; rainbow-based light powers
Retro, Deen Toro of Retcon; touch-triggered ability to rewind time, but leaving those affected with a memory of "future" events
Spectrum, Ulu Vakk of Lupra; changes the color of people and objects
Sizzle, Teela Spuunvll of Abaddonus; absorbs and redirects energy
Splitter, Floyd Belkin of Lallor; ability to detach his limbs from his torso
Stone Boy, Dag Wentim of Zwen; turns self into stone
Tellus, Ganglios of Hykraius; telepathy and telekinesis
Tomb, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions
Veilmist of Khundia; teleportation
Vision, Rhent Ustin of Earth (Egypt and Spain); microscopic, telescopic, heat, freeze, and hypnotic vision

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

As the Cadets around him murmured about their instructions before leaving Legion World, Chemical Kid instead replayed the last words he had shared with Invisible Kid before leaving.

"Be careful, Condo," Lyle had said as they kissed. "I know you feel pressured because you were taking Legion basic along with the Cadets, but..."

"I need to do this, Lyle," Condo had said gently.

"I know, I just want you to be careful... and don't try to beat the monsters if it feels dangerous. Remember, the most important part of being a Legionnaire is to keep people safe."

"I know, I know. All those hours studying the Legion Constitution really helped," Condo had chuckled.

Lyle had smiled, before they turned to listen to Triad give the briefing. She had stressed that, for the Cadets and Reservists, this was strictly a volunteer mission. In fact, the danger had been such that even the Active Legionnaires had been asked to volunteer - though everyone available had. Too many other Active Legionnaires were on other missions, though, which is why only the dozen or so actives - plus him and Dirk - were there.

Condo mentally kicked himself. He and Dirk had talked about this. If they kept thinking of themselves as second-rate Legionnaires, the Cadets would so, too. Catching Amp and Lamrey with their heads together, Condo made sure to hold his head up high as he walked over to the Thresholds. Those two were among the most dedicated Cadets, and he and Dirk definitely felt a little pressured to outperform them.

"Okay, Cadets," Cosmic Boy said as they gathered around the open Threshold. "Remember, as soon as we go through the Threshold, our agreed-upon groups form and go directly for their objectives. Does anyone have any questions?"

"Just one - does the winning group get an invite to active membership?" Brawler grinned. Condo rolled his eyes. The upcoming Legion tryouts had made some of the Cadets more than a little too eager to prove themselves; nearly all of those who had volunteered were gunning for a seat at the membership table. Nearly all of those who had not volunteered were those who felt they weren't ready, for some reason or other. Of course, there were some who had other goals for joining the Cadet program: Yera wanted to make it as an actress and thought the training would give her valuable stunt-person skills and publicity, while Zaron Lux had his eyes set on a key post in the United Planets' strategy and intelligence arm.

Umbra's normally stern face darkened. She was one among the Active Legionnaires who had the highest expectations of the Cadets, and Brawler had ran afoul of her before because of his irresponsibility. "This mission is about saving lives, not your personal glory," she hissed. "Do your job and worry about the rewards later."

Brawler began to protest, but Ultra Boy elbowed him in the ribs. "Enough, Brawler," Ultra Boy warned.

"If there's nothing else..." Cosmic Boy asked. Nearly three dozen heads shook no.

"Okay, here we go. And everyone... be safe."

Condo's heart leaped as they jumped through the Threshold...

... and into what seemed to be a war zone. They were on the surface of the Moon... but what had once been the gleaming complex of McCauley Industries was now a shell of its former self. As he tried to adjust his bearings, he heard Babbage transmit a warning as loudly as it could. "Everyone, get down!"

*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Vapor instinctively turned to gas as she entered the Threshold. Though she didn't quite understand how, she was happy that her gaseous form was somehow protected by a transuit AND allowed her to see and hear. By all accounts, she should not be able to, but... Brainiac 5 had explained it as "intelligent design"; that is, the theory that super powers were meant to be an evolutionary advantage, and so evolved to allow their bearers to function well, more often than not. She...

"Cut it out," she told herself. Here she was, on her first "real" mission as a seconded Cadet. She, and Beastmaster had agreed to let the flag of Lallor fly high during their time on Legion World! Grife knows they were only here for training, but they had to show that Lallor's heroes were just as good as those of the Legion. Why, that border world Xanthu had produced no less than five Legionnaires... Lallor was so much more central to the United Planets than Xanthu was...

As she exited the Threshold, she forgot her train of thought as something large barreled through her gaseous form. She heard cries from behind her as it struck something. She turned in horror to see a creature covered in spikes slashing at Babbage.

"Be alert!" Babbage warned as it grappled with the creature. It was too late to prevent damage, though; Bits of wiring were peeking out of Babbage's arm.

"I'll help you!" Vapor zoomed around the creature's nose and mouth. "I've changed to a sleeping gas and..." She gasped to herself. "It's not working!"

"Get clear!" Dark bands appeared around the creature, yanking it away from Babbage. Bits of webbing followed, pushing the monster back. But Vapor watched with a sickened gasp as it wrenched Babbage's head off with it.

"I'm on it!" Apparition flew straight at the creature and held out her hands. As her intangible form flew through it, she grabbed Babbage's head. "Uh...!" She gasped. "It's strong..."

"Allow me," Babbage intoned. A blast of energy shot from its mouth, passing harmlessly through Apparition. That burst of energy was enough to dislodge Babbage's head from the creature's grip, and Apparition flew over to Babbage's body.

"How did Babbage know Apparition was phased?" Retro whispered.

"You really should listen more carefully," Amp whispered back. "Remember, our flight rings are all linked, and in turn they are linked to the clear lenses we wear. They allow us to perceive when others are using their powers - which is why Apparition's phased body parts appear as a lighter shade. It also allows us to see Invisible Kid when he's Invisible, identify the Durlans when they're shapeshifted..."

A useful feature, indeed. And it showed that the Legionnaires, a tight fighting force as they were, weren't all that without their technology. Of course, Vapor had to admit that it was the Legion's ingenuity that had invented the flight rings first...

They were interrupted by Ultra Boy stepping up to the creature, which struggled against its bonds. "Stay back, all of you," Jo Nah warned. "I'm invulnerable now. We don't know what this is capable of." He held up an Omnicom. "Brainy, I'm scanning and sending to you..."

"It definitely is - or was - a McCauley Industries employee," Brainiac 5's calm voice could have been talking about the daily weather control report. "A security guard, Ylandra Scheentara?"

Particon gasped. "I knew Ylandra. We used to have coffee together..."

"Let's bring her back to Legion World, then," Live Wire suggested. "She can help us understand what's going on..."

Before he could finish, the ground beneath them erupted.

*****************************************************************************

Comet Queen's eyes widened as creatures of nightmare poured out of the ground. "I'll blind them!" she shrieked as she let forth her comet gases.

"No, Grava!" Rebound called. "They can't see, but we can't, either!"

"And we need to, to fight back... AH!" Spark was cut off.

"Oh no... I'm sorry, starshine!" Grava whimpered. "I've made things worse!" She quickly zipped through the gases and grabbed Spark, pulling her away from the behemoth attacking her. Spark clutched her bleeding side. "Take me far up, please," she said weakly." I'll make sure it doesn't follow us." A blast of electricity erupted at the creature, forcing it back.

"Let's clear the air," Insect Queen shifted into a gigantic Steeplian Fan Moth, and let her wings blow the gas away. "Good call, Lonna," Chameleon said as he took the same form. "I love how encyclopedic your knowledge of insects is..." Lonna gave him a grateful wink, and soon the gases were blown away. At the same time, Ultra Boy was shepherding Cadets away at ultra-speed.

"Everyone stand back!" Microbe yelled. "I'll try to slow them down..." She gasped as she held her arms out, a tell-tale greenish glow around them. "I'm throwing everything I can at them, but nothing's working..." The ground erupted again, and Microbe flew into ther air.

"I have her!" Gates said as he opened a teleportation disk behind Microbe. It opened far up, and a shaky Drura emerged - but her leg was bleeding.

"We need to slow them down..." Umbra unleashed her darkfield at the creatures. "Now that we're all away from them, you can use your comet gases, Grava," she snapped. Grava wilted at Umbra's pointed look. "I'm really sorry, it was a nova-big boo-boo," she murmured as she blasted her comet gases at the creatures again.

"I'll help," Chemical Kid said as he hovered above the sphere of darkness. "I don't really understand their biology, but they ARE organic, and I think I can slow them down..." He grunted as he closed his eyes.

"I'll help you," Amp said as she flew behind him, hands glowing red as she boosted his powers.

"I think it's working..." Chameleon said as he flew closer to Microbe. "Hmmm, Drura's not..."

His words were cut off as the creature bound in Umbra's darkfield and Insect Queen's webbing snarled. With a heavy roar, it broke free! "What in..." Gates screamed as the creature slashed at his abdomen. He quickly flew back and teleported away as he clutched at the gash. Another teleportation disk took a groaning Microbe to safety, as well. Chameleon loomed at the creature, stretching his body to wrap it up. Before he could, though, it opened its mouth and let loose a stream of energy. "Aaaah!" Chameleon's body shook as it lost cohesion.

"No way!" Inferno radiated a beam of intense heat at the creature, driving it back.

"Good job, Dirk," Wildfire flew past and aimed at it. "Now let's retake our prisoner..." He let loose with the anti-matter, driving it even further back.

"Legionnaires, listen!" Brainiac 5's voice came over the flight ring array. "These creatures seem to be able to adapt and evolve in a matter of minutes of exposure to a new stimulus!"

"This just gets better and better..." Umbra snapped. "I'm thickening my darkfield, but I can feel them fighting against it. That explains why..."

"Then... this won't last long..." Chemical Kid grunted as sweat appeared on his forehead. Beside him, Amp was shaking from the strain as well.

"You heard them, Cadets! Let's blast them!" Dragonwing snarled as she took a deep breath.

"NO!" Rebound bounced in front of the assembled Cadets. "Remember, they adapt to our powers. If we hit them all at once, it will give them a chance to equilibriate."

"I agree," Cosmic Boy said. "We need a better idea."

"How about burying them?" Inferno suggested. "Buy us some time..."

"Excellent. Ultra Boy, help Wildfire. Everyone else, aim at the ground!" Magnetic tendrils radiated from Cosmic Boy's arms, and chunks of rock and metal began slamming into the creatures encased in Umbra's darkfield dome. Multiple beams of energy followed. Soon, the area was covered in rock.

"I think that bought us some time," Cosmic Boy said. "Now, let's help..."

"Too late," Ultra Boy said grimly. He held up Wildfire's helmet. "Brainy was right. The creature somehow adapted to Wildfire's anti-energy, and ripped his containment suit apart.It's gone now."

A chill settled over the group, punctuated only by the gasping of the injured.

"Okay, status report," Cosmic Boy looked around. "Chameleon, Gates, Spark, Microbe are injured, and Wildfire is out of action. And Babbage..."

"I will need time to repair myself," Babbage intoned. "Unfortunately, it will take at least two cycles..."

"Okay, the six of you need to get back to Legion World. Then come back with reinforcements. The rest of you..." Cosmic Boy breathed in deep. "We have seen how dangerous this is, firsthand. Any Reservists who want to leave, we won't judge you..."

"R'i'm roing rack!" Cannus rasied his hand right away. "Just like in your tryout,*" Catspaw muttered. "Cowardly canine..."

"That's fair, Cannus. Anyone else?" Cosmic Boy asked.

"Wait, can you guys get back by yourselves?" Live Wire asked in concern as he knelt over Spark.

"We'll be fine," Spark smiled as she weakly pushed her brother's arm away. "Our flight rings and transuits are already beginning to dull the pain, but we do need medical attention..."

"I already called a Threshold," Particon said. And as if on cue, the familiar blue-white triangle appeared and a Kwai flew out, followed by droids with stretchers. In short order, the Kwai was flying back through the Threshold with Gates, Spark, Microbe and Chameleon on stretchers, and Babbage's parts and Wildfire's suit. "I can see Wildfire's energy form following," Inferno said as he used his ability to see heat signatures.

As Cannus began running to follow, Cosmic Boy turned to the others. "Last chance - anyone else wants to go?"

Some of the Cadets, such as Chlorophyll Kid, made as if to move. But nobody did.

"Okay, if you're all sure..." Cosmic Boy began. But just as Cannus' tail vanished into the Threshold, it winked out.

"Uh... Particon to Legion World control, what the sprock happened? One of our Reservists almost lost an appendage!"

The silence that followed was deafening.

"Does this mean...?" Lamprey's voice was tinged in fear.

"Yes," Spider-Girl said as she looked up from her Omnicom. "We're cut off from Legion World. Welcome to Luna, everyone...we're now stranded here."

*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************
IB's notes:

1) Cannus was a finalist in the Legion tryouts in Legionnaires 43, but was rejected for running away in fear from an attacker in the final exam.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/01/18 02:34 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

McCauley Industries, Luna (Earth's Moon)

Active Legionnaires

Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time
Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; shadow casting

Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis, can see heat signatures (probationary pending completion of Legion basic training)

Cadets and Reserve Legionnaires

Brawler of Moxie; super-strength and durability, can mind-mesh with machinery to control it
Mandalla, Tari Wahlmunn of Takron-Galtos; projects a thought-sphere that affects the target's mental and physical functions
Night Girl, Lydda Jath of Kathoon; super-strength in darkness
Porcupine Pete, Peter Dursin of Earth (Jamaica and Mexico); ejects quills from his body
Rainbow, Dori Aandraison of Xolnar; rainbow-based light powers
Sizzle, Teela Spuunvll of Abaddonus; absorbs and redirects energy

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

I know you're all afraid. I am too. Even after all my years as a Legionnaire, I still get this feeling in the pit of my stomach on some missions. And I'm not going to lie, this is one of them. I want you all to know, though, that there is no shame in being afraid. All of us are, to some degree. But as every Legionnaire has learned, the scary parts of the job won't go away." - Cosmic Boy

Inferno reflected on Rokk's little pep talk. The Legion's first leader certainly had a way with words; Dirk had felt calmer after hearing them. Cos somehow knew how to connect with his audience and make them feel heard. No wonder the other Legionnaires still spoke of him with a degree of reverence.

Well, most of them, anyway.

"This is boring," Brawler sighed as he kicked a rock. It zoomed mere centi-klicks away from Sizzle's leg, earning Brawler dirty looks from the red-skinned girl, Mandalla and Rainbow.

"Watch it, nasshead," Sizzle spat. "I don't care how bored you are, don't be an idiot."

"Well, this IS boring!" Brawler snapped back. "I don't care what Cosmic Boy said, I'm not the least bit scared, and I want in on the meat of the action!"

"I'm bored too," Mandalla grumbled, "but I know better than to sneak away from my post. It's important to keep a perimeter, so the other teams can bring survivors to safety."

"And even if we did sneak away," Rainbow added, "we wouldn't do so with you!"

"That's enough," Inferno cautioned. "You saw how suddenly those monsters burst out of the ground earlier. We have to be on our guard."

"That's right," Umbra said, tendrils of dark energy coiling around her. "I expect more seriousness from you. Especially you, Brawler, I have my eye on you."

"Why just me?" Brawler protested. "The others also suggest sneaking away!"

Umbra waved a hand dismissively. "They know better, don't you, girls?" Rainbow blanched. Umbra had been extremely firm when Rainbow had joked about breaking ranks earlier. Dirk wished Brawler had as much sense.

"I agree," Ultra Boy added as he rubbed his temple. Jo had been using penetra-vision to keep watch, and Dirk had learned that Jo preferred to keep invulnerability as his default power now - especially after Apparition had given him a good talking-to after their return. Yet he alone among their squad had any powers for keeping watch; Dirk could see heat signatures, but not through soil and rock. "Take it from me - I used to work for McCauley - and the tunnels under us are a maze. And not very safe, either." He paused for a moment as he reoriented himself. "Just be glad that all of us former Workforce employees could break off from our other missions to join the team here. McCauley always preferred keeping things confusing in case raiders or pirates, and it looks like Evolvo saw the advantages too."

"Not just pirates, right?" Mandalla offered. "I heard more than a few whispers of McCauley's business dealings while I still lived on Takron-Galtos. He kept his trail hidden, but there was always someone who knew somebody else who spoke about smuggling, bribing,counterfeiting... all without proof, of course."

Jo shrugged. "Yeah, if there was anything like that, he made sure to keep it a secret - even from us. The number of times he'd take a call privately... Of course, Evolvo was always eager to use his intellect to curry favor with McCauley..."

"And Spider-Girl too, no?" Rainbow asked. She stared boldly at Ultra Boy, not bothering to conceal her contempt. Rainbow was one of the more opinionated Cadets.

"Hey, I've worked with Sussa a lot, and her heart is in the right place," Dirk offered.

"Yes. She may have stayed with McCauley longer than most of us, but she has really been an asset to the team," Jo said, not a little heatedly. Dirk knew that Jo no longer had feelings for his ex-girlfriend, but Dirk thought that Jo wouldn't have enjoyed being tarnished by association with McCauley. None of the former Workforce members were particularly proud of that part of their lives.

"Enough chatter." Umbra's voice was regal; Dirk and Condo joked that she always had a Planetary Champion voice. "We are here to maintain a safe zone. Let's make sure we do so!"

"Wait a minute..." Porcupine Pete's voice trembled ever-so-slightly. "Is it just me, or is the ground moving?"

The group fell silent. Inferno and Umbra turned to Ultra Boy, who was frowning. "I don't see anything, but it would be a good idea to get airborn..."

He never finished his sentence. The ground spat forth a column of rock, and a particularly large piece hit Ultra Boy right in the chin. Lacking the time to switch from penetra-vision to invulnerability, Jo Nah slumped to the ground, blood pooling around his head.

"I'll get him!" Night Girl jumped forward. "He looks hurt pretty bad... Oh!" Lydda barely stopped in time to dodge a large boulder that fell where she had been running.

"Watch out!" Dirk yelled. He couldn't see what was causing the ground to fly around, but it stood to reason something was manipulating it. "Elementary physics - look at the pattern of the rock! Something else else is throwing it up like that!"

"Then that something had better prepare for my darkfield!" Dark bands blasted from Umbra's hands, flying towards the source of all the flying rock. They hit something, which gave a roar of pain.

"All right, let's do this!" Rainbow began to glow.

"Wait!" Dirk shouted. "Let's try to see what we are dealing with, first!"

"Bah, it's clearly invisible. Let's just get in there and hit it!" Brawler jumped forward, an eager smile on his face. Something else else caught him in mid-leap, though, and threw him back with a painful-sounding crunch.

"Uh, I think Inferno had the right idea...." Sizzle muttered.

"Indeed." A mask of concentration appeared on Umbra's face, and her darkfield began to spread along the surface of the creature she was attacking. Soon, it covered the creature's entire form. Dirk almost wished it hadn't; the thing looked like a cross between the Omniphagos and the Glass Mountains of Sirius Minor; a large hulking humanoid form with jagged spikes all over.

"Oh, grife..." Mandalla said.

"Okay, now that we see it, let's help Umbra out!" Dirk flew up to where he could get a clear shot at the monster's head. "None of our powers will cancel your darkfield out, right, Umbra?"

"I don't think any of you can generate sufficiently intense light, but it would be best to focus on heat," Umbra said as she intensified her blast.

"Got it." A stream of heat surged forth from Dirk's hands. Sizzle hovered beside him, soaking up the heat energy he was emitting. She fired as well; by absorbing stray heat energy, she could reduce the amount that was wasted. The monster growled and began to take a step towards them.

A translucent sphere appeared around the monster's head, halting it in its tracks. Mandalla's thought-sphere; it began causing the monster to thrash around. Thankfully, it also confused the monster, causing the fountain of rock to stop.

Night Girl began to move forward again. "Now's my chance to reach Ultra Boy," she said. "Just try not to radiate too much light in my direction..."

Dirk shook his head. He appreciated Lydda's calm, focus and sensible thinking, but it was difficult enough to watch out for teammates in battle. Her weakness to light made it difficult for many of the team's energy-casters to work alongside her. Suddenly, he got an idea. "Umbra... can you surround Lydda with your darkfield?"

"Why... yes." Umbra smiled as she realized what Dirk was suggesting. "Brilliant idea, Dirk." Darkness flowed from Tasmia to surround Lydda, who gasped. "Oh...this feels great!" She doubled her efforts to sprint towards Ultra Boy's prone body.

Rainbow began glowing in a variety of colors and added her own light energy to the mix. "Yes, pour it on!"

Dirk cried out at the intensity of Rainbow's attack. It felt like an aurora exploding in his brain. "Rainbow, no! Your light is all over the place - focus!" It was to painful. Dirk felt his own attack cease. Grife, he thought. If it's weakening me, then what about...

"Use your training - pinpoint laser beams!" Umbra screamed. "I can barely keep my darkfield up..."

"I'm losing my strength!" Night Girl added. "I can't keep going..."

"Too late!" Porcupine Pete yelled. "Monster's free, get down!"

The ground erupted again in a fountain of debris.

Dirk reached out beside him and yanked Sizzle away. Switching to heat signatures, he could make out the cooler body of the monster against the blinding ambient energy left behind by Rainbow's attack. He flew as far away from the monster as he could, Sizzle in tow. As soon as he had gotten far enough away, he turned around, heart in his throat. Silently, he and his companion landed on the ground.

Mandalla was comforting a sobbing Rainbow. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." Dori was wailing. An unconscious Brawler was still sprawled out on the ground, where he had flown after the monster hit him. Porcupine Pete knelt, clutching what remained of Umbra's cape. Night Girl was staring at the distance, muttering. "I wasn't fast enough..."

Of both Umbra or Ultra Boy, there was no sign.

Dirk swallowed. He was the only Active Legionnaire left. He suddenly felt very, very unprepared. Awkwardly, he reached out to Dori. "Dori, I need you to get ahold of yourself. We will need everybody."

Dori shook her head, and buried her face in Mandalla's shoulder. Mandalla awkwardly patted Dori's back, but her pleading eyes were looking at Dirk.

"What... what do we do know..." Sizzle stammered.

Dirk breathed. "We call in to the other teams, see what Cosmic Boy and the others say, and get Brawler awake." He forced himself to look each of the others in the eyes. He needed to give them courage. "We will need everyone to stand together, to make it through this."
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/01/18 03:51 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

McCauley Industries, Luna (Earth's Moon)

Active Legionnaires

Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form

Cadets and Reserve Legionnaires

Beastmaster, Ilshu Nor of Lallor (Hero of Lallor seconded for training); transform into any animal

Chlorophyll Kid, Ral Benem of Mardru; plant manipulation
Crystal Kid, Bobb Kohan of Earth (Brazil and Peru); crystal generation and manipulation
Dragonwing, Marya Pai of Earth (Singapore and Tibet); breathes fire and secretes acid venom
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
Hotshot, Staq Mavlen of Shwar; breathes fire
Tellus, Ganglios of Hykraius; telepathy and telekinesis

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

The best way to face danger is to acknowledge it. We're stranded on Luna, and there are powerful monsters that can adapt to our abilities. That just means we have to work together, and be smart." - Cosmic Boy

"I'm just saying, we could create a more effective cordon," Beastmaster shook his head, his voice getting louder and louder. "Chlorophyll Kid and Crystal Kid have powers that can create barriers!"

"But again, we have one problem," reminded Echo. "We don't know what these masters are capable of, and we don't know where they will come from. We need to keep our vision unobscured."

"I agree with Echo," Rebound said. "We've been through this, Beastmaster. Yes, Ral and Bobb can help, but we are keeping their powers in reserve until we have survivors to protect. Right now, we need a better idea of terrain!"

"Who made you tactician?" Beastmaster snorted. "Just weeks ago, you were the non-powered Chief of Logistics!"

"That's uncalled for!" Echo said. Beside him, Dragonwing tensed. "Apologize, or you'll get a fireball in your face!"

"Stand down, everybody!" Live Wire's voice was authoritative as he stepped into the middle of the group. "We can debate and still be civilized, Beastmaster. And I appreciate you defending Rebound, Dragonwing, but let's ease off the physical threats, okay?"

Both Beastmaster and Dragonwing breathed a deep sigh. Echo watched silently; their situation had frayed many nerves, and the tension was showing. Besides the heightened tempers of Beastmaster and Dragonwing, the normally pessimistic Crystal Kid had barely said a word since their group had positioned themselves on the far side of McCauley Industries. Hotshot's lisp had become more pronounced, as had Chlorophyll Kid's stutter. Tellus' telepathic link kept shutting off; the Hykraian was having a tough time maintaining it and scanning for monsters. The fact that Tellus was the only one in their group, save perhaps Beastmaster and Echo himself, who had powers that could detect movement made it all the harder.

"I appreciate you wanting to fortify our position," Live Wire continued, "but we've done all we can while still giving us enough room to move. Crystal Kid has set up a small crystal wall; it's non-flammable, so Dragonwing and Hotshot will have room to work. Echo is monitoring the ground vibrations, while Tellus is watching out for alien thought patterns. You can help by covering either the visual or olfactory spectrums. I'm sure you can think of a form that can do both? Because I can't, but surely you know something." Garth gave a small wink to Chuck as he said so. Troy grinned despite himself, and Garth's knowing glance showed her understood.

"Yes," Troy added, using just the right amount of reverence in his voice. "You ARE our expert on exotic fauna."

"That's why we chose you for this assignment," Rebound nodded.

Beastmaster paused for a moment, the corners of his mouth quivering into a smile. Despite his attempts at stoicism, everyone knew how he loved getting his ego stroked. "I suppose the Enwan Night-Wolf can help; it's almost deaf, but it evolved excellent eyesight and a sense of smell to adapt to the harsh winds and storms of Enwa..." Without another word, the hero from Lallor had transformed into a canine form with a pronounced snout and large eyes. Nodding to the group, it trotted off.

"Grife, that Lallorian is SUCH a pain..." Hotshot muttered.

'Lallor does have its own hero group, small as it is," Rebound said. "I know it doesn't make Beastmaster very easy to work with, but he is determined to prove Lallor is just as good as any other planet. Especially considering Lallor's historic semi-rivalry with Earth..."

"And Lallor, despite similarities to Earth and Xanthu, doesn't quite have as many post-humans..." Echo observed. "Though I hear they government is taking steps to increase that number..."

"I'm not surprised," Live Wire said carefully. "Lallor does occupy a strategic location..." Garth frowned suddenly. "Wait... there's something wrong with the crystal wall..."

Everyone turned to look at where Garth was pointing. It seemed like the wall was darkening, somehow. Echo quickly reached out with his powers. "The crystal... it's vibrating. So faintly I could barely feel it..."

"But I can't sense a thought!" Tellus' deep voice flared in Echo's mind. "How...?"

"Be ready!" Live Wire said as he flew up. "Remember, we don't know what's out there -"

His reminder was drowned out as the crystal wall exploded outwards. Crystal Kid dove with a cry. Echo quickly reacted, letting loose a sonic scream that vaporized the crystal shards flying towards him. "Get it together, Bobb!" Troy said, trying to be encouraging.

"Yes, shield us!" Chuck added. He knelt beside Bobb, shaking him. "Come on, snap out of it!"

"I... I can..." Chlorophyll Kid stammered as he dug into his belt pouches. "I think I... oh no!" A seed fell out of his grasp. "Not that! No, I used my powers without thinking!"

A bush with blue leaves and orange blossoms began to grow. "That's Malean Narcoroot! It gives off a sleeping spore..."

"Burn it, now!" Garth commanded. Dragonwing and Hotshot stood side by side, and began to exhale streams of fire. Marya gave Staq an eye; their not-always-friendly rivalry was remarked upon by most of the Cadets. Having near-identical powers - and with Inferno already in the Legion - had made both Cadets extremely competitive.

"Echo, Tellus, with me!" Garth flew towards the crystal wall. "Let's keep our distance until we know what we're dealing with!"

"I'll call Beastmaster back," Chuck said as he twisted his flight ring. "I'm picking up his beacon..."

"No need!" A large, winged avian form appeared over the crystal shards littering the ground. "I came as soon as I heard! And I see what caused the wall to blow up!" Folding his wings, Beastmaster dived towards the ground. "It's some kind of purple blob...!"

"Don't go near it!" Garth cautioned. "We don't know what it can do!"

But it was too late. As Beastmaster descended, a black, inky liquid flew up to meet him. It ensnared the Lallorian, who flapped his wings in panic.

"Tellus, can you try to disentangle him with your telekinesis?" Garth looked.

"I'm trying..." The Hykraian blinked in frustration. "It's too much to move... I fear Kinetix would do better..."

"You have to stop comparing yourself to Kinetix or Saturn Girl or Mentalla," Echo said gently. "They may be more skilled in telekinesis or telepathy, but you combine their skills!"

"And we'll help you," Garth added. "Echo, let's weaken the blob." Troy nodded, and he directed his sonic scream at the section of the inky arm just below Beastmaster. He watched as electricity and sound mingled in a concentrated blast.

"It's working..." Tellus thought. "I'm peeling the arm away..."

"Change form, Beastmaster!" Garth directed. Thankfully, the Lallorian hero complied, shifting to a tinier bat-like form. He flew through the arm that had caught him; it flailed around, but Tellus' telekinesis was keeping it from closing.

"I've got him," Troy flew up towards his teammate. Judging by the way he was flying, Beastmaster was exhausted and possibly mildly injured.

"Uh, guys?" Rebound's voice came over the flight ring array. "We need some help here..."

"Let's go!" Live Wire commanded. Towing Beastmaster along, Echo followed Live Wire and Tellus down. He gasped at what they saw.

Inky black tendrils were closing in on their teammates from all directions. Rebound was trying to pull a cowering Crystal Kid to his feet, while Chlorophyll Kid was huddling behind Dragonwing and Hotshot. The two fire-breathers were keeping some of the tendrils at bay, but they were soon to be overwhelmed.

"Let's give them air support, team!" Garth directed. Blasts of electricity and sound made some of the tendrils fall back. "Stay airborne," Garth cautioned Tellus and Echo as he flew down.

"Shouldn't we follow...?" Tellus asked. Echo shook his head. "Last thing we need is for us to get caught too. But be ready to move if anyone needs help."

"Get clear, you three," Garth told Hotshot's group as he headed towards Chuck and Bobb. Bobb was shaking as he got to his feet. "I'm sorry, I just froze..." Bobb stammered.

"We need you to get your head in the game, Bobb," Chuck said gently. "Come on, let's join the others... Marya! Break off!"

Hotshot and Chlorophyll Kid had taken to the air, but Dragonwing was holding her ground. "Not a chance! I can stop these things!" Echo swallowed. There were too many tendrils around her...

"No!" Rebound yelled as he ricocheted towards Dragonwing. He slammed into her, knocking her backwards just as a large black tendril the width of a Mardruan Arbol slammed into where she had been standing...and where Rebound now was. The round Legionnaire spluttered as he vanished in a sea of ink.

"Oh no, oh no!" Dragonwing fell to her knees as she saw what happened.

"Hold Beastmaster," Echo told Tellus as he flew down past the stunned Hotshot and Chlorophyll Kid. He yanked Dragonwing to her feet. "Marya, we have to go, now!"

"But... but... it's my fault!" Dragonwing's eyes were wild as she clutched Echo's shoulders.

"Listen to me, Marya!" Echo snapped. "Don't let Chuck's sacrifice to help you be in vain. Now, come on!" Marya, still dazed, nodded; but thankfully, she took off into the air. They rejoined Tellus, a shaky Beastmaster, and Hotshot and Chlorophyll Kid in the air.

"Okay, we need to calm down. Let's go find Live Wire, and..."

"Get out of here!" Echo's head snapped around as he looked towards where Live Wire and Crystal Kid were. Bobb was flying towards them as fast as he could, but Garth was surrounded in the biggest ball of lightning Echo had ever seen him throw. All around him were inky tendrils.

"I'll hold it off, but..." Garth's next words were drowned out as the tendrils slammed into him. In seconds, he was drowned.

Troy closed his eyes. He didn't see any way they could free them. "We have to get out of here. We can't help them, and we don't want to be next." Six fearful faces looked at him and nodded. Turning as one, they flew away as fast as they could.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/04/18 12:42 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

McCauley Industries, Luna (Earth's Moon)

Active Legionnaires

Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation, disruption of energy flow

Cadets and Reserve Legionnaires

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Arachno of Arachnidia; enhanced abilities of spiders
Comet Queen, Grava of Quaal III; super-speed flight and emission of comet-like gases
Flying Fox of H'lven; levitation and other abilities
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Veilmist of Khundia and ??; teleportation

Workforce members

Amber of Dendron, projects a sap-like gel
Evolvo, Sev Tcheru of Lallor; shifts self between human evolutionary states, including a super-strong ape-man and a telekinetic, hyper-intelligent futuristic human
Lupine of unknown, wolf-like humanoid form
Sandstorm of Mica, body composed of animate dust particles

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The main reason the Legion has endured and thrived for so long? It's that we know how to work together. That's why we continue to be held up as a standard of diversity and cooperation. - Cosmic Boy

Apparition smiled at Amp, whose eyes were narrowed in concentration. "I could get used to this," Tinya said encouragingly. With Amp's power boosting her own, Tinya had made many of her squad intangible - besides Amp and herself, Comet Queen was oohing and aahing as she phased through jagged bits of debris, while Veilmist was forging on ahead with a big smile on her lips. Behind them, Particon was shielding the rest of the squad with her energy powers. It was slow going, as Arachno, Flying Fox and Gravity had to stick close to Jennifer so they could be covered by her shield.

"So could I," Amp said. She was beginning to enjoy the possibilities of using her power to boost someone else's, so they could affect her too - what would it be like to shrink or grow like Violet, or to turn into gas like Vapor? There were not many powers she could use this with, but the thought intrigued her. Doing so could expand the types of missions she could succeed at... The thought made her feel a little better about not pushing her powers enough to cover the entire squad. The team had agreed that reaching Evolvo and his Workforce members was the biggest priority, and they could do it faster with just the most necessary team members.

"Like, starshine, so could I! This is mega-nova-amazing!" Comet Queen was positively gushing as she loop-the-looped overhead. Initially morose at being called out for blinding the team with her comet gases upon their arrival on Luna, she seemed to have forgotten her worry.

"Simmer down, Grava," Amp warned. "We're intangible, not inaudible!"

"Bah!" Veilmist scoffed. "We are Legionnaires; we don't need stealth. Only the defenseless do." The lithe, pink-skinned female was striding along determinedly; despite her voluptuous figure and seductive manner, Amp had noticed that she became rather brusque when no men - or at least, when no men who were intrested in women - were around. Density and Gravity had certainly been surprised when they had tried to kid around with her.

"Amp is right, you two," Apparition said firmly. "Remember, our objective is to rescue Evolvo. We won't be able to do that without some element of surprise. And besides, not everyone is invulnerable or untouchable." Apparition gave a wry smile. "I once died because I forgot that, you know."*

"Like, meteor mash, we wouldn't want that!" Comet Queen squeaked. She quickly clamped her mouth shut and began to fly along more quietly.

"Hmph," Veilmist gave them all a glare full of contempt. "I'm ready for battle. Aren't we there yet?"

"Just about..." Apparition said. "... here." The four of them came to a stop in front of a spacious waiting room which had seen better days. Hover-chairs lay scattered on the floor, a shelf of books - original paper antiques - was overturned, pages littering the carpet; ceramic vases remained only in pieces. Ominously, the large ornate doors at the end of the room lay shut; there was a hole in the wall that was now sealed shut with rubble. "Evolvo's office..." Tinya pointed. "Okay, remember the plan?"

"Plans are for weaklings!" Veilmist laughed. She vanished with a pop.

"Oh...!" Comet Queen's eyes bulged as she looked from where Veilmist was, to Apparition and Amp.

"We have to go after her," Amp said determinedly. "She's already blown our cover, and who knows what could happen. I watched the logs; Evolvo and company were under attack when comms were cut."

"I agree," Apparition said. "We have to get in there. Let me just..."

"Allow me. Amp to Particon..." When Particon answered, Amp held her flight ring up to Apparition. She wanted to show she had initiative, but she also knew how much the Legion valued teamwork; she didn't want them to think she wouldn't follow the mission leader. As Apparition smiled in thanks, Amp silently felt relief. Looks like she had made the right call. All those hours of studying the Active Legionnaires' interactions during missions was paying off.

"Jen, this is Tinya. Veilmist broke ranks. We're going in. Catch up when you can."

"Understood, we're ten minutes behind. Don't murder Veilmist too much."

"There'll be time for that later," Tinya said grimly. "Let's go, girls. Stay close so we can maintain intangibility."

Amp held her breath as they stepped through the closed doors...

... but she couldn't help but gasp as she saw what was behind them.

Veilmist was struggling, her arms straining as she flailed through the ear. Yet, nothing was holding her up - nothing visible, anyway. In front of her stood a pale-skinned, vaguely humanoid beast. Its oversized cranium was nearly as large as its body, and Amp shuddered as she watched the blood vessels criss-crossing its bald head bulge. Its body, however, was diminutive, which made Amp wonder how it held up its head.

"Is that Evolvo?" she whispered to Apparition.

"Most likely. I'm guessing he's using telekinesis. Watch out for that," the brunette directed.

"No time for that! Comet Queen to the rescue!" Grava zoomed straight towards Evolvo. She lowered her head in preparation for a headbutt.

"Grife... Might as well try to make this count," Amp said. "I'll boost her speed..." At Apparition's nod, she concentrated her power on enhancing Grava's own, making sure to boost her durability as well. One issue Amp still often had was remembering which specific abilities to boost; after testing on the Daxamites she found that she could selectively boost certain traits only, if she wished. This meant she had to be conscious about whether she was affecting every important trait.

Grava slammed into Evolvo with a thud. The evolved humanoid scowled, fixed his eyes on her, and sent her flying back, where she crashed into a wall and fell unconscious.

"Yup, definitely telekinesis..." Apparition muttered. "Ask Particon to hurry. He's choking Veilmist!" Tinya dove her intangible form through Evolvo's head, causing it to shriek. As it clutched its head, Apparition followed with a kick to his head. The shrieking stopped as Evolvo slumped tothe floor, unconscious. So did the form of Veilmist. Amp ran to check on her. "She's out, but alive."

"Good," Apparition said. "No sign of the rest of the Workforce, but I'd like to be sure before we get out. Evolvo should be stunned for a few minutes..."

"I guess we're a little late for the party?" Apparition and Amp turned as the large ornate doors burst open. Gravity's hands were glowing gray; a sign of his powers in use.

Particon looked around. "So that's a mutated Evolvo, huh?" Without missing a beat, she directed the others. "Arachno, get Veilmist and Comet Queen out of here. Apparition, Flying Fox, let's do a quick search. Gravity and Amp, keep watch..."

"I comply." Arachno's voice sounded like rusting leaves. She swiftly wrapped the forms of Veilmist and Grava in webbing and tucked them under her arms.

"Don't go too far, Fox," Particon called. However, the tiny Cadet had disappeared around a pile of rubble.

"Come back, Fox," Gravity yelled. "Remember our search-and-rescue class!" Amp stopped herself from rolling her eyes. Gravity was studious, which she respected; but he too often cited rote theory instead of spelling out the practical principles behind the best practices. To Amp, that made the difference between memorizing facts and being able to apply them in situtations. "Yeah, we wouldn't want to have to rescue you too, in case you get into trouble," she added.

"I'll get him..." Particon began. Before she could finish, though, the little Cadet slammed against the wall near the door. Particon knelt down and gasped. "Let's get out of here. His fur is covered in sap..."

She was interrupted again, this time by a loud crash at the far end of the room. What Amp guessed were the mutated forms of Amber, Sandstorm and Lupine came charging towards them.

"I'll take Sandstorm!" Particon encased the creatures' dust particles in an energy sphere.

"Amber's mine. Gravity, you have Lupine..." But as Apparition flew towards the orange-skinned female, a blast of webbing zipped through her and into Amber's face. "Arachno, no!"

With a snarl, Amber, now several meters taller and with extra hands, stretched her arm out. Sap-like gel shot out, snagging Arachno and causing it to slip.

"Gravity!" Amp yelled. The lean Cadet had been standing open-mouthed. "Oh, sorry, it just threw me..." Activating his power, Gravity lifted Arachno, preventing her from crushing Veilmist and Comet Queen.

"Great. Now you need to stop the Workforce, while I get our teammates out of here." Amp increased her strength and helped Arachno stand up. "You need to go now, Arachno."

"I believe you are correct, Amp," Arachno said. Amp could tell she was abashed that her attempt tohelp had not accomplished anything. Arachno quickly scooped up the unconscious Flying Fox, and made her way to the door.

Amp turned back to the battle. Gravity flew towards Lupine; it had sprouted spikes and fangs and was flailing about wildly. With a flick of his wrist, Gravity caused Lupine to float to the ceiling, then slammed him into the ground, knocking him out. Meanwhile, Apparition had flown through Amber, causing her to shriek and fall to her knees. Turning solid, she grabbed a metal rod and slammed it into Amber's head, knocking her out.

"That seems to be a wrap," Particon said. "Now, Amp, if you will give me a boost so I can make my energy prison last longer, and Gravity, if you will help me bury Sandstorm..." Particon's sphere glowed a brighter pink as Amp helped her. Gravity stepped up to act. "Should I make Sandstorm sink, or maybe jettison it past the atmosphere..."

Before anyone could answer, Amp felt herself thrown forward. Thinking quickly, she used her powers to boost her reflexes and agility, and flipped her body around to land safely. She turned around to stare in horror as Gravity and Particon tried to get up. Evolvo was towering above them. "You hurt me!" It shrieked, though without moving its mouth.

"Its telepathic?!" Gravity clutched at his shoulder.

"He is now, it seems," Apparition was grim as she charged forward. "Get back, now! I'll handle him!"

"You will not. I can seize your mind!" Apparition shuddered as she stopped in her tracks. "He's making me tangible..." She put her hands around her throat as she began choking. "No..."

"Let me help!" Gravity raised his arms. Evolvo began to move back slightly, then stopped. "He's fighting back..." Gravity said, fear creeping into his voice.

"Try again." Amp put her arms on Gravity's shoulders. As both of them strained, Evolvo began moving back. He blinked once, then bared his teeth. Amp could feel the force pushing against her as she strained. Evolvo smiled cruelly as he held his arm out. Amp felt her strength give out as both she and Gravity collapsed to the floor. Evolvo turned his attention back to Apparition, whose eyes began to bulge. Her feet began kicking as Evolvo choked the life out of her.

Particon staggered to her feet as they did, and a staff of pink energy formed in her hands. "Get the others and go, now!" Before Amp or Gravity could do anything, Particon had run forward and leaped at Evolvo. With a cry, she drove her staff into his brain. Evolvo screamed, and Amp shielded her face in a vain attempt to blot out the whiteness. She felt Gravity clutching at her. "Use your flight ring!" she yelled, as she willed herself to fly backwards towards the door, as fast as she could. She felt herself slam into something soft; gripping it with her free hand, she realized it was one of the hover-couches in the lobby.

"Are... are they...?" Gravity stammered as he caught his breath. Amp was silent as she stepped forward. The glow had faded, but she still saw some dark circles.

"Are you okay?" Arachno's raspy voice sounded.

"Check in the room and tell us what you see," Amp said, trying to keep calm. "Be careful, Evolvo might still be there!"

She heard Arachno's legs shuffle as she moved towards the door. Amp could feel her heart in her throat. "All I see is a whole in the floor..." Arachno said quietly. "And the hole leads nowhere."

"Oh my grife..." Amp heard a plop as Gravity sat down. Amp shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She could barely think, her head was hurting so much.

"... let's go find the others," she heard herself say. She sounded braver than she felt.

*****************************************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Apparition "died" during the White Triangle War, but somehow survived as her intangible form anchored itself to Ultra Boy's invulnerable body. She got better when she merged with one of her bodies - she's half-Carggite, after all.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/07/18 06:33 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

McCauley Industries, Luna (Earth's Moon)

Active Legionnaires

Insect Queen, Lonna Leing of Xanthu; morphs into various insect forms, gaining the powers of the forms she takes
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony (Earth colony: Japan and Myanmar); skilled martial artist

Cadets and Reserve Legionnaires

Calorie Queen, Taryn Loy of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter, conversion of digested matter into super-strength
Catspaw, April Dumaka of Earth (Ghana and Tanzania); enhanced agility, speed and claws, cat-like senses
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau); underwater survival; hydrokinesis
Spectrum, Ulu Vakk of Lupra; changes the color of people and objects
Tomb, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions
Vision, Rhent Ustin of Earth (Egypt and Spain); microscopic, telescopic, heat, freeze, and hypnotic vision

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Every Legionnaire has been through situations that seemed hopeless. However, we have all succeeded through them with help from our friends. - Cosmic Boy

Lamprey floated quietly along, taking care to follow the small white triangle that marked Tomb's back. That was the only spot of color she could see on him; the rest of his body was a blend of gray and black, camouflage courtesy of Spectrum so their little group could sneak along. Sadly, because Spectrum affected physical objects rather than minds, he was not as effective as Sensor would have been at hiding them. But it had to do. Their mission was to sweep through McCauley Industries, and find and rescue any non-mutated survivors they could.

So far, that had been zero.

She sighed inwardly, trying not to be discouraged. Although some other Cadets - like that squaj Brawler - were motivated more by ego and glory, Lamprey was one of those who just truly enjoyed the job of a Legionnaire. Helping others, inspiring others. What happened here, at least what they had seen so far, raised so many questions in her mind. Could the mutated be cured? How had this happened, was someone responsible for this or had it been a freak accident? How could this have gone on undetected, and could it have been stopped earlier?

She and Amp had discussed many of these questions during the briefing, and had raised them with Triad. But Lamprey knew they had to do their jobs now, and worry about the rest later.

So now here she was, floating behind Tomb, Calorie Queen behind her. Vision was taking the lead with his telescopic vision; sadly, unlike Inferno, he couldn't see heat signatures and so Spectrum's colors were confusing him. Insect Queen, however, had taken on the form of a Imskian Glo-beetle and could see each of them, so she was in the rear. Catspaw couldn't see, but she could smell. And Karate Kid... as far as Lamprey understood, he was keeping out of their way through sheer concentration. The four of them were mainly responsible for detecting any survivors.

Lamprey glanced behind her at where Calorie Queen was. She knew Taryn was as determined as she to make the Legion, perhaps more; Taryn was probably in the top three of Cadets alongside Amp and Echo, now. Dedicated as she was, Lamprey just wasn't quite as fast a learner. But if Taryn was anythiung like Amp, she was probably getting a little bit frustrated... she thought of saying something, then decided against it. Stealth was the most important thing, after all.

She fell silent as Vision spoke up. "I think I see something." There was silence for a few seconds. "Could you describe what you see, Rhent?" Calorie Queen said quietly. Then Vision sheepishly coughed. "Ah, I forgot I was camouflaged."

"It's okay," Lamprey tried to reassure him. Poor Rhent was one of the more nervous Cadets by disposition. "Just tell us where to go."

"Up ahead, about five klicks..."

"I'll scout ahead," Karate Kid said quietly. "I know the terrain, after all." Lamprey nodded, though nobody could see her. It had been rather fortunate that the same five Legionnaires who used to be Workforce members had all been recalled for the mission... one for each sub-team. "Catspaw, can you smell what Vision is seeing?"

"I smell... something..." Catspaw said tentatively. Not cautiously; none of the Cadets would ever call April that. She sounded confused, though.

"Then you come with me. The rest of you stay here; Catspaw and I need to be quick in case we don't like what we see."

Lamprey focused her eyes as the small triangles marking Catspaw's and Karate Kid's forms faded into the distance. She sighed inwardly as she settled in to wait.

***********************************************************************************************************************************************

Calorie Queen sat as patiently as she could. Beside her, she heard faint rustling; probably Lamprey or Spectrum or Vision. Tomb was naturally silent, and she knew Insect Queen was too experienced. But Vision was naturally nervous, and Lamprey had tried to speak to her a couple of times. Taryn hadn't wanted to be rude, but she had reminded Tayla that they had tobe as stealthy as possible. Socializing outside a mission was one thing, and Tayla was one of the best Cadets at that - she was always inviting everyone to study groups or to picnics and the like. But she had to improve in reining in her tendencies during missions.

Taryn scolded herself inwardly as she willed her mind to focus. Hidden as they were, they still needed to be vigilant; that was the advice Chameleon and Triad had given her when she inquired about the Legion Espionage Squad. She had heard that other Legionnaires whose powers weren't suited to permanent squad membership could be pulled in from time to time; and Triad's observational and acting skills which had earned her a spot too, despite her powers not being quite as stealthy as the rest. Well, Taryn really wanted to be a Legionnaire, and one way to do that was to show she could be competent at different types of missions. So she did her best to concentrate.

Minutes passed. Taryn resisted the urge to reach into her belt pouch and check her Omnicom for the time. Spectrum hadn't changed it color, and it could be a tell-tale signal.

Finally, the monotony was broken by Insect Queen's quiet voice. "Something else else's wrong."

"How do you know?" Spectrum asked tentatively.

"Their flight ring signals went dead," Insect Queen replied flatly. "Spectrum, lose the camouflage. We need to move fast."

"Finally!" Vision hissed, as they all came into view once more. Insect Queen had already taken to the air. The Cadets quickly followed. Lonna had already shifted into a different form. "With this, I can track their footprints... When we catch up to them, priority is to get them and run. Calorie Queen, that's you and me. Tomb, if they're injured, you see to them. The rest of you, cover our escape. Got it?"

The Cadets answered in unison as they flew behind Insect Queen. In minutes, she came to a stop.

A large slug-like creature was oozing its way along. Insect Queen gasped and dove to the side. Calorie Queen could see her picking something up.

"Spectrum, can you reverse your powers on them?" Calorie Queen directed.

"I... I can do Catspaw, but I don't know where Karate Kid is..." As Spectrum stammered, Catspaw came into view in Insect Queen's arms.

"i am here..." Karate Kid's voice sounded. Lamprey quickly pointed and shot a weak stream of water in his direction. It cascaded over Val's form, revealing his location. Spectrum smiled in gratitude as Karate Kid reappeared.

"Be wary," Val began. "Just being near this thing... is draining... energy."

"Then we shouldn't get close," Calorie Queen started as she ran to Karate Kid. She grunted; she could feel herself getting weaker.

"She might not make it," Lamprey said. "Vision, Tomb, we need to distract that thing!"

"I..." Vision stammered. "Use your heat vision!" Lamprey hissed. But before Vision could act, Tomb had stepped forward. The silent Cadet raised his hands, and a yellowish glow appeared. The monstrous worm released a loud shriek as a gash appeared on its side.

"Careful, Tomb, we don't want to kill it," Insect Queen cautioned as she set Catspaw down. "But keep driving it back, we need to buy time. Spectrum, get Catspaw out of here... Calorie Queen, Karate Kid is yours. The rest of us can buy you time."

Lamprey's eyes glowed as she concentrated on trying to find a water source nearby. It was so frustrating to be one of the Legionnaires whose powers depended on an outside source, so to speak; she could control water, but not create it. She had been working with various Legion tutors to learn how to draw water out of ambient water vapor, but this depended largely on the external environment. She knew this frustrating limitation presented an obstacle for her advancement...

... ah, there! A sewer beneath them. "Be careful, everyone, it's going to get wet in here. Vision, can you heat up the water I'm going to draw?"

As her timid teammate stammered in the affirmative, Lamprey began to pull large amounts of water through a crack in the floor. "Now, Rhent!" Vision's heat vision surged forward, super-heating the stream of water that she directed at the leech. As it shrieked in pain, she gave silent thanks that her gamble had paid off; its vulnerability to Vision's earlier heat vision attack meant it was susceptible to heat.

Buoyed by her efforts, Tomb's lips crept into a twisted smile as he caused more wounds to appear in the leech's side. Lamprey trained the superheated water on these gashes, causing the leech to scream even more.

"Good job, everyone," Insect Queen said with pride. "Catspaw and Karate Kid are already recovering. Now, let's get ready to break away."

"Okay." Lamprey pressed her attack a few more seconds, enough to deter the leech some more. Than she stopped and flew after Insect Queen. Vision followed.

"Wait... where's Tomb?" Karate Kid said. He was leaning on Calorie Queen; a good sign, as earlier she was carrying him. Eyes narrowed, he looked into the distance while Spectrum tended to Catspaw beside him.

"Oh no..." Lamprey saw Tomb, still with his back to them, arms still outstretched. Gash after gash appeared in the leech's side. She yelled into her flight ring. "Tomb, come back here! We're all clear!" Tomb ignored her strident calls.

"Ugh..." Calorie Queen shook her head. "I think he's enjoying cutting loose. He always has to hold back during practice, but we've observed how he is in the VR room against VR opponents..."

"I'll get him." Insect Queen took to the air, and changed into the form of a giant spider that Lamprey recognized as being from Arachno's species. Lonna spat a glob of webbing at Tomb. But before she could retrieve him, the enormous leech raised its head up and slammed it into the ground. Tomb just barely dodged, throwing himself to the side just in time. Still, the impact sent him flying back.

"Somebody get him!" Insect Queen shrieked as she threw webbing at the leech.

"I'm feeling better, I'll help you!" Catspaw hissed as she flew forward.

"I'll go too!" Spectrum volunteered eagerly.

"So will I!" stammered Vision.

"No, wait!" Lamprey said. "Let Insect Queen handle it!

"This thing leeches powers, remember!" Calorie Queen pointed out as she started for Tomb; with her super-strength, she could get him easily.

"That's right! Stay back!" Insect Queen was already shifting forms. "I'm turning into a Tenazorian Giant Wasp, which preys on leeches, but I don't think this thing has any natural predators..."

Spectrum and Vision had stopped, but Catspaw still bounded forward. Lamprey cursed as she darted after the catlike Cadet. She wasn't fast enough though; Catspaw leaped at the leech, scratching its side. As the leech roared, Catspaw dropped to the ground. "Feeling... weak..."

"Sprock it, Catspaw!" Insect Queen yelled. She began firing stingers at the leech, but it was too intent on its new prey.

"Nass... I don't have a choice..." The redheaded Legionnaire shifted into a scorpion, and stuck her stinger into the leech. It reared its head and opened its maw wide. Then, it did something that Lamprey would remember until she was old and gray. The only way she could describe it was the leech vomiting millions of tiny leeches out of its mouth.

The group of Cadets stared in horror as Insect Queen tried to evade; but she was on the far side of the leech now, and having made physical contact, she was nowhere near as fast as she would be. The redhead threw up her hands in panic, but she was literally buried by the flood of vermin.

"No..." Calorie Queen gasped as she pulled Tomb to safety. Lamprey fought back tears as she willed her own flight ring ot pull herself and Catspaw back; she didn't dare hesitate, Catspaw was too close.

"Fly away, now." Karate Kid commanded as he bolted forward, past the Cadets. "What are you..." Spectrum began.

"Stopping this as best I can." Without another word, Val took up position beside a damaged beam holding up the ceiling. Before any of the Cadets could react, he aimed a kick with pinpoint precision. And before Lamprey could even call out his name, the ceiling creaked and buried Karate Kid and the leech.

Lamprey knelt down, still trying to hold back her tears. This wasn't supposed to happen. It wasn't.

Calorie Queen sighed as she set Tomb down. She placed an arm around Lamprey, comforting her. Lamprey mutely nodded back as she forced herself to stand up.

"We'd better go," she said quietly, trying to control her anger at Tomb and Catspaw. That old song was correct; "if only" was really one pf the most painful phrases in the universe.
Posted By: razsolo Re: Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/08/18 03:28 AM
Wow IB, that was intense!! Poor Insect Queen and Karate Kid! I am not counting them out just yet, but that was really well depicted! I am looking forward to seeing how this squad particularly goes from here!

It's funny, you know how we all tend to come up with different variations on the same idea with our different series....I swear I had a giant leech thing that spewed out millions of baby leeches exactly like you just described somewhere in one of my plot thread ideas lol smile

I really like how everyone has separate and distinct personalities, and I am enjoying the Cosmic Boy quote at the start of every scene as a kind of linking theme as well...looking forward to more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/08/18 09:04 AM
Thanks, raz! Happy you enjoyed the crazy things I'm putting these kids through tongue I was tempted to short cut this part, as I have 5 teams all going through a similar thing, so I'm glad you're enjoying the action and characterization!

Now I have to go find your post with your giant leech thing tongue

Up next: the last squad - will they fare better?
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/09/18 10:56 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

McCauley Industries, Luna (Earth's Moon)

Active Legionnaires

Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair

Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions (probationary pending completion of Legion basic training)

Cadets and Reserve Legionnaires

Vapor, Tal Nahii of Lallor (Hero of Lallor seconded for training); transforms her body into gases

Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal); controls his body's density; increasing his density grants a degree of strength and durability
Retro, Deen Toro of Retcon; touch-triggered ability to rewind time, but leaving those affected with a memory of "future" events
Splitter, Floyd Belkin of Lallor; ability to detach his limbs from his torso
Stone Boy, Dag Wentim of Zwen; turns self into stone

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Friends, the sentients here need us. Let's go and show them what it means to be a Legionnaire. - Cosmic Boy.

Density glanced at Chemical Kid as the two hovered along silently behind Spider-Girl. Jed couldn't get his boyfriend, Gravity, out if his mind; Jed knew that he need to perform well on this mission as it would impact his chances of becoming a Legionnaire. But at the same time, Gravity was out there - and he wasn't invulnerable or intangible. Not like Jed.

He envied Condo; Condo's boyfriend, Invisible Kid, was already an established Legionnaire. Jed and Tel had a problem not shared by most of the Cadets; they wanted to both get into the Legion, or failing that, be assigned near each other. And being in the Legion was the best way for that; if they both ended up in the Science Police, they could be posted on separate planets. They would have to spend precious leave credits to see each other. And for a couple that was extremely physical, maintaining a long-distance relationship would be unbearable. With the emerging new Threshold restrictions, they wouldn't be able to just jump across planets anymore...

"Keep your head in the game, Jed," Condo whispered.

Jed nearly jumped. He smiled in apology and embarrassment. "Sorry, Condo. I should stop being preoccupied..."

"About you and Tel, isn't it?" Condo's face softened into a smile. "I know, believe me. I understand what it's like to worry about being apart..."

"Yeah... we talked about opening our relationship up further, at least physically. But I know I have a tendency to fall; unlike Tel, who can separate sex from romance. So neither of us are comfortable with that idea..."

Condo nodded in sympathy. He and Lyle had never considered an open relationship, so he couldn't really empathize; but he understood why Jed and Tel were considering one for themselves. He gave Jed's shoulder a squeeze. "If you want to talk about it after this mission..."

"Let's. I'm sure we'll all need a day at the spa after this," Jed chuckled. They shared a smile, then went back to focusing on their mission. Their squad was had some of the most dedicated Cadets, or at least silent ones; Stone Boy was stoic by nature, perhaps because of the patient culture of Zwen; Splitter had only recently succeeded in his fight to get the Lallorian government to waive the requirements forcing him to return to Lallor after his Cadet training, and had not been shy about telling his classmates that his only alternative to returning to Lallor was getting into the Legion; and his Lallorian teammate Vapor was an established hero in her own right. The normally snarky Spider-Girl had made it clear she didn't enjoy chatting about her experiences as a Workforce member; and Cosmic Boy, though wearing a friendly and approachable disposition, was the paragon of professionalism. Retro had tried several times to start a conversation, and had failed miserably. Jed almost felt sorry for him; but then, the Cadet program had always been a diversion for Retro, who was among the least dedicated of the enrollees.

A sideways glance showed Retro muttering under his breath, while Splitter glared at him. Those two were such a contrast.

Abruptly, Spider-Girl stopped. "We're here," she said quietly. She traded looks with Cosmic Boy, who nodded. Spider-Girl 's hair flowed out behind her as she spoke. "You all saw the video. It will probably be extremely messy in there. Now, our job is to get in and find any data we can, to help us figure out what happened and how to stop it. You see any data banks, hard drives, encryptions, leave them to me. Anything physical, run a scan and investigate before touching. Now, just in case something is inside there, we subdue and contain."

"That's the job of us long-range combatants," Chemical Kid noted. "Me, Cosmic Boy, Vapor."

"Exactly. Density and Stone Boy, move in as needed. Retro and Splitter, keep your eyes open and assist me." Spider-Girl's hair tightened, a tell-tale sign of nerves. Density steeled himself. He had been in training sessions with simulated blood and gore before, to help prepare himself for the worst that he could see on the field; but knowing something was imaginary was so different from potentially seeing something in real life. He understood why even veteran Legionnaires would be a bit queasy.

Jed held his breathe as the doors opened.

************************************************************************************************************************************************

"Well, at least we got in without a fight," Retro breathed.

Splitter nodded, silently. He was paired up with Retro for the search, but they didn't need to speak any more than was necessary. Splitter detested Retro, and how he took his whole Cadetship for granted. And Splitter would never admit it, but he and Retro agreed on one thing: Splitter was secretly glad there had been no enemies waiting behind the doors. It would allow him to avoid dealing with the fact that his power was less-than-impressive in battle.

Twice now, he had had to face that, though. Once at his Legion tryouts,* and the second time during the retaking of Legion World.** He still kept thinking back to the tryouts though; he had come so close, to the final round... then he had cracked under pressure, his limbs detaching, and had just lain there as Umbra, Sensor and Magno had earned their flight ringd. Why, why hadn't he been one of the prisoners who had gotten expanded powers from the Monitor? If only he could animate his limbs while detached from his body...

"Spider-Girl, Cosmic Boy, we found something," Stone Boy called from a corner of the room. Splitter's heart leaped. Even Stone Boy, who couldn't move in his stone form, was potentially ahead of him for Legion membership! He had to keep his head in the game...

"Hm..." Cosmic Boy and Spider-Girl knelt down beside Stone Boy and Chemical Kid. Splitter tried not to look at the green-clad Condo; he had been one of the four who benefited from the Monitor's experiments, and Splitter envied the amazing amount of power Condo had gained. "Come on, Retro," Splitter muttered. "Let's search over there..."

"Oh, Retro, could you come here, please?" Chemical Kid called. "I have an idea." Splitter ground his teeth as he followed Retro over; after all, they were asked to stay in pairs, and Splitter wanted to be a team player. "Dag and I found a cracked Omnicom," Condo noted. "But Spider-Girl found that its drive is trashed. But if you use your powers..."

Retro shook his head. "Even with all the training, I can barely do more than sixty minutes..." he said. "I doubt we'll learn anything here."

"You could increase your range if you took training seriously," Splitter muttered under his breath. His eyes bulged as Retro looked at him sideways, though nobody else seemed to have heard. Grife! What would everyone think if they had?

"You should still try," Cosmic Boy said. "We don't know how long this has been broken. Better than nothing."

Retro shrugged as he took the Omnicom in his hands. Space warped around the Omnicom as he used his power...

... and it looked almost exactly the same, and still broken.

"Oh well, it was worth a try," Stone Boy said, shoulders falling. Splitter tried to hide the smile on his face.

"Well, let's keep looking," Spider-Girl said, standing up. "And remember to check your transuits. McCauley barely cared about worker health and safety. I doubt Evolvo is considerably better.

"Uh... guys?"

Everyone turned in the direction of Density's panicked voice. Splitter willed his limbs to stay together as he stared at what Density was pointing at.

"What the nass...!" Retro tried to steady himself, but his hands were shaky. He lurched over and began to throw up. Splitter almost felt like doing the same. In front of them, looming in the doorway at the far end of the room, was... was... he wasn't quite sure how to describe it. It looked like a series of humanoid bodies that had been stitched together haphazardly. The writhing mass of flesh had dozens of screaming heads, hundreds of flailing limbs... Splitter clutched the post he was leaning on. This was disgusting in a way the earlier monsters had not been.

"Those without long-range powers, get out of here!" Chemical Kid stepped forward, arms outstretched. His hands glowed green as he pointed. "I can sense some of the workings of its body... grife, parts of it are definitely from the Sol System..."

As Splitter gawked, he felt a hard tug. He looked down to see a long strand of red hair wrapped around his arm. "No long-range powers means you, Splitter!" Spider-Girl snapped. She was already herding Retro and Stone Boy ahead of her. "I'm not going to let my hair touch THAT!"

Before Splitter could turn to follow, he heard Vapor's warning cry. "Watch out!" The purple-and-yellow form of Density flew through the air, landing with a loud crash on a table, which cracked under his weight. "I'm okay..." Jed called groggily.

"Come on, quit dawdling," Spider-Girl said as she pulled at Splitter. "We have to get whatever data we have out... AAAH!" Splitter felt her hair flow away from his arm as Sussa was yanked into the air. Around her waist was a slim black tentacle. "Let go of me!" she screamed as she dug into it. Splitter cowered as another tentacle loomed over him. He screamed as it wrapped around his leg, pulling him up.

"Splitter! I've got you!" Vapor's gaseous form, with her normal head still atop it, rushed towards the tentacle holding Splitter. "Hm, muriatic acid won't work... how about chlyrine gas..." Splitter closed his eyes as Vapor worked. "This can't be happening..." he kept muttering to himself.

"Floyd, listen to me!" he heard Condo yell. "It has you by the LEG. Detach yourself!"

Spots of color appeared on Splitter's cheeks as he realized what Chemical Kid was saying. He willed his leg to detach, and with a yelp, he fell to the floor. As his head and shoulders hit, his world seemed to blacken.

The next few minutes passed by in a daze. Lying on his belly, Splitter watched as Retro dashed out the door. Vapor shot him a look of apology, then dashed off to the tentacle holding Spider-Girl. Both Cosmic Boy and Chemical Kid were dodging tentacles; Condo was doing better as he could slow down the tentacle's movements. Cosmic Boy had to rely on manipulating metal to stave off the ones attacking him.

Density shouted something, and he came running forward, muscles rippling as he swung a petrified Stone Boy around. Jed was batting off tentacles left and right, but more were swarming around him. Suddenly, one yanked him by a leg, jerking him up into the air; Stone Boy clattered to the floor.

He watched Spider-Girl raise her hand; her Omnicom was in it. She was saying something to Vapor, who shook her head in horror. But Sussa shouted back, and Vapor's face fell. She turned back into her flesh form, grabbed the Omnicom, and flew out behind Retro. Splitter wanted to shake his head. The data they had collected; it must be in that Omnicom. Of course, Getting that data out of here was the most important thing right now.

Chemical Kid flew to Spider-Girl, and began waving his hands around the tentacle that held her. It began to sizzle; Condo was likely trying to combust it. Splitter knew that Condo wouldn't be able to do too much, lest he burn Sussa.

Over on the far side of the room, Cosmic Boy let loose a barrage of metal shrapnel, driving them into the mass of tentacles surrounding him. They recoiled, and Splitter thought he heard a shriek of pain. Cosmic Boy began flying to Spider-Girl. Splitter wanted to scream, to warn him, but the words would not come out. A giant arm extended from the creature they were fighting, slamming Cosmic Boy against the ceiling. As the arm dropped, Splitter was at first not sure that what he was seeing was real; an unconscious Cosmic Boy's torso extended from the arm, arms dangling uselessly; but the lower half of his body was nowhere to be seen. He had been absorbed, somehow.

Condo turned with a cry. This was a fatal mistake; another arm slapped him out of the air, and he crashed into the floor near Splitter. Vapor flew back in, and she rushed to where Spider-Girl was. But before she could reach the Legionnaire, the redhead was yanked back into the middle of the mass of... whatever it was.

With determination etched into her face, Vapor turned to the sole remaining captive of the creature: Density. Turning into a bluish-gray mist, she surrounded the tentacle. It began to wither in front of Splitter's eyes. With a mighty flex, Density burst out of it and fell to the floor, breaking his fall with a crouch. Vapor landed beside him, and Splitter could see them yelling at each other. With one last pained glance, Density looked at where Cosmic Boy and Spider-Girl were being absorbed, and ran towards Splitter. Floyd Belkin felt himself being lifted, and saw that an unconscious Chemical Kid was on Density's other broad shoulder. A concerned Vapor stared up at him, looked into his eyes, mouthed something, then stood up. He felt her hand on his leg, and realized she must be reattaching his leg. She must have freed it from the creature, too.

Then all he could see was the floor, and in seconds he saw the open door they had entered through, as Density carried him away.

***************************************************************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Splitter tried out for the Legion in Legionnaires 43. He made it to the finals, but fell apart (literally) under the pressure of the final exam. Star Boy had commented that Splitter's powers would be useful in unnerving an opponent, but... really?

2) In Volume 3, Splitter was one of the captives who was too weakened upon being freed to join the fight against the Monitor. Check it out here.

3) In Legionnaires 49, Splitter, Vapor and Beastmaster appeared together as the Reboot "Heroes of Lallor".
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/11/18 12:08 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

McCauley Industries, Luna (Earth's Moon)

Active Legionnaires

Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions (probationary pending completion of Legion basic training)
Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis (probationary pending completion of Legion basic training)

Cadets and Reserve Legionnaires

Beastmaster, Ilshu Nor of Lallor (Hero of Lallor seconded for training); transform into any animal
Vapor, Tal Nahii of Lallor (Hero of Lallor seconded for training); transforms her body into gases

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Arachno of Arachnidia; enhanced abilities of spiders
Brawler of Moxie; super-strength and durability, can mind-mesh with machinery to control it
Calorie Queen, Taryn Loy of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter, conversion of digested matter into super-strength
Catspaw, April Dumaka of Earth (Ghana and Tanzania); enhanced agility, speed and claws
Chlorophyll Kid, Ral Benem of Mardru; plant manipulation
Comet Queen, Grava of Quaal III; super-speed flight and emission of comet-like gases
Crystal Kid, Bobb Kohan of Earth (Brazil and Peru); crystal generation and manipulation
Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal); controls his body's density; increasing his density grants a degree of strength and durability
Dragonwing, Marya Pai of Earth (Singapore and Tibet); breathes fire and secretes acid venom
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
Flying Fox of H'lven; levitation and other abilities
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Hotshot, Staq Mavlen of Shwar; breathes fire
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau); underwater survival; hydrokinesis
Mandalla, Tari Wahlmunn of Takron-Galtos; projects a thought-sphere that affects the target's mental and physical functions
Night Girl, Lydda Jath of Kathoon; super-strength in darkness
Porcupine Pete, Peter Dursin of Earth (Jamaica and Mexico); ejects quills from his body
Rainbow, Dori Aandraison of Xolnar; rainbow-based light powers
Retro, Deen Toro of Retcon; touch-triggered ability to rewind time, but leaving those affected with a memory of "future" events
Spectrum, Ulu Vakk of Lupra; changes the color of people and objects
Sizzle, Teela Spuunvll of Abaddonus; absorbs and redirects energy
Splitter, Floyd Belkin of Lallor; ability to detach his limbs from his torso
Stone Boy, Dag Wentim of Zwen; turns self into stone
Tellus, Ganglios of Hykraius; telepathy and telekinesis
Tomb, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions
Veilmist of Khundia; teleportation
Vision, Rhent Ustin of Earth (Egypt and Spain); microscopic, telescopic, heat, freeze, and hypnotic vision

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"Ral? We will get through this. I know we will." Hotshot sounded optimistic, but it did little to boost Chlorophyll Kid's spirits. Hotshot placed a reassuring arm around his friend's shoulder, then fell silent. Ral Benem was thankful; Staq was his closest friend in the Cadet program, and knew just what to say or do when he was feeling down.

Ral focused on breathing in deeply, like Legion psychologist Dr. Ryk'rr had taught him. He repeated the mantra he had learned: "you're here, you're okay, just stop and think..."

Dr. Ryk'rr had been such a dear. And sometimes he wondered, if maybe she had been on to something... he was generally a peaceful person, he hated violence... what was he doing, putting himself in dangerous situations like these, which had seen teammates possibly die? Was his self-esteem so low that he needed to be a superhero to feel better?

His hand rested on his pudgy belly as he tried to steady himself. He recoiled as he felt the rolls of fat. He hated it; every time he used the Legion World pool, he would wear a full-body suit because he could not bear being compared to his fitter teammates. Yes, Rebound was fat, but now it was tied to his power! Not like with Ral...

Oh grife. Ral's eyes bulged as he realized Rebound was captured by the monsters, maybe worse.

He closed his eyes and began to breathe again. He didn't want to die here. Not like this...

*******************************************************************************************************************************************************

Beastmaster sneered in contempt as he watched Chlorophyll Kid bury his face in his hands. Such weakness! Many of the others weren't much better. Hotshot was so rattled he could not control his fiery breath; nearly every second sentence he uttered was accompanied by a blast of fire. Crystal Kid had shut down, and was sitting quietly staring off into space. Tellus was so distraught he could barely maintain the telepathic link between them!

Only Dragonwing and Echo had earned his respect. Dragonwing had fire, no pun intended; she was a fierce and brave warrior. And Echo was just as brave... but he also had wisdom. Beastmaster grudgingly admitted to himself that Echo's restraint last battle had probably been what had saved him from getting captured.

Still, Beastmaster preferred acting quickly. That had saved his life on many occasions...

He stopped as he sniffed the air. In the form of a Kathooni Bloodhound, he raised his snout. Something else else was coming, fast...

"Look sharp!" he yelled as he leaped up using his flight ring. He could not see much in his form, but he could smell his prey. He opened his jaw as he surged forward, and prepared to bite down hard...

... and then his world exploded into blackness.

*******************************************************************************************************************************************************
"Brawler, Pete, Sizzle, no! Stand down" Night Girl watched as Inferno held his hands in front of the rest of her squad. Brawler, already angry at being taken out so early in their last battle, had been itching for a fight; Lydda was not surprised that he had met the attacking Bloodhound head on. She was a bit surprised that an animal native to her homeworld was here; Kathooni fauna typically only functioned well in darkness and relative quiet, and McCauley Industries was anything but.

She made her way to the felled animal cautiously. With all the light around, her strength was almost entirely gone. She tried to bury her frustration at that; she had known ever since she gained her powers that she would be ineffective on most UP worlds and in most situations. Sometimes she wondered why she still stayed on Legion World; Cosmic Boy was dating Kid Quantum, after all. Maybe it was her natural tendency to see things through. Although, Umrba's darkfield had given her hope. If there were some way to harness it... Maybe she could keep her strength...

She put her thoughts out of her mind as she turned the Bloodhound over. Good, it was still alive. "It's out, Inferno," she called. As the probationary Active Legionnaire, he was definitely in charge. Lydda thought everyone except Brawler accepted that, but then Brawler was no team player. And maybe Rainbow, but with her frequent mood swings...

She didn't finish her thought, but instead gasped as the Bloodhound changed shape in front of her. An unconscious Beastmaster lay in place. "Uh... Inferno?"

"Night Girl! Inferno!" Lydda looked up to see Echo, Hotshot and Dragonwing approaching. Without realizing what she was doing, she ran up to Staq and gripped him in a bear hug. "Oh my grife, we thought we were the only ones left!" She smiled as Staq held her back.

Another familiar voice nearly caused her to fall over. "We did, too," it called. Lydda quickly dropped Staq and ran over to Spectrum. "You made it, too!"

"Yeah, we did," Calorie Queen sighed as she set an injured Tomb down. "So I see that three of the squads made it."

"I think it's time for a council of war," Inferno mused as he looked Calorie Queen up and down. Echo nodded in agreement. "I see that the Active Legionnaires with you are missing..." he whispered. "It looks like the same thing happened to all our squads.

Lamprey noded in the affirmative. Lydda felt a chill run down her spine. If the veteran Legionnaires were gone...

She involuntarily squeezed Spectrum's arm more tightly. What chance did the rest of them have, then?

***************************************************************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

The Legion of Substitute Heroes appeared in Legionnaires 49 in the Reboot. I established that they continued on until they all enrolled inthe Legion Cadet program. Members included Blizzard and Microbe (now full Active Legionnaires); Night Girl, Hotshot, Chlorophyll Kid, Stone Boy, Porcupine Pete and Rainbow (all Cadets).
Posted By: razsolo Re: Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/11/18 05:53 AM
This is great, IB! I love all the misfits coming together, can't wait to see where they go from here! laugh

oh re the giant leech thing.....I never actually got around to writing my one, but when I read your description it was pretty much the exact visual I had in mind....synchronicity strikes again!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/11/18 09:29 AM
Thanks raz! it’s one big group of 42 (or it will be soon), but with so many, their numbers might be whittled down soon...

lol at synchronicity. great minds think alike wink
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/12/18 12:13 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

McCauley Industries, Luna (Earth's Moon)

********************************************************************************************************************************************************
"Comet Queen, keep low!" Gravity hissed, a little louder than he had intended. He began thinking of an apology, then shrugged it off. Grava wouldn't have cared anyway; you could yell at her and she would barely register your annoyance. And besides, none of the Active Legionnaires were here to monitor his behavior...

... and he was more worried about Jed, anyway. Tel sighed. Jed could be so easygoing... he wanted to be a Legionnaire as much as Tel did, but sometimes he didn't realize the implications of things. Just before they split up, Jed had joked about the mission being more dangerous than your typical gay male party...

Tel wanted to shake his head. Times like these, he wondered whether he was being too ambitious for his own good. Becoming a full Legionnaire seemed exciting, but now he understood firsthand the danger they were in.

Still, this was the best chance for him and Jed to remain together AND live comfortably. Everyone knew that a Legionnaire's duty allowance easily beat most salaries anywhere, and he and Jed wanted to live MORE than comfortably, if they could. And joining the Science Police or the Workforce or any other private security team would not give them the freedom or flexibility to demand they be assigned together...

"Tel? I... we... need you to keep focused," Amp whispered into his ear as she touched his forearm. Tel nearly jumped. Despite his revealing costume, he wasn't comfortable being touched unless it was by an attractive male humanoid. He forced a smile. "Sorry, Amp. I know, you need someone else to help calm our group down..."

"Yeah," Amp smiled. Gravity had rarely seen her do so, since the liberation of Legion World. She had been so focused on improving herself, that it was nice to see her relax again, for a bit. And admit that she wasn't Supergirl. "I mean, you're the most responsible one here, and you know how headstrong our classmates are..." She gave a sideways glance at Comet Queen and Flying Fox, who were flying a little bit too high despite either Amp or Gravity calling them down every few minutes; Arachno was prone to wondering off due to her strong predatorial instincts; and Veilmist was just spoiling for a fight. Gravity sometimes wondered how much of Veilmist's aggression was due to her Khundian nature, and how much was due to her Khundian mother's influence growing up...

"Anyway, I'm glad you're here," Amp smiled at Gravity as they flew along. They were using their flight rings to reduce the sound they were making. Gravity smiled back warmly. "Hey, I'm good for more than just study groups on UP law and interplanetary relations..."

Before Amp could reply, the relative silence above them was broken by a piercing scream of rage.

Amp nodded at Gravity and shot forward. Tel sighed to himself as he followed. When this was over, he was going to get a robo-massage and treat himself to a double sundae, diet be damned.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

"Veilmist, stop!" Comet Queen wrung her hands as she watched her teammate charge at a shadowy figure up ahead. "Like, nova burn... Arachno? Fox???" Grava squeaked her two other teammates also jumped forward. But what if these were survivors? What should she do? Last time she tried to use her comet gases, she made such a mess...

"What's happening, Grava?" Gravity said as he and Amp flew up alongside her.

"Veilmist made eyes on some lurky shadows over there," Grava pointed. "I tried to tell her to cool up, but she zipped over there and started attacking... then Arachno and and Fox did too... but I'm like, not absolute-zero that they're hitting enemies, you know?"

"A few minutes earlier, I would have said to use your comet gases to stall everyone," Amp mused. "But I think we need a more direct approach."

"I'll handle it," Gravity smiled. With a wave of his hand, he pulled Veilmist, Arachno and Flying Fox towards them. "I could have made them sink to the ground," Gravity noted. "But that would have left them vulnerable..."

"Thank the grifing grife nothing happend to you!" Grava wagged a finger at her three teammates. "You two are, like, the universal best!" she gushed at Amp and Gravity. They were so sensible!

"Cowards!" Veilmist spat, face contorted in rage. Without another word, she teleported away from them and back into the group she was attacking.

"Sigh, this is getting tiresome," Amp shook her head. She zipped off after Veilmist. "Veilmist, stop this instant until we know what we're dealing with!"

"No!" Veilmist shrieked as she cocked her fist. Amp could see that the half-Khundian was straddling a humanoid figure that had its arms held out in defense.She thought she heard sobbing. Not an aggressor, it seemed. Amp quickly grabbed Veilmist's elbow, and increasing her own strength, used Veilmist's own backward momentum to flip her over. A blast of webbing shot out and covered Veilmist's eyes; it seemed Gravity had talked some sense into Arachno. Good.

Amp turned her attention to the figure Veilmist had been pummeling, and recoiled. "Oh no..."

It was Retro.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/12/18 09:46 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

McCauley Industries, Luna (Earth's Moon)

********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Retro moaned as Amp tended to him. "It looks like you're okay, though Veilmist almost broke your nose..." He stifled a scream as she put something on said nose. "That's not necessary!" he snapped. Using his power on himself, he rewound time a few minutes to just before Veilmist had hit him. "See, good as new?"

"You're very welcome," Amp said sarcastically. Behind her, he could hear Comet Queen muttering sarcastically, "What a gracious nasshead! You light the room up like a red giant!" He didn't care; he just wanted to get somewhere safe. His squad hadn't been able to protect him, and his rewind power wouldn't have helped if his head had been separated from his body by one of those creatures...

"Where's your squad?" Gravity asked, hands crossed over his chest. Retro wanted to roll his eyes. Tel Vole had never seen fit to speak to him; he usually hung out with the other serious students. Though Retro did think Tel and his boyfriend Jed had ogled him from time to time. Well, let them look; as long as they didn't mess with him.

"They're... somewhere behind me."

"How far?" Amp asked. She started uncomfortably into Retro's eyes. He returned the stare defiantly, then wavered.

"I... I..."

"You left us, is what you did!" A translucent gray cloud coalesced into Vapor; the Lallorian heroine was livid as she turned completely solid. Retro had rarely seen her do so, but he knew she took special care in the presence of those whose powers might react with hers, such as Comet Queen or Hotshot. "I wasted precious seconds catching up with you when you first ran out of the room, so I could give you Spider-Girl's Omnicom! You were the only one in a position to safeguard it! If you had stayed closer, I might have been able to save her and Cosmic Boy!"

Before Retro could retort, Veilmist had pushed Amp aside and seized his collar. "You ran away and abandoned your team?! You miserable vermin!"

"Easy, Veilmist," Amp said as she pulled the half-Khundian up and away from Retro.

"I.... I had to get the data safely away...!" Retro stammered.

"You ran away BEFORE I gave the data to you," Vapor fumed. "And you ran away again after! I had to leave the others behind to find you - and I was only able to do that because Chemical Kid and Splitter had recovered enough to help Density carry Stone Boy!" Staring daggers at him, she brought her flight ring to her lips. "Condo, I found him. Come on over."

"Oh, thank grife Jed is okay," Gravity said, positioning himself between Vapor and Retro. "And it will be good to boost our numbers. We can find the other three squads together."

"Numbers are useless if not everyone in the group contributes," Flying Fox said with a pointed glance at Retro. "All H'lvenite kits are taught that as soon as we can read." Retro glared at the little mammal, who glared back.

"Easy," Amp said, standing up. "We have to stick together. I'm sure Retro won't abandon us again, right?"

This time, her gaze was even more intense. Retro made it a point not to look away. "... Yeah. I won't." He wished he had as much conviction as he sounded.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************
"Luna to Stone Boy, wake up!"

Stone Boy shook his head as the world came into view again. It usually took him a few minutes to rouse himself, but training with Dreamer had improved his time significantly. Now, he could wake up fully in seconds... but no matter her patience and wisdom, she couldn't do anything about how long it took his power wore off. Once it did though, he was probably the fastest Zwennian alive in getting to alertness - a fact he was extremely proud of.

He sat up from his lying position in a flash. "Did we do it?"

The somber faces of Chemical Kid and Density stared back at him. "Sadly, not..." Condo said quietly. "We lost Spider-Girl and Cosmic Boy. Everyone else is okay though, and we've met up with Amp's group.

"What?" Stone Boy's jaw dropped. How could that be? Cosmic Boy was a founder, and Spider-Girl used to work on Luna for McCauley Industries! He had expected this team to be one of the most successful! "How did we lose them?"

"Many reasons," Vapor said grimly as she stared at Retro. Behind her, Splitter looked crestfallen. "Oh, not you!" Vapor put a reassuring hand on Splitter's shoulder. "You didn't abandon us..."

"Oh grife..." Stone Boy buried his face in his hands. "Maybe I shouldn't have turned to stone then... I could have done something else..."

"I needed something to use as a weapon," Density said calmly. Gravity was already by his side, holding his hand. "We did the best we could..."

"We'll just have to do better," Chemical Kid pointed out. "Come on, I finally made contact with Inferno. The other groups are all together, and we're going to meet up."

Stone Boy watched the grim faces of his companions as they turned to follow Condo, Amp and Vapor. He was almost afraid to ask for full details of what had happened.

As a child, he had been taught the benefits of his Zwennian hibernation. It refreshed physically and mentally. But now... he was beginning to wonder if he really had a place on a team of super-heroes.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Flying Fox crept forward stealthily. Though his powers allowed him to fly, he decided that crawling on the ground was the better approach. He was confident he wasn't making any more noise than was needed, and he was more confident he could keep out of sight that way.

Focusing his eyes, he observed the meeting point carefully. He had heard the discussion; those who had taken leadership had decided to do this to keep their hotheads from "beating each other up". Sometimes, these humanoids made Fox want to hit them all on the heads with acorns. On H'lven, everyone knew who was in their group and who was not; more importantly, once a leader was established, everyone fell in line. These humanoids with their constant power struggles...

He kept watch, hidden in an alcove. "All looks clear. And you, Catspaw?"

"Same, little rodent," she replied teasingly over the flight ring network. Flying Fox chuckled. Before joining the United Planets, H'lvenites would have run away from someone like this feline female. But now, they knew they could trust other species... to an extent.

"I detect nothing as well," Tellus added telepathically. The poor thing still had trouble communicating verbally over the flight rings, and preferred to broadcast in this manner.

"Okay, then," Echo said. "Let's meet up, gang."
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/12/18 10:24 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

McCauley Industries, Luna (Earth's Moon)

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Dragonwing rolled her eyes for the umpteenth time as she listened to the "ruling council" debate. That was the nickname Sizzle had given those who had taken charge. Marya thought her teammate - and some others - held a bit of resentment, but Marya didn't mind so much. She herself wanted to be a Legionnaire to help others and to beat up bad guys - it was good work, and exciting. Leadership never really appealed to her, and she was all too happy to let these others take on the responsibility.

What she herself did dislike was the endless talking in circles.

She glanced over to where the "ruling council" were standing. Brawler and Beastmaster and Veilmist were on one side, arguing for a full-frontal assault rescue mission to find the captured Legionnaires. Chemical Kid, Inferno, Amp, Vapor, Echo, Gravity, Calorie Queen and Night Girl were also taking part; and to a lesser extent, Density and Lamprey and Mandalla. Most of the others chimed in from time to time, even Sizzle and the usually quiet Tellus and Vision. Towards the edge of the group, Dragonwing was sitting with Arachno and Catspaw, commenting from time to time but mostly silent - neither of the three particularly liked talking, but they were making an effort for the good of the group. It was really only Splitter and Retro who seemed the most out of it. Chlorophyll Kid had too, at first, but Marya had seen him doing those breathing exercise things he usually did. And Crystal Kid had pulled himself out of his funk too. Marya had overheard Echo talking to him, telling him to stop worrying about freezing during their earlier battle.

Marya wanted to shake her head. Bobb would need to learn that fights were scary. Sure, there was more to being a Legionnaire than that; but nobody could avoid violence in that job!

"When will they finish?" Catspaw said silently as she stretched her back. "I know we have to be "team players", but this is getting tiring."

Arachno nodded as she shifted into a more comfortable position. "Our teammates don't seem to understand how difficult it is for us to sit and plan. We are all, by nature, very instinctive, no?"

"I don't have instincts like you do, Arachno," Dragonwing began. "But I know what you mean. I'm more of an acting type than a thinking type."

Catspaw sighed. "At least we are better at controlling ourselves than those three..."

Arachno and Dragonwing nodded in agreement. By now, everyone had heard about Brawler, Beastmaster and Veilmist all going half-cocked. With a bit of shame, Dragonwing thought that she was almost in that category; Rebound had sacrificed himself to save her.

She fell silent as she replayed that event. Grife, if she had moved when told to, Rebound might be here with them...

********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Catspaw cocked her head as Dragonwing began to tune out. "Hey, Luna to Marya."

"Oh...!" Dragonwing snapped back. "Sorry, ladies. I just..."

"What is it?" Arachno asked. Catspaw cocked her head again. It wasn't like Dragonwing to hesitate. "Come on, Marya. We know you well enough. When you want to say something, you say it. Something else else's bothering you."

"I... I just..." Marya swallowed, then continued in a stream. Catspaw nodded as Dragonwing poured out her guilt over not breaking off in battle, and how Rebound had had to save her.

April nodded sadly as Marya finished. She remembered her own team's encounter, and how she had attacked a monster insteaf of retreating like the others had said. Would Insect Queen and Karate Kid have been able to escape if she hadn't?

"Believe me, Marya, I can relate..." she began. And she poured out her own feelings. As she watched Dragonwing and Arachno listen in empathy, she began to relax a bit. Maybe talking wasn't so bad, after all.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Arachno stretched her legs out as she listened to Dragonwing and Catspaw. Or Marya and April, as they preferred to be called while relaxing. This was another thing alien to her; on her world, nobody had names. They could identify each other based on their other senses, so there was no need for names.

Except for Tangleweb, of course. She still shuddered. Tangleweb had kidnapped and killed humanoids and eaten their brains to become more intelligent. He had adopted the worst aspects of technology and corrupted them in order to terrorize her homeworld. When the Legion came and caught him and his followers, there had been celebrations as her people were freed from his tyranny. And when her world had finally been accepted into the United Planets, she had been chosen to go and learn more about the outside universe.

She approached her task with curiosity, but she often felt genuinely bewildered.

Like with her earlier actions. Sometimes, she didn't understand when she should help a teammate in need, and when she should leave them alone as she would only "be getting in the way". How to determine which was which?

She settled down as she listened to Marya and April discussing. This could be a good way to learn even more.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/12/18 12:24 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

McCauley Industries, Luna (Earth's Moon)

********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Sizzle was starting to get bored. Brawler and Veilmist were not showing any signs of backing down, though Beastmaster seemed to. Vapor had a lot of influence with him, and had finally gotten him to listen. These other two, though...

She didn't really have any strong opinions on either of the two proposed courses of action. A full assault on the monsters? Okay, if they could find out where the monsters were nesting, why not? She felt the group had enough power and stealth to scout for the other Legionnaires - if they were still alive. She definitely opposed the full attack that idiot Brawler was pushing for.

The other course of action did seem more sensible, though. As Amp and Chemical Kid and Echo and pretty much everyone else had pointed out, there were many advantages to finding a ship and trying to get off-planet. They could regroup, those who wanted out of the mission could rest on Legion World, and they could bring in more Legionnaires to help out. They hadn't seen any other survivors since arriving on Luna, anyway. And most importantly, they could get the precious data back to Legion World. With communications and Thresholds to LW still cut off, this was probably the most important priority at the moment.

She watched as debates erupted again. Nearly everyone had agreed with the "find a ship" option; but what people disagreed on was what to do about Brawler and Veilmist.

"If you don't want to follow orders, then go ahead," Calorie Queen snapped. "If we get through this, I'm going to recommend you be kicked out of the Cadet program! We all know what you two did, and your actions put your teams in danger!"

"I'm not comfortable letting you go and endangering others, though," Chemical Kid said. "I doubt as many as ten others will follow you if you do... but that's blood on our hands, if you get wiped out and captured..."

"Look, I feel as if we've been discussing long enough..." Inferno pointed out. "We can't keep going around and around in circles."

"Why not a vote?" Lamprey noted. "The Legion Constitution does provide for voting..." Ah, Lamprey. Always wanting everyone to get along.

"Lamprey, that's only for administrative questions," Echo rebutted politely but firmly. "In the field, though, the team Leader has supreme authority except where orders violate the Constitution."

"But we're not exactly a military organization," Lamprey pointed out. "There is room to question leadership decisions in the field!"

"I understand the need for democracy," Amp added. "But we're wasting time, as Condo said. And I also think we'll be better heading out as a group, then potentially splitting into two. I feel like most of us will follow the majority vote, anyway."

"Isn't there value in voting, then?" Night Girl spoke. "We can see how many will agree to get the ship..."

"I have watched the files," Gravity noted. "There are many instances where members voted on the field as to course of action..."

"Open discussion WAS used to draw up the plans for fighting Mordru*, or developing the Chu sting*, or thinking of the plan to storm the Blight stem*..." Density added.

"I think that's a good idea," Inferno agreed. "But Brawler, Veilmist, if you lose the vote, will you join those of us who want to leave Luna?"

Everyone looked at Brawler and Veilmist. Veilmist bristled, then sighed. "I won't like it, but I understand the Legion is a different organization from the Khund army... and I have tasted enough freedom to know that I prefer the Legion way over the Khund way...."

Brawler shrugged his admittedly broad shoulders. Sizzle had always thought he would be attractive, if only he weren't so sprocking stupid and arrogant. "Fine, whatever. It's not the way we do it on my world, but if it's the Legion way..."

Sizzle's eyes narrowed. Veilmist, she could believe. But Brawler? She would definitely be keeping an eye out on him...

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"You know, we're just as powerful - even more so - than some Legionnaires. But now I'm beginning to understand why people like Rebound or Spider-Girl or Triad are on the team, and why Matter-Eater Lad was offered membership..." Crystal Kid muttered.

Vision started to speak, then quieted down. He usually avoided discussions about powers; as one of the more versatile, and relatively powerful Cadets, he didn't want to risk offending those whose powers were not quite up to the Legion standard. But he took another look at Crystal Kid, who had been one of the more confident Cadets before this mission. His powers were definitely in the top tier; much like the 20th century Teen Titan called Kole, and Vision had studied her file carefully. No, Crystal Kid was undoubtedly quite powerful. But now he seemed... humbled.

"I mean, they showed good judgment in battle. They work well in a team..." Crystal Kid continued.

"Yes, these are all values the Legion prizes..." Vision added. "If power were all that was needed, Brawler and Tomb would have graduated long ago..."

Bobb nodded as he looked at Rhent. "You know, back there I froze in battle. I realized that it's not easy, making snap decisions. Making a mistake is deadly..."

"Remember what XS told us?** She was afraid on her first mission too," Vision mused. "But she managed to work past her fears. It doesn't happen overnight."

"No, no it doesn't..." Crystal Kid said. He continued to stare into the distance. Vision wasn't sure what to say, or if he should even say anything...

"Guys, come on," Echo called. Vision jerked around; he couldn't see Echo, but he must be using his powers to boost his voice. "We're going to discuss our next move as a group."

Saved,, Vision sighed. He empathized with Bobb on one thing - sometimes he wasn't sure what to do or say. Rhent reflected. Maybe that was one thing he should work on... there were times he had hesitated too much in battle. But then, there were times he had acted too rashly, as well...

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

"Hey, Veilmist," Brawler whispered to the pink-skinned girl beside him. "Nice job arguing for our plan."

They had just finished addressing the gathered group; and now it was Amp who was arguing for the other plan. Brawler didn't bother listening, he had heard it all earlier. "How do you think people will vote? I think we won't get the majority."

"We won't," Veilmist said flatly. "We could not convince the others earlier, and we cannot convince them now. We might as well accept that we have to follow the new plan."

"We can begin to follow the plan, but if I see an opportunity, I'm going to bolt," Brawler said confidently. Veilmist looked up at him in surprise. Brawler shrugged. "Come on. Remember, even Invisible Kid*** disobeyed a direct order and ended up saving Cosmic Boy and Spark from Tangleweb."

Veilmist looked at him considering. Brawler smiled back cockily; if there was anything he knew about Khunds, it was they didn't know the meaning of backing down. Granted, Veilmist was only half-Khund, but Brawler was confident she would follow him. If they could find and rescue the captured Legionnaires, it would pave the way for Legion membership for sure! Just think of the glory that would come from that.

Before Veilmist could answer, Inferno's voice sounded. "Okay, both plans have been presented. Let's take a vote."

"Tell me what you think," Brawler winked at Veilmist as he turned towards the center. He would go along with the majority, but if the right opportunity presented itself, he would go off on his own. Let the others run back to Legion World in shame. He would show them all.

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Rainbow watched the proceedings with dull disinterest. A few times, she had wanted to ask and clarify and suggest; but her earlier failure against the monster had rattled her confidence. She had attacked with too intense a light, weaking Umbra at a critical moment; if she hadn't been so rash, perhaps Umbra and Ultra Boy would still be here.

It was clear to her she needed to learn a lot more about being a Legionnaire.

No, she didn't want to fight any more monsters. Not right now. She realized now what scared her the most; accidentally causing someone to die because she wasn't cut out to be a hero.

As Inferno asked for votes for the plan to find a cruiser and escape Luna, she raised her hand. Lips tight, she ignored the surprised looks on Catspaw's and Dragonwing's faces. "Sorry, girls," she whispered to them. "Sometimes action isn't the best way..."

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Spectrum shrugged as his former Substitute Hero teammates looked at him in surprise. He knew that Ral and Dag would definitely follow Lydda's lead; but he thought maybe Staq or Pete would join him in voting for Brawler's plan.

"Come on, it's not that surprising, guys," he hissed. "My squad did pretty well, using my powers to cloak us. I think Brawler's plan makes sense. We need to act fast if we want to save the Legionnaires."

"Hm...." The others exchanged looks. With an impulsive smile, Pete raised his hand too. Staq thought a little more; he had been making an effort to consider his actions more carefully, ever since Dragonwing had joined the program. Everyone knew how much Staq and Marya considered each other as rivals due to their similar powers, and Staq had taken Blizzard's and Microbe's advice to differentiate himself by acting as a leader and team player. Staq kept his hand down, and it stayed down until Lamprey finished counting the votes.

Ulu settled back as he waited for the vote to finish. He didn't think Brawler and Veilmist's plan would win, but he was happy he had made his thoughts clear.

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Tellus quivered with the strain of blotting out the psychic chaff from his companions. Was this what it was like to be a non-telepath? On Hykraius, he had been taught as an infant to guard his thoughts and share only what he wished. Here, it was so easy to pick up stray emotions.

That must be why Saturn Girl and Mentalla were so much more adept than he. They had been exposed to non-telepaths from a much earlier age, after all. He reminded himself to redouble his efforts on training with them; he was getting better at blocking out waves of negative emotions, but the ones here were so strong. Fear, resignation, distress, anger, sadness, regret. Most worryingly, pride and contempt. He wondered how humanoids dealt with this; why wasn't anyone exploding from bottling all these emotions inside?

"Okay," Lamprey announced. Majority wins in favor of finding a ship, 21 to 10, 1 abstention.

Though there was little audible muttering, Tellus' mind fairly exploded with thoughts. Surprise, weariness, frustration. He closed his eyes, focusing on drowning them out. This would be very difficult indeed.

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************


IB's notes:

1) L*48-50 for Mordru, we saw Invisible Kid meeting with RJ Brande and the UP military commanders, presumably they drew up the battle plans then; L*36, Cosmic Boy mentioned he would be getting the input of Espionage Squad members in deciding how to deal with Chu and Winema Wazzo on Earth; L* 79-80 and LSH 122-123, we saw the free Legionnaires doing a "Council of War" to plan their assault on the Blight.

2) In LSH 62, the Legion's first official mission. XS panicked and ran away in battle, but quickly recovered. She faced up to her fears in L* 19, single-handedly saving the Legion from a bomb.

3) In LSH 67-68, Lyle disobeyed Cosmic Boy's orders and followed the team to Tangleweb's homeworld. Lyle's presence saved Cosmic Boy and Spark from Tangleweb; Cos admonished Lyle for disobeying orders but didn't punish him because he did save their lives.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/12/18 02:29 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

McCauley Industries, Luna (Earth's Moon)

********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Porcupine Pete looked with interest at those who voted for Brawler and Veilmist's plan. He himself had only been convinced by Spectrum, and he knew they were the two most surprising. Crystal Kid wasn't so odd; he had had his cocky moments in training. Comet Queen was always optimistic. Catspaw, Dragonwing, Arachno, Beastmaster. With Brawler and Veilmist, that made ten.

And Tomb didn't vote again. The Sarccan Cadet always kept to himself, despite everyone else's best efforts at engaging him.

Well, everyone had made their arguments for and against both plans. Pete was happy to go along with the majority.

"I'm surprised you voted with us," Brawler said. Pete made his face wooden. He didn't like the cocky Cadet at all.

"I think we could have made it work," Pete said carefully. He didn't want to encourage Brawler too much.

"Well... we still can..." Brawler began. Pete's eyes narrowed. "I'm going with the majority, Brawler."

Brawler smirked back. "Oh, so am I, Pete." Brawler quickly left.

Pete stared quietly at Brawler's back, a vague feeling of unease in his belly.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Inferno watched as the first squad set out, led by Chemical Kid. Vapor and Density were in the lead, as the two with the powers most likely to keep them safe from attack.

Dirk was pleasantly surprised at the level of professionalism among the Cadets. Yes, many were still far too immature or unsure; but many more were stepping up. Though he and condo were probationary, they had been included in Active membership discussions. And he was pleased to see that most of the Cadets to watch were stepping up. Echo, Amp, Calorie Queen, Night Girl, Gravity, Density, Lamprey, Mandalla, Hotshot had all contributed actively to planning; so had Veilmist and Beastmaster and even Brawler, despite the defeat of their proposal. Many others had chimed in from time to time, but the ones he mentioned had shown leadership potential, in particular.

He smiled a little as he remembered the last meeting of Active membership. The Legion was a team of leaders who could follow; too many cooks spoiled the broth, and all that. That's why each of the five squads had nominated their own leader, to ensure a proper chain of command. And they had agreed to stick to the same squads as earlier, to maximize familiarity.

They had certainly taken their share of precautions: Tellus was maintaining a mental link; Spectrum had camouflaged everyone; Comet Queen was using her comet gases to cover them; Vision, Beastmaster, Catspaw were on lookout duty in their respective teams; he felt like they were doing all they could to boost their chances of success. They had also agreed on contingency plans; if anyone got separated, his or her team would search for five minutes. Failing that, the teams would move on. Everyone knew where to meet. And they had duplicated the data with them on every single one of their Omnicoms. Multiple redundancy; if even just one of them made it off-planet, they could still get the data to Legion World. Things were looking good. Dirk was also surprised at how calm the group was, in general, despite the capture of so many Legionnaires. He supposed that the sense of purpose and group cohesion had helped everyone focus and calm down.

He sighed as he watched his own squad prepare. He had spoken to Rainbow, encouraging her to learn from her mistakes earlier; but she was still subdued. Then there was Brawler. Dirk had noticed Brawler cozying up to Pete; he knew they didn't normally mix. And when he had asked Pete, Pete had shared what Brawler had said.

Yet when Dirk had confronted Brawler about it, all he received was a smarmy reply.

Dirk was definitely worried. He had asked Night Girl and Mandalla, the two most mature and level-headed in his group,to keep watch on Brawler. He had also shared his suspicions with the other squad leaders - Amp, Chemical Kid, Echo and Calorie Queen.

He hoped it would be enough.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Mandalla tried to watch Brawler out of the corner of her eye, while she appeared to be chatting with Sizzle and Pete. She knew Night Girl was doing the same while she walked with Rainbow. Some of the other Cadets were stubborn, but having visited Takron-Galtos often as a child had taught her to be observant - and more importantly, to learn fast. Though there had never been a security breach while she was there, well... it was best to be careful.

She was determined to make her way into the Legion - even if she would only ever get as far as Reserve status, it would be enough. Unfortunately, her mother had died a criminal, and had never revealed who her father was. Upon reaching age, Mandalla had renounced her Chironian citizenship; she had never felt comfortable growing up there, despite the kindness of her extended family. That only left her with the rather unattractive Takron-Galtos identity card. No, Mandalla intended to serve as a Legionnaire at least long enough so she could apply for Earth citizenship; this was currently possible imediately for any Active Legionnaire, but required three years' service for a Reservist. She was a little more than halfway there. With an Earth card, doors would open. Currently, she already enjoyed the right to travel freely within the UP, but couldn't yet find employment or reside more than 180 solar days anywhere she wished, except on Legion World and on those planets that had treaties with Takron-Galtos. Which weren't many. That would change once she was a citizen of Earth.

It wouldn't be easy, but she wanted it badly.

That was one reason she voted for this plan. It made sense to get off-planet, but Mandalla also wasn't willing to risk her life for the suicide mission of penetrating the monster hideouts. She was as courageous as most Cadets, she was just more pragmatic. What good to die when the chances of them freeing the captured Legionnaires - if they were still alive - was incredibly slim?

"Hey, Tari?" Mandalla chided herself as Sizzle and Pete looked at her. She had lost focus again; she couldn't allow this to happen. "Hmm, sorry, I zoned out. What's up?"

"Just asking what you thought about trying for Active status, after this mission," Sizzle said. "You know, some of us have been reconsidering."

"I know Ral has been," Pete said cheerfully. Sometimes Mandalla thought his power was super-gossiping. "Poor guy gets awfully nervous. Dag has been very calm, but he's been thinking too. I mean, he totally zones out when he uses his power. Dreamer didn't get in until after she figured out how to stay awake while getting visions..."

Mandalla wasn't complaining about Pete's blabbing, though. As long as she was careful about what she said in front of him, she could get a lot of useful information from listening. "Personally, I'm still committed to the Legion's ideals. And I admit I haven't been on any missions like this, so it's the first time I've really understood what it's like. But I know it's something we can learn to deal with..."

"Exactly!" Sizzle threw up her hands for emphasis. "The danger's not going to go away, you know. I'd rather learn how to deal with it,then just quit and run away. Even civilians might have to deal with nass like this..."

Sizzle's emphatic speech was interrupted by the buzzing of their flight rings. "Everyone, we have incoming!" Echo's voice burst out. "Tellus and I have detected something from under us! And it's big...!"

"Everyone take to the air!" Inferno commanded. Mandalla quickly leaped up with her flight ring, and fell silent as she watched below.

Everybody was silent, as seconds stretched into minutes.

"This couldn't be a false alarm, could it?" Rainbow asked quietly.

"I - it's not," Vision stammered. "I was finally able to adjust my vision. It's... Oh grife, it's..."

Before he could finish his sentence, the ground exploded beneath them.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/12/18 11:11 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

McCauley Industries, Luna (Earth's Moon)

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Everyone stared in horror at the creature below them. It seemed to be some sort of giant starfish. It's five arms waved menacingly as it lumbered out of the ground.

"It's time to ruuuuuuuuumble!" Brawler threw back his head and roared. Then, flexing his muscles, he leaped forward at the behemoth.

No, you don't!" Mandalla didn't hesitate; she enveloped his head in a thought-sphere. She still had trouble controlling her range, but with Brawler separated from everyone else, she didn't have to worry about anyonee else accidentally being caught in it. The cocky Cadet stopped in mid-air, as his mind and body had difficulty focusing.

"Good job, Mandalla," Inferno said as he flew down, grabbing Brawler by the forearm."Come on, you," he said as he began dragging Brawler behind them. "We have to keep going. This thing is too big for us."

He looked around; he could see Amp and Gravity sternly talking to Arachno and Comet Queen. Beastmaster was shaking, and Inferno guessed that Tellus was holding him telekinetically while Echo tried to calm him down. Dragonwing had her arms crossed, but she was staying put. So was Catspaw; Lamprey had a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Let's keep going, everyone," Chemical Kid called out over the flight ring array. "This thing doesn't seem to be able to fly..."

"Wait!" Beastmaster's voice was calm but hurried. "It's throwing back its arm..."

With a snap, the creature shot an arm forward. It appeared to dissolve in front of their eyes, and it seemed that it melted into thousands of tinier starfish.

Crystal Kid gulped as he watched what happened. Then, he steeled himself. "I'm not going to freeze again," he thought to himself. He focused on creating the largest crystal barrier that he could. "Everyone, stay close!" he called out as he expanded his powers as best as he could.

"Everyone, gather close!" Calorie Queen called out. "Stay behind Bobb!"

Crystal Kid paid them no mind as he concentrated on thickening his crystal shield. He had set it up just in time; he could feel it buckling as some of the starfish began clinging to it from the other side. Each sickening slap made his shield quiver, but he kept pouring it on and reinforcing it. He wouldn't fail again, and he wouldn't let anyone be captured because he was being a coward.

"We have to keep going!" Retro was on the edge of panic; he was tugging on Vapor's arm. "We have to run!"

"No, we're not going to leave Bobb behind if we can help it," Inferno snapped.

"I have an idea," Amp called. "Even through Bobb's shield, some of us should be able to affect it."

"That's right," Chemical Kid offered. "Tomb, Rainbow, Gravity and I can do it. With Amp's support. We'll stay with Bobb and slow that thing down until he can break away."

"I will stay too," Veilmist offered. "If all else fails, I should be strong enough to bring us out of here."

"Sounds like a plan," Echo said. "Come on, everyone else, let's go." There was a smattering of discussion, but it was quickly silenced by Inferno. "No arguments," he said. "Let's not distract them."

Veilmist watched as Density kissed Gravity on the cheek. Then, he turned and flew along behind the rest of the group. Silly sentiment, she thought. Human relationships were so strange.

She turned to watch as the five others with her began to focus. Rainbow strained, but began firing beams of light through Crystal Kid's shield. The starfish sticking to it also began falling back to the surface, courtesy of Gravity's powers. A smile slowly began to spread on Tomb's face as he waved his arms, and the giant starfish below started to emit a high-pitched wail. Finally, Chemical Kid and Amp both began glowing; a sure sign that they were using their powers. The starfish shuddered, and Veilmist could feel the air cool around here. "I'm trying to slow down the bodily functions regulating its temperature,"Chemical Kid explained. "Tomb, if you can do the same thing..."

Tomb nodded. He was enjoying this. On Sarccus, he had had very little opportunity to use his powers, as every Sarccan had them; one simply did not manipulate the bodily functions of another Sarccan. And as a Cadet, he had limited opportunities to practice on other living beings; most of them were through Virtual Reality training. But now, he sensed that this creature had a much greater threshold for damage than most. He could let loose almost to his limit, and the thought filled him with a glee that he rarely experienced. He genuinely felt elated. Closing his eyes, he allowed his powers to work; they enabled him to perceive the bodily systems of anything he used them on. Such as this starfish...

... and now he knew what to do to disrupt the mechanisms preventing it from freezing over. His smile grew larger and larger as he could feel the starfish's circulation slowing down. As the blood giving it life and heat flowed inside its body more slowly, it began to freeze.

Beside him, Chemical Kid concentrated on the process occurring outside the creature's body. Namely, the warming of air as it touched the creature's scaly skin. By retarding the chemical process by which its body heated the air around it, he was helping make things uncomfortably cold for it.

The creature still continued to fire its tiny missiles at the shield, but Gravity was deflecting each new wave with his gravity powers. And Rainbow began to smile as she realized she could use Crystal Kid's shield to focus and magnify her laser beams. She was thrilled; her powers had been unreliable at best before, but now she felt like she was a heavy hitter. At least for this battle.

Through it all, Amp was focused on Crystal Kid, reinforcing his shield. She reasoned that they had enough offensive power, but this would all be for naught if their defenses were pierced.

"We're doing it... we're doing it!" Crystal Kid cried in a mixture of joy and relief. "We're actually doing it!"

Below them, the starfish began to screech. Then it doubled into itself.

"We have it on the run," Gravity smiled.

Tomb's eyes widened, though. This didn't feel right. No, he could perceive the starfish's muscles tensing...

"It's curling into a sphere so it can throw itself at us!" he warned. Seconds after he said that,the starfish began to move nearer.

Veilmist reacted split seconds faster than everyone else. She spun Amp around and shook her. "Use your powers on me, now!" Amp's jaw dropped open in confusion. "Now, Amp!" Amp wordlessly complied. Veilmist felt her teleportation field extend around all her teammates. Checking to make sure each of them was in range, she focused on Inferno's flight ring signal. She fumbled as she tried to locate it in her mind; that was how her teleportation worked. She had to understand where she was teleporting to.

"It's coming!" Rainbow shrieked.

"I don't know if my shield can withstand that!" Crystal Kid howled.

Veilmist screamed in frustration. Then it hit her. She just needed to teleport them far enough away first. She focused in the distance, and an instant later, they all vanished.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/13/18 10:27 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

McCauley Industries, Luna (Earth's Moon)

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Veilmist staggered as she reappeared; had she not had a flight ring, she would have fallen for sure. Chemical Kid steadied her by holding on to her shoulder, and Rainbow offered her own for Veilmist to lean on. Veilmist resisted her urge to push them away; after all, the Legion would not seize upon this as weakness. She did not have to pretend in front of them.

She reflected; time was, she would have seen retreat as the ultimate shame. Now, she recognized the wisdom of leaving to fight for another day.

"We're all here. Thanks, Veilmist," Amp said quietly. "I know this is near the limit of your ultimate range..." Without Amp boosting her power, Veilmist would only have been able to take three others at a time.

Behind her, Crystal Kid was babbling about his exhiliration at stalemating the monster. He looked rather like a fish. Tomb and Gravity were both watching said monster. "Uh, I think it's coming back for another attack..." Gravity called.

"Veilmist, are you ready for one last jump?" Chemical Kid asked. Veilmist was glad he didn't treat her as a weakling. She nodded. "Gather around. I have their location."

"It's coming." Tomb said ominously. Veilmist laughed. "It won't get here in time." They disappeared once more.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Crystal Kid steadied himself as they reappeared once more. He knew his giddiness had little to do with the teleportation, and more to do with the sheer rush of having stood down a powerful, giant monster! He had faced it down, and had protected his teammates.

Maybe he could get the hang of this hero thing after all.

"Good job, everyone," Condo smiled at each of them in turn. Bobb smiled back with a lopsided grin. "Now come on, we're not completely out of the woods yet." Condo pointed forward. Their teammates were dashing around in a rather cavernous hangar.

"A new hangar that Evolvo had built," Amp explained. "We only found out about it through the data we recovered."

Lamprey came rushing up to them. "I'm so glad you're okay! How was it?" she gushed.

"We stalled it, but it's still out there," Gravity said. "And here?"

"Checking if the ships are in working order. We figure three ships, to increase the chances of at least one making it," Lamprey explained crisply. She could be very business-like, if she wished. "We don't need any of you at the moment, so you can rest while we figure out who goes on which ship." With a smile, she left them.

"She's certainly stepping up," Chemical Kid whispered to Amp. "She's very capable, you know," Amp whispered back with a small smile.

"How could I not, after all the extra training sessions we have had together?" Condo laughed back. The four of them often ended up training together, and it had become a semi-regular thing. "Well, we've earned a short respite..."

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

"Okay, everyone," Echo said as the three cruisers revved their engines. "It's now or never. Remember, our main objective is to get off-planet as fast as possible..."

Behind him, Dragonwing laughed. "Don't worry, I'm not going to ram any monsters with this. It WOULD make a good battering ram, though..."

Echo chuckled at Marya's attempt at levity. The other two ships were being handled by Porcupine Pete and Beastmaster. They were the best pilots in that pool, after all.

"We're all ready," Density called from the second ship. "All checked out here too," Night Girl added from the third.

"Okay then, let's..."

His next were drowned out by a crunching sound. Everyone looked up in horror as the hangar roof was ripped open by a large humanoid creature that looked eerily like the holos Echo had seen of the Omniphagos. Debris rained down around them.

"Go! Go! Now!" Echo yelled.

"Can't!" Beastmaster yelled back. "Rubble is blocking our exit! And auto-cleaning droids were destroyed!"

"I'll handle it!" Calorie Queen began to dash out of her ship. "Somebody cover me!"

"I'll distract it!" Splitter shouted. His heart leaped in his chest. Now was his time. He followed Calorie Queen out of the ship, grabbed his left arm in his right, and threw it with all his might.

He watched as his arm soared in front of the creature's eyes. It followed his arm's path... then fixed its eyes back on him. It's mouth opened in a snarl. Splitter heard someone laugh nervously behind him - he thought it was Retro. He would have punched the pale guy, except he realized how stupid he was being.

The monster's arm came at him, at high speed. Splitter closed his eyes.

"Like, there are times to be a nova-bright hero, starshine, but this isn't one of them?!" Splitter oomphed as Comet Queen pushed him out of the way, just as the monster's palm slammed into where he had been standing.

"Oh grife... Grava... I'm such an idiot..." Splitter moaned.

"It's not the end of the universe," Grava said gently as she lifted him up. "You did distract it... for a little while. But you should have moved as soon as you did!"

Splitter wanted to bury his face in his hands. Instead, he just closed his eyes. He couldn't bear the shame of having Grava, of all people, lecture him. My Legion career is over...

"Now, let's make like a meteor and find your arm," Grava chirped. "Oh, look at Calorie Queen go!" Below them, the stately blonde was devouring some of the debris. "I'm all charged up now," Calorie Queen said as she wiped her mouth with one hand and lifted a boulder with another. "I'll have the runway cleared in no time."

"I'll help." Density smiled at the blonde as he lifted a second boulder. She smiled back, and they began clearing the debris.

Up above them, nearly a dozen of her teammates were staving off the monster from afar. A hazy sphere surrounded its head courtesy of Mandalla; Chemical Kid and Tomb were slowing down its bodily systems; Arachno, Gravity, Sizzle and Vision were all pitching in too. The monster roared as it tried to shield itself from their attacks.

"We need to shut it down so we can take off safely," Inferno mused. "Tomb! What can you do about that?"

Tomb smiled as he synched his powers with the monster's systems. "Oh, I can do plenty..." he whispered. His smile grew wider as he explored the monster's nervous system, and began to see which structures to play with to induce sleepiness. He almost wished he could stay here, it was such a good playground... "I will need someone to make sure it falls backwards, please," he whispered.

"That's us," Density called from below. He and Calorie Queen flew up. "Let us know when, Tomb."

"Know." With that one word, Tomb's grin covered nearly his entire face. "Good night, little monster." As the monster's eyes rolled back in its head, Calorie Queen and Density gave it a massive push. It fell to the ground with a mighty crash.

"Whew!" Inferno said as he steaded himself. "Okay, now to go back to clearing the runway..."

"Already done," Brawler laughed as he leaned against the hangar doors. "Now watch, as I open these with the greatest of ease." Theatrically moving his hands as if he were manually opening the doors, he used his powers over machinery to swing them open. Hah! Only Kinetix could have done better, and not by much. He surveyed his handiwork with a grin.

"Good job, everyone," Inferno called. "Now get yourselves back into the ships!"

"Everyone's here," Lamprey announced after doing a quick count. "Let's get out of here!"

The silence was palpable as the three pilots gunned the motors and began to take off. Once they were clear, Spectrum turned the undersides of the cruisers jet black to blend in with the dark sky up above, and changed the tops of the ships to blend in with the craggy surface of Luna.

In a few seconds, they had cleared the atmosphere. As the ships' computers announced they were off Luna, Chlorophyll Kid blurted out, "we actually did it!"

Applause shattered the silence as everyone cheered. Gravity and Density kissed, Amp and Lamprey hugged each other, Hotshot and Chlorophyll Kid shook hands.

They were alive and safe and off Luna.

"I'm going to file a week's leave as soon as we get back!" Sizzle laughed.

"Theena won't believe what we've been through," Dragonwing added.

"Oh, she will." A disembodied voice sounded above them. Everyone looked around in confusion.

"Well done, everyone," another voice intoned. Jaws dropped. "There... there are no other ships anywhere near," Porcupine Pete announced.

"Brace yourselves," yet a third voice spoke. "You're going to get a jolt..."

Reality seemed to vanish for a moment, and the assemblage of found themselves in a white-walled room.

They looked at each other in confusion. And then, as realization settled in, eyes widened in understanding.

Retro fell to his knees, while Rainbow sat down with a plop. Rage was visible on Brawler's face, and Catspaw had her teeth bared. Condo and Dirk exchanged glances, then shook hands. Before either could speak, Condo was wrapped in a hug.

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that." It was Lyle.

"It's okay, it's okay," Condo said as he hugged him tight. "It's okay."

Condo closed his eyes. He was going to need to sort through everything that happened. But for now, he was back with Lyle, and that was all that mattered. He closed his eyes as he hugged Lyle tightly.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/13/18 05:40 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Triad, Rebound and Saturn Girl looked around as the memories of their colleagues and Cadets returned. "Time to bring you all up to speed," Rebound said gently.

"You've just completed a test for the Legion Cadet program," Triad continued. "As your memories return, you will recall that you were given a choice on taking it. You each signed a waiver signifying your agreement; that you would be immersed in a virtual reality examination, with one key upgrade..."

"That your memories would be altered," Saturn Girl said quietly. She had been uncomfortable with this whole thing, and had refused to lend her telepathy to the exercise. Still, this had been done technologically; a simple psi-implant had been used to remove one detail from the minds of everyone in the test. "You were all made to forget that this was a simulation."

"Your other memories remained unaltered, though," Rebound continued. "The test was designed to simulate potential situations you would face on the field as a Legionnaire..."

"Yet the entire time, you were in the VR Room," Triad finished.

She looked around at everyone's faces. They were all exhausted, naturally. Best to keep this short, and deal with everything later.

"We will meet tomorrow to debrief. Individualized results will be available two days from now. The Active membership will meet tomorrow to discuss as well, and those of you who have excelled in the test will soon receive an invitation to Active membership. As for the rest, we will schedule time for individual feedback." She paused to let everything sink in.

"Not passing the test will NOT necessarily be a bar to future Active membership," she continued. "Take this as a learning opportunity. In case any of you want to speak, we and Dr. Ryk'rr will be available," she added.

She watched, gauging everyone's reactions. Most of them just seemed tired as they processed the events. The Active membership had debated long and hard on the wisdom of using this test; even Triad herself had not agreed on it among her selves.

"We'll see you tomorrow," she said gently. Then she watched them leave.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************
"How do you feel?" Lyle asked as he held Condo.

"Weird, honestly," Condo said. "That was a really immersive experience. But it feels like waking from a very lucid dream."

"We tested it ourselves," Lyle said as he stroked Condo's hair. "I felt weird too. But in the end..."

"I know. It would be safer to test us in a VR environment than through a real mission," Condo replied as he held Lyle's hand. "I agree, in the end I do feel safer that it was this way."

"I'm still sorry," Lyle said as he kissed Condo on the cheek.

"Sssh, don't worry," Condo said as he held Lyle close. He knew he would face things like that as a Legionnaire.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Splitter looked at the silverale in front of him. He could barely taste it.

"Mind some company?" He looked up to see Chameleon in front of him. Splitter shrugged.

Chameleon sat down silently, looking at Splitter. The Active membership had identified the Cadets most likely in need of processing, and were now seeking them out. Chameleon waited patiently as Splitter took another swig of his drink. Then he set his mug down a tad bit violently and blurted out, "I sprocking messed up!"

Reep looked back at him quietly, to see if he would say anything else. Instead, Splitter buried his face in his hands.

"What makes you think that? Reep asked gently.

"I didn't contribute anything! And that... that bit at the end..." Splitter replayed the memory of him standing in front of the monster and throwing his arm. Grife! It had been so stupid... he had always imagined himself being a big hero... and this moment had seemed like the perfect opportunity... but instead, he could see himself as the punchline of a bad comedy holo...

"It was brave, though," Chameleon said.

"Don't patronize me," Splitter sobbed.

"I'm not," Chameleon leaned forward. "You did buy your teammates a split second. And with a smaller opponent, it could have been completely effective as a distraction."

Splitter shook his head again.

"Look, Splitter," Chameleon said soothingly. "There isn't always a right answer in battle. We have to hone our ability to make snap decisions. You made a call, maybe the best you could have done then."

Splitter sighed as he looked up and into Chameleon's face. "I'm never going to become an Active Legionnaire, am I?"

Chameleon looked back at him. "Why don't you think you will be?"

Splitter threw up his hands. "My powers... My battle tactics... Everything!"

Chameleon settled back into his seat. "Splitter... It's too early to say anything for sure. Right now, I just thought you might want some company. I'm here to listen and talk if you want to; and if you just want someone near you, I feel like a Silverale myself..."

Splitter placed his head on his arms. "Yeah... Just... that would be nice."

Chameleon nodded as he signalled for the servo-bot. The Legion would be busy dealing with this for a while.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Kid Quantum II looked around at the gathered Active membership. The majority were in the meeting room in person, with a handful calling in from elsewhere. The importance of their discussion here today was evident, though, in the fact that every single Active member was present.

"Well, that's the first order of business," she said. Raising her flight ring to her lips, she called. "Condo, Dirk, if you would join us, please."

A second later, the door opened, and Chemical Kid and Inferno walked in to dozens of warm smiles.

"Congratulations, you two," Kid Quantum smiled as she rose. "You passed. You no longer have probationary status, but are full Legionnaires."

Condo exhaled as Lyle rushed to hug him, while Dirk grinned as he high-fived Wildfire. Jazmin waited a few minutes for the others to give their congratulations, then began again. "Now, you already know pretty much everything you need to know as Active Legionnaires. Next order of business is to review the performance of everyone else."

Gates raised his arm. "I think this needs to go on the record," he began. "This is the perfect opportunity to encourage those Cadets who don't have the temperament to leave the program." Murmurs sounded as Gates paused. He himself had spent ages trying to leave the Legion, only to be rebuffed by his homeworld's leadership.* "I firmly believe that being a Legionnaire should be completely voluntary..."

"But it is!" Spark shook her head. "Nobody's forcing you to stay, Gates."

"I'm not saying this because of my own situation!" Gates snapped. Honestly, sometimes these humanoids didn't know how to listen. Gates was aware many felt his opinions tedious, but he had a point! "I'm here because I want to be, despite my earlier complaints." Gates forced himself to calm down and remember the advice Brainiac 5, Microbe and Star Boy had given him; stick to the point, and don't be repetitive. He took a deep rbeath and continued. "Anyway, my point is, most of us agreed to this test because we realized that it would be a good way to show these Cadets the realities of being a Legionnaire." He paused to let his point sink in; a tactic he had learned from RJ Brande and Cosmic Boy, among others. "And now that they know what it's like, we should discourage those who don't have the fortitude to keep safe in battle."

"Gates has a good point," Wildfire pointed out. "Being a Legionnaire is dangerous. These kids should know what they're getting into."

"Many of us spoke to some of the Cadets who fared very poorly during the test," Rebound pointed out. Element Lass, Chameleon, Triad, Saturn Girl, among others, nodded. "And I agree, we will be giving each of them an individual session after we've processed the test results."

"Some of them are quite shaken," Element Lass added. "Poor Dori bounced back pretty quickly, though. But I'm more worried for Splitter and Retro..."

"This is noted," Kid Quantum said. "Unless anyone has any objections, I agree we should discourage some of these Cadets from continuing."

"I was thinking more along the lines of forcing them to leave," Gates protested.

"Weren't you the one arguing for the program being voluntary?" Ferro said, aghast. Abandonment was a sticking point for Ferro, having been abandoned by his own mother. "Surely there would be a place here even for the ones who were most afraid?"

"But on a practical point," Chameleon said carefully, "having less Cadets would allow us to focus on the ones left. The ones with more potential to be a Legionnaire."

The room was filled with murmurs again. Then Nightwind stood up, and the room fell silent. Despite giving up her co-leadership of the team, she still had quite a presence. "We were talking about it on Dili-Tawi," she began. "I think we should remember - we knew from the beginning that not everyone to enter the Cadet program would make it to full Active status. But the philosophy we have is, to help everyone in the program find the best place for them to contribute with their powers."

"I agree," Lume said. "I realize that individual guidance can help these students learn their place."

"There is merit in both ideas," M'Onel began. "I feel like we should guide Cadets who we feel won't make the grade, and offer them advice on where they could fit. Yet forcing them out? It would be more effective if they realized their lack of fit for themselves."

"Even coming from a monarchy, I realize that commanding people to do things isn't the most effective way," Sensor added. "We don't want to produce Cadets who leave Legion World with a grudge, after all."

"And we do have guidelines for when a Cadet must be forced to leave the program," Brainiac 5 added. "So I feel this resolves that. We can discuss individual Cadets on a case-by-case basis."

"Then I believe this matter is closed," Kid Quantum looked around the room. Nobody spoke, and Gates seemed satisfied. "Good. Now, on to the review of Cadets..."

Triad stood up. "We've compiled all the data, and we recommend eliminating from active membership consideration Cadets who displayed cowardice and overt hesitation." She tapped on her Omnicom. "That would be Cannus..."

"He didn't even take the test!" Kinetix shook her head. "Same as his first tryout.**"

"... Retro, Crystal Kid, Chlorophyll Kid, Vision, and Splitter," Triad continued.

"Now hold on," Magno said. "I don't think anyone will disagree with Retro. But the others showed a lot of bravery in the end. They came through."

"I was observing Crystal Kid," Live Wire said. "He froze for quite a while, and if I hadn't stepped in, he would have been eliminated in his squad's first encounter. He recovered at the end, but should we really let him through now? He's not ready."

"Same for Splitter," Spider-Girl added as she reclined in her seat. "I had to yank him away in the encounter."

"I also remember him freezing after he threw his arm at the end," Inferno noted. He was conscious of heads turning to look at him, and grinned. He loved how they wereconsidering him a full equal for his opinion; it felt surprisingly good. Welcome to the big leagues once and for all, Dirk. "He was brave then, but he froze when he thought his distraction was ineffective."

"Vision is a good team player," Insect Queen noted. "But he needs to be pushed."

"I worked with Chlorophyll Kid for a while..." Blizzard said quietly. He didn't like talking about the Substitute Legion he had formed; he realized he could have gotten his little team killed if they had gone on missions. "He's a great guy, but he needs to deal with his panic attacks. I didn't see him freeze in battle, but he did need a lot of calming down during that lull..."

Magno nodded. "Objection withdrawn, then."

"I want to make a note on Retro," Cosmic Boy added. "He ran away twice, and wouldn't admit his cowardice."

"He was like that even at the beginning of the Cadet program," Blizzard added. They had joined together in the very first batch. "He seemed to think being a Cadet was a game."

"I made a note in his file," Triad acknowledged. "He's someone we should watch out for." She tapped the screen again, and a new list came up. "Next cut we recommend making are the Cadets who showed overly aggressive tactics and poor judgment in using their powers. Basically, those who broke ranks or hurt their teammates through their actions. That's Arachno, Beastmaster, Brawler, Catspaw, Comet Queen, Dragonwing, Flying Fox, Rainbow, Tomb, Veilmist."

"Any objections?" Kid Quantum asked. Nobody spoke. Everyone knew how important teamwork was to their job.

"Before we move on," Umbra began, "I want to register yet anotherprotest on Brawler's behavior. He is completely reckless, totally arrogant, and horribly irresponsible."

"Yeah, he has no concept of teamwork," Ultra Boy nodded.

"I might recommend he wash out," Chameleon added. "He certainly seems the type who would recklessly endanger civilians."

"So noted," Triad said. "That leaves 15 more." She tapped again, calling up the remaining fifteen. "Next filter we suggest applying is those who demonstrated significant leadership during the test. We recommend eliminating Hotshot, Mandalla, Porcupine Pete, Sizzle, Spectrum, Stone Boy and Tellus."

"Aren't we being a bit too hasty?" XS asked. "I mean, the Legion is all about teamwork..."

"But we also need people who can take charge when needed," Dreamer pointed out. "If a Legionnaire is alone in a crisis, he or she must lead."

"And we also designed the test so everyone would have enough opportunities to step up," Particon offered.

"I feel like Mandalla showed good judgment," Chemical Kid noted. "But you're right, she didn't contribute as much as she could have. And the others were definitely more in the background. I do feel like some of them had an unfair disadvantage in terms of having more passive powers, though."

"But many of us have relatively passive powers, and we have all proved ourselves," Invisible Kid countered.

"I don't argue with that," Condo noted. "But then the test might not have been completely fair if so?"

"I don't think so," Lyle shook his head. "Amp has a relatively passive power, but displayed many instances of leadership."

Condo began to open his mouth, then thought better of it. Better, after all, to hold a Cadet back then promote them prematurely.

"Then we're agreed?" Kid Quantum checked to see if anyone would speak. "Okay, let's move on..."

Lyle winked at Condo as Triad began again. Condo winked back; the two had agreed to be open about disagreeing with each other in meetings, so the team would not see them as joined-at-the-hip. Apparition and Ultra Boy pretty much never spoke in opposition during discussions, and they wanted to avoid being pigeonholed that way.

"That leaves eight, then." Triad tapped on her Omnicom. "Amp, Calorie Queen, Echo, Density, Gravity, Lamprey, Night Girl, Vapor."

"Five from Earth," Microbe said calmly. "Now, don't get me wrong, I have no complaints. But I think you all should be aware that there have been buzzings about that on social media..."

"Some journalists also have commented that some planets are over-represented in the team," Condo noted, carefully avoiding mentioning that those planets most often cited were Earth and Xanthu. Most of his teammates knew that, anyway. "I don't agree, of course, but there has been some buzz in the UP Council about this, with some citing Chu's old "one rep per world policy...."

"Public opinion is important," Saturn Girl agreed. "But I also don't think we should let that color our evaluation of these candidates. We must judge each on their own merits."

"And besides," laughed Rebound, "we don't have a silly 25-member limited like that alternate universe Legion did..."

"How high should we set our standards, though?" Spider-Girl noted. "I mean, I should be one of the last to talk about power levels. But Night Girl completely loses hers in bright light."

"She's very capable," Karate Kid continued. "But I do agree, I would like to see how she reacts when she's completely powerless. We didn't get to see enough of that in the test."

"If we're going to make cuts on the basis of powers, then I think we should take a look at Lamprey," Star Boy offered. "I know she's aware of her limitations..."

"She has been working on them," Wildfire noted. "She can draw some moisture out of air now, to fuel her abilities."

"Without an outside water source, though, it is still quite a small volume." Babbage whirred as it filtered through the records. "The VR readouts show how fatigued she becomes in draining just up to a liter of water from the atmosphere..."

"She could carry some water around with her, but that could be physically tiring," Violet mused.

"If we're cutting Mandalla on leadership, then I think we should cut Density too," Timber Wolf offered. "He's a great team player, sure, but I didn't really see him step up."

"Not as much as some of the others," Spark agreed. "He could also have shown more versatility with his owers. Controlling his density means more than just becoming stronger. And sometimes it seems like he takes the lead from Gravity too much."

"What's wrong with that?" Ultra Boy laughed. "Look at all the times Tinya saved my neck with her superior battle tactics.***"

"Ayla has a point though, Jo," Tinya said gently. Condo cheekily raised an eyebrow at Lyle, who stifled a laugh. Lyle pinched his boyfriend's leg with a reproving glare. Tinya continued, "Your degree of invulnerability is much higher than Jed's... And frankly, you could have died many times if I hadn't told you which power to use."

"Well..." Ultra Boy said. "I guess he has to work on it a bit. Speaking of Gravity, though. He seems to be on the bubble for me."

"Tel has always been one of the most studious of the Cadets, though," Mentalla offered. "And especially towards the second half of the test, I think he asserted himself quite well."

"He was good, but not quite as consistent as Calorie Queen or Echo or Amp," Wildfire observed. "They definitely took charge in their teams."

"I wnder if it's fair to use that same yardstick on all of them," Inferno pointed out. "Night Girl and Mandalla were on my team, so naturally they deferred to me. And Density was on Condo's team..."

"Vapor was with Condo too, though, and she took charge quite well," Violet said.

"But she's an established hero in her own right, on Lallor," Kinetix pondered."And even if we did offer her membership, I doubt she'd accept. She's definitely going back to Lallor."

"We should still make the offer, if we vote to," Sensor suggested. "It will be a statement."

"And a lesson to Beastmaster," Shikari observed. "He is rather stubborn."

"Going back to Density and Mandalla, I do think they could learn to use their powers to greater effect," Dreamer noted. "Unlike Calorie Queen, who used her matter-consuming ability AND her physical abilities equally well."

"Tenzil's spoken highly of Calorie Queen, you know," Violet advised. "He says he doesn't want us to think she's a barrier to him taking on Active status."

"Echo was very versatile also," White Witch offered. "I liked how he used his powers to try and detect threats."

"Amp's use of her power was also very impressive," Karate Kid added. "Besides boosting the powers of her teammates, she used them on herself to gain the upper hand in battle many times."

XS drummed her fingers on the table. "You know, I'd like to take another look at Mandalla," she said. "Okay, her powers aren't that impressive, but she seems to be a step above the likes of Spectrum or Sizzle..."

"Well then, why not give Tellus another chance as well?" Gates added. "Yes, I know he hung back a bit, but he acted very sensibly during the entire exercise. And he has not one, but two great powers."

"I agree we can never have enough telepaths," Live Wire joked, to much laughter and a playful smack from Saturn Girl. "We do need sensible Legionnaires, and these two know how to use their powers."

"But I'm still not convinced Tellus would know how to act in a fight," Timber Wolf shook his head. "And he's had trouble shutting off outside thoughts in the past, he might not be able to focus."

"That's right, and when Tellus falters he can't use his telekinesis well," Kinetix noted. "I've been able to overpower him easily in training just by distracting him."

"And on to Mandalla, I worry that she doesn't have pinpoint accuracy with her thought-sphere," Andromeda shared. "Her narrowest range is still at least a few meters - but that's not much help in close quarters. She knows her limitations, but I worry that it will reduce her effectiveness a lot."

"Were the last membership debates like this?" Insect Queen asked Particon in a whisper. Particon laughed. "Oh, definitely not. Except for Dragonmage, none of you in the last batch generated much debate..."*****

Kid Quantum, sensing that the mood in the room was shifting, held up her hand. The room quieted down. "I think it's time to vote."

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) In L* 37, after the Legion draft was abolished, Gates asked to leave the Legion. Vyrga's matriarch flat out refused, as Gates being in the Legion was considered a big honor for Vyrga. Gates eventually settled down in his role in the team as he truly came to believe in their mission, but it was still a sticking point for a while.

2) Cannus first tried out in Legionnaires 43, and ran away from the final test then.

3) Especially in the early Reboot, Apparition would often guide Ultra Boy in using his powers (when to use invulnerability versus. flash vision versus. strength). See L* 27, L* Annual 2, LSH 83...

4) The last batch included Element Lass and Magno resuming membership; Insect Queen, Mentalla and Rebound gaining full membership; and Chemical Kid and Inferno gaining probationary active membership.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/13/18 09:49 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Amp had a huge smile on her face as she flew along the corridor. Karate Kid had just delivered her the best news ever! She was flying along to Lamprey's room to see if her friend had received the same. With her performance on the test, she had a good chance!

Friend. Funny. She and Lamprey had joined together to study and improve and get into the Legion, but Amp had grown to consider Tayla as a true friend. They supported each other beyond just their Legion membership goals.

She tapped on Lamprey's door, but was surprised when it opened to reveal Nightwind. The former Legion co-leader smiled at Amp, and held out her hand. "Congratulations, Ming. I look forward to working with you more closely."

Amp stamered. "Th-thanks. The pleasure is all mine, N- Berta." She almost kicked herself. First name basis; address the others as they addressed her. They were full teammates now. "Where's Lamprey, by the way? I came to see if she had the same news..."

Before Nightwind could answer, Lamprey appeared in the door. The tear stains on her cheeks told Amp all she needed to know.

"I'm sorry," Nightwind said again. Lamprey began sobbing; Nightwind held her tight. They had been fairly close friends as Cadets, but when Nightwind had graduated into the Legion, the friendship had faded somewhat. Lamprey was grateful, though, that Berta had made an effort to rekindle her friendship. "It's okay, Berta," Tayla sighed. "I appreciate your offer to help me work on my powers. I know I can do it, I've improved a lot..."

"Yes, you have," Berta said. "All the Active Legionnaires know that."

"I - I - I know," Tayla let out an involuntary sob. "And I know that being a Legionnaire is dangerous, and it's better to hold people back than to promote them before they're ready..." She turned to Amp. "I'm so sorry, Ming, would you like to come in? C-c-congratulations, I'm so happy for you.."

"I'll help you get better too," Ming said firmly. "With two Active Legionnaires tutoring you one on one, you will get there in no time! And this time I won't use my powers to boost yours, so you can really push your limits!"

Tayla still sobbed, but she had a big smile on her face as she hugged Ming, this time. "Oh, you two are going to be so tough on me..."

Ming and Berta exchanged smiles as they comforted Tayla. "Hey, we'll do our worst, so you can get that Active status in no time."

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Calorie Queen looked numbly at her Omnicom. M'Onel of all Legionnaires had just been by to see her - who knew that he had placed such importance on the Cadet program?

Yet now she was at a loss. She had asked the powerful Legionnaire for advice, and he had just smiled and told her to do what she really wanted, without considering what others would think.

But what did she really want? That examination, realistic as it was, had really made her think.

She had gone to the gym, had a massage, and eaten some of her favorite titanium chips, flavored with silicon and palladium, imported from Bismoll. But she still didn't quite know what to do.

Then she remembered what Tenzil Kem had said. That she could reach out to him any time.

She sighed, then picked up her Omnicom. Dialing Tenzil's number, she waited. A second later, Tenzil appeared on the screen. He was chewing something. He held up a finger, then swallowed. "Yo, what's up, Taryn?"

"Tenzil, I'm sorry to disturb you, but I really need some advice, and you're the best one I can ask..."

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

"I can't believe it!" Gravity protested. He began pacing the floor. "I'm going to have a word with Triad. Or Rebound. I just can't..."

"But it's not a "no, never"," Density shrugged. "It's more of a "no, not yet, but try again soon..."

"Inferno and Chemical Kid got probationary status!" Gravity snapped. "Okay, so Inferno did save Wildfire's life, and Chemical Kid helped save Rebound's life, but..."

"Listen, Tel," Jed said gently. He grabbed his boyfriend by the shoulders. "The feedback was very specific. Demonstrate more leadership in a group; show more versatility in using abilities. It makes sense. I made myself denser and hit stuff, but I never reduced my density, and I could have, to try and escape the monster that had me upside down. I couldn't have phased through, but it might have freed me sooner..."

Gravity sat down in frustration. "And so? What will you do, wait until another test?"

"Look, Rebound told me I made it to the very end of the selection process. There were very few of us that did." Jed sat down and grabbed Tel's hand in his. "If you accept your invitation, that's one of us down. I won't be far behind."

"But I don't want to wait!" Tel protested. "I want to be there with you now!"

"I'll still be here on Legion World!" Jed cut in. "Look, the next tryouts aren't far away. I can try again then. But you...if you give up the offer now, what are you going to do? They'll laugh at you if you come crawling back to them in a few weeks."

Tel put his head i his hands. Jed waited quietly; he knew that Tel just needed to settle down and get his emotions in check, but that he would see the wisdom in the decision.

He was right. Tel looked him squarely in the eyes, and jabbed a finger at his chest. "Fine, tall, buff and handsome. I'm going to say yes, but you are going to do triple time in training, and you are going to get in during the tryouts!"

Jed smiled as he hugged Tel. He wished he was as confident as he had sounded, though.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************
"So, have we heard back from our five offerees?" Dreamer smiled as she entered the Mission Monitor room. Star Boy, Spark and Brainiac 5 turned to look at her. The Active membership had been extremely waiting to see what the five they voted in had said."

"Vapor was a no, as expected," Star Boy laughed. "Turns out that Lallor is facing problems much like Xanthu is - push-back from citizens to keep their heroes home."

"And Lallor has not had as many positive experiences with the Legion as Xanthu has," Brainiac 5 noted. "I checked the mission logs. We have only visited Lallor on official Legion basis twice."

"Perhaps we should put some thought into expanding our presence on Lallor..." Star Boy mused. "After all, with this test, Vapor has officially graduated the Cadet program. So has Beastmaster, though he leaves without a membership offer."

Dreamer laughed as she sat on the chair beside him. "Like your plan for Xanthu?"

"Something like that." Star Boy sat up, a twinkle in his eye. "We already have a semi-permanent Threshold open to Talok VIII*, and we're proposing something like that for Xanthu..."

"I'll leave you to deal with these proposals," Spark giggled. "Anyway, Amp and Echo both said yes right away. Calorie Queen and Gravity both asked for time to think about it."

Brainiac 5 and Dreamer both spoke simultaneously. "They're going to say yes." The two looked at each other in surprise, while Spark burst out laughing.

"Okay, vision from you," she pointed at Dreamer, then turned to point to Brainiac 5,"and fearless forecast from you?"

"It's logical," Brainiac 5 said dismissively. "Calorie Queen's reactions post-test suggested she needs time to process the danger she was in. But she is still motivated; she just has to deal with the realization that she has not been in true danger for her life before. "

"And Gravity?" Spark asked, laughing.

"He and Density want to stay together. And having one of them as an Active Legionnaire will make it easier for the other to stay in. They are just consulting with one another; like how you and Chameleon discussed whether to join Kinetix and Violet on their vacation on Earth."

"Why Brainy!" Spark said in mock surprise. "You do engage in team gossip!"

"Knowing you all better helps me make decisions," Brainiac 5 said with a twinkle in his eye.

"Then I don't think you need me to tell you that you are completely correct," Dreamer smiled mysteriously. "I suppose you've already foreseen who among our Cadets will apply again for the tryouts."

Brainiac 5 looked her square in the eye. "No, I'm certain I know who among them will."

"I smell a bet coming," Star Boy rubbed his hands together. "What say I wager a week's duty allowance?"

He was interrupted by a ping on the Mission Monitor Board. Rebound called in. "It's a yes from Calorie Queen," he said with a smile. As one of those on the Membership committee, alongside Triad and Wildfire, Chuck thought of the Cadets as his babies, in a way.

Another ping sounded, and Wildfire appeared. "A yes from Gravity as well. That gives us four new members." The eagerness in his voice - modulated as it was by his suit - was still palpable.

"So, do you still want that bet, Thom?" Spark asked with a grin.

"I think I'll pass," Thom laughed as he drew Nura close. "I know a sure loss when I see one."

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) The Threshold to Talok VIII was opened in Legion 24, proposed by Umbra to deal with Talok's fears of the outside world and make it less xenophobic.

2) Full results of the vote last post:

To offer Active membership:

Amp
Calorie Queen
Echo
Gravity
Vapor (only one to turn it down, she will return to Lallor)

Not to offer, but to encourage to try again soon once specific feedback is addressed:

Density (more versatility in using powers, especially in decreasing density, display more leadership)
Lamprey (address reliance on an external water source to use powers - consider situations where water is not available; improve ability to draw on water vapor)
Mandalla (improve range and precision targetting of thought sphere, display more leadership)
Tellus (improve ability to screen outside thoughts and guard against distractions when using powers)

Not to offer; to praise for good attitude, but to discuss specific power limitations that present a key obstacle to Active membership; discuss alternative paths:

Hotshot (seemed hesitant to use powers, tests show passable control only; develop leadership)
Night Girl (strength level not overwhelmingly high enough to cancel out limitations of bright light; are there actions to be taken that don't involve technology?)
Porcupine Pete (inability to control range and direction of quills reduces opportunities to use powers; develop leadership)
Sizzle (improve ability to draw on ambient, indirect energy from environment - similar to what Lamprey is doing; develop leadership)
Spectrum (explore possibilities to alter color without confusing allies; develop leadership)
Stone Boy (explore potential to move while in stone form; develop leadership)

Not to offer; discuss individual power and attitudinal issues in-depth:

Beastmaster (offer counseling, but not mandatory as he will return to Lallor)

Crystal Kid (power high-potential though can be duplicated and expanded on by Element Lass; focus on attitude)
Rainbow (power high-potential that can equal or surpass Lume; focus on attitude)
Tomb (power high-potential; focus on attitude)
Veilmist (power high-potential, similar to Gates but use of teleportation field potentially makes her more versatile; focus on attitude)
Vision (power high-potential, specific power set not entirely duplicated by other Legionnaires with vision powers; focus on attitude)

Arachno (power mid-potential though can be duplicated and expanded on by Insect Queen; focus on attitude)
Catspaw (power mid-potential; focus on attitude)
Chlorophyll Kid (power mid-potential, though extremely reliant on choosing the appropriate supply of seeds; focus on attitude)
Comet Queen (power mid-potential; focus on attitude)
Dragonwing (power mid-potential, though control is only marginally better than Hotshot; focus on attitude)
Flying Fox (power mid-potential; focus on attitude)

Splitter (power low-potential; discuss attitude and fit for Legion)

Not to offer; consider expulsion from program unless urgent remedial action taken:

Brawler (power high-potential; combination of powers not duplicated by other Legionnaires; but extreme arrogance, manipulative behavior and inability to work in a team is a concern)
Cannus (power low-potential; cowardice is a major concern)
Retro (power high-potential; cowardice and dishonesty is a major concern)

Other Cadets with Reservist status who refused test:

Theena (discuss career ambitions; has expressed boredom with Monitor duty, but not expressed any other preferences on Legion World; explore potential uses of powers in field considering flight rings already provide sufficient communication functions; perhaps specialize in search-and-rescue?)
Yera Liggle (expressed ambitions to return to entertainment upon graduating from program)
Zaron Lux (expressed ambitions to go into politics upon graduating from program)
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/13/18 10:28 PM
Updated Legion Roll Call.

Active Legionnaires

Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion leader.

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Calorie Queen, Taryn Loy of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter, conversion of digested matter into super-strength
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions
Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Dreamer, Nura Nal of Naltor; precognition
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis, can see heat signatures
Insect Queen, Lonna Leing of Xanthu; morphs into various insect forms, gaining the powers of the forms she takes
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony (Earth colony: Japan and Myanmar); skilled martial artist
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation.
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan; telepathic control of others' physical functions.
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; generate and control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation.
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation, disruption of energy flow
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy
Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair
Star Boy, Thom Kallor of Xanthu; gravity manipulation
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time
Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; shadow casting
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings). Anti-energy being.
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

Reserve Legionnaires (Not Legion Cadets)

Dragonmage, Xao Jin of New Shanghai (Earth colony); sorcery
Impulse, Kent Shakespeare of Earth (United Kingdom: England); enhanced speed, strength, durability and recuperative abilities; Legion World chief medical doctor
Magnetic Kid, Pol Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter. Legion World head chef
Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers

Reserve Legionnaires (Concurrent Legion Cadets) - Partial List

Arachno of Arachnidia; enhanced abilities of spiders
Brawler of Moxie; super-strength and durability, can mind-mesh with machinery to control it
Cannus of Anthropologia; skilled tracker, canine senses and abilities
Catspaw, April Dumaka of Earth (Ghana and Tanzania); enhanced agility, speed and claws, cat-like senses
Chlorophyll Kid, Ral Benem of Mardru; plant manipulation
Comet Queen, Grava of Quaal III; super-speed flight and emission of comet-like gases
Crystal Kid, Bobb Kohan of Earth (Brazil and Peru); crystal generation and manipulation
Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal); controls his body's density; increasing density grants a degree of strength and durability, decreasing makes him lighter but without phasing
Dragonwing, Marya Pai of Earth (Singapore and Tibet); breathes fire and secretes acid venom
Flying Fox of H'lven; levitation and other abilities
Hotshot, Staq Mavlen of Shwar; breathes fire
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau); underwater survival; hydrokinesis
Mandalla, Tari Wahlmunn of Takron-Galtos; projects a thought-sphere that affects the target's mental and physical functions
Night Girl, Lydda Jath of Kathoon; super-strength in darkness
Porcupine Pete, Peter Dursin of Earth (Jamaica and Mexico); ejects quills from his body
Rainbow, Dori Aandraison of Xolnar; rainbow-based light powers
Retro, Deen Toro of Retcon; touch-triggered ability to rewind time, but leaving those affected with a memory of "future" events
Sizzle, Teela Spuunvil of Abaddonus; absorbs and redirects energy
Spectrum, Ulu Vakk of Lupra; changes the color of people and objects
Splitter, Floyd Belkin of Lallor; ability to detach his limbs from his torso
Stone Boy, Dag Wentim of Zwen; turns self into stone
Tellus, Ganglios of Hykraius; telepathy and telekinesis
Theena of unknown; attached to a symbiotic alien able to open "viewscreens" allowing communication across distances
Tomb, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions
Veilmist of Khundia and ??; teleportation
Vision, Rhent Ustin of Earth (Egypt and Spain); microscopic, telescopic, heat, freeze, and hypnotic vision
Yera Liggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Zarox Lux of Colu; 10th level intelligence

OtherLegion Cadets - Partial List

Dolphin, F'e1lpz of Dili-Tawi; can hold his breath indefinitely
Polecat, Dafe Meron of Venus; emits a foul stench

Honorary Legionnaires; Legion Support Staff and/or Allies

Rene Jacques Brande of unknown; Legion Founder/Financier and United Planets Ambassador to the Second Galaxy (Honorary Legionnaire)
Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Ireland and Montenegro); Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer (Honorary Legionnaire)

Cub Wazzo-Nah of Bgztl and Rimbor; son of Apparition and Ultra Boy, confirmed phasing abilities
Devlin O'Ryan of Xanthu; reporter and Legion deputy media liaison
Dr. Gym'll of Jaquaa; Legion physician
Dr. Ryk'rr of Jaquaa; Legion psychiatrist
Dr. Mollie Dennum of Hephaestus; materials scientist
Gigi Cusimano of Mars; Science police lieutenant and commander of the Science Police contingent on Legion World
Hannah Wells of Earth (France and Mali); reporter and Legion media liaison
Hegga Hanzo of Winath; Science police officer on Winath; childhood friend of Spark and Live Wire (along with her twin Megga, with the UP Aid Program)
Lenzslo Philish of Athram; lead of the Legion World Athramite contingent; chief designer
Lori Morning of 20th century Earth (USA); RJ Brande's adopted daughter
Mabuhay Corazon of Aleph; fashion design student and Legion costume consultant; childhood friend of Kinetix
Marla Latham of Earth (Germany and Sweden); Legion adult advisor
Micah Aven of Titan; extremely skilled telepath and tutor of the most promising adepts
Proty of Vyrga; shapeshifting and limited telepathy
Rond Vidar of Earth (Greece and Iran); scientist specializing in time studies
Winema Wazzo of Bgztl; United Planets President
The Wolfpack of Rimbor; Timber Wolf's former gang (leader Crody; Hubble, Mash, Race, Rn'drr)

Uncanny Amazers of Xanthu

Atmos, Marak Russen of Xanthu; nuclear energy blasts, flight, enhanced strength and durability
Kal Bodo of Xanthu; phrenology and psychometry activated upon touching another's head
Konk!, of Xanthu; detachable floating head, if she fails to reattach her head to her body, a new one with a different personality grows
Radion, Roy Travich of Earth (Italy and Madagascar); flight and emission of radiation

Heroes of Lallor

Beastmaster, Ilshu Nor of Lallor; transform into any animal
Vapor, Tal Nahii of Lallor; transforms her body into gases

The Workforce of McCauley Industries

Amber of Dendron, projects a sap-like gel
Evolvo, Sev Tcheru of Lallor; shifts self between human evolutionary states, including a super-strong ape-man and a telekinetic, hyper-intelligent futuristic human; current CEO of McCauley Industries
Lupine of unknown, wolf-like humanoid form
Sandstorm of Mica, body composed of animate dust particles

AmpGirl Andromeda Apparition Babbage PolarBoy Brainiac51 CalorieQueen Chameleon ChemicalKing CosmicBoy1 Dreamer Tyroc Monstress Ferro Gates Gear (Gravity) SunBoy InsectQueen InvisibleKid1 KarateKid1 KidQuantumII Kinetix LiveWire Lume Magno Mentalla InfectiousLass1 MOnel1 Nightwind1 Particon ChuckTaine SaturnGirl1 Sensor Shikari Spark SpiderGirl StarBoy1 TimberWolf1 Triad UltraBoy1 Umbra Violet WhiteWitch Wildfire1 XS

Dragonmage Impulse MagneticKidII MatterEaterLad Thunder

(Arachno) Brawler Cannus Catspaw ChlorophyllKid CometQueen CrystalKid PowerBoy (Dragonwing) (Flying Fox) FireLad Lamprey Mandalla NightGirl PorcupinePete RainbowGirl Retro Sizzle ColorKid ArmFallOffBoy StoneBoy Tellus Tomb GasGirl Veilmist Theena Tomb VisiLad (Yera) (Zaron Lux)

BeastBoy GasGirl Atmos Radion (Kal Bodo) (Konk!) EvolvoLad (Amber) (Lupine) (Sandstorm)

Proty Polecat
Posted By: razsolo Re: Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/14/18 04:19 AM
So it was all a VR simulation! Clever idea, and I think everyone's reactions to both the test and the outcome were very well done and highlighted everyone's distinct personalities...I am really glad Amp and Calorie Queen made it in, I think Gravity is gonna be an interesting choice and I am bummed about Vapor leaving but it does make sense. Looking forward to seeing the new Legionnaires in action!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Monster Mash (Post ZH Legion) - 05/14/18 08:25 AM
Hi raz, thanks!

Author's notes on my picks - I had planned for Amp since the beginning of Volume 4, when I retconned her into having had her powers expanded by the Monitor smile But because I hadn't given her any big moment in Volume 3, I had to let her earn it...

Calorie Queen was a flash of inspiration. I had been writing her as a serious contender, and I had written Tenzil as not interested in full Active membership, so... We'll see where that goes. Tenzil will still show up often though!

Gravity joining sort of wrote itself, he was one of the most together, had good powers...there really wasn't a good reason to say no. Plus, him joining and Density not, will add some good old drama to the mix. And I admit, there's some author avatar stuff going on, as Blaze and I are facing similar challenges now.

I really liked writing Vapor too, and I love her powerset. Partly inspired by your own Gas Girl of course wink But yeah, with my previous set up on the character and on Lallor, the story was taking her another way... But we will be seeing Vapor and Beastmaster again for sure!

And Echo, ever since Legion Lost 2 put Tyroc in a leadership position, I was thinking he'd make a good addition to the team.

Next up: a few missions, as the team gets ready for the tryouts... and more headway on some of the mysterious plot threads that have been popping up here and there!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Other Realms (Post ZH Legion) - 05/14/18 04:11 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Saturn Girl's eyes glowed as she focused on the young pyrokinetic in front of them. The poor blonde was sedated; after reading the medical reports, she knew that he was prone to outbursts every time he was lucid.

This was the young man who somehow had a connection to the other Inferno - Sandy Anderson - whom they had left in the past. Her choice; but sometimes Imra felt a pang of guilt. Had any of them spared a thought for Inferno since?

She turned to Cosmic Boy, who had been waiting patiently. Imra shook her head. "As near as I can tell, he seems to be a blood relative. Not a sibling, but perhaps a cousin. At least, he believes he is..."

Rokk was silent. "He could have been, you know. Inferno never talked about her past, or her family."

"I know you won't ask, Rokk, but I'm not comfortable scanning deeper. All I can tell is he truly believes he and Inferno are family, but I don't dare risk a full probe. Not in his state."

"I know you are doing the best you can, given the circumstances." Rokk smiled at one of his closest friends. "And I trust your judgment completely."

Imra sighed. "And I trust yours too, Rokk. But please, promise me you won't do anything rash. I don't need to read your mind to know that you're considering retrieving Inferno from the past..."

Rokk laughed. "If I do, Imra, I'll make sure not to do it in a dangerous way... or to break any sensible laws."

Imra smiled. "I know how you feel about justice, Rokk Krinn. Like how you kept the Legion going during our Lost year*** despite our activities being outlawed in the UP."

"The law isn't always right," Rokk laughed.

And neither are you... Imra thought to herself, as they walked away.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers

Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers (Reserve Legionnaire)

Rond Vidar of Earth (Greece and Iran); skilled scientist specializing in time studies
Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Ireland and Montenegro); Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer (also Honorary Legionnaire)

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

"Fascinating, fascinating..." Rond Vidar was, much like Brainiac 5, at his happiest when he was poring over streams of data. Yet, one thing that always amazed Shvaughn was how Rond seemed to be even more vague and socially awkward than the new, improved Brainiac 5 was today.

Rond had barely addressed his two test subjects. Thunder was leaning back in her chair; Shvaughn knew that she was bored, but she was hiding it well. So was M'Onel; 1000 years in the Phantom Zone meant **** he had the patience of Father Time himself.

"Care to share what you learned, Rond?" Shvaughn asked, a touch acerbically.

Rond raised his head and adjusted his spectacles. "Well, since you asked nicely, Captain... And anyway, you'll find out soon enough, considering I'm required by law to submit full records of all my research to the Science Police!"

"For good reason, Rond," Shvaughn replied calmly. "Though the UP supports scientific progress, we must put safeguards on it. You saw what happened when the Blight abused the Stargate networks to invade UP space... and more recently, when the Thresholds allowed Legion World to be invaded. You should know, you were one of those captured here!"

Rond waved a hand dismissively. This was a debate he and Shvaughn had engaged in many times, and both had accepted that the other's mind would not change.

"Let's not get started on this again," M'Onel laughed. "Thunder doesn't get to visit us often, and we don't want to scare her away by fighting so much."

Thunder laughed melodiously at M'Onel's quip. Shvaughn joined in; other women might have been jealous of M'Onel's close friendship with Thunder, but Shvaughn knew it was just that - friendship. Or more accurately, a kinship borne from M'Onel's need to find those who could relate to him. Whereas M'Onel was stuck a millennium away from all his friends and family on 20th century Daxam, Thunder had been stuck 60 centuries before her own time. Two extremely powerful beings, all but orphaned... But Thunder was really quite young outside of her SHAZAM-empowered identity; not a child anymore, she was now almost as old as the Legionnaires, but still below their average age. And besides, she could now return to her home time any moment she wished - and she had her powers then, too. Her life was in the future, and M'Onel's was here now, with Shvaughn.

"This is a fascinating debate, though," Echo said as he looked up from the records. The new Active Legionnaire had been the most enthusiastic among the new quartet, and was volunteering left and right for Legion-related activities. In fact, Shvaughn knew he had volunteered for more additional tasks than pretty much any other Active Legionnaire. He had a lot of energy, and being invited up had not dampened his ambitions any. "How should the UP balance progress with safety?"

"Very carefully," Cosmic Boy quipped as he strolled in. "Jokes aside though, that's a very insightful question, Echo."

"Isn't it? I've been working with Inferno and Invisible Kid on some studies for that..." Echo smiled.

Cosmic Boy paused. Shvaughn instantly caught it; that mention of Inferno. She had been stranded in the 20th century alongside them, and she knew about Cosmic Boy's recent encounter. He was planning something.

"So, what have you learned, Rond?" Cosmic Boy asked as he casually walked over to the control panel. A little bit too casually.

"That even though Thunder travels through time using the Rock of Eternity, it doesn't leave any excess chronal energy in her body..." Rond mused. "Not much, anyway. Her chronal energy levels are elevated, but not to the extent they should be..."

"A word, Cosmic Boy?" Shvaughn placed a gentle hand on Rokk's shoulder. He nodded, and she led him over to a corner of the room. "Rokk, I know you're thinking about Sandy..."

"Just exploring options, Shvaughn..." Cos said quietly. "Brainiac 5 won't travel through time, and I haven't even asked Rond because he won't dare do anything to risk closing the Time Institute down again. Unlike when he built a time machine to retrieve us from the past, he doesn't see the urgency in getting Sandy back..."*****

"And just as well," Shvaughn said. "Inferno made her choice, Rokk."

"And what if she regrets it? We don't know..." Cosmic Boy said.

"No, we don't. But she knew the risks when she made it." Shvaughn tried to hold his eyes steadily. "Let it go, Rokk."

"I can't, Shvaughn..." Rokk said. "That young man looking for her... it made me realize, I was the leader then. I should have tried harder to talk her into coming back..."

"Rokk, you kept us together as best as you could," Shvaughn said gently. "You're not responsible for guiding us through every life decision."

She sighed inwardly as she observed the stubborn set to Rokk's jaw. He wouldn't give up so easily...

Before she could say anything else, the instrument panel that Rond and Echo were working on began to flash.

"What's happening?" M'Onel sat up, alert. So did Thunder.

"I... I don't know..." Rond said. "We hadn't pressed anything," Echo sounded puzzled. "It just began to flash..."

Suddenly, an inky whiteness spread in front of her eyes. Shvaughn drew her blaster, though she doubted it would help. But best to be armed, just in case.

"This isn't anything like what happens when I use the Rock of Eternity," Thunder began.

"Oh no..." Cosmic Boy said. "I've seen this before..."

"indeed you have, Rokk Krinn," laughed a deep, dramatic voice that sounded like a bad holo-villain.

"Oh no... I know that voice..." Cosmic Boy paled visibly. "Everyone, be careful, it's..."

"Now, now, let's not spoil the surprise!"

"M'Onel!" That was all Shvaughn could say, before her world lurched as she felt herself being pulled forward into the whiteness.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************


IB's notes:

1) For Cosmic Boy's first encounter with the blonde young man, check this post.

2) As a recap, Sandy Anderson (Inferno) was a Workforce member stranded in the 20th century along with some Legionnaires (LSH 85-100). Inferno left the team in LSH 96. She decided to stay behind in LSH 100. She never became a Legionnaire.

3) The Lost year refers to the Legion Lost mini. While Saturn Girl and others were stranded in the Kwai galaxy, the Legion had been disbanded and outlawed in UP space.

4) M'Onel was imprisoned in the Phantom Zone for 1000 years, to save his life from lead poisoning. The Legionnaires and clone Superboy had to free him in the 30th century to avoid time paradoxes.

5) Legionnaires 47/LSH 91, Rond built a time machine using Brainiac 5's specs to try and rescue the trapped Legionnaires

6) Re the M'Onel and Shvaughn relationship, DNA sowed some seeds in Legion Worlds 1 (them working together to investigate a Robotican droid) and in Legion 17-18 (Mon saving Shvaughn from Ra's al Ghul). I pushed this in Volume 1 to 3, with Shvaughn figuring out that M'Onel was really Valor, Seeder of Worlds, and keeping his secret; and M'Onel realizing that Shvaughn knew yet never said anything. The relationship just wrote itself from there. Shvaughn being a few years older than most Legionnaires, and M'Onel technically being 1000+ years old and thus more mature, helped draw them together.
Posted By: Omni Re: Other Realms (Post ZH Legion) - 05/15/18 12:53 AM
IB,

These last few "missions" were a great insight to so many of your cadets and I loved getting a real chance to know some of them. (Especially getting to see the differences in some of the similar cadets we have.)

I honestly have to say i had an inkling about this being the possible try out for the team. Once all the Active Legionnaires disappeared and we didn't hear anything from their side of things something just seemed off. But it was still a great reveal and I'm super happy that it was just a simulation.

I understand Imra's issue with the memory manipulation. But I have to side with the team that they need to know who is ready to be an active Legionnaire and it is the best way safely.
I just have to say IB you do a great job at showing all these different facets of what the Legion could be outside of just beating up the bad guys and you really show how this team particularly (as we didn't get to see the Reboot grow to the adult Legion the silver age had) has advanced and are a real organization and not just a super hero team. You've also fleshed out so much of how it works and it just amazes me and i see the growth of the team.

I was hoping Achrno would have gotten further. She's got my curiosity going.

I loved the part with Brainy, Dreamer, and Star Boy taking bets on who was going to join that was fun.
Glad Amp made it in and Gravity.

I hope Lampery can get her power levels up soon. it be cool to have a water caster on the team.

Poor Splinter he just can't catch a break.
Retro - wow. twice?

So many good moments in those missions and those who took charge are well deserving.

M'Onel and Shvaughn really do work as a couple in my head. ( much better than that weird 20th century flirtation with Ultra Boy.)

M'Onel and Thunder's friendship makes total sense when you put it that way and its nice to see he's not alone.

I'm so glad the Inferno thread is getting picked up. I hated never really seeing her again and with all the Crisis and Reality rewrites I had wondered what became of her.
There should be a series just about what happened to those who've disappeared because of the events never to be remembered or rewritten in to history. Could they all be on another Earth? Composite Earth?

Can't wait for more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Other Realms (Post ZH Legion) - 05/15/18 01:10 PM
Hi Omni,

Thanks for your detailed feedback!

I did expect some readers would guess there was a trick behind this. That's why I didn't try too hard to make things too realistic, because I was going to use the post-hypnotic suggestion thing to explain why none of the Cadets wondered why all the Active Legionnaires were so conveniently captured or injured wink

I'm glad the conflict on using this VR simulation/memory manipulation came through. The Legionnaires certainly had a healthy debate about it, but decided the ends (making sure any new Legionnaires would be ready for danger!) justified the means.

Happy that you liked my fleshing out of the team's organization and processes! I'm taking a lot of classes on subjects like that now, so it's a good way to apply what I've learned. Also, with the team getting to be so large, managing their own Cadet training program, and headquartered in their own artificial planet... there's a lot of behind the scenes action going on!

Arachno is fun, isn't she? And considering how much trouble Tangleweb gave the team, she could be quite formidable.

Looks like Amp is getting universal approval! Gravity also "pulled his weight", pun intended.

Don't worry, Lamprey is a tough cookie, and with Nightwind and Amp helping her, I'm sure she will improve in her powers soon. wink

Yeah, Retro ran away once in the initial attack; Vapor had to follow him out to give him the data they collected. Then, he ran away again after Vapor left him to go back in and help the others.

And Splitter... poor Floyd. His heart is in the right place, but I could not think of a way to make his powers useful without it being too contrived and unlikely!

I'm also proud of separating the contributions of Cadets based on powers, battle tactics, teamwork, and leadership. Some candidates were able to contribute along all three lines, but others were not - like Lydda not being able to show off her powers, but helping as a leader, for example.

Happy to hear that Mon and Shvaughn work well! There were only one or two hints while DNA was writing the team (Legion Worlds 1, Legion 17-18); I had to add some character-establishing moments myself! The Mon/Thunder friendship started way back in LSH 110, and I always found it interesting how these two naturally gravitated towards each other.

I never really liked Sandy Inferno, but I also thought that some of the more conscientious Legionnaires - such as Rokk and Imra - would be bothered by leaving her in the past. They did ask her if she wanted to come home,and it was shown that they determined she wouldn't destroy the timestream, and also that they didn't have time to force her to go. But still. And yeah, she deserved better than the limbo she is now in!
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Other Realms (Post ZH Legion) - 05/16/18 11:24 AM
Hey IB, some great things going on here, so it's about time I posted a review. Here are my thoughts as I'm reading this:

Love Grandma, and will use her "I may be old, but that just makes me wiser," line on my son from now on smile

I never really got Theena - she's a walking talking monitor board with a space octopus on her back - a great visual but not my cup of tea. So, it was really good that you gave her a personaily, from her cute crush on Gear to fear of Triad Purple, well done, it was well overdue.

As you know I didn't follow the reboot until DnA so Evolvo as a machiavelliean capitalist is an eye opener, and a really good well for storylines to be drawn from. Wha has been doing on Luna?

Dr zhivago? Well if you must, I used to have a real crush on Omar Sharif smile

Wow! That's a huge group you're sending out - this will be epic! (and give you a good way of showing the cadets off to us)

Just read through the list and isn't Gravity's abilities already represented by Star Boy (and most likely to a much higher extent?) - does this mean tha Tel won't get through? That'll cause issues between him and Jed if Power Boy does.

Lyle and Condo are cute. Nice that Condo realises the benefits of projecting confidence has, thats a life lesson for everyone I think.

I did like the reboot Tas, she wa such a fighter and her take down of Brawler was great - not your personal glory, indeed! Get with the Legion ethos man!

"Intelligent design" - I'm stealing that idea, nice one!

The idea that the team know when the othersare using their powers is really good, and you've shown it well in that post. Babbage still fighting after getting his head torn off was great as well - defintely feeling the Babbage love here.

Poor Grava, can't do right for doing wrong. Still, nice save of Ayla.

Doesn't Insect queens (Rather yucky in my mind) powers just mimic Cham's? I thought you were keeping the no duplication of powers rule? Or was that not ever really followed in the reboot?

Well, the Legionnaires didn't perform too well there, six of them taking out in the initial attack - I suppose that means we'll need to see the reverists and cadets step up.

Cut off from Legion World? They're not having a good day, are they?

Love the Cosmic Boy quote. "No wonder the other Legionnaires still spoke of him with a degree of reverence. Well, most of them, anyway." Haha, made me laugh.

Good that you're addressing the former Workforce members feelings about their past asociation with MacCauley. And I want a a Planetary Champion voice, that'd be a real asset smile Good to see Dirk consider Lydda, why didn't Umbra think of that? Rainbow being over zealous was undrstandable but her abilities are not really an asset if she can't focus them properly. Okay, so with Ultra Boy and Umbra getting taken leaving only the reverists and cadets there's definitely something going on... is this a set up IB?

"Apologize, or you'll get a fireball in your face!" - Marya has such a charming personality doesn't she smile Beastmasters ego getting stroked - we all know people like that. Poor Chlorophyll Kid, so well meanin but unfocussed. the Malean Narcoroot sounds like a good plant to have in his arsenal if only he uses it properly. Tellus'lack of confidence was always one of his defining characteristics, which is a shame as he's pretty powerful with an intimidating physique so could easily be an asset to the team. Marya standing her ground is perfectly in character and exactly what the team don't want at that moment. And Troy is cool, calm and collected - I hope he makes it into the big team soon as he's a great character. With Garth and Chuck taken I'm now positive this is a set up - nicely done IB. Is this the try out that the cadets have been waiting for?

You are really pushing Amps capabilities, her extending Tinya's abilities is quite staggering! Amp's potential is amazing. What would happen if she was to, say, amp Duplicate Boys abilities? Would those around be able to share ther powers making them a super elite force? "We're intangible, not inaudible!" Ha, poor Grava, again. Veilmist - what an idiot! Plans are not for weaklings, as I'm sure you'll show. Loved Grava headbutting mutant Evolvo, bet that was painful with her pronged forehead! Amp to the rescue again, boosting everyone left, right and centre - how much energy does she have? Particon ramming a staff into Evolvo's head was an 'ouch!' moment as I read this. And again, the main Legionnaires are taken. Let's see how the cadets cope? I'm loving how you are torturing them by taking away the legionnaires IB, it's great fun.

More soon, I need to get a cup of tea before I go any further.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Other Realms (Post ZH Legion) - 05/16/18 12:42 PM
Hi Harbi,

Thanks for your usual thorough comments! You really pay attention to all the details, and it shows!

I've been having trouble with Theena as well. I threw her in on a whim, but her power seems best suited to mission monitor board-manning or search-and-rescue. Happy her personality is showing, though.

Ah, sneaky Evolvo. He was McCauley's right-hand man for a while, and was clearly motivated by self-interest (though he wouldn't go so far as putting other people in danger... or would he?)

Happy you liked the "intelligent design" theory, the flight rings indicating power use, and Grandma's words of wisdom!

Gravity's powers are definitely duplicated by Star Boy - something not the case in the Retroboot. Ah, but who knows? We already have two lightning wielders (Live Wire and Spark), two Braalians (Cosmic Boy and Magno), and two Daxamites (Andromeda and M'Onel) all on active duty... wink and the Reboot never had a no-duplication of powers rule, and I'm not planning on bringing that in for the near future.

Insect Queen's powers are a subset of Cham's, except for one key difference - Cham mimics forms but not powers, but Insect Queen can copy powers. It's a very fine distinction, but if Cham morphs into a giant wasp, his sting won't necessarily be poisonous. A bit of a fine distinction though, I know.

Happy that you're liking my Grava and Marya. You write them so well in your own fic, so to hear you say they're perfectly in character is great to hear.

I'm not surprised you latched on to some clues that indicate it is a set-up wink

Happy you like Echo, he's great, isn't he? And yes, Tellus has potential but is so unsure... he would really need to deal with that if he wants to get a seat at the meeting table.

I like your idea for Amp and Duplicate Boy... something for me to think about, for sure. I will need to better establish some limits for her soon! I'm at risk of overusing her, if I'm not careful.

Thanks again Harbi, for the nice read and review!
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Other Realms (Post ZH Legion) - 05/16/18 12:57 PM
So, back for more, yippee!

You've done a lot of work on Lamprey at the Academy so it's good to see her in the field. Her acknowledgement of the situation and pragmatism, mixed with more conflicted emotions rang true. She's a keeper, I really like her. Calorie Queen as class swot! I never saw her as that competent so it's good to see you focus on the more competent side of her nature.Ouch moment again - steam into open gashes? Ouch! That poor slug creature! Tomb is pretty powerful too, you mentioned before that he only appeared briefly in the reboot but I'm going to look himup afterwards as he seems interesting.Another two Legionnaires bite the dust... those poor cadets! laugh

Oh Jed, stop putting Tel first, get over it and focus on the mission at hand man! Good build up of suspense before the doors open... Poor Splitter, I think he'll always be the bridesmaid but never the bride, so to speak. Yuck villain in ths section, I think I'd throw up too. retro won't win ant bravery awards, will he? and, once again, poor Splitter! Using Stone Boy as a club is both comedic and ingenious. And there goes Cos and Spider Girl, so it's the cadets against a world now! Should be fun as you've highlighted a wide range of characters that won't necessarily work well together.

Good for Hotshot trying to perk up his colleague. Poor Ral and his lack of confidence and poor self image.

Beastmaster is another sad egotist that I hope learns a lesson here.

Brawler - oh please slap him down somehow, his attitude is like the worst of the gung-ho 90's marvel comics.

Lydda hugging Staq was sweet. Good to see the teams have all met up with each other.

"treat himself to a double sundae, diet be damned" - this is advice we should all take!

Perhaps Veilmist should have hit Retro a few times more as he kind of deserved it for running away. Though I guess not everyone is meant to be a hero.

Stone Boy having doubts is understandable, he doesn't really have the most useful ability, though it's a good measure of his character that he at least tries.

Nice to see the stealthier aspects, and Flying Fox saying he wanted to hit their heads with acorns was really sweet.

Nice that Marya acknowledges she doesn't want a leadership role, there are too many alpha characters as it is. Nice bonding between Marya and Catspaw - they have very similar personalities so it would be easy to have them at each others throats but your approach to show they are learning from the experience shows they do have a level of maturity. Arachno not understanding some situations and being wiling to listen to help her learn more was well done too. Interesting that Sizzle is quite neutral in her views, that's good to show that there aren't just the two diametrically opposed opinions in this scenario. CQ snapping at them to just go if they wanted is kind of what i feel I would do - you go Cal! Going for a vote - I suppose it's the only way to get a resolution, so long as everyone sticks to the plan with the most votes. Ah, Brawler and Veilmist, you just don't understand team playing, do you? Really interesting how you are showing the different team members motivations - Ulu surprised me, but it kind of made sense that he would think like that.

Nice to see your Dirk being mature and tackling Brawler on what he had said. The splitting up of the larger team surprised me ut makes perfect sense. Interesting politics you've shown with Mandalla's musings, her status as a citizen of Takron-Galtos meaning she couldn't find work and has to move on every 180 days, so like the restrictive visa policies we have today. Pete's power is really super gossiping! Ha, I have a workmate with exactly the same skill set.And it appears the trouble is still happening, those exploding floors are really inconvenient for the cadets aren't they?

STARRO! Yay! I'm planning on using his soon so it's great that you can preview him here. I do love galactic conquering starfish, it's such a silly and equally superb idea! Bbob to the rescue! Good to see Crystal Kid be useful. Also good to see the more aggressive and perhaps suicidal students being stopped from jumping into a fight they would lose. Amps idea makes sense and also great that Veilmist thought to offer to stay behind to teleport them out if needed. Tomb is a bit scary really, he seems to enjoy causing pain. Good for Veilmst to get Amp to use her abilities to max up the teleport.

Lamprey stepping up to take charge - she's a shoo-in!

Poor Splitter!

Okay, so it was a test. I'm glad you didn't decide to kill off your main team.

Imra being uncomfortable with altering memories was a good nod towards her strong morals, nice to read it.

Chameleon's talk with Splitter was really sweet, nice to know the Legionnaires have responsibility to their students mental wellfare as well as jus training them to fight.

Chemical King and Sun Boy as full members is overdue so it'd good to read. I agree with Gates that those that don't want to stay or don't share the teams ethos should be persuaded to go, but it's also a kindness that the team don't want to shove anyone out onto the streets just discourage them if they are particularly unsuited for the legionnaires life.

The comment about there being 5 from Earth an social media had commented on the Earth-centric membership was on point. I agree that the team need to show real diversity and start looking for more exotic members. And they are always fun to read about smile

Amp's in - good! it's no surprise but great to see, you obviously enjoy writing her so it woud be a shame not to include her this time.
Lamprey's not in? That was a surprise, though you will no doubt include her in some storylines going forward, won't you?
Calorie Quuen is in - didn't see this one coming but she did hold up well in the test and the team needs more strong women so I'm not complaining. Interesting that she called up tenzil for advice.
Tel is in but Jed isn't - not what i expected and it's going to lead to some interestign dynamics betwen the two of them.
And Vapor turned them down. Okay, understandable but a shame.

Oh, Echo is in too? Splendid!

Your team is huge IB, and great fun, a good mix of personalities and powers. I'm really looking forward to where you take them next. Wherever that is I'm here looking forward to more, more, more!
Yay! more comments, thanks for a fast read and review!

Alas poor Lamprey. I've given her so much screen time, and highlighted her hard work and positivity so much, it was almost a shame to not give her an invite. She was probably the most surprising no. But, I wanted to also show the Legion's pragmatism; if Lamprey were in a situation without enough water around - and there could be many - what would she do? Saturn Girl and Dreamer and Invisible Kid have hand-to-hand combat skills, Nightwind can play with the air in people's lungs so she's not helpless in space, etc. Lamprey needs to show she's versatile enough not to be hamstrung by her environment.

The good, the bad and the ugly... I had fun thinking of how each Cadet and participant would react, and how each is motivated. Not everyone is cut out to be a Legionnaire...

Brawler is quite horrid, I did make him worse, but he showed many signs of this in his one and only appearance (which was shared with Tomb, by the way).

Poor Mandalla's situation hits me close to home. In my class now, those of us with "weaker" passports face quite the struggle. I need individual visas for the UK, Ireland AND the Schengen Area, and that means I miss many opportunities - unlike my classmates who can happily zip off to London or Dublin for a job interview or a conference with a day's notice, whereas I need to plan ahead.

Happy that some Cadets sort of redeemed themselves, like Crystal Kid and Veilmist. They still have a ways to go, but they stepped up more than Brawler or Retro did.

And poor Splitter... there's just so little he can reasonably do with his powers, so it's hard for him to get a break.

Happy that you like Echo - so far everyone has liked Amp, and I've been 2/3 for Calorie Queen and Vapor and Lamprey, but Echo has received relatively little love smile

Ah yes, the team diversity question. Even after bringing in Lume and Baggage, sadly I don't have so many non-humanoids on the team: Gates, Sensor, Wildfire, Chameleon, Shikari to an extent, and Gear when he uses his powers. Characters like Brainiac 5, Umbra, Nightwind, Microbe help, but not enough. One big struggle I have with team diversity, is I'm not so good at creating new characters. Arachno is a step in the right direction, but there aren't so many other races - yet - that I can draw from. And Tellus, Arachno and Flying Fox weren't quite ready yet for the big leagues.

Hmmm.... this gives me a couple of ideas for public tryouts...

thanks again, Harbi! smile
Love your work so am happy to comment when I have time IB
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 05/20/18 09:51 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Colu

Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan; telepathic control of others' physical functions

********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Colu.

A world of unparalleled intellect, the United Planets depends much on its scientific contributions. Even with the membership of Robotica, Colu still retains its seat at the forefront of UP research; the Coluans maintain that their organic minds and capacity for emotion allow them much more creativity and imagination than any robotic mind could ever hope to achieve. The Roboticans call that logic sound and do not dispute it.

Recently, Colu and Robotica have begun tentatively exploring methods of research cooperation. Robotican Legionnaire Babbage connected to the famed Coluan Sleepnet in a move that has met widespread support in Robotica. However, Coluans are split on this, with Coluans younger than 31 expressing 75.87% support, yet those 31 and above polling at only 36.54%. This is particularly significant considering the extended lifespans of Coluans, compared to the galactic average.

Though the government approved this initiative, it is rumored that this was only done through subtle United Planets diplomatic pressure. Many analysts believe it was a show of good faith, after Coluan Sharn Nux tried to murder Legionnaire Brainiac 5 during the COMPUTO War, allegedly under orders from the Coluan government.* This has never been proven, and Colu's Premier Orin Fex has vehemently denied the allegations, blaming Robotican drones for turning Sharn Nux's behavior erratic through the bio-toxins they occasionally emitted.

Many Coluans still insist on calling the COMPUTO War the Robotican War, despite the Roboticans' provision of evidence that they were being controlled by COMPUTO.

- from The Earth Spins, 3018 May



********************************************************************************************************************************************************

"Bah! Just what I would expect from a selfish politician!" Gates grumbled as he scanned the Earth Spins entry. "i swear, these manipulative squajes are so used to doing things in a roundabout way, that they would turn three corners right rather than make a left in order to save face!"

"Tell me about it," Andromeda said quietly. After all, the Daxamite Ambassador to Earth, Roxxas, had manipulated her into aiding the White Triangle by threatening to return her to Daxam, where she would have lost her powers.** Roxxas had known exactly what to say, and he had fooled everybody... "I wonder, Gates. From what you've said before, this sort of thing is alien on Vyrga."

"Hmph! It is, because on Vyrga we learn early on that we need to work together to survive the harsh environment. But then it's also because most Vyrgans think alike..." Gates shook his head in annoyance. "That makes them too closed to new things. But then, manipulative behavior is not the sign of an open mind. Look at how Orin Fex continues to be so obstinate!"

"I suppose..." Andromeda fell silent as she tuned out, glanced outside the window. Their ship was passing through a Threshold; Brainiac 5 was at the controls, following their Kwai guide. Yet while Laurel was admiring the beautiful whiteness of interdimensional space, Brainiac 5 was focused on the task at hand.

And so was his co-pilot, Mentalla. While Querl was focused on piloting, Delya was handling the communications and navigation. And from Andromeda's vantage point, they seemed to be doing a very good job.

She turned back to Gates, who was still waving his arms around for emphasis. She should really try to pay attention to him...

... but her mind could not help but wander.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

"Nicely done, Mentalla," Brainiac 5 said. "You anticipate my informational needs so nicely, it's almost like you're precognitive... or reading my mind."

Mentalla smiled faintly. Time was, she would have brushed off Brainiac 5's praise, pass her performance off as just her doing her job. But... she had been pleasantly surprised in her past few months as a full Legionnaire. For one thing, she actually enjoyed the company of her teammates. And she enjoyed how they interacted with one another. Even the most serious-seeming ones, such as Brainiac 5 or M'Onel or Umbra, would engage in banter with the rest.

Even Saturn Girl; despite the Legion founder's superior thought-casting and mind-reading, she praised Mentalla's own superior ability to control the physical functions of sentients. She treated Mentalla like an equal.

All this helped make Delya's tenure as a Legionnaire much more enjoyable. She had been motivated to join the Legion by a sense of duty, but now she really found herself having fun.

"Thank you, Brainiac 5. I promise you, I'm not using my telepathy... I just paid a lot of attention during my Cadet days." She softened her lips into a smile, though she didn't look at Brainiac 5 directly. She was focused on the instrument panel in front of her.

"And you're certainly not part-Naltorian. I should know, I studied the genealogical and DNA records of every Legionnaire..."

"... and of everyone who works on Legion World, I'm sure," Delya laughed.

"Of everyone on Earth, even. I'm working my way through the United Planets," Brianiac 5 quipped, though he too remained focused on following their Kwai guide through the Threshold.

Mentalla laughed. She knew Brainiac 5 wasn't seriously interested in her; this was just harmless flirting. But she was flattered that Querl Dox, of all sentients, chose to engage in witty banter with her. And for that matter, he had asked her on this mission to Colu personally. She considered it a personal triumph that she, and not Saturn Girl, had been chosen. Yes, she wasn't as good a thought-caster as Imra Ardeen was, but she was good enough for what needed to be done.

What needed to be done. She wasn't completely sure if it was the right thing to do - not by universal standards of ethics. However, she was convinced it was necessary to ensure the survival of the Legion.

And right now, that was the most important consideration.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Brainiac 5 quickly calculated the optimum facial muscle movements to convey the appropriate amount of warmth for greeting Orin Fex - respectfully, but not too familiarly. As he smiled, he carefully modulated his voice just so. "Salutations, Orin Fex." His grip, likewise, was at just the appropriate firmness to demonstrate equality; after all, Querl Dox was of the Brainiac line and a Legionnaire, which made him equal in rank to the Coluan head of government, all things considered.

Orin Fex looked at Brainiac 5, his face and body language betraying nothing but a casually warm welcome.

Once more, Brainiac 5 was both grateful that he had decided to approach interpersonal relations as a scientific problem; and wary, as many of his fellow Coluans had no doubt decided to treat it in the same vein.

"Colu is pleased to welcome you, Querl Dox," Orin Fex said. To almost any other sentient, it would have been courteous and gracious; but to Brainiac 5's superior mind, Fex's choice of address left no doubt. Calling Querl by his birth name meant Fex was disregarding his Brainiac 5 title and his Legion membership. It was a subtle reminder that Querl and his teammates would receive no special treatment here on Colu.

Just as he had anticipated.

"It is my honor, Orin Fex," Querl inclined his head ever-so-slightly. Yet it was millimeters away from granting Fex the higher status.

Out of the corner of his eye, Querl observed Gates, Andromeda and Mentalla. Despite his contempt of pageantry and pretense, Gates was holding his tongue; he knew how important their mission was here. Mentalla managed to remain polite yet impassive; she looked regal, rather than aloof. Andromeda was subdued but radiated confidence. Good. They were each playing their parts. He had considered and rejected several of his teammates; Sensor, despite the usefulness of her powers, would have been too much of a signal for the Coluans to use technology to ensure she was not using her illusions; Saturn Girl had her own ideas of what was necessary, and would also have put the Coluans on their guard; Invisible Kid was too prone to improvising and his invisible form would easily be detected; Gear's techno-organic physiology and Babbage's robotic one would easily be detected by the Coluans' advanced new systems. And besides, Babbage, as a Robotican, would have met with too much hostility.

No, his team now was perfect for the mission. Or rather, he had devised the perfect plan to maximize his team. Even his friendly flirtations towards Mentalla was designed to put her in a relaxed mood, and his relative aloofness towards Andromeda was a clear signal that he was not considering any romantic relationship with her.

He quickly pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind as he focused again on Orin Fex. "I am pleased you have offered to aid us in developing a plan to safeguard the Thresholds against unauthroized, threatening use," Fex intoned. "Your firsthand experience, combined with the unparalleled intelligence of Colu, should be sufficient to develop protocols for ensuring the Thresholds are not abused."

"I am quite certain of that," Brainiac 5 smiled. As he followed Orin Fex into the Coluan Hall of Research, he was careful not to glance at his teammates.

As they trusted him, he would need to trust that they would do what was needed.


********************************************************************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legion 10-14; the COMPUTO War refers to the Robotican invasion of Earth. Sharn Nux was sent specifically to destroy COMPUTO, Brainiac 5 was likely collateral damage. Orin Fex was the one who gave her her orders in Legion 12, telling her not to fail even if it cost Earth.

2) L* 27. Andromeda had been involved with the White Triangle before becoming a Legionnaire; her parents had been members, and had pulled political strings to get her to be a Legionnaire. The Triangle doubtless went along with this so they could gain influence on Daxam too.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 05/20/18 09:52 AM
Originally Posted by Harbinger
Love your work so am happy to comment when I have time IB



Thanks, Harbi, appreciate it a lot!
Posted By: razsolo Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 05/22/18 05:10 AM
I think one of the more difficult things for any writer to portray is Brainy's 12th level intelligence and how it places him so far above anyone else that he operates on a level most people wouldn't even imagine exists...and you've done that really well with the above, IB! I like his meticulous approach to body language and verbal tone, and the way he chose his team and how he's interacted with them to ensure that they present exactly the image he wants to present. Looking forward to seeing how the Colu mission proceeds!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 05/22/18 07:32 AM
Thanks, raz! I always figured Brainy should be start enough to understand emotions and human behavior, so it was just a matter of motivation for him.

He is quite fun to write, isn’t he? I think that’s why he has become such a team mainstay
Posted By: Fat Cramer Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 05/27/18 05:06 PM
Maybe I was reading fast, but the simulation surprised me! The battle was exciting, with the individuals' abilities and weaknesses brought forth. Love the idea of being able to see when others are using their power - very useful for team coordination. Brawler's a thug, but I sort of liked seeing Veilmist acting like a Khund warrior instead of a subservient or conniving female appendage (as she was written in the comic), even though she messed up mission-wise. What I really enjoyed was the discussion afterwards among the members regarding who would be offered full membership, more training or asked to leave.

It was so realistic of Lyle and Condo to be concerned about appearing to speak with one voice. Also liked Ral's concern with being overweight. These little touches bring a lot of personality to your characters.

There was a basis for a Shvaughn-M'onel relationship in DnA's run. They make a good pair and it's refreshing to see she isn't jealous of any attention M'onel gives to Thunder.

I'm suspecting an appearance of the Time Trapper as the voice Rokk recognizes, but you may have some other trick up your sleeve.

The mission to Colu looks like it's going to be a real chess game - two devious super-minds with their own agendas. It's good to see Brainiac 5 using his super-intelligence to do more than calculate by studying sentient emotions. It's a bit cold, but it seems his intention is honorable. I hope Mentalla doesn't think he's going to be her pal! And, of course, I wonder if all his machinations are going to backfire on the personal front. Maybe emotions aren't so easily studied and manipulated after all....
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 05/27/18 05:18 PM
Hi FC, thanks for the comments! Glad the simulation came as a pleasant surprise to you, and that it wasn't too obvious!

Veilmist, unlike Brawler, does have more of a warrior streak to her. Brawler is just crazy stubborn.

I enjoyed writing the healthy debate too, though it was tough having everyone chime in smile

Glad you liked the little touches and the featured romances!

The Time Trapper is a good guess... smile

and more on Brainy soon - it's tough writing these super-intelligent characters, as now I have to make sure both Brainy and Orin Fex display their intelligence!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 07/10/18 08:40 AM
Updating to say, I've been quite busy after graduation. Once things get settled though, I plan to dive right in and finish these two storylines I just started.

And coming up... a couple of other trips to other Legion homeworlds wink
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 07/29/18 06:29 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers

Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers (Reserve Legionnaire)

Rond Vidar of Earth (Greece and Iran); skilled scientist specializing in time studies
Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Ireland and Montenegro); Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer (also Honorary Legionnaire)

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Thunder's head spun as she felt herself plunging through space. The swirling colors around here weren't helping things any. She closed her eyes and focused on bringing herself to a hover.

Cosmic Boy had been saying something as they had been sucked into... wherever here was. She took a deep breath to steady herself, then opened her eyes.

The assault on her senses almost made her wish she hadn't.

Around her were concrete steps that led in all directions; some upside down, some right-side up. At least, from her perspective; even without the Wisdom of Solomon, her experience as a hero taught her to be careful. Flying carefully, she landed on one of the steps and tested it gingerly; it appeared solid enough.

Seeing nothing threatening around, she brought her flight ring to her lips. "M'Onel? Cosmic Boy? Echo? Shvaughn?"

Nothing. And poor Rond Vidar didn't have a flight ring; unlike Shvaughn, he had not been granted Honorary status despite being considered a member of the Legion's support staff. Thunder looked around, but couldn't see anyone...

"Look out, Thunder!" Thunder looked up to see M'Onel barreling towards her. She quickly jumped out of the way using Mercury's speed, thanking the Shazam dieties that her powers were intact. Mostly. She wasn't as fast as she should have been... Something else else to worry about for later. Shielding her face with her cape, she still coughed as rubble and dust flew up. She lowered it and ran towards M'Onel. As the dust cleared, she gasped.

"Rond, thank grife you're safe!" She quickly pulled the scientist up. "Are you okay?"

"M'Onel was able to shield me," Rond huffed. "Though I fear his rescue of me was more dangerous than just leaving me alone out there on my own..."

"I apologize, Rond," M'Onel said as he pulled himself up. "My powers aren't working properly, but I couldn't leave you alone."

"Yes, the logical decision..." Rond made a show of triggering the auto-cleansing function of his spectacles. He still recalled Lori Morning's innocent questions about his eyesight; of course they were perfect, the spectacles were merely to protect against dirt and sunlight. Nobody had needed corrective lenses for centuries.

He realized that he was letting his mind wander again - a bad habit that Brainiac 5 had called him out on several times - and angrily refocused. He was prone to doing that when faced with a problem he didn't know how to solve... and this was one. He made a show of harrumphing, then fished his chronal energy detector out of his pocket. "I suppose you have already tried using your flight rings to locate the others?"

"Just now," Thunder said. "It shows they are somewhere nearby, all three of them; but it can't begin to navigate around this place. Each individual signal seems to be coming from... well... everywhere."

"Hmmm." Rond fiddled with his detector. "When I heard the voice that Cosmic Boy recognized, I also noticed a large surge of chronal energy... luckily, I was able to grab this in time." He raised the apparatus and began rotating slowly. "There."

"Off we go, then," M'Onel said. "Um, Thunder..."

"My powers aren't quite working well either," Thunder said. "But I'll be gentle." Lifting Rond up, Thunder took off, M'Onel following close behind. As they flew, M'Onel marveled at the floating rock around. Despite there not being any discernible planetary body, the fragments seemed to follow some sort of regular orbit. Clearly, the normal laws of physics did not apply here.

"So if there is chronal energy involved, is this the work of the Time Trapper?* M'Onel asked. He was a little wobbly; this annoyed him, but having started life out without super-powers, he could cope. "But then, I would have recognized the voice. Not that it means much, where such a powerful being is concerned..."

"We do have other foes that can travel through time," Thunder noted. "The Emerald Eye** could, though it's probably still in our prison? And we didn't notice any emerald energy signatures."

"And there's even Xotar the Weapons Master***," M'Onel added. "Too many possibilities at this point. Cos would have recognized Xotar's voice too..."

"And sadly, there are no records of the chronal energy signatures of this Xotar," Rond grumbled. "Coming from beyond even your time period, Thunder, he probably has such advanced technology that we wouldn't even be able to comprehend it..."

"Wait, I see them!" M'Onel hissed. "Behind this rock!"

Still carrying Rond, Thunder followed M'Onel. "What is it?" she whispered.

"I think I know who that is..." M'Onel felt a twinge of fear in his belly. Shvaughn, Cosmic Boy and Echo hung in their air, struggling against the viscous milky-white bonds that held them in place. In front of them was a vaguely-humanoid face, featureless except for two angry orange eyes.

Yet, the face was much larger than it should have been. In fact, based on the mission reports, the face was expected to have been dead. But it made sense; they had been yanked out of normal space into this weird dimension, and Cos had recognized the voice.

"We have to be extremely careful..." M'onel whispered, as Thunder and Rond crouched beside him. "If I'm right, our enemy can warp reality itself in this place... Though without perfect control over it."

"Who is it?" Rond whispered, somewhat testily. "Enough with all the drama, this isn't some stage performance. It you have a hypothesis, spit it out and we will test it."

M'Onel began to speak, but had to stop as a waze of dizziness washed over him. The pit in his stomach deepened. He was not going to be able to pull off any sort of super-speed rescue. He looked over at Thunder, whose eyes had widened. She had read the mission reports too, and this villain had appeared shortly after she had joined.

"Are you saying it's..." Thunder swallowed. "I'm sorry, I'm feeling queasy, just like I imagine you are." Then she turned to Rond. "I hope you have experience with pocket realities, Rond. We will need this, if it's really..."

She and M'Onel looked at each other, as they both uttered a frightening word. "Domain."****

****************************************************************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) This Legion faced the Time Trapper in L*61/LSH 105. In L*64, the Trapper was revealed to be a future version of Lori Morning; and thatthe Trapper had been "training" the Legion to restart time when it stopped due to a space anomaly. In LSH 108, the Trapper offered Cosmic Boy a reward for the Legion's success, but he insulted her and she angrily tossed him back to reality. Whether the Trapper was malevolent or not was not really made clear, though.

2) The Emerald Eye could likely travel through time, as in LSH 84 it sent half the then-Legion into the 20th century.

3) Xotar fought the team in L* 68.

4) Reality-warper Domain tried to assassinate Cosmic Boy in L*70. He was believed dead at the end of the issue.
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 07/29/18 07:35 PM
Sounds like you've sent your team to an Escher print IB, very disorientating.

MonEl and Thunder not having full control of their abilities is worrying, as is everyone else being strung up like that - like bait perhaps?

I don't know who Domain is other than through Omni's stories so I'm looking forward to reading more, more, more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 07/29/18 09:52 PM
Thanks Harbi! I was originally planning to finish off this segment in the last post, but I'm not quite in the right place or frame of mind to do so right now - too many things going on in "real life".

Bait, could be, but could be not smile Domain was in a very bad place after his original appearance in Legionnaires 70. He almost died, which is one reason M'Onel didn't consider him first. More on that towards the beginning of the next post smile
Posted By: Omni Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 07/29/18 11:23 PM
I agree with Harbinger it does sound like an Escher painting. Domain is a fun one to write. Can't wait to see what you do with him.

I''ll admit i'm scared for Thunder and M'Onel too.

oh Rond don't be so hard on yourself.

looking forward to more.
Posted By: razsolo Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 07/30/18 06:24 AM
I also only know Domain from Omni's series so it will be interesting to see how someone else uses him...I like the team you've chosen to face him, it's an interesting blend of powers, skills and personalities smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 07/30/18 05:26 PM
thanks guys!

I am actually a little bit pressured, seeing as how Omni has used Domain so much. Though my plans for him are very different. smile

Glad you all are liking the motley crew I have put together. More next month, including a resolution, I hope...
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Somewhere That Defies The Laws of Physics

Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers

Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers (Reserve Legionnaire)

Rond Vidar of Earth (Greece and Iran); skilled scientist specializing in time studies
Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Ireland and Montenegro); Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer (also Honorary Legionnaire)

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

"Arrrghhh!" Echo arched his back as much as he could to try and stave off the pressure, but his bonds left him little room to move. There was nothingness all around them, except for bits of floating rock. Somehow, their captor could manipulate the very form of the rock they were standing on. He and his companions were all in gigantic fists of stone, stone which resisted his sonics and Cosmic Boy's magnetism.

There was nothing else to do but take it.

As the force crushing his body stopped, he allowed his body to go limp. Breathing heavily, he remembered what he had researched on resisting torture. Willpower is finite, and the less of it you spent trying not to scream, the better. Because you would scream, eventually.

"Stop it!" Cosmic Boy glared at their captor, as he struggled with his own bonds. "It's me you want, so leave them alone!"

Their captor laughed, a deep, rumbling laugh. Echo forced himself to look. He couldn't explain it; the assassin called Domain hovered in front of him, but the sound of his voice seemed to come from... well, everywhere. Try as he might, his sonic powers could not pinpoint a single source of the arrogant taunting.

Domain chuckled again, sending chills down Echo's spine. "It IS you I want, Rokk Krinn. You are the only one of my marks to escape me." Domain folded his arms over his chest; as he moved, his right sleeve split open to reveal several bloody gashes. It was just as the report said; Domain had been injured when Cosmic Boy had turned his own weapons against him.* Yet somehow, he had survived. But how, Echo again couldn't explain. His injuries didn't seem to have healed at all.

The right side of Domain's face twisted in a smile, but the left was covered in blood. "But I know enough about you, to know that torturing your friends is the biggest way to give you pain! I will enjoy watching you scream as they do; and then, I will kill you slowly and painfully." He raised his left arm, and Shvaughn Erin was lifted up. The Science Police captain visibly steeled herself, all the while glaring daggers at Domain. "I have no quarrel with either of you two," Domain said, almost apologetically. "But Rokk Krinn is responsible for my current state. I will make him pay."

It took seventeen seconds before Shvaughn began screaming. This time, Echo couldn't bring himself to look.

*******************************************************************************************************************************************************
"So, basically, he can do whatever he wants." Rond Vidar made a show of removing his spectacles and cleaning them with a cloth. He didn't need to, but it helped him keep calm. "And neither of you two have your full powers, while all the allies here with us are his captives. So, tell me again how we can win?"

"We think," Thunder said calmly and confidently. "The Wisdom of Solomon has given me an idea." Rond shook his head; he was comfortable enough examining Thunder for the effects of her travels through time, but he had difficulty wrapping his head around her magically-imbued abilities! For him, magic was simply a natural phenomenon that science hadn't explained yet. But while he could theorize as to how Thunder gained flight, speed, strength and durability, he still had yet to come upon the theory that explained how wisdom, of all attributes, could be granted with a magic word.

Thunder gave him a glance as she continued. Rond wasn't unsettled; his skepticism had been well-established in their earlier meetings. "Domain's crimes suggest he cares about his reputation as an assassin. And though his injuries seem to have left him changed, his ego is big enough that he will still find it important."

M'Onel frowned. "So you think Rond's hypothesis, that Domain can somehow "infect" our reality with his dimension-altering powers but can no longer physically move himself into it, is correct?"

"It makes sense," Thunder began. Rond cut her off, a bit too hastily. He mentally kicked himself for getting defensive, but continued anyway. "It certainly does. From what your faulty telescopic vision can tell, Domain seems to somehow be merged with the fabric of this alternate dimension of his. And his injuries are consistent with Cosmic Boy's report from the end of their battle. It stands to reason that Domain somehow survived by merging his form with this dimension. And as Cosmic Boy observed, he cannot fully control or alter said dimension - that's how he was defeated in the first place.* Furthermore, we are fortunate that I have my instruments with me. Every time Domain manipulates this dimension, I detect a surge of chronal energy." Rond swallowed; the torture that Domain was inflicting on Shvaughn Erin and Echo was distasteful. But every time he began crushing them with his stone fists, the handheld time beacon he carried in his lab coat detected a spike. "I think I can harness that energy to get us home. But I will need a much bigger spike than before - at least ten times the magnitude."

"So if we can get him to expend his energy on someone who can withstand the punishment..." M'Onel continued.

"Exactly," Thunder finished. "But it will be risky. Especially considering our fading powers."

M'Onel and Rond looked at each other. M'Onel shrugged. "Well, it's not like we have any better ideas at the moment..."

*******************************************************************************************************************************************************

Cosmic Boy fought back tears as he watched Shvaughn Erin slump forward. He thought he had heard some bones crack when Domain held her in his clutches. He forced himself to stay calm; though it might be good to let Domain know he was affecting him, so he wouldn't hurt Shvaughn and Echo too much, he also needed a clear head to think. He sized up his companions; they were weak and in pain, but Echo at least was looking around, observing. Good. He had scored extremely well during the Cadets' exam, and Cos knew he had a good head on his shoulders. Shvaughn too; she had proven herself in dangerous situations before. Now he needed to wait for an opening...

He nearly gasped as a reddish blur crashed in front of them. He coughed as dust erupted; and when it cleared, his eyes widened. "Thunder!"

His blonde teammate groaned visibly as she tried to stagger to her feet. "Uh... stupid... thought I had better control of my powers than that..." She leaped forward to tackle Domain, who merely laughed. With a wave of his arm, he caused another fist of rock to erupt from the ground. Thunder could only groan as it stopped her in mid-air. "Ah, so you've finally come to find us, Legionnaire." Domain leaned forward, staring at her. "You were new when I was still among our reality," he whispered. "I should have paid more attention to the newslinks about you."

Thunder stared defiantly at him. "Afraid that I'm too powerful for you?"

Domain laughed, a deep throaty laugh. Rokk hated it; you could tell that Domain enjoyed torturing his captives. "Oh, I don't think it will be long before I show you that nobody can stand up to me!" The stone fist around Thunder began contracting, and Thunder threw her head back.

"Stop it!" Rokk said, despite himself. Then he saw it - something that was extremely subtle, but recognizable to those who knew to look for it. Thunder had her middle and pointer fingers crossed. It was a Legion sign that meant to follow the signaler's lead. Thinking quickly, Rokk continued. "She has the stamina of Atlas and the power of Zeus! You can't break her!"

"Quit while you're ahead," Shvaughn laughed. As Legion-Science Police liaison, she knew most of their code signals too. "It's one thing to crush a baseline human, another to crush a Shazam-empowered meta!"

Echo made a show of shaking his head. "Typical. Biting off more than you can chew..."

Domain growled. "I'll show you I'm not afraid of you!" Making a show of forming his hands into fists, he caused the rock encasing Thunder to contract upon itself. She let off a howl of pain. Rokk steeled himself, hoping it was just an act. If it were, it was incredibly convincing. Sweat dripped down his back as he prayed M'Onel and Rond Vidar were out there, ready to make their next move.

*******************************************************************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legionnaires 70. Domain dragged Cosmic Boy and others into his alternate dimension, and created magnetic spheres that were attracted by Cosmic Boy's powers, and exploded upon contact. However, he seemed to have only limited control on them; Cos was able to magnetize the spheres to him, but jumped out of the way at the last second so they hit Domain instead. Domain was badly injured, and his dimension faded away.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis

Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal); controls his body's density; increasing density grants a degree of strength and durability, decreasing makes him lighter but without phasing
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau); underwater survival; hydrokinesis
Mandalla, Tari Wahlmunn of Takron-Galtos; projects a thought-sphere that affects the target's mental and physical functions
Night Girl, Lydda Jath of Kathoon; super-strength in darkness
Splitter, Floyd Belkin of Lallor; ability to detach his limbs from his torso
Stone Boy, Dag Wentim of Zwen; turns self into stone
Tellus, Ganglios of Hykraius; telepathy and telekinesis

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

"... And I spent hours waiting to clear Titan customs," Magno laughed as he and Chameleon walked into the VR room. "I don't feel bad, though; even Rokk had to wait hours when he visited on official Legion business! And I was only there to get fitted for a tuxedo for Garth and Imra's wedding..."*

Chameleon smirked as he shifted his form. In seconds, he was "wearing" a top hat, coattails and was carrying a staff. "I guess I shouldn't gloat about MY shapeshifting, huh?"

Magno punched Cham on the arm playfully. "No, but you did it, anyway." The two laughed; they had gotten a bit closer after they, and their respective significant others XS and Spark, had joined Kinetix, Violet, Blizzard and Tenzil on the last leg of their Asian trip. Chameleon still marveled at the sheer beauty of Mount Everest and the beaches of Palawan Island in the Philippines. Durla was almost all rock, and very drab; he still found it amazing that Earth had such a diverse ecosystem. But sadly, the vacation was over, and they had tons of Legion business to do. They had just come from a session where Magno had spoken about his Science Police career to many of the Cadets whom the Legion felt didn't have the powers - or control over their powers - to potentially become full-time, Active Legionnaires. Cham himself had spoken about his experiences as a de facto United Planets diplomat. Grife knows, both institutions could use more good people. Night Girl and Stone Boy had been very keen, as both knew there was little chance they would ever hone their powers enough to overcome their limitations. Mandalla, on the other hand, had quizzed them both on potentially open positions on the Legion World support staff. Chameleon knew that Mandalla had a very weak citizenship, as UP worlds go; like his own Durlan citizenship, Mandalla's Takron-Galtos passport severely limited her options for migration. Gaining Legion World support staff status would open many doors for her.

Cham's reverie was interrupted by a loud crunch. He and Magno looked to see Tellus and Kinetix floating nearby, with debris strewn all around. Tellus was apologizing profusely. "I am sorry, Kinetix," he began. "This pile was too heavy for me... I am nowhere near as powerful a telekinetic as you are..."

"That's not the point, Tellus," Zoe sighed. Her tone was full of exasperation. "Consistency is more important than power; else, why would we accept Timber Wolf or Ferro despite them not being as strong as M'Onel or Andromeda?" With a wave of her hand, she gathered up the debris in her own telekinetic field. "You're powerful enough to be effective on missions, Tellus. But what we need you to do is to know your limits and be able to articulate them for us. Imagine you're on a rescue mission, and someone's trapped under a collapsed building. If you say you can lift the rubble, we will proceed accordingly; and if you can't, we'll figure something else out. But we need to know how much you can lift to plan properly, and only you can tell us that!"

"I think I understand..." Tellus began stammering. Magno and Cham shared looks. The active membership had debated just that when voting on Gravity's membership, and the consensus was that, despite him being weaker than Star Boy, the margin was slim. He was powerful enough to hold his own on most missions; and unlike Night Girl or Stone Boy, he could become stronger with continued training. Theoretically, anyway; he was the product of Earthgov experiments seeking to replicate Star Boy's powers. Luckily, they had succeeded.

Speak of the devil, Cham thought. Gravity was flying towards them. "Hey Reep, hey Dyrk," he began cheerfully. "I wanted to ask you about the latest bylaws on minimum acceptable power levels based on mission type..."

Behind Gravity, Splitter raised his hand, and let it fall. Cham's heart almost broke; the poor Cadet looked so crestfallen. Among the current Cadets, he was one of those with the slimmest of chances of becoming an Active Legionnaire, based on powerset. Cham gave Magno a look. "I can handle this, Dyrk," he began. "I was part of the committee that defined those levels. I think Splitter needs to speak with you." Dyrk gave him a look of gratitude. Since becoming an Active Legionnaire, Gravity had spent endless hours lobbying with the other Active members on his boyfriend Density's behalf. "Thanks, Reep," Dyrk said.

Cham put Dyrk and Splitter out of his mind as he turned to face Gravity. "What's up, Tel?"

"I wanted to check the interpretation of this clause," Tel began. "It says, in any situation a Legionnaire is expected to be able to use the full extent of its power. But how does that work, considering that Andromeda and M'Onel lose their powers under a red sun, or that Umbra's darkfield vanishes under a powerful-enough light, or that Saturn Girl and Mentalla can't affect robotic minds, or that Nightwind can't conjure up winds in a vacuum, or that our Braalians can't affect non-magnetic substances?"

Cham resisted the urge to rub his temples. Thankfully, Zoe had just given a very good example to Tellus, so he could use that. But he knew Gravity was smart enough to know this, and was just looking for ways to convince the membership to let Density in at the next tryouts. "Look, Tel. I know that you and Jed really want to get Active membership together so you will have greater stability in your relationship. But frankly, this isn't the right way to go about it."

Gravity's eyes widened in mock surprise. "What do you mean?" he chirped. Cham fixed him with a stare. After a few seconds, Tel's fake smile melted away. His shoulders slumped forward. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry. I know I'm being annoying..."

Cham put a reassuring hand on Tel's shoulder, being careful to touch the part that was covered by his costume. Grife knows, these non-shapeshifting carbon-form humanoids could be picky about touch. "Look, you have to realize that Jed came very close to receiving an offer. We just feel that he doesn't appreciate the full extent of his density powers. If you want, I can give him extra training sessions. I'm one of the most experienced at that."

Tel's face shot up, and a grin spread over his face. "That would be wonderful!" he chirped. He raised his flight ring to his lips. "I'll call him now!"

"Ah, yes, and let's schedule one," Cham stammered quickly. He already had an appointment with Lamprey - someone else who had come very close, but who needed to improve on her ability to draw moisture from the atmosphere to use as a weapon in situations where she had no access to water. "I should be free tomorrow morning..."

"It's a date," Tel squealed. He squeezed Cham's hand in thanks, and bounced off with a wink. Cham shook his head with a smile. Whenever he felt exasperated by the new kids, he reminded himself that most of them had good intentions. He spotted Lamprey approaching, and headed in her direction.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Magno shook his head as he detached himself from a grim Splitter. It hadn't been easy, explaining the majority stance on Splitter's powers. Yes, detaching limbs could unnerve an opponent, but the Legion had to hold itself to a higher standard than that, given the situations the team faced. Dyrk felt pangs of empathy, though; when he himself had been depowered**, he had despaired that he would never be a Legionnaire again. Regaining his powers had been a stroke of luck mixed with magic and science. But how would Splitter, with his limitations, ever boost his powers enough to earn active membership?

His Omnicom beeped, and Dyrk put Splitter put of his mind as he read the message from his sister Trin. She had always been closest to him; big borther Omar was too arrogant and overbearing, and younger brother Lev was too immature. But Trin, being only a year younger, had always understood him well. He still smiled whenever he remembered finally introducing Trin to Sensor; the two had gotten along immediately due to their appreciation for art.

He reminded himself to thank Live Wire and Saturn Girl for allowing him to bring Trin along to their wedding. She had squealed with glee at the thought of attending the wedding of two Legionnaires.

As he flew towards the VR room exit, he began idly thinking of where he would take Trin when she visited Legion World and Earth. Perhaps Burkina Faso, for the African music festival. Or Samarkand and Osh, for the ancient Silk Road cities. Or the sacred megalithic temples of Malta...

He began humming to himself as he flew out of the VR Room, not noticing the tendrils of inky whiteness creeping along the walls...

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) L* 38, on a goodwill tour that Cosmic Boy, Live Wire and Saturn Girl did to Titan to help mend ties between Braal and Titan.

2) Magno lost his powers in L*50. He spent some time on permanent Monitor Board duty on the Legion Outpost, and as a Science Police officer. He only regained his powers in my fic, never in canon! He finally regained his powers by a contraption that Impulse and White Witch drew up that allowed him to absorb magnetic fields to jump-start his own abilities, and a magnetic surge from villainous Braalian Repulse was strong enough to repower him.
Hi IB,

The Domain mission looks to be shaping up nicely and he is certainly much scarier and darker in your work.
I loved Thunder's Wisdom about Domain's pride and reputation.
Ha! of course Rond can't wrap his mind around magically induced wisdom.
Oh Rond. At least he fully recognizes what he does wrong. Now just gotta work on getting him to apologize in the moment.

I've re read but can't seem to find where you explain why Thunder and M'onel's power's aren't working. is it because of Domain's control? or has it not been explained yet?

Oh wow he's fused with the technology? That sounds way more dangerous than what he was capable of before, especially since he can bleed it over to reality making him a true reality warper something I don't think we've seen a lot of, if at all in the DCU.
I like that the team has figured out ways to communicate without having to always use the telepathic earplugs and it would make sense.
Someday we'll need a play book and protocol list from your team.

Gravity Kid is super egar about Jed getting in. But I'm glad that Cham was able to talk him down into accepting more training sessions.

I'm glad Magno's branching out. He and Cham seem to get along nicely.

Quote
Cham put a reassuring hand on Tel's shoulder, being careful to touch the part that was covered by his costume. Grife knows, these non-shapeshifting carbon-form humanoids could be picky about touch.

Haha this made me laugh out loud. Love when we see Cham's inner monologue about non shapeshifters.

I like how your Legion is always working toward the better meant of everyone and finding a place for their cadets even if they aren't 100% perfect to be a legionnaire.
I also like how you bring up the difficulties of interplanetary migration and how it affect their opportunities for just about everything.
Another list of laws we might need to see.

Kinetix and Tellus' moment was also well done. Zoe makes a great point. raw power isn't what its all about. I hope Tellus can gain the confidence needed to gain the control he needs to join.
Poor Splitter. I wish there was a way to upgrade him.

Quote
not noticing the tendrils of inky whiteness creeping along the walls

is Domain coming for the rest of the team or is this another threat? has the VR room come to life?

Can't wait for more.
Hi Omni, thanks for the usual thorough comments! Domain used to be a contract killer, so I figured I would pick up on that in my take on him.

Originally Posted by Omni

I've re read but can't seem to find where you explain why Thunder and M'onel's power's aren't working. is it because of Domain's control? or has it not been explained yet?


No, this part I haven't explained yet. Watch this space for something in the conclusion!


Originally Posted by Omni


I like that the team has figured out ways to communicate without having to always use the telepathic earplugs and it would make sense.
Someday we'll need a play book and protocol list from your team.

I also like how you bring up the difficulties of interplanetary migration and how it affect their opportunities for just about everything.
Another list of laws we might need to see.



Yeah, maybe after I finish Volume 4 I'll put some thought into actually writing and compiling these smile

Originally Posted by Omni


I hope Tellus can gain the confidence needed to gain the control he needs to join.



I think he could eventually. And he would certainly add to the diversity on the team. If not in powers, at least in origins!

Originally Posted by Omni


Poor Splitter. I wish there was a way to upgrade him.



Sadly, short of another Monitor experimenting on him, it seems unlikely.

Originally Posted by Omni


Quote
not noticing the tendrils of inky whiteness creeping along the walls

is Domain coming for the rest of the team or is this another threat? has the VR room come to life?

Can't wait for more.


watch this space for the answer... next installment wink
Posted By: razsolo Re: Alternate Dimensions (Post ZH Legion) - 10/22/18 11:25 AM
I love Thunder's plan, it's so comic-booky laugh

Also I really like the others trusting that she knows what she's doing, it shows good teamwork!

I feel sorry for Splitter too...I wonder if the Subs could be in his future? wink


Man, Domain is scary! I only know him from here and Omni's writing but he definitely seems like someone who gets beaten by intelligence and not raw power!
Thanks, raz! Comic-booky is a compliment, considering the origin of our team tongue And good teamwork is something the Legion has in spades. smile I love highlighting that aspect.

Domain's powers were so ill-defined in his lone appearance. It's a good thing he's cocky and arrogant, makes beating him easier - especially for crafty, clever good guys (and the Wisdom of Solomon doesn't hurt, either!)
Posted By: Fat Cramer Re: Alternate Dimensions (Post ZH Legion) - 11/04/18 10:58 AM
Didn't remember Domain myself, but he's plenty memorable here!

It just struck me that you list Shvaughn's origin from Ireland and Montenegro. Did you just choose Montenegro at random or is there some link to fictional detective Nero Wolfe?

It makes perfect sense that there would be limits to a Takron-Galtos passport. I wonder if T-G has a rep at the United Planets - Lythyl did and you figure that there might have been restrictions on Lythyl passports as well.

I like the idea of Lamprey learning to pull moisture from the air. We've sometimes had these examples of characters learning to expand or develop their native powers, but not enough. You fan fic writers do a much better job at that!
Hi FC, glad you’re liking Domain!

I chose Montenegro at random to represent the Balkans. But now I have to look up Nero Wolfe!

Takron-Galtos is an interesting case. with its own passport and citizenship, I imagine there should be a UP rep pushing for citizens to be recognized as staff or people born there. those incarcerated shouldn’t be included. but also, most of those born there have birthright citizenship by blood from their parents’ homeworlds. and most staff came from elsewhere. Mandalla is a relatively unique case indeed, as she renounced her birth citizenship

Happy you like Lamprey expanding her power uses! more characters will be doing that in the future smile
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Somewhere That Defies The Laws of Physics

Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers

Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers (Reserve Legionnaire)

Rond Vidar of Earth (Greece and Iran); skilled scientist specializing in time studies
Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Ireland and Montenegro); Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer (also Honorary Legionnaire)

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Dreamer, Nura Nal of Naltor; precognition
Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion leader.
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; generate and control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation, disruption of energy flow
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Star Boy, Thom Kallor of Xanthu; gravity manipulation
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings); anti-energy being
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Shvaughn Erin used the mental exercise her grandfather had taught her, over a decade ago now in the emerald hills of Ireland. “Ignore the discomfort, focus on the goal,” his eyes had twinkled. That had always been his response whenever she began complaining of tired feet as they walked through the fields where he still kept the sheep that Earthgov protected as part of Ireland’s heritage. “There’s a nice pie for you at the end of this walk.”

Shvaughn felt the pain in her limbs fade away; the pain was still there, but she could ignore it, for the moment. As her focus sharpened, she saw Echo’s eyes widen slightly. Only for a micro, and then she heard it.

“Shvaughn, Mon says, you have several hairline fractures in your leg.”

She glanced at Domain; his attention was all on Thunder, who was making a show of gritting her teeth while wrapped in a fist of stone. Shvaughn hung her head so her mouth could not be seen, just in case, and began speaking in the softest tone possible. She
knew he would hear it too; while Echo was needed to relay his message, he would hear hers. “I’m fine for now. What’s the plan?”

She listened as Echo’s voice sounded again. “Rond is safe, and he is drawing on the chronal energies Domain is throwing off. Mon’s powers are fading, Thunder’s are too but not as quickly. If she can keep up long enough, Rond thinks he can…”

“You arrogant worm!” Shvaughn jerked her head up in time to see the hand of rock slam Thunder face first into the ground. She gave a pained cry, and tried to stand. Quickly, the fist formed into an open palm and swatted Thunder to the side. She rolled over and over, and staggered to her knees. “The Power of Zeus won’t be beaten this easily, Domain!”

“Plucky girl,” Shvaughn muttered under her breath.

“So are you,” Echo replied. Shvaughn shook her head. “Part of the job,” she laughed under her breath. “Wish my old squad could see how the Legion Liaison Officer desk job is turning out…”

This bravado was more for M’Onel’s benefit than anything else. Lar was all too keenly aware of how much more power he had than the average sentient being, especially as he had grown up without them. And despite the great control he had developed, he insisted on only touching Shvaughn under the powerful red sun lamp Brainiac 5 and Gear had installed in his personal quarters.

Her reverie faded as she scolded herself. She was supposed to focus, sprock it! She whispered again. “What’s the play, then?’

A moment’s pause, then Echo began to speak again. Shvaughn listened intently, keenly aware that she could do little against Domain, but determined to show that she could still pull her weight.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

“Shvaughn can be so stubborn sometimes…” M’Onel muttered as he trained his x-ray vision on her. Blurry as it was, he could still make out the fracture spreading across her right femur.

“Tell me about it,” Rond muttered. “Science fascists…”

“How much longer?” Lar hated rushing people, but he didn’t want Rond to distract himself with another freedom-of-research rant. “Thunder hides it well, but she is weakening too, remember?”

Rond clicked his tongue. “If the instruments in my lab had been transported here too, I could give you a better estimate, you know.”

“Give me the best one you have,” Lar pressed. He could feel his own heartbeat increasing; though they had distracted Domain by presenting Thunder as an unbreakable target, they couldn’t be sure that his rage would last long enough to remember that he had three more captives – including Cosmic Boy, the target of his revenge.

“Soon enough,” Rond snapped back as he fiddled with the chronal energy detector he had. “Fascinating, Domain is proving the Pocket Universe theory right… The entrances to adjacent universes do seem to intersect at certain points within our universe… and those points can be predicted, if we only know what to look for…”

“And if it’s right, we can re-enter ours at the same point we left,” Lar finished. “I know that already, Rond. Please focus.”

“I am more focused than you could imagine,” Rond retorted as he continued working. Lar didn’t bother to reply; he kept his vision trained on Shvaughn and the others. Especially on Shvaughn. Cupping his hands in Echo’s direction, he whispered a message.
“Hang tight, it won’t be long now…”

Thunder screamed, a few seconds longer than her body felt the need to. She did not need the Wisdom of Solomon to know that Cosmic Boy, Shvaughn and Echo were all playing along with her act. It was painful, yes. But she could bear it. Now if only she could keep Domain’s attention on her invulnerable form, rather than on her more fragile friends…

Which was easier said than done.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

“Bah! This is too slow!” Domain roared. “Stupid invulnerable Marvel!” Thunder’s breath caught as she watched the stone fists holding Shvaughn and Echo rise. “I want you to pay, Rokk Krinn! And, stupid noble hero that you are, I know that you will hurt more if I hurt your friends!” Shvaughn threw her head back as the fist around her squeezed.

“No!” Cosmic Boy’s scream was even louder than Thunder’s. “I’m the one you want, sprock it!”

“Yes, and I will keep you here while I kidnap each of your friends. And your parents, and your brother,” Domain’s mouth widened in a horrible, horrible smile. “I will watch you scream as they do. As each of them dies gasping with your name on their lips.” Echo’s cries grew strangled, and Thunder thought she heard a bone snap.

“Rond only needs six milliseconds,” Thunder heard M’Onel whisper as if he stood beside her.

Shvaughn’s head fell forward.

“Stop it, Domain!” Cosmic Boy struggled, and Thunder could feel the magnetic forces emanating from him. Useless against rock, though.

“Cece… you have to help Shvaughn. Please.” M’Onel’s voice held a pleading that Thunder had never heard before.

Six milliseconds. Thunder knew she could buy that much time. She had to.

Shvaughn’s groan turned into screaming. So did Echo’s, and he was losing control of his powers. Waves of sonic energy erupted from his mouth, deafening Thunder even as Domain threw his own head back to laugh.

With a mighty roar, Thunder pushed outwards, shattering the rock holding her. She had been reducing her strength the whole time, lulling Domain into a false sense of security. She raced forward, and tempering her strength, punched the rock around Shvaughn and Echo just so. As her friends fell forward, Thunder grabbed each gently. Both were still breathing. She needed to get them out there…

She gasped as she felt herself being yanked backwards. She barely managed to hold on to Shvaughn and Echo as she did. Glancing, she saw that Domain had conjured up tendrils of a rubbery substance to grab her cape. “I won’t drop you…” she whispered to the feeble forms of her friends as she was pulled up towards Domain’s leering face. “So, you were not as weakened as you pretended…” he hissed.

Thunder defiantly stopped herself from replying. Now was not the time to rile a disturbed psychopath like Domain, not when she had two vulnerable colleagues with her.

More rubbery strands of… something… formed behind Domain. They whirred and shifted, like living ink. Then they shimmered, forming into sharp, gleaming steel. “This will hurt a lot,” Domain laughed.

Below them, Cosmic Boy screamed once more. “Hurt me! Hurt me instead!”

“Not a chance!” Domain spat. “You WILL hurt, Rokk Krinn… but in a different way!”

Thunder tried to turn around so her back was to Domain. If only she could shield Shvaughn and Echo, they might have a chance…

“Let us go, Thunder…” Shvaughn whispered. Thunder had never heard her sound so weak before.

“Grife, my first mission as a full Legionnaire…” Echo went limp.

“You will die!” Domain shrieked as his sharp tendrils flew forward.

“NOOOOO!” Thunder gasped as a red blur streaked in front of them. “M’Onel, no! You’re not invulnerable!”

“I know!” That was all Lar Gand could say before a cloud of dust erupted in front of them. Thunder coughed; as the dust cleared, she saw M’Onel holding one large chunk of rock in each hand. Brilliant! He had brought pieces of stone as shields. “I should have known…” Thunder thought.

“Fool!” Domain waved his arm, and a cascade of stone flew at M’Onel from below, knocking the weakened Daxamite around. M’Onel grunted as he crashed into a large floating rock, and again as he bounced on its surface. He landed with a thump; Thunder could see his arm shaking in pain as he tried to pull himself up. Before he could, the stone formed around him again. “What did you hope to accomplish, you weakened fool? You are nothing without your powers!”

“Wrong, Domain.” Lar Gand’s voice was calm and unshaken as he stared at Domain right in the eyes. “None of us here is nothing. Look at Shvaughn; she has no powers but she didn’t give in to you. And Rond Vidar has no powers either, but he will save us all.”
Thunder thought that even the weak ears of Tellus could have heard a pin drop. “Rond Vidar?” Domain squeaked.

“You discounted him because he has no powers,” M’Onel laughed. “And now…”

“Now you’re going to lose.” A glowing white triangle – the tell-tale sign of a Threshold - appeared behind Domain, and Rond Vidar appeared, being carried by a frowning Ultra Boy. Kid Quantum II followed close behind, and Thunder saw a dozen others behind her.
“Kinetix, Gravity….!” Jazmin barked.

“Say no more, fearless leader,” Zoe quipped as she dissolved the bonds around Thunder, Shvaughn, Echo and Cosmic Boy. Thunder felt herself being lifted up as Gravity’s power surrounded her. Shikari flew up to them as another Threshold appeared. “I have come to take you home, Marvel Legion,” Shikari announced. “I can stay, Shikari,” Thunder said through clenched teeth. “Take Shvaughn and Echo.”

“As you wish,” Shikari said. She jumped into the Threshold, Gravity following close behind with Shvaughn and Echo in tow. Thunder clenched her fists as she watched Domain. He had conjured up hundreds of tendrils, and was swatting at the reinforcements with reckless abandon. A tendril passed harmlessly through Apparition’s intangible form, while Ultra Boy was shielding Rond, who was typing furiously on am Omnicom. Kid Quantum II aged another tendril to dust, while Kinetix deftly deflected a half-dozen more as she worked to free Cosmic Boy. Amp was leaning beside M’Onel; the red glow that signalled her power surrounded the Daxamite, and with a mighty flex he broke free of his own prison.

“Watch it, Thunder!” Cece gasped as someone pulled her to the side. A tendril slammed into where her head had been seconds ago. “Oh… thanks, Nura.”

“Any time,” Dreamer replied calmly. “Now, if you would please fly us three klicks to the right…” Thunder complied, dodging another attack. She landed beside Ultra Boy and Rond.

“I did it I did it…” Rond was mumbling as he jabbed his Omnicom. “Circadia Senius will eat his hearts out…”

“Focus, Rond!” Ultra Boy snapped as another tendril slammed into his back. “Great that you brought us here, now focus on sealing this place off!”

Dreamer placed her hand on her forehead. “Domain is adapting,” she said. “Tinya! He’s going to work through your intangibility!”

Apparition jumped as she heard Dreamer’s warning; a tendril tore a hole through her cape as it passed through where she had jumped from. “Grife, you’re right! I’m still intangible,” Tinya called back.

“He’s getting faster too!” Thunder could barely make out XS’ voice as she ran around Domain, dodging tendrils left and right. “At least Chuck is doing better!”

“Barely!” Rebound replied as he bounced from tendril to tendril. “I have to make sure I’m hitting their sides! These things are sharp!” Close to him, Wildfire and Particon were standing back-to-back, using their powers to form an energy shield; metallic sparks flew as tendrils battered against it. Star Boy’s body glowed purple as he used his powers to increase his mass, while Ferro braced himself as tendrils crashed into his iron form. Chameleon’s pliable body oozed and flowed as he dodged Domain’s attacks, while more tendrils passed harmlessly through Lume’s energy form. Timber Wolf’s agility was also being pushed to the limit, as tendrils crashed around him.

“We have to end this now, Rond!” Thunder gasped as a violet blur signalled the arrival of Violet. “I can’t even grow anymore. Domain is pressing too hard!”

“I’m trying!” Rond snapped. “But Domain is creating some sort of interference around him… Can’t get a Threshold to activate behind him…”

“But can you seal him off then?” Kid Quantum II barked as she surrounded them in a quantum bubble. Tendrils smashed against it, aging to dust within seconds after penetrating it. “If we can trap him here…”

“You won’t do it!” Domain shrieked. The floating rocks around them started flying towards him. “I will not let you thwart me!”

“That’s it, Legionnaires! Retreat! Control, give us a Threshold!” Kid Quantum II yelled into her flight ring. Barely a second later, Shikari’s head popped out of another triangular doorway. “Come, Legion friends!”

Domain screamed as the Legionnaires began flying to their exit. “No! You will all die here!” Waves of sharp metallic limbs began to descend at them. Thunder could see several of her teammates’ hands glowing as they began to form shields around them.

“Stop it, Domain! You’re crazy!!” Cosmic Boy flew up, supported by Kinetix and Magno. “It’s me you want, just let everyone else go.”

Domain paused for a moment. “You’re right… it’s you I want… to suffer. And now I have the opportunity to really make you hurt!” Domain pointed his arm at the Threshold, and it began to widen, somehow. Thunder could not describe what she was seeing any more clearly than that. She saw Shikari’s startled face as Shikari somehow moved towards them… and so did the entire Legion World command center. Triad, Gear and Microbe were among the shocked faces Thunder recognized as the whole artificial planetoid somehow shifted through space towards them. Domain’s maniacal laughter reverberated through the whole dimension as Legion World loomed closer and closer.

“Rond!” Kid Quantum II barked. “How do we stop this?”

“I… I don’t know…” Rond stammered. “I can’t… I know how to use the chronal energy as a pointer, but… but…”

“Domain, listen to me!” Kinetix and Magno staggered backwards as Cosmic Boy propelled himself forward using his magnetic abilities. “No you don’t, Cos!” Magno tried to pull Cosmic Boy back towards him; he was strong enough to slow Rokk down, but the former magnoball champion was still much stronger. Still, Rokk hung in the air for a moment, though he began to advance slowly. “I’ll help you,” Kinetix muttered as her telekinetic field encased Cosmic Boy. “Together now… UH!” Zoe cried out as a tendril slammed into her and Dyrk, throwing them both forward. Rokk used the opportunity to fly straight towards Domain’s mouth. “Nobody else will be hurt because of me!” he yelled as he gathered all his magnetic energies. “Domain! Stop it now!”

“You are indeed correct, Cosmic Boy.” Rokk gasped as everything just… stopped. Legion World still appeared through the tear in space that Domain was causing; Kinetix and Magno’s bodies bounced off a rock; XS hung in mid-air as she leaped past a tendril; Rebound was in mid-bounce; Kid Quantum II in mid-scream as she called Rokk’s name. Only he and Domain could move.

“Well, well, well. The arrogant Cosmic Boy, humbled at last.”

Rokk froze. That voice. The last time he had heard it…* He had barely made a dent. Resisting the urge to attack, he clenched his fists and steeled himself.

“What do you want, Trapper?!”

“I want to be amused. Perhaps that will involve turning you into an infant…” Cos gasped as he suddenly shrank, his costume loosening around him. He could barely think, and he could not speak… “Or a wizened old man…” Cos grew again, but his back began to ache. He gasped as his hands began to wrinkle. “Or maybe devolve you into protoplasm…”

“Bah! Cosmic Boy is mine to play with!” Domain stretched his hand out, then gasped. “Why is nothing happening??”

“Fool. The only reason you still live is because of me. I saved you and empowered you,” The Trapper laughed. “And now you only have power that I will you to have.”

“I…” Domain bowed. He had been a contract killer and assassin, and despite his burning desire for revenge, he knew there were instances when he had to be cautious. This was definitely one of those times. Besides, the Trapper clearly hated Cosmic Boy as well. Perhaps he could still get what he wanted.

“I want Cosmic Boy to suffer, but he must live,” the Trapper sounded thoughtful. “Events must play out as they will.” He ran a finger lazily around the frozen Legionnaires, settling on XS. “Ah my dear, you have played your part well. With the visions I imparted into you, you restored your universe**. And you as well, my dear Zoe,” he pointed at Kinetix. “Without your restoration, your universe would never have returned. And neither would I.”

“What are you talking about?” Cosmic Boy snapped. “Are you saying…?”

“That I orchestrated the return of our universe? Of course,” the Trapper sounded triumphant. “I am tied to this universe, as other Time Trappers are tied to theirs. Its existence means I exist, and the other way around.”

“That such an evil being as you can…” Cos’ mouth felt dry.

“What is evil?” The Trapper laughed. “I helped you restart time, you young fool.*** I am not evil, I am a force of nature.”

“You manipulated us, dragging us into alternate realities!”

“For amusement,” The Trapper laughed. “You came to no lasting harm. Though I do understand from your outbursts that you children did not appreciate being given false memories.**** But I stopped, didn’t I?”

“Until now!”

“Yes, well, this is a very important junction in your history,” the Trapper laughed. “You see, Cosmic Boy, you Legionnaires are extremely, extremely important. There are threats out there that only you can defeat, with some assistance from myself. Now, I have learned to keep my involvement secret from you mortals, considering how temperamental you are. But this fool –“ the Trapper gestured towards Domain, who wisely stayed silent. “This fool escaped when my attention was otherwise occupied, and now we have this mess.”

The Trapper studied the fissure through which Legion World was visible. “A simple matter to heal this rift, and I should. Now for you…” The Trapper cupped Cosmic Boy’s chin. “You insignificant little speck. You must not die, for you still have a key role to play as well. And so do the two you will seek out. Now, you will forget our conversation ever happened. But you will remember one thing: you must seek out Kon-El and Sandy Anderson.”

Before Cosmic Boy could react, a rainbow of colors appeared. They were not so much in front of him as they were in his mind; Brainiac 5 had explained long ago, this was the manner by which most beings’ minds tried to make sense of the timestream.

“No…” Cosmic Boy muttered.

“Yes,” the Time Trapper laughed. “Now, forget.”

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

XS felt a momentary flash of confusion, if only for the shortest of instances, barely even perceptible to a super-speedster. But something had happened, for sure.

Her attention was drawn elsewhere though; Domain began to scream as his body glowed in all colors of the rainbow – no, all colors of the visible spectrum.

“What’s happening to meeeeeeeee” his scream faded as he…. Vanished. Vanished into nothingness. Then the glow surrounding him expanded outward.

“Domain!” Cosmic Boy screamed, and then the glow enveloped him too.

“Rokk!” Magno and Kinetix both screamed, arms outstretched. They were only klicks behind him. Before the glow reached them, Thunder and M’Onel had yanked them away.

“Move, people, move!” Kid Quantum II was yelling. “Go to Shikari! XS…!” Jenni could hear the twinge in her leader's voice, though. Everyone knew that Jazmin and Rokk had begun dating.

“Oh, of course, Jaz!” At the speed of thought, XS began running to those teammates of hers farthest away from the Threshold. In short order, she had grabbed Amp, Wildfire, Particon, Chameleon…

But her mind was with the one she could not save. Grife, what had happened to Cosmic Boy?

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Rokk Krinn groaned as he felt his side. It felt… worse than any magnoball injury he had ever had. Worse than when Dr. Psycho had shut his mind down.*****

He tried moving his limbs, to see that nothing was broken. Satisfied, he slowly sat up.

He wished he hadn’t.

“Oh no… no… no!” He could not stop himself from crying out.

He was sitting In a cave he had lived in years ago, a cave he had hoped never to see again. But he recognized it, and it was unmistakable.

He was back in the 21st century.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) The Time Trapper offered Cosmic Boy a reward in LSH 108, because the Legion successfully restarted time. Cos attacked the Trapper in anger at being manipulated. The Trapper vowed that he would make Cos grovel.

2) See Volume 2 and Volume 3 for details. In sum, XS was imparted with visions by the Trapper, and she used those to rescue Gates and set in motion the restoration of Kinetix from Legion of 3 Worlds, and Kinetix was able to use the magic she absorbed from their universe to restore it. XS’ visions also gave her critical knowledge needed to restore Monstress as Element Lass and defeat the Controller who had invaded Legion World. XS did not know where her visions came from.

3) Dark Circle Rising, specifically L*64 and LSH 108. The Trapper made the Legionnaires immune from being frozen in time when the Space Anomaly collapsed. The Legionnaires were able to restart time.

4) As part of the training, the Trapper would place Legionnaires into alternate realities, giving them false memories. LSH 92, L*54, L*61, LSH 105.

5) LSH 90
Posted By: razsolo Re: Alternate Dimensions (Post ZH Legion) - 06/11/19 08:11 AM
Wow IB, that was intense!! I was really scared we were gonna lose Shvaughn and maybe Troy for a bit! That Domain is a psycho!

I liked the way you subverted Lar's sacrifice play by showing he was clever enough to have shields with him...also the part about him being too wary to touch Shvaughn was inspired. They very rarely address in comics how difficult it would be getting used to having super-strength (I imagine it'd be even weirder after 1000 years of being essentially a ghost too)

Thunder and Cos both really shone here, and I'm really interested to see Cos catch up with Inferno & Kon again (assuming we're in a reboot where either of them still exist lol)

Looking forward to seeing how this develops!
Hi raz, thanks for the read and review! I always enjoy seeing which bits spark the interest of which readers.

Glad Domain's psycho need for revenge came through well, and glad that the bits for Mon, Thunder and Cos did as well. It can be tough writing these characters (Mon and Thunder are just so powerful, while Cos is Cos!). But I like contrasting Mon and Thunder to, say, Timber Wolf or Ultra Boy - they are all battle-smart, but Brin relies more on instincts and Jo is more street-smart. Mon is more likely to calculate that shields of rock will protect him long enough to let Rond do his job, while Thunder's wisdom is a bit more intuitive and careful. And of course for Cos, it's his self-sacrificing, inspirational leader nature.

The Shvaughn/Mon relationship will be explored a bit more soon (perhaps as early as next installment!) - good suggestion on the 1000 years of being a ghost making it tougher to get used to powers wink

And don't worry, my setting is the Reboot-era universe as it was, so the 21st century won't be that big a surprise... in SOME aspects wink
Posted By: Fat Cramer Re: Alternate Dimensions (Post ZH Legion) - 06/23/19 06:00 PM
Good to see you back at the fiction table, IB!

Domain was almost too powerful, so I was actually glad to see the Time Trapper appear and outclass him.

Should be interesting with Rokk alone in the 21st century - how his teammates will find him, if they do.

Shvaughn and M'onel was a relationship that I expected to develop in the comic after DnA put them together (was it in Legion Worlds?), so I'm looking forward to see what you do with it.
Thanks, FC! Appreciate your comments!

Yeah, Domain was tough to get a handle on. He was also very powerful in his sole appearance as well. I always meant to tie him to the Time Trapper, though.

mm, the completionist in me probably won't keep Rokk in the past forever... but I do have to decide how long to keep him there.

It was indeed Legion Worlds 1, where Shvaughn and M'On started becoming a bit close! I'm glad to have the opportunity to take forward what DNA started.
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Alternate Dimensions (Post ZH Legion) - 07/07/19 02:05 PM
What fun! I didn't know anything about Domain until Omni and you started using hm but he's a tremendous villain.

Thunder's plan to get Domain to use more of his abilities to power Rond's device was great,as was Mon shielding himself behind rocks - they were exactly what I'd expect in the comic. You called Troy Tyroc instead of Echo - was that intentional? Nice to see Shavaugn in action (as restricted as it was) too, great highlight of her intelligence and determination.

The whole team arriving to help was also well done, particularly as I expected they would make short work of Domain - you gave a lot of them some nice screen time in amongst the action too that was well written. Though the Trapper having to save them was a good twist that was definitely not expected. I wonder what his plans are with Inferno and Super Boy are?

Also, the Legionnaires taking time to speak to the cadets was touching. Poor Splitter! And I'd love to see what you could do with Mandalla so I hope she gets her support staff role.

As always when i come to the end of one of your posts I'm looking forward to more, more, more!
Glad you liked everyone's contribution to the plan, Harbi. Oops, using Tyroc was a mistake indeed - good catch! Have gone back and edited to Echo.

Happy you liked the Trapper twist, and that it made sense. I originally wanted Domain to vanish without the Trapper speaking with Rokk, but thought that the Trapper, petty being that it is, would love to gloat - even if Rokk's memory were erased after.

I do enjoy writing these big crowd scenes! Glad you liked all the action.

Mandalla definitely has a future with the team, and I'm glad her motivation also brings her in the direction of staying with the team - albeit in a supporting role. She has the chops to be an effective contributor, for sure. And this Legion is very humanitarian, they will surely take care of their cadets. As for poor Splitter... well, he has to understand his limitations!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World
The Medical Bay


M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers

Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Ireland and Montenegro); Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer (also Honorary Legionnaire)

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Shvaughn Erin's eyes fluttered open slowly. Was it morning yet? She normally slept well - even as a child, she had been trained to keep a strict sleep-wake schedule for better alertness - so why did she feel so... achy?

Then she remembered. Cursing, she tried to sit up. Domain was...

"You're safe now, Shvaughn! Easy!" M'Onel's deep, rich voice brought a wave of calm to Shvaughn, and she felt her body relax. How could she not be safe with this man - this strong, powerful man - at her side? And it wasn't just his abilities. Lar Gand was wise and mature beyond his biological years. She had never felt so safe with anyone else.

"I knew... we would.... win..."

"Are you okay? You should be feeling a little dizzy. I've scanned your bones, Impulse has healed all the fractures; but the amount of painkillers needed to do that should make you less than alert."

"Mmmm. The Composite Legionnaire broke my back, remember? This is nothing compared to that."

She heard Lar draw closer, and opened her eyes. He was leaning over her now, and she saw a reddish hue suffuse the room. "A red sun lamp! How sweet."

"I thought I was going to lose you, Shvaughn." Lar gently touched her hand with a finger. She knew he wouldn't do more than that; unless he had been bathed under the red sunlight for several hours, he would still retain sufficient strength to break her arm unless extremely careful. Or unless the intensity had been increased a hundredfold, which would have burned her. But she could lay a hand on him. "Keep still and draw close, please. I need... I need to hold you. I was scared too..." she trailed off. Nothing she would admit to the rest of the Legionnaires; she knew they already cared too much for the wellbeing of other sentients. Most would find the idea of acceptable sacrifices horrific, but Shvaughn's own outlook had been shaped by the Science Police. There were simply times when an officer had to lay her or his life on the line in order to give innocents a chance; and there would be times when an innocent had to be sacrificed in order to save a greater number. She would fight hard to find another way, but there would be times when it just would not be possible...

Shvaughn felt herself lurch forward before she could articulate that thought. She felt Lar's hand gently catch her, and set her back on the pillow. "I had to stop myself from rushing in to save you..." he whispered.

"But you didn't, because you knew it was the right thing to do. And it paid off..." Shvaughn smiled as she closed her eyes.

"I really wish I could keep you out of harm's way all the time..."

"And make me give up my Science Police badge? No way, Jose..." Shvaughn tried to laugh. She always had liked that rhyming slang, ever since she had heard it in the 20th century . "You and I both know the only way to always keep me safe is to lock me up in an inertron bubble. Or to spend every waking moment beside me... And I love my job too much, and the United Planets needs you too much. And we've been through this... your non-invulnerable teammates risk their lives every day. Why should I be any different?"

Lar's voice softened to a whisper. "Because nobody makes me feel the way you do."

A wide smile spread over Shvaughn's lips as she clutched Lar's fist. "Nobody makes me feel the way you do, either." As her voice gave way to gentle breathing, the smile stayed.

Lar watched for a few milliseconds, then gently laid Shvaughn's hand down on the bed. Shvaughn was a strong, brave woman. And she had been in danger many times before. He told himself again: if he really loved her, he would let her do what she loved.

... but that didn't mean he couldn't take precautions.

After giving a last, lingering look at Shvaughn, Lar strode out of the medical bay, a purposeful look in his eyes.
Posted By: Omni Re: Alternate Dimensions (Post ZH Legion) - 08/17/19 09:09 PM
IB,

I really enjoyed these two updates. You make Domain so much more menacing than I ever could. great job.

Shauvghn's determination is really incredible and shows why she's not just the laision but I feel like she is a bonafide member of the Legion at this point.
I enjoy Mon and Shauvghn's relationship and the who aspect of his control and refusing to touch under unless under a red sun lamp is a really good detail and wrinkle I don't think many of us think about when it comes to someone having super strength and how they have to exercise strict control in everyday situations.

I'm glad Rond's came up with a plan to take the Chrono energy from him. It was really close there for a moment. But I forgot how touchy he can be. possibly more so than Brainy used to be.
Thunder did a great job keeping Domain distracted. But of course, he returns his attention to Cosmic Boy and making him pay. He's really studied Rokk and knows how to get under his skin.

Good one Mon! using the rocks to deflect the blast.
Yes! the team to the rescue!
Great action and then Domain adapting! scary. an application I never thought about for his realm.

the Time Trapper is involved and brought Domain here? wow great reveal. He gave Domain even more power! I wasn't sure that was possible. his tech seemed pretty unlimited.

So that was the Time Trapper's ultimate plan? That's why he needed XS and Kinetix? That makes so much sense that the only way for this Time Trapper to survive is for this universe to survive.

Damn and Cosmic Boy is back in the past looking for Inferno and Kon-el. I'm super curious to what their part in all of this is.

What is Mon going to do that can protect Shauvghn more?
Their moment definitely tugged at my heartstrings and i hope this isn't any kind of foreshadowing for her.

Can't wait for more.
hi Omni, thanks for reading and reviewing! I always value your thoughts smile

glad you like Shvaughn's role here. I made her an honorary Legionnaire because of how much she has contributed to the team before, and she will definitely continue to play a great role. Her maturity goes well with Mon too, I think.

The Trapper is a major force of nature, and it (he? she? it is better IMO) would have laid plans in place to keep its universe alive. Implanting visions in XS' head was its first step smile

Domain's power is so much like creating pocket universes, I thought linking him to the Trapper would be a good idea.

And Rond will continue to be his prickly self as well smile

thanks again for the support!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/15/21 01:52 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Colu

Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan; telepathic control of others' physical functions

********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Hey, sentients! What's the latest on our greatest Legionnaire mind? Brainiac 5 and his squad have been on Colu for three days now! Word on the InterWebs is that they are not having much luck - scratch that, success; many Coluans believe that knowledge of probabilities, allows one to predict the chances of an event occurring, thereby negating "luck". But anyway! Brainiac 5 has been working with the Coluans to draw up protocols for the Thresholds, but they are not having much success!

Is it any wonder, though? Brainy (yes, we know he's NOT called Brainy!) brought the highly political, opinionated Gates; the formerly-xenophobic nun Andromeda, and shy newcomer Mentalla! He wisely left out Robotican Babbage (no love lost between Colu and Robotica!), but why not Gear (whose species is techno-organic); or the intelligent Invisible Kid; or one of those Legionnaires who makes things happen and can help build stuff?

Canny watchers will know that Brainiac 5 has a low-key rivalry with Invisible Kid, and despite his 12th-level intellect he has an ego! So maybe he deliberately chose a team that can't contribute much to science! Time will tell if the Coluans will come up with anything.... but rest assured, your Eye in the Sky will keep watch for you!

- from The Galactic Gossip, 3018 June



********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Orin Fex stifled a laugh as he walked through the halls of the Coluan Capitol. He almost cringed at having to listen to this drivel, but it was important to understand what was happening outside of Colu. And each transmission only reinforced his pride at being a Coluan. How contemptuous these inferior intellects were, engaging in useless - and incorrect - speculation. The first thing that Coluan agents had done was analyze the Legionnaire team sent to meet him, and they had calculated that Brainiac 5 had another objective. Which, most likely, was to subtly influence Colu into accepting Robotica as a fellow United Planets member. Gates' political blathering and Andromeda's history as a former xenophobe-turned-nun, which Brainiac 5 had deftly woven into many a conversation, were proof of that.

Orin Fex was grateful that their intellectual inferiors still held that new United Planets worlds must be approved unanimously by the membership. A testament to unity, they had called it. Except Colu was adamant that Robotica would not join.

Most of Colu, anyway.

At one of the public debate rooms, a half-dozen younger Coluans - about Brainiac 5's age - were debating furiously. On the other side were older Coluans, some of whom were members of the esteemed Coluan group mind.

"We Coluans have high-level intellects which allow us to process data at fast speeds, but we still rely on computers to gather data! Imagine the possibilities of linking with Roboticans to speed up the data flow and increase our processing power!" One of the youngsters was gesticulating furiously.

"And bio-ethical considerations demand we recognize the Roboticans as fellow sentients!" added another.

"If so, why should we not impose limits on the Roboticans?" countered an older Coluan. "Like the Daxamites did!" She pointed at Andromeda.

"My people accepted this measure of our own volition," said the blonde Legionnaire calmly. Though Orin Fex made a note of her facial expression, and a mental reminder to cross-check it with the security sensors programmed to follow her. Such a potentially dangerous being... "We do recognize the need to rebuild trust... I am confident the Roboticans would agree to limiting measures if they were proposed..."

"As a Titanian," Mentalla fingered her Saturn symbol nervously, "I agree."

"But what sort of measures? They should be prohibited from linking with any technology outside of their robotic bodies!" screeched another older Coluan.

"But think of what we could do with them!" snapped another young Coluan. The discussion began looping again, despite the efforts of Andromeda and Mentalla to steer the discussion.

Orin Fex sighed inwardly. Foolish youngsters, without the maturity and wisdom that age brings. The Roboticans could not be trusted...

... and even if they WERE sentient... sentients can be executed for the safety of others.

He put that out of his mind, as he entered the great hall where Brainiac 5 was sitting with the Group Mind.

",,, and if we uplink the Science Police databases to the Threshold, ensuring the Thresholds will not open for convicts..." Lareen Zex posited.

"Databases are centrally linked and updated across all United Planets Worlds every five microseconds, ensuring no such sentient will be missed..." Brainiac 5 nodded.

"We should extend it then, to those detained and under suspicion. Then we avoid the risk of flight..." Palon Flux offered.

"What? But that is a clear violation of the maxim, Innocent until proven guilty!" Gates bristled as he teleported in. Even without his blathering about how much more convenient it was to teleport, every Coluan knew that Vyrgan legs were only meant for crawling on jungle foliage, not on metal flooring. "The loss of liberty is..."

"An acceptable consequence!" Palon Flux shook his head. "Or would you rather have a mass murderer use an unsuspecting Kwai guide to flee the law... or worse, destroy even more lives?"

"This is a discussion of little import," Lareen Zex scoffed. "Personal liberty matters not in the preservation of stability."

None of them paid Orin Fex any mind. There was no need; after all, he accessed the SleepNet records nightly to update on their progress and to provide his input.

But tonight, he would be accessing even more...

He carefully ensured his face would not betray any emotion, and that his pace did not alter as he walked past the group. He was very eager for his plan tonight...

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Andromeda made sure to keep a relaxed posture, as she chatted with Mentalla over lunch in the gardens. She knew the only reason the older Coluans here tolerated their presence, was the ColuGov directive to foster "healthy emotional ties with otherworlders, as a means of learning, to allow Colu to contribute more to the United Planets." Coluan confidence was present everywhere, yet as Brainy explained - pretty much every Coluan took it for a fact that they were intellectually superior. Any would be surprised at being told they were arrogant, for it was a fact.

But they could be VERY solicitous about it.

"... and as always, if I use a term that you would like more explanation of..." continued the young Coluan in charge of them, Zeeble Mux. Mentalla smiled and nodded. The two blondes sat across from Andromeda.

Andromeda buried the pang of emotions welling up in her. What DID she feel? And why? Yes, Brainy had been paying more attention to Mentalla this mission, while almost ignoring her. But was it... gratitude for saving her life and starting to make her see that other species could be equals to Daxamites?* Was she hurt that Brainy had been ignoring her since her return**? Was it envy... or jealousy?

She sighed. If she had learned one thing from the Sisterhood***, it was that she should understand her own feelings, before expressing them to others. But maybe someone could help her sort through it...

"What do you think, Andromeda?"

Laurel forced herself to pay attention. Zeeble was looking at her. Mentalla stayed calm, but Andromeda sensed a message...

"... About the Coluan fad of eating offworlder cuisines to understand their culture..."

Andromeda sent "thank you" back - with Saturn Girl, she would only have needed to send a feeling of gratitude, but Mentalla's talents were stronger elsewhere. "Well, food can be a window into other cultures, but indeed the best meals I have had were with someone from a different one, where they could share with me some of the significance of the ingredients or cooking methods..."

Laurel chastised herself, confident Mentalla would not know. She needed to focus, but after this she needed to sort things out...

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

An alert pinged in. Orin Fex smiled. Now that he was alone in his quarters, he did not need to exercise such control over his physical expressions.

It was time.

He willed his mind to produce the chemicals that caused sleep...

... and entered the glorious SleepNet. Where Coluans could broadcast and receive ideas. Learning while sleeping. So elegantly efficient and effective.

And after the experiments that that obsolete piece technology Babbage had conducted, ColuGov had progressed in its ability to track activity in the SleepNet...

... so Orin Fex could be alerted when Brainiac 5 was accessing it.

Now was the time.

He followed the signal to Querl Dox's thought-stream. Activating the cloaking option that only the highest echelons of ColuGov were aware of, he began to dive in.

This was the perfect chance. Even pre-pubescent Coluans quickly learn to filter and share their thoughts on the SleepNet, to protect privacy and save from embarrassment.

But it was easiest when one knew who was around. If other minds were cloaked...

Orin Fex used the second piece of technology ColuGov had developed: a data vampire.

He reached Querl Dox's brilliant white thought-stream, the same color as his forcefield. He reached out and touched it...

... and began to soak things up.

Even Orin Fex's sleeping face lit up in a grin.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) LSH 70, Brainy reproduces a lead serum to cure Andy's lead poisoning.

2) Andromeda suddenly reappears in her original form (after being changed by the Anomaly in LSH 103), with no explanation, in Titans/Legion two-parter (though she also appears on the cover of Legion 33, but not inside, suggesting DNA had planned for her to come back at some point). Personal opinion - a bit ironic, that Andy would appear in her original form, while DNA made massive changes to Live Wire, Kinetix and Sensor...

3) The space nuns she joined (revealed LL* 46) after leaving the Legion (way back in L* 37!)
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/15/21 02:26 PM
Yay! A new episode! smile

I like the Galactic Gossip! Reminds me of the "Legion Groupie" snippets from the LSH Sourcebook from the early 90s (written by T&M, in fact. so it is very 5YL oriented)

Good to see the focus on Laurel. And, as you know, I have strong opinions on DnAs lack of attention to detail around the characters they considered peripheral.

I like the take on the Colu Netrunning - its a concept that I think is fun to explore, as you can kind of define your own reality around the physics of travel and perception, etc.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/15/21 02:46 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Colu

Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan; telepathic control of others' physical functions

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Brainiac 5's eyes fluttered open. Then he smiled.

It had been a good sleep.

He accessed the thought-track he had set to monitor his physiological sleep responses. After satisfying himself that all was done, he broadcast instructions to his teammates.

Then he went back to sleep - real sleep.

He had earned it.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Orin Fex woke up. Then he began to sift through the contents he had downloaded from Brainiac 5's mind.

He stifled the hope that welled up in him. He had gathered some surface memories, though he did expect Querl Dox was disciplined enough not to let anything too damaging appear.

A few memories of Legion missions and events. He would analyze every speck, every detail, for something.

Brainiac 5's laboratory on Legion World. No actual list of experiments, though some of the images of devices could be picked apart for clues.

Some rooms and hallways on Legion World. Sadly, mostly public.

A roster of reservists. Perhaps Brainiac 5 had been spending time analyzing which ones would make good full-fledged Legionnaires. Useful.

There was a lot here. And he would pick it apart...

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Their departure from Colu had been uneventful. Orin Fex and the Group Mind had committed to sending the draft of the Threshold protocols for review to Brainiac 5 in three solar days. Brainiac 5 would review, and forward to the Legion for review. Once approved, together Colu and the Legion would sponsor the draft to the United Planets for final approval.

"Such a long process!" Andromeda had muttered.

"Just getting to this stage is a major step," Gates had explained. "Coluans are masters of theory after all... but now we move to the practical phase. I dislike too much talk, but I have to admit that buy-in is important..."

Brainiac 5 had ignored colleagues, while measuring his reactions.

Everyone had posed for a holo - ColuGov would add this event to their archives, while media all over the United Planets would broadcast this moment.

Then, they had departed.

Brainiac 5 waited until they landed on Legion World.

"Ah, finally, home." Andromeda lit up as she said that word. Home.

"We should debrief," Brainiac 5 noted.

As soon as the four newcomers sat down, Brainiac 5 turned to Mentalla. "If you would please stimulate our neurons..."

Mentalla closed her eyes for a moment. And when she opened them, she, Gates and Andromeda all sat up.

"Wow, that actually worked!" Mentalla laughed. "Stimulating our hippocampi to access our memories...!"

"I almost can't believe it wasn't a dream. It seemed so outlandish!" Gates exclaimed.

Brainiac 5 relived the moment, the better to embed the released memories in his long-term memory.

Orin Fex had been overconfident. He never expected that Babbage's short connection to the SleepNet, so long ago, had also been a defensive data-gathering exercise. After all, if Colu had sent an assassin to destroy the Roboticans - and who had no qualms about almost murdering Brainiac 5 - what else would ColuGov do?*

And so they had prepared an implant that would allow any user of the SleepNet to detect unauthorized attempts to access one's memories. As expected, it had triggered on their last night in Colu.

Brainiac 5 had immediately alerted Mentalla, Gates and Andromeda. Combining their powers, Gates had opened a teleport disk into Colu's atmosphere, which Andromeda had zipped through. Brainiac 5 knew that ColuGov was monitoring Andromeda's general location, and Gates' power signature. It was normal; Gates had made a point of teleporting everywhere, to allow But they would not expect them to use their powers together...

Andromeda had returned with Sensor and Gear, who had been hidden on a hovering Legion cruiser just outside of Colu's space. As soon as they had passed through Gates' disk Gear had linked with the ColuGov security system to remain undetected by Colu's computers and systems (and ensuring they would not record any of the events that followed), while Sensor had kept them hidden from all Coluans' senses.

They had considered having Gear and Sensor hid undetected on Colu itself, but Brainiac 5 did not want to risk it.

Now that they were hidden, they acted quickly. It was simple enough to use Andromeda's vision powers to locate Orin Fex's chambers. Mentalla's range was enough that they did not need to step inside; Gates teleported her to a nearby hallway, and she commanded Orin Fex's sleeping brain to dull and ignore the subtle environmental perceptions that would alert him to potential tampering. This opened the door for Sensor to use her illusion casting to mask Brainiac 5's actions.

Brainiac 5 had, in turn, used Orin Fex's uninvited entry into his own thought-stream... to penetrate Orin Fex's. With Mentalla and Sensor working together, he never even noticed it.

Brainiac 5 had then released memories that had been authorized for release by Legion leadership - memories of publicly available records or common areas in Legion world, with a few more not-readily-accessible records to let Orin Fex think he had discovered enough. In turn, Brainiac 5 had skimmed through Orin Fex's own thoughts of the Legion and Robotica.

After all, the SleepNet was for sharing information.

It had taken no more than seven point two five eight minutes for Brainiac 5 to get what he wanted.

Andromeda had then returned Gear and Sensor to their cruiser, and the two would depart for Legion World.

Mentalla had then altered the physical processes in the hippocampi and neurons. The memories remained, but would be buried until unearthed... which had happened just now.

This would allow the team to act as normal for the rest of their stay, to avoid alerting Orin Fex.

Using data vampires and technology would have been much more difficult to conceal. But accessing someone's sleeping mind after they had opened it up, was much simpler... and they had only needed to conceal themselves from that one individual's mind. Especially when that person had invaded first.

And now they were here.

Sensor and Gear walked in.

"Ah, I've missed these Espionage Squad type missions," Sensor smiled. "Subterfuge and craftiness. And one that involves sleep - finally, my mentalist abilities comes into play even more!"

"Credits to Dreamer for sharing some of her expertise to us, as well!" Mentalla smiled.

"Here, Brainiac," Gear handed over what looked like a small disc. "Babbage and I tested it, and it will allow you to download your perceptions into this, for easier review."

"Thank you all," Brainiac 5 nodded. He was eager to parse through the data, but he had to wait. "I do not expect any of you will be interacting with ColuGov representatives frequently. But I am pleased we made it undetected." Everyone around him nodded.

"Now what comes next?" Andromeda asked.

"I will download the data I gleaned from Orin Fex's mind... and we will see what we can learn. I sincerely do hope they are not planning anything like with Sharn Nux... but we never know. I will keep you apprised of the result." Brainiac 5 stood up, signaling the end of their debrief.

Absorbed in downloading the data, Brainiac 5 scarcely noticed that Andromeda looked at him for a few seconds, before turning to depart.

*********************************************************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Sharn Nux in the Robotican/COMPUTO storyline. Legion 14.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/15/21 02:49 PM
Originally Posted by Gaseous Lad
Yay! A new episode! smile

I like the Galactic Gossip! Reminds me of the "Legion Groupie" snippets from the LSH Sourcebook from the early 90s (written by T&M, in fact. so it is very 5YL oriented)

Good to see the focus on Laurel. And, as you know, I have strong opinions on DnAs lack of attention to detail around the characters they considered peripheral.

I like the take on the Colu Netrunning - its a concept that I think is fun to explore, as you can kind of define your own reality around the physics of travel and perception, etc.

thanks, GL smile that was fast!

DNA just inserting Laurel without explanation, and changed back, was always odd for me. I am glad she's back, but how? why? what's going on with her? not just the physical, but the mental/emotional/whatever. (and also still a bit annoyed that Laurel would be changed back, while Kinetix was terrorformed wink

The Galactic Gossip will definitely be around a lot more wink Perceptions and all that.

I won't lie, this bit was tough! It's not easy thinking of how uber-intelligent characters (or a whole planet, i.e. Colu!) would act. Let alone thinking of a very realistic way to have them oppose one another and have someone win... The SleepNet and my psych background let me hit upon using that - while the SleepNet is powerful, just being asleep does give one disadvantages... wink
Posted By: razsolo Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/16/21 02:23 AM
That was very Mission Impossible IB, I dig it! Inventive teamwork, use of powers and sneakiness; three of my favourite things in a superhero story!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/16/21 09:26 AM
Heya raz, thanks! It was a pain plotting that, and I did not think I could do it justice "in real time", so it had to be a flashback smile
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/21/21 10:50 AM
Nice wrap up there IB.

Great how you used everyone and sneakily kept Sensor and Gear out of sight until they were needed, also props for mentioning Dreamer's help. The Sleepnet is a fascinating idea!

Did Orin Fex really think he'd get the better of Brainy? I thought Coluans were supposed to be smart smile

I o love a well crafted Espionage Squad tale, makes good use of the usually less flamboyant characters.

Really looking forward to where you go from here, more, more, more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/21/21 11:46 AM
hi Harbi, thanks for your kind comments smile The Sleepnet is certainly an interesting Reboot invention smile

Orin Fex is a bit too smart for his own good wink

Glad the caper held up, it was tough to plan, and ultimately I decided to go into less detail (to reduce the chances of me making a mistake :p)

More soon, well at least sooner than the gap between this installment and the previous ones smile I'm due for a look-in on Lu and Chuck!
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/21/21 12:57 PM
Looking forward to it . If I may ask a request, is there any chance of dropping in on Candi as I'm intriguing at how she's doing as Element Lass. No worries if there's not room, it's just something to ruminate on for some point in the future.

Thanks again IB.

C
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/21/21 09:55 PM
Oh of course! Thanks for remembering and highlighting dear old Candi and her return/transformation smile She is definitely due for some screen-time!

Thanks, Harbi smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/23/21 09:32 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan; telepathic control of others' physical functions

*************************************************

Mentalla was still feeling giddy from her mission. Another espionage one! How exciting it had been... and for once, she had used the perceived inferiority of her telepathy to make an opponent underestimate her! Now this was one for the books...

She was still reeling from it all, when she turned the corner to where her room was. She had scarcely gone two steps when a blur appeared in front of her. She instinctively used her flight ring to propel herself backward, and readied her telepathy to take control of the blur's mind. But before she could, the blur called out.

"Mentalla... Delya... it's just me, Andromeda."

Mentalla let her feet touch the floor. "You startled me."

Andromeda put her hands together in a penitent position. "I apologize, that was not my intention. I just feel confused, and thought you could help." Barely waiting for Mentalla to tilt her head in assent, Andromeda continued. "I... Can you... Would you..." Andromeda swallowed, then blurted out. "Can you read my mind to help me understand my feelings for Brainiac 5?"

Mentalla sighed. Why couldn't this have been a rogue Daxamite attacking?

"Andromeda... Telepathy will tell me WHAT your emotions are, but it requires a much more advanced level of mental probing to understand the WHY. And even then, not all telepaths - like myself - have high levels of psychological training. Dr. Ryk'rr is our psychiatrist, she would better be able to help you..."

Andromeda's face fell. "That's also what Saturn Girl said..."

Mentalla stifled a pang of... envy? Competitiveness? Their latest mission had reinforced what many of her teammates kept telling her - though Saturn Girl was a telepathic prodigy, Mentalla's control of physical functions was better - and that gave her a niche. She forced a smile. "I'm glad you got a second opinion from me, then." She stopped as she took in Andromeda's obvious distress. It must have taken quite an effort to ask for help. "Look, why don't we go for a drink and you can tell me a bit about it... I'll do my best, but I still think Dr. Ryk'rr is your best bet. Still... I can help you prepare yourself for her."

The almost childlike smile of gratitude on Andromeda's face told Mentalla she had done the right thing.


*************************************************

M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers

Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Ireland and Montenegro); Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer


"And how is your leg?" M'Onel asked solicitously. He and Shvaughn were in Shvaughn's quarters; she had finally been released, though was still in a cast. A couple her right leg was still in a cast, and her right arm in a sling.

"Still a bit sore," Shvaughn smiled ruefully, resisting the urge to rub it. "But I should be back to active duty in a few days. I am resisting the urge to go kick something... some of our recent missions have given me a lot to think about!"

"Like that Colu one?" M'Onel leaned back as he sipped on his banyo-shake. It tasted almost like 20th century mango... one reason he had taken to it so much.

"Don't get me started on that one! Though I have no doubt Orin Fex left Brainy an opening..." Shvaughn shook her head. "I'm still figuring out the confidentiality classification level for this. Many of my fellow Science Police Officers - and not just the Coluan ones - will not like this..."

"I can totally understand..." M'Onel took an extra long sip.

Shvaughn raised an eyebrow. "What's on your mind?"

M'Onel giggled a bit. Despite being over 1000 years old due to his long exile in the Phantom Zone, Shvaughn had to keep reminding herself that M'On spent most of that time as an incorporeal phantom... and for all intents and purposes, she was his first real relationship! But it was adorable, how he tried.

"So, remember my wishing I could keep you safe all the time...?"

"Yes..." Shvaughn kept her tone neutral. Last time, she had joked the only way would be to keep her in an inertron bubble. Superman had tried that with Lois Lane, if the stories were to be believed. But surely M'Onel wouldn't...?

"I understand how important your Science Police role is for you..." M'Onel began. "And I know I cannot stay with you all the time. And I know you can take care of yourself, generally." Shvaughn kept her face impassive. But "generally"?

M'Onel seemed to read her mind. "Sorry, being invulnerable and everything... I'm not using this word just because you have no powers, Shvaughn. I tend to think like this about all my non-invulnerable friends..."

Shvaughn smiled, and placed a hand on M'Onel's. "I understand, Lar. And believe me, I do appreciate that you care, but that you're also resisting the urge to make me a Lois Lane."

M'Onel laughed. "Superman did do some silly things... I can confirm some of them are real... But none of them worked out very well, eh? Some people want to be protected, but I can't just put you in a glass bottle to keeo you safe."

He paused. "But some of Superman's ideas were very smart..." He took something from his utility belt and offered it to Shvaughn. "Like the signal watch he gave to Jimmy Olsen."

Shvaughn turned the watch around. It was slim, and would not look at all out of place whether she were in her uniform, or at a fancy Earthgov event. She tried it on, and rotated her wrist admiringly. Her eyes twinkled. "I like it."

"And you'll forgive me comparing you to Jimmy Olsen?" M'Onel's smile turned from shy to sly.

"My red hair is the only thing that makes me resemble him, yes?" Shvaughn smiled back. "Pushing that comparison further will say more about YOUR taste, you know..."

Shvaughn leaned towards M'Onel. "Really, though. Thank you."

The two kissed, while Shvaughn held on to her watch. She was really going to like it.
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/23/21 10:23 AM
I'm enjoying Laurel and her closing the loop with the Brainy relationship! And by the way, really like the take on Shvaughn and Lar. :-)
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/23/21 10:48 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Earth

Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation
Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; shadow casting
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

*************************************************

"... and for the first time in Orando's history, a raccoon is now the Chief of the Mines and Ores." Sensor finished.

"Now if only Orando could think of better titles," Umbra mocked as she sipped from her Woodberry Tea. Ah, how nice to finally find a restaurant that specialized in home-made cuisine. None of that fusion rubbish. No, here she could sample dishes from any United Planets world she wanted... though with Talok VIII having 12 tribes with 12 unique cooking philosophies, it would be a long time before she'd be ready to try something new.

"I'm sorry," Sensor play-challenged. "We must clearly take a page from Talok VIII, where everything starts with Shadow. Shadow Champion, Shadow Maven, Shadow Hairdresser, Shadow Three-Legged Skitterer Walker..."

"At least MY hair actually looks like it was well done!" Umbra laughed.

"I DO have to learn that, don't I?" Sensor sighed as she combed her hair to the side with her hands. "It's just so strange... I still don't really understand what purpose it serves."

"Why, to look good!" Element Lass cooed. "And sometimes that is the most important function of all!"

"A toast, then! To looking good!" Sensor raised her glass, and the three Legionnaires laughed.

"This is so amazing cool!" Trin Magz's eyes sparkled, her own Braalian root vegetable stew untouched. "Hearing all these stories... but then seeing you... You're just so... so..."

"Normal?" Magno gently patted his sister's shoulder. "You should know, right? I didn't change when I became a Legionnaire."

"Some of us did," XS laughed, as she forced herself to slow down and savor her Aarokian fish curry. "I cannot imagine you, Umbra, just taking Sensor's joke like that when you first joined..."

Umbra drew herself up haughtily. "Thanks for reminding me about the horrible stuck-up snot I was, XS," Umbra snarked.

"Could NOT have put it better myself," Sensor coughed.

"Speaking of your hair, dear," Element Lass changed the subject. "I just downloaded this FABULOUS program... You're so lucky, the color matches the rest of you perfectly! All I have to work with is off-crystal white!" Candi patted her crystalline locks longingly.

"Oh, but you sparkle in the light so!" Trin offered. "And think of all the accessorizing you could do!"

"I knew I liked you from the first time we met!" Candi chuckled. "Dyrk was always saying how artistic you were!"

Trin blushed. But before she could respond, five flight rings buzzed with activity.

"Robbery in Metropolis Centrum. Legionnaires Element Lass, Magno, Sensor, Umbra and XS to respond."

The five Legionnaires stood. "Sorry, Trin, we'll be back as soon as possible..."

"Oh, its ok!" Trin was already fiddling with her Omnicom. "I found it on the News Spins! I'll be watching!" She waved at her brother and her new friends as they sped to the restaurant's exit.

Outside, they took to the air as Sensor dropped the illusion that had kept them disguised from the restaurant patrons and staff.

"This should be easy," Element Lass looked at the relays. "Only Gangster? I mean, sure, there are a lot of him and his unlimited duplicates, but..."

"I don't know..." Magno mused as he reviewed the footage from the scene. "They seem to be doing a lot of damage... Gangster's only power is duplication, but..."

"Your Sci-Cop senses are tingling**?" XS noted. "How about I clear the area of civilians, and send you any impressions?"

"You're the senior Legionnaire here," Magno smiled back. XS mock-saluted, then landed and sped off.

"Doesn't leave much for the rest of us to do..." Umbra scoffed. "But at least we can go back faster."

"I don't know, I think Magno's right..." Sensor told her Omnicom to zoom in; she still wasn't comfortable holding objects with her new arms while in flight. "These marks... they look like... acid coming from saliva?"

Umbra and Magno looked at each other. "Like our first mission?"*

"Yes, but I'm not sure if it's Ze Tongue..."

Element Lass shuddered. "What a weird powe-OH!" Without any warning besides her cry, she crashed into Sensor. The two unconscious Legionnaires tumbled from the sky.

Magno quickly chased after them, using his powers to draw on the metal within their Legion belts. Candi's at least were evenly-distributed, but Sensor's long serpentine body flailed around as he lowered her.

Umbra landed behind him and unleashed her darkfield. "I expect a sneak attack."

"It's a bit too late for that now..." Magno turned pale as he saw he spoke.

The Empress and the Emerald Eye both glowed bright green as they stepped through Umbra's darkfield.

"Hello and goodbye, Legionnaires."

****************************

IB's notes:

1) L* 44. New Legionnaires Magno, Sensor and Umbra fight some Legion rejects who caused a cave-in; Ze Tongue had used his tongue to lick and destroy some supports!

2) Magno was a Science Police officer while he was depowered and the Legion was disbanded (shown in Legion Worlds 3 and 6, and was that way for Volume 1-3 of this fic!)
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/23/21 10:49 AM
Originally Posted by Gaseous Lad
I'm enjoying Laurel and her closing the loop with the Brainy relationship! And by the way, really like the take on Shvaughn and Lar. :-)

Thanks, GL smile Once I started on this thread with Laurel, I felt i owed it to her to close it off!

I toyed with having Lar come up with a hare-brained scheme that the silver Age Superman would have... but I figured, Lar and Shvaughn are both quite a bit more mature than that wink
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/23/21 12:33 PM
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
I toyed with having Lar come up with a hare-brained scheme that the silver Age Superman would have... but I figured, Lar and Shvaughn are both quite a bit more mature than that wink

lol

Okay looks like its time to buckle up with this next part! A couple notes:

*When you write these scenes when they are eating, I always end up hungry. smile
*Empress and the Eye is back! This should get interesting....
*I was honestly hoping for Ze Tongue. Ever since I caught Flushed Away on TV a few weeks ago, I hear Jean Reno's voice for that character now.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/23/21 01:23 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Earth

Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation
Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; shadow casting
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

*************************************************

Omar Magz cursed as he fired at the petty crook called Gangster. One of them, anyway. The trick with Gangster, was to find and knock out the original...

... easier sad then done, when there were now dozens running around!

Thankfully, Gangster's target had been a warehouse/factory on the outskirts of Metropolis, near the park. Most of the staff in this installation were drones; and the dozen or so sentient, biological staff had been accounted for when the attack had begun.

After all, unlike some crazy villains, these ones were motivated primarily by greed.

Still, that didn't make fighting them any easier.

Omar's first shot hit one of the Gangster clones in the shoulder; the clone howled and dropped his blaster. But the second shot was blocked by a second clone carrying a shield.

Omar cursed, as he drew his blaster again...

But before he could fire, he felt himself getting thrown down! He turned to find XS looking at him in concern.

"What gives, Legionnaire gloryhound?" Omar spat. His little brother Dyrk had brought XS home one time, and Omar hadn't thought much of her, either.

"I just saved your life, brother-in-law," XS rolled her eyes. She pointed at where Omar had been sheltering behind some debris; scorch marks marred the slabs of concrete. The inertron plates were untouched, but Braalian flesh would have been. "And no, Dyrk and I aren't getting married... yet." She dashed off before Omar could say another word, muttering under her breath "and if you weren't Dyrk's brother, I would not even THINK of inviting you..."

Seconds later, XS had returned. As she came to a stop, the various Gangster clones fell.

"You missed the original!" Omar said coldly.

"Obviously," XS rolled her eyes. "Sorry if I spent most of my time evacuating civilians within a five-block radius!"

"She did a good job too!" Cill came up. The muscled officer was tapping on his Omnicom.

"Of course you would think that," Omar muttered. "One of THEM was your partner."*

"Not a very helpful attitude," XS said. "We're here to help, not to steal your glory."

Omar bristled. "You make our jobs harder, you...!"

"No, they make our jobs easier, when we work together." Cill said firmly. "We could never have taken Gangster down so quickly. And, the extra time helped me check on a few things..."

Images beamed out of Cill's Omnicom. "Like these tracks. Or these marks that look like laser damage. Or this damage that looks like something acidic was used..."

Omar took a peek. "So someone else is hiding something here..." he said pointedly.

XS decided not to rise to the bait. Magno had always described Omar was a textbook narcissist... "Or making us see things that are not there... but not removing the effects..." Her eyes widened. "I have to find the others, now! Officers, I think you'd best stay away, if I'm right... She sped off without another word.

Cill and Omar looked at each other. Omar pulled his blaster. "I'll be sprocked if I listen to her..."

*************************************************

Magno pulled together metallic shields, hoping to slow down the Eye's blasts. "Umbra, I can't..." He was cut off as emerald blasts exploded around him. He was just thankful that they were in the park, far away from inhabited buildings.

"No worries, Magno." Umbra turned her darkfield over to the Eye. "I can't stop the Eye's blasts, though I can throw it's aim off." She stopped to help Magno up. "Something does not seem right, though... I've fought the Eye before. It's much more powerful than this. Why has it not just dropped an entire building on us?"

"Don't give it any ideas..." Magno muttered. "But it IS odd. I would expect the Fatal Five to go after a higher mark than this..." He put his flight ring to his lips. "Whereabouts of the Empress and the Emerald Eye?"

"Still incarcerated..." Came the reply. Umbra and Magno looked at each other. That could only mean...

"Get ready, Dyrk." Umbra waited only a second more, than focused her darkfield in on itself before unleashing it in all directions. She was rewarded by a cry of pain...

... which Magno used to aim HIS own powers, wrapping up the subject in metal. He slammed the offender into the ground for good measure.

The scene around them quickly changed. Rubble and fallen trees remained, but the Emerald Eye and Empress vanished... and in their place lay a gigantic serpent, not unlike what Sensor used to look like before her transformation**. Only, this one was a darker, moss-like green.

"That explains a lot," Magno muttered. "But if our opponent was only an illusion-caster, where did all this damage come from?"

Before Umbra could answer, she cried out. But Magno barely had time to register, as he felt a painful blow on his head, then felt himself being dragged through the air. He hit the ground with an oomph!

Through groggy eyes, he recognized a half-dozen figures moving towards him. Gigantic brute Bronto. Pollen, already generating a cloud of plant-based spores. The Sarccan called the Undertaker, who could control bodily functions. What looked like a Vyrgan, though unlike most Vyrgans this one was teleporting closer. A Silvan, its light-based body glowing bright. And, of course, Gangster.

... and wrapped around his leg, he noted with disgust, was the long, prehensile tongue of Ze Tongue. "Ah-haha! My lasso-tongue wins ze day, again!"

Illusions can be used to hide as well... of course... Dyrk thought. He raised a hand and pulled Gangster's weapon out of his hands. But before he could pull it to himself, he began to cough up blood.

Undertaker smiled. "Sorry, cutie. Too late... oh!"

Undertaker bounced onto her behind.

"Wat is zis!" Ze Tongue exclaimed. "Zut alors, stupid woman, you should have keeled the boy when... AH!"

Before Magno's eyes, someone had pulled Ze Tongue's tongue off his leg and had tied it into knots. Ze Tongue knelt down, making incomprehensible babbling noises as he desperately tried to un-knot it.

Seconds later, XS pulled Magno and Umbra up. "I always wondered how Ze Tongue could talk, while his Tongue was making all sorts of shapes..." She helped steady Umbra and Magno. "I see you figured out there was an illusion-caster too, huh?"

Umbra rubbed her head. "Yeah, this one was nowhere near as crafty with her illusions as Sensor is. Don't tell her I said that."

"You won't be telling anyone anything!" Pollen snapped as she sent a cloud of deadly spores at the trio. "You're already dead... what?" She stood in shock, as the spores fell to the ground.

XS smiled cheerfully. "Oh, I woke our teammates up first, of course."

"I changed the arsenic in your spores to harmless nitrogen," Element Lass chirped. "Good for the soil, too! Ah, remind me to thank Brainiac 5 for all his chemistry lessons..."

"But even without MY illusions, I doubt you would have perceived that," Sensor smiled as she wrapped her tail around Pollen's leg and tripped the woman. Pollen flailed around, crashing into Ze Tongue, who slumped unconscious onto his still-knotted tongue. But before Sensor could finish Pollen off, the Silvan fired a laser at her tail. Sensor cut off a curse as she jerked her tail involuntarily.

"Are you okay?" Element Lass ran up to Sensor, her arm stretched out. "Some soothing Balmium should help..."

"Am... fine..." Sensor said through gritted teeth. "Let's... regroup... my fellow Orandan and Ze Tongue are still out, so we have six left..."

"Allow me." Umbra covered the field in darkness. But XS and Magno beside her, could see her smile. "Time to divide and conquer."

*************************************************

The Silvan glowed brightly in the dark. "Licht is not afraid of the dark, Legionnaire! Lume is not the only brave Silvan!"

"Perhaps." Licht fired a blast in the direction of Umbra's voice. "But Lume is much more honorable than you are."

"Lume is a fool!" Licht snapped. "Having itself be used as a tool by your United Planets... when Lume could enrich itself instead!"

"Lume works for what it believes in..." Umbra's voice called out. "Lume is not at all selfish."

"Licht will not be used again!" Licht kept firing blasts off. Where was that blasted Talokian?

"You will have to do better than that, to break through my darkfield," Umbra laughed.

"Oh, then take this!" Licht exploded its body, sending its light energy cascading in all directions... too late, Licht realized what it was doing. It had let itself be goaded... and instead of focusing its light, it had unleashed a fairly harmless attack...

"Too... weak..." Licht faded into merciful unconsciousness.

Umbra snorted with contempt as she wrapped the Silvan in a darkfield bubble. "So easy, preying on these crooks' egos..."

*************************************************

"So they sent you after me, eh?" Pollen faced the crystalline behemoth looming in front of her. Though darkness was all around, pockets of light had opened up courtesy of Umbra's darkfield, to allow her teammates to see their opponents. "You may be big, but I'm not scared!" She fired off another spore cloud at Element Lass.

Candi stood, hands in front of her. "I assure you, you cannot do anything to me. And I don't want to muss up that fabulous outfit of yours. So I suggest you just surrender and... oh!"

She felt... not quite pain, but she could feel her crystalline form being eaten up. She looked down in horror. "How..."

"Acidic spores from the Crystal Forests of Ventura!" gloated Pollen. "Give me enough time, and I will think of something deadly enough for anyone. Now, you surrender!"

Candi didn't even bother to respond. Instead, she turned the ground beneath Pollen into mercury. As the woman gasped and coughed, she turned all the air around her into neon... and Pollen slumped into blissful unconsciousness. Candi immediately reversed her transmutation, restoring the air that Pollen needed to keep alive. Then, she looked at her own form and began reinforcing it.

"I guess I'm going to have to ask Brainy for botany lessons, too..." she muttered.

*************************************************

"I don't care how fast you are," Undertaker snarled. "You still can't stop my power!" The Undertaker used her ability to control bodily functions to latch on to the systems governing Aarokian's body temperature. "I'll make you overheat, you super-speed freak!"

She laughed in contempt as XS knelt down, sweat pouring from every pore. "No... too warm... going to..."

"You're going to explode in a puddle of hot blood, you..."

She never finished her sentence, as an arm slammed into the back of her neck.

As Undertaker fell, the kneeling XS vanished. She was replaced, instead, by a smiling Sensor.

"You just used your own illusion trick on us," she laughed as she picked Undertaker up. "But why am I not surprised you fell for it yourself?"

*************************************************

"You're a big one, aren't you?" Magno levitated out of Bronto's reach.

"And you're a puny Braalian!" Bronto bounced in anger. "But if Bronto can't hit you, Bronto smash you!" Bronto reached down to pick up a rock, and hurled it at the blonde Legionnaire.

Magno dodged it easily. "You're just wasting your time..."

"Bronto no surrender!" A fallen tree branch followed next. Magno simply drew one of the metallic orbs on his armguard, honed it to a point, and used it to slice the branch in half.

"I guess if you won't let this go the easy way..." Magno sighed. He quickly shaped the metal into strips, and fired them at Bronto. One strip caught the giant under his outstretched arms, and the other strips followed to form a sort of metallic corset. Then, Magno concentrated as he slammed the strips into the ground with just enough force to knock Bronto out.

Magno held his flight ring to his lips. "Magno, my target's done."

"Mine too!" Element Lass cooed. Umbra and Sensor added their reports.

"That leaves the fastest of us..." ribbed Umbra.

*************************************************

"I knew you would get back at me for that crack in the restaurant..." XS quipped back as she ran outside the perimeter of Umbra's shadow. "Give me a break, I have to fight a teleporter...! Another one of the messes Ra's al Ghul left us..."***

"Sprocking imperialists!" The Vyrgan popped out of a glowing, green disk. "You want to keep us downtrodden! Well, Disks won't let you!"

"Vyrga is a respected UP World!" XS called back as she ran to where Disks was. Just as she reached him, he began to teleport anyway; XS knew not to go closer, else she would risk losing a body part if she touched the edge of the disk. Wise of her; cut flower stems and blades of grass littered the area where Disks had teleported from. "But you're not doing it any favors by committing crimes!"

"Is it a crime to enrich oneself?" Disks snapped back as he teleported again. "I won't be a martyr like Gates. I... oh!" As Disks exited another teleport gate, he felt his world turn upside down. He slumped to the floor.

XS stood above him. "Sorry, a little whirlpool action. And now..." She pummeled him with half a dozen punches, and he fainted.

"Was this fast enough for you guys?" XS called. "Now, that only leaves Gangster!"

"And you will let me leave!"

XS turned, and her eyes widened in shock.

An army of Gangster clones were standing in a cluster. And the one in the middle was holding Officer Cill in a chokehold. A second one had his blaster pointed right at Officer Cill's neck.

"Sorry..." Cill coughed weakly. "Came... to help..."

XS held her arms up. "Okay, don't hurt him. If you do, there's no turning back..."

"I'm not stupid, Legionnaire," Gangster snarled. "I'm going to use him as a hostage to escape. So you're going to sit still and get blasted." At least ten Gangster clones raised their weapons and fired.

XS, by instinct, dodged the blasts with her super-speed. But as soon as she stopped, she heard a cry of pain. She gasped as she saw blood spurt from Cill's arm.

"He can still walk even without arms!" Gangster snapped. "Stand still, Legionnaire, or we'll see what other body parts he can lose while still being a hostage..."

XS scowled as she raised her hands up, and willed herself to stand still. She was too far to risk it... "Fine, do what you will."

Gangster smiled as he fired, and XS was blown backwards off her feet.

"Jenni!" Magno called as he flew into view. He landed beside her, cradling her form in his arms. Still alive, thank grife. He looked at Gangster. "She's already out. What do you want?"

"I want you to call the other Legionnaires off and let me go!" Gangster yelled.

"You know I can't do that..." Magno answered as he put XS gently to the side and stood up.

Gangster smiled as he fired at Cill's other arm. The officer yelled in pain.

Magno thought. Maybe he could stall until Sensor or Element Lass arrived... either could take Gangster easily, without him even noticing. "Let's talk about this. You let him go, and take me instead. A Legionnaire is more valuable than a Sci-Cop."

"And risk you tricking me with your powers?" Gangster barked. "I'm more experienced than most of those fools you took down. My time in Cortex's gang taught me a lot. And now..." Gangster aimed his weapon at Magno. "You're going down!"

Magno braced himself for pain... but it never came. Instead, a bright red laser blasted into the face of the Gangster body aiming at Cill!

Magno gasped as he watched an explosion of blood. Someone had sniped Gangster...!

The other Gangster clones also stood in shock.

"Sprock it!" yelled a familiar voice. Magno jerked in recognition. Omar?

"Do something!" Omar yelled as he shot again. Magno could see him now, hiding in a tree, arms and blaster resting on one outstretched leg. Two more Gangster bodies' heads exploded, including the one holding Cill.

"Omar, no! Don't kill him!" Magno quickly pulled a metallic cocoon around Cill, carrying the Science Police officer to safety. He had to act fast and stop the carnage. Another Gangster body fell, this one bleeding from a stump that had been his arm. Magno sensed Omar's blaster and pulled it from him.

"You criminal, letting this guy go!" Omar snarled as he jumped from the tree.

"We can stop him without killing him!" Magno yelled back as he lowered Cill's cocoon gently to the ground. "Cill is safe now!"

The Gangster bodies began to regroup, and Magno tripped a few with metallic projectiles.

"Give my blaster back!" Omar began running at Magno. But some Gangster bodies were running at him. Magno took those out first.

"I'll take care of this!" A groggy XS stood up, though blood was streaming from her forehead. She dashed off... and Gangster bodies began to fall to the ground.

As one of the last ones fell, all the Gangster bodies disappeared... including the dead ones.

Magno sighed in relief as Omar ran up. "You didn't kill the main one... None of them are really dead!"

"Sadly!" Omar's eyes blazed with anger. "This sprock does not deserve to live!" He shoved Magno away as he knelt beside Cill.

"I'm... am... glad you didn't kill em..." Cill muttered in pain.

"Omar..." Magno stammered. "You really meant to kill him?"

"I was hoping the first one I shot would be the real Gangster," Omar spat. "Would have saved a lot of pain and trouble."

"I can't believe what I'm hearing..." XS ran up, dumping the unconscious Gangster beside Disks. "I knew you were a hothead, but..."

"But you were always so proud of being a Sci-Cop..." Magno continued. Blasted arrogant about it, but Omar had tried his best. "Now... I don't even recognize you anymore."

"Threats have become increasingly dangerous!" Omar snapped. "As you would have known, if you had been on Legion World when we were all taken hostage!***** But if we had killed these criminals, they would not have hurt anyone else!"

"Omar... I think you need help." XS said gently. "I don't think you're over the trauma of what happened.

"Yes..." Magno's eyes watered. "Yes you do need help." In one swift move, he grabbed Omar and fished for the plastic cuffs that Braalian Science Police Officers carried. Like Dyrk once did. And he placed them on Omar.

"What... let me go!" Omar snapped as he tried to kick Dyrk.

"I'm sorry, Omar, but..." Tears began to well up in Dyrk's eyes. Not that he felt any sort of brotherly love for Omar... but this would kill his parents. "You're under arrest for attempted murder."

*************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Officer Cill was Kinetix's partner when SHE was a Science Police officer! Only appearance, the Legion 4.

2) Legion 17-18, when Sensor was hit by hypertaxis energy

3) Ra's al Ghul, while masquerading as UP President Leland McCauley, kidnapped and experimented on Vyrgans to reproduce Gates' teleportation abilities. Most of the results were Vyrgan clones cross-bred with Winathian or Carggite DNA so they could produce more teleport-ready clones.

4) In my Volume 3, when the Monitor's army invaded Legion World. Omar was one of those taken hostage and left behind when the Legion had to escape...
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/23/21 01:23 PM
That was fast! Thanks for the speedy reading, GL smile

Hah! I'm glad woodberry tea and Aarokian fish curry sound delicious to you tongue

Oh, the Empress and the Eye are always interesting... wink

Yeah, Ze Tongue is pretty hilarious... ask and you shall receive wink
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/23/21 01:57 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

*************************************************

XS held Magno's hand for support, as Trin sat beside them with an impatient look on her face. On the other side of the screen were their parents.

"But... I don't understand how Omar could..." their mother began to tear.

"Mom, face it, Omar needs help!" Trin snapped. "He was always an arrogant bully when he was younger..."

"But I can't believe Omar would be a... a bad guy!" their father continued. "I'm sure this was just a mistake..."

XS squeezed Magno's hand. Magno sighed. "It was in the heat of battle... and we had a hostage situation. Those are always tough." Magno gulped. "And... Omar said something about... I think... I think he's going through some post-traumatic stress from being held hostage on Legion World."

"He should get over it!" Trin's voice was ice. "Even the cop who Gangster shot didn't want Gangster killed! I'm glad HE will make a full recovery."

"He will, and Omar wasn't hurt..." Not physically, anyway. Magno continued. "One bright point, none of the Gangster bodies he shot was the real one... however, he did just admit in front of three of us, that he wanted Gangster to die..."

"But... Gangster didn't actually die, right?" Their father said hopefully. Ever the optimist...

"No... which is why I took him in for attempted murder, not actual murder..." At this, their mother sobbed again. "I'm sorry, mom, dad," Magno continued. "But I swore an oath to protect life... And there were many ways to stop Gangster without killing him."

"I understand, honey," their mother sobbed. "I just want this all to be over..."

"So do I..." Magno whispered.

"Just... keep us updated, okay?" their father smiled, as best he could. "This IS still a bit of a shock..."

They said their goodbyes. As the call winked out, Trin stamped her foot. "Oh, our parents keep making excuses for Omar! If they had only realized what a bully he was earlier on..."

Magno shrugged. "Trin, I don't like Omar either, but... yeah, I'm actually more worried about mom and dad."

XS gave both of them a squeeze. "Well, this should be over pretty soon, at least... though I hope Omar does get the help he needs."

"I don't expect he will ever forgive me..." Magno sighed. "But yeah... I hope he'll agree to see Dr. Ryk'rr."

"I don't think he'll have a choice." Live Wire popped into the door. "Hey, sorry for popping in, but I was on monitor duty when I got the call about this." He clapped Magno on the shoulder. "How are you holding up, Dyrk?"

"A bit distracted, to be honest..." Dyrk tried to smile.

"Just a little? You're ever the optimist..." Garth joked. He tapped Dyrk reassuringly again. "Hey, if you want to talk more... I had to deal with my own parents and my own brother, though of course Mekt did way worse things than Omar did..."

"Thanks... And enough about me, how are the wedding plans going?"

"Kind of on hold..." Garth sighed. "With Cos missing, well... Imra and I just can't imagine celebrating without him." He sighed again. "Imra and Jazmin are trying to get Brainy to focus on finding Cos now..."

**************************************************************************************************************************************

Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion co-leader
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy


"Brainy, I'm ordering you to make finding Rokk a priority!" Kid Quantum pounded a fist on the table in front of Brainiac 5.

"Gear and Babbage and Rond Vidar are all already working on it," Brainiac 5 said calmly. "I know you love him, Jazmin, but the data gathered from Colu also needs to be collated while it is fresh in my mind. I suspect Cosmic Boy is lost in time. This means we have time to find him."

He stood up, then reached a hand out to Jazmin. "I know I come across as unfeeling, but I also am worried about him, Jazmin. Believe me."

"Will it help if I say he's telling the truth?" Saturn Girl said. Both Kid Quantum and Brainiac 5 looked at her in surprise.

"Just trying to lighten the mood... I'm not actually reading your mind, Brainiac 5..." Imra said quietly. But she addressed both her teammates. "Look, we've been lost in time and space together... fought gods and monsters and all sorts of things... Had our trust in each other shaken, but never quite broken. You both know how the other thinks. You both care about Rokk, and so do I. Let's stop arguing, and trust in each other, okay?"

Jazmin sighed, looked down, then smiled. "I know. I'm sorry, Brainy... and thanks. And you too, Imra."

"Apology accepted," Brainiac 5 smiled. "Don't worry, I only need four standard terra-hours to finish my review of the Colu data... and as a plus, it looks like Colu does not have any immediate offensive plans against Robotica." Brainiac 5 tilted his head. "After that, a quick meal, and I shall focus on finding Cosmic Boy..."

But just as Brainiac 5 finished his sentence, a blinding rainbow portal appeared - and through it, they could see Cosmic Boy!

"I need your help!" He shouted as he narrowly dodged a stream of fire that erupted behind him.

Kid Quantum II, Brainiac 5 and Saturn Girl jumped forward, but the portal closed before they could reach it.

"No!" Kid Quantum shrieked. "He was right there!"

"It was for long enough," Brainiac 5 began tapping on his Omnicom. "Enough to track him. I know where he is! He's in the 21st century!"
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/24/21 12:24 AM
I must have picked up and been reading while you were editing!! smile

I love the Jenni & Dyrk relationship!!
Also if I was the Undertaker with powers over bodily functions, people would get bored with me because I'd use it like a 13 year old. laugh

I think I found Cos yesterday - he's just outside DC!
Posted By: razsolo Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/24/21 03:14 AM
That was a fun fight, I dig Ze Tongue! Although I would be interested in seeing the real Empress pop up some time, I don't remember reading anything with her after she got the Eye except for that one issue where Timber Wolf took down the whole Fatal Five on his own.

Magno's brother is intense! It does make me wonder how often the SP would even need to resort to killing someone when the future would presumably leave so many other non-lethal options available..
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/24/21 08:38 AM
Originally Posted by Gaseous Lad
I must have picked up and been reading while you were editing!! smile

I love the Jenni & Dyrk relationship!!
Also if I was the Undertaker with powers over bodily functions, people would get bored with me because I'd use it like a 13 year old. laugh

I think I found Cos yesterday - he's just outside DC!

you totally did smile I think I should learn more editing discipline haha! I actually didn't have Ze Tongue in originally, then was thinking of a way to slot him in! That's why he gets taken out before the whole divide and conquer bit... I only wanted him in if I could do him justice

glad you're liking Jenni & Dyrk! Those two were just individually so light and cheery in the comics, it's nice writing them as a couple!


Originally Posted by razsolo
That was a fun fight, I dig Ze Tongue! Although I would be interested in seeing the real Empress pop up some time, I don't remember reading anything with her after she got the Eye except for that one issue where Timber Wolf took down the whole Fatal Five on his own.

Magno's brother is intense! It does make me wonder how often the SP would even need to resort to killing someone when the future would presumably leave so many other non-lethal options available..

yeah, there wasn't much of the Empress with the Eye... she and the Eye will probably pop up sooner or later wink

yeah, Magno's bro is a bit... of a departure, or perhaps an evolution, from the comics. All we saw of him, was as an overbearing, arrogant older bro who just happened to be a Sci-Cop. I took some liberties with him, and slipped in the bit re PTSD from being a hostage, to see how it would make him act out...
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/25/21 04:40 AM
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
That was fast! Thanks for the speedy reading, GL smile

Hah! I'm glad woodberry tea and Aarokian fish curry sound delicious to you tongue

I'm pretty much on board with anything curry! smile

And with regards to Omar - He's a jerk, but I appreciate the level of humanity that your bringing to him so he (hopefully!) grows from the experience.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Mind Games (Post ZH Legion) - 04/25/21 08:26 AM
Mmm curry. Ok, more curry will appear in the future... wink

Glad you liked the balanced approach re Omar... he?s a jerk in the comics, but hardly evil (unless we count his constant ragging and lack of sympathy for Dyrk after losing his magnetism as evil - nah, not quite). So yeah, it will be a big bump for him... and maybe he will learn some humility smile
Hi, Ibby,

I just finished reading all of your most recent fic posts.

So much to love, I don't know where to start!

I'm definitely going to use your recap thread's links to read the whole Colu storyline. Those overbearing smarties are the kinds of characters I love to dislike. And I agree with Raz, very Mission Impossible.

The stuff with Magno's brother...oh, my good gods. So powerful and multi-layered. Not to mention very relevant to real life as it is today, but without being preachy nor on-the-nose.

But what I love most about any Legion iteration is just the characters hanging out with each other and bantering.

I know I've said this many times, but I really feel grateful to you that your enthusiasm for the Postboot Legion helped me finally learn to appreciate it. It's now my second favorite iteration, the first, of course, being the middle issues of the Baxter Era. And who can say, the Postboot might eventually take the top spot.

Your stories certainly have me even more excited than I already was about the not-too-distant beginning of the Postboot re-read.

Good show.

EDIT: And hearty congratulations on this thread passing 100,000 views! Woot!
Hi Annfie, thank you, so kind of you to say!

The Colu storyline is quite short, so you don't have much more to catch up on at least smile And yeah, the other Coluans like Orin Fex can be very annoying.

Happy the stuff with Magno's brother worked out well! I definitely kept thinking of a lot of recent developments when I wrote it...

Also glad the banter works. The Postboot era really fostered a great camaraderie within the team, where this sort of banter is totally not out of place (unlike... ah, I won't go into that here lol!) And thanks, I am super happy to hear that my writing has helped you appreciate this era more! Warms my heart smile
Hi IB,

My review is going to be as i read. so some of my questions may get answered. But I'm looking forward to this read!

Colu:
IB I'm very intrigued by this plot thread and where you're taking Orin Fex. I love the idea of data-vamipres, and the advancements of the SleepNet.
I loved his inner monologue as well about having to know everything going on outside of Colu to truly understand his adversary. The dissection's of why Brainy chose his team was very insightful. But as smart as Fex is because of his advanced years not so much his higher intellect over Brainy, i feel like its a trap set by Brainy or maybe even Lyle and Babbage.

I'm loving the debate on how to deal with the Roboticans. I can see both sides of this coin for the older Colu's who worry about being replaced as they've become accustomed to this high status and the younger generation simply thinking of the possibilities and the betterment of the Universe and less about themselves as the smartest species. The points being made about limits being imposed on the varying species is amazaing. I hadn't really thought about it but i wonder just how many members of the United Planets outside of Titan and Daxam have these limitations placed on them.
But on a bit of a flip side, its interesting that The Coluians don't have some sort of restrictions on them considering we've seen what their minds could do to the universe, (specifically the first Brainiac, and Brainiac 4)
Poor Laurel but i love all the things the nuns taught her. if its alright i might need to borrow some of those inspirations as my own Andromeda goes through her own crisis of faith.

OH SNAP! Damn Brainy, that was a awesome plan. Loved how Gates and Andromeda worked in tandem, and then Sensor and Mentalla. You've really figured out how to work this groups powers well and i love that they were waiting in the wings.
The use of Mentalla's abilities is amazing to suppress their memories but continue to function.
i love and hate how there are so man that could be the Espionage squad that we'll never get a real roster. lol

Legion world:
The exchange with Andromeda and Mentalla is funny. i giggled at Mentalla's frustration at being asked.
I really liked Mentallla's readiness the activation and jump back. she's shaping up to be a very formidable member.
I'm glad she offered to be at least be an ear to listen before Andromeda gets real help.

OMG Shavuang and M'Onel are the absolute cutest.
You've tapped into something that i think none of the others have with M'Onel because this particular M'Onel doesn't have a long history since leaving the Stasis Zone, the one thing that kind of separates him from the rest of the other Lar's and he's got a bit more of an innocents to him that really allows him to enjoy things like the Banyo-shake.
Loved the lore and using the Jimmy Olsen signal watch.

Earth:
This is a group that is very interesting. The three recruits who came in at the same time and had very different paths on the team with XS, the first new member to be introduced in the reboot with one of the last before the series ended. Hearing XS being called the senior Legionnaire is so weird.
This was a fun moment at the table with Magno's sister. the admiration she had for them met with realizing how normal they were was great to see. its easy to lose sight sometimes that those we look up to are just people.
"Don't worry ill be watching." i can only imagine how things will be in the year 3000 for real with fast we get information updates.

The Emerald Empress!

Uhmm Omar really is a jerk. Jenni is so special!
I hate Omar and his attitude plain sucks. Makes me think the standards for getting into the Science Police aren't that high when it comes to having any values about serving and protecting the sentients of the galaxy.

Ooo an illusion caster like Sensor...we never did find out if there were others like her or if it was simply a Royal thing. although if it is a Royal thing, could this be a princess from another part of Orando?

loved Umbra's take down of Licht and how she goaded him.
Ooo, so Spoor can call forth anything from any planet? kind of like Chlorophyll Kid but spoors instead seeds.
Sensor is utterly the star of this outing.
I always forget how destructive the edges of the teleport disks are.
Damn Omar snipper shots?
There has been a debate in a some other super hero media as well, about how much force is to excessive and how "heroes" don't kill. The Legion always finds away. But what about the Science Police? in this instance would Omar be justified and if the Legion wasn't there would the situation call for it or do the S.P.'s have rules against it and about de-escalation as well?
Man, poor Magno being caught in the middle like that. But hopefully everyone can get the help they need because it sounds like the parents may need it too.
Good looking out Garth.

Good call back for Jazmin, Imra, and Brainy about their time together in the second galaxy. as the team grows and readjust to life its easy to forget those connections especially when things are stressful.
Glad Brainy was able to get a read real quick. but was Rokk talking to them or someone else?

There are a lot of good things going on IB and i can't wait to read more.
hi Omni, thanks for your read and review! always appreciated!

Re Colu and Orin Fex. Yes, I tried to have it that the Legionnaire's visit was bait. They would only have used the data vampire etc. IF Orin Fex had made the first move... and Fex did, so it was all justified. Data vampires, I think I borrowed that idea from Harbinger's fic smile

Re limits on various species, it's really an interesting one! from way back in LSH 62, I remember restrictions being placed on Durlans traveling off-planet, and LSH Secret Files 2 (I think) mentioned t hat Naltorians cannot trade on the stock market. you make a really good point about Coluans. I wonder if the self-imposed restriction they had, to not invent new things but stick to research, helped ensure they would not have restrictions placed...

might explore this with Orando, LSH Secret Files 2 mentioned they can all cast illusions... though I think I will ignore that, not ALL of them should... and we've never seen others in the comics besides Sensor do that. tying in to your other Qs, I'm going to make it that the other illusion caster is special too in some way.

please go ahead and borrow as much as you want for your Andromeda! She was with the nuns for quite some time, so some of it must have rubbed off on her wink

re Espionage Squad, indeed! in the right situations many can contribute.

glad you're liking Mentalla! I really have a soft spot from her, from her Preboot version.

Thanks re M'Onel, you are right, I forget sometimes how little time he's actually spent outside of the Phantom Zone in the 30th/31st centuries! Shvaughn is really good for him.

Magno's sister Trin is one of my favorite supporting characters, for how good a sister she was to Dyrk. Funny isn't it, XS being the Senior Legionnaire despite being new to the Reboot? I thought they would make a good combination, Umbra has tried befriending Sensor (from the beginning of my Volume 2), while Monstress and Sensor had some budding friendship shortly after Monstress joined. Dyrk and Jenni just make a natural addition to all this.

Re Omar, I'm glad I'm turning him into a horrible person lol. He only really appeared twice I think, L* 53 and L*55. But his rotten attitude always struck me, how unsympathetic he was to Dyrk losing his powers. I figured, someone that rotten to his own brother could be taken in quite a few directions.

Sorry, which one is Spoor? Do you mean Pollen? I figure she's basically Microbe/Drura, but with fungi and plant matter instead of Drura's microbes. Almost the same though. Quite potentially dangerous!

Re Omar, I did leave it a bit vague as to how justified he was. I think in some cases it could be, but I wanted to focus more on his attitude after (the whole "I wanted to kill him!"" bit). that, for me, is where he crossed the line. As I can see cases where a Science Police officer - and even a Legionnaire - would be absolutely justified in making a kill shot. if there was no other alternative. Though in this case, there were definitely alternatives smile

yeah, poor Magno's parents are quite sweet. it won't be easy for them either. And Omar, I did increase his bad attitude from his canon appearances, so I wanted to right in the PTSD as a way to explain.

and Garth is being a good friend back to Dyrk for sure smile Dyrk did save his life before after all

Re Rokk talking to Brainy & co or someone else, all will be revealed soon... smile I admit to writing this scene without really plotting things out well, so I need to have a think! and yes, the Legion Lost crew went through a lot together, so I like the idea of them having a particularly deep bond smile

thanks Omni, appreciate your fast read through and comments! really inspires me to keep writing!
Hi IB,

yeah sorry that should have said are Pollen's spoors like Chloryphyl's seeds. But i like your explanation that she's more like Microbe.
Hi Omni, oh I get it now, no apologies needed smile It's a very valid explanation too, Pollen's spores = Chlorophyll Kid's seeds = Microbe's, er, microbes. Whatever they have access to before, they can "cast" smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 06/01/21 07:54 AM
thanks again for the read and review all. Next installment might be slightly delayed, as a few things are happening -

a) a good friend is moving to Amsterdam, so I'll help her a bit with settling in

b) I am taking next steps to buying the apartment that I currently live in

c) I'm settling into my new job, already have a few projects lined up = assigned to me!

d) boyfie is getting vaccinated soon as well! I'm next. he's younger but has some pre existing med conditions (or so the letter says, but we're not aware of any!)
Posted By: razsolo Re: Dreamer - 06/01/21 08:58 AM
I didn't know you were in Amsterdam, IB! I have only been there once but I loved it, it's so pretty smile

Sounds like the delay is all good news related anyway, nice to hear!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 06/01/21 09:14 AM
It is, raz smile I'm so spoiled here, I don't think I could survive moving back to the Philippines lol wink but all the developments are moving me closer to staying here permanently lol (taking my official Dutch language / knowledge of Dutch society tests later this year, if I pass that's the bulk of the requirements for citizenship!)

and thanks, indeed things are looking bright! smile
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Dreamer - 06/10/21 10:52 AM
IB, I'm so sorry I've only just seen this so I'm way behind.

Loved the scene with Mandalla and Andromeda - nce to differential your telepaths and make it clear their limits - something I need to do with my fan-fics tbh, so thanks for the reminder smile Also, it's really sweet seeing Laurel open up like tis, it's a welcome bit of growth to her character.

Shvaugn worrying how to classify the mission report was clever, and Lar's concern about her safety and clumsy attempt discuss it was well done. The signal watch is a great throw-back to a more innocent time and Shvaugn's joke about being compared to Jimmy Olsen was cute. That was a really decent scene with the two very opposite characters finding their middle ground. And it's a really smart plot seed, looking forward to where you take us with it.

Nice banter between Umbra and Sensor, they should make natural allies as they both have such priviledged non-UP standard backgrounds, but I can't really think of anywhere it's been highlighted before.

I know very little about Magno so was unaware he has a sister - it's always refreshing when the Legionnaire's families are around, humanises them nicely. Trin's suggestion to Candi about accessorising was great!

I really must pick up more reboot material as i have no idea who gangster is either smile Though I definitely know who the Emerald Empress is - fantastic surprise!

Omar Magz? Another sibling? Guess I'll find out by keeping reading smile And XS saves the day! She's such a great character, I love her positivity, and restraint when she 's talking to Omar - a classic narcissist? Evvery family has one (and you know what they say, if you don't know who it is then's it's probably you). I'm hoping his ego takes a knocking, though hopefully in a way that teaches him a lesson rather than embitters him.

Well worked out betwwen Magno and Umbra that the Empress was just an illusion. And interesting that other members of Sensor's race can cast illusions. Your Umbra is much less snarkier than canon (from the limited amount i saw of her) and it's kind of nice to see.... and more characters I dont know -I willlook out for reboot issues from now on as it feels like I'm missing out on a lot of fun.

Jenni dealing with them a great speed was fun - especiallytying up Ze Tongue's tongue like that, haha.

Nice trick by Tasmia getting Licht to wear itself out, and interesting tat Candi doesn't feel pain. Sensor tricking the Undertaker was well done, I often feel that illusions are underappreciated but you showed her very easily how useful they could be.

It was pretty clear that Omar would do something stupid but trying to kill Gangster was way more than expected. NIce that Magno and XS were on hand to stop him. arrested for attempted murder? It's going to be tough for them but they had to do it.

Nice that Garth thought to check on Dyrk, and you brought up something really interesting that was overlooked in canon - how his parents coped knowing that one of their sons was a mass murderer.

Jaz and Rokk make a better couple than Lydda and Rokk in my mind, so it's great that you are keeping with that. Saturn Girl saying she wasn't reading Brainy's mind was cute, as was her little talk about trusting each other. And up pops Rokk! It'll be fun having the team find him, hopefully then Garth will stop moping about the wedding being on hold smile

Great cliffhanger there IB, looking forward to where to take us next. I really enjoy your Legion - they are young and idealistic and not half as cynical as the version I write, so it's always a pleasure to read. If you post more please do PM me and let me know as I only drop by once or twice a week these days and it's a shame to miss out.

As always, I'm here waiting with baited breath for whenever you post more, more, more

C
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 06/10/21 01:23 PM
hi Harbi, thank you! I always look forward to your comments smile

Glad that Mentalla is becoming well-differentiated from Saturn Girl (and this reminds me to ensure that Tellus as well gets the same treatment!) And yes, poor Andromeda has been through a lot, and I find it fascinating to explore how she's grown up... and how she's still growing!

I'm happy with the M'On/Shvaughn developments too! I was tempted to have M'On come up with some silly harebrained scheme to protect Shvaughn, but could not think of a way to make it realistic. and it's been done many times before so nothing new there wink

The Umbra/Sensor thing is new indeed, I certainly don't remember anything like this from the canon Reboot. Sensor and Umbra got off on the wrong foot almost immediately after they joined together... but with Umbra's own growth, I felt it was natural of her to reach out to Sensor smile in canon, Umbra began softening up after Legion Lost was over (in Legion 24 she even called the Legion her family!), so I tried to carry that over into my own writing.

Gangster appeared only once in Legion Worlds 5, in case you want to look him up smile he was in the second story.

The Magz family is quite large, they are four children in all smile Omar, Dyrk, Trin and Lev. Trin and Lev only appeared in Legionnaires 53, while Omar made a second appearance in, I think, Legionnaires 55. And was mentioned again in Legion Worlds 3.

Sensor's race casting illusions is something I will need to address. There was a throwaway description of Orando in LSH Secret Files 2, that the whole race cast illusions... which I personally didn't like, as it is a fairly useful and broad power... smile Sensor's not alone, but I want to limit that power's distribution.

Glad that arresting Omar made sense... it wasn't easy adding shades of grey to this situation, but indeed Omar's words at the end tipped the scales.

Garth has been waiting for a while to get married indeed wink don't worry, Rokk won't be away for too long, I don't want to drag that out forever. Nice to see you're a fan of the Jaz/Rokk relationship! I didn't expect it when it was introduced in the Reboot, but it makes sense in a way. Lydda will just have to get over her crush wink

As for Imra, she's learned for sure wink that messing with her friends' minds earlier, no matter how well-intentioned, had consequences and was shakily ethical at best. So she continues to work hard to be worthy of everyone's trust.

thanks for the kind words, Harbi! the Reboot Legion's idealism was always a big draw for me, and I'm happy to keep it going. and thanks, will definitely PM you - so kind of you to ask!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 07/14/21 01:41 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion leader.
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation, enhanced vision
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication

*************************************************************

".... and we have clearance to probe the origins of that Orandan illusion-caster that Sensor and company brought in," Triad - one of her - continued. Through the viewscreen, Kid Quantum could see Rebound sitting beside her, and the other two Triads speaking with other Carggites in the background. This was their last hand-off call before Triad would take her days of leave on Cargg. "The UP is taking this VERY seriously; if there are more illusion-casters out there, we would want to know about it. Sensor is also looking into it, but the Royal Family was similarly shocked - ancient Orandan serpents could all cast illusions, but the trait died out when they became the dominant species on Orando. Sensor herself was a celebrated throwback mutation." Triad paused, as she often did, to let her briefing sink in before continuing to the next item.

By her eyes, it was Orange; Rebound had privately told Kid Quantum that Orange was the one least eager to return to Cargg. Her personality preferred to deal with things by burying them and going inward; unlike Purple, whose initial impulse would be to lash out.

This was why Neutral was the one usually tapped to brief the team during meetings.

Kid Quantum tapped her fingers distractedly and impatiently on the arm of her seat. This was something she should take seriously, but she had difficulty willing herself to focus.

Nightwind touched her shoulder encouragingly. "Thanks, Triad," she spoke. "I think that about wraps up the other business." Though she had stepped down as co-leader, Nightwind had been more than happy to step back up temporarily. After all, with Triad (in her role as Situations Executive, coordinating much of the admin work) en route to Cargg, and with Kid Quantum expecting news any moment...

"And how is your trip going so far?" Nightwind continued.

Triad Orange looked down. Beside her, Rebound reached down to hold her hand. "Well, Cargg is almost as polarized as much of Earth was in the early 21st century," Rebound smiled. "But the movement is making headway here on Cargg. More and more Carggites agree that nobody should be subjected to these kinds of attempted brainwashing measures..."

Orange smiled as Rebound squeezed her hand.

"You're very brave, Triad," Kid Quantum smiled. She would have to be brave as well.

Orange smiled gratefully. But before she could reply, the screen in front of Kid Quantum and Nightwind flashed.

"Rond?" Kid Quantum sat up straight.

"I've gotten clearance from the UP," Rond's clipped tones betrayed hidden excitement. "We are go for retrieval!"

"Thanks Rond." Kid Quantum stood up and raised her flight ring to her lips. "Brainy, Imra, Garth... meet me in Brainy's lab!" Then she turned to her companions.

"Good luck and godspeed," Nightwind smiled.

"Sweet trinity, you'll be in my prayers," Orange added.

"Go get him!" Rebound called.

Kid Quantum smiled at all three, than flew out of the room as fast as her flight ring could take her.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 07/14/21 01:42 PM
hey all, just a small little scene to get the ball rolling on a couple plotlines... also to help motivate myself by starting them... wink

next up: what has Cosmic Boy been up to in the 21st century? and... how are things going n Cargg?
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Dreamer - 07/14/21 03:00 PM
That's really good discussion of the Orandan situation with Sensor being kind of a throwback to her illusionist powers.

REALLY liked the centering on Triad and Orange's personality versus the others. Looking forward to where this goes! smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 07/14/21 05:54 PM
thanks raz! yeah, I figured I had to address Sensor's origin, as it was never explained anywhere...

and thanks wink we're going to see a lot more of the three Triads and their differences wink Lu is both fun and challenging to write because she's essentially three in one!
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Dreamer - 07/14/21 06:44 PM
I guess for me, the interesting thing about that scene was if Chuck was more interested in Orange Lu - I know the other two were busy, but would he act similarly to Purple given her very different personality.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 07/14/21 08:08 PM
thanks GL wink let's just say that all three Triads like Chuck because he is multi-dimensional... and he knows how to take care of 3 people with 3 very different personalities wink
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Dreamer - 07/15/21 03:36 AM
Gotta love that Chuck Taine! laugh
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 07/15/21 09:57 AM
Lu certainly does laugh
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Dreamer - 07/15/21 11:10 AM
Really nice scene there IB, with some well written character moments.

Jazmin drumming her fingers as she knows she should pay attention but it's just not getting her focus. I think I do the same actually smile

I still don't fully understand the reboot Lu, but you summed up their different characters well. So, Orange is introverted, Purple is an extrovert and Neutral is an ambivert? Am I picking up on that right? And " Situations Executive, coordinating much of the admin work" sounds like a hellish job, the poor girl. I'm interested in what you're going to come up with on Carggg.

And Rond - it'll be good to see him again, he's one of my favourite background characters so looking forward to where you take them. Imra, Garth, Jazmin and Brainy on a mission through time sounds like it will be fun.

Nice pst IB, wrapping up the last one while setting up the next few plots. As always, can't wait for more, more, more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 07/15/21 01:35 PM
thank you, Harbi! Appreciate your fast read & review!

I love doing character moments, and often find them easier as I can just come up with them on the fly; i.e. as I write I imagine how the characters would react and interact. Much easier for me than plotting and outlining, as I need to then put in the planning time...

Glad it helped re the three Triads. And yes, that pretty much sums it up re Orange / Purple / Neutral.

Situations Executive was the brainchild of DNA, and I always wondered what it entailed. Poor Lu indeed, all that and missions too! (whether that remains the status quo will be seen... I do like this administrative superpower side of Lu though, and it has precedent from the early Reboot when she was RJ Brande's personal assistant/office manager... and she sometimes stepped up to fill vacuums in between Legion leader elections -- e.g. L* 37 and LSH 81

Rond is cool indeed! He probably won't go on the time trip, but he'll play a part. He is, after all, our time expert wink

and thank you Harbi, it does make a nice transition! I'm motivated for the next bits... now I just need to figure out the plot! tongue after that, the rest should flow fast. appreciate your usual support!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Triple Trouble on Cargg - 07/16/21 02:38 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Cargg

Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication

*************************************************************

Cargg. A world where every inhabitant can split into three identical beings (called "selves" or "triplets"). Or so we thought, until the profile of Legionnaire Triad rose to fame throughout the galaxy. Remarkable not only for the physical differences in their eye color, but also for the almost completely opposite personality traits exhibited by two of her selves. The kidnappings of many Carggites for experimentation by Ra's al Ghul further exposed the prevalence of this among Carggites. On Earth, many rescued Carggites exhibited great differences - though few, if any, as strongly as Triad. It was also found that Carggites with greater differences tended to recover mentally and emotionally better from their captivity. Further, it was found that many of these Carggites had suppressed their differences for years; their captivity stressed them enough that they emerged once more.

Debate has ignited on Cargg due to these findings. Traditionally, differences among triplets were seen as an abomination, and those with strong differences were institutionalized and exposed to shock therapy to force them to think, act and feel alike. A growing movement led by Tatlisa Sanii, called the Divided Trinity, advocates for the abolishment of this practice and the enactment of laws that protect Carggites from discrimination based on their level of sameness. More and more Carggites are joining or supporting this movement, with 73% polled believing the institutions are inhumane. However, of those, only 24% believe they should be abolished entirely while the remaining 78% think they can be reformed... And only 18% of all Carggites agreed with the statement, "My quality of life would be identical if my selves displayed differences."

The situation remains volatile on Cargg, as off-world pressure combined with the Divided Trinity's advocacy, has forced the Carggite Tribunal to call a vote on these topics.

---- Around the UP

*************************************************************


"Say that again, and I'll break your nose!" Triad Purple's eyes flared as she took a step towards the woman who had insulted them.

"You're unnatural!" The middle-aged Carggite shrieked back at them. One of her bodies, anyway. Two others were carrying two children away. One, the younger one, turned around to stare; his mother quickly covered his eyes. "How dare you expose my children to your... your... your filthy ways!"

"You take that back!" Purple advanced another step. Neutral stepped in between Purple and the woman, extending her arms so Purple could not throw a punch.

"You're the filthy one, you phobic prude!" Purple yelled. She scrabbled to push past Neutral.

"Get away from us!" The Carggite woman yelled. She bent down, picked up a rock, and threw it. Neutral gasped, and raised her arms and closed her eyes to protect her head.

After seconds, she heard a little boing. Opening her eyes, she saw Rebound's inflated form shielding her. The woman gasped, backing away. "Another freak!"

Rebound slowly deflated, and stood up. "These freaks help people around the galaxy, madam. We would even help you, if you were in trouble." Chuck stood silent, not advancing. "All we ask is you treat us as fellow sentients."

"Don't bother talking to her, Chuck!" Purple snarled. "I know their kind... blind, bigoted..."

"Enough, sister." Neutral called firmly as she forcibly reintegrated. Purple faded mid-step, while Orange was pulled in from where she had been cowering. "But I agree with you on one thing... talking won't matter at this point. We can open minds, but not if they're clouded with fear and hatred, like this one is." She stepped forward, placing a hand on Chuck's shoulder. "But for your sake, madam, I hope one day you open your eyes and mind... and heart. You will encounter Carggites with differences in your daily life, and you can't just go around calling them all freaks and throwing stones at them."

She stared at the woman for a few moments, making sure to show she was not afraid. Then she turned around and walked away. After a moment, Chuck followed her, leaving the woman behind them trembling.

"That was masterful, Lu..." Chuck started as they rounded the corner.

"Thanks, I... oh. It's coming..." Luornu sighed. Orange and Purple burst out of her.

Purple pointed a finger at Neutral. "How could you let her talk to us like that? She deserved at least a punch in the face!"

Orange wrapped her arms around herself and shivered. "I thought we would never have to face this again... This is why I hate meeting other Carggites..."

Purple rounded on her. "Most of the ones off-world are nothing like this one! This blind... stupid..."

"I know it's frustrating and terrifying," Neutral started. "But we can't go around punching people OR showing we're afraid, else how will people like these see that we're just like them?"

"But why do we have to keep fighting?" Orange teared up. "It's so draining..."

"I have no patience for idiots like these!" Purple snapped.

Chuck watched, fascinated, but trying not to look. Neutral had explained to him, in quieter moments, how she used her three selves' different perspectives to thresh out different angles of a situation. Her grandmother had taught her to do so when she was young... though for obvious reasons, she preferred to do it in private.

For her to argue so openly in front of him... well, that was special for her.

"Look." Neutral said firmly. "We came to Cargg for a reason - to show support for the vote to abolish those institutions. Let's just focus on doing that, then we can leave again and get away from all this for a while, okay?"

"You want to run away?" Purple threw her arms up. "There are non-Legionnaires here fighting for this, and we're letting them?! We should be at the forefront!"

"Why do we have to keep fighting this?" Orange shook her head as she bit her lip. "We risk our lives every day as Legionnaires, and some of the monsters we fight cause us less pain than this! Let others handle the politics!"

"Sisters..." Neutral sighed. "We're also fighting when we show everyone that we thrive as Legionnaires despite our differences. And Cargg doesn't - and can't - censor these newslinks anymore. Carggites see what we do every day. And it's less emotionally draining on us to advocate offworld, so..."

"Don't be a coward...!" Purple started.

"Let me finish!" Neutral snapped. "Look, let's talk about this more in private. For now, remember what we came here for."

A chastened Purple closed her mouth, and actually looked subdued. Orange swayed. "I remember... Granny is over there..."

All three Triads and Chuck walked quietly over to the headstone of their Granny Murlu.

"She encouraged us to love ourselves so much..." Neutral started.

"And she herself had differences, but we never saw them... not until... the end..." Orange sobbed.

"It's this whole stupid world, with their stupid beliefs! Granny was forced to hide who she was... and she was so brainwashed and conditioned that she couldn't relax until she was dying in front of us!" Purple shook her fists with rage.

Chuck stood beside all three, silently. He knew that each triplet needed to express her feelings on her own.

Each Luornu knelt down, pressed her fingers to her lips, then touched Granny Murlu's headstone.

Then they stood up, and Triad reintegrated - willingly, this time.

Now that she was whole again, Chuck stepped forward. Without a word, he enveloped Luornu in a hug.

"Thanks for being here, Chuck."

"Any time and always, Lu."

Triad smiled as she hugged Chuck closer. "Just... hold me a bit longer, please. I need to collect myself before we head over to meet Tatlisa..."

Chuck hugged her wordlessly, as the sunlight glinted off Granny Murlu's name.
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Dreamer - 07/16/21 03:05 PM
This was such a good read, Ibby. I've always been fascinated with anyone who can have a relationship with Luornu, in pretty much any incarnation.

Tons of great content and subtext here, between the nature of Lu's relationship with the other Carggites, to the raw emotional expression that purple and orange are the embodiment of, to the reveal of the graveside visit.

Its also interesting that the more emotional connection with Chuck seems to be the integrated Luornu.

I loved reading this.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 07/16/21 09:12 PM
Thanks GL! Yeah, I think dealing with 3 diff personalities in one can be challenging. and heaven help you if you mistake one for the other... imagine approaching Purple as you would Orange,

I see an integrated Lu as the balanced one, and Chuck plays to that really well smile

Glad you liked it, GL. thanks for the read and review smile really spurs me to continue this bit.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Double Date - 07/17/21 04:52 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Earth

Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility

Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal); controls his body's density (Reservist and Cadet)

*************************************************************

Invisible Kid poked at his pork adobo, as Gravity gushed about how well Density was doing in Academy exercises. Thankfully, most of the patrons around them didn't seem to have recognized any of them; after all, Earth was such a melting pot that no humanoid would stand out in a crowd. Most patrons were engrossed in their dishes; after all, the restaurant they were in specialized in indigenous Earth cuisines from the Southeast Asian region.

"... and Chameleon said that Jed here has made great progress in stretching the limits of how dense his body can get!" Gravity finished.

Beside him, Density had the grace to look embarrassed. "Thanks honey... say, maybe we should change the subject, I'm sure Condo and Lyle can look my records up if they want..."

"I'm just so proud!" gushed Tel, with an exaggerated downward swipe of his hand. Though his torso was fully covered, the tight fit left little to the imagination. Jed himself had on a shirt with a very low V-neck that exposed his muscled chest and the top of his abs. Lyle and Condo were both considerably more conservatively dressed, both in button-down vests.

Lyle and Condo looked at each other, and Condo raised his eyebrow. Lyle nodded. Chameleon had warned them that the dinner invitation from Tel was likely a way for Tel to lobby for Jed's Legion membership*, as Tel had made a habit of chatting up various Legionnaires to sway the vote in Jed's favor.

"Listen, Tel, Jed..." Condo began. He took a sip of his rice wine, watching as Jed and Tel both leaned forward in interest. He often used this technique in interviews, to get the subject to focus. "I was there when we discussed Jed's membership, and he did well; close, very close. But Tel, you have to understand that you won't sway the vote like this; you might just bias some of us against Jed..."

Tel's face darkened, and he opened his mouth to retort. But Jed touched his husband's arm. "He's right, you know, Tel. I love you and appreciate all that you're doing, but let's not be too pushy, ok?"

"I think most of the others see that Jed is really working hard," Lyle piped up. "And we know you're doing this because you love him, Tel. But, as one couple to another, some advice... You also want to show the team you're professional, and that your relationship won't get in the way of Legion business."

"Even Apparition and Ultra Boy work at it," Condo added. "They openly disagree with each other during team meetings... just like Saturn Girl and Live Wire, or us."

"That's really good advice, guys," Jed smiled. He nudged Tel in the ribs. "Right, Tel?"

"... right... and you're right." Tel sighed, rubbing his temples with one hand. "I remember last team meeting. Someone observing would not have guessed who the couples on the team were." He looked up, chastened. "I'm sorry, guys. I just don't want Jed to have to go away and leave Legion World..."

Lyle smiled in commiseration. "I understand. I missed Condo a lot when we were apart, too... Look, I can tell you that if things don't work out, we can find a place for Jed on Legion World. Just look at Mandalla."

Jed and Tel nodded. Mandalla had decided to drop out of the Cadet program, to take a permanent post as part of the Legion World medical staff. She still retained her Legion Reserve status, and as her post was permanent she would be treated as a Legionnaire - earning her de facto citizenship on all UP worlds, as all Legionnaires (whether Active, Reserve, or Honorary) enjoyed. This privilege was not currently granted to Reservists who were still enrolled in the Cadet program, as there was no guarantee they would remain. Her friends had thrown her a small party to celebrate, and Mandalla had been teary-eyed with joy all throughout. Spirits had been high among the Cadets, as those who could not reach active membership knew there could be places for them in the Legion's growing structure.

Visibly relaxing, Tel leaned back in his seat. "Well, that's a great point. And I'm sorry for being a nasshead. So... Tell me, how did you two meet?"

Condo grinned. It was his favorite story, how he had been interviewing Lyle, spilled a drink on Lyle's shirt, and Lyle had suggested going to his place to clean up. Lyle blushed a bit. "I'm not usually that forward," he admitted. "But Condo was just so adorable, he's so cute when he's embarrassed. See, look at that goofy grin?" He pointed at Condo, who was also blushing. "Stop it, Lyle!" Condo play-punched his boyfriend.

Jed threw his head back and laughed. "Hah! Well, that's sweet... our first meeting wasn't so sweet, we met at one of those infamous parties... you know, BanyoShake."

"Jed!" Tel snapped, visibly embarrassed. "Not in front of colleagues!" He turned towards Condo and Lyle. "We were young and wild then, we're grown up from that..."

Condo and Lyle giggled. Though neither had ever attended, Condo - as a reporter - and Lyle - as a former spy and Legion Espionage Squad leader - both had heard of the wild, hedonistic Banyoshake party. "Don't worry too much, Tel," Condo laughed. "Nobody will judge you... come on, we're all of the age of majority, and most Legionnaires have had sex before."

"Except Brainy," Lyle snarked. "He would only do that if he suddenly got interested in the subject and decided to learn more about it."

Tel snorted into his drink. "Yeah, that sounds like Brainy..."

"Oh, I don't really like gossiping about the others, but Lyle, remember when Brainy asked Ferro to make this 20th century dish called pizza because he wanted to compare its properties to hatch sealant?**

The four roared with laughter. Jed slapped his hand on the table. "Sounds a bit like poor Stone Boy's first time on a bed... he asked, "How do non-Zwennites sleep lying down?"

Laughter followed as the four began sharing funny stories about their friends. The cocktails were having their desired effect, and the four became more and more relaxed.

"So," Lyle's eyes twinkled mischievously. "How exactly did you two meet at BanyoShake?"

"Lyle!" Condo, wary of Tel's reaction, slapped his boyfriend on the arm. But Tel, after a few drinks and a ton of funny and mildly embarrassing stories of friends, leaned forward conspiratorially. "All I'll say is it involved a hammock, one of us taking too high a dose of stimulants, a dropped Umami-Ball snack..." Jed chortled into his drink. Tel continued, "And we'll tell the whole story only if you two reveal what you did on your first meeting back at Condo's place..."

Lyle looked at Condo and grinned. "We're all adults here, right?" Condo put a mildly embarrassed hand on the back of his head. "Well, only if those details stay here..."

"Deal, then," Jed leaned back, satisfied. "Well, I bumped into Tel at the bar. He was wearing..."

Suddenly, a loud bang echoed through the restaurant. Patrons and staff began standing up, swearing and screaming as the glass windows burst inwards.

Density's skin turned dark purple as he made his body denser; and Gravity's hands glowed gray as he used his power to stop the glass from falling.

"Just as I was getting comfortable with telling secrets..." Condo muttered.

"Jed, Tel, stay here and make sure nobody's hurt," Lyle said as he faded out of sight. "Condo and I will go scout out; you two follow as soon as things here are clear."

"Right, good luck," Tel said as he slowly lowered the glass to the floor. Jed began ushering patrons to safety.

As they flew out of the restaurant, Condo sighed. "At least we got to enjoy the drinks."

**********

IB's notes:

1) LSH 93, the Legion had pizza while in the 20th century, and Brainy began comparing pizza's properties to different kinds of 30th century hatch sealant.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac What a Bombshell - 07/18/21 08:15 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Earth

Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility

*************************************************************

It didn't take long for Chemical Kid and Invisible Kid to find the source of the explosion. Besides the frightened civilians running in one direction, Science Police droids flying towards the source to lend assistance, and plumes of smoke, there was the loud yelling coming from the black-and-purple clad, yellow-skinned humanoid figure shaking a fist at the United Planets Congress Building.

"Cowards! Traitors! Backstabbers!" The figure raged as a trio of droids flew at it. "Cease and desist, or..." The lead droid's mechanical monotone was cut short as it exploded. The next two followed.

"Stop right there!" a green-skinned male security guard raised his blaster at the figure. The figure simply pointed a finger at the man. "You will die for protecting these squajjing nassheads, sitting in their ivory tower while Corvan IV remains poor!"

The guard screamed as his blaster began to spark... he threw it away, only to watch it fall to the ground, still sparking but not exploding.

"What? My power..."

"Is, apparently, to cause explosions." Chemical Kid smiled as he landed in front of the guard. "Which are chemical reactions, which I can slow down." Keeping his hands raised and pointed at the figure, Chemical Kid addressed the guard. "That was brave, but you can help us more by ensuring everyone in the building is far from the entrance. Have them take cover." The guard nodded and ran off.

Condo turned to address the figure. "Now what's this about Corvan IV? The UP and the Legion have been sending regular aid, including medical and disaster relief, expert development consultation... I was just there myself last week, helping enhance the soil for agriculture. What are you going on about?"

The figure spat. "It's not enough! You waited so long to help us. And you have dozens of our brethren in jail... like my sister Izaard..."

Condo held out his hands. "Izaard... she was the leader of the group that attacked this same building...."*

"And she's been languishing in jail for years now!"

"Look..." Condo said. "Your sister and the others were jailed for attempting to murder the people in this building. But we did listen, and we are doing something for Corvan IV... you have to understand, are resources are not unlimited... What's your name?"

"I won't tell you!" The figure snarled and pointed its finger at the gates to the Congress building. Condo reacted quickly, using his powers to retard the application of any heat or shock to the gates. He realized his error too late; nothing was happening. A feint?

Condo didn't have time to react as an explosion sent him flying off his feet. Using his flight ring, he twisted his body so he would land on his side instead of on his face; the impact still caused him to land with a grunt. Groaning, he tried to push himself up. It had all happened too fast; he hadn't been able to keep airborne.

"You think I have to point to use my power," the figure gloated. "I just need to think. Like this."

Another explosion sounded, this time above Condo. He looked up in horror to see some tree branches falling towards him. He willed them to rot faster; they began to, but not quickly enough to spare Condo from unconsciousness.

"Now, back to my original target..." The figure turned back to the UP building. But before it could move closer, it felt a ringing pain at the back of its head. It collapsed like a sack of beans.

Invisible Kid faded into view, and quickly leaned down to check the figure. Pulse and breathing were ok. Lyle unceremoniously dumped the figure back on the ground and ran to Condo. "I swear, if you've hurt him..."

Lyle felt himself being thrown forward as the ground rumbled beneath his feet. He tried to will his flight ring to keep himself in the air, but he felt the air beside him ignite. He yelped in pain; but before he could catch his breath, another explosion sounded from the other side. Then another. He was being tossed around like a rag doll!

Finally, the explosions stopped, and Lyle crumpled to the ground. But how? He was sure...

Another figure emerged, this one taller and bulkier than the first one. It leaned over to check the first one. "I expected you wouldn't kill my little brother..." This one said. "I won't extend you the same mercy." The newcomer stared at Lyle. "You will be the first example."

"Sprock it," Lyle thought. The back-up they had called for hadn't arrived yet... He faded from sight as a precaution, hoping it would throw his attacker off long enough.

"I don't need to see you to blow you up, you know." The ground near Lyle exploded. Lyle grit his teeth, trying not to scream and give off his position. But the explosions came loud and fast, and his ears were ringing. He banged painfully into what remained of a parked hovercraft.

"Found you," his attacker loomed above him. "And now..."

Lyle shut his eyes. If only...

"Aaaaah!!" Lyle opened his eyes in surprise, to see his attacker screaming in pain. Even stranger, his attacker's arm was bent behind its back; like its arm had been wrenched backwards and dislocated.

"Who did this!?" The attacker screamed. Then its other arm was also twisted back!

Lyle flew towards Condo. He didn't know what was happening - he could think of a few Legionnaires who could do this, but now his main goal was to get to the Legionnaire here who could stop the bad guy's power. He flew towards Condo, ignoring his own pain and the screaming behind him. As he reached Condo, he fished in his belt pouch and pulled out some reviving fluid. He brushed the tree branches off Condo, held his head up, and opened the vial.

"Five more minutes... wha?" Condo sat bolt upright. "Ow!" he winced as he held his head. "Forgot that I was clobbered by a tree..."

"Condo, use your power..." Lyle paused. There was one more possibility. Maybe his savior was not a Legionnaire, but someone else... Someone he had thought dead, but whom he suspected had saved him some time ago, from Charma**. Someone who could have been here virtually undetected... "Use your power on the whole area around that brute. I have a hunch..."

"Yes, bossy bee, I'll do what I should have done earlier." Condo focused, slowing down the chemical reactions that relayed signals through the neurons of his attacker. The hulking figure stopped thrashing about, and began to stand still.

But a second figure came into view... one Lyle knew very well. A dark-skinned young man, about his exact age, with curly black hair streaked with white. Lyle was right; it was someone with invisibility similar to his, earned from an invisibility serum; and Condo's power was able to block the chemical reactions caused by said serum.

"Jacques?!" Lyle gasped.

"I don't believe it..." Condo whispered beside him.

Jacques Foccart froze, terror in his eyes. "Lyle, you don't understand! You can't see me. You can't know!"

Lyle stepped forward. "I can help you, Jacques, dammit!"

"No, you can't. I've already exposed myself too much. Please... let me turn invisible again."

Lyle's heart froze. Jacques... his brother... But... Jacques must have a good reason for hiding. He wouldn't, otherwise. He had to trust Jacques, who had saved him tonight. "Condo, please stop using your power on Jacques."

"I... okay." And just like that, Jacques turned invisible again.

"Jacques," Lyle pleaded. "Give me a clue. Something that I can use to track you... and bring you back home."

The silence that followed was deafening. Lyle wanted to cry. He had been so close...

Then he heard a whisper. "Goblet. Your memorial."

Then the silence returned.

Lyle stared for a second. Condo stepped beside to touch him. "Lyle..."

"I know, honey. But first things first..."" Lyle turned to Condo, looking him in the eyes. "We didn't see Jacques tonight. This won't change until we get to the bottom of this. Luckily, nobody was nearby. I'll ask Gear to run a check on any surveillance feeds, to see if there's any evidence of Jacques... and then..."

Lyle surveyed the scene. "Once we get treated, we're going to trace that clue."

Condo nodded. Then he turned towards the two offenders. "We should secure them..."

Condo was interrupted by a bluish-white triangular portal flashing into existence. Kent Shakespeare, Violet, Inferno, Ultra Boy, Gravity and Density and others stepped through. "Oh my stars," Violet gasped. "I'm so sorry we're late."

"Clearing the area of civilians took longer than expected," Density apologized. He looked sheepish.

"We had to wait for back-up too," Gravity looked sour.

"Eh... you're just in time for the clean-up," Lyle shrugged. Condo knew better than to react; Lyle didn't get to be Espionage Squad leader without learning to act.

"Yeah, though I'm glad to see you, Kent," Condo poked the doctor with his finger. "We've got our bumps and bruises..."

As they followed Kent Shakespeare back to the Thresholds leading to Legion World, Condo glanced over at Lyle. Though his face was serene, Condo saw Lyle tug his earlobe. He was already thinking of their next steps.

Condo smiled inwardly. They were going to get Lyle's brother back, somehow.

****************

IB's notes:

1) Legion 1, a group from Corvan IV threatened to kill UP delegates in the building unless the UP committed to send aid to Corvan IV.

2) Legionnaires 66. Jacques and Lyle were boyhood friends, who joined the UP spy program together. Charma used her powers (to control the minds of men) to force Jacques to take Lyle's invisibility serum. Jacques was thought dead; however, he saved Lyle from Charma by releasing Lyle's bonds. Lyle suspected Jacques was there, but Jacques didn't reveal himself. We later see Jacques' point of view - he survived, but his invisibility was different. He could not be detected by anything - he didn't even have an audible heartbeat. But using his power puts so much strain on his body, that repeated use could kill him. Jacques works for Black Hole, a UP top secret spy organization, because they have medicines that can keep him alive.
Posted By: Omni Comments - 07/18/21 09:15 PM
Hi IB,

So glad to see that you've gotten a chance to further this story.

Its interesting that Sensor just like Shikari was seen as a throw backs but in different ways. Shikari was treated as an outcast because their society changed while with Sensor she was praised seemingly because they felt they lost something. Maybe another Legionnaire for Sensor to connect with on another level.

loved seeing how chuck knows Lu so well. Triad's been with the team since the beginning so its interesting to see how Triad's roles work within the team, like neutral being the one to brief the team. I have to agree with your comment that Lu is hard to write for. But it can give some really good personal moments, which you've shown well and Gaseouse Lad makes a good point about Chuck. I hope we get to see him interact and handle for lack of a better word, each of them.

I wish Nightwind would change her mind and stay on as co-leader.
Haha. I don't know why but I couldn't help at laugh a little bit at the team cheering Kid Q on to go get Cos.

Loved that opening describing Cragg and the turmoil it is in. It's hard to get away from things that have been with a culture for so long. No matter how horrible. But the willingness to change is important. So here's to hoping they can!

that scene with the Lu's confronting that older Craggite woman was really well done. I'm glad no one was hurt! Rebound was right, Lu's response once she reintergrated was masterful. Loved the argument between the Lu's. It showed so much about who they are and interact with each other. You present each argument so well, that i found myself unable to find one I agreed with most. They all made great points. We never got to see Cragg's reception to Lu in series. So its really nice to see. It was so easy to assume that all of the legionnaires' home worlds were proud of them.
i have to note that the three ways the Lu's think, feels like the debate we as humans have everyday about how to fix our world.

The moments with Lyle, Condo, Tel, and Jed was nice. I liked that they got to the point and told Tel to drop the campaigning for Jed and that this brought out just how much the couples amoungst the Legionnaires are still their own people. especially with Jo and Tinya. sometimes that didn't always seem like it.
You really don't like to let the team relax to much do you? lol laugh

Good work Condo! I liked that he tried to talk down the attacker with the facts.
Loved the action of this scene. i could picture it so clearly, with Lyle being bombarded and bounced around by those explosions.
You had me scared for a moment there with both Lyle and Condo. I was worried this might be the end. But I'm glad we're getting some more on Jaques. I wonder if he tails Lyle because he wants to help or because he's being forced to....
the tug on the ear lobe is great. its small things like that, that show Lyle's mind and spy experience.

Can't wait for more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Comments - 07/18/21 09:52 PM
hi Omni, thanks for the read and review! will definitely be trying to write more regularly, so many more stories that can be told smile

Nice observation on Sensor and Shikari as parallels / opposites. Could also be related to Sensor being a royal, and Shikari not. Lots of material here to explore.

Chuck will definitely get time with all three Lus smile

Most of the team are hopeless romantics, so they were happy to see Jaz go get Cos. And Cos is also highly respected smile

Berta... well, I love her, and I think she makes a good leader, but she will have a tough time shaking the takeover of Legion World by the Monitor smile

Also rooting for Cargg to change wink there's hope!

glad you liked that scene. That older Carggite woman speaks like... well.. like some real life people I know. And thanks! Lu can be hard to write, but cana lso be easy in the sense that Orange and Purple are so different... and as someone who debates with himself a lot, I can appreciate using three perspectives to make the best decision. So you hit the nail right on the head with your description!

With Jo and Tinya, I am also trying to take them away from being too close to one another wink lol. there's more to them than their relationship wink and I thought it would be cute having the two gay couples together for a bit. Tel definitely needed a wake-up call! I'm rooting for Jed, but Tel needs to know how he comes across smile

I wish the team could relax a bit more, but I saw this meal as an opportunity to bring another subplot forward wink

thanks! glad the action worked. I was struggling with an enemy that Condo could affect, but would still be dangerous... someone that causes explosions let me get both lol. and Condo's experience as a reporter/journalist comes in handy with the talking down part smile glad the drama worked too!
there's definitely something stopping Jacques from just going with Lyle... wink that was real fear on his face.

And yeah, I figure I've had Lyle mope and worry about Condo a lot in Volume 2 and 3... now it's time to highlight his spy past a bit more wink and tie up a plotline from way back, re Jacques!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Back to the Past - 07/20/21 03:29 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis, can see heat signatures
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion leader.
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

Rond Vidar of Earth (Greece and Iran); scientist specializing in time studies

*************************************************

"So..." Inferno bit his lip. "Brainiac 5 and Rond are staying here to monitor us... through time?"

"In a way," Brainiac 5 said with the patience of one used to explaining things repeatedly. With practice, he had gotten better at regulating his own impatience... he had learned that sarcasm often rattled his colleagues, making his work even more difficult. "We can't actually pick up signals through time. What we can do, is home our time machine in on Kid Quantum's time field..."

"But only if it's boosted, which is why I'm here, right?" Amp finished.

"Yes," Brainiac 5 said, trying to hide his mild annoyance at being intimidated. Amp, after all, was new as an Active Legionnaire; so knew that she was still a bit insecure about her place on the team.

"If you boost Kid Quantum's powers, we can identify the exact time that signal is coming from... but you also need to ensure you're using that homing device," Rond Vidar finished.

"And unlike last time, I am staying here in case something goes wrong with any of these inventions," Brainiac 5 finished with some satisfaction. "After all, I invented the first time machine..."

"And I think you hated the 21st century more than any of us," Saturn Girl finished with a smile.

"Hmph," Brainiac 5 shook his head. "What's there not to hate, between my inability to blend in with the locals, being inflicted with that pest Koko, and your attempts to disguise me by nearly making myself overheat!*"

"Speaking of overheating," Inferno asked. "I'm hear because I'm fireproof, and you don't know how violent or temperamental this other Inferno might be." As Kid Quantum nodded in confirmation, Dirk continued. "Yeah, I get it, when we were fighting Regulus she was... fiery." Live Wire groaned in protest, while Amp rolled her eyes at the bad pun. Dirk was unfazed. "But... how do we know we'll find her?"

Garth chuckled. "You don't know Cosmic Boy that well yet, do you?" Dirk shook his head. "Remember that male pyrokinetic we found, who was looking for Sandy Anderson? Cos was really guilty about leaving her behind..."

"... and was looking for ways to time travel and retrieve her," Kid Quantum finished. "Rokk is so stubborn..."

"So best guess? When he realized he was in the 20th century, his initial thoughts were to find a way to get home, and to find Sandy," Imra finished.

"You really should think about changing your code name," Amp teased. "Now we have to keep calling HER Sandy, and you Dirk."

"I like my code name," Dirk laughed. "And she's not around here to use it... though I guess if she does come back to us, I'll have to give some thought about changing it. Hotshot's taken though... maybe Hot Stuff?"

"Ugh," Amp made a face. "Don't get ideas, trust me, you're not THAT fit!"

Dirk made a show of pulling up the top of his costume. "Excuse me! Have you seen this muscle tone?"

"Ahem!" Brainiac 5 coughed. "If you're all ready, please step into the time machine..."

Amp, Inferno, Live Wire, Saturn Girl and Kid Quantum piled in. The first two were ecstatic at going through time - they began giggling about how others like Echo or Mentalla would be so envious! - while the last three were focused on the mission.

"Don't forget to stay together, and whatever you do, don't loss those homing devices," Rond reminded.

"I'm sure we'll be fine," Kid Quantum smiled. "We have both of you geniuses here." She waved as Brainiac 5 activated the time machine...

... and the five hurtled through the timestream. Jazmin barely registered the bright colors though; she was intent on getting Cosmic Boy as fast and possible to minimize any damage to the timestream... and thinking of how to make him come back, if he insisted on finding Sandy Anderson.

*********************************

IB's notes:

1) Koko was a STAR Labs research monkey, who attached himself to Brainiac 5 (Impulse 21/LSH 93). Brainiac 5 kept him until Koko stayed behind on Tenazor-4 with a colony of alien monkeys (LSH 121). Brainy would never admit it, but he did miss Koko

2) The laughable attempt to disguise Brainiac 5, was by making him wear layers and layers of clothes to hide his green skin... on a rather warm day.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Mystery Inc - 07/20/21 05:14 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Earth


Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery

Theena of unknown; attached to a symbiotic alien able to open "viewscreens" allowing communication across distances

*************************************************************

"I've checked on Mordru. My accursed father is still imprisoned and dormant," the White Witch said, her normally kindly face hard as steel. "Where he belongs. Now, what makes you think someone would revive him?"

"I'm not sure of that yet..." Chameleon explained, half-thinking. "Apologies if I seem distracted, but I'm trying to piece it together..."

"If you walk me through it, I can help you," Mysa said.

Chameleon sighed. "On Earth, a mystical stone was stolen from the Philippine mountains. And we suspect something was stolen from some Cambodian ruins, as well. We suspect a Sklarian, called Kono, did it; but attempts to find her have turned up nothing. And we can't very well just visit the Sklar Asteroid Belt looking for her, so I'm trying to follow this up from another angle..."

"And you believe someone is collecting magical artifacts for...?"

"I don't know," Chameleon admitted. "It's just a hunch, we only know for certain of one stolen artifact."

Mysa stood up. "Well, I do not want to leave any stone unturned. If someone is out there stealing magical items to try and awaken Mordru, I will stop them. Send me the coordinates, and I will visit the Philippines and Cambodia, try to determine if anything was there, what it was, and what it could be used for-"

A viewscreen opened, and Theena's cheerful voice called out. "White Witch, to the Threshold Chamber, we need you!"

Mysa sighed, both at being interrupted and at being called elsewhere. "I will inform you of my findings." And with that, she flew off, leaving Chameleon and the viewscreen behind.

"Well, she's a woman on a mission," Theena laughed. Ever since taking on permanent Monitor Board duty as a permanent member of the Legion World support staff, she had become so much more animated. Violence never suited her, and her abilities weren't meant for fights, anyway. She had blossomed as she had begun to see all the good she could do. "Bye Cham - no missions for you yet, enjoy your break!" Then she winked out.

Reep shook his head. He had a puzzle, and he could not relax without making headway...

"Cham... Reep..." Reep's head shot up with a scowl, then his face softened into a smile as Invisible Kid came forward. "Lyle, what's up?"

"I need your help." Lyle sat down. "I need you to help me decipher a clue."

"To what?"

Lyle sighed. "It's a long story... involving a missing individual... and... Condo is the only one I've ever told all this about, but you've heard snippets before."

Reep nodded. Lyle's easy charm masked a very private individual, especially when it came to talking about past failures. It made sense that only Condo would know. "I have time," Reep added, putting the magical mystery out of hid mind for now.

"It will be easier if I start telling you while we head towards Condo," Lyle continued. "This all started during my Earthgov days..."

Lyle started going over the facts as they walked through the corridors of Legion World...

... and with every word, Reep became more and more absorbed by this new unfolding mystery.
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Comments - 07/20/21 05:41 PM
Finally caught up!!

I was wondering when we'd get back to the pilfering we saw on V&Z's vacation! And Jacques! I love where this is going - it seems like we have some plots coming together here!

I agree with Omni - it was cool seeing Condo & Lyle at dinner and funny to watch their reaction to the prospects membership "campaigns!" smile

GREAT action scene with Condo and Lyle.

And the Legionnaires going back to get Sandy! I had kind of forgotten about her! This should be interesting. I like the idea of Dirk snagging her codename as well as the alternates!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Attack of the Blob - 07/20/21 06:01 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Myar

Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Calorie Queen, Taryn Loy of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter, conversion of digested matter into super-strength
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings); anti-energy being
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery

*************************************************************

Myar. A world that has developed expertise in the physical sciences, known for cutting-edge research on new applications for existing compounds. Most of the inhabitants are researchers, their families, and the support staff that provide security and the services. The world has attracted bright minds from all over the United Planets. - Encyclopedia Galactica

*************************************************************

"My blasts aren't doing anything!" Wildfire announced, as he watched his latest volley be absorbed harmlessly by the gelatinous blob in front of them. "I think I'll be more useful evacuating people..."

"Go Wildfire, we'll be fine!" Apparition called. Wildfire mock-saluted, and zipped away.

"At least I'm not the only one on taxi duty," Gates' acerbic voice dripped with good-natured sarcasm as he exited from a portal. He grabbed a cowering young couple, then teleported them away.

The blob lashed out with a whip-like arm as wide around as a Jovian Mastodon. People screamed as it swung forward to smash a building.

"Spell of Transference," intoned White Witch. Apparition began to glow, as the spell siphoned off her intangibility and transferred it to the blob; its arm swung harmlessly through the building.

"Amazing..." Blizzard said. Mysa dropped to her knees. "I can't hold it for long..." she breathed.

"Try to slow it down, Brek," Apparition ordered. "Taryn, if you could fence it in..."

"On it!" both Blizzard and Calorie Queen replied. Brek projected his cold powers into the blob, and as its surface iced up, it began to slow. For her part, Taryn began ripping up pieces of pavement with her super strength. "Urgh, they used too much titanium, bad flavor profile" she muttered as she quickly chewed the edges to form inter-locking puzzle parts. In minutes, she had laid four pieces of pavement around the blob in the form of a pen.

Standing back, she shrugged. "Think that will hold it?"

"Let's ask her... er, him, er, this sentient over here," Wildfire called. Brek, Tinya, Mysa and Taryn turned to see Wildfire carrying a bipedal lizard-like figure in a lab coat.

"I am Doctor Otomo*," it said breathlessly. "This was an experiment which didn't go as intended..."

"...obviously!" Gates snapped as he appeared once more, this time ushering what appeared to be a very pregnant woman and her six young children. Thankfully, they all resembled rather squat, stout, purple-skinned humans no more than three feet tall - meaning Gates did not have to strain to teleport so many at once. "When will you realize mad scientists are passe 20th century horror trope-"

"Enough, Gates," Apparition sighed. "Can you please just tell us how to stop it?"

"There's a core in it that fuses the gelatin together," Doctor Otomo continued breathlessly. "But you won't be able to get to it while it's frozen solid!"

"Point it out to me," Blizzard suggested.

Doctor Otomo looked helplessly at the opaque blob.

"Maybe Mysa can help," Taryn suggested. "Do you have a spell that can..."

"Already done," Mysa replied, a little more curtly than she intended. This scientist was wasting her time - she needed to check on those magical items that had been stolen! Raising her hands, she cast a location smell that would highlight anything that stood out against the composition of the blob. A glowing purple sphere appeared in the blob's middle; it shimmered and coalesced into a spiky shape not unlike a rolled up porcupine.

"That's it!" Doctor Otomo clutched its arms to its chest.

"One moment..." Blizzard closed his eyes. "This takes some concentration..." As Apparition whispered words of encouragement, Brek adjusted the flow of heat and cold so that the area around the core turned to room temperature. "Okay, it's un-frozen," he panted. How ironic that his exertion would make him sweat, but sweating he was... at least Kinetix seemed to like his scent... She always said he smelled particularly sexy after a challenging workout at the gym...

"My turn," Apparition launched herself at the blob. She could have phased through it with no problems, but she would have had a tough time dislodging anything frozen solid. In moments, she phased through the blob, grabbed the core, and flew out the other side with the core in tow.

Landing in front of Doctor Otomo, she handed it the core. "Now, do we need to turn it off?"

"We do!" Doctor Otomo screeched. "It will form a new one from ambient matter in the air!" As the Doctor uttered the last word, the core began to accumulate dust particles around it.

"Oh, I'll handle it." And without another word, Calorie Queen chomped down on the core. She tossed the last piece in her mouth, and dabbed her lips with a napkin. Seeing her stunned teammate's faces, she shrugged. "No reason to be a slob, you know."

Doctor Otomo sat down. "Five years of research..."

"How selfish! Maybe spare a thought for the damage you caused?" Gates raged as he appeared.

Apparition sighed. "While I agree, Gates, you don't have to be so harsh..."

"Well, I guess now it's clean-up time," Blizzard hastily changed the subject. "Like, all the slush that will form when I thaw out that blob..."

"I trust you can handle this on your own," Mysa said. "I have some urgent business to attend to, unfortunately."

Wildfire was already blasting at the leftover blob to disintegrate it; luckily, without the core to keep reforming it, the dust particles simply disintegrated. Calorie Queen had fashioned a gigantic makeshift shovel and was spooning up bits of debris, while Blizzard was concentrating on slowly defrosting the frozen parts. Gates had teleported away and back again, this time with clean-up crews.

"Mysa, a word?" Tinya approached Mysa. "You seem off today, is something wrong?"

Mysa hesitated. Apparition had once offered her a listening ear when they had fought the Elementals on JS-1967, stopping them from attacking a dormant Mordru**... and the two had bonded over their accursed fathers. Of course, Mordru's crimes had been considerably more severe than Apparition's thieving, sentient-trafficking father... but both women had been deprived of a father's love. This made Tinya one of the Legionnaires that came closest to a friend for Mysa...

... and for that matter, she had to remind herself that some burdens could be shared.

"I apologize, Tinya. Reep came to me today..." As Mysa explained the situation, Tinya clasped her hand. "I understand, Mysa. If you want, I can come with you..." she gestured towards their teammates, who were almost done; Wildfire was teasing Blizzard for working slowly, while Gates and Calorie Queen had begun discussing ways to safeguard scientific research, and Doctor Otomo was still sitting in a stupor of disbelief. "I don't think they need us here anymore."

Mysa smiled. "I accept your kind offer." Tinya excused her teammates, leaving Wildfire in charge, and the two Legionnaires stepped through a Threshold to Earth.

***************

IB's notes:

1) Doctor Otomo is a reference to Katsuhiro Otomo, who wrote the manga Akira... spoilers, the manga features a blob thingie wink

2) Legionnaires 74
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac 3 Plot Balls - 07/20/21 06:07 PM
okay, time for a pause. I've been really motivated lately... I've outlined a few of these plots and have an idea of where to go. Don't worry, I won't introduce/move forward any new ones yet - instead will focus on wrapping up:

1) The search for Jacques

2) The vote on Cargg

3) The search for Cosmic Boy (and Sandy Anderson)

The magical thievery will run in the background, but will fade into the background for now wink
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Comments - 07/20/21 06:10 PM
Originally Posted by Gaseous Lad
Finally caught up!!

I was wondering when we'd get back to the pilfering we saw on V&Z's vacation! And Jacques! I love where this is going - it seems like we have some plots coming together here!

I agree with Omni - it was cool seeing Condo & Lyle at dinner and funny to watch their reaction to the prospects membership "campaigns!" smile

GREAT action scene with Condo and Lyle.

And the Legionnaires going back to get Sandy! I had kind of forgotten about her! This should be interesting. I like the idea of Dirk snagging her codename as well as the alternates!

Whoops! I was writing while you were commenting, GL! thanks for the read & review (hope the last new post won't make it too tough to catch up lol)

And yes, I've sat down and looked at all the little bits and bobs I've thrown in through the Volumes - Jacques was referenced way back in Volume 1, while the pilfering is a Volume 4 thing wink It was about time to move them forward!

Thank you, glad Condo & Lyle rocked!

Yeah, Sandy... ah, so many little things, now time to wrap em up tongue Now I have to think about how Sandy will react when she learns Dirk is using her code name lol
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Comments - 07/20/21 06:12 PM
Well, crap. I thought I was caught up! laugh

If there's anything that's classic Gates, its him complaining about being a taxi!

Brek needs to learn how to focus!

I love Calorie Queen!

Tinya and Mysa bonding is unusual, but a nice touch. I like it a lot.

By the way, how old are the Legionnaires at this point in your story?
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Comments - 07/20/21 06:23 PM
Heh! This is it for a bit, I need to get to the gym wink

Yeah, Brek still has a bit of wide-eyed youngster about him? he?s frankly still a bit in shock at being a Legionnaire AND at dating Zoe lol . Don?t worry, he has the chops to be present when he?s really needed

Taryn is a hoot, I really enjoy writing her. She?s just so matter of fact about her power

Can?t claim all the credit re Tinya and Mysa, Legionnaires 74 started it smile

And what would a story be without Gates complaining,?lol

It?s a really good question re ages. I just have them at basically early /mid 20s, except for Mysa of course and M?Onel. But I?ve just taken the Liberty of aging them a bit so that sex and stuff isn?t so weird
Hi IB,

some good post here.

Brainy's lab was done really well and it was fun seeing all of them kind of finishing each others sentences/thoughts. Even Rond joined in on it!
loved Brainy's insight to his teammates and that he's actively trying to be better with his responses and not so dismissive like the old days.
Amp makes a good point...is this a way for Dirk to become Sun Boy?

If Rond says don't lose the homing devices one more time, i'm gonna get seriously nervous for this team.
The eye rolls about Dirk's abs was super funny. I never thought of Reboot Dirk as vain. so its interesting to see. (Yes, i know we saw him like three times. but still. lol)
is Dirk flirting with Amp or just being a flirt in general?
Rokk stubborn? never. lol
it was good that the newbies asked why they were there.
bad puns for sure. I hope Dirk doesn't flame out during this mission. tongue

Love seeing Mysa. Theena is right she is a woman on a mission, a mission to keep Mordru locked away.
I like that Cham is thinking outside the box so to speak. It would make sense that someone might be trying to wake him up or take his place...
I'm with Mysa i hate doing a task or about to do something and have something else interrupt me.
hahah...and now Cham's got another mystery he can't put down. laugh

You write really good comedy on these missions.
The blob mission reminded me of the one the team faced in Legion Lost vol 1.
Loved Gates quipps.
Quote
"When will you realize mad scientists are passe 20th century horror trope-"
possibly my favorite one.

Liked that they had to work at it a little bit and as a team. But did Mysa's spell actually end? i may have misread but it seems like it didn't and then Calorie Queen "boxed" it and Brek froze it. was it like a split second kind of thing?
Man Mysa really is hyper focused. That could be good and bad...

Quote
"Oh, I'll handle it." And without another word, Calorie Queen chomped down on the core. She tossed the last piece in her mouth, and dabbed her lips with a napkin. Seeing her stunned teammate's faces, she shrugged. "No reason to be a slob, you know."

Doctor Otomo sat down. "Five years of research..."

"How selfish! Maybe spare a thought for the damage you caused?" Gates raged as he appeared.

This whole exchange has me rolling. laugh laugh
The Mysa/Tinya friendship is a nice one that i hope we see more of.

I can't wait for more!
Hiya Omni smile thanks for the read and review! I'm on a streak now, full of inspiration with the plotlines jumbling in my head, so more may come quite soon...

Brainy's intelligence extends to the emotional/social smile and I like having this team be... a team of friends, people who genuinely like each other. that's where all the playfulness comes from

re Dirk being a flirt, it's a new thing I did - though there were echoes of this when Dirk flirted with Tinya some time back. It's mostly harmless, him just being naturally flirty and playful - a trait he gets from his father.

I haven't decided yet what to do with the code names, or for that matter with Sandy tongue

Cham is exploring all the leads. but whether Mordru is the right lead, we will see... wink

Yeah, Mysa saw all the suffering from Mordru, so she's really focused indeed...

and glad you liked the comedy! Gates' personality and Calorie Queen's powers are great sources of that, and I figured a lighter, easier mission would perk things up tongue

And Tinya's a compassionate one, don't worry, when she makes a friend she sticks around smile

thanks again ! more to come very soon...
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Spy Games - 07/20/21 09:51 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Earth

****************************

Matahari van Dam sipped her Venegarian multi-Berry wine as she relaxed in her luxurious penthouse apartment. Another long day, poring through reports at Earthgov, deciding which ones to share with the United Planets Intelligence Agency, and which ones to keep for Earth's own use... and more than that, deciding which ones bore further investigating. She had brought the Carggite kidnappings to the attention of Winema Wazzo*, and more recently she had arranged to spread word on Rimbor that Luonel Burdo, Winema's ex-husband, was on-planet. As expected, Winema's daughter Apparition herself had led a team to bring her father in - good optics for the Legion, and it helped keep Winema out of focus.

Matahari smiled as she brushed her curly black hair, and moisturized her dark skin. Growing up, she had been teased for her rather outlandish name. Her parents had loved spy movies. Well, now she was the Earthgov Spymaster... a lucrative job with great power. Yes, she had shown them.

Stifling a yawn, she turned off the lights and went to bed. Tomorrow was a new day - and new knowledge would come.

**********************************************************

"Wake up."

Matahari bolted upright, instinctively reaching for her palms to activate the electric shock-inducing plates embedded therein. Who dared attack her...

She felt someone grab her wrist. "Don't even try. Your electricity can't hurt us."

Us. More than one. The voice was disguised, somehow... she could barely tell if it was male, female, or humanoid.

"What do you want?" she asked, steel in her voice.

"Where is Jacques Foccart?"

She wanted to laugh. All this for the whereabouts of a spy?

"He's been compromised," she heard herself say. Wait, this wasn't right. She shouldn't.... but she kept talking, anyway. "Exactly 28 days ago, we intercepted messages that showed he was helping foment dissent on Corvan IV. We had no authorized missions there. When we moved to invite him for questioning, he was gone from his quarters. All the doses of the serum keeping him alive were missing, as well. We do not know who has his leash now; it is unlikely that anyone on Corvan IV has the resources to compromise an Earthgov spy."

"Any guesses?"

"Corvan IV is a mainly agricultural and relatively impoverished world. The Affiliated Planets would receive no strategic value in winning it over. The Khunds don't deal in subterfuge. The ones with the most motive are Corvan IV natves themselves, but they don't have the means..."

"Most likely suspect?"

"Ragulti Agonal. Industrialist who de facto controls much of the Eastern continent. Curries favor from government officials, army and police officers alike with his pleasure palace casinos."

"Good. Now... sleep, and you won't remember a thing."

Matahari felt herself inexplicably lie down and close her eyes.

When she woke up in the morning, all she recalled was a dreamless sleep.


**********************************************************
IB's notes:

1) In Legion World - Winema had a call with the Cargg leadership over missing people, these were the same Carggites kidnapped by Ra's al Ghul to experiment on.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Spy Games - 07/20/21 10:03 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Earth

Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electric manipulation

*************************************************************

Spark couldn't stop from smiling. "That was just like those James Bond movies from the 20th century!"

Chameleon smiled affectionately at her. "Welcome to the Espionage Squad, Ayla."

"This isn't exactly the Espionage Squad." Invisible Kid was laser-focused. "We skirted the Legion Constitution, though we very much stayed in it..."

"After all, it is in the UP's best interests to find a former spy who now seems under control of an enemy actor..." Chemical Kid pointed out. Though he sounded serious, inwardly his heart was leaping. Like Ayla said, it had been just like a holo... visiting Lyle's memorial, retrieving the goblet, finding hidden inside an address and name written on paper of all things... doing some research, then using a cloaking device from Gear to Threshold into Matahari's apartment; having Spark harmlessly absorb the electric charges from her palms; earlier, an invisible Lyle had spiked her wine with truth serum; and then Chameleon had held her bound while Condo himself had accelerated the effect of the truth serum on her so she would answer everything asked of her and not remember a thing.

"indeed..." Lyle continued. Condo squeezed his hand; Lyle was in so much guilt over Jacques' fate. "Thanks for all your help so far."

"What do you mean, so far?" Ayla ruffled Lyle's hair. "We're going with you."

"All the way to Corvan IV?" Lyle rose an eyebrow.

"Try and stop us," Condo patted the small of Lyle's back.

"We'll see this through, buddy," Reep added.

"I can't ask you to... I... how will we all sneak in?" Lyle stammered.

"Ayla and I can be back-up. You know, the emergency muscle," Condo offered.

"And we both come from agricultural worlds... that gives us some local knowledge, in a way," Ayla winked.

Lyle closed his eyes.... then a slow smile spread on his face. "You are all amazing. Thank you."

"You tell me that every night," Condo whispered in Lyle's ear. "Still nice hearing it, though."

"Then... we leave tomorrow at 0900," Lyle smiled. "Cham, you'll help Ayla pack...?"

"Oh yes, we'll play spy tonight," Cham teased as he wrapped his elongated limbs around Ayla. "You know, choose what spy gear to pack, and what clothes to wear to blend in..."

"Can we at least make it 1000 though?" Ayla mock-pouted. "At least let me enjoy my morning coffee first!"

Condo chuckled, and Lyle shook his head. "Fine, fine, 1000 it is..."
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Cargg: Preparing for the Tribunal - 07/20/21 10:36 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Cargg

Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication

*************************************************************

Triad Neutral watched, fighting back boredom, as Tatlisa Sanii - the leader of the Divided Trinity movement - flipped through holo after holo of statistics. They were preparing for the presentation she was due to give at the Carggite Tribunal. Made of representatives from every district on Cargg, the Tribunal had the power to outlaw the infamous institutions... and they were hoping Tatlisa's speech would sway them.

This is why she had decided to go in alone; Purple was outside giving input on flyer design, while Orange was helping organize mailouts to voters. Chuck, bless him, had seen a chance to use his engineering skills by repairing the coffee synthesizer.

That left Neutral, to sit through this mind-numbing presentation. Triad knew that figures talked, but... she couldn't imagine the typical Carggite being able to stay awake through all these facts and figures.

Tatlisa seemed to think the Tribunal members were different, though. "And then, we combine the statistics showing how many kidnapped Carggites had differences, with the number of Carggites leaving for greener pastures offworld... and show the distribution of degree of differences... we've assigned a number from 1 to 3 to denote the degree... though maybe we should go up to 9, but that seems too fine..."

"Hm..." Neutral tentatively began. "Can you remind me who the audience of these presentations is?"

Tatlisa blinked. "Oh... the Tribunal, you mean?"

"Is it just them, though?"

Tatlisa blinked again, as if struggling to accept this new input from Neutral and seeing where it fit into her storyline of facts. "Oh, well it will be broadcast throughout all of Cargg."

"Shouldn't we then... just a suggestion, but..." Triad sighed. "Look, as part of my work with Brande Industries and with the Legion, I often had to give presentations. And I found that leading with personal stories helped capture the imagination and trigger emotions."

Tatlisa tiled her head. "But the Tribunal is a fact-based body..."

Neutral leaned forward. "Personal stories, anecdotes, these are facts too." She stood up. "We should use them. Several supporters and members of the Divided Trinity have given consent to be identified... including with their differences. Use me. Use Lena Garbo, the actress. Zenar Mondo, the musician. Meilan Zintho, the athlete. Even Kamel Harrin, the former minister."

"But I only have thirty minutes..."

"Then we'll prioritize our facts. But we also need to tug at heartstrings," Neutral pressed. "I helped RJ Brande do this a lot in the UP Assembly. The voters and the Tribunal members are people too... And they need to understand that these differences could be within everyone, even those close to them... and a statistic showing that as many as 33% of Carggites suppress 3rd-degree differences doesn't have quite the same impact as hearing that a former Teacher of the Year awardee had been suppressing his for thirty years, and nobody had ever guessed..."

"I...." Tatlisa hung her head. "I mean, you're right, I just don't know how to fit it all in..."

Neutral stood up and extended her head. "Let's go through the numbers together. We have 39 charts here... let's prioritize..."

As they went through the slides, Neutral felt the creative process engulf her. "You know... while I often say too many cooks spoil the broth, I think we should test this with my sisters. If we all three can agree on something, we know it's good."

Tatlisa smiled, and Neutral saw why Tatlisa was the Divided Trinity leader - it was so sincere, it made you want to trust her. "I'll say, I'm actually more nervous of presenting in front of all three of you than I am of the Tribunal..."

Neutral laughed. "We do have diverse tastes... and high standards..."
Posted By: razsolo Comments - 07/21/21 01:06 AM
Hi IB, this is gonna be some word vomit - I was jotting down notes while I was reading:

- I like the focus on the different aspects of Lu and I'm looking forward to her being back on Cargg. Triad is definitely one of the Legionnaires that the reboot did a much better job with right from the start. I don't feel like classic Lu ever really came into her own as a character ironically until she left the Legion and writers began to touch on her trauma and how it affected her, but reboot Lu always felt like an indispensable part of the team and one of the most interesting team members in her own right.

- thanks for linking to Tatlisa's previous appearance; I kinda love that these fics have been going on for long enough that we can do deep cuts like this, it really helps give each series its own distinct flavour when you have your own continuity to draw from that isn't just a reinterpretation of something that happened in the comics smile

- the discussion between Triad's three selves was really well done, and I love that Chuck recognised they were letting him see something intimate and that he knew to stay in his lane until it was appropriate for him to offer support. Maybe it's because I have become obsessed with the Doom Patrol show and Crazy Jane's whole deal recently but I never really considered how challenging it must be to have a relationship with someone who exhibits three distinct personalities (or I guess four if you count combined Triad!), you showed that well here!

- I like the comparison of Tel & Jed wearing clothes that show off their physiques with Lyle & Condo being more conservative and their contrasting stories about how they met, it's nice seeing three dimensional queer characters smile

- I laughed out loud at the idea of Stone Boy being flummoxed by a bed - "so am I supposed to just...wrap these sheet things around me like a coccoon? And WHY DOES ANYONE NEED SO MANY HEAD CUSHIONS??" laugh

- the fight with Lyle and Condo was fun, and I am interested to see what happens with Jacques now!

- I had forgotten about that guy that came looking for girl Inferno! I liked that Amp and boy Inferno were all hyped up about time travel whereas the novelty of it is lost on the more experienced Legionnaires

- it makes sense that Lyle would come to Cham for help, I like the way they relate to one another as their strengths are more about subterfuge and investigation than a lot of the other Legionnaires

- Calorie Queen critiquing the pavement's taste and Wildfire stumbling over pronouns was cute, as is a spymaster named Matahari laugh

- Ayla and Condo being all gleeful about playing spy was fun, you make really good use of Condo's powers! It is something I struggle with a bit with Chemical Kid tbh so good job!

- the scene with Triad and Tatlisa was well done, and succintly shows the qualities that make Lu so good at what she does outside of just being able to do three times the work

You have got some great plot balls in the air with Jacques, Cargg and the time travellers, and I am looking forward to seeing what happens with all three stories!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Comments - 07/21/21 08:46 AM
Hey Raz, thanks - Word vomit is good, I do that too when I'm reading and commenting wink easiest to just write the thoughts down as they come

Totally agree re Reboot Lu - it was a combination of her 3 personalities (credits to the SW6 version for starting that), and her integral role to the Reboot team from the start (having her start as Brande's assistant was gold)

yeah, I'm really happy with being able to reference internal continuity. I'm also glad I started that recap thread - it's probably most helpful for me, so i can easily look up what I've established before lol!

Thanks for the high praise - I figure, Lu loves Chuck as he is because he understands and appreciates her, and she appreciates him back. smile

And yeah, as I always say, the one thing gay men have in common - they like other men. other than that, they cover all sorts of types. Same for lesbians, bisexuals, etc. etc. And sometimes having two queer couples together is the best way to show the differences vs. the similarities smile

Hee hee! I really love bits that show the variety of cultures and practices on diff. worlds. I can just imagine how Lydda for example, must have been awed at standing under sunlight for the first time.

I need to think about what to do with that guy pryokinetic... lol I originally created him just as a way too get Cos pointed at Sandy Inferno....

Cham and Lyle were fast friends in the Reboot, and I like how that friendship stood the test of time smile Lyle was there for Cham when Cham's dad died too.

Glad you liked the funny bits - Matahari was an inspiration coming from living in Amsterdam lol, but I just had to make it a conscious choice by her parents... too contrived otherwise!

Thanks, glad you like how I use Condo, frankly I struggle with his powers too - they're so broad! (I struggle with Mysa's as well, though I try to take pages from the Levitz playbook there). Condo's though, are just so wide open. I really need to think about how to realistically limit them. Maybe make them strain him a lot, or he can only concentrate on one reaction at a time... ah well, in a Legion that includes Mysa, Zoe, Candi with Jan's powers, Jazmin... maybe I shouldn't worry too much lol wink

and yeah, I like that many of the Legionnaires have skills and talents beyond their immediate powers. Lu, Cham, Lyle, Vi and her martial arts, Chuck as an engineer, are all good examples. And these contribute just as much to the Legion smile

thanks! I'm looking forward to writing it all out too, these three balls are rattling in my head lol!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac At the Carggite Tribunal - 07/21/21 06:05 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Cargg

Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication

*************************************************************

A combined Triad walked quickly into the halls of the Cargg Tribunal, steeling herself for the wide range of reactions around her. Some Carggites booed and hissed; some didn't seem to know how to react; others looked at her in curiosity, some nodded politely, and some were elated.

Truth to tell, she just wanted to be treated like how most people on Legion World treated her - as an equal worthy of basic respect.

Rebound walked beside her, his arm outstretched, her arm in his. Chuck knew how important this was, with everyone watching them, and he played his part well. Though he was Triad's escort, he was first and foremost here as a Legionnaire, lending support to the ideals of diversity and acceptance.

They followed Triuna Trigo, one of Tatlisa's lieutenants. Triuna herself walked briskly, though a bit too formally - though only Tatlisa would directly address the assembly, Triuna was in charge of everything behind the scenes. Tatlisa herself came next, the picture of tranquility; though anyone who knew her really well knew, by the way she clutched her OmniCom, that she was mentally rehearsing her presentation. Three other senior Divided Trinity members trailed them... and dressed plainly, a couple of bodyguards.

How Luornu wished they weren't needed, but fear and ignorance often made people do stupid things.

The group filed into the small alcove allocated for them, to the right of the central stage. The area around the stage was a bustle, as all those who wished to address the Tribunal prepared. Some of those were Tribunal members, hoping to sway their fellows to their side of nothing. The rest of the Tribunal members were busy, some checking reports on survey results of their constituencies, others discussing with stafff. Everyone knew the potential impact of today's vote.

How Triad wished she could triplicate now, to help make sense of all this. But two things stopped her: the fear that Orange and Purple would not be able to control their reactions; and the strict rules within the Tribunal. To save space and to put everyone on an even playing field, triplication was forbidden. And for those Carggites whose selves were all identical, it didn't matter, anyway.

Instead, she sat and closed her eyes. Chuck squeezed her hand once. "I'm here, I'm just here." She smiled at him and squeezed back.

Triple horns sounded, and everyone scurried to their seats. Cargg's Chief Minister marched in. Triad could barely concentrate on his flowery, middle-of-the-road speech; as expected, he outlined the situation, gave facts, but took a middle ground, not giving a hint as to which side he took. Carggites were so used to conformity. Very few stirred the pot; most of the conflict was within, keeping their selves in order.

A series of reports came in from Cargg's Executive branch. The Minister of the Exterior listed the worlds that supported Cargg's status quo; it was only a fourth as long as the list of worlds that had challenged and implored Cargg to change. The Minister of Health reported on the recovery of the kidnapped Carggites - the number discharged, the number still institutionalized, the therapies that worked, and the breakdown of those who displayed differences - using the 1-to-3 ranking system. The Minister of Labor gave figures on Carggites who were off-world, on which planets, and also broken down by the differences ranking.

There were very few questions from the Tribunal members; perhaps one or two, to clarify a chart or a figure. But they were all facts.

Yet it was the interpretation of these facts which was in debate, and that was evident once the debates started.

The first speaker was one of the oldest Tribunal members, a grave-looking woman who proudly wore a dress in the color of Cargg's flag. She marched impassively, almost superciliously onto the stage, lowered her head, and took in the room. Though she was the one speaking, it almost seemed like she was judging the audience, not they judging her. She began by acknowledging the figures. Yes, many of those off-world displayed differences - but these were the ones who had fled Cargg to avoid being institutionalized. Naturally, the offworlders were exposed to these, and thought that was normal behavior! Triad's own behavior, as shown in many holos, made sentients think these differences were normal! But they were not! Cargg had lives for centuries like this, with all triplicates acting alike. Why would they need to change, just because some interlopers from off-world thought they knew what was best?

She turned to leave, and Triad had to steel herself - she could feel Purple struggling to burst out and give a piece of her mind. Not here! She thought through gritted teeth. Not here, not now.

The speaker went back to here seat. There was no applause, and no boos, either. The rules inside the Tribunal chamber were strict. In fact, the bodyguards with them were not needed inside - though Triuna at least took comfort that they were here.

The second speaker was not the youngest, but the Tribunal member who had lived longest off-world - bouncing between worlds as varied as Earth, Xanthu, Aleph, Lallor, Naltor, and even stints on Vyrga and Korbal. He was a psychiatrist and anthropologist, a leading mind in the fields. He argued that his studies of off-worlders showed him that everyone encountered mixed emotions; but other species were disadvantaged with their inability to articulate their differences so easily. Carggites who could were blessed; they could see a situation from three different views and integrate to experience the nuances. He presented evidence of social experiments that showed that Carggites with differences often made better decisions in simulated dangerous experiments, simply because they could discuss and agree on the best outcome. Yes, they were slower - but unless they needed to act within seconds, they tended to survive better.

As before, there was no applause.

Rebound sat in silence, though he kept smiling reassuringly at Triad. He had heard much of this before, while watching Tatlisa practice, or participating in the content-writing meetings. None of this was new to him, and he knew his input as an off-worlder - especially one from the great melting pot that was Earth - had been valuable. Now, he was just concerned about the strain on Triad.

More speeches came, and most were highly for or against the institutions as they currently were. There were only three that called for calm and unity, reminding everyone that they should support the vote no matter what. Some speeches were fiery and thunderous, but most were calm. None drew a visible reaction from the crowd, as was custom.

Tatlisa's turn came. She ascended the stage, calm. Before she spoke, Triad watched her face carefully, and saw it - Tatlisa's aggressive self was struggling to come out, just like Purple would. Tatlisa tamped her down; the way she clenched her jaw showed that. Then she breathed in, calming herself; and beamed a smile on the crowd.

"How many of you know someone who was institutionalized?" she asked.

Triad thought it might be her imagination, but the room seemed still. It wasn't typical to address the crowd like this directly, but Triad had counseled that it would draw everyone's attention. All three of her had agreed, and Orange had been the one to argue for it most.

Chuck leaned back in his seat, breathless. Triuna clutched her hands under her chin.

"We used to think that institutions made their patients healthy," Tatlisa continued. "That they brought out the best in them. But now we know we were wrong. Many of those who went to these institutions actually learned to adopt the worst of their behaviors."

Tatlisa switched to a holo of the famous celebrity Carggite actress Lena Garbo. Dressed in the famous gown that she wore in her role on her leading romantic drama, Third Time's the Charm, Lena told of how she had to rely on depressants after being discharged. A tear fell as she talked about turning to acting because she was so numb in real life, afraid to feel anything lest it would trigger her differences in public.

Tatlisa continued. "Families who thought they were doing what is right, saw loved ones suffer." The next video showed Mr. and Mrs. Zilgo, who had committed their only child, Zindo. Before being committed, Zindo had been a top student, star athlete, student leader. The only flaw? Each self had preferred different flavors of pie... After being released, Zindo had been so damaged that he had insomnia, which he tried to address through drinking. He almost died of liver failure, only pulling through after months in the hospital... The Zilgos ended in tears. "We should have accepted him as he was... he was healthier and happier then!"

"And some of those with the biggest differences have also become the most successful," Tatlisa continued. The next segments showed Ivana Trino, the tycoon who had built an empire on Mars, importing and distributing wines and alcohols from off-world. One of her selves was CEO, another Chief Operating Officer, the third Chief Finance Officer, taking the role best suited to their strengths. Leelo Phino, the pioneer who explored and catalogued much of the rugged world of Plevitz, talked about how his selves split their role, one focused on cataloguing the new species they discovered; another focused on running the camp; and the third on publicizing their exploits.

Triad tensed as Phino's segment finished. Because next was her...

Chuck leaned towards her, and uttered his first words since this all began. "You look beautiful. You always do."

Triad leaned on him in gratitude, as the segment opened with her on Legion World. "I know I have probably the strongest differences among any Carggite... but these only helped my career. Working with RJ Brande, I ran his office... one of me managed his records and schedule; another prepared him for meetings, reviewed proposals and made presentations; and the third managed the staff and visitors. But we were nimble enough to switch jobs as needed... and then I joined the Legion."

The holo cut to highlights of her Legion career - leading the evacuation and relief efforts on Murr during the Great Typhoon; her physical takedown of Ra's al Ghul* which highlighted the slightly different take each self had on tri-jitsu; brokering peace between warring factions on Pasnic, where Purple played bad cop, Orange was good cop and Neutral coordinated; infiltrating the hideout of some Sklarian bandits. Each holo had been chosen to show not only Triad's differences, but also that each had a different approach and skillset.

Triad thought that if she had been triplicated, Purple would have been whooping while Orange would have shrunk away in embarrassment.

Tatlisa turned to face the audience. "We Carggites have always believed that we had a major evolutionary advantage. That our ability to triplicate let us accomplish three times as much. But these examples show that we've come past the days when we were hunters and gatherers, doing manual work that required one set of skills, where each self could do identical things. In today's complex world, differences and diversity not only can be an advantage, they often are! We don't face simple situations anymore, not ones where the only answer is to live and to die... but where we have to experiment so we can thrive. And today we vote... we vote on our future... and will you join us then, in voting for a bright and happy future for all of us - and not only some?"

The words hung in the air as Tatlisa swept her gaze around the audience. Then she left.

Triuna almost leaped out of her seat, catching herself in time.

Luornu gripped Chuck's hand in hers as she watched Tatlisa sit down. Whatever happened, she could take comfort in the fact that they had done their best.

********************

IB's notes:

1) Legion 8
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: At the Carggite Tribunal - 07/21/21 09:44 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Cargg

Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication

*************************************************************

"So, how many individual decisions does this vote include again?" Rebound tried to keep his voice calm and neutral. He found it funny that Carggite law allowed for the Tribunal to vote on each article within a proposal separately.

"Four," Triad Orange explained. "1st; to abolish the institutions completely; 2nd; to keep them but only allow Carggites to be sent with express consent - i.e. only those 14 and above can be sent there; 3rd; to stop all current therapy methods and replace them with non-invasive, non-painful ones; and 4th; to enact an anti-discrimination law against Carggites with differences."

"And yes," Purple rolled her eyes. "There are four articles, not only three! I really hate that our culture is so obsessed with the number three!"

Neutral just ignored her "sister". "The 1st and 2nd article are mutually exclusive, someone voting for one needs to vote against the other..."

Chuck pursed his lips. "And for the 3rd... do they already know what therapy methods...?"

"No..." Triuna shook her head. "So if the 3rd article passes, a commission will need to be formed, to research and recommend. That will lead to another sitting..."

Tatlisa quickly shushed them. "The results are being announced!"

Everyone watched with bated breath as it was announced... "The First Article... 39% for, 61% against."

"No!" Purple kicked the chair in front of her.

"Second article... 78% for, 12% against!"

Triuna shrieked. "That's better than I expected!"

"Third article... 98% for, 2% abstained."

Orange covered her mouth. "Oh! Oh! Those videos of the shock therapy must have convinced everyone it was barbaric! And this was also one of the things all those other UP Worlds kept commenting on!"

"Fourth article... 41% for, 45% against, 4% abstained."

Tatlisa sank to her chair. "Well, that was a long shot... Carggites can still be refused service or employment because of their differences. I knew it would be seen as a violation of freedom to choose, for the non-different ones..."

"Hey, chin up. We still won two out of four," Neutral noted. "This is already a lot of progress... Cargg has changed so much from when I was in one of those sprocking institutions."

"We can still be better," Purple was fuming.

"Lu, I know it's not a resounding victory but... Earth itself, it took more than a century before marriage was extended globally to all sexualities," Chuck offered. "Cargg will get there, in time."

"And we won't ever have to go back to those institution, anyway," Orange said quietly. "And now, at least nobody will be forced to go..."

"Unless they're brainwashed by this cult mentality!" Purple snapped. She grabbed a Silverale from the refreshment table and began chugging it. "I want to hit something!"

"Do it in the gym," Neutral sighed. "I know it's not what we hoped for, but it's already a big step forward."

"Indeed," Tatlisa rose. "One we should celebrate. I trust you will stay with us for our party?"

Neutral, Orange and Chuck looked at each other, then at Purple. Purple was already guzzling a second Silverale. Chuck nodded, and Neutral smiled as she turned to Tatlisa. "Try and stop us from being there."

"I have just the perfect dress for this occasion," Orange smiled as she gathered her things.

"Then it's settled," Tatlisa smiled. "Triuna, round everyone up and tell them to be here at 20.00! It will be a night to remember!"

As they exited the door to go and get changed, Neutral affectionately rubbed Chuck's belly. "Thank you, Chuck. For being here."

Chuck smiled back. "There's nowhere else I would rather be, Lu, than here with you. All three of you."

Neutral looked at her sisters. "I want to be whole when I do this." She reintegrated herself, then leaned towards Chuck. "Come here, big fella."

All three of her savored the big kiss that came next.
********

IB's notes:

1) Credits to Gaseous Lad for helping me figure out the right balance of the results: progress forward, though not the complete change of the status quo hoped for. I felt it would be more realistic this way.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Spy Games - 07/21/21 10:19 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Corvan IV

Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electric manipulation

*************************************************************

The mainly-agricultural world of Corvan IV was once the shining jewel in the United Planets' food supply crown. However, the destruction of the Stargate Network following the Blight incursion deprived Corvan IV of most of its markets, leaving it with an overabundance of produce, and nobody to sell it to. The relatively lean population could not consume it all; and they also lost access to luxuries such as holos, and necessities such as fuel for machinery and heating.

Corvan IV languished, until a group of militants threatened the United Planets Assembly delegates. The Legion, freshly returned from the Second Galaxy, stopped them; and after Winema Wazzo took over the presidency, she used the Legion's new Threshold technology to ensure Corvan IV received aid.

Although, with the United Planets' resources stretched across multiple worlds needing aid, and with many of Corvan IV's former markets having found or developed alternate sources of food, it will be some time before Corvan IV can recover to what it once was.

-- The Galactic Almanac

*************************************************************

Spark raised her arms behind her head, as she relaxed next to the campfire. Ahhh, what a lovely mission - being on standby while Chameleon and Invisible Kid did most of the heavy spying work. Their earlier vacation on Earth* had been too short; though they were still on Legion business, it was a great chance to just kick back and wait. After all, who said waiting had to be boring?

"You all comfy there?" Spark asked Chemical Kid. He was sitting on the other side of the campfire, stirring the stew that was cooking on it.

"Mmm, yeah, Phlon was a pretty rustic world..." Condo replied, a bit distractedly. "Part of why I left."

Ayla chuckled. "Truth to tell, besides my old friends on Winath, I don't regret leaving it one bit." She made a show of thinking. "Okay, I miss my parents too..."

Condo laughed. "I wonder how yours are. Mine, they keep asking me to come and visit... Lyle loves it though. His parents barely had any time for him, when they were still alive..."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Ayla said. "Come to think of it, Lyle's a cheery and funny guy, but he rarely volunteers information about himself..."

"He is pretty private... Though isn't Cham kinda like that too?" Condo pointed out. "That is, he's a great listener, but he seems to like listening more than talking about himself."

Ayla took a swig of her freshly-squeezed pluberry juice. "Yeah, I think that;s why they get along so well. Elvabirds of a feather, and all that..."

"Yeah... and I know what you mean about the privacy. I asked Lyle often when he would introduce me to his teammates..."

"I'll say, we were all surprised when you turned up. Though Zoe told me Lyle was acting really obvious once found you in those tubes on Legion World..."**

Condo blushed. "Yeah, I heard Zoe and Kent really gave Lyle a hard time for trying to shield me from the Monitor's blast..."

"If it makes you feel better, it was both stupid and romantic," Ayla laughed. Then she sat up. "So, how's that stew coming along?"

Condo scooped a bit of it onto his bowl. "Oh, wow... you really ate like this all the time on Winath?"

"Healthy but delicious,"" Ayla laughed. "Perfect preparation for a hard day's work in the fields... or for beating up the bad guys.""

***********************************************

IB's notes:

1) Off-screen, Chameleon and Spark, and XS and Magno, joined Blizzard, Kinetix, Matter-Eater Lad and Violet on the last leg of their Southeast Asian tour.

2) Chemical Kid was one of the captives held by the Monitor that had captured Legion World.
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Spy Games - 07/22/21 02:12 AM
Really good attention to the details of Cargg - no replicating for space saving and equal access.

I like how you paraphrase the speech versus writing the full speech itself for the unimportant stuff; really nice approach.

I'm sure Lena's a very distant relative of Greta. smile But her story was moving. The Zilgo story really hit close to home. And I really liked how you added the examples of Carggites who had used their capabilities to their advantage.

And the final message of needing to embrace differences is more advantageous for success. Just great.

The presentation of the results - very realistic. People shocked by torturous practices - but not quite enough to change everything. I really enjoyed this Carggite story; it will be interesting to see some of the ramifications of the decision.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Spy Games - 07/22/21 07:56 AM
thanks GL smile the Cargg stuff was just me thinking, ok, how would a world of triplicators design their political process and space...

and thanks, I took a page from Harbinger's book -- she's really good at writing in a succinct way, still capturing the emotion and gravity of a situation while not getting bogged down in dialogue. And I figured, if I tried to write tons of speeches myself I would never finish lol... and it would be torture for everyone to have to read through as well

Glad you liked the stories of Lena, Zilgo, etc.! Glad Triad suggested 'em eh smile

Yeah, the final message was from Lu's wise Granny Murlu in fact

and kudos to you for the feedback on having just the right balance of results - a move forward, though a tempered one wink in fact, I'm gonna go back and add some credits in right now as a shout out to you! (look for the notes on the bottom of the post)
Hi IB,

i'll be posting as i read. So this might be a little all over the place. But I'm looking forward to what's in store for me!

Ok, that had to have been Lyle and Sensor, maybe Mentalla working over Matahari van Dam. ( love the name btw. head spymaster who could be an action star) but i doubt her training will keep her unaware of this for long...
Ragulti Agonal, Industrialist - hmmm prime suspect. another McCauley in the making perhaps?

Damn, i was pretty wrong on this one. But its fun to see Spark as part of the espionage squad. Does the squad normally work outside of the Legion's constitution?
Spark was a good choice for those shock palms and i like the truth serum bit and using Condo and glad that Ayla and the rest aren't letting Lyle do this by himself.
Like the plan of them being the back up muscle.
Lyle and Condo are too cute as were Ayla and Cham.
I'm a little surprised Lyle wasn't more firm with the time. i figured he's be very egger to get Jaques back.

ugg, I can relate to Triad Neutral. When people just give me facts and numbers i can't help but zone out myself. But i'm glad she's giving suggestions and using her own background to help make this presentation better to help others on Cragg. I love that she knows you have to play to the heartstrings of people. I feel for Tatlisa. its hard to pair down information when you think all of it is important.
i liked that Neutral had her sisters join in, know that if it passes them its good.

Quote
Tatlisa smiled, and Neutral saw why Tatlisa was the Divided Trinity leader - it was so sincere, it made you want to trust her. "I'll say, I'm actually more nervous of presenting in front of all three of you than I am of the Tribunal..."

Neutral laughed. "We do have diverse tastes... and high standards..."

loved this moment.

The bundle of nerves that everyone was during the Tribunal meeting was well done. Triad's inability to triplicate must have been agonizing for her.
loved Chuck being the muscle and Legionnaire support. Not gonna lie i wish she was able to have a few others with her....maybe even M'Onel, for the obvious Valor connection.
I get the reasons behind that law for the Tribunal. saves space. But it makes me wonder if this debate has been going on for longer than we realize and the one who started it did so to keep those with differences to not be seen because this public of a stage would make it evident for sure.

I'm nervous for Triad watching these proceedings. i'm proud of her for keeping herself in check. but i'm with Purple and want to give that presenter a talking to.
So happy chuck is there to be her rock and doing a great job.
Seeing all those instances was from the slightest difference among triplets to Triad being the farthest was a great presentation. it ampped up the the emotional strings really well.
Loved the end of Tatlisa's speech and how they've come along way from the past and in order to embrace the future we have to embrace the differences. Sounds very much like what's going on in the real world with many debates we all are having. (specifically those dealing with conversion therapy.)

I understand what Neutral is saying. Small victories. But i'm with Purple. we can do better!
Man, Chuck is a great guy with all three of her and he does a great job at being there for her. Loved that they all agree on him!

it was really nice getting to see Spark and Chemical Kid getting along and comparing lives and mates. the make great points about Cham and Lyle not being very forth coming about their pasts but are great listeners.
Spark getting to be rustic wasn't something we saw much of. So this side of her is really nice to see.

Loved these and can't wait for more!
heya Omni, thanks for the read & review smile

Re Mentalla and Sensor, I definitely considered them.... but I'm also trying to give every Legionnaire their day in the limelight, so they didn't come along this time smile Don't want to overuse anyone, hee hee.

The Espionage Squad normally works within the Constitution, so I tried to show that they were just within it. By having the situation with Jacques, a super powered Earthgov spy, be compromised = a real security threat. (Also had to be consistent with Legion 5, where Lyle really quotes the Constitution to an annoyed Imra, showing that he does take it seriously...)

Lyle is eager, but at this point he was still winging it - he didn't know yet what was coming up on Corvan IV. So one hour more was ok wink He used that one hour to plan.

Glad you liked Triad's role and contribution on Cargg. And yes, poor Tatlisa had a lot to sift through. But she was wise enough to listen to good advice smile

Oh, good thought on M'Onel. I need to read back and see what I did re him revealing himself as Valor, I think I had him keep it a secret. And for Triad, this was a very personal trip so only Chuck came along smile Re the differences, indeed, very possible that at least some of those who proposed the no-triplication rule saw it as a way to keep their differences hidden wink

Yeah, I think without Chuck there, Purple might have burst out!

Yeah, I also often get mixed feelings/thoughts like Triad did at the end of the vote! And Chuck is amazing, knowing how to deal with each of the Triads smile

I love the Legion friendships and relationships, and can see Ayla / Condo / Lyle / Cham being a nice mini-grouping smile and yeah, Ayla's rustic side was inspired by Legion Worlds 2, where she returned to Winath smile

thanks Omni, I'm really excited to keep writing though will slow down for a bit - work will be busy this week and next and this weekend is also booked. But I'm slowly working out the next bits in my head wink
just a little roadmap for you all, and also for me wink

Corvan IV / Jacques is the next plotline to be resolved... then the hunt for Cosmic Boy and Sandy/Inferno.

The magical theft plot will be moved along, though not immediately resolved...

Coming up later on (not necessarily in the order below) -

1) Garth and Imra still very much will get married, and by Damn you know these two won't let anything stop them!

2) Star Boy's idea of a semi-permanent Legion detachment on Xanthu will be looked into - Dreamer, Insect Queen and Particon are very supportive. Kid Quantum II and Element Lass too, though they may not initially come along.

3) and open-to-the-public Tryouts are still on the horizon wink

I'm also open to requests/suggestions for plotlines and characters who could use more screen time. Lume, Babbage and Gear I think could use some more action. I'm also thinking of checking in on Lallor - see how Vapor and Beastmaster are doing. wink

have to stop thinking and plotting now, my working day is starting tongue
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Spy Games - 07/26/21 09:58 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Corvan IV

Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electric manipulation

*************************************************************

Invisible Kid gave silent thanks that his pale skin, brown hair and eyes, and slim build made him a fairly average humanoid by United Planets standards. As he sauntered into the main hall of the Bountiful Harvest, the only casino on Corvan IV, he already spotted four others whom he could swap places with if needed. It also helped that more than half of all UP worlds were descended from Earth.

He did hate that he had to put on the show of a bored, rich brat. But his invisibility worked best in less crowded areas; there were so many sentients here that the only way to avoid detection would have been to take to the air. And a good, trained spy knew better than to do that without checking for sensors and cameras.

Besides, part of the spy game was blending in with the crowd.

He headed for the nearest roulette table and placed a bet. Making a show of slapping some credits on the table, he winked at the attractive red-skinned humanoid female beside him. "Heya, sweetie, what's your name?"

She sniffed and turned her back to him. Lyle grinned mentally - he had learned the hard way, to talk only to those who were clearly alone. He made a mistake once, and the female's hulking boyfriend - he had been bigger than Element Lass! - had knocked out two of his teeth. Lyle shrugged theatrically and snapped his fingers for a passing waiter. Grabbing a cocktail from the tray, he pretended to watch the betting intently. All this was designed to minimize the perception of his competence.

Minutes later, he heard a tiny voice in his ear. "Head to the toilets at four o'clock. Third cubicle."

Lyle downed his drink, let out a boorish burp,, and stumbled away.

**********************************************************

Chameleon watched in amusement as Lyle fumbled with the lock of the cubicle. He had flown ahead of Lyle in the shape of an Imskian Wispwing - tiny, silent, speedy and harmless. He still hovered in that form as a precaution; though the Wispwing had excellent eyesight, albeit in black and white. He could still see Lyle's lack of coordination. "And how do you plan to rescue Jacques if you're already trashed?"

"Please," Lyle rolled his eyes. "Condo tweaked my metabolism before we left. The alcohol is almost through my system, and much of the drunken show was an act. So, what have you found?"

"Blind camera spot next to the big blue urn in the hallway. After that, I'll lead you to the tube leading to the inner hallway."

"Good," Lyle panted. He was already feeling better, though noted with annoyance that sweat had soaked into his shirt. But that's what happens when one's body goes through intoxication in a compressed amount of time... "I'll be with you in a minute... you don't mind giving me some privacy...?"

"Wait for you outside." Reep did his best to stop from laughing out loud, as he flew above the door. He did permit himself a small chuckle as he heard Lyle jab at the flushing mechanism. He would definitely be ribbing Lyle about this next time they sat down for a meal...

**********************************************************

Ragulti Agonal sighed dispassionately as he watched Jacques Foccart writhe in pain. He was no sadist; he saw punishment as a tool, a way to keep staff and weapons in line. Like the blasts of frozen nitrogen he administered to the young men in her harem who failed to please him properly; a punishment that would cause pain without marring their looks. After all, they were in his harem precisely because they were pretty, so he made sure they would remember their lesson without it leaving a mark.

He used his staff to lift Jacques' chin. He took a moment to admire his full lips and lean face. Ah, he had thought about bedding Jacques, but he was much more valuable out in the field. "Now, my little spy. You do know what you did wrong, don't you?"

"I... let... myself... be seen..." Jacques spat out. He looked at Ragulti with hatred in his eyes.

"Indeed. What was your assignment?"

"To make sure... those siblings... caused chaos... arrested... pass message to... the incarcerated..."

"And?"

"And get out and report..."

"But no..." Ragulti held out his arm; one of his favorites, Peeto, a strapping Rimborian, hurried forward to take his drink. "You had to go and be seen by two Legionnaires!"

"Not my fault..." Jacques said with venom. "Used power on me... UGH!" Jacques recoiled as Ragulti's staff hit his side.

"But you had to go save Lyle Norg!" Ragulti hissed. "And in any case, failure is ALWAYS your fault."

Zyndisky, a rugged Tharrian, looked away; he had had difficulty performing last night, and Ragulti had had him hung upside down for a half hour as punishment.

Ragulti tapped his staff on the floor. "I paid good money to contact you, so you'd better be worth your while. Although..." Ragulti paused, lips twisting in a smile. "You can do your job without certain reproductive organs of yours..."

Jacques' eyes shot open. "You bastard....!"

Ragulti made a show of swinging his staff back...

And he felt a tug at it. He quickly pressed the button that sent a jolt of electricity through the staff. As expected, a familiar brown-haired humanoid suddenly appeared in front of his eyes... and Lyle Norg fell to the floor, shaking.

"I knew that threat of mine would make you act," Regulti giggled. He twirled his staff around and pressed another button, causing a blaster to emerge from the other end. "I know you're a sneaky one, so it's time to die." Before he could press the firing button, a four-armed reptilian appeared seemingly out of nowhere. "Ah, Chameleon, I assume?"

As Chameleon lunged for him, Ragulti watched as the floor below Chameleon melted. As the Durlan fell in, sputtering, the floor solidifed again - trapping him mid-shapeshift like some grotesque half-melted sculpture.

"I've been waiting for the chance to get back at a Legionnaire," Quicksand smiled as she stepped out of her hiding place. "I almost had some before, but Ferro was saved before I could melt him...

"Get over it, Quicksand." Holdur followed behind her, and leaned down to pick up Invisible Kid. Ragulti admired Holdur's bulging biceps as he squeezed the struggling Legionnaires' neck; in seconds, he hung limply.

"This feels good," Ragulti chuckled. "It's so nice to win over the good guys." He grabbed Jacques' chin. "Now, you stay here and think about what you've done, while I go and make sure these two never bother us again."

"You monster..." Jacques hissed.

"I never pretended I wasn't," Ragulti smiled. He waved goodbye to Jacques, long fingers flowing in the air, as he led Quicksand out. Holdur followed, Invisible Kid draped over one oversized arm, and a frozen Chameleon carried in the other.

Jacques fought against his bonds, as the lights went out. Sprock... he had led Lyle into a trap... now he would lose his brother... and any chance at his own freedom. He hung his head and began to cry, and he kept sobbing even as the lights went out.
Neat spy infiltration - having Condo alter Lyle's metabolism is a neat trick.

An Imskian insect must be REALLY small! smile

Great final scene! I'm a big fan of cliffhanger endings!
Thanks GL, glad you like it smile I do need to think carefully about how I keep using Condo lol. His alterations can't last too long... don't want him to be overpowered...

more to come soon!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Corvan IV

Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electric manipulation
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; size manipulation of own body

Jacques Foccart of Earth; complete concealment of self from detection

*************************************************************

"Yes, set him down just so..." Ragulti watched as Holdur carefully positioned Chameleon's form, frozen in liquified metal, in the clearing. Invisible Kid had required a bit more effort, though Ragulti was less worried about him. After all, a few manacles and a gag had secured the Legionnaire well. Ragulti had quite enjoyed checking Invisible Kid's bonds, and had allowed himself to feel up the slim Legionnaires' firm body a little bit. It would be a shame to let this opportunity go to waste, especially as he didn't expect the Legionnaire to be breathing in a few hours' time...

Danny and Manny, the Winathians, knelt before him; one with a tray of drinks, another with a tray of napkins and snacks. Ragulti smiled, thinking of the tangle they had made last time he played with them together. He selected a low-alcohol cocktail - he wanted his wits at their sharpest - and began to sip. In exactly 23 minutes, he would address the factions on Corvan IV who wanted to demand more from the United Planets... and these two Legionnaires would be the perfect bargaining chips for that.

All while Ragulti kept in the background, and enjoyed the fruits of his labor. Especially easy, after his pet Titanian would mindwipe them of anything that would connect him to this.

He congratulated himself again. Such genius, to recognize the possibilities of the contacts that Sklarian had offered him months ago...

*************************************************************

Jacques Foccart didn't know how long he had been hanging there after watching Lyle and Chameleon be taken. Groggy from his own torture and the drugs Ragulti had been pumping into him, he could barely lift his own head.

He heard distant mumbling, one a deeper baritone, one a lighter alto. "Looks just like his holo..." said the baritone. "Not the invisible ones?" joked the alto. "I do have holos... I exist..." Jacques thought. Then he felt himself being lowered down to the floor.

"This should wake you up..."

Jacques felt himself sweating. Like he was in a sauna. Then slowly, his mind began to clear...

*************************************************************

"Still pretty stoked we made it this far! Go team!" Spark pumped her fist. "So, how much longer?"

"He should be fine in a few minutes," Chemical Kid stood up. "I'm speeding up his system's metabolizing of the drugs... He's had quite a cocktail, so I can't go too fast. But he'll sweat it out... and need a nice sonic shower after." His face broke out in a grin. "My gosh, this feels just like a Jane Bond movie!"

"Yeah, high five!" Spark raised her hand, and Condo gleefully returned the gesture. "Even without sneaky powers, we made it in!"

"But you won't make it out." Spark coughed as some liquid engulfed her. Condo raised his arms to free her, only to find a lash curling around his left forearm. He sank to his knees as his strength was drained.

"You sure she can't fight back?" Twine asked as she bent over Condo. Her lash sapped energy, but she preferred keeping it ready in case. She took some bonds made of the same material as her lash, and carefully tied Condo's arms behind his back. The pink-skinned Rimborian stood up and addressed her companion. "Well, SIRI?"

SIRI the Linsnerian's eyes flared up - she was of the same race as the Legion's Gear, and she would not be addressed like this by a useless mercenary with no powers. "I have used a non-conducting fluid." She looked down at Spark, who was struggling in a small pool of slowly-expanding solution. "She can breathe. She will remain suspended in here until we choose to free her."

"Good." Twine bent down over Jacques, lash at the ready, and turned him over. His eyes were still glazed over, though his breathing had quickened and a pool of sweat formed under his body. "Whatever that Chemical Kid did, it's working. But not fast enough. Let me tie him up, and then we can collect our bonus from Ragulti -"

Twine crashed backwards as Jacques' foot connected with her face. Jacques quickly stood up and advanced on SIRI, his face a mask of rage.

"Playing dead, eh?" SIRI's eyes flashed yellow. "The bonus will all be mine, then..." She fired a stun bolt at Jacques, who dodged and faded.

"I can find you," SIRI looked around as she cycled through different wavelengths. "You can be found, it's impossible that you will remain undetected forever." X-ray. Infra-red. Ultraviolet. Nothing. She commanded the amplifiers in her ears. "I can track you by your footsteps... or your heartbeat..." She recognized Twine's heartbeat, and identified Chemical Kid's and Spark's and her own. But there should be a last one... Somehow...

She suppressed the pang of panic in the pit of her stomach. Jacques' powers were much more expanded than Invisible Kid's, but surely she would be able to find something that could find him. Ragulti should have let her practice more while Jacques was in line... Should have listened to her... She was much more than a living tool, but unlike that fool Gear she would use her techno-organic abilities for her own benefit. She...

SIRI screamed as a shock burst through her body. She slumped forward, shaking. Then she felt something hit the back of her head...

"Overconfident much?" Spark sighed as she stood over SIRI. She tossed away the hideous art piece she had grabbed and used to smash SIRI into unconsciousness. Grimacing at the ugly piece - it looked like an elephant mated with a lightning beast and had adopted her great-aunt Priscilla's fashion sense - she looked down and frowned. The liquid SIRI had hit her with was gone, but now replaced by an ugly yellowish-brown stain - the solvent she had fished out of her belt pouch.

"I think we were overconfident too," Condo weakly muttered. "A little help here?"

"I know, I know, we could have done better," Ayla admitted as she rolled Condo onto his side and freed his arms. "Let's not tell Lyle and Cham about this, okay?"

"My legs too please..." Condo continued. "Still weak... thanks..."

"You can come out now, Jacques," Ayla called as she helped Condo sit up.

"Oh!" both Ayla and Condo exclaimed as Jacques popped into view in front of them. He was carrying a blowtorch, which he set down. "I'm actually impressed. I was going to free you, Spark, but you freed yourself."

Ayla shrugged. "I'm not the first Legionnaire captured by the bad guy, you know."

"You didn't do too badly, considering you don't have the sneaky powers... and even Lyle and Chameleon were caught." Jacques made sure SIRI was secure - a simple matter of binding her hands with a scrambler that would keep her dormant - and straightened up. "Now come on, we have to go find and save them."

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that," Condo winked. "Ragulti THINKS he's got them, but..."

*************************************************************

"My dear brothers and sisters," Ragulti intoned, though he wished he didn't have to use those words. He was, after all, much wealthier and more cultured than the 7 others he addressed through the holo-screens. Yes, two were regional politicians, one a wealthy farmer, and one a holo-celebrity, but Ragulti himself had the offworld connections and resources that let their little group succeed as much as they had. "The intrusion from these two Legionnaires proves that the United Planets is aware of our activities. We need to act quickly."

"This is all your fault!" screeched the holo-celebrity. Well, his face was hidden and his voice obscured, but Ragulti had secretly had SIRI trace the signal. Unlike some of the others, this celebrity had not been canny enough to use a private network...

Ragulti made a mental note to plant some evidence at the celebrity's quarters that would weaken his position within their cabal.

"You let your pet spy get caught, and now they're here...!" the celebrity continued.

"And I turned that to our advantage!" Ragulti snapped. "I lured these Legionnaires here, and now they're our property. My Titanian will mindwipe them, so they forget about Jacques Foccart being here, forget about our activities." He leaned forward. "We can use them as bargaining chips, showing that they wrongly attacked me in my property, accusing me of aiding our resistance - a charge I will disavow - and demanding concessions from the United Planets for attacking an innocent citizen of Corvan IV!"

"Are you so confident you can cover our tracks so well?" questioned one of the politicians. Ragulti liked this one, she was a very practical woman. She had, after all, suggested sacrificing the two exploding siblings to send a message - and payload - to the incarcerated Corvanites.

"Indeed," Ragulti smiled. "I can have the holo-camera records altered to show what I want to show... and as for these two..." He snapped his fingers, and Nara Minsork sashayed forward. The attractive Titanian's beauty was marred only by the faint outlines of the partially-removed Saturn tattoo on her cheek; the mark of a Titanian repeat offender, Nara had few scruples and plenty of talent. A top-tier Titanian mercenary. Well worth every credit.

Nara placed her hands on both sides of Invisible Kid's head; the Earthling struggled feebly. Too late, as Nara's eyes glowed pink. "This one is intelligent, but no Coluan," she boasted. "And I have invaded even the great Brainiac 5's mind. He will remember what I want him to remember..."

Invisible Kid thrashed. "Bigger!" he shrieked.

Nara seemed taken aback a moment, but quickly recovered. After all, she had a reputation to maintain. "They often speak nonsense when I first penetrate their defenses," she smiled at her audience. "Now, I'm beginning with the most recent memories... namely our call now, I..."

A purple blur expanded under her nose, sending Nara flying onto her behind, unconscious.

Ragulti gripped his staff and rose. Quicksand was faster; she sent a splash of liquid at their latest intruder... Violet.

"No! No!" Ragulti shrieked as Violet shrank down to evade. Quicksand quickly turned her attention to Invisible Kid, coating his body and bonds in a layer of fluid. "He can breathe, but he can't easily be freed," she said.

Holdur moved closer to Ragulti. "Stay close to me."

"Good, that just makes you easier to tie up." Ragulti and Holdur both gasped as they felt themselves be enveloped by a warm, pliable substance. "You can't hold me, Durlan!" Holdur gripped his palms together and started to flex, hoping his broad shoulders would rip Chameleon's form off of them.

"You fool, you're crushing me!" Ragulti gasped.

"Shut up and take it," Holdur retorted. "This is how we get out of here!"

"Ah, ah... no crushing today, it's bedtime..." Chameleon flipped open the vial of sedative he carried, and within seconds both Ragulti and Holdur were unconscious.

"How did you escape my prison?" Quicksand yelled. She blasted a few streams of liquid at Chameleon, who turned into the form of an umbrella to shield Ragulti and Holdur.

"He just pretended to be caught, obviously..." Violet grew to giant height above Quicksand, straightened her body, and slammed her feet into the assassin's head. Quicksand fell to the ground like so many bricks.

"Excellent, Vi," Chameleon elongated one arm to snap some bonds on Quicksand, and another to reach through her liquid coating to release Lyle's hands. "Ugh, kind of slimy, but I've felt worse..."

"Thank you both," Lyle stepped out of his prison. "my arms still feel sore..."

"But you got what we needed, eh?" Cham gestured to the seven holo-screens, all of which had turned blank near the start of their battle. Ragulti's conspirators had cut their losses and ran.

"We can trace the signal," Lyle pulled out his Omnicom, still in its liquid-proof casing, and showed the screen. "All seven of them."

"And I've collected all Ragulti's guards and staff," Violet called out from above. In her giant form, she was reaching down and plucking the fleeing guards and harem members one by one, and setting them into a large basket nestled safely among some trees.

"Looks like a nice wrap," Chameleon chuckled. "Now let's see how Ayla and Condo are doing..."
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Takron-Galtos

Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan; telepathic control of others' physical functions

Mandalla, Tari Wahlmunn of Takron-Galtos; projects a thought-sphere that affects the target's mental and physical functions (Legion Medical Support Staff)

*************************************************************

Izaard stroked the temples of her younger sister, Deaana. The poor thing had suffered violence against the Legionnaires, attacked by Invisible Kid and Chemical Kid as Deaana had tried to free her.

Ostensibly. Now that they were together in a cell, Izaard knew why Deaana and their brother Zenquo had come to Earth. To get caught, so they would be sent to Takron-Galtos to find her... and to smuggle in nano-weapons developed by Imskian scientists, weapons that would grow only in the presence of the genetic signature of the one they were programmed to. That is, Izaard's own.

She had waited patiently, waited the 72 hours they had asked her to. By now, Zenquo should have briefed her lieutenant Vanquo. All the Corvan IV loyalists with her would know their plan.

"it is time, little one," Izaard whispered. Deaana smiled, her eyes still closed. Then, Deanna slipped under their bed, curled into a ball and covered her ears. The inhibiting device drained her of her power to cause explosions, so she had to protect her hearing from the bomb Izaard was about to set off, that would free them from this cell.

"For Corvan IV!" Izaard said under her breath. She had set her Imskian micro-bomb beside the door; it would cause a loud flash and disable the security systems. She waited...

"Why isn't it working?" Izaard stood up. It should have gone off by now...

"Sit down." Izaard found herself complying. What was...

"And you, come on out." Deaana crawled out from under her bed and also sat down beside Izaard, but the look on her face was just as perplexed.

Two figures approached their cell, and Izaard cursed. Mentalla and Echo! How...

"Low level sound waves to disable your bomb," Echo smiled.

"And telepathic control of your actions to make you sit down properly," Mentalla continued. "I do dislike violence, so I'm happy we resolved this easily."

"Now..." Echo moved closer to the bars. "Izaard, you're here because you tried to kill some UP delegates, remember?"*

"But we're here to make you a deal. I would listen, if only for your sister Deaana," Mentalla continued.

Izaard found she could move her head now; she looked at Deaana, who was trying to be brave. But she could see tears in the corner of Deaana's eyes.

Izaard sighed. She herself was used to hardship, but she only endured these for Deaana's good. And prison was no place for one who still had many years ahead of her. "I'm listening..."

*************************************************************

"I really enjoyed this," Andromeda smiled. She had used her microscopic vision to locate the bomb Zenquo and Vanquo had been about to set off, and her laser vision - in a pinpoint blast - to disable it.

All this while Mandalla had stopped the two from even acting, by using her thought sphere to send them into a state of uncoordinated euphoria. The two had rolled on the floor, giggling.

"You, enjoying this?" Mandalla quipped. "I don't know you that well, but you've always seemed so serious. I've never heard you make quips like Wildfire or Shikari would..."

"Call it a difference in perspective, Mandalla," Andromeda smiled. "Mentalla's been helping me with that... I've learned to enjoy being a Legionnaire for the good we do, for the joy it brings me..." She didn't say it out loud, but she was also beginning to understand her fascination with Brainiac 5. It wasn't necessarily romantic; it was because he had saved her life, and she felt in awe of him about that. After all, she had betrayed the Legion and the United Planets out of misguided fear. Brainiac 5 had showed her the truth, that other races are not inferior... and other races can be worthy of respect and love.**

Mandalla laughed. "Preach, sister," she joked. "Now that I have my permanent Legion support status, I can enjoy the privileges that come with it... And I no longer feel bound by my origins as a Takron-Galtos citizen.

"Nobody should ever be bound by their origins, sister," Andromeda returned the joke. "Not even these two. If you would...?"

Mandalla released her thought-sphere. Vanquo was the first to recover. "How did you..."

Andromeda leaned down so she was eye level with Vanquo. "If you agree to help us with evidence about those who sent you these micro-bombs, we can make things easier for you."

Vanquo stammered. Zenquo pushed him aside. "I fight for the cause of Corvan IV. I don't make deals with infidels like you."

"Did you ever think they wanted to succeed?" Mandalla laughed. "So you would have set off those bombs. Then what?"

"Watch this." Andromeda took out her Omnicom, and played the file Invisible Kid had sent her. It showed the hooded figure of the politician speaking with Ragulti. "Yes, the bombs will free Izaard and her group... we want them to cause as much chaos on Takron-Galtos as possible. Kill a few guards, if needed. All so we can show the United Planets that we are not to be trifled with. I doubt they can get free fully... we're not going to commit ourselves to send a rescue ship for them..."

"Those traitors!" Vanquo hissed. Zenquo sat down, slowly. They had been part of a rebel faction trying to control Corvan IV... he thought it was for the greater good... but he hadn't realized they would be left here to rot..."

"I think you're ready to listen now, aren't you?" Mandalla smiled.

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legion 1, Izaard led a group from Corvan IV who threatened to kill UP delegates unless the UP committed to send aid to Corvan IV.

2) Brainiac 5 saved Andromeda from lead poisoning in LSH 70. This helped lead her to renouncing her White Triangle ties, and she switched sides and helped the Legion in Legionnaires Annual 2.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electric manipulation
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; size manipulation of own body

Jacques Foccart of Earth; complete concealment of self from detection

*************************************************************

"My baby!" Jacques' mother could not contain her tears, and his father was weeping even as he held her. "I thought you were dead!"

"I'm so sorry for putting you through this," Jacques could not stop his own tears. He wished he were there with them now, though Lyle had suggested a call first so Jacques' family could gather himself before they met. "It must have been painful... Earthgov's Black Hole made me go underground... they even got a fake body for my funeral..."

"Jacques is free from that now," Lyle added. "We've pulled some strings... Black Hole will never bother him again."

"I have so many questions," Jacques little sister Danielle spoke up. "When are you coming home, Jacques?"

"Just a last debrief, and nothing will stop me from finally coming home," Jacques answered.

*************************************************************

"So you did let yourselves get caught," Jacques mused. After he and his family finally pulled themselves off their call, he had spent the last half hour debriefing. Lyle and Cham had let themselves get caught as Vi had been with them the whole time; she had been carried away by Ragulti's people in secret, but not before sending a flight ring signal to Ayla and Condo so they could find and rescue Jacques.

Being caught was part of their plan to find Ragulti's conspirators, learn of their plans, and shut the whole thing down.

"And despite our blundering," Ayla quipped, "we cleaned up the casino pretty well."

"You did great," Cham kissed Ayla on the cheek. "Especially for not having sneaky powers."

"That's what I said!" Jacques laughed. With his ordeal over, and his Black Hole handlers put on admin leave, and a hand-delivered amnesty straight from President Wazzo herself... He was free, and nothing could take that away.

"It's a pretty clean wrap-up," Violet noted. "Ragulti and Izaard and company caved pretty quickly, all seven faction leaders are now arrested... Izaard and company will get a few years off their sentence for their cooperation..."

"The Corvan IV government is using this to negotiate even better aid packages from the UP..." Condo added. "They've also been moved up the rotation for our Legion mercy missions. Gates and Microbe are eager to lead a team there."

"Our involvement is also appreciated by the government," Ayla put in. "They're telling the general populace about how we're not just helping with relief and development, but also with safety and security..."

"Most important though, is you're back," Lyle smiled at Jacques. "Med-scans show that as long as you don't use your power... it has no effect on your health."

Jacques shook his head. "So those squajes at Black Hole lied to me... But now that Wazzo knows, they probably won't have much of a career anymore?"

"They are claiming they didn't know how well your system had healed," Lyle's lips were tight. "Thought you still needed daily doses of their meds to keep alive. Which is nass, but we'll keep an eye on them."

"So it's a wrap, then?" Jacques leaned backwards. "Everything will be okay on Corvan IV, I'm free and not about to die... And now we can go have dinner with my folks, they wanted to throw a big party but I convinced them to go for small and simple first."

"Small and simple sounds good for you all," Chameleon laughed. "Thanks for the invite, but we'll leave you to catch up for now."

"We'll join the bigger party later, though," Ayla winked.

"Thanks, I appreciate it," Jacques smiled. "But you're not getting out of this, Lyle. You're my brother, remember?"

"How could I forget," Lyle punched Jacques in the arm playfully.

"And you're my brother-in-law," Jacques beamed at Condo. "Put it there, pal." Condo grinned as he shook Jacques' hand.

"One thing though..." Cham pondered. "Was our big bad fat cat telling the truth about how he infiltrated Earthgov and contacted you, Jacques?"

Jacques shook his head. "I wish I could confirm it... I found the holo on the bed in my quarters. How it got there, I have no clue. Not even the securi-cams could tell me."

Chameleon's face turned serious for a moment. "I have a hunch..."

*************************************************************

Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery

*************************************************************

"There you are!" Had her typical demeanor not been one of calm, Chameleon would almost have said the White Witch was snapping.

Without so much as a hello, Mysa stood in front of Reep, arms at her sides. "Well, the stone from the Philippines was merely a guardian stone, one which protected the caves they were in, channeling the magical energy housed there to hold up the cave network. That's why it collapsed. Mordru could absorb its magic, but it would not add much..."

"And the one in Cambodia?"

Mysa shook her head. "Apparition helped me look - nothing. All I sensed was a very faint trace of a similar type of magic. Basically, benign magic."

Reep's antennae twitched. "We just came from a mission on Corvan IV, and I think there may have been a similar type of artifact." He pulled out a small vial from his belt pouch. "Do you sense anything here?"

Mysa fumed as she took the vial. She closed her eyes, and a bluish-purple aura surrounded her and the vial. Then it faded, and she thrust the vial back. "Same type. Benign magic. Nothing that would worry me. Nothing that I can imagine Mordru would want."

Reep sighed as he tucked the vial back in. "I guess there goes one theory..."

Mysa opened her mouth angrily. Before she could continue, Chameleon gave her his most disarming smile. "I'm really sorry, Mysa. I frankly do hope I'm barking up the wrong tree, as Mordru is very bad news. But I couldn't risk it, and I thought you of all people should know. I'd rather you were one of the first to know, then keep it from you..."

Mysa closed her mouth, and her face softened. "I understand, Reep. I know, if I were in your shoes.."

"It's a lot better to ask for help and involve teammates, then it is to keep them in the dark, no?" Reep continued.

Mysa bit her lip. After all, she had manipulated Kinetix to help her search for the Emerald Eye a long time ago...**"You are absolutely right, Reep."

Reep smiled. "I do thank you for all your efforts. Let me buy you a kono juice?" He offered his arm.

Mysa gratefully took it, and the two chatted amiably as they walked.

*************************************************************

Pon, the Lesser Moon of Xanthu

**Kono of Sklar. Mass-shifting that allows her to phase. Her power may also have other unknown applications. Master thief and pirate.**

Kono phased through the rock and into the cave of the Master. "I have it."

"Ah, good." Their Master rose, and Kono tried not to stare. He resembled a bipedal pig, down to the snout and jowls and -looking face. Yet she had seen him calmly disintegrate the Monkey in their group, for failing his own missions. No, the Master - the Pig - was not one to be trifled with.

Wordlessly, she handed the rock she had retrieved from Corvan IV. It looked like a normal pebble... except it glowed in all the colors of the rainbow, its surface a shifting, rolling pattern. It had taken some doing, and she had needed to cultivate Ragulti Agonal by sneaking into Earthgov to help him contact Jacques Foccart... and stealing the odd treasure or two for his collection.. but finally, he had helped her find the Rainbow Rock that, unknown to him, had enhanced the agricultural yields of his region of Corvan IV for centuries. Well, he could kiss his rich harvests goodbye... it was theirs now.

The Pig placed the Rock with the others she had stolen... the artifacts from Earth, the Green Orb of Concealment from the Luck Lords on Rimbor, and quite a few more... twelve in total, in fact.

Then he began the incantation. Kono watched in interest; it was as if an aura was being drawn from each object... and the magical spell was channeling them into the pile of space rocks that had always lain in this corner of the cave.

what was... oh! Kono held back a gasp, as the rocks began to merge.

The Pig smiled. "Yes, my little pawn... you will bring us one step closer to our goal..."

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Mysa and Kinetix. So, Mysa was trying to track down the Emerald Eye, Mordru's most powerful weapon. She manipulated Kinetix by stealing her powers, then saving her life, re-empowering her, and sending her off to search for the Emerald Eye. When Kinetix later confronted her over this, Mysa sadly explained that she didn't simply ask for help because she had gone a century without friends, alone, after all her friends had died defeating Mordru. Plus, the Eye was insidious and known to possess people, and Mysa was afraid that Zoe would be misled by it if she knew more.
I love Spark's enthusiasm!

Glad to see the Bond movies are surviving 1000 years into the future. I wonder if the Broccoli family is still getting royalties? smile

Jacques to the rescue! Really enjoying the battle view from SIRI's viewpoint.

Ah, Nara Minsork! Great to see her again! I'm looking to see how to use her as well. And Quicksand! Coincidentally, I just read the first intro of her in Superboy.

Good ol' Vi, taking care of business! I always love anything dealing with the Espionage Squad, and having Ayla around is a plus.

Interesting take on Laurel's interest in Brainy, her being in awe.

Reep and Mysa seem to be getting along famously. Hope Ayla doesn't find out. wink

Looking forward to seeing what's up with the stones!
Thanks for the R&R, GL smile

Aula?s just a bundle of enthusiasm wink

And I figure James (and Jane) Bond will be a staple of Earth culture for a bit

Thanks, I like getting into some bad guys? heads. And I figured it would be good to show the battle from SIRI?s view as Jacques? specialty is concealment

Nara is a good example of an unscrupulous Titanian so she will continue to feature wink

Yeah, Laurel / Andy was sheltered much of her life and I like thinking of how that would impact her reactions to things

Haha! Cham is just a natural at getting people to like him. Don?t worry, Ayla isn?t the jealous type

And those stones will continue to feature for sure wink

More to come soon? well, next we head to the past for some 21st century hijinks!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Metropolis, 21st century Earth

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis, can see heat signatures
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion leader.
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

*************************************************

Amp tried to distract herself from the nagging discomfort she felt. Though she and her teammates were safely hidden from the view of most of the locals, having chosen a tall building that towered over all those around it, she still worried one would chance upon them. After all, they were 1000 years in the past, when racism had been rampant even among those belonging to the same human race... and she was conscious that she and Kid Quantum II looked very different from the majority found in the 20th century United States.

Grife, was this what Gates or Microbe* felt when inhabitants of less cosmopolitan worlds gawked at them?

"Kinda boring, eh?" Inferno detached himself from where Kid Quantum II and Live Wire were crowded around Saturn Girl, who was telepathically scanning the area. The quintet had first appeared in Happy Harbor, in the cave abandoned by the Justice League of America and where the time-lost Legionnaires** had sheltered during their exile. Cosmic Boy had left a note for them there - written on paper and held in place by magnetized rocks on the old meeting table - that he would be looking for Superman for help. And so here they were.

"I was looking forward to seeing old Earth," Inferno continued. "Though I understand why we want to keep a low profile. Not ruining the timestream and all. But I wish we'd had more time to explore the old JLA cave, see some of the artifacts..."

"Yeah..." Amp smiled. She had already figured Dirk Morgna out, by comparing notes with many of the female Cadets and Legionnaires. He was just a natural flirt, full of charm and charisma... She would enjoy the attention and comfort he brought, without thinking any more of it. "But did you see some of those old meeting chairs? The ones of Wonder Woman and Green Lantern? RJ Brande had them in his collection..."

"Oh, yeah!" Dirk's eyes lit up. "And even the Atom's tiny one! It's so cool that he has so many artifacts."' Dirk stroked his chin. ?RJ?s kind of like the cool old grampa, who tells funny stories and doesn't lecture you even if you ask for advice. Not like my dad," Dirk rolled his eyes.

"I think Marla's more like your dad," Ming giggled. "When RJ hosted us newbies*** for dinner, Marla was always all -" Ming lowered her voice and puffed her shoulders out. "This is such a big responsibility for you. You are examples to sentients all over the galaxy, you have to act the part!"

Dirk threw his head back and laughed. "Oh, Marla. Sometimes I think he's both grateful AND sad, that the team's grown up so much. We have less need for an adult advisor now, considering how our membership has grown... Though I hear Nightwind still often sits with him."

"He did play a big role in guiding the team, back when... you know... the original crew were lost****," Ming said thoughtfully. "But yeah, the originals had a lot of experience compared to many of us newbies... though you fought alongside them a couple of times, no?"

"Fought is stretching it," Dirk laughed. "I got kidnapped by Doctor Regulus, turned into a glowing freak, lost my powers fighting him, then got possessed by a fire elemental. I thought life had settled down, until I got kidnapped by that Controller, gaining my current powers back... and now here I am. I mean, here WE are."

"Here we are," Ming nodded. Her own powers had been boosted by the same Controller... thankfully, they were kept as unconscious captives for much of their ordeal, so she had few memories of that time. No, she was more nervous about the dangers here in the 21st century... though she was mildly surprised at how chatting with Dirk had taken her mind of it. "Thanks, Dirk, I-"

Before she could finish her sentence, she felt her body move. She began to cry out...

... and in what seemed like a blink, found herself inside a meeting room that she recognized from history tapes.

They were in the Hall of Justice!

"I think you're here to find Cosmic Boy, aren't you?" Superman smiled at them.

Ming felt her knees go weak. She looked around her; Dirk's mouth was hanging open, and even Kid Quantum looked a little nervous. Live Wire was dabbing at his forehead.

"Thank you for picking us up, Superman," Saturn Girl smiled. Ming thought that Imra Ardeen NEVER seemed nervous; though she reminded herself that Imra had been one of the stranded Legionnaires and had met Superman many times. Live Wire was the only other one here who had spent any time in the past, and certainly not for long******.

"So, more Legionnaires." Ming turned and felt her own jaw drop. Wonder Woman, Plastic Man, the Kimiyo Hoshi Doctor Light and the Jason Rusch Firestorm walked in. "It's good to have you, fellow warriors for truth and justice, Wonder Woman smiled.

"It... it is an honor..." Ming breathed.

"We have a lead on Cosmic Boy," Superman continued. "Perhaps you would like to-"

"Wait, he isn't here? He left a note saying he would come find you." If it had been someone else, Amp would have said it was a blurting out. But Kid Quantum carried herself with authority. Live Wire and Saturn Girl exchanged looks, though.

"I'm sorry, Superman," Doctor Light cut in, frowning. "Is it really wise to involve children from the future who know little about our time? Maybe they can wait here, while we go and find their friends."

"Hey now," Firestorm spread his arms. "They're at least my age, maybe a little bit older than me!"

"You've gotten into scrapes before," Doctor Light retorted. "Though you have proven receptive to guidance."

"Excuse me, Doctor Light." Kid Quantum drew herself up. "We may be considerably younger than you. But we've fought the likes of Mordru and Darkseid *******. And to your second point, Saturn Girl was trapped in your time for an extended period AND has briefed us very well on what to expect." She towered over Doctor Light, and met her gaze evenly. "Cosmic Boy is our friend and teammate, and we will do anything to help him."

"Yeah!" Dirk pumped his arm up.

"I do understand Doctor Light's concerns, though," Superman said gently. "I'm sorry to bring up the past, but you Legionnaires have freed Brainiac, caused havoc in my Fortress of Solitude, and created COMPUTO last time you were here..."*************"

"But..." Live Wire began.

"Although," Superman continued. "You did help out very well against the Sun-Eater******, and you did help fix your messes."

"I vote we involve them. We could use more valiant warriors," Wonder Woman proposed.

"Hey, the more the merrier," Plastic Man leaned back in his chair, his limbs sprawled in all directions.

"You know I'm all for it," Firestorm added.

"The majority wins, but I still think it unwise," Doctor Light shook her head.

"It's settled," Superman continued. "Perhaps you five would like to freshen yourselves up a bit; let's take fifteen minutes and we'll start the briefing."

"Oh my gosh, this is better than I could have imagined," Dirk whispered under his breath to Ming. Ming gripped his arm tight. "I know, Tyroc will be so envious!"

**********************

IB's notes:

1) Microbe was formerly known as Infectious Lass!

2) Several Legionnaires and allies were stranded in the 20th century from LSH 85-100. They moved into the original JLA headquarters in LSH 89. Apparition, Brainiac 5, Cosmic Boy, Gates, Saturn Girl, Spark, Ultra Boy plus Shvaughn Erin and Inferno (Sandy Anderson). Triad later got stranded too, and Ferro was introduced as a 20th century native.

3) The latest class of Legionnaires: Amp, Calorie Queen, Echo, Gravity

4) Volume 1, 2, and the start of Volume 3 - before the gang got back together and the original Legionnaires returned home!

5) Bear with me: L* 29, Dirk kidnapped by Regulus and gets uncontrollable powers; LSH 83-84 goes with the Legion to find Regulus and loses his powers; L* 71-74 gets possessed by a fire elemental but is freed at the end, though with heat signature vision. In Volume 3, he gets kidnapped by the same Controller that also boosted Amp's power to her current level.

6) LSH 100, when the 30th century team time-jumped back to the 20th century to help against COMPUTO. All Legionnaires then up to and including Monstress were there, except for M'Onel who was away at the time.

7) Mordru: L* 48-50. Darkseid: Legion 25-30

8) Brainiac 5 freed the original Brainiac in Showcase '96 11-12. Apparition triggered a program that threatened to recreate Krypton's history by destroying the Earth, in Superman Plus the Legion #1. And Brainiac 5 created COMPUTO, who turned bad when Iron of the Metal Men provoked it, in LSH 98-100 / Action Comics 741. The Legion joined the fight versus the Sun-Eater in Final Night mini-series and LSH 86.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Note: shout out to Gaseous Lad for giving feedback on my plot outline smile

Metropolis, 21st century Earth

Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis, can see heat signatures
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation

Superman, Kal-El of Krypton / secret identity Clark Kent of Earth (Justice League): enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers

*************************************************

"I still don't get it, and I hope I'm not being dense..." Inferno began as they flew through the skies of Metropolis. "So Cosmic Boy contacts you, Superman. And you weren't able to get to him immediately cause of some emergency in Mongolia. Fine. But when you fly to where he was, you found no trace of him?"

"Dirk, we've been over this," Live Wire cut in before Superman could. "We ourselves have dealt with magic casters... heck, we have a sorcerer on our team! There are many ways Cos could have disappeared. Don't tell me you're doubting Superman, of all people?"

"It's a valid question," Superman said gently. "Though I do appreciate the defense, Live Wire." Superman angled his body mid-flight so that his legs pointed earth-wards, and began his descent. Dirk and Garth followed suit. "We conducted a thorough investigation; Cosmic Boy was on top of the Daily Planet in Metropolis. But neither my x-ray vision, nor Martian Manhunter's telepathy, nor forensic investigations by the Atom or Doctor Light or even Batman found anything except a faint energy residue which we could not trace or match to any known technology..."

Superman paused as they landed outside a large building. "And that's why we're following this lead now. In Cosmic Boy's message, he said he wanted to find the female Inferno and Connor..."

"... and Inferno's been hanging out here." Live Wire finished. "Imra - Saturn Girl - said this was where Inferno was last time they spoke telepathically*."

"She apparently adopted the mall as her own," Superman acknowledged. "There were reports of some psychic vampire haunting this mall, but Inferno said she took care of it. No sightings or disappearances were reported after that... though the mall was abandoned soon after anyway. It went out of business."

"I suppose that's why it's all dark," Live Wire shook his head. "Smells musty, too. And I don't suppose this door opens on its own?"

"It's a sliding door," Superman observed. "Electrically-operated, which means..."

"... I can get us in without breaking anything." Live Wire placed his hand on the door panel, sending a small electric shock through it. The door opened, to reveal an empty hallway with long-unused escalators , empty shops, and dusty floors.

"I've read that that happened a lot in the 21st century," Inferno mused as they entered the building. He opened his palm, creating a ball of flame in his hand. Superman, of course, could see even in the dark with his vision powers; but Garth needed light. Dirk himself didn't; at least, not to search for a human being. He switched his vision to heat signature vision and began looking around. "My dad made me study e-commerce history, and it peaked in the mid-21st, though as diseases came under control, humans began wanting to see products for themselves before buying again, and..."

"Dirk!" Garth chided. "Remember, we shouldn't be revealing anything about the future!"

"Hold on," Superman said.

"I didn't mean..." Dirk protested.

"No, something's coming!" In the blink of an eye, Superman had rushed in front of the two Legionnaires.

"Well, it can't be alive!" Dirk exclaimed. "I can't see any heat signatures..."

"I assure you, I am very much alive..." A white-furred, vaguely ape-like creature crept out of the shadows, eyes glowing red. "That girl, Inferno, thought she had killed me. But she only hurt me. Badly enough that I could have died.. but thankfully, the despair and sadness caused by the closure of this mall fed me... and now..."

"I'm warning you, stay back," Superman's eyes glowed red. Garth's hands crackled with electricity, while Dirk's burst into flame.

"Oh, I can feel the sadness and tragedy emanating from each of you," the creature smiled, licking its lips as it pointed at Superman. "You. A destroyed Krypton. Losing your parents. And you," it turned to Garth. "A disturbed brother who killed many and is still healing. And insecurities about your future wife, bubbling beneath the surface. And finally, you, little firebug." It advanced on Dirk. "Feeling like you can never live up to your father's expectations. Ah yes, your soul burns bright, just like that Inferno girl**. You will be a tasty morsel, you all will. Now feed me!"

The creature's eyes glowed red, and all three heroes fell to their knees.

"Imra loves me, I know it!" Garth cried out. "Stop making me doubt her!"

"I'm my own man!" Dirk clenched his fist. "I'm not just Derek Morgna junior..."

Superman lifted one knee. "More powerful than you have tried, I'm afraid. And yes, the tragedy of my birth planet stays with me... but it does not rule me... and neither can you." He drew something from his cape pouch and pointed it at the creature...

... and with a shrill scream, the creature was sucked into it!

Garth and Dirk both leaped up; they had been fighting against the psychic backlash of the creature, but it was like a weight suddenly vanished. "Wow, I'm glad we were prepared!" Dirk breathed.

Superman held the object carefully. It was a small monkey doll. "Zatanna had a hunch, after reading the case files. I have to remember to thank her for this little magical entity trap."

The monkey doll's face twisted. "Let me out!" it howled in the creature's voice. "Why can't I move anything except my face?!"

"You're trapped, and you're going to stay trapped until you tell us where the other Inferno went!" Dirk jabbed his finger at the doll.

"I last noticed her about a month ago, shortly after the mall closure was announced!" the creature pleaded. "I barely paid attention though - she had beat me once, and there was enough negative emotion around her to draw on! I'm not stupid, I didn't want to burn again..."

"And what happened when you noticed her?" Garth pressed.

"She was here, then she flew away, and I didn't bother to follow her!" the creature wailed.

"And have you seen this person?" Garth asked. He held up his Omnicom, with a full-body picture of Cosmic Boy in his Legion costume.

"No, nobody like that! Now let me go!" the creature pleaded.

"I'm sorry, but not until we can release you where no innocents will be harmed." Superman tucked the doll into his cape pouch. "And we won't leave until we verify your story... My super-senses should tell me if there's any trace..." Superman trailed off for a few seconds, then sighed. "I've used my microscopic and x-ray visions on the whole mall, but I cannot detect anything that matches the samples of Cosmic Boy's DNA and costume that you shared with me."

Dirk sighed as he plopped down on a ledge. "I hope the other teams have better luck than we do."

Garth stood silently; he thought he was fully confident in Imra's love for him, but he couldn't forget that she had dated Cosmic Boy a while back. Still, Imra had declared her love for him many times over. Had the creature been lying about what it sensed?

Superman placed a firm hand gently on Garth's shoulder. "This creature is an emotional manipulator. It tells lies and provokes its victims so they feel deeper negative emotions, allowing it to feed more. Although its lies are based on truth, it makes things out to be worse than they really are."

Garth smiled gratefully at Superman. That must be it; Imra had never given him any reason to doubt her love, now that they had re-committed to getting married. He started walking towards the mall entrance. "Let's go find Cosmic Boy... I have a wedding to plan after we do."

************************

IB's notes:

1) LSH 100, Saturn Girl telepathically contacted Inferno (Sandy) to tell her the Legion had found a way home. Inferno decided to stay in the 20th/21st century.

2) The Inferno mini-series (yes, Sandy got a four-issue one!) In it, she's stalked by this creature who feeds on negative emotions or something like that.... she defeats it through a combination of her fire powers and her acceptance of herself, or something like that. It was a weird mini, in my opinion.
I'm glad Amp was able to read Dirk like a book! LOL

Nice summation of Dirk's journey here, too Ibby.

The description of Superman sweeping them all over to the Hall of Justice was disorienting and fun! And glad that Imra is shown as been cool as a cucumber, as she should. smile

And see, this is why I love Diana - always voting the right way! smile

I always wondered about the contrivance for Issue 100 that kept Monel away in the L* title. I'm assuming they figured if Lar had a way to go back to the past, he'd stay. I wonder if he was sore about not being part of the party....

Also,quick note about the timeframe - is this supposed to be going on in the aughts or late nineties? You know me, mister timeline! laugh

------

Oooh - a callout to ecommerce and the pandemic! Wow!

I wasn't prepared for that Monkey Doll - I didn't know what that was. I just finished reading Later by Stephen King and that thing reminded me instantly of the deadlights creature that is the antagonist of that book.
Thanks for the fast read and review GL!

Yeah, Amp is sharp wink

I love me some Diana too. She's wise beyond her years, she is!

I was also thinking re M'Onel going back to the 20th century. it would raise issues about him being present there while also being stuck in the Phantom Zone... i never thought about the whole "well, would he not choose to stay there' bit! good point! so he really couldn't be there...

re timeline I haven't thought too much about it to be honest. I was just gonna have it be modern time, our time tongue

the monkey doll thing? I just needed an enchanted object to trap the creature in, and I looked at the Inferno mini again and saw it was drawn like Bigfoot... so monkey doll it was
That's cool - I don't remember much of the Inferno series, but your portrayal here reminded me of the King story - the monster there is basically a ghost that knows everything about the protagonist and says things to mess with his head, so it may be a recency effect thing going on there, since I read the book about a month ago or so, but it had the same resonance.
I checked the last few pages of the Inferno mini... it did seem like that, but a girl Inferno befriended also saw the monster thingie so it was real somehow. but that whole mini is a blur for me, frankly
Posted By: Harbinger Re: The Search for Cosmic Boy / 15 August - 08/17/21 09:19 AM
Hey IB, I only have half an hour so this will be a quick review.

Loved your espionage squad story, Nice use of Condo's abilities, and mentioning their downsides too - sweating out a poison might save a life but not make the person popular until they shower smile

SIRI the Linsnarian, haha, taken out by ugly art. Well, both needed dealing with so Ayla just multi-tasked smile

Great use of Vi, and nice Silver Age feel solution with her hiding until called out to save the day.

I really like your Andromeda, she has a decent personality! That's not something I really remember from the few reboot issues I read.Her friendship with Mentalla is paying dividends. Also, I really like your Mentalle - you've made her really useful and smart, rather than just ambitious like in canon.I kind of feel sorry for the bombers though, expecting to be saved and all the while just being sacrificial pawns - hopefully this is the wake up call they need to set aside their violent tetndencies.

Jacques first reunion with his family being across a holo was smart - he doesn't want to give anyone a heart attack!

The mystery of why the Pig wants these apparently harmless magical items is a good one, I'm scratching my head trying to figure it out.

I'm not sure if Amp or KQ2 would look that different in 20th C USA - My first trip to the states was in the early 1980's and I remember loving how diverse New York was. But I suppose it depends where they are exactly. Nice that Amp has Dirk figured out already and knows to enjoy the flattery but not expect anything serious. And, how great that you mention Marla, there's a character that could have been great but was treated like a throwaway idea. Nice idea that Berta sits with him sometimes, clever!

Nice team of JLAers to use, and Dr Light being the mature voice of reason makes sense.

The monster in the mall - a brilliant horror story trope! I never read the Inferno mini so have no idea at all what it is, but something that feeds on disappointment would be perfectly at home in a mall. Nice way to sort it out, Zatanna showing foresight to prepare Supes was smart.Garth's doubts about Imra are understandable and you played them well. Be interesting to see if the pop up again...

So, we're no closer to finding Csmic Boy - I wonder if the Knights Tempus are involved this time? It's the only idea I have, so m eager to find out whats going on with Rokk, and can't wait for more, more, more!
hi Harbi, thanks for the read and review! always love reading your insightful opinions!

Haha! funny bit there about the ugly art needing dealing with wink

and thanks, Condo's powers are tough to write for me so I'm glad it seemed realistic. ditto Vi's hiding. I like coming up with creative uses for the Legionnaires' powers, without necessarily making them even more powerful!

Yeah, Andromeda's really grown and changed from her early days / all her experiences. I felt it was time for her to mature. I always did sympathize with Mentalla's ambition, and thought that if she had done her Fatal Five infiltration in the Silver Age, she would have succeeded. I always felt she should get a second chance some time...

Yes, those poor bombers. I feel they are more misled than evil. Don't worry, definitely not beyond redemption!

Hehe! Yes, Jacques reuniting with his family, I thought of what I would do when I need to tell my parents I'm engaged... so yes, better to break the news gently than suddenly show up at the door!

Re Amp and KQ2, you make a very good point here. I was going for Amp being potentially wrong as well - after all, she studied history, so maybe she got some details wrong. And indeed, Marla continues to play a key role in the team smile

Glad you like the JLA cast I chose!

hehe mall and disappointment, I do like that connection. Glad you liked the little bits with Supes, Garth and Dr. Light!

Ohh the Knights Tempus! I have to say I am not planning on using them for this smile

thanks Harbi, really appreciate your continued reading and support!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Note: shout out to Gaseous Lad for giving feedback on my plot outline smile

Somewhere near Washington DC, 21st century Earth

Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation

Doctor Light, Kimiyo Hoshi of Japan, Earth (Justice League): photokinesis, light absorption, physicist
Wonder Woman, Diana of Themyscira, Earth (Justice League): enhanced speed, strength, durability, flight; lasso of truth, magical bracelets, skilled fighter, warrior, diplomat and strategist

*************************************************

Kid Quantum was very conscious of the gravitas emanating from her two companions. Though not one of the most famous heroes of the 21st century, Doctor Light was still a Justice Leaguer who played key roles on many missions - including the very first Crisis. And Wonder Woman was... Wonder Woman.

But beyond the weight of history, Jazmin also recognized their skills and accomplishments. Few Legionnaires had real careers or hobbies outside of being full time super-heroes, and many who did have experiences outside the team still excelled in fields very closely related to heroing and law enforcement. Yet these two women - and many of their League teammates - had helped build and shape 21st century Earth, sowing the seeds for the Earth and the United Planets that existed in the Legion's own time. It made her feel giddy, and a bit frustrated - she didn't dare ask about any of these, as she couldn't even be sure which ones had happened yet relative to the time they were now in.

"Remember, not a word about your future knowledge," Doctor Light cautioned, breaking through Kid Quantum's reverie.

"My teammates and I know how to take care of the timestream," Kid Quantum said, a little too abruptly for her taste. She was nervous, after all, and a little bit anxious. She decided to leave it as is; after all, the archives were clear that Doctor Light had been one of the most demanding heroes of her age. Though she meant well. And she was still nicer than Winema Wazzo used to be, back when she hated the Legion.

"Come, sisters, she is here." Wonder Woman didn't point; Jazmin admired how serene she looked. She herself felt a lump in her throat as she watched the figure striding towards them.

"Thank you for meeting us, Ms. Waller," Wonder Woman nodded her head.

"Wonder Woman, Doctor Light, and..." Amanda Waller didn't even nod. She just stood, feet square, back straight. And though Amanda Waller had to look up, Jazmin felt that she was looking down at them. Though little known to the general populace now, Amanda Waller would become famous - and even infamous - in the history books as a no-nonsense, practical protector of civilians whose methods could be ethically questionable at best. Ruthless, clever, crafty... it was difficult to like her, but almost impossible not to respect her - not her morals, but her abilities.

"No rudeness intended, but I prefer not to give my name," Jazmin said. They had agreed before coming here, that the less information Amanda Waller had, the better. Doctor Light had wanted to hide her from sight using her light powers, but Wonder Woman had argued that any deception, if revealed, would damage their conversation irreparably. After all, who knew what metahumans Waller had with her?

They did compromise on obscuring Jazmin's facial features and appearance. She was wearing a loose-fitting bodysuit that obscured basically every physical feature she had.

Jazmin resisted the urge to mentally reach out and touch Saturn Girl's telepathic shields. The fewer who knew they came from the future, the better.

Amanda Waller didn't even raise an eyebrow. "I have a list of all metahumans reported missing in the last 72 hours," she said. "Yours?"

Doctor Light held up a small device - what was it - a USB. Jazmin understood it was becoming archaic even by the standards of today, but Amanda Waller was not exactly a trusted ally. Linking their devices and networks to share data was risky, so they had chosen to use a device that could not be compromised. Waller pocketed it and handed over a USB of her own - one that they would scan thoroughly before plugging into the Justice League networks.

"I suppose you've noticed that all the disappearances are..." Wonder Woman began.

"Metahumans below 26 years of age," Waller continued. "Not all heroic. Just the ones we know about, but enough to detect a pattern. No discernible energy or magic traces of teleportation, no physical signs of a struggle..."

"Evidence indicates where they were taken, but not how," Doctor Light finished.

"Also, generally they were not prominent. Not enough to be missed immediately. It is likely many were taken days - even weeks - before they were reported," Wonder Woman added.

"Then we're very much on the same page," Waller concluded.

"It is in all our best interests to solve this," Wonder Woman continued. "Shall we share new information every three hours?"

"You know where to send it." And without another word, Amanda Waller turned and walked away.

The trio waited five minutes, then turned to leave on foot. "You did well," Wonder Woman smiled at Jazmin. Jazmin smiled back, then remembered her face was obscured. "Thanks. I'm just glad we didn't need to fight... though as agreed I used my powers to slow time around us. I'm confident that any recordings made of us would be useless, and any telepathic or technological probes would have failed."

"Waller's too smart to try anything, though I wouldn't put it past some of the buffoons in the government," Doctor Light shook her head. "I'm sure there were some super-powered operatives watching us."

"We do have to protect ourselves," Wonder Woman agreed. "We're far away enough. Let's go." Then she took to the air, Doctor Light close behind.

Jazmin felt a little leap in her heart as her flight ring carried her. Hopefully, the data they gained would be worth something.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Note: shout out to Gaseous Lad for giving feedback on my plot outline smile

Hawaii, 21st century Earth

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

Superboy, Connor Kent/Kon-El of Earth; tactile telekinetic forcefield that approximates super-strength, invulnerability and fight (Teen Titans)
Roxy Leech of Earth; police officer and friend of Superboy's (Special Crimes Unit)

Firestorm, Jason Rusch and Ronnie Raymond of Earth (merged being); nuclear energy manipulation, molecular reconstruction, phasing, flight (Justice League)
Plastic Man, Patrick "Eel" O'Brian of Earth; malleable fluid physiology that allows for shape-shifting, invulnerability (Justice League)

*************************************************

Superboy raised his arms over his head, and scooted back in his lounge chair. "Ah, this is the life," he sighed. "Isn't it, Roxy?"

"You're telling me!" Roxy Leech laughed as she sipped her pina colada. "I enjoyed living in Metropolis for a while, and I learned a lot of useful stuff, but it's no tropical paradise. It doesn't have the nice soft sand, the soft lapping of the waves, the..." She sat up and took off her sunglasses, squinting. "The super-heroes."

"What are you talking about, you got a bona fide super-hero right..." Superboy glanced at where Roxy was looking, taking off his own sunglasses. "Oh."

He stood up as the four figures landed in front of him. "Looks like you're back in time, Saturn Girl. Not trapped again, I hope?"

"Hopefully not," Saturn Girl smiled as she shook Superboy's hand. "And I hope you're well too, Roxy?"

"Well as can be," Roxy sighed. "So what brings you here, is our vacation over?"

"Nah, we're here to join you!" Plastic Man morphed a sombrero on his head, and turned his right hand into a big coconut with a straw. "Missing teens can wait another day!"

"No, they can't," Amp said darkly. Superboy and Roxy looked on in curiosity.

"I think some introductions are in order," Firestorm sighed.

"Allow me. Sorry, but we don't have the luxury of time." Saturn Girl's eyes flashed pink, and everyone present was introduced to each other and given a briefing.

"Whoa, I recognize some of those taken... Sparx, Aura," Superboy stammered. "But it looks like all the current Titans are accounted for, at least."

"They seem to be targeting lesser-known metas," Firestorm observed. "Doctor Light confirmed that a few minutes ago."

"We thought you may have been targeted yourself." Amp added. "That was before we realized the pattern of the disappearances."

"Yeah, Supes here is real high-profile," Roxy noted. "But you also decided to check on him because of Cosmic Boy, eh? We haven't seen him at all."

"Not even a message," Superboy shrugged. "Unless it was one of those unknown callers that I usually ignore."

"One of those missing was last seen not far from here, though," Saturn Girl noted. "Lagoon Boy, last reported seen two days ago..."

"I guess that's that, then," Roxy sighed as she set her drink down and grabbed her purse. "Come on."

Amp raised an eyebrow. "You're coming along?"

"Roxy's a trained cop - Special Crimes Unit, even!" Superboy grinned. "She can handle herself."

"Maybe she can take my place," Plastic Man quipped as he fanned himself with his left hand, in the shape of a large palm leaf.

"Come on, Plas." With a wave of his hand, Firestorm transmuted the sand under Plastic Man into water. Plas gasped and coughed as he splashed down. "Let's get going."

"Spoilsport..." Plastic Man muttered as he stood up, dripping, and followed his five companions.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Note: shout out to Gaseous Lad for giving feedback on my plot outline smile

Hawaii, 21st century Earth

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

Superboy, Connor Kent/Kon-El of Earth; tactile telekinetic forcefield that approximates super-strength, invulnerability and fight (Teen Titans)
Roxy Leech of Earth; police officer and friend of Superboy's (Special Crimes Unit)

Firestorm, Jason Rusch and Ronnie Raymond of Earth (merged being); nuclear energy manipulation, molecular reconstruction, phasing, flight (Justice League)
Plastic Man, Patrick "Eel" O'Brian of Earth; malleable fluid physiology that allows for shape-shifting, invulnerability (Justice League)

*************************************************

Saturn Girl shut out the minds of the sea creatures around her as she and her companions swam towards the shipwreck YO-257 shipwreck. She shuddered a little bit at the looming carcass; it reminded her too much of haunting decay. She gave thanks that the sea creatures around were of lower intelligence, making it easier to block out their rudimentary thoughts. And she also gave thanks for the telepathic earplugs they used, which let her save her strength and concentration for scanning around them.

As a bunch of round, spiky fish swam in front of them, she turned to Roxy. "How are you liking your transuit?"

"I could get used to them! I gotta say, I was skeptical at first - but this is so convenient!" Dressed in her Special Crimes Unit uniform, the only marine piece of attire Roxy were were things called flippers; lacking a flight ring, the flippers helped her swim faster. Though Superboy of course was helping her with his tactile telekinesis. "I don't suppose I can keep this, eh?"

"Sorry, it's only a loaner," Amp smiled. "Future tech and all... Same for those telepathic earplugs that let us talk to each other."

"Well, this is it," Firestorm called from in front of them. Amp had commented on his flaming hair going out underwater, but now they understood it wasn't exactly fire, but some sort of nuclear energy. "Lagoon Boy was last seen hanging around here..."

"But I can't find a trace of him," Saturn Girl continued. "Not even with Amp boosting my range."

Plastic Man inflated his eyes, making them look like big white saucers. "I don't SEE anything, either."

Roxy pointed her lamp towards the seabed. "Look at that sand. It's very smooth... I don't see any signs of disturbance."

"I guess we have to go in and search the wreck, then." Superboy began heading there.

"Wait, I sense... civilians?" Saturn Girl noted. "They're inside... and thinking of exploring..."

"Link me to them," Roxy offered. She managed not to gasp as she felt Saturn Girl's voice in her mind, though she did shiver a bit as, seconds later, she somehow felt the minds of a couple dozen tourists around her. "This is Officer Roxy Leech of the Special Crimes Unit," she began. "My colleagues and I are investigating this shipwreck." She thought about naming her companions, then decided against; the tourists would probably dawdle to get a better look if she did. "You are not in any immediate danger; however, we do ask you to calmly exit the shipwreck. Please avoid touching anything, as we need to preserve the scene."

"That's telling 'em!" Plastic Man morphed his head into a giant beret, and a big badge appeared on his chest. Saturn Girl thought he looked like a comical cartoonish general. His hand shifted into a large cone, and he made as if to bellow into it. "Move it, people, move it!"

"I sure am glad they can't actually hear you," Firestorm sighed.

"That's why I do it!" Plastic Man laughed. "Why be a super-hero when you can't have some fun?"

"Good point," Superboy gave a thumbs up. I.."

Suddenly, fish began swimming in frenzied patterns. Superboy's next words were drowned out by a loud underwater rumbling, and clouds of sand erupted through the sea water.

"Earth- um - seaquake!" Plastic Man yelled.

Saturn Girl could feel spikes of panic in her mind. "The tourists - they're panicking!"

"The ship is falling!" Amp gasped.

"Keep me linked to them!" Roxy yelled as she began waving her arms. "Everyone keep calm, we'll get you to the surface! Don't forget to surface at the proper pace, you don't want to get the bends now!"

"I'll try to keep the wreck upright!" Superboy swam towards the ship, even as it began to tilt down. With his back to it, he slowly held it in place.

"Let me help," Firestorm began transmuting sea water and sand into titanium supports, shoring the ship up.

"And I'll check for stragglers!" Plastic Man shifted into the form of a submarine and jetted inside the ship.

"Ngggh... this thing is heavy, even underwater..." Superboy called. "Amp...?"

"One moment." Amp turned to Roxy and took a few bright yellow cubes from her belt pouch. "Inflatable rafts. Just press here. I know you'll keep everyone safe. I'll spare some of my power to enhance your strength so you can get to the surface faster..." A red glow surrounded Amp, then extended to Roxy.

Roxy smiled in thanks, then turned towards the surface. She marveled at how far her kicks took her. She broke through the water, and quickly inflated the rafts Amp had given her.

Minutes later, the first of the tourists surfaced, gasping. Roxy quickly ushered them into the rafts. "How many of you were there?"

"Twenty, including me..." gasped one, a tanned, middle-aged man. "I was their guide, never expected this... area usually quite safe... no volcanoes nearby..."

"Could it be a super-villain?" a woman huddling in one of the rafts shook nervously. Others around began to mumble, and one let out a high-pitched sob.

"If they are, we'll be safe," Roxy soothed them. "There are some very competent and powerful heroes with me." Through Saturn Girl's telepathic link, Roxy could feel more tourists coming up. "I'm just going to duck down for a bit to guide the others up, okay?" She turned to the guide. "You keep an eye out on everyone here, keep them calm." As soon as the guide nodded, she dove underwater, holding her lamp aloft. She beckoned the next batch of tourists to her, and gasped as she saw one was bleeding; the water around his leg was turning red.

"Might need back-up," Roxy sent. "Bleeding tourist, shark feeding frenzy likely."

"I got a couple more injured ones down here," Plastic Man said. "Join you in a bit."

"I'll be there too," Saturn Girl sent. "I can at least telepathically keep any carnivores away."

Roxy quickly swam down to the bleeding diver, supporting him as she swam up. Once they breached the surface, she had the divers in one raft help her pull the bleeder up. She tossed a first aid kit over. "Grab some gauze and press it against the wound, while I get everyone else out of the water," she instructed.

The next few minutes were a frenzy, as Roxy pushed all the divers near here into one of the rafts. Then she hauled herself up, turning her attention to the bleeder. Soothing the man, she began inspecting his wound. Satisfied that it wasn't life-threatening, she spoke with the guide. She quickly called the tour boat and had it head over here - it was supposed to come an hour later, but she stressed the nature of the emergency. Then she called the Hawaii Special Crimes Unit dispatch to report a potential meta-human caused seaquake.

It was only after she hung up, that she saw a big shape loom underwater. "Everyone keep calm and try not to move," Roxy called out, heart thumping. Where were the others? She pulled out her gun and waited - shooting bullets underwater was dangerous, but if this thing breached water and proved aggressive, she could do something...

What looked like a red-and-white whale breached water. "Ah, I missed fresh air!"

Roxy sighed as she lowered her gun. Plastic Man waved a flipper; three divers clung to fins on his back, while one barely-conscious diver was wrapped in a tentacle. Roxy was pleased to see that Plas' "tentacle" even wrapped around the diver's mouth, ensuring oxygen was being inhaled. All in all, he looked like a cross between an octopus and a killer whale, except with three extra fins.

"Sorry it took me so long, but this one was stuck under an old rusty anchor!" Plas grinned.

"You scared me!" Roxy snapped as she reached out to the almost-unconscious one.

"Hey, I told Saturn Girl to tell you to expect me!" Plas grinned as he extended his "fins" to help the other divers climb into the boats. "Say, where is she?"

Roxy paused. "Haven't seen her surface yet." She hastily did a headcount; twenty. All divers were accounted for. "Plas... and where are Superboy and the others?"

"I'll find them if they're down there." Roxy thought she saw Plas' expression turn grim as he dove under. Trying to keep worry from affecting her, she checked the injured diver. Plas had done a good job keeping him breathing, and vital signs seemed normal.

Then she sat down and waited.

The sea parted again, and Plastic Man zoomed out of the water like a rocket. He fluidly snaked himself into the raft beside Roxy. She almost recoiled as she saw a grim expression on his face.

"I checked all around the wreck," Plas said in a shockingly serious tone. "They're all gone."

Roxy bit her lip. "No way."

"I don't joke about things like this," Plas shook his head. "I already called the League. Believe me... we're going to find them and get them back."
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
Somewhere near Washington DC, 21st century Earth

Cool! I think this is happening just down the street from my house! smile
I will say - when I saw Doctor Light, my initial thought went to the bad guy for a hot second!

I'm loving Jazmin fangirling here! And interesting approach with Waller, obscuring Jazmin's appearance. I enjoy her perspective of the modern day.

And wow, It's so great to see Roxy again. She was a favorite! I can't remember - did she actually get SCU trained, or is that yours?

Nice characterization of Plastic Man - in both personality and skills.

Nice jeopardy scene with the ship falling apart - and nice detail about the bends.

I'm enjoying the gradually deepening mystery. It appears this whole underwater incident was a diversion....
Haha! ah yes, that whole "but we're both Doctor Light!" thing!

Glad you liked Jaz's fangirling! And yeah, I thought, Waller is such a canny and sharp person... she would definitely be interested in people from the future wink

glad to see another Roxy fan, always thought she was under-rated. The SCU training was referenced in all the Googling I did of her, so I went with that.

Re Plas, glad it rang true! I'm mostly picking up the Morrison era depictions of him smile

thanks, I needed a realistic underwater danger to keep everyone busy wink I also read one or two novels early in life that had the bends be a major plot point, that always stuck with me smile

and you, my friend, are a sharp reader wink dun dun dun!
Posted By: Omni Re: The Search for Cosmic Boy / 21 August - 08/29/21 02:12 AM
Hi IB,

Wow, you sure have been busy. Looks like I'm the one with some catching up to do. So this read and review will be as I read.

Lyle's spying is very practical. I liked that he didn't just hover over everyone. But its hard to see him as this rich brat. The burp at the end sells it though. lol. laugh
A fun idea for a short story might be Spy lessons with Invisible Kid.
That was a super smart idea to have Condo tweak his metabolism.
I'm loving the playful back and forth between Cham and IK.

Ragulti is very stern and creepy. The marring his harem part was particularly awful. I can't help but envision him with a golden mask on. I don't know why. I have to wonder why this guys fixation is on sexual harm to his captives. Is it really the only way to harm them without losing their usefulness?
Damn it Lyle! You got caught? Please let this be a trick.
I wonder what its like for Cham to be caught in mid-shift. Is it painful or is it numbing? Ragulti was sure ready for them.
Wait...How did he transform the floor? ...Ohh damn its Quicksand. Ragulti really is prepared for them. Maybe someone like Vi could have been useful for this mission too.

Oh, so Ragulti is connected to Corvan IV's demands from the U.P.. I wonder if he's behind keeping aid from reaching more people. Is he a collector? His harem seems to be from across the U.P.

YAY! Jaques, and i loved the line "I have holo's....I do exists." it was both heartbreaking and triumphant.

So Twine is back and working for Ragulti? I always wondered what happened to her once the Oversight Watch was disbanded.
Ooo a new one from Gear's planet. SIRI sounds cool. It always bothered me that we never saw more from his people. Sometimes in cannon it felt like the Legionnaires from the worlds we didn't visit a lot were the only representation. It's like they might as well have been Element Lad, the sole survivor.
Do Gear's people have a collective duty to society? SIRI, talks about Gear being a tool and not for his own benefit?
Loved that Spark had a solvent. I guess they were ready for Ragulti's goons too.

Her reaction to the painting was hilarious. lol. laugh
The back and forth between Spark and Condo is fun.
Notice Condo never agreed to not tell Lyle and Cham about their faux pas.

Lol loved Ayla's love. "I'm not the first Legionnaire to get captured by the bad guy." laugh

the return of Nara Minsork. Haven't seen her since she tried to interrogate Brainy.
Man Ragulti is just so punch able. i can't wait for some to punch him!
Loved that Violet showed up! Yes I knew she'd be great for this mission.

Does your Quicksand liquify objects and create a fluid to trap people in?

Loved the practical uses you have. Cham having a sedative on him makes sense! with his abilities i bet he could store tones of things in his form harmlessly.
Loved this mission and that they were able to free Jaques.

Takron-Galtos:
Nice. Echo and Mendalla made a good team and that this was taken care of quickly. I totally thought Andromeda was going to have to rough up some Corvanians when i saw her on the roster.
I liked that Izzard could be reasoned with for her sisters sake. a lot of times its easy to forget what is at the heart of a lot of "villains".

Loved Andromeda's realization about her relationship with Brainy and that she's finally starting to enjoy her time as a Legionnaire.

Damn Ragulti and his cohorts did the Corvan IV terrorist's dirty.

Nice. I'm glad Jaques is getting a bit of a happy ending and released from Black Hole. But are they really going to let him walk away?
Loved that it turned out to be a ruse and well done too.
The whole "No sneaky powers" line is super cute and funny.
I guess if Jaques is "kind of cured" in the sense that he's fine without the use of his powers means we won't be seeing him join the legion anytime soon. Which is fine and totally get. he needs some time with his family after all they've been through.

I loved Cham's disarming of Mysa with his charm. lol laugh
Glad to hear these are all minor magics and nothing that could awaken Mordru.
Kono has gotten her self into some weird territory here and maybe this could lead to Mordru.
If only the people of Corvan IV knew about that stone to help aid them in their recover from the Blight. Although I'm surprised it had anything left after their attack.

The search for Cosmic Boy:
It's fun seeing how the og team and the newbies deal with being in the past. Seeing Amp and Inferno geek out is really funny. While Imra is just like, old hat.
I like that you mention how Amp and Kid Q, could be perceived in our time period. Outside of the alien concept , like when Gates and friends were sent back in the "Mr. Swan's Kids" issue, when someone goes back in time, a lot of times the bad aspects of the time period are washed over completely. I understand we all have this idealized view of the past. kind of like Back to the Future which ignores the racisms of the 50's. But we can't learn from it, if we ignore it. So kudos to you for acknowledging it.
Edit: seeing Harbinger's comment, true it all depends on the area your in. But i think its not so much that you were referencing how different and "out of place" they look but more so the fact that out of the rest of their teammates they could face more violence and bigger consequences for the way they look. So maybe its just wording for that part.

Seeing them geek out over the meeting chairs and how RJ has them in his collection. it cements the idea of Legacy well.
Loved the comparison between RJ and Marla. Marla being the begrudging adult advisor turned wistful for the days of old is really well done and a great nod to how much the team has grown and changed.
Dirk laughing about his own time with the team before officially joining was fun. i like that he has a good attitude about it.

Hahaha loved all the jaw drops while meeting the Justice League. laugh
Ahh the old debate about including the Children from the future.
I liked that Firestorm stuck up for them.
Kid Quantum standing up to Dr. Light was pretty fierce.
of coruse Wonder Woman's on board.
Loved all the points Superman makes. again just another nod to how much this team has been through.

gotta say its nice to see Live Wire more comfortable with the idea of magic casters. I feel like if Dirk and Garth would have been besties had they joined at a closer time to each other. But at this moment is feels like Garth is the older brother annoyed with his kid brothers questions.

Ahh the Inferno mini i never could get my hands on. a psychic vampire in a mall. makes sense.
Dirk's comments on economics and the idea of "Box stores" going away hit home. So many stores i know are gone and i was just talking with my mother about how hard it is to find shoes because there are no in person stores any more. Love the semi-commentary on our times through their travels.

affirmations, that's a great way to defeat a psychic vampire. I never thought of using that before.
I'm glad that Superman was able to talk Garth down and that the manipulation didn't cause more issues. makes sense that the fears the psychic vampire prayed on are based in truth. So maybe Garth and Imra just need a little check in.

its interesting that you point out most of the Legion don't have many hobbies outside of being super heroes. i wonder if part of that comes with the whole secret identity thing. allowing for a separation of the two parts of someone's life. although, i guess the legion is much more of a sanctioned group and law enforcement that than the Justice League is.
Man, i know Dr. Light is demanding but i kind of want to punch her.

The Waller Moment was really well done. I liked Wonder Woman's reasoning for not hiding Jazmin.
I really enjoyed the practicality of it all and how they don't trust Waller at all. Smart use of Jazmin's powers.

Hmm...Meta's under 26 being taken. Yeah i bet Waller needs to know where those meta's are. so she can get to them.

Roxy's along for the ride...its like having Shavuagn. lol.
IB, i really feel like I've been transported back to the 90's with your mission here. The League, Roxy, Conner in Hawaii.
I really like that your team is making sure they preserve the time stream as much as possible. So many stories have it where this is over looked.

So now Saturn Girl, Firestorm, Amp, and Superboy have been taken? was the boat falling just a distraction or an opportune moment from the bad guys?

I'm really enjoying this journey to the past of the DCU. I can't wait for more!
hi Omni, thanks for the read & review and your usual interesting, thoughtful comments! smile

Re Ragulti, I did intend to make him creepy. His harem is not just for his sexual appetites but also for his ego and status. As for the torture, his hitting Jacques between the legs was meant to come across as him baiting Lyle to reveal himself - though I admit I could have made it clearer. but I was also going for him using punishment as a way to reinforce his desired behaviors, and Jacques is a spy - a tool - for him.

Cham being caught mid-shift is an interesting question. His cells are in the middle of changing...

Quicksand liquefies objects and uses them as a sort of trap and weapon, indeed smile

Re Ayla's solvent and Cham's sedative, I figure that the Legionnaires have these bulky pouches that carry transuits, supplies, rations, etc. (even an inflatable raft in Legionnaires 46!), so I figure they have a lot of useful things in there. kinda like Batman's utility belt wink

Izaard, yeah, her methods were bad but she was doing her thing for the good of Corvan IV. So I felt she was misled but not truly evil or sociopathic.

glad you liked Amp's thoughts about modern-day racism. Indeed, it's a problem and should be called out - part of why I did, is also to show that things do get better by the Legion's time. Noe that the White Triangle did not distinguish based on skin color, but only on whether someone was Daxamite or not. And you got what I was going for - it wasn't so much that Amp and Kid Q II look completely out of place in Metropolis, but that they are in a time period where them looking a little different could make them nervous - like many people today feel.

I did want Kimiyo to come off as a bit demanding and annoying, like some of her comics portrayals. But I tried to balance it with her being well-meaning. Jazmin, I was going for her being a bit defensive indeed, to mix with her hero worship wink

glad you liked all the bits, including the commentary about some modern day stuff like online shopping. maybe I should also flesh out a bit the "hobbies outside being a Legionnaire" thing, of course many have hobbies and talents outside - but not necessarily careers. and yeah, it's very different from say comics set in the modern day, where secret identities are still a thing smile It's quite different eh?

and you are correct, I also see Waller as wanting to get her hooks on some of the kidnapped young adults wink more than her concern about their welfare, she's thinking about how she can use them tongue

more on Saturn Girl, Amp, Firestorm and Superboy soon... wink

thanks again for the comprehensive read and review, Omni!
Posted By: razsolo Re: The Search for Cosmic Boy / 15 August - 08/31/21 06:42 AM
Hi IB, I have just finished reading Lyle and Jacques's little escapade so I thought I'd chuck in my two cents worth on that before beginning the 21st century stuff!

Man, that Ragulti is a creepy mofo...it's good having a bad guy sometimes who's so gross that it's really cathartic seeing him get what's coming to him! It was fun seeing Quicksand and Holdur again too, I wish they got more play in the comics!

I really liked how this adventure focused on Lyle's espionage skills - I had assumed that he and Cham got busted on purpose initially but I'll admit I got a bit scared when Ayla and Condo had to fight too and was second-guessing myself! Vi as secret weapon is such a great role for her, I'm surprised they never pulled that kind of stunt more often.

So Jacques and Lyle got a happy ending - this was nicely paced, I'm glad it didn't drag out and that it all got wrapped up nice n neat!

I am really looking forward to the time travelling team...the Legion don't get a whole lot of opportunity to meet other DC characters so this oughtta be fun!
hi raz, thanks for the R&R smile yeah, I made Ragulti creepy/evil on purpose. I enjoyed writing him getting his comeuppance too wink

yeah, I gotta remind myself not to overuse Vi as secret weapon lol! glad the story worked re injecting doubt and making it seem like everyone really was in danger wink and thank you for praising my pacing, means a lot!

I'm definitely having fun with the whole 20th/21st century bit too smile I brought in a lot of characters I really like, so writing it has been a treat!
Posted By: Harbinger Re: The Search for Cosmic Boy / 15 August - 09/02/21 07:50 AM
IB, hi there, finally got the time to catch up, so here goes:

Wonder Woman was ...Wonder Woman! Yup, fair enough, she's iconic and nice to reference that Jaz feels a little intimidated by her, I would too. And how frustrating it must be to meet your heroes and not be able to ask bout their lives for fear of letting slip things that could change their choices in the future. I feel Jaz's pain here. And everyone is nicer that Winema Wazzo! Haha.

Amanda Waller is such a complicated character but you sort of summed her up brilliantly in a couple of lines, and it was nice that Jaz knows of her, for all her covert actions. How funny that they use USBs to exchange information, that's real distrust in action, and quite right too. And nice trick by Jaz to stimmy any recordings too, they realy aren't taking chances.

Think I noticed a mistake in the Superboy section - 'Saturn Girl shook Superboy's head'? Shouldn't that be 'hand'? But then who knows how greetings will change over the next 1,000 years smile Nice telepathic introduction, Imra really is no-nonsense. I don't know who Roxy is so looking forward to seeing what you do with her so I can learn.

It's funny that Firestorm is the serious one of the JLAers, though next to Plastic Man who wouldn't be?

Imra being swamped by fish thoughts was funny, kind of made Aquaman look good as he must have to deal with this all the time:) The sharing of transsuits was clever - nice observation by Roxy that the sand was undisturbed, and showing her competence dealing with the tourists.

Nice cliffhanger there - what's happened to saturn Girl, Amp, Superboy and Firestorm? Are the off urgently dealing with somehing or have they been kidnapped?

That was a fun read IB, nice moments for everyone involved especially thse that I would expect to get overlooked - from Dr Lights snippishness through to Roxy dealing with the tourists.

I'm looking forward to finding out who's behind the kidnapping - I'll guess Harvest, though have no idea really.

Looking forward to more, more and much more!
hi Harbi, thanks so much for the review! always love reading your thoughts!

Happy that Jazmin's reactions were realistic/relatable. I really love Wonder Woman, I think she'd be the perfect boss and manager, I would gladly work for her!

Ah, Amanda Waller. Yeah, she's overall on the side of good, but it's so difficult to trust her lol! And she's not trusting anyone else completely either! I wouldn't put it past Batman, for example, to try to hack her systems lol

oopsy! thanks for the catch, I'll go back and edit... Imra isn't going around shaking other people's heads, though maybe some 31st century world does greet like that wink the telepathic intro also worked well for me, as I didn't have to recap everything lol!

Plastic Man just makes everyone else seem serious. Though I wonder how he and Quislet would get along... alas, I don't have Quislet introduced in my universe (yet) so that idea will have to wait!

I have a sweet spot for Roxy, and given her police training it was a great opportunity to let her shine smile

Glad you liked it Harbi = and I have to say, Harvest is a good guess! You know your lore smile

more to come soon, as we find out where Amp and company went off to... and maybe we learn who's behind all these too!
Posted By: razsolo Re: The Search for Cosmic Boy / 15 August - 09/07/21 11:45 AM
Hey IB, all caught up - an interesting blend of JLAers! I feel like Dr Light would be so fun to write, she's so acerbic but competent and powerful enough to get away with it....and speaking of unlikeable, I love your Amanda Waller! Even though she was only there briefly, her presence was massive and I feel like she really got the respect she deserves.

I don't know Roxy, but I already like her! I am a sucker for competent normals and with the circles the Legion move in you don't generally get to see a lot of them smile

I also liked Amp's trepidation about racism in the past - it must be super confronting for someone from a mostly utopian future to have to deal with the crap that we're all used to in our own time. Looking forward to seeing what's happened with the underwater crew!
thanks raz! glad you liked Kimiyo and Amanda, those two are so unique. Frankly I'll miss writing them regularly.

yeah, I love the competent normal type wink also why Shvaughn is such a fave of mine.

It wasn't planned, but after seeing my away team - including Kid Q II and Amp - I thought I should touch on present-day racism at least a bit! smile

More soon-ish, I might have some unexpected free time this weekend to write a bit smile
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

The Hall of Justice, 21st century Earth

Legion of Super-Heroes

Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis, can see heat signatures
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion leader.
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation

Justice League

Doctor Light, Kimiyo Hoshi of Japan, Earth: photokinesis, light absorption, physicist
Plastic Man, Patrick "Eel" O'Brian of Earth; malleable fluid physiology that allows for shape-shifting, invulnerability
Superman, Kal-El of Krypton / secret identity Clark Kent of Earth: enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Wonder Woman, Diana of Themyscira, Earth: enhanced speed, strength, durability, flight; lasso of truth, magical bracelets, skilled fighter, warrior, diplomat and strategist

Roxy Leech of Earth; police officer and friend of Superboy's (also: member of the Hawaii Special Crimes Unit)

*************************************************

"I didn't see any spinning rainbow warps or fluttering fairies with pixie dust." Plastic Man made an exaggerated shrug with his inflated shoulders. "One moment I was swimming out of the wreck with some divers in tow, and I glimpsed Superboy, Amp and Firestorm still working on shoring up the wreck. Then I hear Saturn Girl telepathically telling me I got the last diver. Then I surface, meet up with Roxy, and go back down... and then they were gone."

"I can't sense her at all," Live Wire bit his lip. "We... we've been maintaining a low-level telepathic monitoring link the whole time we've been in this time. I was.. I was sensing Imra's calm competence, as usual... and then nothing!" He buried his face in his hands. "We're supposed to finally get married after finding Cos... We've got to find her!"

"Hey buddy," Plastic Man extended his lips to Live Wire's ear. "We're all taking this seriously, including me - despite my silly shifting. We'll get her back."

"Yes, take a break, Garth," Kid Quantum knelt beside Garth, a soothing hand on his knee. "We'll find them. Imra and Ming are tough, and they're probably with Superboy and Firestorm. They can handle themselves."

"Indeed." Wonder Woman nodded. "They are true warriors. I have faith in them. And in us."

"The kid had better be alright..." Roxy whispered as she hugged herself. "You're the greatest heroes on Earth... If you can't find them, nobody can."

"There IS a chance." Doctor Light spoke as she, Inferno and Superman entered. The three had gone on a quick visit to some of the disappearance sites. "Waller's intelligence helped us focus on what to look for..."

"Energy signatures!" Inferno was practically bouncing up and down. "Doctor Light and Superman have been helping me refine my heat signature vision, so I can see fainter traces than I normally do!"

"As I was saying," Doctor Light cleared her throat with a frown. "We've now identified the same faint energy signature in eight of the missing person report sites. Very cleverly hidden, in fact. We Had to use a technique called energetic resonance testing to gently coax the energy signatures out from the ambient environment, without causing it to transform..."

Kid Quantum* sat up. "Oh, I've studied that. It requires exposing the energy to a similar stimulus, but only indirectly... so I assume you used a combination of your powers directed at the ground or something?"

"Underground, actually... but I am very impressed that you know this." Doctor Light's smile was almost beaming.

"I'm hardly an expert," Kid Quantum demurred. "But this also means that whatever has been causing the disappearances used some form of solar or heat energy?"

"Seems to be," Superman mused. He was already sitting at the Hall's computer. As his fingers tapped on the console, images appeared - the wreck where Saturn Girl, Amp and company had been at; the mall where Sandy Anderson had been; and several others. Only this time, faint ribbons of color could be seen. "We know there WAS energy, and some of the patterns it formed... but they don't seem to lead anywhere."

"No, not yet," Doctor Light sat beside Superman determinedly. "But with enough data points, we can puzzle something out."

"And how can we help?" Live Wire jumped to his feet, electricity crackling from his hands. "There must be something we can do!"

"Come with me to visit the rest of the sites," Inferno offered. "The more readings we get, the better. I could use both your help, Garth and Jaz."

"And the rest of us will begin warning other young heroes to be on guard," Wonder Woman gestured to Plastic Man. "You too, sister," she smiled at Roxy, who had begun to open her mouth. Roxy pursed her lips. "Well, I was about to ask to be included, but you went and included me anyway!"

"You are able and competent," Wonder Woman smiled. "And we need all the help we can get. I'll teach the Legionnaires to work the teleporter, while Plastic Man will start pulling up lists of heroes that fit the profile of those who've disappeared..."

The Hall of Justice began buzzing with a different kind of activity... the low hum of organization and thinking, as each hero began focusing on the task assigned to them.

**************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Kid Quantum II studied biophysics to figure out how to enhance her powers to the levels we see now - she used to have very weak powers, like her deceased brother Kid Quantum I. So weak that they had to be enhanced by a quantum belt to be effective. After Kid Q I died due to a malfunctioning belt, Kid Q II swore to redeem his honor and to never be dependent on technology again. (Legionnaires 60 - the same issue she joined the Legion).
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Note: shout out to Gaseous Lad for giving feedback on my plot outline smile

Somewhere on 21st century Earth

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

Superboy, Connor Kent/Kon-El of Earth; tactile telekinetic forcefield that approximates super-strength, invulnerability and fight (Teen Titans)

Firestorm, Jason Rusch and Ronnie Raymond of Earth (merged being); nuclear energy manipulation, molecular reconstruction, phasing, flight (Justice League)

*************************************************

Saturn Girl began to moan as she started to stir. What happened? She had been...

She stilled herself as she remembered what had happened. One moment she was underwater, the next... She willed herself to be quiet and motionless, and began reaching out with her mind...

Nothing. She stifled the pang of fear that welled up in her stomach. Her telepathy was gone!

She'd never knowingly lost her telepathy before... only in pocket universes created by the Time Trapper*, or fantasy scenarios implanted in her by Universo*. But all those times, she had been unaware of the full extent of the loss. Now.... she felt... not whole.

And not being able to sense Garth... she felt a gnawing loss, a lack, in her mind.

She forced herself to think back to her training. She had likely been captured... keeping her eyes closed, she gently moved her neck, her limbs. They all seemed to work, and she did not feel any restraints. She was lying on something hard... a floor, judging by the temperature. But she could not hear any sounds, save for what seemed like breathing.

Deciding to take a gamble, she opened her eyes a peep, to let them begin adjusting to the light. Looking around, she saw a white ceiling and white walls... no visible openings, security cameras, or markings except air vents and lights. She could not even see the door.

It seemed like a cell... and she guessed that if she had not been restrained, she would not be accosted for sitting or standing up.

She gently sat up; in case someone was watching her, she wanted to show calm. She looked around from left to right, orienting herself... and then she spotted a familiar red-and-white costume.

"Amp?" Saturn Girl got up on her knees and crawled to her friend. How she wished she had her telepathy; she had to do this the way of the blind. She quickly checked Amp's vital signs; breathing and pulse were all normal. Without thinking, she reached down to her belt pouch... it was gone. Of course. She looked down at herself; she was still wearing her costume, but not her transuit. And her flight ring was gone as well.

Trying to keep her emotions in check, she began gently shaking Amp. Two heads were better than one...

"Oh... five more minutes, Tayla..." Amp muttered, speaking her former roommates' name**.

"It's Imra. Ming, listen carefully... you have to wake up, and don't panic. You probably don't have your powers."

Amp's eyes shot open. Then she swore under her breath as she sat up. "Oh grife. You're right. I feel so... normal." She hugged her knees to her chest. "Ugh... I haven't felt like this since before my powers were enhanced***..."

"I know how you feel," Imra said with a tinge of loss. "I feel so deaf and blind without my telepathy."

"I'm sorry. I didn't manifest my powers until I hit puberty, so I can remember a time when I had none. It must be tougher for you..." Amp held Imra's hand. "But we'll get out of this, somehow..." She looked around. "Whatever this is."

A voice buzzed from the ceiling. "Ah, you're all awake. Four new arrivals."

Imra and Ming looked at each other; nobody else was in the room they were in. "There's more than one cell..." Imra whispered.

"Come out calmly, and all will be explained," the voice continued. "Follow the hall until the end."

And a door slid open on the other end of the cell. A white hallway stretched out into the distance.

"Might as well..." Ming whispered. "Beats sitting here until the end of time, yeah?"

Imra nodded as she clambered up. "Even without our powers, we're Legionnaires, after all."

"We'll show them that Legionnaires aren't meant to be trifled with," Ming agreed. And the two walked into the hall.

*************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Time Trapper: LSH 92 (stuck in the 1950s) and Legionnaires 54 (stuck in the 1940s). Universo: Dream Crime, Legion 19-23.

2) Tayla Skott, Lamprey; they were roommates as Cadets for a time, until Amp graduated into the Legion.

3) Check out Volume 3 - Amp's powers were enhanced by a Monitor to amplify any natural ability, instead of just having enhanced senses and reflexes.
Garth's being upset about Imra missing was good.

Loved Dirk's eagerness, as well as the Legionnaires really digging into finding their teammates, especially Jazmin with understanding the details and the others just wanting to jump in.

The process of Imra realizing she's in a bad spot, but not panicking was well done - she's been trained to be very methodical. But her feeling 'blind' due to her powers being tamped down was a great touch!

I'm looking forward to how you spin this out, Ibby, so thanks for the shout out! Now I need to get my own butt in gear! laugh
thanks GL! glad you liked this bit, and you very much deserve the shout-out!

Now I've gotten some character bits in, there will be a few more... and then we go full-steam ahead into some action!
Posted By: razsolo Re: The Search for Cosmic Boy / 19 September - 09/21/21 12:02 AM
I forgot Kid Q enhanced her own powers! We hardly ever get to see the majority of the Legion show skills outside of combat so I liked that little aside...and also the subtle indication that the future is so advanced that Jazmin's minor knowledge lets her keep up with a brilliant mind from 1000 years ago. Dr Light giving her credit was a nice touch too. I imagine as prickly as Kimiyo is, she'd genuinely respect a teenager showing smarts like that.

Saturn Girl considering herself blind was another good bit; and you did a good job of showing Imra's intelligence and pragmatism with the way she thought the whole situation through and made reasonable deductions.

Also, Wonder Woman including Roxy was a good bit of characterisation - I like that Diana doesn't necessarily assume someone needs to be coddled just because they don't have powers, it feels in character for her.
thanks raz! glad you liked all these bits. The Kid Q enhancing her own powers thing popped into my head while writing this, and I thought it would be a nice positive turn to the wrong foot that Jaz and Kimiyo started on wink and yeah, Kimiyo is tough but she does give credit where it's due

I also recall that DNA portrayed Jazmin as clueless about her powers (Legion Lost 4: I don't know how my powers work, Brainy. I just think stuff and it happens!) which I didn't much like. Someone with her powerset and potential... and also a direct contradiction to her stated origin in Legionnaires 60.

speaking of, on to Imra. yes, she's one of the most capable of Legionnaires, and I think even without her powers she would be very formidable.

And lastly, Diana is probably the one Justice League member I would pick as field leader any time, and perhaps even leader period. Even a bit more than Superman wink hence this little bit with her including Roxy.

thanks, glad you're finding the character bits legit!
mmm, it's been 3 months since the last installment. I've been very lazy and busy with real life, so haven't gotten around to writing. (though, we have a partial lockdown here now, with things like the gym closing at 5pm, so..)

hope everyone is doing ok. I haven't drafted anything yet...

to keep the momentum going, and to keep pressure on myself, here's a glimpse of what is in my head -

1) Resolution to the Search for Cosmic Boy - we'll see where Saturn Girl, Amp, Superboy and Firestorm have ended up!

2) Live Wire and Saturn Girl's wedding!

3) What has Star Boy been planning re Xanthu?

4) Tryouts! Tryouts! Tryouts!

5) more on the Pig and Kono mystery...

Gosh, I have a lot rattling around my brain!
Oh, all good stuff!

#2 should be fun - I've been thinking similarly, but its gonna be SO far out in mine that its not even a big deal.

But definitely want to see how #1 turns out! smile

And it's all good - You getting this done was what spurred me to get off my own butt to churn out my next chapter! laugh
thank you, GL! for the enthusiasm, encouragement, and for letting me know I inspired you to write something too lol!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Note: shout out to Gaseous Lad for giving feedback on my plot outline smile

Somewhere on 21st century Earth

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

Superboy, Connor Kent/Kon-El of Earth; tactile telekinetic forcefield that approximates super-strength, invulnerability and fight (Teen Titans)

Firestorm, Jason Rusch and Ronnie Raymond of Earth (merged being); nuclear energy manipulation, molecular reconstruction, phasing, flight (Justice League)

*************************************************

The moment Saturn Girl stepped out of the hallway, she was accosted by... something. As she felt herself being pushed backwards, she instinctively reached out with her mind... and remembered she had lost her telepathy. With a vexed click of her tongue, she drove her knee forward into flesh...

"Ooofff!" A familiar voice cried. Imra gasped as she got her bearings, and saw Superboy crumple into a ball in front of her.

"Was... just... trying to... give you a hug...!" He wheezed.

"Oh grife, I am sooo sorry!" Imra knelt beside him. "Did I..."

"You... missed... family jewels... at least...!" Superboy had tears in his eyes.

"Glad to see you made it too," Firestorm walked over, hands out in front of him.

"Not that I'm unhappy to see you," Amp smiled as she walked over. All around them was dense foliag "But how is it that your hair is still on fire?"

"Wish I knew for sure," Firestorm shrugged. "But it seems like whatever is keeping us here, has only turned our powers off... but not altered our forms." Inwardly, Firestorm breathed a sigh of relief - as a gestalt being of two, well... it would be weirder being two young men here, than one merged being with fiery hair,

As Imra helped Superboy to his feet, the brunette young man wheezed. "That will teach me to surprise a trained hero with better hand-to-hand skills than I have..." he shook his head.

"I really AM sorry, I..." Before Saturn Girl could finish her apology, a hologram of a hooded, skull-masked man appeared.

"Greetings, gladiators," he rasped. "You are here because you are strong, and powerful... but... are you powerful enough?"

"Oh come on, really?" Firestorm shook his head.

"Another fight to the finish?" Amp rolled her eyes.

"These bad guys do tend to be predictable..." Saturn Girl nodded.

"No originality, at all..." Superboy wheezed as he got to his feet.

".... gathered you because you have mighty powers. But, are you able to survive when those powers are taken from you?" The hologram continued.

"So passe..." Amp sighed.

"I don't see anyone, though," Firestorm looked around.

"Maybe... we're in... holding room?" Superboy grunted as he got to his feet.

"Wait, we should listen," Saturn Girl cautioned. "We know where this is going, but there may be a twist."

"... in a fight to the finish..." continued the hologram.

"Okay, so we know we're supposed to fight others," Amp mulled as she watched,

"... Only the strongest, bravest, most ruthless will live on to serve..."

"Creating an army of some sort, makes sense..." Firestorm muttered.

"... if you can last until the end!"

"So some kind of time limit I guess?" Superboy noted. "If he wants an army, he's not going to make it last person standing."

"Now, let your test begin!" And with that announcement, the hologram vanished. Suddenly, a portion of the foliage moved... the four youngsters turned to see a hidden door slide open into...

"More jungle? Ugh," Firestorm shook his head.

"You a city boy, pal?" Superboy joked as he tentatively took a step forward. "This doesn't look very different from the forests of Hawaii..."

"Look out!" Amp's cry came just as a large, four-armed behemoth sprang at Superboy. Kon-El quickly dove forward in a roll, letting his attacker fly over him.

"Damn you, you waif!" The behemoth pivoted, turning her body around, and crouched to spring at Amp. But before she could, Saturn Girl slammed an arm into the back of her neck, crumpling her to the ground.

"Wow, the games began quite fast, huh?" Firestorm helped Superboy up.

"The games here never end!" Thankfully, the threat telegraphed the incoming attack early enough, that all four were able to easily evade the volley of arrows coming their way.

"I guess you're not a very good hunter, eh?" Amp called as the foursome took shelter behind some rocks.

"That's it, keep them angry so they make mistakes..." Imra thought, then shook her head angrily. "Remember, you're powerless!" she chided herself. "Keep riling them!" she said a bit louder. "Keep them angry... oh!"

Imra felt her head jerk back, and she gasped as a grinning face loomed in front of her.

"We're not the only ones announcing our plans, eh?" The tall, lean man with green skin pulled her hair back, as he brandished a knife with his other hand. "But your death will help me..."

Imra desperately dug her hands into the soil around her, and threw a clump at the man. He screamed in anger as some dirt hit his eye. "Why you..."

Before he could do anything more, a metal disc slammed into his hand. He screamed as he dropped his knife. "Cheaters! You-"

Imra kicked his face before he could finish, and he slumped down.

"Thanks to whomever..." she muttered as he bent down to claim the knife... and she stopped as she saw the disc that had hit the man's hand. It had a symbol on it, a symbol she knew well.

"Amp! I..." she started. But she never finished, as she saw Amp, Firestorm and Superboy, all standing over the unconscious bodies of opponents. And with them was...

"Rokk!" she shouted as she ran forward to hug Cosmic Boy.

"I knew you'd come for me..." Rokk Krinn said softly as he hugged one of his best friends tight. "I never gave up hope."
Posted By: razsolo Re: The Search for Cosmic Boy / 13 December - 12/13/21 11:10 PM
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
2) Live Wire and Saturn Girl's wedding!
This is exciting!!!

Also I love a good tryout laugh
Posted By: razsolo Re: The Search for Cosmic Boy / 13 December - 12/13/21 11:15 PM
Ooh that was such a good cliffhanger!! I love how effective Imra is even without her powers, and I laughed out loud at her practically crippling Superboy smile

I also love everyone being already bored with the hunger games routine even while the bad guy was attempting to monolgue laugh
Fun episode, Ibby! I had to laugh as the crew chatted through the intro to the arena.

Nice touch how Imra is a better hand to hand fighter due to training versus Connor.

And Yes! They find Rokk!
thanks for the fast read and review, raz, GL!

hehe yeah, I like poking fun at these established tropes, like the "kidnap you all and you fight to the finish" ones wink

yeah, Imra's Sci-Cop training gave her formidable hand-to-hand skills, which were well-highlighted through the Reboot smile

and yes, finally, Rokk is back! or found, anyway wink

more to come soon-ish, Now that I read your reactions and my "next steps" I feel really eager to get to the wedding! (And I also have a few cool characters I'm itching to write onto the team, for the tryouts!)
IB, happy new year! Hope you had a good festive period and managed to get a decent break,

Anyway, have just re-read your latest posts and they are great!

You have a real skill at bringing the characters to life and not just using them to push the story along; they have more nuance and are far more rounded out then we usually see.

Garth admitting to struggling as he no longer sensed sensing Imra's calm competence, "as usual..." was sweet. He's such a walking ego that he's going to miss that when it's gone.

I never realy got Dr Light, she seemed too two dimensional and snappy (and - to be brutal - has the ugliest of costumes), but you found a way to soften those edges and gave her a little bit more character in her conversation with Jamin about tracing their missing colleagues - and nice bringing up Jaz's scientific knowlege as was kind of forgotten about in canon (though, on a team with Brainy and Lyle she probably isn't seen as too smart by comparison).

You're take om Imra was also spot-on. She's such an iconic figure in canon that it can be easy to lose that when writing fics and have become a parody of herself but you nailed it! Referring to herself as blind (which is a bit insulting to the non TPs, but nevermind) and struggling like she did yet still being practical enough to know that she needed her colleagues help to get out of the situation - not because she was lonely or scared mind you, she's still strong enough in herself even being 'blind'. Her focus on her training, pushing her feelings aside, were well written, and Amps reactions when she woke up were good too. Another tough young woman. Nice display of empathy for Imra as she realised that she knew what being without powers actually meant, while Imra would find that more disconcerting.

The scene with the four of them discussing what a cliche it was to have them fight each other made me laugh out lous - well written and so true!

The fight was well done, again Imra leaned heavily into her training with her hand-to-hand combat skills, which was nice, though the return of Rokk was the highlight here - so good to have them meet up on the same side. I kind of expected him to have to fight his teammates, but it's good that you didn't do that - unless of course Rokk has been brainwashed and...? Well, I'm hoping you won't keep us waiting too long before you continue as I'm real eager for more, more, more!
Hi Harbi, happy new year! thank you for your usual thorough review and comments, and as always for your whole-hearted support!

I see Garth and Imra as quite a lovely pair, Garth is so ful lof energy and often acts before thinking; while Imra is calm but tends to overthink (even when she makes quick decisions, she has to bury the self-doubt). they're good for each other smile

Kimiyo/Dr Light has really bounced between extremes, she was so b*tchy in Crisis on Infinite Earths, but the JL International days softened that age (and in the JL Europe revival she became almost completely full of self-doubt!) I detest snappy for the sake of snappy, so wanted to have her be more of a "I have really high standards and low patience" kinda person smile

yeah, having Brainy and Lyle around tends to overshadow the smarts of everyone else, but credit where credit is due smile

"blind" may also be a bit of my own bias - my sight is the sense I'm most protective of. But indeed, if Imra had said that to a pricklier person (like Umbra/Tasmia?) the reaction might have been a lot different wink glad you're liking Imra and Amp!

Hee hee. this was such a cliche (the whole arena/gladiator thing) that I couldn't help but poke fun at it... otherwise I'd have felt like such a big hack lol

oh yeah, the old "we fight then make up" trope, it would have felt so hollow and fake as Rokk would easily have recognized Imra, Amp, Superboy... plus this is Rokk, not say my Brawler or Beast Boy wink

thanks Harbi, was so nice to wake up and see your review, getting me motivated to churn out the next bit soon-ish!
ok, I have been criminally behind on my writing... this thread has been dormant almost long enough to have a human baby... finally finished the next installment, and will try to speed up!

Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Note: shout out to Gaseous Lad for giving feedback on my plot outline smile

Somewhere on 21st century Earth

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

Superboy, Connor Kent/Kon-El of Earth; tactile telekinetic forcefield that approximates super-strength, invulnerability and flight (Teen Titans)

Firestorm, Jason Rusch and Ronnie Raymond of Earth (merged being); nuclear energy manipulation, molecular reconstruction, phasing, flight (Justice League)

*************************************************

Cosmic Boy could feel the goofy grin on his face as he ushered Saturn Girl, Amp, Superboy and Firestorm into his camp. A wooden wall encircled the space around them, keeping them safe for now. As they walked to Rokk's own tent, other captives looked up and whispered among themselves - none of them recognized the Legionnaires, but Superboy and Firestorm were big names in their era.

"Well, we got someone from the big leagues now," smirked a brunette with East Asian features as she came up to the group. She thrust some clothes at them. "Here, you all will want to blend in - big names are a target," she winked at Firestorm. "Not sure we can hide your fiery head though."

"Wait a minute... Aura?!"* Superboy blinked, then hugged her.

"You remember, so sweet!" Aura hugged him back. "Once a Raver, always a Raver, eh?" She detached herself and addressed the group. "You should get dressed." She bent down in front of Amp. "Don't worry, sister, these will suit our skin tone just fine."

"T-thanks," Amp stammered. She knew that natives of this century tended to make a big deal about ethnicity and skin color, but the whole concept was alien to her.

Sensing Amp's discomfort, Saturn Girl turned to Cosmic Boy. "I see your ability to bring people together is as strong as ever," she smiled. "You've got quite the group around you."

"Most of us aren't very established," shrugged a blue-skinned male with long, dark blue hair. Gold earrings in his pointed ears shook, as he gestured towards the camp behind him. "Nobody from the Titans, or Young Justice, or the Justice Society..."

"Chill, Frostbite**," Aura laughed at her pun. "We've got Superboy and Firestorm now - if they don't get Superman and the Justice League running here, nobody will!"

"If they can find us," Firestorm chimed in. "I mean, you all vanished without a trace - just like I assume we did!"

"They'll find us," Superboy elbowed Firestorm even as he looked at Aura's and Frostbite's faces. "It's just a matter of time."

"Indeed," Cosmic Boy smiled warmly. "And we have strength in numbers, even without our powers - we just have to stick together and ride it out."

"What HAVE you learned about this place, Rokk?" Imra asked. "Besides what was said in our welcome message."

"Precious little, I'm afraid," Rokk shook his head. "Other than our captor seems to have global reach. We have people from all over the world here."

As if to accentuate his point, a female with dark skin and a small round jewel on her forehead approached. "I've updated the roll call," she smiled. "Still no sign of your Inferno, though, I'm afraid."

"Thanks, Maya***, I really appreciate it," Rokk smiled.

"So you ended up here because you found Inferno's trail, eh?" Amp questioned.

"Not really," Rokk sighed. "I had a hunch Inferno might be here too, considering the pattern: we're generally young, super-powered, and not particularly high-profile in this... day and age." Rokk's subtle pause told Imra and Ming all they needed to know - he hadn't been revealing their status as visitors from the future.

"Generally. Whomever is behind this must realize they cannot keep hidden forever," Ming pointed out.

"He did say he wants to create an army," Rokk said. "Our best guess is that he's using this as both a testing and a training ground - weeding out the weaker ones, while forcing us captives to adapt and gain skills in order to survive."

"Despicable..." Firestorm muttered.

Imra looked around. "How many have you gathered around you, Rokk?"

"With you on board, we're now 58," Maya smiled. "We have patrols 24/7 going out - whenever we encounter someone, we try to talk. We defend ourselves if they insist on attacking, but we never kill."

"Anyone we knock out gets left with a note and directions to a meeting place," Rokk added. "One that we watch from afar to determine their intentions... We have to be open to new recruits without putting ourselves in danger."

"Every day, we expand our patrols," Frostbite continued. "We hope to eventually find the ends of this place..."

"This little bit of hope keeps us going," Aura laughed. "Because without hope... what do you have?"

Imra bit her lip, more to bite down the disappointment and loss she felt. Usually, she'd be tempted to very subtly stoke the flames of hope with her telepathy, by just broadcasting a sense of optimism and openness...

... though as she looked around, she realized she did not need to. Despite their circumstances, there genuinely was some hope all around.

But of course. It was Rokk Krinn they were talking about, the leader who held the Legion through the rough early days: a Daxamite invasion, the Fatal Five, and a UP President who tried to destroy them. ****

Smiling, she turned her head to include as many of their new allies as possible. "With a group like this, full of competent and good people... I can see why we should be hopeful."

Rokk smiled back at her, and the new arrivals took their place around the command table.


*************

IB's notes:

1) Aura is Lindsay Wah, a Chinese-American with magnetic powers who met Superboy at an intergalatic Rave -joining forces to become the Ravers.

2) Frostbite, real name unknown, is an elf-like male with cryokinetic powers who appeared in the series Young Heroes in Lovee.

3) Maya joined the Justice League International's incarnation after the events of Red Winter in Justice League Europe, becoming particularly close to Doctor Light (Kimiyo Hoshi) and Power Girl. She can control fire and water, and her powers are hinted to be magical in nature. (She's previously appeared in Volume 2 of this fic as one of Retroboot Mordru's magical slaves)

4) Cosmic Boy was the Legion's leader from its founding, up until LSH 80 / Legionnaires 37. During his tenure, we had the White Triangle Daxamite invasion, and the Chu sting (false Sun-Eater scare and formation of Fatal Five to murder the Legion, attempted instigation of a new Braal-Titan war).
VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Note: shout out to Gaseous Lad for giving feedback on my plot outline smile

Somewhere on 21st century Earth

Night fell, and save for a few guards, the inhabitants of the camp slumbered. For some it was peaceful, though for others it was due to exhaustion - more mental and emotional than physical. Losing one's powers was never easy to deal with; and although most knew and hoped it was temporary, they were cut off from support systems and having to deal with uncertainty and the need to survive.

Yet even though some slept fitfully, none noticed the invisible securi-cams that hovered over them...

The man called Harvest wore a mask with a large, maniacal grin; but under the mask his face held no mirth. When he started this initiative - travelling back in time to recruit young warriors for a battle in the future - he never expected that a small group would actually form a little society in the midst of his testing ground. A peaceful society, one that would use violence only to defend itself.

This would not do. Perhaps the historical records had been obscured - after all, there had been some great disasters in the intervening timespan. But he had been certain that the early 21st century would have been the perfect place - a plethora of super-powered youths, so many that few existing databases could keep track of them all. And a still rather violent society, which would mean many of those still-living had honed their instincts and fighting skills over time.

He had even controlled for the uneven economic and social development of this time, by snatching youths from around the globe! After all, he had observed himself the violence and squalor in so many countries in the so-called Global South of the era.

Why, it was almost as if this "Cosmic Boy" came from another, more enlightened time!

But that was nonsense; Harvest had come from far in the future, with technology so advanced that nobody from earlier than the 55th century could even begin to recognize the power-inhibiting or surveillance technology around them.

In any case, he had invested enough of his own time and resources here to not give up. Even with time travel, he was no longer a young man... and he doubted he could find better conditions than this. He must winnow down his captives soon; even with superior technology, this century had enough great minds and magic users that he could not risk being undisturbed forever.

Long, strong fingers tapped on the console, sending his securi-cams flying around. They would broadcast his message to everyone except those in Cosmic Boy's camp.

Turning on his voice modulator, he began to speak.

"A large group has set up camp beside the river..." Harvest began. "They have resources, and more importantly, numbers. If you do not wish to be annihilated by them, you will need to destroy them before dawn..."
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Note: shout out to Gaseous Lad for giving feedback on my plot outline smile

Somewhere on 21st century Earth

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

Superboy, Connor Kent/Kon-El of Earth; tactile telekinetic forcefield that approximates super-strength, invulnerability and fight (Teen Titans)

Firestorm, Jason Rusch and Ronnie Raymond of Earth (merged being); nuclear energy manipulation, molecular reconstruction, phasing, flight (Justice League)

Aura, Lindsay Wah of Earth; magnetokinesis

*************************************************

"Is it time for school yet..." Firestorm mumbled. "Can't I just sleep in for a minute more...?"

"You do that, and you probably won't wake up, pal!" Superboy shook Firestorm awake. "We're under attack!"

Jason Rusch's eyes shot open, and he sat up with a gasp. "Great, just when we thought we were safe," Ronnie Raymond tsked across the telepathic matrix they shared.

He could hear screaming, yelling, the sound of weapon against weapon... and he could see smoke and fire.

"You coming?!" Superboy was already scrambling.

Jason followed Connor, ducking and stumbling as projectiles flew above their heads. Connor stopped beside Aura and a brown-haired young man, who were crouching behind an overturned table. "What a time to be without powers, eh?" Aura cracked.

"How can you make jokes at a time like this?" The young man was shivering, which seemed incongruous with his muscular frame.

"Oh for...!" Aura snapped. "White Feather*, you're a coward, not an idiot! If anything, you're the one with the advantage here, as you've never had powers! Put that bow to good use, or I'll shove it up your-"

"Your power is archery?" Connor cut in. "This will be handy, considering THERE'S A HALF-DOZEN BIG BRUTES RUNNING FOR US!"

"I see them..." Jason whispered.

"Y-y-you're one of us, but can you please make sure you don't burn our cover down?" White Feather stammered.

"Burn... oh." Jason smiled slowly. He reached into the makeshift medical pouch he'd carried over and started tearing up bandages. "Okay, sureshot, let's make it hot for these guys."

*************************************************

"Stay put, and trust that everyone will make their way here!" Cosmic Boy didn't even turn to face those behind him as scanned the horizon. Only about half of his group had gathered here; with their camp being attacked from all sides, it was crucial that they could gather together to mount a defense. Unfortunately, they had no way to send a signal or communicate, so he had to trust that everyone would keep their heads about them.

Frostbite, Dumb Bunny** and others stood in front of him, makeshift spears held out in front. A few others were arrayed behind, bows and arrows at the ready - though this was more for show. Rokk had explicitly told them not to fire unless they were in imminent danger - he didn't want to risk taking out one of their own with friendly fire.

In times like these, he reminded himself of past triumphs. Like his first magno-ball championship win, or stopping the Daxamite invasion of Earth, or exposing Ra's al Ghul. So many times, the odds had been stacked against them... and yet they had persevered. This would be the same. Somehow, he would get himself and his teammates home.

*************************************************

"Just keep firing!" Aura snapped at White Feather. He had loosed three arrows already, but not without sharing his fear that this makeshift bow would give him splinters.

"You ARE pretty good..." Firestorm murmured as an arrow just nicked the pants of one of their assailants. Not enough to draw blood, but enough to singe. The woman looked down, inspected her leg, and decided to run away.

"We've driven them off, nice work!" Superboy laughed. "Well, all but one!"

A blonde woman still stood her ground, even though her five companions were all speeding away. She raised her hands in a gesture of surrender.

"Well, I didn't expect we'd get a prisoner!" Aura shook her head.

"Are... are we sure it's not a t-t-trap?" White Feather trembled. He still kept his bow raised, just in case.

"None of us have powers, remember?" Firestorm pointed out. "And she's in a big wide open space, it's not likely there's anyone waiting in ambush."

"That-that's what they always want you to think!"

"Oh for... just cover me," Superboy called as he slowly walked to the woman, hands up. "Maybe she can tell us a bit about why we've suddenly been attacked." As he approached, she began looking more agitated. "Hold on, I can't make out what you're saying," he said calmly, trying to be heard above her yelling. "We can talk when we're..."

She shook her head in exasperation and pointed behind, and to the right, of him. Connor stopped and turned, and saw a trio of figures running towards him. One male looked particularly burly, and the lone female was at least a head taller than him.

A flaming arrow zipped in front of the trio, though. They stopped, looked at each other, and turned around.

"White Feather and Firestorm are taking care of it," Superboy smiled as he finally reached the woman. "But thanks for trying to warn me..."

".. Superboy! Finally, someone I know from before is also here. I hate meeting new people!" The woman wasn't exactly pleased to see him, but the relief in her voice was palpable. And something about the way she stood tickled Connor's mind.

"How do we know each oth... oh." Connor's eyes widened. He quickly placed a hand on her shoulder and pulled her along, "Come on, I'll vouch for you, we gotta go while the coast is clear!"

*************************************************

"We now have 54 of us here - only missing 4 more," Merryman adjusted his spectacles. Being without his phone was annoying, and so was not having anything to write on. He had committed every face and name to memory for such an eventuality. "Only seven of us have minor injuries, and all are able to fight..." He sighed as Awkwardman tripped over a rock. Dumb Bunny rushed to help him, and Frostbite shot her a dirty look as he grabbed the spear she let go of. "Well, I use the term "able to fight" loosely."

"Four more..." Cosmic Boy whispered.

"Including Superboy and Firestorm," Amp hissed. She, Imra and Rokk exchanged looks. Superboy was their friend, but beyond that; he and Firestorm had crucial roles to play in this era. If they did not survive...

"I see them, I see them!" Maya called from her vantage point. "Except I count five!"

"Oh good!" Merryman looked up. "A prisoner could reveal valuable information!"

"Okay everyone, keep watch to make sure they're not attacked as they walk here!" Rokk reminded. Tense minutes followed as the quintet slowly made their way. Finally, finally, they made it to the perimeter being maintained by determined, yet eager, guards.

The gathered group erupted into cheers as they entered.

"Their prisoner does not look like a prisoner," Imra whispered to Ming and Rokk. "No bonds, no..." Then she stopped as a look of recognition crossed her face.

Rokk had already taken his first steps towards the newcomer. "Inferno?"

"Well, fancy meeting you here, you Scout Girl goody-two-shoes!" Sandy Anderson's tone was faintly mocking, though with a very faint undercurrent of fondness. "No clue how you got here, but making a fort in the middle of this stupid forest... I thought I'd come here to throw my lot in with you guys, and looks like I made the right choice."

"We have a problem, guys," Firestorm breathed. "Inferno here came to warn us - whomever our captor is, he broadcast a message encouraging everyone else out there to attack us."

Some faces paled, but most just looked more determined.

"I guess our success has drawn those looking to tear us down," Merryman mused.

"This can be both a threat... and an opportunity," Imra and Rokk exchanged glances. Rokk stepped forward. "This is what we're going to do..."

*************************************************

IB's notes:

1) White Feather (William King) is a member of the Inferior Five smile Skilled archer, but afraid of his own shadow... If you're not familiar with the Five, I suggest you check them out - they are HILARIOUS.

2) Dumb Bunny (Athena Tremor) is another Inferior Five member - super strong, but not very intelligent!

3) Merryman (Myron Victor) is the Inferior Five's leader - no power, nor much in the way of fighting skills or muscle... but intelligent!

4) Awkwardman (Leander Brent) is also an Inferior Five member - super strong, but super clumsy!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Note: shout out to Gaseous Lad for giving feedback on my plot outline smile

Somewhere on 21st century Earth

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

Superboy, Connor Kent/Kon-El of Earth; tactile telekinetic forcefield that approximates super-strength, invulnerability and fight (Teen Titans)

Firestorm, Jason Rusch and Ronnie Raymond of Earth (merged being); nuclear energy manipulation, molecular reconstruction, phasing, flight (Justice League)

Inferno, Sandy Anderson of Earth; pyrokinesis (Legion ally, former Workforce member)

*************************************************

Cosmic Boy looked at the signs half of his group were fashioning, while the rest stood guard. At first they had thought about fashioning some sort of megaphone out of leaves, but quickly abandoned the plan as they had no materials. So now they were using smeared dirt and ash on rock to make a sign saying "Approach peacefully and you can join!"

"You really think this will work, don't you?" Inferno rolled her eyes.

"It's worth a try, Inferno..." Imra replied. "We stuck together last time we were stranded*, and it paid off."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah..."

"And we'll get you back home," Rokk smiled.

Sandy turned towards him, almost violently. "Who said I was going back to the 30th century with you? That's not home!"

"Is this time home now, then?" Imra asked.

"No, but it's not worse than our time!"

"Inferno, I don't know why you don't want to go home, but..." Rokk began.

"Save it, scout boy." Sandy walked away without even a backwards glance.

"Let it go, Rokk," Imra soothed as she watched Sandy depart. "She's always been volatile... let's talk to her after all this is over."

"I... you're right, Imra," Rokk muttered as he watched Sandy grab a shovel and start digging some dirt.

************************************************

"We gotta retreat, you big lug!" Shimmer smacked her brother Mammoth* on the head as the group around them scattered, driven off by the formidable defenses in the camp. "There are too many of them, run!" Mammoth grunted and nodded, tucking his sister under his arm and jogging towards cover.

As they reached the forest, a dozen or so other captives turned towards them. "What are you doing here?" snapped a brown-haired girl. "Get back in there! Mammoth is one of those of us who has some super-strength, even with this stupid thing damping our powers!"

"Don't give me that, Persuader!" Shimmer shook a finger under Persuader's chin. "You hung back here while the rest of us charged!"

"Remove your hand, or..." Persuader shook.

Sun Girl watched in disgust as those around her squabbled. With their powers, they could afford to be reckless... but without, they were just a bunch of ineffective children.

Or maybe not...

"We did get something out of this," Sun Girl began thoughtfully. "Look. They're still surrounded; they may have the high ground, but I doubt they have the resources. If we can starve them out, block their water..."

Sun Girl looked up to see a dozen faces listening to her. She smiled as she continued.

************************************************

"Ineffective children..." Harvest muttered as he watched the scenes from his sanctum. Maybe it had been foolish to expect all those urchins to come together and end the little kingdom brewing in their midst. Maybe he should abandon his attempts to scour the last few regions of the globe left, and just begin his culling now...

... he paused as some flickers of movement on the screen caught his eye. A small contingent was beginning to gather around Deborah Morgna, Sun Girl.

As he zoomed in on their conversation, a real smile began to appear on Harvest's face.

************************************************


IB's notes:

1) The Sandy Inferno was stuck with the Legion in the 20th century, in LSH 85-100 (though she actually ditched the team in LSH 96, and stayed in the 20th century!)

2) Yes, Fearsome Five members Shimmer and Mammoth! This Persuader, Elise Kimble, also wielded an atomic axe and was told she was the ancestor of "our" Fatal Five Persuader. Sun Girl, Deborah Morgna, appeared in the 20th century but is from the future. Not much else has been revealed about her.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

The Hall of Justice, 21st century Earth

Legion of Super-Heroes

Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis, can see heat signatures
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion leader.
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation

Justice League

Doctor Light, Kimiyo Hoshi of Japan, Earth: photokinesis, light absorption, physicist
Plastic Man, Patrick "Eel" O'Brian of Earth; malleable fluid physiology that allows for shape-shifting, invulnerability
Superman, Kal-El of Krypton / secret identity Clark Kent of Earth: enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Wonder Woman, Diana of Themyscira, Earth: enhanced speed, strength, durability, flight; lasso of truth, magical bracelets, combat expert

Roxy Leech of Earth; police officer and friend of Superboy's (also: member of the Hawaii Special Crimes Unit)

*************************************************

"You have to rest too, you know." Live Wire looked up to see Wonder Woman, carrying a steaming mug, smiling at him. "Some chamomile tea with Themysciran honey. Works wonders for relaxation."

"Th-thank you, Wonder Woman. It's just..." Tears welled up in Garth's eyes. "Imra and I have been separated a couple of times before*,,, and we postponed our wedding to come get our friend Rokk..."

"That your love thrived through all these separations is a thing of beauty," Diana smiled again. "And you honor yourselves and your love by wanting to ensure your friends are present for such a ceremony."

Garth wiped the tears from his eyes and took the mug with gratitude. "Wow, this IS delicious. If I could, I would share some pluberry syrup with y-"

"We got a hit!" Plastic Man, his pliable head morphed into a loudspeaker, propelled himself past Diana and Garth. Garth nearly dropped his mug. "I'm glad Chameleon doesn't do that," he muttered. He set the mug down and followed Diana into the JLA Watchtower's Monitor Room.

"Triangulating signal..." Kid Quantum was oozing determination as she tapped on the console.

"That was brilliant, thinking of modifying our testing to account for chronal energy patterns," Doctor Light's approval was palpable.

"What the Atom said triggered a hunch," Jazmin nodded, cheeks flushed. "And time travel would explain how soil and dirt remained undisturbed."

"Good work," Superman turned to address the rest. "I'm fastest, I'll speed ahead and -"

"Not alone, you won't," Doctor Light's costume began to glow. "And not at full speed, we don't know what we're rushing into. The captives may be disabled and depowered in some way."

"Then the rest of us can follow in a javelin," Diana offered. "Between our flying abilities and our technology, and my invisible plane as back-up, we should prevail. And I'm sorry sister," she turned to Roxy. "But this time I think it would be wise for you to stay behind."

"No arguments there," Roxy laughed. "I've seen enough movies to know that the non-powered one just might get in the way. I'll man the fort... so to speak."

"Red Tornado will join you," Plastic Man, who had morphed a cape similar to his android colleague's, added. "I DID tell old Reddy that if we go somewhere tech fails, well.. what's gonna happen to him?" Plas mimicked a collapsed robot to emphasize his point.

"That is more than a little disturbing..." Kimiyo rolled her eyes.

"Then we're all set." Inferno (Dirk) turned to Jazmin. "Have you traced the signal yet?"

"This is the best I can do, I'm afraid," Jazmin sighed. "The signal leads somewhere in the middle of the Pacific, but I can't pinpoint it any closer than this range..." The map showed an area stretching from Hawaii to the Philippines.

"Then we'll just have to move fast," Superman said.


**********************************************

IB's notes:

1) In terms of prolonged separations, Garth was temporarily kicked out of the Legion (LSH 64-80, L* 20-36); there was the Team 20/30 split (LSH 85-100, L* 41-56), and of course Garth was "dead" for a while from Legion Lost 12 up to Legion 25).
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Note: shout out to Gaseous Lad for giving feedback on my plot outline smile

Somewhere in the Pacific Ocean, 21st century Earth

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

Superboy, Connor Kent/Kon-El of Earth; tactile telekinetic forcefield that approximates super-strength, invulnerability and fight (Teen Titans; also Honorary Legionnaire)

Firestorm, Jason Rusch and Ronnie Raymond of Earth (merged being); nuclear energy manipulation, molecular reconstruction, phasing, flight (Justice League)

Inferno, Sandy Anderson of Earth; pyrokinesis (Legion ally, former Workforce member)

Aura, Lindsay Wah of Earth; magnetokinesis
Frostbite, unknown of Earth; cryokinesis
Maya, Chandi Gupta of Earth; hydrokinesis and pyrokinesis
Merryman, Myron Victor of Earth; leadership skills and intelligence

*************************************************

"This is not enough water for me!" Frostbite snapped. "Even without my powers, my physiology requires more water than the average human!"

"Yeah, well, complain to the judge!" Aura snapped back. "With those #$*(*$!) blocking the river that runs through our camp, we can't do anything about it!"

Mutters erupted through the crowd. "This is not sustainable, Cosmic Boy," Maya whispered to Rokk. "Everyone realizes we only have a limited amount of supplies..."

"... we cannot outwait the enemy," Merryman finished. "And the new heads we've accepted into our camp are fueling disgruntlement." Seven more youths had accepted the offer of peace, and had initially been met with a warm welcome... which had slowly turned sour as another group, led by someone called Sun Girl, had formed a perimeter around the camp - blocking off access to food sources. And they had dammed up the river as well; water still flowed, but it was a trickle compared to what they used to have.

"Looks like it's time for a Cos rallying speech," Imra smiled encouragingly at Rokk.

Rokk smiled. "Ah, you always have my back during those." Clambering up the lookout tower, Cos waved his arms. "Everyone, listen up! I know you're tired, scared and frustrated. You're worried that we will starve ourselves out and overrun. But please remember, we ARE all in this together - every single one of us know what each of the others is going through!" Murmurs ceased as heads turned to him. "We are all cut off from our loved ones, and we can't use the powers that are a gift to us. And we're surrounded by an unknown number outside."

"He sure is making it sound bad..." Firestorm raised an eyebrow.

"I've listened to him enough times to know," Imra shook her head. "He won't hide the truth, but that's part of his magic."

"But we ARE all in this together, all of us here," Rokk continued. "That's why each of us decided to join our group, right? Because we believe that we can all win and thrive together. Now, we're going to think our way out of this - but we can't do our best thinking like this. Take a break, just an hour's break - refresh yourselves, get to know each other - and then we'll gather into a council of war. We CAN get through this, and we will!"

Small cheers erupted through the crowd, and even the less-enthused nodded among themselves. As Cos clambered back down, Imra and Ming reached out to help him. "Classic Cos," Imra's eyes twinkled.

"Thanks... now we just need to deliver." Weariness crossed Rokk's face for a moment. "I wish we had Brainy and Lyle along..."

"We'll make do," Ming teased. "We'll make do."

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Somewhere else in the Pacific Ocean, 21st century Earth

Legion of Super-Heroes

Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis, can see heat signatures
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion leader.
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation

Justice League

Doctor Light, Kimiyo Hoshi of Japan, Earth: photokinesis, light absorption, physicist
Plastic Man, Patrick "Eel" O'Brian of Earth; malleable fluid physiology that allows for shape-shifting, invulnerability
Superman, Kal-El of Krypton / secret identity Clark Kent of Earth: enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Wonder Woman, Diana of Themyscira, Earth: enhanced speed, strength, durability, flight; lasso of truth, magical bracelets, combat expert

*************************************************

"See anything?" Doctor Light asked Superman. As both of them could fly much faster than the Quinjet, they had already begun scouring the Pacific in a circular motion, starting from the outside in.

"No, though I was afraid of this," Superman replied. He wished they could split up to cover more ground, but agreed it was wise to stick together when dealing with unknown quantities. What also tested his patience was that they were not flying at top speed - just in case they ran into something unexpected.

"Hold that thought," Superman felt his body lurch forward as his flight powers left him. "If you please..."

"Got you," Doctor Light formed a hard-light platform under Superman, and slowly pulled him to her - she had remained several kilometers back just in case such a thing would happen. "Looks like our caution paid off."

"You were, indeed, right. Now let's see what we can find..." After radioing the Quinjet, Superman began to scan the area using his array of vision powers. "I see... a blind spot."

"So do I," Inferno offered as he floated up to them. "It appears hazier somehow, to my heat signature vision. Even if normal vision just shows me clouds and water."

"And my quantum bubbles tell me there is something," Kid Quantum added.

"Time to use what we've learned," Doctor Light waved her hands. "If I twist the wavelengths like so..."

The sky before them shimmered for a moment. Then suddenly, a large transparent dome appeared... and within it, an island with dense jungle... and one lone, plain building on it. Except said building looked like a very high-grade military installation.

"How did someone hide an island here?" Inferno gasped. "All the maps show nothing!" Then he looked around. "I can see one heat signature in that building... and dozens, more than a hundred, in the jungle! Most are concentrated there," he pointed at a spot near the center.

"Best guess? Artificial island. Or maybe magical," Superman responded. "But want to guess that that installation is what blocks powers from working?" Heat vision blasted from his eyes, but fizzled as it hit the dome.

“Okay, at least it looks like our powers work as long as we don’t touch the dome… but how do we get through?”

"Allow me," Kid Quantum unleashed a cascade of quantum bubbles on a spot in the shield. "Whatever this thing is, I'm betting it can still decay... There." Satisfied with her work, Jazmin waved her hand to show a small circular hole, no bigger than a teacup. "I trust this works for you?"

"It's perfect," Superman and Doctor Light said in unison as they fired at the building.

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

The alarm bells alerted Harvest to the breaching of his dome. He looked up from his intent study of the dynamics among his captives - he had already marked Sun Girl and Persuader as potential platoon leaders - and stared, slack-jawed, at his monitors. All he saw was a flashing pulse of red before all his machinery burned out.

Securi-drones turned visible all over the island and dropped, powerless, onto the ground.

Cursing, he reached for his personal time-travel device. Everyone on this island would regain their powers - including telepaths and others who could find and catch him. He needed to jump, and he could return and target those he wanted...

"I assume this is your escape plan." A blue-and-red blur appeared before him, yanking the handheld device from him. In a millisecond, Superman had crushed the device and sent Harvest flying with a flick of his thumb.

Groaning, Harvest willed himself to get up. His head was swimming. He... he felt something tighten around his shoulders and arms, forcing them tight around his torso. "How do we ensure your captives are rescued safely?" Wonder Woman asked as she pulled Harvest up with her lasso.

Despite himself, Harvest began to talk.

"Are you getting this, team?" Wonder Woman asked grimly through the comms link.

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

"But what if we..." Superboy began. Then he stared in wonder as the table in front of him hovered into the air.

"I can hear your minds!" Saturn Girl breathed, eyes wide.

"We have our powers back! Finally!" Sandy Anderson wreathed herself in fire.

"Oh no," Cosmic Boy and Merryman said in unison. "That means... so do they."

"Behind me!" Firestorm conjured up a metal shield as a blast of energy slammed into them!

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Mammoth roared as he pounded on the metal wall that appeared out of nowhere. "Raagh! Raaagh! Let us in!"

"Stand aside, brother. One touch and this shield will disappear," Shimmer grinned as she reached out to teach the metal wall.

"I don't care about them," Persuader muttered. "I want off this island."

"And I want revenge on whomever brought us here," Sun Girl smiled as she marveled at the flames surrounding her. "But I wouldn't mind cooking some super-powered goody-goodies first..."

She watched as Shimmer reached out to touch the metal wall...

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

"It's okay," Saturn Girl smiled. "We're safe. You can drop the shield, Firestorm."

"Are you sure?" Firestorm asked dubiously.

"She's the best telepath where we come from," Cosmic Boy laughed. "You can trust her."

"Okay..." with a wave of his hands, Firestorm transmuted his shield into harmless gas...

... and Live Wire flew right through and grabbed Saturn Girl in his arms. "Imra!"

"Oh, Garth! As soon as my telepathy came back, I felt your mind like a beacon..."

"Save it for the wedding, you two," Rokk stepped forward, arms outstretched.

"Come here, you," Garth pulled Rokk close. "Just for this, I'm making you pay for the bachelor party!"

"They're all... Frozen.. in golden bubbles...?" Dumb Bunny whispered as she stared at the dozens of youths in front of them. Some were flying, some were running, but all seemed like statues.

"That would be me," Kid Quantum stepped forward. Before she could say anything more, Cosmic Boy had run to her and grabbed her up. "Jazmin, you came for me!"

"Of course I did," she chuckled. "Now please stop spinning me around so my quantum field doesn't slip."

"What a sweet little lovefest!!" Plastic Man's heart - or at least, a heart shape - pounded out comically from his body. "Now, the rest of you, help me tie these aggressive kids up, eh? With a twist, he lassoed Mammoth and Shimmer's forms and pulled them to one side. "And watch out for this one, she's a doozy!" He made sure not to touch Shimmer's glowing hands, instead binding them in front of her.

"That was almost anti-climactic... not that I'm complaining," Amp allowed herself to sit down for a bit, even as she glowed red. "I'm boosting your power, Kid Q."

"I guess all that's left is the clean-up, eh?" Superboy observed cheerfully as he lifted Gizmo** off the ground and began dismantling the mechanical constructs around him.

"That's not just an afterthought," Doctor Light said brusquely as she bound Sun Girl's arms in hard light. "We have to identify everyone, where and when each was taken, return them..." She trailed off as she spotted Maya. "Chandi!"

"Oh, Kimiyo!" Maya ran up to her former teammate**. "It's so good to see you!"

"I'm so glad you're safe, your parents were beside themselves when they called me!"

"See, she does have a heart," Plastic Man whispered into Kid Quantum's ear. "I figured that some time ago," Jazmin replied cheekily.

"Come on, let's hurry this up," Firestorm laughed as he generated protective handcuffs around the disarmed and still stasis-bound captives. "I think we deserve a party, after all we've been through."

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Gizmo (O'Jeneus) is the teenage son of the original Gizmo

2) Doctor Light and Maya were part of Justice League International together from issue 50-67
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Metropolis, 21st century Earth

Legion of Super-Heroes

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis, can see heat signatures
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion leader.
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

Inferno, Sandy Anderson of Earth; pyrokinesis (Legion ally, former Workforce member)
Superboy, Connor Kent/Kon-El of Earth; tactile telekinetic forcefield that approximates super-strength, invulnerability and fight (Honorary Legionnaire, and Teen Titan)
Rond Vidar of Earth (Greece and Iran); scientist specializing in time studies (Legion ally and support staff)

Justice League

Doctor Light, Kimiyo Hoshi of Japan, Earth: photokinesis, light absorption, physicist
Firestorm, Jason Rusch and Ronnie Raymond of Earth (merged being); nuclear energy manipulation, molecular reconstruction, phasing, flight
Plastic Man, Patrick "Eel" O'Brian of Earth; malleable fluid physiology that allows for shape-shifting, invulnerability
Red Tornado, John Smith of Earth, android body, aerokinesis
Superman, Kal-El of Krypton / secret identity Clark Kent of Earth: enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers
Wonder Woman, Diana of Themyscira, Earth: enhanced speed, strength, durability, flight; lasso of truth, magical bracelets

Maya, Chandi Gupta of Earth; hydrokinesis and pyrokinesis
Roxy Leech of Earth; police officer and friend of Superboy's (also: member of the Hawaii Special Crimes Unit)

*************************************************

The mood was festive as the Leaguers and Legionnaires shared a quick meal at the Hall of Justice. The last of the other captives had gone off - after a fairly thorough process. Most had returned to their families or friends or teams; those who had been fugitives or incarcerated had been remanded into custody. Brainiac 5 and Rond Vidar had been summoned, and they had brought a handful of other Legionnaires to clean up Harvest's island* - including XS and Kinetix for a super-speed psychokinetic clean-up, Gear and Shvaughn Erin to assist in collecting and cataloguing the devices (though even the Science Police's extensive databases could not help identify most of them; Gear's techno-organic abilities had been much more helpful in this regard!), Dreamer and Shikari to assist in divining where everyone should be returned, and Echo and Blizzard had managed to worm themselves into the mission to gawk at some of their 21st century heroes. Harvest himself was sealed harmlessly away in a League prison cell.

Aura had said goodbye to old teammate Superboy first; but not before she and Roxy took time to tease him about his fashion sense through the years. With a promise to keep in touch and visit Hawaii soon, Aura left with a smile.

Maya's parents had come to pick her up, both fussing over her. They had brought enough biryani and butter chicken to feed everyone twice over. With a promise to visit Doctor Light and her two children, Maya had given her love to the League and left for home.

Also with a promise to visit, but only if Roxy could come along, Superboy and Roxy soon departed as well - though not without a discreet invitation to the wedding of Live Wire and Saturn Girl. "I would love to invite everyone here," Garth whispered, "but our guest list is overflowing as it is!" "Besides," Imra agreed, "I don't think Superboy actually CAN come to our wedding, time travel restrictions and all..."

"... Funny that that female Persuader seems to be the ancestor of our time's Persuader," Amp noted. "I checked her file out of curiosity."

"Yeah, and also weird that that Sun Girl's real name is Deborah Morgna, and she claims to come from the future..." Dirk Morgna looked a little disturbed by it. "But nobody knows if it's before our time, or after."

"Best not worry about it," Brainiac 5 said, all the while tinkering on his Omnicom. "Take it from me - your ancestors', or descendants', actions are beyond your own control.**" Turning to the rest of the group, he called. "We should not linger too much. The stress to the timestream..."

"... will be devastating. We know, we know," his Legionnaire teammates laughed.

"One last drink, nerd!" Sandy Anderson said rudely as she downed a Blue Moon beer. "It ain't Silverale, but it's still good!"

"Inferno, there is something I have to talk to you about..." Cosmic Boy said urgently. As her eyes flashed and flame erupted from her hands, Rokk held his hands out towards Sandy in a gesture of peace. "Please, just hear me out. I won't force you to do anything, I wouldn't think about it." Dirk Morgna and Kid Quantum stood protectively behind Rokk; neither of them had much personal experience with Sandy, but those who did had warned them about her volatility AND her lack of qualms about burning someone to death***.

"Oh, stop hovering around like that," Sandy glared at them. "I don't go around burning people who don't deserve it... and my threshold for "who deserves it" has changed since I've been here. Also- " she poked a finger into Rokk's chest - "stop calling me Inferno, you all already know I'm Sandy. I'm no superhero, so little firebug over there - "she gestured towards Dirk dismissively - "can keep using MY old codename." Dirk's ears turned red at this; though his encounter with Sandy had gone better than he'd expected. At least she had laughed in his face, instead of challenging him to a duel.

Sandy grabbed another Blue Moon and opened it. Taking a big gulp, she crossed her arms and faced Rokk. "Spit it out."

"We found someone who believes he is your cousin," Rokk explained. "He is mentally disturbed, and has been prone to violent outbursts since we encountered him."

"And what do I care? I never met my cousins, or any family besides my parents," Sandy shook her head.

"Aren't you the least bit curious about your past?" Jazmin asked.

"Why? I've dealt with my demons and all that," Sandy sniffed in contempt. "It doesn't matter."

"Don't you at least miss the future?" Rokk continued. "You won't have any obligations to us. We won't ask you to stay, or be connected, with the Legion in any way. We just hope that you'll see that poor man, he's in such turmoil. Then you can go do whatever you want, go wherever you want. No strings attached."

"Huh," Sandy took a swig of her beer thoughtfully. "If it's you saying that, I believe it... And much as I've grown to like the beer here, Silverale IS still better." She set her empty bottle down. "I gotta call someone before we go."

"I can help," Saturn Girl offered. "A friend? Do you know where this person is, broadly?"

"Not quite a friend," Sandy said flatly. She pictured Jilly Major****, and as she let Imra's telepathy touch her mind, she thought about where she had met Jilly. The mall had been closed, so Jilly wasn't there, but Imra soon found her a small distance away. Through Imra's telepathy, a glowing pink image of Sandy manifested in front of Jilly. "Hey Jilly, it's me," Sandy thought, not wanting Jilly to panic.

"Whoa, this is... cool!" Jilly gasped as she reached out to touch Sandy's pink form. "Where've you been? I haven't seen you since... well, forever!" Jilly thought back.

"I'm not really here, this is me talking telepathically. Listen, I'm going back home, where I came from. You're the only one here really worth saying goodbye to. I might be back, and if I am I'll look you up, k?"

"Yeah, sure... I had fun hanging out," Jilly said, a bit awkwardly. They hadn't really been friends, but they had shared some time together. "Have a safe trip."

"Yeah, thanks. Keep out of trouble, k?" And the connection winked out. "You say a word of this to anyone..." Sandy whispered to Imra.

"I connected both of you, I didn't listen in," Imra replied. She'd had enough experience with Sandy to know that a straight answer was best.

"Good," Sandy said as she walked towards the Time Platform. "Well, let's get going, then. I want a proper sonic scrub."

Goodbyes were said all around, a few holos were taken for the memories, and congratulations were given to Imra and Garth for their coming wedding. Rond and Brainiac 5 bestowed a chronal signal amplifier to the League; as long as it was kept in League Headquarters, the Legion could travel there through time. Both teams promised to use it should they ever need the other's help, though neither really thought they would use it due to the tricky nature of time travel.

And with a last hearty wave from both sides, the Legionnaires and their friends returned home.


*************************************************
IB's notes:

1) I didn't list them all here, so feel free to use your imagination as to which Legionnaires came to help wink

2) We all know Brainiac 5 has had less than savory ancestors/descendants: original Brainiac, Lyrl Dox, his own mother Brainiac 4, and some evil Brainiacs in the future...

3) In her first appearance (Legionnaires 21), she burned a robber to death - though he did shoot first. When she was stranded in the 20th century with the team (LSH 85-100), she toned down her tendencies a bit.

4) Jilly is the one girl who was truly nice to Inferno during her mini-series... yes, she had one! and Jilly was with Inferno during her fight with the psychic vampire thingie.
well gang, I finally stopped being lazy and wrote this out! I tend to write in feverish bursts, so I went and finished the Search for Cosmic Boy!

Looking back on what I promised... here is what is up next, and I promise I will do my best not to wait so long in between posts again :-)

Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
2) Live Wire and Saturn Girl's wedding!

3) What has Star Boy been planning re Xanthu?

4) Tryouts! Tryouts! Tryouts!

5) more on the Pig and Kono mystery...
Posted By: razsolo Re: The Search for Cosmic Boy / 19 September - 08/03/22 09:04 AM
First of all...
Quote
this thread has been dormant almost long enough to have a human baby
laugh laugh laugh laugh

Secondly, my reaction to new Post ZH: Proty Proty Proty

I will read and respond post-haste!
Originally Posted by razsolo
First of all...
my reaction to new Post ZH: Proty Proty Proty

I will read and respond post-haste!


Ditto! gotta run out to meet a friend but hopefully will have time later today, if not then definitely Friday!
Posted By: razsolo Re: The Search for Cosmic Boy / 19 September - 08/03/22 10:11 AM
Okay I'm diving in!

- you are really digging up the obscure heroes here! The only ones I know are Frostbite and Maya, and even that is just second-hand - love me some underdogs!

- I like the continuation of Imra having to adjust to losing her powers...it makes so much sense that she would have difficulty adjusting, having telepathy from birth must make it so second nature even when you're not consciously using it for communication/mind-reading all the time

- I also liked Cos just naturally taking on the leadership role...I know that's been his thing since 5YL but the reboot was the first time that I feel like he really earned it

- I honestly noped out of the whole Harvest storyline in the comics because it was so 90s EXTREEEEEEEEEME storytelling, and Brett Booth's art makes my eyes bleed; but his little interlude here actually makes him a super interesting antagonist, good work IB!

- OMG WHITE FEATHER! Dumb Bunny better be here somewhere laugh

- DUMB BUNNY!!! laugh laugh

- it looks like the whole Inferior 5 are here...I feel like this is gonna be their redemption, just like with the 5YL Subs smile

- I like the Legionnaires being concerned about Superboy and Firestorm surviving for history's sake, that's some classic time traveller stuff!

- Inferno!! smile

- Sun Girl is another one I haven't heard of before! Deborah Morgna, huh? Interesting...

- Wonder Woman looking after Garth was heartwarming and in character smile

- JLA to the rescue! I am liking Dr Light's position on this team, it's a shame she's hardly ever used to her potential in the comics

- I actually love that Harvest was so easily dealt with, it's what he deserves!

- Brainy being the one to give sage advice on not stressing about your awful family members was a nice touch smile

Quote
Both teams promised to use it should they ever need the other's help, though neither really thought they would use it
...well, if this don't just sound like the start of an annual team-up wink

This was thoroughly enjoyable, IB - well worth waiting for!

I am looking forward to the tryouts, and Garth and Imra's wedding!
Raz, Harbi, you both are so sweet - thank you smile
IB, hi there, will write my thoughts as I go through your story;

Big named characters being targets makes sense - if you want to make a name for yourself you need to beat those 'higher' on the list.

Firestorm still having flaming hair while the rest of his abilities are neutralised? Does this mean that the physical properties of a captive stays the same?

No idea who Aura is but it makes sense that some of the group of kidnapped kids will know of each other.

Bit worrying that despite being held for a while Rokk hasn't been able to find out anything.

Interesting watching Imra deal with losing her telepathy - it's something she probably uses without consciously trying. Though Rokk's natural charismatic optimism is a treat to read, and Imra realising it was sweet. She's smart enough to realise how useful that skill is in these circumstances.

"Why, it was almost as if this "Cosmic Boy" came from another, more enlightened time!" - well, the C universe has been pretty grim over the last few years so that's a valid point really smile

Harvest setting the groups against each other - nasty! Still, a bit od action is always appreciated smile

White Feather? From the Inferior Five? Excellent!

Rokk's faith in the camp mates when he can't contact them tells us a lot about his character. Nce that he reminds himself of the times he's suceeded as a way to keep his spirits up.

White Feather having a fear of his bow giving him splinters was funny. Nice work between firstorm and him, using flaming arrows to scare away the attacks is clever.

Oh, who is the 'prisoner' that she knows Connor already?

Merryman, yay, it is the Inferior Five, wonder how the Blimp is coping without being able to fly?

Inferno - fab, she's always fun, so long as she doesn't like murder anyone of course...

Making signs so anyone approaching knows they are safe so long as they are peaceful is clever, nice way to hopefully avoid any misunderstanding. And sandy not being keen on returning to the 31st century is unexpected, though she is volatile so who knows what's going on in her head?

Clever to think about puting the camp in a siege, No food ot water will drive people to do crazy things. This is looking increasing dangerous, though hopefully the camp has some reserves.

No idea who Sun Girl is but I assume she's related to Dirk? Ah, just read your note, fair enough smile

Garth getting emotional around Wonder woman was sweet.

Dr Light approving of Jazmin's idea - high praise indeed! Good characterisation of her as she's usually quite two dimensional.

"I've seen enough movies to know that the non-powered one just might get in the way." Nice to challenge these tropes IB

The camp running out of supplies - or even just being aware that they are limited, will bring out the worst of people's natures - we are selfish beasts at heart, I suppose, when it comes to survival. still, It's nice that Rokk giving one of his legendary speeches will helped placate those that are scared.

Glad that Supes paid attention and didn't go rushing in, and Jaz providing the gap in the shield that allowed the heat vision/ light blast to reach the target was nice teamwork.

The last sentence is unfinished here IB - cut n paste missed a bit - don't you hate it when it does that?

Wonder Woman took out Harvest very quickly, and with lassoe around him the team will soon have e info they need, nice!

Quick thinking of Firestorm before they get charged. Interesting, Shimmer's transmutation against Firestorm - wonder who would win?

And Jaz freezing the attacking force is such a great application of her abilities - why fight when you don't need to?

"See, she does have a heart," haha, yeah, nice.

The after-party was fun, and of course a lot of Legionnaires would want to join in, How often do they get the chance to spend quality time with the Justice League? Hope this leads to the odd team-up as it's been a fun excursion.

"your ancestors', or descendants', actions are beyond your own control." - if there's one person who knows this it's Vrainy, good bit of charactisation there.

Sweet that Sandy wanted to say goodbye to her friend - an unexpected bit of depth for her.

Somehow I think - or at least hope - that this isn't the last bit of time travel that the team will see.

Wow, I've caught up already. So, IB this was fun, you're really good at your character development, bringin out believable nuances in otherwise flat characters.

Looking forward to more, more and more - and hoping it won't be another six months!
Raz, Harbi, thanks tons for your R&R - I will go through and give a proper response later, for now I skimmed through and this caught my eye -



Originally Posted by Harbinger
The last sentence is unfinished here IB - cut n paste missed a bit - don't you hate it when it does that?


whhops and mega thanks Harbi! I was actually editing that bit on my phone in bed, I was mulling through something and wanted to fix it - which I did, except it left a typo, haha! fixed now, thanks tons!
ok now I have the time to give your responses the attention they deserve smile I'm too lazy to quote so please bear with my bullet points smile

Raz:

- I do like giving obscure heroes their time in the limelight tongue though this was also out of practicality, if the area had been full of Robin or even Beast Boy level types, we'd have heard about it sooner tongue I did have fun (and some trouble) searching for suitably obscure types with enough personality to work with, lol!

- I am super glad you found this Harvest interesting, I agree I did NOT like his actual comics storyline, and was hoping to end it a bit better. Glad it worked for you!

- The Inferior Five were so not planned, but I realized that Firestorm's flaming head could be useful... and I was searching for DC archers not tied to the Green Arrow family... and out popped White Feather! it was too good to pass up, especially as I read the Inferior Five's origin and their Subs team up - so I was already a big fan! I hope I used them well enough!

- also pleased you like how Diana and Kimiyo both were used. Yeah, Kimiyo's science-y smarts are often underplayed smile and one reason I love Diana so much, she's a warrior but also a leader full of heart

- totally agree that Reboot Cos earned his leader rep, he had a tough job at the beginning eh!

- and glad you approve of nasty Harvest being taken down so fast. he was so vile and nasty in the comics that I really enjoyed giving him some comeuppance

- and glad you liked the Brainy reference to his ancestors smile

- ... and I enjoyed writing the League so much I would certainly love to have them pop in from time to time smile

Harbi:

- yup, actually the "physical properties of a captive" bit was something I had to write in - as I was drafting my outline I realized, OK I have Firestorm along, but do I want to deal with the whole "actually, he is two guys in one body blah blah..." and I think in the comics we had a bunch of captives Titans with obvious physical "mutations" (like Wildfire) who remained that way. So whew! I killed two birds with one stone there... and I just hand-waved it away with future tech tongue

- yeah, I didn't want to leave this part too boring, so I needed a good old siege/fight scene tongue

- glad you liked Cosmic Boy's speeches, I loved that about Reboot Cos - he'd make speeches that never seemed too trite or fluffy, but had a good amount of substance! and agree re the faith in his team! now that I think about it, it must have started during his sports career...

- yes! another Inferior Five fan! I ran out of space to write the Blimp in, but he was definitely there too wink

- yeah, I haven't read much about Sun Girl, but Deathstroke once said she was a great manipulator - so she seemed like the type who would think of something nasty and effective, like a siege

- glad you're liking Kimiyo's portrayal here. indeed, she's demanding but fair...

- and yeah, when I thought about it, this Garth and Imra have been through so much it makes sense Garth would be more than a bit worried smile

- oh that would have been nice, Firestorm vs. Shimmer transmuting! but alas indeed, I thought I had dragged this out long enough so some clever teamwork and power applications saved the day wink

- I did enjoy writing this so much that I will probably have a team-up again at some point smile and if I were a Legionnaire I'd do my best to get in on this mission too tongue

- re Sandy, yeah, I forced myself to read her mini and saying a quick bye seemed apt!

- also re Sandy not wanting to return to the 30th century, we will get more into that later wink but a lot of her reaction was more: she didn't like that people would assume she wanted to return wink

- and glad you liked the Brainy reference to his ancestors smile

- and thank you, thank you tons for your kind words re the characterization!


thanks again both! more to come soon-ish for sure, I've already started drafting the Imra/Garth wedding bit wink will definitely not wait too long this time!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Wedding of the Century - 08/06/22 08:15 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Metropolis, 31st century Earth, a few decades from now...


Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

********************************************************

"Happy 50th anniversary, my little lightning bug," Imra Ardeen telepathically sent as she kissed her husband, Garth Ranzz. Garth passionately returned the kiss, then stopped with a laugh. "No fair, you can talk AND kiss at the same time!" He laughed as Imra play-swatted at his arm. Then his face softened. "I love you, my little pink ponytail."

Imra made a show of patting her well-coiffed hair, worn loose and elaborately styled with tiny replicas of Saturn. "After 50 years, we should have come up with a nickname that fits all occasions."

Garth's eyes twinkled. "I'll put that on my to-do list, after: enjoying our anniversary party, AND the honeymoon after."

Imra laughed. "After all this time, though, nothing can compare to our actual wedding!"

"I still remember it like it was yesterday," Garth grinned. "Of course, I did just watch it yesterday..." He fished out a small, gray, circular disk and offered it to Imra. "Jancel helped me make this."

Imra's eyes widened. "Is that... A memory disk?"

"Surprise. I know telepaths relive memories differently, so Jancel I went out to friends and family and had them share their memories of..." Before Garth could finish, Imra had kissed him full on the lips.

"I think you realize how much I like it," Imra telepathically sent. "We have enough time, why don't we..."

"Yes," Garth sent back. His felt his mind open, as his wife put the disk to her forehead and drank the memories in.

*********************************************

Legion World, 31st century Earth, today

"Thanks!" Jancel Ardeen telepathically sent, barely glancing at her startled Kwai guide as ran through the Threshold chamber. "Sprock, Sprock, Sprock!" she thought to herself as she accessed the directions her sister Imra had planted in her mind. Turn right at the hallway, past the toilets and the giant Venusian Scarletbird plant...

... after running what felt like a dozen kliks, Jancel came to a halt in front of the Allon banquet room. Steeling herself, she burst through the doors. "I'm sorry I'm late!" she stammered, as dozens of eyes turned to her. She recognized her soon-to-be brother-in-law Garth frown at her, while Mekt Ranzz turned dismissively away. Several others shot disapproving glares at her.

"If you would come over here, Jancel," Marla Latham ushered her to one side. "We were just rehearsing the wedding party entrance; you can slot yourself in at your spot."

Jancel stammered as she searched for Imra. But she didn't have to; a telepathic harangue entered her mind. "I can't believe you're late!" Imra yelled. "And after I pressed Garth to let you be co-maid of honor alongside Ayla!"

"Imra, I can expl-"

"No! I know we're not close, Jancel, but you're still my sister! If you're going to be like this during the real wedding-"

Jancel felt her face turn beet red. Imra had spent most of her childhood in the Titan Institute, so they had not really grown up together... but she definitely had their father's temper. And if she was just like their father, she knew she'd have to wait until Imra cooled down before stating her piece, unless...

"Imra. Let Jancel say her piece," their mother sent. Ah, mom was the one person who could calm their father down...

Taking the opportunity, Jancel slipped in. "I'm sorry, Imra, I really am. I'm only late because I was trying to use the Titanet* to see if any emergencies would pop up on your wedding day, and I had to do it now as my admin request hadn't been approved yet, and I had to get my Naltorian partner to discreetly do it, and this is the only time Chief Adept is away so we could do so undetected, and.... I just wanted to make sure nothing bad would happen on your wedding you know? After all the years I spent being mean to you growing up, I thought this was the most special wedding gift I could give, one that nobody else really could, and... and of course I won't be late to your real wedding, how could I? You're my only sister..."

Her stomach twisted for a second. Then, Jancel could feel the guilt and understanding radiating from her sister, and the pride from her mother.

"Oh Jancel, I'm so sorry..."

"You're nervous, I get it," Jancel replied, mentally consoling Imra and sending her a hug.

"We'll hug in proper later," Imra beamed.

Before Jancel could react, Marla Latham tapped her lightly on the shoulder. "Jancel?"

"Oh, I'm sorry," Jancel shook her head, stemming her telepathy so she could react. She was nowhere near as talented as her prodigious sister, who could focus on multiple telepathic conversations and switch back to using her ears in a flash.

"Let's take a break after this, Marla," Imra said verbally this time. She gave Jancel a warm, and slightly guilty, smile as she addressed the party. "Jancel just came from a Titanet shift, part of which she used to see if any warning signs would pop up on our day. For a telepath, being connected to the Titanet can be pretty taxing."

Jancel saw Garth smile sheepishly, while the handsome Mekt gave her an approving nod. Several other party members murmured approvingly, and even Marla Latham's smile softened. "Okay, after we finish this round, we will pause. If you please, Miss Jancel?"

Jancel beamed as she stepped in beside Ayla, who winked at her. Settling into place, she marched along the aisle, satisfied that she had taken a big step forward in making nice with her sister.

********************************************************

Imra's eyes popped open. "Wow, I really gave Jancel a tongue-lashing..."

"It happens," Garth soothed her. "You were under a lot of stress, after all." He poured her a glass of her favorite kono punch. "And you more than made up for it."

"Especially at her own wedding," Imra took the glass with a smile. "Though I always feel like I can do more... but Jancel's memory helps show me I'm on the right track..."

"That you are," Garth smiled. "Want to dive into another one?"

"Let's look at one from your side of the family..."

********************************************************

Ayla Ranzz strode purposely through the halls of Legion World, casually darting in between staff and cadets alike. Today was her twin brother's wedding, and she was going to do everything in her power to make it perfect.

"Did you suddenly develop super-speed overnight?" Reep Daggle's head loomed in front of her. Ayla flicked his nose with her finger. "Not now, Cham. I'm going to meet Mekt and walking with him to the chapel" Her eyes briefly followed Reep's stretched neck to his body, which was purposefully striding hard to catch up to her. "Nice suit, by the way."

"Thanks, I shapeshifted it myself," Reep said wryly. "Though I should probably change to match you a bit better." He subtly shifted the color to a dark blue, so it more closely matched the light blue Ayla wore now - the same color that her - and Live Wire's - Legion uniforms were.

Without breaking stride, Ayla gave Reep a thumbs-up. "Wow, not even Zoe could have done it better. Now hurry up, or you'll be without a date to..." Ayla cut off as she rounded a corner.

Mekt looked like a lightning beast frozen in a Khundian battlewagon's laser targeting. Though he was dressed in an immaculate blue suit, and his long white hair tied neatly in a ponytail, tears streaked down his face.

And across him, a purple-skinned woman with white hair pointed a blaster at him.

"I knew you'd be here, you murderous squaj," the woman said through gritted teeth. "You killed my father all those years ago on Bisbe**. He was a good man, and now it's payback time!"

Ayla's hands began to crackle with electricity, while Reep's form began to shift.

"W-w-wait!" Mekt held out his hands. "D-do-don't hurt her, Ayla!"

"Mekt, what are you-" Ayla began.

"Don't try to trick me!" The woman yelled.

"I-I-I'm not!" Mekt pleaded, holding his hands parallel to the ground. "I think about the people I killed every day, and I really am sorry - sorry I killed them, and sorry for the ones left behind to suffer." He dropped to his knees.

"I wish... I wish I could bring them back, but I can't." He stretched a hand out. "Ever since I got treated I... I know how wrong I was. I am sorry... I am really sorry..."

The woman seemed stunned, and lowered her blaster. She stared with hatred at Mekt. Then, without warning, she kicked him hard in the side.

"Hey-!" Ayla began.

"Don't worry," the woman said. She handed the blaster to Ayla. "It's fake... I just wanted to see this worm grovel. But he's just a pathetic shell now... and at least I have the satisfaction of knowing he is suffering." Without even a backwards glance, she started walking away.

Reep took the blaster and examined it quickly. "It IS fake," he said. "I think we can let her go."

"I don't want her to get into trouble," Mekt was shaking on the floor. "I hurt her enough already..."

"Maybe we can send her and her family a gift after all this," Ayla said gently as she knelt beside Mekt. "I think you did the right thing, apologizing to her like that."

"I shouldn't have said yes to Garth," Mekt sobbed. "What will people think, Live Wire with his murderer brother Lightning Lord as one of his Best Men?"

"Oh Mekt," Ayla stroked Mekt's hair. "You were sick. That wasn't your fault. You're getting better now." She moved his head so he looked into her eyes. "You can say sorry in your speech. You can start doing things to help others. But today, you're going to do your best for your brother, while he marries the love of his life. Okay?"

Wiping his tears, Mekt sat up. His lips twisted into a faint smile. "Okay... Sister."

Ayla stood up, and reached a hand out to Mekt. He took it, pulling himself up. "I think I need a tissue," he sniffled.

Reep raised his hands. "Don't look at me... I can shapeshift into one, but your snot will still be on me!"

Ayla smacked him on the arm, even as she laughed. "Ewwwww, Reep, just ewwwww." Taking Cham's hand in her left, and Mekt's hand in her right, Ayla dragged them both down the hallway.


********************************************************

Garth's eyes snapped open. "Ayla told me about this, but perceiving it is so... different." He grabbed a glass for himself, but this time he poured in some pluberry wine. Taking a sip, he shook his head. "Siblings! Can't live with them, can't live without them."

Imra ruffled his hair. "We love all our siblings."

Garth nodded. "Mekt did his best... sent that woman's kids to some of the top universities in the UP, even. Helped families of other victims too... I'm proud of him."

"And he knows that," Imra held Garth's hand.

Garth took another sip. "Ready for the next one," he said as he clutched Imra's hand tighter.

********************************************************
IB's notes:

1) The Titanet (introduced in Legion Worlds 3) was a device that harnessed the telepathic abilities of multiple Titanians to allow for long-range, interplanetary communications. Dreamer explored connecting her Naltorian precognition to it, to see if it could be used as an early warning system for the UP (Legion 19). In various parts of my fic, I expanded the idea to include several Naltorians joining Titanians in training to combine their abilities to detect threats and immediately warn the areas affected.

2) LSH 73. Garth had been arrested, mistaken for Mekt. This officer realized Garth was Garth, and was intending to help him... and Mekt electrocuted him to break Garth out of jail.
Posted By: razsolo Re: The Search for Cosmic Boy / 19 September - 08/07/22 02:07 PM
This is really sweet, IB! Nice to know that Garth and Imra have a long life together ahead of them, and them looking back on their big day is a nice framing mechanism!

I like writing Mekt as a bad guy too much to have him reform yet, but I do like reading stories where he's rehabilitated....I feel like it fits into the generally optimistic vibe of the Legion's future smile
Thanks raz smile I was reflecting on my own recent wedding and thought of the looking back bit as a great framing mechanism. Garth and Imra have more than earned their happy ending

Re Mekt, part of me was sad to lose such a great villain, but DNA started it so I ran with it. It IS nice to see some bad guys reform - though there won’t be too many of them in this reality wink
WooHoo! More stuff! The Search for Cosmic Boy lives, and they find him! (unlike in the threeboot! smile )

This was a great unintended birthday present, Ibby! smile Sorry it took me a week to get to the read, but worth the wait.

Great read - and I had the same thought about Wildfire! laugh

Harvest seems to be very compelling - a villain from the far future! I love it.

And the uprising begins...

I'm not familiar with these Inferior Five characters (or the Fearsome Five, for that matter). I like how you're bringing these folks to life.

Aha! Inferno!! What is her deal about returning back home?

Cos as Pep Talk lad is always welcome!!

I like how this is kind of giving off a Lord of the Flies vibe with the two groups competing for resources.

Great unintended consequence here - the powers are back, but for EVERYONE.

Sandy drinks Blue Moon - I knew I didn't like her for a reason! laugh

At least the universe didn't explode when Dirk and Sandy met! LOL

This was a fun read, Ibby! Can't wait for more!!
glad the timing re your birthday worked well, GL smile and thanks for the support! Better late than never tongue

I am so glad Legion Lost 2 gave me precedent re the obvious physical mutations bit with Wildfire, lol!

Re Blue Moon, I feel a tad bad - it was the first beer I had immediately after landing in the USA on my very first visit, almost 20 years ago... lol!

thanks for the compliments re bringing unknown characters to life smile

yeah, early Reboot Cos did those Pep Talks so well, they should come back from time to time!

lol at that Dirk/Sandy meet up, it HAD to happen wink I'm super glad Sandy exists - most of my characters are so darned nice, it's good to have someone a but meaner and volatile to shake things up a bit. and she is WAY nastier than Triad Purple for example tongue
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
Re Blue Moon, I feel a tad bad - it was the first beer I had immediately after landing in the USA on my very first visit, almost 20 years ago... lol!

I apologize on behalf of the US. laugh

Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
lol at that Dirk/Sandy meet up, it HAD to happen wink I'm super glad Sandy exists - most of my characters are so darned nice, it's good to have someone a but meaner and volatile to shake things up a bit. and she is WAY nastier than Triad Purple for example tongue

Or Apparition XS laugh
I prefer Blue Moon to… gasp… Budweiser tongue
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
I prefer Blue Moon to… gasp… Budweiser tongue

But of course! smile
Somehow I totally missed the first wedding entry! This is so rad!

Love the fifty years in the future view back, as well as Jancel. I always wished they would have done a little more with her.

I thought the Mekt incident was where things were going to go sideways, but I guess not. laugh
Glad you like the framing device too! I love the idea that Garth and Imra have a long long happy marriage ahead of em tongue

Lol, I’m just gonna say a lot is happening at that wedding wink

Yeah, Jancel was underused for sure..
More so soon IB? It feels like X-mas laugh

This iis really sweet, the 50th anniversary for Garth and Imra and their reminiscing over the big day, and using a 'memory disc' so they can experience their guests memories is a very clver way to show it. I guess we know there's a happy ending - Garth and Imra are still together 50 years later, though I wonder what you'll reveal?

Jancel is Imra's reboot sister, yes?

Haha, should have read the next paragraph before writing that smile

Of course, reboot Mekt was on his way to redemption, that's nice - hopefully by 31st C there'll be a focus on rehabilitation rather than revenge within the justice system. And good to see Marla Lantham too.

Jancel being late as she was checking for potential problems was really sweet, bless her! We can only hope she was accurate and didn't miss anything...

Wonder what Imra means as she says "I'm on the right track"? What are your plans for the next 50 years of their relationship IB? wink I take it you're implying she has calmed down considerably.

Ayla's nerves show as she rushes throgh to meet Mekt, understandably.

Mekt's character, with his stutter and grief is a 180 degree turn from the 'classic' Mekt we know and despise.

It's not the best time for him to ne facing the consequences of his previous actions. The gun being a fake was a surprise, I expected a more physical confrontation. though the woman was surprisingly cold - "I just wanted to see this worm grovel. But he's just a pathetic shell now... and at least I have the satisfaction of knowing he is suffering." - I guess she's hurting too.

Eww! indeed, a snotty Chameleon wouldn't be a good look for the wedding holos smile

So, Mekt stayed sane then if he sent the woman's kids to a top university? Nice to slip that n there IB, a hopeful future for him.

Well, that was aa fun read, and it's nice toread something positive. Looking forward to more, more and so much more!
Hi Harbi, thanks as always for the read and review and your thorough commentary smile

I am a sucker for happy romantic endings, and I drew inspiration from my own recent developments smile I feel like Garth and Imra have been through so much, they will definitely still be together 50 years from now tongue not without bumps, as their sibling issues have shown tongue

And I do like a bit of hope, so Mekt will likely continue on the path to rehab - mainly because DNA have shown him doing that. tongue I'll need to find some other good villains to make up for that... though there is Magno's brother, so... wink wink

yeah, I was trying to think about how I would have that woman react. I thought it would be too neat to have her suddenly forgive Mekt, so I went for a bit of contempt. I also think it was a nice opportunity to show Mekt's progress, with him not retaliating.

glad you liked it, Harbi smile definitely more to come soon - I've changed my ways re months-long gaps! tongue tongue tongue
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Wedding of the Century - 08/09/22 06:31 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Metropolis, 31st century Earth, a few decades from now...


Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

********************************************************

Imra telepathically sifted through the memory disk. "Oh, THIS is a good one!" As soon as she began sharing it, a big smile spread across Garth's face...

********************************************************

Jazmin Cullen put the finishing touches on Rokk Krinn's bowtie. She stepped back, admiring her handiwork - it was perched just so in the middle of his light fuchsia suit. "You're definitely ready for anything - whether it's addressing the Kwai Matriarch or giving a speech at your best friend's wedding!"

"You mean friends', plural, right?" Rokk smiled. "We did found the Legion together; and though Tinya and Lu joined pretty quickly, we three were alone for a while..."

"I know," Jazmin said, suppressing a note of weariness in her voice. Before Rokk could pick up on it, she made a show of inspecting her earrings. She had traded in her usual large gold hoop earrings for a slightly smaller pair of gleaming platinum - transmuted by Element Lass so that a small impurity give the color a pinkish hue. "It's nice that we are on Imra's side of the party; I think pink suits me more than blue does."

"You look like the most stunning sentient this side of the universe," Rokk leaned in for a kiss.

"Oh now, only a smack on the cheek, you're not ruining my lipstick," Jazmin laughed. As Rokk kissed her, she fingered her flight ring absently. "I hope I don't look too gorgeous; everyone knows one should not upstage the bride."

Rokk tilted his head slightly. "Jazmin, is something wrong?"

"No, no." Jazmin said, almost too hastily. Then she sighed. "Ah, nobody could ever hide something from the Legion's very perceptive first leader eh?" She smoothed her dress to buy some time, then exhaled. "It's just... I often feel like Imra, more so than Garth, just kind of tolerates me, you know? You three ARE the founders, you three were tight, while I'm relatively newer. " She glanced at Rokk, and was pleased he didn't open his mouth yet - he WAS a good listener. "And I know I've earned my stripes, but... I... when we had the elections * after fighting Ra's al Ghul, Wildfire and Shikari let slip that they'd overheard Imra and Ayla... less than enthusiastic... about my election. Ayla's since come around, but I always have the impression that Imra is so aloof around me."

"What makes you think that?" Rokk asked quietly.

"Oh, I don't know..." Jazmin fidgeted with her carnation-silver belt. "She always seems to slightly avert eye contact whenever we talk, and she often sits far away from me during leadership meetings, and she didn't ask me personally to be one of her bridesmaids... she invited me through you, and there was just something about her behavior when we had the bachelorette party, and..."

Rokk took her hand. "There does seem to be a lot going on," he squeezed. "Do you want to... talk to her about it?"

"Oh, no!" Jazmin jerked her head up. "No, certainly not today! The ceremony's in two hours! No, maybe after their honeymoon. But let's not make a bigger deal about it, okay?"

"Okay," Rokk squeezed again. "But I know you both - if you do get to talking, I know you'll do it in a mature way."

"Thanks," Jazmin squeezed back. "Okay... we should get going."

They flew through the hallways of Legion World, nodding to staff and cadets, until they reached the chapel. Garth was there, his bright blue suit streaked with golden-yellow lightning bolts in a pattern that mimicked his Legion uniform. And Imra, with her long blonde hair done elaborately, and a floor-length light pink gown that followed her as she walked.

Rokk made a mock salute. "Best Man Boy and Bridesmaid Girl, reporting for duty!"

Garth made a show of rolling his eyes. "Those are some of the worst code names ever."

"Jokes later," Imra wagged a finger. "Come on, places, everyone."

Jazmin did her best to smile warmly. "I'm sure everything will go smoothly, Imra."

"No small thanks to you," Imra said. This time, she looked Jazmin directly in the eyes. "Really, thank you. I know you took special care to juggle the duty rosters so all our Active teammates could attend the main ceremony... Not easy, with a team our size."

"A leader's job is never done," Jazmin said lightly. "All four of us know that."

"True," Imra said. "But I mean it, thank you for going to so much trouble." Imra looked down for a bit, then up. "It's Titan tradition for the bride to have a last drink with her closest friends after the ceremony... only the closest. I've asked Ayla and Jancel and my mother of course... would you join us, Jazmin?"

Jazmin nearly dropped her purse. "Oh, I would love to, Imra." She let a smile creep across her face. "And thank you for asking me to be one of the few..."

"You're with our best friend, Rokk," Imra touched Jazmin lightly on the arm. For someone like Imra who was usually so reticent against all but the closest friends, this touch seemed like a bear hug! "And we've been through so much together... and you've done a lot for us. It's the least I can do."

"Imra, Garth, I need you here!" Marla Latham called. Garth and Imra both waved, leaving Rokk and Jazmin behind. She turned to him. "You didn't..."

"I didn't SAY anything to her. And I wasn't thinking anything telepathically," Rokk grinned. "Besides, you know that Imra doesn't pry. Maybe she's just, I don't know, maybe she's just opening up and reaching out on her own accord?"

"Well, wherever this came from, I'm honored," Jazmin smiled. "This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship."


********************************************************

"You must have been really mean to her," Garth teased Imra as the memory ended.

Imra laughed. "I remember that election. It was... I was still mourning you, and so was Ayla. We could have been nicer."

"So, did Rokk clue you off or..."

"No, he didn't," Imra smiled faintly. "Though I did pick up a sense of... reluctance... and discomfort... from Jazmin, and, well... Ayla and I had been talking about her before I asked Rokk to invite her to the bridal party." Imra paused. "Ayla said we had been wrong about her, and I thought I should do more to reach out." Garth reached out to hug her. "I know reaching out isn't always easy for you..."

"You're definitely the more outgoing one between us," Imra smiled. "You know, not long after that Jazmin opened up to me. That's why this memory isn't a surprise."

"Hey, the best friendships don't always start smoothly," Garth stroked Imra's hand. "Remember Dyrk? I used to resent him for having the same powers as Rokk."**

"You never did tell him that, did you?" Imra teased. "I don't think he has a clue until now!"

"Give me a break," Garth laughed. "You know I'm not hat good with talking about my feelings... and besides, that was for like the first nano of my time knowing Dyrk!"

"Fine, fine," Imra conceded with a laugh, even as she touched the memory disk. "Ah, you will love this next one..."

************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legion 10. Saturn Girl and Spark were more than a little surprised and unsupportive of Kid Quantum being elected leader, saying she was too new and the team needed a founder as leader. Kid Quantum would win Spark over in Legion 15, during Live Wire's memorial; but she and Saturn Girl never really had a moment. They were also in Legion Lost together, so that adds to the "we've been through so much together" bit.

2) Legionnaires 43, and a smattering thereafter until Legionnaires 55. Live Wire was doubtful of Magno at first, as he didn't want it to seem like they were replacing Cosmic Boy (who was stuck in the 20th century at the time). Magno would eventually win Live Wire over by saving his life (Legionnaires 48), which paved the way for a much stronger friendship - Live Wire would be one of Magno's top supporters and friends when Magno was getting over the loss of his powers (Legionnaires 53, 55; LSH 100).
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: The Wedding of the Century - 08/10/22 06:33 PM
Rokk/Jaz is great - love her confidence! But her reticence towards Imra is perfect too - not only for what was in The Legion book, but also for the fact that I always perceive Imra as aloof just by her nature, so it would be natural for people to think of her as such and get the wrong idea about her - whether its true or not.

I'm really enjoying this. smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: The Wedding of the Century - 08/10/22 07:31 PM
Thanks GL, glad you like it - and it speaks a lot about both Imra and Jaz. And Rokk too for that matter smile
Posted By: razsolo Re: The Wedding of the Century - 08/11/22 09:55 AM
I like reading these mature little exchanges, it was nice picking up on Imra and Ayla's reaction to Kid Q's election and running with it in a way that turned out so well for everyone!

I remember Garth being weird about Magno when he joined too, that was also a good callback!

...and for the record, Budweiser is basically water but I drink PBR when I am in the US so what do I know haha
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: The Wedding of the Century - 08/11/22 12:34 PM
thanks, raz smile Garth and Imra have had their immature, not-communicating moments before in canon, and I figure after a) Garth dying and coming back, and b) all the @)(#_!@)( they went through after, and c) after 50 years of marriage - they will have gotten better about communicating smile

glad the callbacks and developments of all these little canon moments are ringing true!

as for beer.... I'm a stout/porter type of guy, but even compared to other lighter beers Budweiser is bleargh!!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: The Wedding of the Century - 08/11/22 01:05 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Metropolis, 31st century Earth, a few decades from now...


Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

********************************************************

Dyrk Magz cheerfully whistled as he entered the chapel with his date, Jenni Ognats. Dressed in the colors of the groom's side, Dyrk accented his suit with thin strips of golden-yellow metal. Jenni, true to her speedster nature, had a more formal version of her normal uniform boots and her shorts.

"I'm so glad Garth and Imra let everyone in the wedding party have personalized outfits, as long as they stuck to the color scheme," Jenni couldn't help jogging in place; these days, she was better able to stop from speaking too fast when excited, but that excitement than manifested through super-speed fidgeting.

"I'll say, the Athramites sure were happy making designs for all of us," Dyrk laughed. He looked around: most of the wedding party was already there. So were, it seemed, most of the guests for this part of the ceremony...

"Ah, there's the groom and bride!" Dyrk and Jenni started walking towards Imra and Garth; though before they could reach the couple, Imra had waved and turned to speak to an arriving Micah Aven. Imra's old teacher looked regal, though he traded his normal dark-red cloak for a lighter fuchsia shade.

As Dyrk came up to Garth, he noticed a frown. "Hey, you feeling nervous there, Garth?" Dyrk asked.

"Oh, hey. A little bit," Garth was looking to the side. Dyrk followed his gaze towards Condo Arlik. His normally close-cropped hair longer and wavier than usual, their teammate was waving journalists into the chapel. The Legion support staff generally handled media relations, but as a former- and still occasional - journalist himself, Condo often volunteered to help out during such events.

"There are more reporters than I expected," Garth continued. "I mean, I do get that a Legion wedding does not happen often, but..."

"But nearly everyone in the UP does want to celebrate you, and with you," Dyrk smiled. Jenni nudged him gently, and Dyrk knew what she meant: don't be too optimistic and positive! Losing his powers* had taught him that sometimes, people needed to work through their negative emotions. "I get it, though; I know you would have had a much smaller wedding if you could have."

Garth looked at him with some gratitude. "Yeah, I just want to get married and party with my friends, then go off to the honeymoon, you know..." Garth gave a grin that Dyrk tried not to return with too big a wink; they had talked about some of the things Garth wanted to try, but that was their boys' locker room talk! "Is there anything we can do to help?" Dyrk changed the subject.

Garth glanced at his wrist mini-Omnicom. "It's almost time for the ceremony to begin, and some of us are still missing..."

"On it," Jenni mock-saluted. "I'll go find them for you." She dashed off without another word.

"I'll stay and give you some moral support," Dyrk smiled. "I won't be much help finding people, if Jenni's on the case." He thought for a moment, then pulled out a small box from his pocket. "I know there's a place for gifts over there, but I did want to show you this." He opened the box to reveal two matching disks, each half-pink and half-blue. "Karate Kid explained the significance to me - this is the ancient yin-yang symbol for two complementary halves. Like you and Imra." He took one and pulled the halves apart - then let go. The halves snapped back together. "Dr. Mollie recommended this metal to me, and I magnetized them for you. Even when the halves are apart, they will find each other. Just you you two."

"Wow, Dyrk..." Garth smiled. "This is nebular."

Jenni came rushing up before Dyrk could respond. "Found them - Zoe had been changing Tinya's outfit, and Candi was in line to be next, and the Athramite boss had thrown a small tantrum, but Marla smoothed it over and... hey! You gave the gift without me!"

"Sorry, Jenni," Dyrk rubbed the back of his neck. "I wanted to help distract Garth and..."

"It's okay," Jenni stuck her tongue out. "But I get to share it with Imra!"

Garth laughed. "I can pretend I haven't seen it, if that helps!"

The three of them chuckled as the other guests started filing in.

*************************************

"Dyrk and Jenni are so sweet, aren't they?" Imra laughed. "I wasn't there when Dyrk first joined**, so I didn't really get to know him until much later."

"He used to have such unbridled optimism" Garth laughed. "I thought Umbra would kill him before his first month with the team." He fingered the disk Dyrk and Jenni had given; he still wore it on his collar most days. "He's a really good role model for enduring what can't be changed... I am really glad he got his powers back, though.***"

"He's been a great teammate and friend, and he makes Jenni happy," Imra laughed. "Finally, after all her crushes, she finds someone who adores her back... speaking of one of her crushes..."

********************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Dyrk Magz (Magno) remarked to himself that, after losing his powers, he now understood why his - and his dad's - endless optimism could sometimes be grating. (L* 53)

2) Magno's entire canon Active Legion membership was during the team20/20 split (L* 43-52); the Team 20 Legionnaires only met him once then (L* 47 and LSH 91); after the team was fully reunited Dyrk returned as support staff on the Legion outpost.

3) Only in my fic! See volume 3
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: The Wedding of the Century - 08/11/22 04:46 PM
These are such great fan service! smile

Great to see Dyrk and Jenni - the gift is a really cool item; I'd though of something similar but in a different context to bring into my story, but not sure how. This however, is the perfect way to have this kind of a gift introduced! And I do need to figure out what to do with Dyrk myself, come to think of it....

So Garth wants to try new foods right? Right? laugh

I'm hoping that Zoe alters Tinya's dress to be like Vi's at the club laugh
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: The Wedding of the Century - 08/11/22 05:45 PM
I'm super happy to hear you like em GL! curious as to your gift and your plans with Dyrk wink I liked Dyrk so much I just had to have him repowered...

oh yes, Garth was hoping to try that new restaurant... tongue

haha! this is a wedding, so plenty of opportunity for Zoe to embarrass someone by altering their clothes too much wink
Posted By: Harbinger Re: The Wedding of the Century - 08/12/22 08:58 AM
Thanks for the message IB, greatly appreciated!

Jazmin being able to tie a bow-tie is a skillthat deserves Legion membership in itself! She also knows how to handle Rokk, his story telling would get wearisome. I imagine Lydda would just take it and adore him for all his achievements but Jaz is not really the hero worship type, is she? Still, he pays her compliments and listens to her too so he's not all ego. And nive that their relationship is strong enough that she can admit her wariness of Imra to him.

"Best Man Boy and Bridesmaid Girl, reporting for duty" - hah, and Garth is obviously stressed that he doesn't join in. And Imra asking Jaz to join her for a drink was sweet, guess she isn't as cold as Jaz thought. Nice showing the nuances of her.

Nice how you link all those small parts from canon and fit them into the story, and hinting at a future of the team where Jaz an Imra are good friends. Well done!

I know nothing about Dyrk - like, nothing! You wonder why I haven't included him in many stories in my writing smile so, I'll be scouring this for clues so I can add some realistic characterisation when I next include him. Jenni is always pretty upbeat so the two of them together would probably be hideous in real life, but they make a cute couple in fiction.

Colour co-ordinated guests, well it's certainly an idea... nice self-reflection from Dyrk, realising that his optimism isn't always appreciated. Maybe he wouldn't be so hideous IRL laugh The journalists wouldn't miss an opportunity to get pictures and interviews so I imagine you'll be touching upon that. Jenni on round-up dury, ha, perfect job for her to burn off some nervous energy. The gifts are cute, and a good distraction too.

"I can pretend I haven't seen it, if that helps!" - like that would work, does he not know his bride-to-be? haha. and, again nice to read that Jenni and Dyrk make it as a couple.

You have a really nice touch with your characterisation IB, and it's always a pleasure to read your work.

I'm sure you have a few surprises coming up and I'm here waiting for more, more, more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: The Wedding of the Century - 08/12/22 09:23 AM
hi Harbi, it's my pleasure, thanks for following my stuff so closely - and I always enjoy reading your thoughts!

you make such a good contrast between Rokk/Lydda (and I remember when your Lydda in your fic switched assignments last minute so she could join Rokk, lol) and Rokk/Jaz. when DNA first introduced this pairing, I wasn't too sure what to think about it; but I find I have tons of fun writing them, they really make good partners because both of them are strong and independent in their own right

what high praise, thanks for using my Dyrk as a source for your writing! I agree, I was forced to tweak how I write Jenni, because Dyrk and Jenni are just such individual sugar bombs lol

glad all the couples are ringing true for you - I have to say, I might be too nice with my couples, as all the ones I am thinking of seem to have way too much staying power. I will need to have some unhealthy relationships with some drama soon, or perhaps some break-ups, I think! tongue

thank you for your kind words, Harbi, really appreciate them!

and yes, more to come soon, I am committed! tongue (and soon, Garth and Imra will be to each other!)
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: The Wedding of the Century - 08/17/22 11:02 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Metropolis, 31st century Earth, a few decades from now...


Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

********************************************************
"By damn," RJ Brande thought to himself, very carefully not saying it out loud. It was his trademark exclamation, but his time as United Planets President - and now as the UP Ambassador to the Second Galaxy - had taught him that there were occasions when it was best not said aloud.

This was certainly one of those times. Words could not describe the pride and joy he felt, watching two of his Legionnaires... two of his Founders even! - walk down the aisle together. Only the second Legion marriage after Apparition and Ultra Boy*, and this one was the big shebang. Of course, Tinya and Jo's simpler wedding wasn't any less important, but...

... part of his joy was seeing the whole team here. Every single one, dressed to the nines, celebrating the union of two of their own. Dignitaries from every UP world and then some - even the Affiliated Planets** was completely represented, as was Robotica, and the Kwai, and other Second Galaxy Worlds. Even the Khunds had sent a low-level representative - an event allowed by their recent cooperation with the Legion and the UP against Computo's invasion of Earth***.

Winema Wazzo leaned over to whisper at him. "Congratulations, Rene. Quite a diplomatic coup, having so many non-UP worlds represented."

"I'm just happy that we can share this joyous moment," RJ whispered back. "These kids have been through so much... They deserve a lot of happiness. And I don't just mean the bridge and groom..."

"Of course, of course," Winema murmured as the wedding party began to walk past. As far as RJ gathered, the ceremony was a blend of Titanian and Winathian traditions. First came Magno and XS, their bluish color schemes indicating they were on Live Wire's side of the party. Then Live Wire and Spark's childhood friends from Winath - RJ had made it a point to note their names so he could invite them for a picnic while they stayed on Legion World - Hegga and Megga, Garla and Lando****. All four looked extremely pleased, and in a bit of awe, to be there.

Next came the first Best Man, Cosmic Boy, and his date Kid Quantum, their pinkish colors showing they represented Saturn Girl's side. Technically, the Legionnaires were there for both Garth and Imra, but Winathian tradition held that each party member had to represent one side... and RJ noted that Garth's "side" was double that of Imra's! The pace of holo-taking vastly increased; after all, Kid Quantum was the team leader, and Cosmic Boy had been magnoball champion not too long ago! Many sports fans still thought of Rokk Krinn as a an athlete first.

Next came Mekt Ranzz, the groom's side Best Man, and the only party member without a partner. This was very much against Winathian tradition... but considering Mekt's history, RJ found it apt that Garth had thrown tradition to the winds. RJ watched Mekt struggle not to look down as he walked; his crooked smile slipping from time to time.

Up next was, Jancel Ardeen as Imra's Maid of Honor - also without a partner, though her Naltorian Titanet partner Gilda took holos while sitting in the audience. Jancel was almost as shy as Mekt was, though the only sign of that was a little bit of lip bitting.

And finally... Spark, as Garth's Maid of Honor, and her date Chameleon. Spark was beaming, while Chameleon made it a point to nod at the guests on his side of the aisle. A born diplomat, Reep was... and he took it upon himself to put on a good face for Durlans, everywhere.

Next were both sets of parents. The Ardeens were more upper-middle-class than the Ranzzes, and indeed their first meal together had been terse and quiet. But after some time, they had bonded quite well. RJ had hosted the families at the beginning of all this wedding planning, and from experience he knew just what would get his guests to relax and open up to each other. A little bit of male bonding with bluegrass music, centuries-old Earth whiskey, fatty steaks and hunting in the VR room had given Bertor Ardeen and Kirth Ranzz plenty to talk about - after which they had laughed heartily at the challenges of dealing with newfound fame, with galactic rubbish gossip rags billing them as "hot Legionnaires' daddies".

On the other hand, Dalya Ranzz and Sydne Ardeen had been treated to a relaxing spa day. RJ had heard that both mothers had become fast friends, talking about how they initially hadn't realized what forming the Legion would mean for their children, and gushing over how Imra's self-control helped rein in Garth's impulsivity. At the same time Garth's eagerness and openness had pushed Imra to try several new things, such as kangabronc riding.

And even now, as they walked down the aisle, both sets of parents smiled warmly at each other.

And finally, the room fell silent - even the journalists hushed - as Live Wire and Saturn Girl themselves entered. RJ had never seen either so happy before. Titanian custom held that the bride and groom must enter together, and Imra had her arm looped around Garth's own as they slowly walked down the aisle.

RJ felt tears well up in his eyes as they reached the officiator, who was dressed in half-blue and half-pink robes. After a very short introduction, the officiator asked -

"Do you, Imra Ardeen, take Garth Ranzz as your lawfully-wedded spouse? In sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer?"

"After waiting past journeys to distant galaxies, and even outside our own universe? I'm happy to finally say Yes," Imra smiled.

"And do you, Garth Ranzz, take Imra Ardeen as your lawfully-wedded spouse?"

"I've already died and come back once*****, and that hasn't changed my mind one iota," Garth laughed.

And without waiting for the officiator's signal, he kissed Imra.

A buzz ran through the crowd, as sentients stood up to clap. Spectrum hovered above the crowd, using his color-changing power to turn the entire wedding party's garments into a mix of pink and blue, symbolizing the union of bride and groom.

"By damn," RJ could restrain himself no longer. "It's about time!'

"About time indeed, Rene," Winema murmured beside him. "About time, indeed."

********************************************************

IB's notes:

1) LSH 96, while they were stuck in the 20th century. It wasn't planned, and obviously they didn't have many guests...

2) The Affiliated Planets was created as a front for the Dark Circle. After the Circle was exposed, the AP remained as a legitimate organization.

3) Legion 10-14

4) Only Hegga and Garla were named, I invented the names Megga and Lando. All four appeared in Legends of the Legion 2, Spark's origin.

5) Live Wire died in Legion Lost 12, and reappeared in Legion 25!
Posted By: Harbinger Re: The Wedding of the Century - 08/20/22 08:44 AM
By damn, indeed!

This is my favourite part so far IB. Brande's pride and love for Imra and Garth really shine through.

I really like how each part moves the story of the wedding day along.

Garth having twice as many guests - my first thought was these were twins from Winath but as I think about it I realise he'd probably have more friends/acquaintances and would want to show off. Nice subtle way to show the characterisation there.

Nice how they approached saying 'I do', especially Garth.

And, using the colour changing Spectrum at the end to alter the clothes of the guests was especially sweet.

This is great IB, really well done. I demand more, more and much more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: The Wedding of the Century - 08/20/22 09:21 AM
Thank you Harbi, really pleased you like it. I really loved RJ Brande's more central role in the Reboot, and always saw him as a cool father figure to many Legionnaires. (got me through some tough times, too!_

and thanks, Harbi, indeed Garth just has more people who would be considered close friends - including some from his pre-Legion days. Imra was too busy and focused on her training and career to make and maintain friends smile

thank you tons Harbi - more to come soon, including some rallying from friends to help keep the wedding run smoothly wink
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: The Wedding of the Century - 08/20/22 10:23 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Metropolis, 31st century Earth, a few decades from now...


Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

********************************************************

"Good old RJ," Imra smiled fondly. "He was always there for us."

"For all of us," Garth added. "He was like the cool grandpapa for most of us."

"And for some of us, he was their dad... Speaking of... here's one from his adopted daughter."

********************************************************

Luornu Durgo's Orange self waited intently in the Mission Monitor Room. With the aim to have all the Active Legionnaires, identified Reservists, and then some support staff, all attending the wedding, who better than the team's resident Carggite to attend while not attending?

She glanced quickly at the active mission screen. Dreamer had expanded upon Jancel Ardeen's idea of using the Titanet to look forward today, and that was paying off. Active Legionnaires had been deployed ahead of time to tackle a few key threats, and all had returned in time for the ceremony. The only active missions now were relatively lower-risk ones: Theena and Tomb had joined some Science Police officers on a search-and-rescue mission caused by a volcanic eruption on Io; Porcupine Pete and Hotshot were helping destroy some runaway drones on Swizzar; and the Legion had called in a favor from Vapor to lead a handful of Cadets to assist in relief distribution on Corvan IV.

Orange shifted her focus back to the securi-cams monitoring the cocktail party on Legion World. She had debated with herself as to which one would stay; had it been Neutral, she could easily have recalled Orange and Purple as needed by reintegrating. But they had realized that focused and shy Orange was the best choice to remain in the Monitor Room, while balanced Neutral and forward Purple were best for diving into their tasks at the cocktail party...

In the lounge, Neutral and Chuck Taine were chatting with Tinya Wazzo and Jo Nah. "This doesn't make you want to throw your own big wedding, does it?" Luornu Neutral ask.

Tinya laughed. "Jo doesn't care; and I've had enough of growing up through pageantry. Besides, we got married years ago. Let's focus on the future." She raised a glass of champagne in toast.

"Speaking of the future," Nura Nal tapped on Jo's shoulder. "Sorry, Jo, but the Gil'dan ambassador is about to clip that sculpture over there..."

"Say no more," Jo sped off at super-speed.

"I already have Thom gently ushering the ambassador from Plevitz to Dr. Gym'll," Nura sighed. "She must have forgotten to take her gravity pills, and now she's all dizzy!"

"You're doing a great job, Nura," Chuck smiled reassuringly. "And so you are, Lu..."

Before she could answer, Orange called Neutral. "I just sent Microbe and Impulse to head off the Somahturian Ambassador," Orange said. "Can you distract the one from Xolnar for a moment?"

"Thanks, sweetie," Neutral kissed Chuck on the cheek and handed her glass of champagne to him. "Duty calls..." Striding purposely, Neutral spotted her target. Ambassador Leieadochter was garbed in a dress showing all colors of the rainbow - no doubt inspired by their Legion Cadet Rainbow. She was chatting with a bored and annoyed-looking Garth. Of course; most of the VIPs here were trying to score points by being seen and holo-ed with various Legionnaires.

And most of the team had been happy to take the pressure of Garth and Imra.

"... and our scientists have determined that Dori Aandraison has the potential power exceeding even the most powerful laser in the United Planets," the Ambassador was saying.

"I couldn't help but overhear," Luornu cut in smoothly. Garth gave her a grateful look. Deftly stepping in between the Ambassador and Garth, Luornu smiled. "I'm Luornu Durgo, Triad. I was just reviewing our Cadets' training tapes, and I noticed that Dori can also produce gentler cascades of light. Have your scientists..."

Garth slipped away before Luornu could even finish her question.

Out of the corner of her eye, Luornu saw her teammates at work. Kinetix was altering the rather scandalous, almost non-existent outfit that the male ambassador from Adonis had worn - really, the chest straps only just covered his nipples, and the shorts left nearly nothing to the imagination! Spider-Girl had steered Evolvo away from the Dominators' representative and over to RJ; the new CEO of McCauley Industries was keen on wheeling and dealing. But though Evolvo was intelligent, Lu knew RJ had far greater business sense. Dealing with the Dominators! Echo was entertaining the representative from the Obsidian Deeps*, a world with no light and whose sentients had no vision; Echo's sound powers made him perfect for this.

And of course, her sister Purple, was doing what she did best - rather forcefully preventing journalists from filming some of the more scandalous happenings now. None of the Legionnaires were doing anything, but it was shameful that some Ambassadors - despite precautions - had chosen to make fools of themselves. The Ambassador from Olo especially - despite several warnings from the servo-droids that alcohol was incompatible with their physiology, the ambassador had downed a glass of champagne! Gravity had taken him to the medibay, and Purple had threatened to punch the reporter who had tried chasing after Gravity for a scoop!

Everything seemed to be going smoothly... Neutral turned to focus on the Ambassador, who was stammering something about the highest measured intensity that Dori had exhibited while in training on Xolnar.

Sighing inwardly to herself, Luornu reminded herself that they only had two hours left before the private reception would begin!

********************************************************************************

"Bless our friends," Garth squeezed Imra's hand. "They really rallied, eh?"

"Even Tinya spent half that cocktail hour shadowing her mother," Imra laughed. "Can you imagine a bigger sacrifice?"

"Hey, their relationship's improved a lot," Garth joked. "And so did her relationship with the team. That's why we had Winema over for the private reception..."

*********************************************************************************
IB's notes:

1) Obsidian Deeps is the homeworld of 20th century Green Lantern Rot Lop Fan
Posted By: razsolo Re: The Wedding of the Century - 08/23/22 06:58 AM
Hi IB, this is all very enjoyable! I like that you have touched base with so many different characters rather than just making it the Garth and Imra show! Echo entertaining the Obsidian Deeps ambassador is inspired!

Some other thoughts -

- Monstress lining up for an outfit change and the Athramites getting mad about it made me lol

-
Quote
"By damn," RJ Brande thought to himself
I miss RJ! One of the more annoying things about Legion of 3 Worlds was Geoff Johns' trademark mass-murder of a bunch of cool background characters frown

- the description of Garth and Imra's parents getting along was a cute bit!

- I really dig Garth and Imra's take on wedding vows! A nice reminder of everything they've been through!

- Spectrum changing everyone's clothes - I agree with Harbi, that was sweet smile

- I like the explanation as to which Triad would stay behind, makes sense that the least outgoing one wouldn't consider it as much of a sacrifice not to be at a huge social gathering

- Dreamer using her powers to make sure things run smoothly was a nice bit as well!

- I would like to see this ambassador from Adonis hahaha
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: The Wedding of the Century - 08/23/22 07:31 AM
Thank you raz, pleased you liked it and all these little bits smile

Haha! I wish I could draw… the world of Adonis won’t be a one-off, don’t worry wink

Yeah, RJ Brande was super cool, I wished i had someone cool like him growing up!

I love how so many of these cute bits that resonate are ones I thought up on the fly tongue I just thought of what would realistically be my dream wedding band let it rip haha

And with Triad, yeah, Orange is the least confrontational too, so would have trouble distracting a pushy ambassador… but Purple would have no qualms getting a bit pushier.

And I love me some Athramites tongue I can imagine one throwing a tantrum because Monstress ignores its advice!

Thanks again smile
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: The Wedding of the Century - 08/24/22 02:19 PM
Okay finally caught up!

FINALLY they're married! Great callbacks! And the "public reception" was well done. Makes total sense that Orange would be doing the monitor board duty but the real fun was all the distractions that the Legionnaires were making to help out their friends or prevent incidents.

Is it safe to assume that the Adonis ambassador was wearing the Grell Cosmic Boy costume?
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: The Wedding of the Century - 08/25/22 09:08 PM
thanks for the read and review, GL smile glad you liked it - and yes, FINALLY! it's been ages since Garth proposed!

hee hee, so many distractions indeed....

I'm still torn on whether Adonis ambassador was wearing Grell Cos, or Gravity Kid tongue
Posted By: Set Re: The Wedding of the Century - 08/28/22 02:25 AM
Love the shout out to Rot Lop Fan, one of my favorite Green Lanterns, F-Sharp Bell!

It's also fun to see Legionnaires using their powers in a non-combat situation, from super-speed to precognition to triplication to re-arranging someone's skimpy attire with their matter-shaping powers!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: The Wedding of the Century - 08/28/22 07:41 AM
Set! what a treat to have you comment. glad I could shout out one of your faves smile That was a fairly random bit, I was scrolling through my Legionnaire list and thinking "who else could I insert randomly and give them a one-liner of doing something unique" lol


if I had super powers I would for sure abuse the heck out of em in real life too tongue
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: The Wedding of the Century - 09/09/22 09:15 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Metropolis, 31st century Earth, a few decades from now...


Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

********************************************************

Rokk Krinn was beaming as he strode up to the podium. The "public" cocktail hour was done, and journalists and VIP guests alike had - rather painstakingly - been ushered out. Hegga, Garth and Ayla's old friend from Winath, had even had to pull her Science Police badge out to get a particularly pesky reporter out the door.

Now everyone was relaxing and loosening up. Kinetix had altered the elaborate floor-length dress she wore into a mini-skirt, and was now changing Gravity's and Density's outfits into shorter-sleeved versions. Ultra Boy was pouring a tall glass of silverale for Timber Wolf. Tenzil Kem was snacking on leftover decorations, and Lori Morning was happily baby-sitting the toddlers of Garth and Ayla's cousins while Apparition and Microbe entertained the other Ranzz adults.

As Rokk approached the podium, Marla Latham "harrumphed" into the microphone. The chatter died as everyone turned towards the front; though Star Boy's feet on the table exemplified the more relaxed atmosphere now that only relatives and friends remained.

Rokk waved and nodded to Garth and Imra, who were smiling tiredly at the table in front. Garth's tie was loose, and Imra had detached the outer layer of her dress as well.

"Well, I think we as a team just survived our biggest challenge: entertaining diplomats," Rokk quipped.

"Give me the Fatal Five any day!" Wildfire hollered from the back, as the room tittered. Particon and Insect Queen held hands as they klinked glasses. Even Winema Wazzo gave a small smile; she was the only politician in the room.

"Don't worry, I'll keep this short," Rokk's eyes twinkled. "You don't need me to tell you how proud I am of everyone, for pulling together to support Garth and Imra." Turning to his two best friends, Rokk beamed. "We're all here today because of how much you mean to us; Imra, with your intense self-discipline and strong sense of right; and Garth, with your passion and strong energy." Rokk paused to let the room cheer.

"When we started this team, Imra was the one who would march into difficult conversations or situations with a steel that I had not seen even on the magno-ball circuits. Imra could stand up to the toughest, most overbearing sentients without batting an eye. And Garth - Garth would always charge in to help others, even putting himself in harm's way," Rokk continued. "You are both bedrocks of this team, and I cannot put into words how great it is to watch you growing together, supporting each other. You are different personalities, and together you balance each other out and strengthen each other in ways nobody else could." Rokk raised his glass. "I already made my long, formal speech earlier, so I just want to close with - I love how much you love each other, and I cannot think of a better power couple than you. Cheers to your love!"

Cheers erupted across the room, as everyone raised to toast the newlyweds.

*************************************************************

"Rokk always knew what to say," Garth murmured, as he hugged Imra tight.

"Always," Imra's eyes twinkled. "It's so nice, reliving that memory. One of the last times everyone in that room was all together."

"Yeah... Some of us retired, some of us left, some of us..." Garth trailed off.

"Will always be remembered," Imra stroked Garth's chin. "Nothing can take those moments away." She smiled at him, then gently pushed him. "This was beautiful, Garth, and I'm eager to sift through the rest - but we have to remember the near future. And in exactly 30 standard time units, we're celebrating with our friends and family."

"Not enough time for a lightning-quick romp, then?" Garth cheekily asked. As Imra rolled her eyes, he raised his hands. "Fine, fine, I know it takes at least that long to fix your hair back up."

"It would take YOU that long, if you actually combed yours," Imra's eyes flashed as she tousled Garth's hair.

"Guilty as charged," Garth laughed. He made a show of bowing and holding out his arm. "Now, milady, shall we?"

"We shall go to our party," Imra smiled. "And the romp comes after... and we are going to take our time doing that."

Tucking the memory disk carefully away, Imra linked her arm in Garth's, and the two went out to see their friends.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Wedding of the Century - 09/09/22 09:22 AM
ok, that wraps up the Wedding of the Century! hope you all liked it, I left it on a quiet note - even superheroes have real romances wink

Next up: remember Star Boy had some ideas about Xanthu? we're going to look in on that in a bit! and then... tryouts!!!
Posted By: razsolo Re: The Wedding of the Century - 09/11/22 12:18 PM
Having Cos wrap things up was a fitting way to end on the founders without beating us over the head about it smile

THIS seems vaguely ominous though! Nice bit of foreboding!

Quote
"It's so nice, reliving that memory. One of the last times everyone in that room was all together."

"Yeah... Some of us retired, some of us left, some of us..." Garth trailed off.

Thanks for the reminder link, I am curious what Thom has in mind now! I love that these fics have been going so long now they feed on their own continuity!

Also tryouts are always fun...yay!!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: The Wedding of the Century - 09/11/22 02:57 PM
Thanks raz smile well I figure in 50 years some legionnaires will have passed away, but that doesn’t mean I’m about to kill some of my darlings wink

Ah I hope Thom’s idea stands up to scrutiny. But it’s Thom so I have some leeway tongue
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: The Wedding of the Century - 09/12/22 11:39 AM
This was really fun to read, Ibby. smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: The Wedding of the Century - 09/12/22 03:17 PM
glad you enjoyed it, GL smile I wanted a wedding that was free from villains and fights... for once tongue
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Xanthu Reborn - 09/19/22 11:26 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Xanth Prime, capital city of Xanthu

Once a United Planets (UP) member world, Xanthu left to join the Affililated Planets (AP). After the AP was exposed as a puppet of the Dark Circle, many of the AP worlds stayed together as a separate alliance from the UP. Khundia, having largely been spared from the effects of the Blight incursion and the Great Rift Disaster, was readmitted to the AP while the Legion was lost. AP worlds such as Xanthu have been protectorates of the Khund Empire ever since. Unfortunately, this did not spare Xanthu from the COMPUTO-led Robotican attacks; Xanthu was depopulated and largely stripped of resources. It was only after the Roboticans were freed from COMPUTO's control that most surviving Xanthuans returned and began to rebuild with both UP and AP support. Because the UP voted to recognize Robotica as a sentient species, relations between the UP and AP have soured significantly, even though the UP and the Legion of Super-Heroes continue to assist in rebuilding.

Even before Xanthu joined the AP, the Xanthians have had a one-way rivalry with Earth: Xanthu is of similar size, and has the second-highest number of native post-humans of any UP World. Yet Earth is the seat of the UP, while Xanthu has always been a UP border world regared by many as a backwater; and the Legion of Super-Heroes far eclipses Xanthu's Uncanny Amazers in size, fame and success. Xanthu has repeatedly tried to get its native Legionnaires (Star Boy, Kid Quantum II, Element Lass; and more recently, Insect Queen. Wildfire is a gestalt being including former Xanthuan Amazer Atom'x; Particon also joined the Amazers briefly before joining the Legion. XS and Dreamer never joined but played a key role in Xanthu's defense against Robotica) to return home, and their repeated refusal to return has damaged their standing with a large percentage of Xanthu's population.

- UP Intelligence briefing on Xanthu


Active Legionnaires

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Calorie Queen, Taryn Loy of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter, conversion of digested matter into super-strength
Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions
Dreamer, Nura Nal of Naltor; precognition
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Insect Queen, Lonna Leing of Xanthu; morphs into various insect forms, gaining the powers of the forms she takes
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony; skilled martial artist
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion leader.
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; generate and control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation, enhanced vision
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation, disruption of energy flow
Star Boy, Thom Kallor of Xanthu; gravity manipulation
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings). Anti-energy being.
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

Legion Cadets and Reservists

Brawler of Moxie; super-strength and durability, can mind-mesh with machinery to control it
Chlorophyll Kid, Ral Benem of Mardru; plant manipulation
Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal); controls his body's density; increasing density grants a degree of strength and durability, decreasing makes him lighter but without phasing
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau); underwater survival; hydrokinesis
Rainbow, Dori Aandraison of Xolnar; rainbow-based light powers
Sizzle, Teela Spuunvll of Abaddonus; absorbs and redirects energy
Tellus, Ganglios of Hykraius; telepathy and telekinesis
Veilmist of Khundia and ??; teleportation

Uncanny Amazers of Xanthu

Atmos, Marak Russen of Xanthu; nuclear energy blasts, flight, enhanced strength and durability
Kal Bodo of Xanthu; phrenology and psychometry activated upon touching another's head
Konk!, of Xanthu; detachable floating head, if she fails to reattach her head to her body, a new one with a different personality grows
Radion, Roy Travich of Earth (Italy and Madagascar); flight and emission of radiation

Legion Support Staff and Allies
Dr. Mollie Dennum of Hephaestus; materials scientist
Lenzslo Philish of Athram; lead of the Legion World Athramite contingent; chief designer
Mabuhay Corazon of Aleph; fashion design student and Legion costume consultant; childhood friend of Kinetix

*************************************************************************************

Star Boy held still as Dreamer reattached the star pins to his collar. After Mabuhay and Lenzslo had argued nearly half an hour on the right shade of yellow to use, and Dr. Mollie had suggested an alloy for Candi to synthesize that would gleam just-so, he just wanted the newly-polished pins on his uniform so he could get on with it!

Sensing his frustration, Dreamer made as if to ruffle his hair. "Just kidding, Thom," Nura smiled disarmingly as he jerked back. "We wouldn't want you to have to comb yourself again."

"It's just, all this pageantry...!" Thom began. "We have far more Legionnaires than we actually NEED for the task today."

"I know, what we actually DO is more important than showing everyone that we are doing it," Nura gently whispered. "Results over image, yes? But you yourself said; we need to pull out all the stops so Xanthu realizes how important they are, and how much we care for them."

Star Boy sighed. "Yeah, and if that means upgrading our uniforms slightly and making sure we look perfect..." He glanced sideways at Brawler, Chlorophyll Kid and Tellus, who were eagerly waiting to begin. Even the cadets had new uniforms on; once a Cadet reached Reserve status, they earned the right to a full Legion uniform to distinguish themselves. But while most of them wore it with pride and a determination to do better, Brawler strutted like a Venusian rainbow peacock... that was one to watch out for.

"Places, everyone!" Kid Quantum called out. "It's showtime in 5!"

Nura gave Thom's hand a squeeze. "We'll be worthy of Xanthu today, Thom."

****************************************************************************************

Kid Quantum, Dreamer, Kal Bodo and Brainiac 5 floated above the former Xanthian Tropical Rainforests. Before Robotica came, the lush greenery had been the densest on Xanthu, and had hosted a variety of wildlife that helped make Xanthu one of the most biodiverse worlds in the galaxy. That was all gone now, but they hoped to reverse the clock.

"Greetings, sentients," Jazmin smiled directly into the cameras in front of them. She hated that they had to narrate things instead of focusing on the job; or rather, that she had to narrate, so Brainiac 5 could dedicate all his thought-tracks to the operation. But as Thom had observed, Xanthu needed to know what was being done for them. That was why she, in her capacity as Legion leader, was narrating; and why every one of the former Amazers was here, too. "You may recall that some time ago, we brought the Terrorforms* to expend their Hypertaxis energy to bring life back to Xanthuan soil. Our readings indicate that life potential has returned to Xanthu. And we are here today, on Xanthu's national day, to jumpstart that process."

"When I was younger than my dazzling 21 life cycles today, I had two pet crescent-tailed lemurs," Kal Bodo flashed a smile at the camera. Kal knew that his power was probably the least flashy of all the Amazers ever; to raise his worth with the team, he had cultivated the most media-savvy personality. "They were injured in a storm in the rainforests, and my family adopted them for me. They died of old age... after today, we hope to bring them back to Xanthu. After all, Xanthu belong to all our species. But don't just take our word for it... hey, Konk! Show everyone how we'll get a birds-eye view of the action!"

Dreamer's eyes opened. "I've just scanned the next two hours - the weather will remain stable, everyone."

Konk!'s detached head sped into view; she was wearing a headband with a small camera strapped to it. Around her, a forcefield similar to Brainiac 5's own shimmered. "Hey, folks! I'll be your eyes and ears today. With Brainiac 5's forcefield protecting me, I'll be right in the thick of thingd"

"I envy you," Kal teased. Konk! turned around so the other cameras could not see, and stuck her tongue out at him. "Have fun!" Kal teased, as Konk! sped downwards. "And hang on to your seats, everyone - it's gonna be quite a ride!"

**********************************************************************************
"Kid Quantum to Radion - you may begin!"

Radion began to glow a sickly green as he strode out onto the barren soil. Spying Konk! to his right, he turned and waved. "I usually expel radiation, but with practice, I've learned how to soak it up. And now I'll make sure no lingering traces are left behind." Closing his eyes, Radion began to absorb all the harmful radiation left behind by both Robotican and Xanthuan defense weapons. His heart ached; though not a native of Xanthu, he had felt more welcome here than he had on Earth.

Amp floated, cross-legged, behind Radion as her tell-tale red glow extended to him. "My power may be among the least flashy, but I love being able to support and enhance my teammates. I will be boosting everyone's powers today, to get the maximum effect."

Radion began to sweat. "I have it all now, but..."

"But this is where I come in," Sizzle smiled. The Legion Cadet wore a smart red-and-black outfit with leggings and a mini-skirt reminiscent of Kinetix's own; she had carefully prepared for today - chances such as this did not come often. "I can absorb and convert energy; if you filter it through me, I'll rerelease it as harmless starlight." The sickly green glow transferred from Radion to Sizzle; who in turn began to glow. She flew up to join Lume and Rainbow, who was proudly wearing a gown that glowed in multiple colors. Like most of her fellow Cadets, she appreciated the chance to be in the spotlight today. All three began to glow a light bluish tint, shining like stars over Xanthu. "The bluish light we are releasing is akin to Yildiz, a star in the Verdant Quadrant," Lume began. "Yildiz's energy has unique properties that support plant growth."

"That Quadrant is known for the number of jungle worlds, full of endemic plant species," Rainbow continued.

"Increase the intensity by 3.4598 lux," Brainiac 5 said flatly over the telepathic plug network. He had shut off any auditory processing beyond that, so he would not be distracted by the cameras and narration.

Chemical Kid flew below them. He forced himself to act casual as he extended his arms; the narration of each step was a tad annoying, but he reminded himself that they needed to explain their actions to those watching so they could engage. He had been up late revising the scripts so they would sound natural. "I'm using my ability to speed up chemical reactions, to allow the light to interact with the soil..."

Microbe made a show of kneeling down towards the ground. Unlike most of the others, she had no qualms about being fairly theatric today - coming from a world whose sentients were feared by others, she knew how important it was to show a relatable face. "With a little help from soil-nurturing bacteria from some of those very jungle planets, I'm making the soil more receptive to the light..."

Gates floated before Microbe, opening half a dozen teleport disks. "And since Microbe can only be in one place at a time, I'm helping her get her bacteria to more places at once. Sentients, I encourage you to consider the benefits of interplanetary cooperation not just for defense, but also for development. Other planets bring more than just weapons, we can help bring sustenance! We will also help Gil'd reclaim its oceans...**"

"Thank you, Gates," Kid Quantum cut in gently but firmly. Of course Gates would try to go off-script! "Now, on to Nightwind..."

Hair and costume fluttering in the breeze, Nightwind hovered beside one of Gates' teleport disks. "I'm letting the winds carry this as far as I can... with our help, we should cover the entire area of the old rainforests."

"Now, besides making the soil fertile, we have to make sure it's free from foreign bodies and obstacles..."

Tellus hovered unsteadily over the area, hoping nobody would notice how awkward he was outside of a fluid environment. "My telepathy is warning any organisms under the soil to leave," Tellus explained. "We ensured that before we began, but I am slowly expanding my range to make sure none get caught in this. Of course, I cannot speak to anything inorganic..."

"Which is my task," Babbage intoned. Facing the cameras, the Robotican Legionnaire almost wished its facial design had been more expressive. At least, it had ensured it had the most recent upgrades related to voice tone and quality. "Sentients of Xanthu, I understand my presence here may cause pain for some. And I do not wish it so. Please know that we of Robotica regret the damage and pain we caused while under control of COMPUTO, and we will do all we can to atone and help. And I can best do that today by detecting any remaining Robotican drones buried here, and instructing my colleague Brawler on where to find them..."

Brawler made a show of somersaulting in the air before landing on the ground. He flexed his arms for the crowd, kissing a bicep as he did. "With my ability to mind-mesh with machinery, this will be easy!" Brawler boasted. "And we have a hit!" A hulk of metal rose out of the ground; though damaged, it was clearly a non-sentient Robotican battletank. Brawler concentrated, and another three began emerging nearby.

Gear swooped down on the first one, various appendages extending from his chest. "With Babbage's knowledge, I will ensure it is completely deactivated and inert. Wouldn't want anyone to get hurt today..."

Particon dashed over to the others. "While waiting for Gear, I'll add an extra layer of security by disrupting any energy flowing through these tanks."

"And once done, I can change the components into something ferromagnetic." Element Lass' crystalline form gleamed in the soft sunlight as she touched the battletank.

"That's my cue," Magno began ripping the tank apart, sending its components flying far and wide.

"I'll help you with the bigger pieces, Magno," Karate Kid aimed a precise kick at a corner of the tank, splitting it where sections joined.

"And my cue again," Element Lass smiled as she pointed to some of the chunks that Magno was moving through the sky. "I am transmuting the metals back to elements that promote plant growth..."

"A little bit more zinc, please, Element Lass," Dr. Mollie sent over the earplug network. "Got it, dear Mollie!" Element Lass cooed. "So helpful of you!"

"And now we get to till the soil!" As the transmuted particles fell to the ground, two red blurs dove deep underground. Rising back up, M'Onel and Ultra Boy each carried a large clump of earth.

"Time to play catch!" Ultra Boy grinned.

"Ready, Violet," M'Onel asked.

"I am so ready," Violet smiled as she grew to giant size. She caught the clump Jo tossed, and crushed it between her hands so the soil would scatter.

"I want to play, too!" Wildfire quipped as he blasted another clump into bits. "Ah, multi-tasking... Target practice and gardening at the same time!"

Atmos merely grunted as a fourth clump crumbled harmlessly against his durable form. Unlike most, he had refused to play along with the narration. He was still angry at what had happened to Xanthu, and he had initially opposed Babbage's presence today. It had taken some convincing by Kid Quantum and Brainiac 5, plus a very long and sincere apology by Babbage, for Atmos to accept that the Roboticans were not at fault, and finally relent.

"And now to make sure things mix." Echo stepped out, raising his hands. "Let the good vibes roll!" The ground shook faintly as Echo's sonics rippled through.

"Can't let you have all the fun, guys!" Ferro called from below. He had been volunteering for many more missions lately, as suggested by Legion psychiatrist Dr. Ryk'rr - it helped him keep his mind off being unable to turn back to flesh. "Ready, Cal, Density?"

"For sure!" Calorie Queen made a show of biting into the chunk of lead she had on hand. "I'm all fueled up..."

"As am I," Density's skin turned a deeper shade of purple as he increased his body density. He was glad he had convinced his husband Gravity not to come today; after all, he wanted the Legion to see that Jed was his own man... and Tel knew he needed to step back to show he would not be a helicopter husband. Jed hefted his plow as Ferro and Cal did theirs, and they began criss-crossing the field, leaving trenches where they passed.

"I can do that too!" Brawler began.

"No, you're staying here," Gear warned. Element Lass wagged a finger in the Cadet's face. "We each have our part to play, Brawler. Focus on getting the drones out of the ground!" Brawler snarled, but thankfully he obeyed, turning his attention to yet another drone Babbage had found.

A bluish blur stopped before the cameras. "Hey folks, it's a pleasure to be back on Xanthu!" XS waved. "Now, I'm going to sow seeds of all your native plants in the trenches we're digging!" She dashed off.

Star Boy hovered over the field, eyes glowing a purplish-gray. "Seeds are meant to be underground, so let's make sure things sink in!" Using his powers to their finest, Thom focused on each seed, ensuring it would sink down into the earth... and he ensured he did it in such a way that the soil would close over each as well.

A pinkish mist appeared nearby, and Veilmist and Lamprey shimmered into existence. Above them was a big sphere of water being held together by Lamprey's powers. "We just arrived from the desalination complexes of Xanth Prime," Veilmist explained.

"Plants need water, and we have a fresh batch just processed and cleansed," Lamprey said, with some effort. She slowly let the water flow over the field, being careful to ensure that it was evenly distributed. She had been training hard, and hoped to show the Legion how much her control had improved.

"You're doing great," Nightwind whispered encouragingly to her friend through the telepathic earplug network. Lamprey sent a feeling of gratitude back.

"And now that we have all the i-i-ingredients..." Chlorophyll Kid stepped forward. "My ability to make plants grow will s-s-peed things up!" Cursing himself for his nerves, Ral focused instead on the seeds, calling them forth.

"I had no idea it would be this fast!" Konk! breathed as she watched seedlings sprout from the ground.

"Growing these naturally would take months!" Kal watched in shock - he had known how fast this would go in time units, but seeing it in real time was something else. He watched as trees and vines suddenly grew in front of him.

"It's almost too fast," Kinetix quipped as she gently used her telekinesis to nudge the paths of some plants. "We don't want them growing into each other, now."

"Many hands make light work," Insect Queen smiled at her teammate. Changing into a Venturan Orb Spider, she used its strong webs to guide the paths of some vines herself.

"And finally, we have to make sure this fresh start can continue." The White Witch raised her arms as she finished uttering her spell. A light green glow suffused the forest below her. "A little spell of preservation; my part is to help restore the climate conditions here... our actions today have helped restore the heat and humidity that this forest needs to thrive, and this will help keep it stabilize so..."


"It's beautiful, just beautiful," Kal breathed as he took in the blossoming green below him.

Jazmin patted him on the back. "We will be back in a few days, to see how well the forest holds up. Then we can begin reintroducing native animal species."

"In exactly 10 days," Dreamer smiled. "We'll definitely be back, folks."

Jaz turned towards Konk!'s camera; she could see her former teammate tearing up. She almost wanted to cry herself; Kal had already turned away from the camera to wipe a tear. "This is just the beginning, Xanthu. When we return to Xanth Prime, we will have more in store."

And Jazmin turned once more to watch the green creeping slowly outwards.


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IB's notes:

1) The Terrorforms were transformed sentients caused by Ra's al Ghul's hyperevolution/Hypertaxis plan (Legion 6-8, 17-18)

2) All of the water on Gil'd was stolen by the Water Elemental Ebb in Legionnaires 71-74
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Xanthu Reborn - 09/27/22 02:09 PM
Hey IB, I'll be writing as I read so usual caveats apply smile

And already I love it, the press would definitely not want to miss the private party - just think of those holos of so-and-so kissing someone that they aren't in a relationship with or that persons outfit splitting, or a legionnaire that can't handle their cocktails...

"Well, I think we as a team just survived our biggest challenge: entertaining diplomats," hahaha

Rokk's informa speech - very sweet, very, very sweet! Hit the right note with that!

Garth and Imra reminiscing and planning an after-party romp was even sweeter smile

I must admit I expected more vignettes from the wedding, though it was great as it was I kinda want to know who was still standing at the end of the night, did anyone kiss someone they weren't in a relationship with, did anyone's seams split and who couldn't handle their cocktails? Am I just being nosey? Probably, haha.

Very nice potted history of Xanthu! Poltical tensions always add to a storyline.

Veilmist of Khundia and ?? - are these question marks intentional? Are you going to explore Veilmist's past?

Dr Mollie Dennum - Molybdenum?

It's great to see Dreamer teasing Thom like this, they should be a fun couple as they spark each other really well. And, show Xanthu how valued they are... why do I think this might not go as Thom hopes?

Jazmin wanting to do rather than talk about it sums her up really well. And Phrenology Boy (as he sometimes is called smile ) cultivating a media-savvy personality is a good use of him. A camera stuck to Konks! head - brilliant!

Is Yildiz an original idea or a deep-cut from canon? It's another good idea btw. And sizzle transforming the radiation to light that mimics those properties is great.

Love Drura trying to put on a good show - very clever of her, and gates going off-script - of course! haha

Babbage apologising and Brawler showboating, all good stuff.

Atmos is an ass in every version, isn't he? laugh

The reseeding of the forest was great, well thought oout IB, and it was nive to see each Legionnaire and Cadet get a bit of the action without any hogging the limelight to much.

These are the sort of things I created my Hope World team to do as, like you, I do think it's the sort of situation where the Legion shouuld try to make a difference. I suppose in canon it was shown when they helped rebuild Daxam, but it shouldn't be an unusual mission for them really.

Thoroughly enjoyed this IB. You are really good at writing individual personalities without requiring to shout their specific attributes, it's definitely a skill that makes your stories more enjoyable.

As ever, I'm looking forward to more, more and much more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 09/27/22 02:42 PM
hi Harbi, thanks for your usual read and review, it's always a treat for me!

oh yes, the press knows where to smell a good story! I wonder if any of them cottoned on to the Legionnaires' "events management" actions tongue

yay! glad Cos' speech and the Imra/Garth romance rang true for ya

haha! perhaps I will dish out some post-wedding gossip in coming installments wink it IS fun to think of these funny stories, I already have a few in mind of who was rather naughty... I will slip some in don't worry wink

hee hee smile well for Veilmist, I had to make her half-Khundian because in this reality, female Khunds (well, we only ever really saw Amilia Crugg, and Monstress was also said to resemble Khundian women) have very different body types. I wanted Veilmist to still look like her 5YL version and I also wanted a reason for why she's with the Legion Cadet program rather than being with the Khunds, so she had to be half-Khund smile I haven't filled that backstory out yet though...

Dr. Mollie - she was a canon character, but I remember some fans picking up on molybdenum too smile

Although Reboot Nura was never reallty written as teasing and flirty in canon, the Preboot Nura is just too good... so I wanted to add some of those elements into this Nura smile

Yildiz is an original idea, glad you like it smile I had to Google Translate, but Yildiz is Turkish for "star"

also glad you liked the little character bits all throughout. and yes, Atmos is an ass - though I don't have the heart to make him as big of an ass as he was 5YL (it would also go against established characterization from Reboot canon tongue ) Brawler, on the other hand...

and I completely agree, re your Hope World and my reseeding of Xanthu... the Legion should be about much more than just fighting the bad guys!!

and thank you tons for your VERY kind words! means a lot especially coming from a fellow writer such as yourself smile
Posted By: razsolo Re: Xanthu Reborn - 09/28/22 08:35 AM
Hi IB, just read your latest - I am so impressed with how you utilised everyone's abilities...it gave me the same feeling as the X-Men terraforming Mars, a really clever use of powers and teamwork!

I especially like how a lot of the central characters have less flashy powers, it shows how subtle powers can sometimes be more important than being able to bench press a small moon smile

Also, yay for the Amazers - they're so kooky, I love them laugh

Glad to see Gates never misses an opportunity to proselytize smile

...and Atmos I see remains a jerk in all incarnations, though to be fair he's a bit more sympathetic this time around than he usually is!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 09/29/22 02:59 AM
Hi raz, thanks tons - means a lot, especially you are a master at creative ability use too!

Yeah, I was pleaser to give characters like Chlorophyll Kid a chance to shine smile or Konk! And the Bald Kid lol

Atmos is only less of an ass here cause of precedent in canon tongue and Gates is just incorrigible wink
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Xanthu Reborn - 09/30/22 02:54 PM
How did I miss the new fic entries that y'all have been posting? OMG I'm sorry I'm so late here!

Really fun installment, Ibby - from the intel briefing at the top to the point of every Legionnaire having a job. I'm glad you wrote this, as I totally forgot that Xanthu remained a wasteland after DnA let Robotica loose on it. It was used to resurrect folks that were turned into seeds, but they never bothered to go back and fix the planet. (Nor did the Roboticans, who felt the need to undo whatever they did on Earth, but not Xanthu).

Loved Gates going off-script and starting to riff on his views! It also brings up the need to fix Gil'd - that was laid waste even before DnA showed up!

The best part of this I think is that it allows a lot of the more backgrounder characters & subs a chance to really shine, as they play a lot of critical roles here.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 10/01/22 06:24 AM
Thanks GL, glad you liked it smile yeah with all the powers and skills available, just felt right that the Legion would be more forward looking re fixing Xanthu, thinking about Gil’d…

… and also gives everyone a place. They may not make the cut for full active membership, but they can still contribute a lot smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 10/31/22 07:26 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Xanth Prime, capital city of Xanthu

Dreamer, Nura Nal of Naltor; precognition
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Insect Queen, Lonna Leing of Xanthu; morphs into various insect forms, gaining the powers of the forms she takes
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion leader.
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; generate and control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation, enhanced vision
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation, disruption of energy flow
Star Boy, Thom Kallor of Xanthu; gravity manipulation

Uncanny Amazers

Atmos, Marak Russen of Xanthu; nuclear energy blasts, flight, enhanced strength and durability
Kal Bodo of Xanthu; phrenology and psychometry activated upon touching another's head
Konk!, of Xanthu; detachable floating head, if she fails to reattach her head to her body, a new one with a different personality grows
Radion, Roy Travich of Earth (Italy and Madagascar); flight and emission of radiation

**************************************************************************

Twelve Legionnaires had stayed behind to join the gala on Xanthu; definitely enough that nobody could say Xanthu was not a priority of the team. They milled about the large hall, giving interviews and autographs, and chatting with dignitaries. Some, like Kinetix and Echo, were having the time of their lives. Others...

Dreamer kept her face impassive, a mask of serenity, as she glided to the banquet table. Many of her colleagues thought precognition was as easy as reading a horoscope; but in fact, it was more like using a search engine. Anyone with the gift could see into the future, but knowing where to look and what to search for was half the battle.

For instance, when trying to predict the assassin Akka's next target, Nura had succeeded by focusing on Akka's suspected employer - rather than on Akka herself.

The frustrating thing though, was that so many sentients here had strong emotions that could lead them to doing something stupid... after all, Kid Quantum and Atmos had just jointly unveiled the plan Star Boy had proposed so long ago... a way of tying Xanthu closer to the Legion and the United Planets. Having the Amazers join the Legion Reserve, and getting first pick at graduating Cadets who did not want to - or could not - join the Legion. In their status as Legion Reservists, the Amazers would also have a hotline to the main team should there be a need.

Nura had not needed her precognition to expect that there would be a few mutters. Xanthu would still be "second best", in a way, many had said. Especially after the first batch of new recruits had been announced.

The pool had been small: of the Cadets who had participated in the final exam some time back, and had not been offered membership, only 10 had performed well enough to be offered a slot on the Amazers - after all, the Legion still wanted to send some of their best. Mandalla had joined the Legion medical team; and Density, Lamprey, Tellus, Sizzle, Hotshot and Stone Boy had elected to remain in the Cadet program. But Night Girl had seized the opportunity wholeheartedly, arguing that her weakness to light would be less pronounced on the satellites around Xanthu. She had opened Spectrum's eyes to the notion that his color-changing would be of greater use in space as well; and they could support Xanthugov's experiments with the application of light. Finally, Porcupine Pete had been improving the firing of his quills, but admitted that stray shots would be less dangerous to bystanders in the vacuum of space.

As Night Girl, Porcupine Pete and Spectrum came forward to join fellow Amazers Kal Bodo, Konk! and Radion, the crowd went wild.

One of Xanthu's ministers, the pompous Petromir Balsoterte, slammed his fist, stood up and accused the Legion of sending their rejects to Xanthu. Kid Quantum coolly countered that all three had scored top marks at the Academy on everything but the range and versatility of their powers. Atmos' eyes blazed as he said the Amazers had rejected some Cadets who'd wanted to join - staying silent on the fact that those Cadets had not been offered the chance to. As Balsoterte opened his mouth to protest, Atmos motioned to the new recruits to show their stuff. Spectrum quickly coated Night Girl in black, and she bent over and lifted the entire stage and podium with one arm. As the crowd gasped, Pete flicked his arms, sending quills above the crowd. Many ducked, but it was not needed... the quills embedded themselves into a board, and spelled the words "We are looking forward to being part of the Uncanny Amazers!"

That mollified many in the crowd, though a few more continued to argue. "Xanthu is on the AP AND UP frontier, we deserve more!" Eliza Melonila yelled out. "Why don't our Xanthusian Legionnaires also rejoin the Amazers?" Michael Xitega questioned. Newly-elected Prime Minister Q'Bahl* shushed his colleagues, glaring at them as he explained that recent events, such as Robotica's attack, showed that Xanthu was stronger together with its allies. "Without support from the Khunds and AP, we would have had far fewer survivors. And the Legion is maintainintg a dedicated Threshold to Xanthu in case we need reinforcements." His tone and pose indicated a sense of finality. "Besides, we had these debates in parliament, and I know for a fact all of you were present and were given ample time to raise your objections," he looked each of his fellow politicians in the eye. Momentarily cowed, each fell silent. Smiling, Q'Bahl faced the camera. "Now, for those who missed it, we will replay the revitalization of the Xanthuan Tropical Rainforests..."

"That Xitega will be trouble," Nura whispered to Star Boy as he came up to her, drinks in hand.

"When?" Thom asked.

"Not a vision, studmuffin," Nura smiled as she took the champagne glass Thom offered. "Just intuition."

"I think anyone who doesn't see that is blind..." Thom laughed as he sipped his own drink. "Though I don't need your visions to know that I should listen to you..." Turning serious, he faced Nura. "Tell me we did the right thing."

"You don't need me to say that," Nura fixed Thom's eyes in hers. "It was a brilliant plan, and some of those politicians are just making a show. Besides... you love the Legion, I love the Legion... and our gifts are most useful centrally, where we can use them to help other worlds too." She took a bigger gulp of her drink. That question had been asked; none of the full Xanthuan Legionnaires wanted to be stationed permanently on Xanthu. Why would they? It wasn't selfish... they were more needed on Legion World, where they could be more easily deployed elsewhere. Of course, maybe there was a bit of selfishness there - after having so many adventures and experiences with the team, each of them also did want the richness of being a full Legionnaire...

"It meets everyone's needs, Thom," Nura squeezed his hand...

... then gasped.

"I didn't squeeze that hard, did I?" Thom quipped. "A vision?"

"Yes," Nura quickly flew off to Q'bahl. "Excuse me, Ambassador Jeryl," Nura bowed to the fin-headed purple beauty chatting with Q'bahl. "Q'bahl, we need Xanth-Prime to scan coordinates 38* 47* 56* now."

Having fought alongside Nura during the Robotican attacks, Q'bahl knew better than to question her. He gave the order, and not moments later came the reply.

"Asteroid heading for Xanth-Prime, sir!"

Before Q'bahl could say another word, Nura had already called Kid Quantum and Atmos. Taking to the sky, the Legionnaires and Amazers began to fan out.

***************************************************************************************

The Lower Atmosphere over Xanthu

Kinetix shielded her eyes from the asteroid's light, even as her telekinetic shields helped her and hear teammates withstand the heat. Even with their transuits on, she was beginning to feel uncomfortably warm. "This thing's bigger than Mordru's ego! Come on, we have to deflect it soon, or else..."

"It's already causing atmospheric disturbances!" Atmos yelled over the flight ring network. "Move fast, or there won't be a Xanth-Prime left to save!"

"I always did want to try my hand at batball," Star Boy grunted as he focused his powers on the asteroid. "Come on, come on..."

"Let me help you nudge it," Kinetix added her power to the mix, shifting the asteroid's trajectory.

"And I will help slow it down," Kid Quantum unleashed a quantum bubble. "It's difficult enough to control at this velocity..."

"We're doing it!" Sweat dripped down Thom's face as he watched the asteroid slowly change course. "Just a bit more..."

"Wait!" Zoe had to steady herself. "I feel a pulse of.... something..." Her eyes widened as she felt a familiar surge of magical energy. "Magic, watch out!" Not that it would do any good; after all, magic was very unpredictable!

She flew out of the way just in time, as a portion of the asteroid rocketed through Star Boy's gravity field and smashed into a satellite behind Kinetix! Another flew in the opposite direction, and without Zoe's warning would have taken off Kid Quantum's head. Instead, it winged a Xanthugov cruiser.

"No!" Thom expanded his field, forming a barrier that pushed back against the main asteroid. A few pieces still flew off here and there, punching through metal and hurtling towards Xanthu...

"Get away!" Thom yelled as he and Zoe both pushed at the main asteroid, sending it hurtling back into space. Except... the asteroid began to pick it speed.

"Thom, slow it down!" Jazmin snapped.

"That's not me!" Thom shook his head in consternation.

"Jaz, that was magic!" Zoe said as she turned her attention to the cruiser, repairing its wing. "I felt magic!"

"Your magical sense is tingling, eh?" Jazmin said, even as she enveloped the falling satellite in a quantum bubble to slow its fall. "Take a team and follow it..."

"I have your team ready," Dreamer floated into view. Echo, Lume, Particon, Night Girl and Radion followed behind. Lume smiled. "In my light form, I should easily be able to follow it." Collapsing inwards into itself, Lume resembled a tiny glowing firefly, and zipped off.

"Lume is fast, but I can follow it," Particon smiled. "I detect energy, after all. In light form, we can't easily trace Lume's flight ring. " She took off after Lume's bright form.

"Hmph..." Radion muttered as he watched his two-time former teammate** fly away.

Nura turned to the rest. "Thom, you should go with them. Zoe, one of the asteroid pieces hit a hospital; you're the only one who can uncover the victims safely. Konk! will meet you there, she'll help search for victims."

Zoe opened her mouth to protest, then sighed. "If it were someone else, I might argue, but Nura knows best," she quipped. "See you planetside." Consulting her flight ring, Zoe zoomed down to Xanthu.

"You know what to do," Jazmin winked as she levitated downwards, guiding the broken satellite. "Call us if you need us."

"I'm staying here too," Nura kissed Thom on the cheek. "Now, go."

Thom opened his mouth. At the look of Nura's face, he grinned. "Hey, if even Kinetix knows not to argue..." He grabbed Nura and kissed her full on the mouth. As she blushed, Thom whispered, "At least I can still surprise you sometimes." Then with a wink, he, Echo, Night Girl and Radion took off to follow Particon.

Nura patted her hair into place as she watched Thom fly off. Then, grinning, she descended back to the surface. "Ferro, Lonna, I need you to help stabilize a collapsing building... Gear, Microbe, there are some smoke inhalation victims on a farm..."

******************************

IB's notes:

1) Q'Bahl led Xanthu's defense versus Robotica in Legion Worlds 4. Star Boy and Dreamer were among the defenders.

2) Particon and Radion joined McCauley's Workforce together (Legionnaires 43-51), then joined the Uncanny Amazers (Starman 50 / LSH 123-124 / L* 79-80).
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 10/31/22 11:36 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Deep Space, on the edge of Affiliated Planets space

Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation, disruption of energy flow
Star Boy, Thom Kallor of Xanthu; gravity manipulation

Uncanny Amazers

Night Girl, Lydda Jath of Kathoon; super-strength in darkness
Radion, Roy Travich of Earth (Italy and Madagascar); flight and emission of radiation

*************************************************************************************

"This way," Particon motioned as she followed Lume's trail through the inky blackness. She arched her body, turning sharply. "That rock definitely isn't a normal rock, the way it twists and turns so."

"You would know, wouldn't you..." muttered Radion.

"Of course she does?" Echo glanced sideways at Radion. "It's in her powerset to trace energy trails, and she's good at what she does."

"Thanks, Troy," Particon smiled. Then she used her telepathic earplugs to open a 1-1 channel with Radion. "Roy, if this is about me leaving the Amazers..."

"You left Xanthu, and you left me, Jen." Roy replied. Then he cut the connection off.

Jennifer grit her teeth, then pushed Roy's reaction to the back of her mind. She would need to sit with him later, but for now, she had a mission to accomplish.

*************************************************************************************


Xanth Prime, capital city of Xanthu

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Insect Queen, Lonna Leing of Xanthu; morphs into various insect forms, gaining the powers of the forms she takes
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; generate and control harmful and beneficial microorganisms


*********************************************************************************

Microbe made sure to approach her patients from the front - on Legion World, and increasingly on Earth, everybody knew her; but here on Xanthu, sentients weren't quite as used to diversity. Element Lass had warned her. And these people had been through a lot. She eyed the coughing young boy before her, clutching at his teary-eyed mother. "I can help, if you let me? My name is Microbe, and I'm a Legionnaire."

The mother looked frightened for a moment, then nodded cautiously. Microbe touched a hand to the boy's chest, and released a strain of bacteria that had evolved on Venus. They consumed sulfur and carbon dioxide. After a few seconds, the boy stopped coughing; Microbe then unleashed another bacteria that would soothe the boy's throat. Within seconds he was beaming.

"Oh, thank you, thank you," the mother clutched Drura's hand and sobbed. Drura smiled as she patted the woman's hand.

"Sorry to interrupt, Drura." Gear's head snaked its way towards her. "I've got my hands full with more rescued victims..."

Drura's gaze followed Gear's neck to his body, which had sprouted several hovering stretchers, each filled with a coughing victim. "Easy folks, we're almost there," he said soothingly.

"Sorry ma'am, duty calls," Drura gave the woman's hand one last squeeze, as she rushed to help Gear.


*********************************************************************************

"You okay, Insect Queen?" Ferro called as he watched his teammate grunt. Insect Queen had transformed into some sort of beetle, and she was rolling balls of soil and earth to shore up falling beams and walls.

"Thanks, but I've been much worse," Insect Queen wedged a ball just so. "When Robotica attacked... meds were the only things keeping me on my feet* then. This is a piece of pluberry pie compared to that... and call me Lonna." She began forming another ball in between her appendages. "I don't need to ask if you're full of energy, eh? Bet you could hold that wall up all day, though I won't test it."

Ferro laughed without mirth. "Yeah, one of the benefits of being an iron statue..."

Lonna looked up with a jerk of her head. "I'm sorry, Ferro. I read your file... I wish there was something we could do..."

Ferro shrugged. "Even with Brainiac 5, Element Lass and the White Witch on the team... it just doesn't seem to be in the cards. They can transmute me back to flesh, but nobody knows if I will survive. My body's pretty banged up, though it's not obvious from afar. But hey, at least I'm still alive, right?"

Lonna kept her eyes down. Everyone talked about how much time Ferro spent on missions, or in the VR room... especially there. At least technology had advanced enough that he could distract himself in there... maybe have a semblance of taste, touch and smell. Though he couldn't live in there forever, either. "I'm glad you're alive... Many people I know would have been much more bitter after going through what you did..."

"Thanks, and call me Andy." Andy turned to look at Lonna. "Believe me, I'm smiling under this mask...."

"I believe you. And I'm smiling as much as I can, even though this beetle doesn't have cheeks," Lonna quipped.

The two shared a grin even as Kid Quantum's voice came over the flight ring network. "We got another collapsing building two klicks over, Ferro, Insect Queen."

"Be right there, boss," Lonna replied cheerily.

***********************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legion Worlds 4, Insect Queen was pushed to the brink during the Robotican invasion
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 10/31/22 11:48 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Deep Space, on the edge of Affiliated Planets space

Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation, disruption of energy flow
Star Boy, Thom Kallor of Xanthu; gravity manipulation

Uncanny Amazers

Night Girl, Lydda Jath of Kathoon; super-strength in darkness
Radion, Roy Travich of Earth (Italy and Madagascar); flight and emission of radiation

*************************************************************************************

"The trail is going fainter, somehow," Particon announced as she began to slow down. "Odd... I didn't expect Lume to run out of energy."

"Maybe you're the one running out," Radion said under his breath. Particon saw Echo about to snap back.

"No, the trail is literally fainter," Particon headed Echo off. Though both he and Night Girl were glaring daggers at Radion. "Can you sense anything with YOUR powers, Roy?"

Radion's eyes blazed. "I sense radiation in general, and there's way too much intergalactic background radiation here...

"Well, maybe we can... UMPH!" Particon felt herself thrown backwards, and her vision suddenly filled with a beehive of black hair. "Night Girl?"

"That rock almost took your head off!" Lydda exclaimed. She pointed at a small meteorite a few klicks ahead.

"It's giving off the same radiation as the asteroid!" Roy added, transfixed, as his eyes followed the meteorite.

"Let's see if I can slow it down," Star Boy pointed to the asteroid, and a purple glow emanated from it.

"Look out!" Echo pointed. More rocks were flying at them. "I can nudge them away with my powers... thanks to Star Boy's gravity powers carrying my soundwaves." With a wave of his hand, Echo changed the rock's trajectory enough that it missed the group.

"Great, now we have to deal with rocks attacking us from behind," Radion groused.

"Now, THAT I can help with," Jennifer smiled. She used her powers to form a pink energy wall behind them. "I can maintain this as we fly. If you lead the way, Thom...?"

Particon avoided looking at Radion as they followed Star Boy ahead.
Posted By: razsolo Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/01/22 02:36 AM
More Legion, yay! Some thoughts:

Quote
Many of her colleagues thought precognition was as easy as reading a horoscope; but in fact, it was more like using a search engine

I like this analogy!

I also like the neat way the Amazers have been given a closer link to the Legion while still maintaining their own identity, it makes sense and helps both parties...and Night Girl, Spectrum and Pete being on the same team seems like a nice Subs callout smile

The power display ending with Pete's quills spelling out words is classic Silver Age stuff, love it laugh

Ambassador Jeryl, yay!!

I like the respect Dreamer gets from everyone; we all know Dreamy is formidable in any incarnation but usually that's balanced out by everyone seeing her as flighty and self-absorbed. It seemed like the reboot Nura had moved past that perception mostly in the end compared to original recipe Nura or even threeboot Nura.

Drura using benevolent bacteria is a good twist on her abilities, and it suits her personality to be a healer smile

Ferro and Insect Queen's little moment was cute!

Particon has had some good scenes here too....I barely remember her from the reboot so it's fun seeing her in use!

Looking forward to more funky magic asteroid times!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/01/22 07:42 AM
Thanks raz smile if this Amazers / Legion arrangement gets traction it might snowball… Lallor has their own team too after all wink

Yeah, I looked back at my notes and mostly it was Subs (in another continuity) who did well in the exam, held back only by their powers. Lydda adds some muscle, Ulu is a natural partner to her power wise, and Pete adds some more projectile type powers. That still leaves Staq, Ral and Dag on the Cadets though wink not Staq because the Amazers already have Atmos and Radion…

Glad you’re digging the little bits with the rest! And Anura’s performance in the Xanthu invasion and stopping Universo means most everyone takes her seriously now wink how could they not lol , they have to learn at some point
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/01/22 10:17 AM
Hey IB, nice to see your team are still on Xanthu building metaphorical bridges.

As Raz said, Night Girl. Pete and Ulu joining the Amazers is a nice shout out to the Subs. I do kinds understand why the politician was thinking they're getting the Legion's cast-offs, but still those that do join the Amazers have been well trained and are eager to help so it shouldn't be too bad. Couple of really nice moments - Ulu colouring the air around Lydda so she can use her strength - have we ever seen that before as it is so obvious! Actually, when the Subs and Brainy took down the Super Assassins did he do it then? He really should have been doing it on every mission. Pete using his quills to spell out a message - cute! Nice interaction between Nura and Tom, talking about the troublesome Xitega, and an asteroid heading for Xanthu? Just as well they are there to deal with it smile

"This thing's bigger than Mordru's ego!" haha great line from Zoe. Which is kinda ironic given that she then went on to sense magic...

I liked that Drura is careful approaching people, and that she has benevolent bacteria she can use - very clever! And nice that there's Venusian bacteria to help, that's nice Silver Age sci-fi

Radion sniping is fun, we do love a catty exchange laugh and again, it's understandable, if nowhere near appropriate.

Ferro and Insect Queen's chat was sweet, nice empathy from her and she handled what could be a really awkward conversation well. And, it was good to touch on how he is dealing with being stuck in his iron form.

Where's Lume? They are one of the few characters of yours that I know absolutely nothing about so am always eager to read more. Also, asteroids attacking the team from behind? I wonder who would be attacking Xanthu right now, and perhaps more pertinently, why? Looking forward to finding out smile

I love your stories IB, you have a deft touch with the characterisation and always throw in nice surprises that keep the stories moving forward. As ever, I'm eager for more, more, more!
Posted By: razsolo Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/01/22 11:01 AM
Originally Posted by Harbinger
Actually, when the Subs and Brainy took down the Super Assassins did he do it then? He really should have been doing it on every mission.
That's the only time I can think of that it happened! You would think after Brainy showed them how effective they could be working together they'd have done it all the time, but I guess the Subs had a very long period of being treated like third-rate characters by DC so it wouldn't do to have them be too efficient...
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/01/22 12:11 PM
Harbi, raz, you are Legion historians! I do remember Brainy's effective commandeering of the Subs.

re Lydda and Ulu, they are definitely natural teammates (just like Lydda and Tasmia). in my mind, it would be tough in a Legion to ensure they are always together... but on a smaller team with smaller scope like the Amazers, it is easier to schedule them together wink and also, if Lydda will be in space a lot, not as many issues sending her without Ulu

Harbi, you hit the nail right on the head - Lydda, Ulu and Pete may not have the most impressive powers, but the Legion made sure they only send those getting top marks otherwise.

leave it to Zoe to invoke Mordru's name and cause a magical disaster tongue

indeed, we could use more catty, can't have everyone be too nice all the time wink

and don't worry, Lume is gonna get its share of screen time in the next few installments wink

thanks again as always for your support and comments !
Posted By: razsolo Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/01/22 12:51 PM
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
and don't worry, Lume is gonna get its share of screen time in the next few installments wink

I love Lume, yay! Such a good character concept created just as a throwaway gag!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/01/22 02:16 PM
I know right!! a being made entirely of light, why not? and besides Sun Boy (and depending how you look at the powers of Color Kid and Rainbow Girl), light is a power that has generally been missing from the Legion
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/01/22 05:59 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD


Outside Xanth Prime, capital city of Xanthu

Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation, enhanced vision

Uncanny Amazers

Atmos, Marak Russen of Xanthu; nuclear energy blasts, flight, enhanced strength and durability

*********************************************************************************
"Well?" Atmos' tone was anything but friendly.

Nightwind ignored the Amazers' de facto leader, instead concentrating on feeling the wind currents around her. They were in a rural area outside the capital, and thankfully there weren't so many obstacles blocking the wind here. Atmos wasn't being intentionally acerbic, she told herself; he was just concerned about Xanthu. She opened her eyes and pointed. "There."

"About time." Atmos flew towards where Berta had pointed. She rolled her eyes and followed him down.

Acrid smoke billowed over an area almost as large as the old Legion headquarters on Earth. "Before the smoke gets in your eyes, let me," Berta called out to Atmos. With a wave of her hand, she blew the smoke away, revealing a crater. In the exact center, a chunk of asteroid lay, glowing softly.

"You're not getting away," Atmos growled as he pounced on the asteroid.

"Wait, remember what Star Boy - " before Berta could finish, the asteroid exploded into dozens of smaller particles. Atmos bellowed in rage as he crossed his arms in front of his face; then in pain as a few tore into his flesh. Fueled by instinct and adrenaline, Berta summoned a gale force wind to protect herself. Luckily, she was much further away, and only a few pebbles hit her.

She watched as the chunks of rock reformed into one bigger piece, and then ascended into the sky. Pulling her flight ring to her lips, she reported in. "Jaz, Nura, the piece we were tracing has gone skyward." Without waiting for a response, she flew towards Atmos. He was snarling even as he knelt, bloody gashes on his arms and torso. "Atmos, hold still, I have my medikit..."

"What has Xanthu done to deserve this?" Atmos spat, his fists clenched. "All I want is to see my world safe!"

"I wish I could say it will all be okay," Berta said softly, as she helped him sit down. "But I promise you, Atmos... the Legion will always stand by Xanthu."

Atmos set his jaw as Berta began to bandage his wounds.

*********************************************************************************

Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing

Uncanny Amazers

Porcupine Pete, Peter Dursin of Earth (Jamaica and Mexico); ejects quills from his body
Spectrum, Ulu Vakk of Lupra; changes the color of people and objects

*********************************************************************************

Gear flew towards Spectrum and Porcupine Pete, another half-dozen rescued victims lying in the hovering gurneys that protruded from his form. "Easy folks, the medical teams will be here any moment. I'm just going to bring you to our triage point." He gently lay everyone down. "Boys, I've monitored their vitals... all of them are in Category A."

"Perfect, thanks, Gear." As Pete helped the first victim from one of Gear's gurneys to a bed they had set up, Spectrum leaned closer to the victim - a young girl. "Hey there, I hope you like green, honey. I'm just going to turn your sleeve green so the medi-team will know you're one of the least injured, okay?"

The girl bit her lip. "I like pink, actually. Can I be pink instead?"

"Tell you what, I'll turn one sleeve green and another pink, would you like that?"

"That would be nice," the girl beamed at Ulu.

"That's the last of them," Pete stretched his back as he stepped back, taking in all the sentients who were resting peacefully. "I sure wish my powers were of more use here."

"It's not about the powers, Pete," Gear smiled as he retracted all his appendages. "Remember what Chuck always used to say..."

"It's all about the heart," Ulu, Pete and Gear said in unison, big grins on their faces.

*********************************************************************************

Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic

Uncanny Amazers

Kal Bodo of Xanthu; phrenology and psychometry activated upon touching another's head
Konk!, of Xanthu; detachable floating head, if she fails to reattach her head to her body, a new one with a different personality grows

*********************************************************************************

"Hey, Xanthusians!" Kal Bodo made sure the robo-camera broadcasting him was centered on his face. "No deaths reported so far; but we do have a lot of injured. If you can volunteer or give, stay glued to your Omnicoms for more details!"

"I have to admit," Kinetix said as she carefully used her telekinesis to feel around the edges of the piece of debris she was lifting. "I misjudged Kal - at first I thought he was collecting holos for his FaceScreen page, but he's pretty good at mobilizing people."

Konk! popped out of a hole in the rubble. "Yeah, well, those of us who don't have the best powers have to cultivate other talents," she winked. "Of course, my power's pretty cool - found an air pocket with ten sentients for ya! That way," she pointed her lips.

"Yeah, pretty useful alright," Zoe allowed herself a subtle grin as she trained her telekinetic field in the direction Konk! had pointed. Focusing, she found the edge of the air pocket and began to lift.

"My hour's almost up, let me just re-attach my head, then I'll be good to go again," Konk! floated over to where her headless body sat. Zoe shivered a bit; it looked too much like a beheaded corpse for her own taste. But, well, she had encountered stranger things in her time with the Legion, and...

She felt something on the edges of her telekinetic field. "Look out!" she called.

"What the-" Kal Bodo yelled as an object the size of a large Elva-bird whizzed meters away from him and towards his teammate. "No, Konk!!!!"

With barely a second to spare, Konk! separated her head from her body again - just in time to avoid being smashed by a glowing rock. "Oh sprock, that was close..." KonkI breathed.

"It's too fast!" Zoe instinctively tried to stretch her field after the rock, then thought better of it. Anyway, it was already angling towards the sky. Save the innocents buried here first, and ignore the pull of the rock, she scolded herself. Remember what the Anomaly did to you... and the Star of Akkos. Forget of trying to harness that asteroid's magic, we should just make sure it can't hurt anyone...*" She hoped that the rock would not hit anything on its way into space. Zoe used her flight ring to leave a message to Kid Quantum; then she focused harder, and began to lift the rubble. "We'll have you out of there almost as fast as XS can run, people!"


***********************************

IB's notes:

1) Because of exposure to the Space Anomaly, Kinetix retreated into herself, becoming almost catatonic (LSH 104-113; LSH 62-66). She lost her powers to the Star of Akkos too. (LSH Annual 6).
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/01/22 11:18 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Deep Space, on the edge of Affiliated Planets space

Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light

********************************************************************************

Lume was beginning to think it had been overconfident. It had worked hard at overcoming its almost-hereditary fear of the dark, but... this was the longest it had been alone in the blackness of space.

Imagine the stars... imagine they are your kind, Lume repeated the mantra that it had been taught in its early days with the Legion. With the original team missing, the call had gone wide and far, and Rebound and Nightwind and even RJ Brande himself had visited Lume on Silvan* - having been nominated by its homeworld upon their admission to the United Planets**, the Legion had wanted to invite Lume again. Truth be told, none of the Silvans had a clear concept of space travel; they had joined the UP on a whim, but really, what could other worlds have offered a species of light-based energy beings who produced their own sustenance?

Plenty, as Lume had found out. Regaled by stories of the Legion's triumphs, and of experiences on so many worlds and with so many species... and of being able to make the lives of those species better... Lume had signed up with a mix of eagerness and trepidation. And it had finally began conquering its fear of the dark by realizing it could make its own light, literally and figuratively.

After all, the darkness just represented the unknown. And the encouragement of its teammates filled Lume with confidence. It could...

"Oh!" Lume gasped as it felt something brush its cheek. Scolding itself, Lume shook out of its reverie, and almost wished it had not.

Stretching out ahead of it was a field of dust and rock. Dust and rock that emitted the same wavelength it had been following.

And more particles were coming to join the field.

Remembering its training, Lume took a chance. It solidified its form, and reached within itself to take out the flight ring it had suspended within its firefly-like form. "Particon, can you hear me? Can you track my coordinates? The asteroid is..."

Before Lume could finish, bits of rock began to pelt it. Letting out a cry, Lume activated its flight ring homing beacon even as it dodged madly, flying in a zigzag pattern. It doubted it could be physically harmed, but if its flight ring were destroyed... Getting its bearings, Lume desperately searched for the portion of space that seemed clear and bright, and flew towards it. Sparing a glance behind it, Lume relaxed as it saw the rock seem to pause.

It looked forward, determined to pour on the speed while maintaining its humanoid form so its flight ring signal would be stronger. If it could reach its top speed...

And then, Lume felt itself slam into something hard and rough. No! It felt its particles refract, and the ring slip from its grasp! It tried to pull itself together, but it felt its particles bounce around uncontrollably...

... and split up like this, it could not even see what was causing it to fall apart.

All it could do was hope that its signal had gone out, and trust in its teammates to come save it.

**********************************

IB's notes:

1) An untold story set during Volume 1 of this fic! Check out the recap for more backstory.

2) Lume first appeared in LSH 66, where it declined to join the Legion upon learning that it had to travel through the darkness of space to do so.
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/02/22 03:06 PM
Hey IB, thanks for the ping!

Loving the short snips above, especially Berta dealing with Atmos. Hopefully he comes to an epiphany soon and realises it isn't all about him smile is it bad that I kinda smiled when he got hurt?

Ulu dealing with the child was really sweet. It's good to see these small moments in the middle of all the chaos, that's what the Legion should represent really isn't it? "It's all about the heart," indeed! Well said.

Konk always freaked me out tbh, the idea of a floating head is really repulsive (to me, anyway) but you have used them well here, and Zoe helping and prioritising the trapped civilians shows how much she has grown too.

You have a skill at capturing the character's personalities that doesn't jar or beat the reader over the head, it's very nice to read.

Lume! Yay! My new favourite I think - a being scared of the dark that's made of light, it's quite brilliant (sorry, bad pun) as character flaws go. And the flight ring being kept inside it's body was a good visual. Noticed you call Lume 'him' right at the end, was this intentional, only it stood out against the gender neutral pronouns you used earlier regarding them?

Great stuff, you carry on building the excitement and mystery while highlighting the personalities in play - well done!

Of course, it does mean I'm sat here waiting for more, more and more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/02/22 04:00 PM
hi Harbi, thanks again for your read & review! appreciate it!

yeah, Atmos is a bit of a jerk eh? I'm trying to have him as demanding rather than jerky for the sake of jerkiness... and he can take a hit, so smile away when he gets a bit hurt wink

yeah, Konk! was always a bit odd. also, how does she headbutt people without getting hurt, is her head unusually hard? questions, questions...

and indeed, I love having the Legion as a symbol of hope, so they should generally be nice to the people they work with wink

Re Lume, oops! the "him" was a mistake, when I first brought Lume in I determined that Lume would remain gender-neutral (as a light-based energy being :p). but my brain keeps suggesting that Lume should be gendered, which is not correct. bad brain! glad you are liking Lume, what a treat!

glad you're hooked, I will do my best to wrap this asteroid bit up soon wink
Posted By: razsolo Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/04/22 09:12 AM
Yay, I have been looking forward to Lume's bit - some thoughts!

You gotta feel for Atmos, reboot Xanthu has really been through it! Even so, Berta has got way more patience dealing with him than I would... tongue

Pete having Jamaican and Mexican heritage is a fun background bit - I like how you give the Earth heroes different nationalities smile

Ulu's bit with the little girl was nice...good to see a situation where he's logically useful as well! (PS it looks like you accidentally put Kal in this section's roll call as well as the next!)

I liked Konk's usefulness here as well - and Zoe having to remind herself about her priorities is a nice call back to her past.

Poor Lume! That was a good character piece - Lume's bravery comes across quite well, I can see how the darkness of outer space would be challenging for a light creature!

re: accidentally calling Lume "he" - I do this with Sojurn and Slug all the time hahaha....I have a friend who came out as non-binary a few years ago, so I wanted to write some gender-neutral characters to get myself used to not falling back on gendered pronouns as the default in real life, but it shows how ingrained it is that it still trips us up sometimes!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/04/22 11:33 AM
thanks raz!! glad you're digging it all!

Yeah, I was trying not to make Atmos too unlikable... he's still a total jerk BUT at least he has a reason (unacceptable though it might be) for being so lol

I really do need to do something more about the Earth heroes' nationalities though smile i have been thinking about it, I expect Earth should have changed a lot in 1000 years, so referring to how modern-day Earth people would behave doesn't seem quite right smile

oops thanks for the catch, gonna go clean up the roll calls smile

and glad Lume is coming across well, though it's not an original character, it is the most blank slate one of my original new Legionnaires wink and thanks for the commiserations re how ingrained gendered language is! yeah,it takes a lot of effort sometimes, and I'm grateful for those in real life who are patient enough about it!
Posted By: razsolo Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/05/22 02:54 AM
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
I really do need to do something more about the Earth heroes' nationalities though smile i have been thinking about it, I expect Earth should have changed a lot in 1000 years, so referring to how modern-day Earth people would behave doesn't seem quite right smile

I get what you mean, global culture would probably be a lot more homogenised in the Legion's future (or maybe changed completely with all the wars in between now and then)...but I think for the sake of adding some diversity and some distinct background bits for different characters it's a good idea to not just default to nearly everyone being white.

And even though DC's alien worlds suffer from the same thing most other sci-fi worlds do, where everyone on the planet looks the same and acts the same, we still have stuff like the Yakka-Mahor on Talok VIII and the allusion to different types of Khund subcultures occasionally (eg: sometimes we see Khund women being treated like property and sometimes they're equal to men), so I don't think it's a stretch that individual components of the many different subcultures on Earth would carry on in some form for another 1000 years smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/05/22 08:41 AM
thanks for brainstorming with me, raz smile you've convinced me to try to add some more cultural bits, beyond just having them come from different areas of Earth wink
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/07/22 11:19 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Metropolis, Earthgov offices

Evert Manning sighed as he locked his console screen and stood up. 47 new messages overnight, and he had stayed up late until 8pm to clean his inbox... join Earthgov, his dad had said. Get paid well AND get a sexy job that would bring in the babes... and here he was, 35 years old, newly single and still renting with 3 roommates...

He resisted the urge to slam his Omnicom on his desk, and instead used his energy to stomp his boots hard as he walked out of the offices. Some fresh air would do him good.

Walking out into the sunlight, he sighed. If only he had been born rich, or won the lottery...

"Hey, handsome, you don't happen to know where the Bureau of Archeology is, do you?"

Evert jerked up to see a vision of loveliness staring at him. She was short of breathtakingly beautiful, but certainly very cute and attractive and appealing, with her short-cropped brown hair and lilac-colored eyes. She peered at him with a smile suggesting she had ideas. "Three-legged skitterer got your tongue, big boy?"

"I... I... I... I work for them," Evert stammered.

"Wonderful, then you can show me where the offices are. I'm Orchid Sapphire, by the way."

Evert instantly forgot how terrible his life was, and stood up straight, chest out. "This way, Miss Sapphire." The whole time they walked to the office, his mind flashed with visions of him wooing Orchid, and the life they would build together.

He never noticed the dossiers and files moving unseen around him, or the discreet swiping on his Omnicom screen. And when Orchid excused herself with a wink and a nod, saying "well, if only I were single, I would ask you out... but really, a looker like you has great things going for him." And Evert had resolved to look for a better job, go to the gym again, and finally ask out that cute neighbor of his...

************************************************************************************

Rimbor

Scarlett Blood looked up from her perch at the bar of the Rowdy Rough Bunch tavern. "I don't know who you're talking about, princess," she sneered.

The red-headed cherub in front of her tittered. "Oh, really? I thought Luonel Burdo was well-known around these parts. After all, he IS a Legionnaire's father. Apparition? Tinya Wazzo?"

Scarlett spat. "Yeah, and after it became known he fathered someone who put many Rimborians away, he dared not show his face around here anymore."

"Ah, a shame. I was hoping to make his acquaintance. After all, he seemed like a man who knew many things, or many beings, such as the Luck Lords."

Scarlett slammed a bottle of silverale on the bar. "You best not be talking about beings like that here, sugar, lest you find a tattoo carved into your pretty face."

"Oh," the red-head made a show of hiding her face behind her hands. "I guess I'd better take my leave then, that wouldn't do. Thank you, Miss Scarlett.

Scarlett rolled her eyes as the little tramp sashayed out her door.

************************************************************************************

Ventura

The Luck Lord called Kairos glared at his quarters. He had been confined there for the past two months, in penance for his failure on Rimbor. But it had not been his fault... someone, something, must have stolen the Sphere of Evanescence from him after he had recovered it from that cursed Luonel Burdo!**

Yet his brethren had not believed him, and now he must meditate to rid himself of any impulse of betraying their order, for the next four months...

He was going mad.

He stared at the ceiling, eye unblinking. If only...

He paused at the movement out of the corner of his eye. What...

He turned to stare at the corner of his room. He could have sworn...

He blinked his eye. This solitude was driving him crazy.

Sighing, he pulled out his notebook and began to scribble. Paper was scarce in this century, but drawing helped him forget the tedium. Sighing, he once again sketched Burdo's face, and imagined himself stabbing that squaj over and over....

***************************************************************************************

Legion World

Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body

****************************************

"I wish I could do more, gang," Kinetix shook her head. She was still on Xanthu, but was on a call to Legion World. "But all I know is I felt a surge of magic when that asteroid suddenly went sprocking crazy. I wish I had been able to save a sample, but my telekinetic fields couldn't detect even a stray pebble... Whatever magic is animating that thing, it is powerful and thorough!"

Chameleon sighed as he slumped in his seat. Beside him, Triad and Invisible Kid both looked thoughtful. "It can't be helped, Zoe. If even your telekinesis could not stop it, it must be powerful indeed."

"Can't Mysa come over and take a look?" Zoe asked.

"She's on a mission to Avalon now," Triad replied. "I've asked Theena to contact her as soon as she's reachable, but Avalon's unique atmosphere dulls outside transmissions..."

"Okay, well, I will keep looking, and if I find anything I'll let you know. Say hi to Vi for me," Zoe winked. As the others waved back, she cut the transmission.

Invisible Kid stood up and began to pace. "We've got the whole Espionage Squad searching, but we're not magical experts, after all. And neither is Brainy; I've asked him to take a look but he hasn't come up with anything... yet."

"I just wish our Earthgov jaunt had turned up more," Triad sighed. "Part of me DID enjoy flirting with that poor mook, but all we could find out was that a few other magical objects across the galaxy have been vanishing..."

"Which adds to the others we already know about, though we can't figure out a pattern other than they are all magical," Invisible Kid finished, a touch of frustration in his voice.

"And we found nothing with the Luck Lords, either." Everyone turned to see Apparition phasing through the wall of the meeting room.

Beside her, Violet grew to normal height. "All we really learned was that Burdo was using a device to hide himself; that the Luck Lords tried to recover it, but somehow lost it again."

"And it's not with that man," Apparition spat. "He's been searched thoroughly on Takron-Galtos; and he's too much of a weakling coward to not use it to his advantage if he could. He doesn't have it."

Triad gently squeezed Apparition's shoulder in support. "Guess we lucked out, unless our mission to Rimbor..."

"Sadly, we didn't learn much, either." Everyone turned to see Sensor and Spider-Girl entering. Spider-Girl quickly sat down, put her feet up, and used her hair to grab a Silverale; she was already very comfortable and secure despite being newly-inducted to the Espionage Squad. "I tried all my contacts on the Rimborian black market. Zip, nobody knows anything about trade in magical artifacts."

"And I didn't detect any stray thoughts or guilty feelings, despite asking around," Sensor sighed as she coiled her lower body to relax. At least she could still do that in her new form, though she always struggled with how to fold her arms. "Most sentients on Rimbor are concerned with tangible credits, not glowy objects."

Chameleon joined his fingers in front of his lips. "I hope Mysa's mission ends soon... if Star Boy's team can catch that asteroid, maybe she can do something to protect it..." He peered once more at the map the Squad was maintaining of all known magical object thefts in the past six months. "Someone is collecting these artifacts... but for what?"

"We'll find out, Cham, somehow," Violet said quietly. Nobody else said anything, as they stared at the map that was growing with new reports every week.

****************************************
IB's notes:

1) See these posts from earlier in Volume 4, for the story of Luonel Burdo and the Luck Lords. In summary, Burdo was using the Sphere of Evanescence to hide out from justice, but the Legion caught him anyway wink
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/08/22 11:13 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Deep Space, on the edge of Affiliated Planets space

Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation, disruption of energy flow
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Star Boy, Thom Kallor of Xanthu; gravity manipulation

Uncanny Amazers

Night Girl, Lydda Jath of Kathoon; super-strength in darkness
Radion, Roy Travich of Earth (Italy and Madagascar); flight and emission of radiation

*************************************************************************************

"If we don't find Lume and the asteroid in 15 more minutes, we really should think about space survival," Echo mused as they followed Star Boy, who in turn followed the tiny asteroid caught in his gravity field. "I can order a Threshold and have a cruiser delivered to us."

"Good thinking, Troy," Night Girl smiled at him. They hadn't been particularly close during their Legion Cadet days, but they had enjoyed working together - and Troy was one of those who had checked in on her after the first Cadet graduation test, and sat down with and encouraged her while she was figuring out what to do. Nearly everyone had been happy for him getting onto the main team, despite not making it themselves.

"We should have done it earlier," Radion muttered.

"And we would have, if following Lume's trail hadn't been so crucial," Echo said civilly but with a very small edge in his voice. Troy was the epitome of cooperation and teamwork, and he could not stand those who were difficult to work with on purpose. "And right now, even with Star Boy slowing down that piece, it's still moving rather fast. If we do call a Threshold, we have to calculate our trajectory so it opens a reasonable distance in front of us, without swallowing the piece up..."

"Maybe you can help me with that, Roy?" Lydda looked at her new teammate.

"You're the one with the scientist background," Roy waved dismissively.

I'm really sorry about this, Lydda sent to Troy and to Particon. Our teams should be working better together, technically we are linked now...

My joining the Legion has contributed to this, Jennifer sent back. I'll have a talk with him after this is done... he's snippy but I hope he can be professional enough on this mission

He'd better, Troy responded. He's lucky Wildfire or Umbra aren't here...

"Uh, gang? I think we have our work cut out for us." Everyone turned to see what Star Boy was referring to.

"What exactly are we seeing?" Lydda gasped.

"It... it..." Troy was at a loss for words. A swirling mass of rocks was rotating slowly around a glowing, central disc. "It looks like... a planetoid is forming."

"Of course," Lydda pointed at the rotating disc. "That could explain why the asteroids are flying in this direction!" As if to prove her point, a couple more rocks smashed into Particon's energy shield and tumbled towards the big disc.

"But where's Lume?" Particon looked around. "I'm trying to get a read on hi- I mean, it - but it's tough with all the heat and light around here."

"This is a bit beyond us. I'm calling for help. Maybe we can get Shikari or Brainiac 5 or the White Witch here, or even all three. Control, I need..."

"Look out!" Star Boy called. "I can feel the gravity changes, we're..." Before he could finish, some rocks flew at the group, and the inner disc brightened. Thanks to Thom's warning, Lydda yanked Troy out of the way in time.

"Thanks for the save, Lydda," Troy gasped. "But how are you doing with the brightness?"

"The light is sapping my strength," Lydda exclaimed. "I can already feel myself weakening!"

"I've got you," Jennifer enclosed the group in a rounded shield. "This won't hold long though; it's already a bit of a stretch to make more than simple shapes with my powers; a sphere is a bit much."

Thankfully, Roy bit his lip this time. "I'll help by absorbing some of the radiation around us."

Thom's eyes glowed as well. "And I'll try to deflect as many of these things as I can."

"And I've made contact with Brainiac 5," Troy continued. "Videofeed on. Do you have enough information? I'm simultaneously checking where we are on the starmaps to see if that can tell us anything."

"Already done," Querl replied brusquely. "Good thinking, though," he added kindly. "I'm afraid this is beyond us for the moment. I suggest you leave right now, things are going to become very uncomfortable there."

"But I can use my powers to stop this!" Thom protested.

"You almost died keeping Warworld and Legion World from disrupting Earth's orbit," Querl replied flatly*. "Stopping a planet from forming will not only be more taxing, but your body is not designed to withstand the amounts of light and heat here." As he spoke, a Threshold opened in front of them. Shikari, Element Lass and another Kwai flew through.

"We will go find Light Legion," Shikari said; her voice said she was smiling, but her facial expressions could not be seen through her Kwai armor-skin. "I'm going with," Element Lass waved. "My crystal form should protect me. But do you want me to create an inertron shield for you first?"

"No, I think we'd better leave and regroup instead," Troy sighed. "I don't like it either, Thom, but... we can't just go willy-nilly into this. I mean, I can tell you how planets form, but I would not know how to actually run or stop the process!"

"Fine," Thom said reluctantly as he shook the second Kwai's hand. "Let's go."

"Toodles, then," Candi said cheerfully as she followed Shikari closer to the floating disc.

***********************************************************************************

Lume had lost track of time. How long had it been bouncing here, in its prison? Certainly not eons, or even years, as it reckoned the time. But it had certainly been a while. It had tried to use its flight ring, but the space was not large enough to manifest its humanoid form, and it could not reach a signal...

Suddenly and blessedly, the wall in front of it dissolved.

"Oh, you poor thing!" Element Lass' concerned face appeared, gleaming in the light.

"It is so good to see you. Thank you for freeing me!" Lume gasped as it turned humanoid again, and wore its flight ring once more. "It is so nice to see some light that I don't produce."

"It won't be nice for long," Shikari replied, not unkindly; though she looked so stern in her armored skin. "We have to leave before it becomes uninhabitable."

"You must be tired. Let me help you." Element Lass transmuted an intertron chain out of free-floating hydrogen atoms. "Grab hold, dear, and let my flight ring do the work."

Lume gratefully turned humanoid again, and clutched at the chain as Element Lass pulled him to safety.

***********************************************************************************

Brainiac 5 was hard at work, all twelve of his thought tracks running simultaneously. Pushing the disaster relief on Xanthu out of his mind, he made contact with Zaron Lux. The former Legion Cadet had refused the last test, and had instead passed the program otherwise, joining the United Planets' Disaster Coordination Office.

"Salutations, Brainiac 5," Zaron greeted Querl with respect. "I take it all has gone well on Xanthu?"

"Indeed, and gratitude once more for your process review, which optimized results by 36.78%," Querl replied with a nod. "But I am calling now on another topic. I just sent you a briefing packet."

Zaron's eyes widened ever-so-slightly, the only visible sign of surprise. "Well, my part in this is clear. I will ensure no traffic crosses that region of space, and the worlds in the area are warned." Tapping quickly on the control panel in front of him, he sighed. "I do dislike magic, don't you?"

"Indeed. Insufferably unpredictable," Querl replied. The two Coluans exchanged a nod, then ended the call.

Querl rubbed his temples for a moment, as he watched the scene in front of him. How could science ever have predicted this?

And if they didn't manage the process carefully, the planet Dryad** would reform in a section of space that had acclimatized and adapted to its lack of gravity. For any life forms and planetary bodies caught near it, the process would be thoroughly unfavorable.

***********************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legion 13-14, when Warworld and Legion World, among others, tried to break the shield Robotica erected around Earth

2) Dryad was destroyed by the Earth Elemental in Legionnaires 71-74
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/08/22 12:52 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

New Shanghai

Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis, can see heat signatures
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery

Dragonmage, Xao Jin of New Shanghai (Earth colony); sorcery (Reserve Legionnaire)

**************************************************************

Dragonmage looked up from his notes, and frowned at the knock on his door. It had taken most of his concentration to draw up the lesson plans for the children he would be teaching next week. Ever since that accursed Mordru had finally been stopped*, the magical community had slowly been rebuilding*. After Xao's incarceration had ended, he had slowly and diligently rebuilt his connections with the nascent grouping. It had been a long road to regain their trust; after all, he had ignored warnings that would have prevented unleashing much misfortune on the galaxy.

Walking swiftly, he crossed his small, messy studio apartment and yanked the door open. "Yes, I'm a little bit busy- oh!"

"I can tell, Xao." The Lady Mysa walked in, her smile lighting up her face. "You haven't replied to my messages or calls today."

"It is such a pleasant surprise to see you," Xao swept her up in a hug. "I thought you weren't off-duty until two days from now? Heavens, I haven't cleaned up, and I'm not ready to make my special noodles for dinner. Let me get you some tea!"

"Sadly, I'm here on business," Mysa said as patted Xao on the back.

"We need your help." Xao blanched a bit to see Dirk Morgna standing in the doorway.

"Don't worry, I won't try to hit you this time," the red-head said flatly. "I've forgiven you, even if I hear you haven't forgiven yourself."**

Xao bowed down in front of Dirk. "I apologize again, I..."

"You already apologized, Dragonmage," Dirk cut him off, though not heatedly. "As I said, I've forgiven you. I volunteered to come along to help show you that."

Mysa gently placed herself between the two men. "We've come to ask for your help, Xao. Some force is reforming the planet Dryad, and it is beyond my immediate understanding of magic."

"Dryad? I still have nightmares of it... is it a chance to atone for my sins?" Xao looked up, then down again. "But you were my teacher - if you do not understand it, how can I?"

"We can figure it out together, Xao," Mysa smiled. "We are part of a Legion, after all."

"And it's a chance to do something concrete," Dirk added. "So... shall I call a Threshold?"

"Please. I just need five minutes." Xao quickly ran to get dressed. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He had heard of the Legion's work on Xanthu and on Gil'd; if they could restore Dryad it would wash away the biggest of his sins.

**************************************************************


Xanthu

Calorie Queen, Taryn Loy of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter, conversion of digested matter into super-strength
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony; skilled martial artist
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

Cannus of Anthropologia; skilled tracker, canine senses and abilities (former Legion Cadet)

**************************************************************

Karate Kid watched as several of their teammates vanished through the Threshold. The situation with Dryad meant that some of their talents were more needed in space; in return, others among them had come here.

"Nightwind wants me to distribute emergency rations. Catch ya later!" XS waved as she ran off.

"We're on search and rescue," Timber Wolf motioned for Cannus to follow him. "Don't worry, you won't have to fight anyone here."

"Rhew! Ri'm rad I rade rhis recision!" Cannus barked as he bounded off after Timber Wolf. Having failed to gain Legion membership twice*** for cowardice, Cannus had been offered a permanent spot doing search & rescue. After all, the Kwai pathfinders specialized in finding paths, but they needed an inkling of what they were looking for; and in some environments, a sharp nose and ears were more useful.

Calorie Queen shook her head as she looked at the spittle Cannus left on the ground. "I can eat that, but I won't," she said with distaste. "Well, I'm off to help clear some rubble. Good thing I'm feeling a tad hungry..."

"And..." Ultra Boy seemed puzzled as he looked at his Omnicom. "Hm, looks like they need my flash vision to weld some pipes that burst. Okay, then..." Switching to super-speed, Jo flew off.

"Wow, they are sooo cool." Karate Kid turned to see a young teen watching his teammates fly off with awe. The teen fixed her eyes on Val. "And what do you do?"

"My name is Karate Kid..." Val began.

"Oh... you're the one who punches things." The teen appeared disappointed. "No super-strength or speed or stuff like that?"

"I do the best I can," Val smiled peacefully.

"I guess that's better than nothing... ow..." The teen held her arm forlornly.

"Want me to take a look?" The teen hesitated, then nodded. Val gently felt her arm. "Nothing seems to be broken... but I sense a little muscle pain. Let me just do this..." He gently twisted the teen's arm, and she gasped. Looking down in surprise, she flexed her arm back and forth. "Wow! I feel all better!"

"Just a little applied martial arts knowledge," Val smiled. "I do more than just punch things, you know."

**************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Mordru was stopped in Legionnaires 48-50. We see other sorcerers briefly in Legionnaires 71-74, on Zarrox. Dragonmage was imprisoned after turning himself in, for his role in inadvertently freeing the four Elementals of Disaster, who caused widespread death and destruction before being defeated.

2) Dirk Morgna was possessed by the freed Fire Elemental, and was the only one of the four Elemental hosts to survive. He was also left with heat-signature vision instead of his normal vision, though he has since become able to switch between both visions at will (see Volume 2).

3) First in Legionnaires 43; second in VVolume 4!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/08/22 02:53 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Deep Space, amid the ruins of the planet Dryad

Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions
Dreamer, Nura Nal of Naltor; precognition
Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis, can see heat signatures
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion leader.
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; advanced telekinesis and animation of objects
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan; telepathic control of others' physical functions.
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation, disruption of energy flow
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Star Boy, Thom Kallor of Xanthu; gravity manipulation
Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; darkfield casting
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings); anti-energy being

Radion, Roy Travich of Earth (Italy and Madagascar); flight and emission of radiation (Uncanny Amazer)

Sizzle, Teela Spuunvll of Abaddonus; absorbs and redirects energy (Legion Cadet)
Tellus, Ganglios of Hykraius; telepathy and telekinesis (Legion Cadet)

Dragonmage, Xao Jin of New Shanghai (Earth colony); sorcery (Reserve Legionnaire)

**************************************************************

"Wow, I sure didn't expect to see a planet re-forming when I woke up today," Blizzard whispered to Wildfire as they exited the Threshold. "Echo was sooo mad that he had to go help out on Xanthu instead of watching this!"

"I didn't expect you to wake up today, considering how much you drank at the wedding," Wildfire made a show of poking Brek in the ribs to indicate he was joking.

"Hey, at least I didn't take my shirt off and dance on the table," Brek deflected by pointing at Gravity. Tel scowled for a moment, then remembered his husband Jed's words: that he'd better not take himself too seriously, lest his new Legionnaire teammates think he had no sense of humor. He already had developed a bit of that reputation during his Cadet days, and Jed had told him multiple times that he should not take jokes as an insult to his own dignity. "Well, still better than what Comet Queen and Retro got up to in the comfort room..."

All three chuckled amongst themselves, then fell silent as Kid Quantum II cleared her throat. "Okay, gang, let's focus and do this quickly. After all, we had to recall Saturn Girl from her honeymoon just for this; and even more importantly, if we don't get it right this region of space will destabilize. Brainiac 5 gets to call the shots."

"Thank you, Kid Quantum. And for not calling me Brainy," Querl said drily. "Shikari?"

"This spot is ideal, Smart Legion," Shikari armored down, as if to prove her declaration. Her pathfinding sense remained in overdrive though, and she willed herself to ignore the paths of all the bits of rock around her. "It should fit your requirements - close enough to observe this phenomenon, but far away enough to be safe from it."

Like a well-oiled machine, the Legionnaires sprang into action. Most of those present had been recalled from other missions, or even from being off-duty, due to the momentousness of the occasion. And those who had come from Xanthu had in turn been replaced by many others to help with the relief efforts there.

Gear morphed part of himself into an instrument-board, where Brainiac 5 took his place. "Your bio-morphing physiology is quite remarkable. The conservation of space going on there..." Querl commented. "Why Brainy, you DO like me for my body," Gear teased.

Hooking itself into Gear's instruments, Babbage lent its prodigious data-processing capacity to the displays. "There is a large amount of data to process, but together we should manage. And together, we only take 10% of the volume we would otherwise need."

Kinetix surrounded the group in a telekinetic field. Element Lass reinforced it with her own powers, adding a translucent layer of titanium/inertron; she did thin a section of it, still thick enough to protect against the worst of the radiation and energy around them, but not enough to block out visual input from outside. Brainiac 5's force field was arguably tougher, but the more of his concentration they could free up, the better.

Umbra raised her hands and cloaked the team in her darkfield, to add even more protection. She carefully ensured that the front of Kinetix's telekinetic sphere was clear. "Is this enough space for you, Brainiac?" At Querl's nod, she relaxed a bit, though still remained vigilant.

Stationing themselves at the edges of the field, Lume, Inferno and Radion opened themselves up individually to the kinds of energy they controlled. They began to absorb light, heat and radiation, respectively, to allow their colleagues to work safely. Despite its ordeal, Lume had insisted on joining this endeavour. Each of the three energy manipulators pointed a hand to Particon and fired; none could store this pent-up energy safely for very long. Particon had created an energy funnel to feed their energy into Wildfire. In turn, Wildfire's anti-energy form absorbed the combined energy; compared to his teammates, he could do so for far longer and in larger quantities. Focusing, he redirected everything away from the team.

Sizzle sighed impatiently as she watched Wildfire. She understood that she was there as back-up; Particon would find it difficult to parse two different streams of energy, and naturally Wildfire had a higher threshold than her own physical form did. She comforted herself with the thought that at least HE could not convert energy into something else. Looking around for someone to chat with, she saw everyone else was concentrating or discussing. Sighing, she flew towards Wildfire.

"Hey, kid, don't feel down," Drake nodded at her. "I'll need a break soon, so you'll get your turn, k?" Sizzle smiled back in gratitude.

Sitting down so he could concentrate better, Blizzard began to cool the space they worked in. Space was generally already quite cold, but the amount of light and heat being thrown out by the spinning disc in front of them was enormous. He was glad he could contribute to this mission in space; he closed his eyes so he could focus on ensuring he kept things at just the right temperature.

Outside the field, M'Onel busied himself keeping watch for rocks. Most pelted his invulnerable form harmlessly; but every so often, a rather large or fast-moving one would careen towards them. Those would be met with a the Daxamite catching them and throwing them back into the swirling disc. Too bad Andromeda couldn't be recalled to join them; and that Night Girl had to return to Xanthu as there was too much light for her powers here. But he figured that anything he might miss, his teammates could easily handle.

As if to prove his point, Shikari flew beside him. "Want some company? I am not strong enough to destroy the bigger ones, but these smaller ones..." She quickly slashed a piece about the size of a human head in half.

"The more the merrier, Shikari," M'Onel smiled as he caught a much larger piece, that was about the size of a Legion cruiser.

Within the field, Chemical Kid let himself tune in to the reactions happening in front of him. "I'm not completely sure what I need to look for, Brainiac..." Condo began.

"I will guide you," Querl just said. Condo waited, then sighed as Querl remained silent.

"Don't worry, dear," Candi whispered to him. Unlike with Kinetix, who needed to maintain her concentration, Candi could transmute items and break off. "I don't quite know what to do either; but I've worked with Brainy enough to know he will tell us what is needed."

"I am not called Brainy," Querl said almost automatically. "Candi is right; don't worry, I will direct you as and when it is needed. But for now, please study the list of gaseous reactions and trace elements I have sent to your Omnicoms, and their allowable rates and levels. If any come within 15% of breaching those levels, please alert me at once. Now please excuse me..."

Turning to Gravity and Star Boy, Querl instructed them on how to maintain the gravity at a constant around them. "It's great working with you, Star Boy," Tel smiled at his muscular teammate. Thom Kallor was one of the few Legion men that both Tel and Jed agreed was among the most attractive. Even Particon and Insect Queen, despite being attracted to females, had agreed that Thom was, by all standards, rather dashing.

"Likewise. There's definitely space for two gravity-controlling heroes on the team," Thom smiled back. Tel resisted biting his lip; oh, Jed would be so envious and a little bit jealous! And when Jed was a little bit jealous, well, Tel knew their next romp would be even more intense.

That left Gates, Dreamer, Kid Quantum, Mentalla, Saturn Girl, White Witch, Tellus and Dragonmage to gather around Brainiac 5.

"So, Brainiac. Do I slow this thing down? Speed it up?" Kid Quantum asked. "What are the chances of a bad outcome from all of this?"

"Still not possible to compute," Brainiac 5 said with a touch of impatience. "Planets usually take millions of years to form, you know that."

"Which is why this speed is unnatural," Gates sounded testy. Part of it was the waiting; his teleportation was useful, but he hated being on call, just waiting until someone told him to do something. But because it was Brainiac 5, he held his tongue; Querl knew what he was doing. He would not keep silent on other things, though. "When will sentients learn to leave things well enough alone!"

"That's the thing, Gates," Saturn Girl's eyes glowed pink even as she spoke. Beside her, Mentalla's eyes glowed a pale green; the two Titanians had linked. Though Imra had by far the greater range - after all, Mentalla specialized in controlling physical functions - she was grateful for Delya boosting her own abilities. "I can't say that there IS a sentience behind this! Can you sense anything, Tellus?"

Tellus floated uncertainly beside Imra. The Hykraian Cadet knew he was here because his telepathy was more effective than Saturn Girl's when it came to lower-level, non-sentient life. And this extended generally to all his interactions; it was just so much easier to communicate with animal life than it was to other sentients. It frustrated him that he could not be certain about what he was sensing now. "There is... something... here. But I cannot identify it. It is... unlike... any other thing I have encountered..."

"I wish I could help," Dreamer looked disturbed. "I've been skimming the future, but I think magic is my weakness, as it is most of ours. I can see physical things, but..." She paused for a moment, appearing confused; then she opened her eyes with sharpness. "Gates, there is a rock that M'Onel won't reach in time over there. Would you please...?"

"Say no more!" Eager to finally do something, Gates opened a portal where Dreamer had pointed. A rock almost as large as a Legion cruiser passed through, harmlessly exiting on the other side.

"There is definitely magic here," White Witch offered. "But whether it is ambient magical energy, or a magic user, or even a magical intelligence, I cannot yet say. However..." she turned to Dragonmage. "Xao, would you share what you told me on the way?"

Dragonmage looked down, barely meeting the eyes of his teammates. Part of it was ingrained indirectness from his elders, and part of it was his residual shame. "I researched Dryad extensively. I was not sure, but... old legends say that there used to be a living planet, one of magic. Different from that Green Lantern Mogo, though. This one was supposed to be a benign planet of nature. It was alive in a passive way. Those settling on it would be blessed with beauty and natural riches, and those who dared harm it would meet its wrath." He paused, clutching his hands. "I never could find any source that conclusively it was Dryad. I searched, but found no maps or clues to its location. I had hoped... hoped..." He stopped. He had hoped that it was not Dryad, else that would have meant he had caused the death of a living planet. But then... what was one more life compared to all the other lives lost when Dryad blew up, or when Gil'd lost its oceans?

"Maybe we just don't know what we're looking for," Saturn Girl mused. All telepaths knew that making contact with an unusual, alien mind could be jarring at best, and debilitating at worst. "If we link together, maybe you can guide us?" Mysa nodded assent, and after a moment, so did Xao. Imra looked at Querl. "I think we need you in here as well, Querl. You know what's natural and what's not."

"Very well." Querl turned to give Kid Quantum, Gear and Babbage some last instructions, then opened his mind. He felt Imra's familiar presence touch his mind.

Imra settled into a floating position; it helped her concentrate. Forming a network between herself, Mentalla, Tellus, Mysa, Dragonmage and Querl, she reached out into the space around them. She and Mentalla and Dreamer had spoken about this a lot; many of their teammates thought their powers were easier to use than they were. But telepathy wasn't just reading a book. She let her mind orient itself. She felt Dragonmage's surprise as all six of them appeared as astral forms floating over the region of space.

She began to identify the minds of her teammates. Delya spoke up. "I can do that, Imra, so you can focus on searching and scanning." Imra thanked Delya by telepathically sending gratitude, and watched as Delya mapped each of their teammates minds and marked them with a floating Legion insignia. "Okay, what you perceive now is a sort of representation of the physical space around us," she explained. "We've "placed" our teammates' minds so you can ignore them... can you search around for something that could indicate a living being, or at least something out of the ordinary?"

Querl's face was impassive, but Imra detected the annoyance in his tone. "To me, it just looks like a planet forming at top speed, Saturn Girl."

"I think I see something!" Mysa pointed. All five of them turned to see a region of space where the starlight seemed to twinkle.

"I don't sense anything, but maybe... if I shift control to you, Tellus." Imra was slightly surprised to feel that the Hykraian was a bundle of doubts and anxiety; though everything she knew about Tellus indicated that he could overcome this, with time and experience. "It's okay, you can do this, and Delya and I are here to support." Delya sent encouragement through the link as well.

"I will try... my best..." As Imra passed the control over, she felt Tellus fumble at it, then take it. Then Tellus began to approach the twinkling...

"There is... there is..."

"WHY ARE YOU HINDERING ME?" All six of them felt the message stab into their minds, with a mix of pain and anger. "WHY DO YOU STOP ME FROM REFORMING MYSELF?"

"Saturn Girl... I think this is a bit beyond me," Tellus stammered.

"It's beyond all of us," Delya said drily, as Querl's face became a mask of alertness.

Imra steeled herself. "Please maintain control, Tellus, but allow me to send." She faced the entity, and slowly she could perceive some of it. It appeared as a green and brown sphere, with what seemed to be representations of trees growing out of it. "Are you Planet Dryad?"

"WHY DO YOU STOP ME?" It repeated.

Imra swallowed. "I... I would like to explain who we are, if you would like. If you will allow me to transmit something to you." She held up her hands in a sign of peace. "I promise, we will not hurt you. I just ask you to let me tell you are story."

"... VERY WELL..."

As Dryad became receptive, Imra transmitted memories and images she had practiced over the years. What the Legion was, what they did. She then followed up with stories of Xanthu, and how the Legionnaires were on it when asteroid fragments came crashing down - fragments they had only after realized must have been part of Dryad. And she then explained how they had followed it here, and what they had learned. Finally, gently, she shared their concerns about what could happen - thankfully, Dryad was located far enough away from any other planet that it had thus far only exerted minimal influence over their gravities and atmospheres. But, as the spinning disc of material grew larger and larger, it would cause greater and greater havoc. The United Planets and other Legionnaires were now clearing the area and standing guard over the most nearby planets; and those in the immediate vicinity were ready to help ensure nothing would go awry... but much could go wrong.

The sphere that was Dryad's mind looked up. Imra could feel the intense sadness and loss radiating from it. "I did not wish to hurt anyone, or a sister planet. How is Xanthu?"

"There was some slight damage, but nobody was killed," Imra replied gently. "We know you did not mean anything."

"I want to be whole again, and feel the life on me flourish," Dryad added.

"And that can happen, although it will only be safe at a natural pace," Querl said softly. "It could take millions of years."

"I don't know if I can take that pain," Dryad whispered.

"If you want..." Mysa offered. "Maybe we can let you sleep, help you go dormant. Magical beings such as yourself can do so..."

"And the process can continue naturally around you," Querl continued. Imra could feel his excitement.

"I... I have studied magical beings, I think I know how to help..." Xao offered. He thought about whether to confess his role in Dryad's destruction, but both Imra and Mysa quickly sent to him not to. Dryad did not need to know, and Xao was not directly responsible anyway.

"And when it is done, I will wake and feel life again?" Dryad asked, almost like a child.

"Yes."

"Then... please, I want it."

Mysa began to weave a spell. "Xao, if you will assist me..." Mysa's blue magical signature enveloped the essence of Dryad, even as Xao summoned a dragonform to also coil around the entity. "We will put you into a peaceful, dreamless sleep, while letting your processes go undisturbed at a normal pace," Mysa explained, more for Dryad's benefit.

"I feel... tranquil," Dryad whispered. "Very tranquil."

"If only we all could," Xao thought to himself as tears filled his eyes.

**************************************************************

"You all okay over here?" Kid Quantum asked as she eyed her team.

"I'm getting tired," Kinetix sighed as she sat down on the "floor" of her telekinetic sphere. She looked around; Brek was breathing more raggedly even as he held Zoe's hand; Sizzle had passed the energy flow back to Wildfire and was rubbing her wrists; and even Umbra was becoming more and more tight-lipped even as she stood, back straight, wielding her darkfield. Gear had retracted some of the instruments into his body. Only M'Onel and Babbage were still acting completely fresh.

"I don't want to disturb Imra and company," Jazmin sighed as she looked at the six, who were sitting in a circle. Imra had sent her a brief message outlining their plan, which Jazmin had shared to the wider group. But then she the telepathic contact had cut off, as Imra and the rest needed to focus their full telepathic might. Even as Mysa and Xao were casting their spells, the telepaths were lulling Dryad to a peaceful sleep...

"The chemical reactions are slowing down!" Condo exclaimed.

"Indeed, all processes are," Babbage intoned as it tapped on the console generated by Gear. "Soon we will be able to disengage."

"I can already feel the gravity fluctuations stabilizing," Thom called. "I feel the same!" Tel added.

Jazmin smiled as she watched her team's spirits buoy. "Well, gang, looks like we helped restore another planet today..."

"I can still barely believe it myself," Dirk laughed. "And I thought our work on Xanthu was amazing!"

"I think I'm gonna need to process this myself," Brek laughed as he lay down. "Anyone up for a drink after the debrief?"

"Me!" Dirk, Condo, Zoe, Tel and Jennifer all said in unison. "Make mine a double!" Drake quipped, to laughter all around. "I'll take a triple shot of pluberry liqueur too!" Candi added sweetly.

Jazmin shook her head as she playfully wagged a finger. "Only AFTER the debrief, okay? But we'll keep it short." Well, this was definitely one for the archives...
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/08/22 03:08 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Xanth Prime, capital city of Xanthu

Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation, enhanced vision

Uncanny Amazers

Porcupine Pete, Peter Dursin of Earth (Jamaica and Mexico); ejects quills from his body

*************************************************************

Nightwind looked up from her Omnicom and flight ring; left in command of the contingent on Xanthu, she had been dispatching Legionnaires and Amazers where they were needed most. Atmos had happily left the decision-making to her, while he channeled his frustration into lifting debris.

Beside her, Echo had his hands to the ground. He was using his powers to sense vibrations and search for victims. Next to him, Porcupine Pete was using his quills to mark areas where Echo had searched.

"Gosh, I wish I were up there in space watching a planet form... Don't you?" Pete asked.

"Hmmm... oh!" Echo looked up in surprise. "Yeah, I was annoyed at first, but I guess I've been too focused here to really dwell on it. We are making a real difference here, after all," he smiled.

Pete shook his head. "Echo, you really know how to make the rest of us look bad! You're just so good and perfect!"

Nightwind hid her own smile as she checked the positions of the rest of her away team.

*************************************************************

Legion World

Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation, disruption of energy flow

Radion, Roy Travich of Earth (Italy and Madagascar); flight and emission of radiation (Uncanny Amazer)

*************************************************************

Radion grinned to himself as he reclined in the Legion's rec room. Debrief had been short and swift indeed. Dryad was dormant, it would form a new planetary body in millions of years, and space was safe with no immediate and lasting consequences. Nobody had died on Xanthu, and all disasters had been cleaned up - the Legion contingent there was packing up and heading home. And now he could have a drink or two before heading back to Xanthu. He looked around - the room was plush, but the Amazers' clubhouse was fancier. They didn't even have their own drinks bar...

"We need to talk." Roy scowled as Particon walked in. "Roy, why do you feel abandoned?"

Roy set his jaw. "We bounced around from the Workforce to fighting Mordru to joining the Amazers together, Jen."*

"I know, but when I went to join the Legion, I told you! I even asked if you wanted to join me, and you said no!" Jennifer snapped. Calming herself, she continued gently. "You can't blame me for this, Roy. I gave you plenty of time and space, but I tried to be there for you. You can't expect me to stay on Xanthu forever just because you are staying there too."

Roy looked up, then lowered his eyes. Jen was right, but why was it so difficult to admit and to accept it? Did he feel like he'd lost an opportunity? Was he angry that he'd been injured fighting Mordru, while Jen had escaped unscathed? Was it because everything felt so unfair?

"Talk to me, Roy. Why are you so angry at me?"

"I'm angry at myself!" Roy blurted out. Ashen-faced, he looked down.

"Look," Jen said as she forced Roy to meet her eyes. "While we're here, maybe you want to talk to Dr. Ryk'rr. She's a great listener, and more importantly she can see you without putting anything in your file - unless it impacts your ability to work, of course." Jen stood up. "And maybe after you've worked it all out, we can grab a Silverale some time... okay?"

"Yeah... would be nice." Roy smiled weakly.

"I'll ping you the Doctor's link," Jen smiled gently. She placed a hand on Roy's shoulder. "Be well, okay?" Then she walked away, as Roy stared at his Omnicom. Swallowing, he clicked on the link. "Hello, Doctor?"

*****************************************************************

White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery

Dragonmage, Xao Jin of New Shanghai (Earth colony); sorcery (Reserve Legionnaire)

*****************************************************************
"That was a happy ending, wasn't it, Xao?" Mysa smiled over her cup of tea.

"I suppose," Xao mumbled. He took a sip, feeling the heat flow into him. "Dryad will be reborn, and the planet is alive. I just wish..."

"We cannot bring back the dead so easily, Xao," Mysa said softly. "But at least one day, Dryad will be full of life again."

"That is true," Xao said as he looked into his cup. He had hoped for more... but cruelly, life did not always live up to expectations.

"You helped a lot today," Mysa gently touched Xao's hand. "And as Dirk said... he has forgiven you. Perhaps one day, you can forgive yourself." She set her cup down. "I have to go meet Chameleon in a bit... but until then, would you like to walk with me through the gardens?"

"I would love that," Xao smiled shallowly. "I think I'll finish sipping my tea in one of them." He stood up, clutching the warm cup for comfort, as he followed Mysa out of the dining hall.

*****************************************************************

Pon, the Lesser Moon of Xanthu

**Kono of Sklar. Mass-shifting that allows her to phase. Her power may also have other unknown applications. Master thief and pirate.**

*****************************************************************
Kono watched silently as the Master Thief, the Pig, watched the viewscreen. "Yes, it is all coming along..." He glanced at Kono. "Are you satisfied, Kono?"

Her eyes blazed as she eyed him. But she chose her words carefully; she still remembered the pain of their last argument. "Yes, especially as I now understand why we could not use Dryad to recreate Sklar at once."

"No, Dryad is its own entity, and Sklar was not alive on its own..." The Pig gloated. "But now that Dryad is reforming... we can use it to our advantage. Now, be a good thief and continue to gather as much as you can... My little Rat."

Kono suppressed her anger as the Pig dismissed her. She hated working with him... but if she wanted her planet back, she would have to. Just for a bit longer.

*****************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Particon and Radion both were rejected from the Legion in Legionnaires 43; they joined the Workforce but left to help fight Mordru (L* 48-51). They joined the Amazers after (Starman 50). Their paths diverge in Volume 1 .
Posted By: razsolo Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/10/22 12:05 PM
Quote
thanks for brainstorming with me, raz...you've convinced me to try to add some more cultural bits, beyond just having them come from different areas of Earth
Yay! I'm not the best at that to be honest...I try to make an effort with Xao but I tend to default to the 80s characterisations of most of the other DC canon characters I use, and DC never really thought about that stuff back then. I am gonna challenge myself to try and throw in some more multicultural background stuff as well though!

On with the new bits!

Thanks for the link back to Tinya and the others' altercation with her dad and the Luck Lords - I remember it happening, but it was good to reread it to get the details fresh in my mind! I think I have said this before probably, but I like that we have fanfics that have been going on here long enough to all have our own internal continuity to draw on smile

The little Espionage Squad vignettes were cute..."Orchid Sapphire" is such a good name for a sci-fi noir dame laugh

Man, Roy is really not making any friends huh?

Candi and Shikari to the rescue! The others wanting to help but realising their limitations was well done.

Dryad!! I wasn't expecting that!!

Nice to see Cannus get another chance, and Val get to show off what he can do other than "just punch things" smile

The post-wedding chatter was realistic, seems like typical post-party recriminations/gossip laugh

Quote
"Why Brainy, you DO like me for my body," Gear teased.

This made me LOL...reminds me of Dreamy's line back in The Universo Project about how Brainy loves her for her brain laugh

re the team watching Dryad reform: once again it is fun seeing all the different Legionnaires being put to good use (and some of the newbies' frustration at not yet being a perfectly combined part of the teamwork machine like everyone else is) - and there are some good character bits in here as well, such as Tel being horny for Thom, and Brainy and Gates just being themselves.

Aww, poor Xao...I feel sorry for him still living in his guilt even though he played a big part in helping the planet acclimate to its natural processes.

Particon and Radion's chat at the end was a nice way to advance that subplot too - it's gratifying to see characters choose the more mature option over extending things out like a soap opera sometimes.

This was great, IB! The Legion working together to understand and help Dryad was definitely a highlight, I am a sucker for a story where everyone finds a way to matter. And I am looking forward to seeing what develops with Kono, her and Jo's friendship was one of my favourite things about the 5YL era!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/10/22 12:45 PM
I will do the same re cultural background / differences during some of the more quiet scenes!

glad you liked the links! lol when I checked the dates re when I first started this, I was floored.. over a decade of my life! I rely on the recap and links a lot too, because I often forget that I've done this or that. Or I remember, but not the fine details... smile like, I had to edit my Particon/Radion scene because I forgot that Particon had asked Radion to join the Legion once lol

Orchid Sapphire is so over-the-top, but I like having the Espionage Squad members enjoy their infiltrations wink

I have Harbi to thank for the post-wedding chatter, Harbi's comment earlier made me think that a lot of silly and embarrassing stuff probably did happen then wink

Gear's lines were inspired by his quipping/flirting with Kid Quantum around the time Robotica invaded. I like the idea of him becoming a silly joker type.

really glad you liked the Dryad scene, I super enjoyed writing it and thinking of how each character's personality would show up!

Cannus' bit I had planned for a while, but Val was an inspired edit. I was looking at my Legionnaire list and realized I hadn't done anything with Val for a while... and wanted to highlight how he can stand out even among a team with lots of super-strong types smile

Xao is complex and tends to be obsessive smile I'm torn myself between wanting to kick him, and thinking "well, he did indirectly cause a world to explode, so..."

yeah, I do like some conflict from time to time but I figured Radion SHOULD be mature enough by now (after all he's been through) to get help. of course, there are other characters (especially among the Cadets) who are not that mature... wink

thanks again raz! unfortunately I don't think this Jo and Kono are in a position to develop a friendship, but... wink
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 11/16/22 06:05 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis

Legion Support Staff

Dr. Ryk'rr of Jaquaa; Legion psychiatrist
Mandalla, Tari Wahlmunn of Takron-Galtos; projects a thought-sphere that affects the target's mental and physical functions

Sandy Anderson of Earth; pyrokinesis (Legion ally and former Workforce member)

***********************************************************************

Dr. Ryk'rr adjusted her glasses as she peered at the young blonde in front of her. "Before you begin, Infer-"

"Call me Sandy," she replied flatly.

Beside her, Mandalla sighed rather loudly. Dr. Ryk'rr maintained her composure - she had dealt with much more difficult patients, after all. Counselling poor Splitter after he had - apparently rather badly - failed the Cadet test - had evolved into a series of discussions about him never having truly gotten over his first failed Legion application*, and the poor Cadet had bawled like a baby before achieving some sort of peace. Besides this, Sandy was not particularly trying.

"Okay, Sandy. I understand you're not completely eager to meet this patient of ours, but if you approach him with an open mind, you may just find something interesting about your own past."

"I don't care about that," Sandy lazily created a ball of fire in her hand, and began tossing it. Across her, Cosmic Boy tensed up. He had seen enough of Sandy's tantrums** to know she could be unpredictable.

Mandalla grit her teeth in annoyance, but held her tongue - Dr. Ryk'rr was much better at this than she was.

Dr. Ryk'rr peered over her spectacles. "Well, under the agreement you made with Cosmic Boy, this is the only thing you have to fulfill before all the strings are cut, so to speak. I'm sure it would be nice to go out and explore the changes in our time... without causing any harm to this young man who IS your cousin." Any doubts of that had been dispelled once Sandy had returned to the present and had grudgingly consented to give some of her DNA for a test.

Sandy stood up; the flame in her hand went out, but more came out of her ears. "Look, I'm going to see this guy that I don't know from Adam-One because Mister Goody-Two-Shoes over there asked me to! I don't want anything to do with him; I don't want to hurt him, but I also don't want ANY responsibility for him, got that?"

Cosmic Boy himself stood up at Sandy's outburst, but Mandalla motioned for him to sit.

"And you won't have any," Dr. Ryk'rr continued calmly. "That was not the agreement. It would not be right to compel you to have a family relationship with him." At this, Sandy relaxed. "But," the doctor continued, "it would be harmful if you were this blunt with him," she finished. "All I ask is that you calmly but firmly explain your reasons for not knowing him, and for not being interested in knowing him further. HIs mental state is fragile, and rejecting him too assertively could cause a violent reaction..."

"I'm fireproof anyway," Sandy growled.

"... and even if we subdue him easily, it would require an investigation - which would delay your departure," the doctor finished. She calmly leaned back and waited for Sandy to react.

The flames around Sandy had gone out. "Well, I wouldn't want to have to try and burn my way out of here..." she said thoughtfully. "Fine, you win, doctor."

"Splendid and wise," Dr. Ryk'rr nodded.

"Once you're ready," Mandalla tried to hold the contempt from her voice - this Sandy would never have lasted a day in the Legion Cadet program! "I will use my powers to put him in a calmer state. Then you can go in and talk to him."

"We'll be out here waiting -" Cosmic Boy began.

"Don't bother. I just want to get this over with," Sandy stood up and walked to the door.

Mandalla and Cosmic Boy eyed each other. "Looking forward to having her flounce off forever, too," Mandalla whispered.

***********************************************************************

Sandy eyed the blonde man who was now lying listlessly on the bed in the padded room in front of them. There was no chance he could see them through the one-way screen, but she felt a small knot in her stomach.

He was family, of the flesh-and-blood kind. He did look like a masculine version of her, somewhat.

But that was all.

She had no concrete memories, and felt no connection. Nothing.

It made her feel hollow, sometimes. But she tried not to think about it.

"Ready?" Mandalla asked beside her.

"Whenever," Sandy didn't even look at the green-skinned woman. She made sure not to gasp as a translucent green sphere enveloped the man.

"He's taking medication to calm him; and this will calm him even more. Remember, he..."

"I know," Sandy cut her off. Not noticing Mandalla's glare, she walked in.

The man sat up. "Sandy?" he asked. He nearly fell out of bed. "Is that really you? Cuz?"

"Whoa, slow down there, big boy," Sandy held her hands up. "Martin, right?"

"Don't you remember me?" The pain was visible on his face. " We used to play together..."

"Once a year or so," Sandy finished. She scratched her head - sprock, this was tough. "Look, I don't remember much from that time, but I know my folks didn't visit grandma too often. We barely saw each other. We were young, and it's not like we became best friends forever or something like that." Looking at how forlorn he was, part of Sandy wanted to kick him and part of her wanted to pet him like a little puppy.

She looked at his bed. "Can I sit?"

"Y-yeah. Please." As Sandy sat, she motioned Martin to sit beside her. He meekly followed and sat down.

"Look, the little purple doc told me everything. How you've been looking for family ever since you were orphaned... and how you became obsessed with finding me cause I was the only living biological family you got. Right?"

Tears flowed down Martin's face. "I hated being so alone..."

"You don't have to be alone," Sandy said. As Martin looked up hopefully, she almost felt like a heel for dashing his hopes. "Look, I used to feel that way too, then I joined the Workforce. I didn't exactly make friends there, but I was part of something..." she paused. "Then I left to hang out with the Legion, and got stuck far far away for my trouble***... and I met a few gals there, but nobody I could really call a friend. And now..." Sandy sighed. "Now I realize I don't need people around me to make myself feel okay."

Martin pulled his legs up. "What do you mean? Don't you want to hang out like we used to?"

"I can't even really remember what we used to do!" Sandy said, a bit more sharply than intended. Then she inhaled and forced herself to remain calm. "But what I'm trying to tell you is that I won't be any help to you. I don't like people, family or not. But I can see that you do..."

"But I don't want to force you to hang around me if you don't want to..." Martin began.

"Look, kid, it's not you, it's me," Sandy almost rolled her eyes at the cliche. But she pressed on. "And you... you seem like a good kid. And you're in a place full of good kids, if you get what I mean." She stood up. "It's not for me, and I don't get why some like it, but you could become a Legion Cadet. Those nerds are always blabbing about how much like family they are..."

Outside the room, Cosmic Boy and Mandalla looked at each other in horror. "We didn't discuss that!" Cosmic Boy pointed out.

"Although..." Mandalla stroked her chin. "Martin Anderson has been fairly calm while talking his anti-schizophrenic medications."

Cosmic Boy tilted his head. "Well, part of the point of the program IS to help sentients hone their powers and find their place..."

They turned back to the room to see Sandy patting Martin on the back. Then she stood up and walked to the door, pulling Martin with her.

"Hey, nerds - Martin here says he'll behave if you let him join your Cadet program. What do you say?"

"You're the Active Legionnaire," Mandalla whispered as she nudged Cosmic Boy. Rokk sighed to himself. "I'm going to have some explaining to do during the next membership meeting..." They opened the door to a hopeful-looking Martin and a smirking Sandy. "Welcome to the Cadet Program, Martin Anderson."

"Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!" Martin launched himself at Rokk, grabbing the brunette in a bear hug.

"I'll write to ya, kid," Sandy winked. "Now, I'm gonna go get hopped up on Silverale to pat myself on the back for my good deed for today!"

***********************************************************************


IB's notes:

1) Splitter made it to the final round in Legionnaires 43, but also failed the final exam there!

2) Cosmic Boy and Sandy were among the group stuck in the 20th century in LSH 85-100

3) Seems odd not to admit it eh? but the Legion decided to keep being stranded in the 20th century a secret! The official cover was that the team was on a secret mission!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 11/18/22 03:20 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form
Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time


********************************************************

"You hear about that stunt Infer- I mean, Sandy*, pulled?" Rebound asked Ultra Boy as they flew to the Threshold chamber. Well, Jo flew and Chuck bounced; ever since getting his powers**, he had been using them as much as he could. "Imagine, getting her cousin on the Cadet program like that!" Chuck's tone was bemused at best - after all, he had kept the Cadet program running while the charter Legionnaires were lost in the mutiverse***.

"Yeah, sounds like her," Ultra Boy chuckled. "She always gave McCauley nass when we were on the Workforce* together... And she was always thinking of ways to get the rest of us to do the nass she didn't want to do."

"I guess that's why we never offered her membership, eh? That, and her being willing to kill..."

"Yeah... makes me think, McCauley's army of lawyers must have kept her from being prosecuted somehow..."

As they entered the Threshold chamber, they saw Chameleon and Sensor approaching from the other direction.

"Well, nice of you to stop playing Espionage Squad for a bit!" Jo teased. "Tinya's been shuttling around the galaxy with all of you!"

"There's been a lot happening, Jo," Chameleon replied grimly. "I can't shake the feeling that something big's about to happen. And Mysa can't give us a clue..."

"Have faith, Reep," Sensor forced herself to use her hands to pull her hair away from her face. As Shikari had once told her****, she had these hands now, so she might as well use them. "Brainy's continuing to think about it, and our other Squad-mates are on the case."

"Hmm, you're right, Princess," Reep smiled. "And anyway... we have a mission to do."

"I hope you sentients don't mind if I tag along?" Magno descended. "I heard you were thresholding to Takron-Galtos, and I thought..."

"Of course, Dyrk," Reep smiled. Everyone had heard of Dyrk's brother Omar being held for attempted murder by now; and though Dyrk and Omar hadn't had the best relationship, it must still be tough to see one's brother in jail. "If you want company..."

"Thanks, Cham," Dyrk smiled. "Jenni offered too, but it's fine. I need some one-on-one time with my brother."

"Okay, but we're here for you any time, Dyrk," Sensor said gently. Jo and Chuck muttered similar words of comfort.

"Thanks, everyone," Dyrk smiled. "So... let's get going?"

As the six flew to the Threshold, Chuck crept up beside Jo. "So, Jo... um... does Tinya tell you everything about her Squad missions?"

"No..." Jo said carefully. "Why?"

"Oh, well, it's just..." Chuck seemed embarrassed. "Lu generally tells me everything, even stuff about Cargg... so it's just a bit weird how tight-lipped she is about the Squad..."

Jo laughed. "Ah, I get you. Tinya and I fought about it once. But it makes sense - the Squad members get a lot of telepathic shields and stuff, in case they are ever captured. It's Grade-A stuff, time-intensive, not something that makes sense to extend to the rest of us. So the less we know, especially about active Squad missions, the better," he winked. "Imagine getting kidnapped by Tharok or the Dominators, and revealing the inner workings of the whole UP council cause you get your mind read..."

"Oh yeah, makes perfect sense!" Chuck laughed, a bit sheepishly. There was nothing to be insecure about, after all. "Thanks, Jo."

"Any time, bud. Now let's scoot, we don't want to get lost in Threshold-space!" Jo grinned as he flew after their Kwai guide. Chuck followed, though his smile slipped a little.

********************************************************

Takron-Galtos

The prison planet of Takron-Galtos changes continuously changes and grows, in order to adapt to new inmates with unique physical needs. Its size has earned it a special status in the United Planets; simultaneously both a UP agency and a de facto UP world, invited to UP debates without a full vote in the process. - Encyclopedia Galactica

"Ah, Warden Wafil!" Chameleon called out, bowing theatrically to the purple-skinned woman who came out to greet the Legionnaires. Despite her white hair, she looked youthful, perhaps just a bit older than Shvaughn Erin or Rond Vidar. However, she carried herself with grace and authority; and had overseen Takron-Galtos through some trying times.

"Chameleon. We barely exchanged a word last time you were here*****," quipped the Warden. "That was when you still pretended not to speak Interlac, yes? So those words probably sounded like Freeble or something."

"Flibble, actually," Reep smiled. "Durlan for Hello, you look like someone important and capable!"

The Warden shook her head, though she did have a small smile on her face. "No need to charm me, Legionnaire, I'm not an Ambassador - just here to do my job. The prisoner you need has been prepped. And believe me, I've kept triplicates of the paper trail on this one."

"Triad would be impressed," Chameleon grinned. Rebound flinched a bit, to Sensor's surprise. She made a note to follow up on it later.

"I'm taking my leave, gang," Magno waved. "I'm here as a civilian today, after all." Upon the Warden's acknowledgement, he flew off.

"Well, the rest of you come this way..." The Warden motioned. "Mano may have a lot of patience... but I don't."

********************************************************

Magno tensed himself as the viewscreen opened. He was sat in a small room for privacy; visitors entered in one side, prisoners in another. A screen bisected the room, allowing someone on one side to see and hear - but not touch - the other. At the other end sat his older brother Omar. "O-" Dyrk began.

"You've got some nerve, traitor," Omar glowered.

"You kept trying to kill Gangster, even when the threat was neutralized," Dyrk continued, heart pounding.

"He was a criminal, and he tried to kill a cop!" Omar retorted.

"I was a Sci-Cop too!**" Dyrk forced himself not to stand up. "I know the oath, Omar! Preserve life, only use deadly force when necessary, and it was not necessary then!"

"Are you a judge too?" Omar spat. "You already did such a good job on the witness stand..."

"Well, you did a good job too," Dyrk settled back. "You got discharged, with no chance of returning to the force..."

"Yeah, you took everything away from me! Might as well take my magnetics too!" Omar smacked at the screen; the cuffs limiting his abilities weighed heavy on his wrists. "Don't you feel one bit sorry?"

"I still remember how much sympathy YOU gave ME when I lost my powers!"** Dyrk couldn't stop from standing this time.

"You still can't get over me being the best Magz sibling, can you?"

"You were only the most self-absorbed, arrogant, bullying narcissist!"

Both Dyrk and Omar were standing now, faces twisted in anger. Dyrk bit his tongue; this was not helping anyone. More calmly, he sat down. "Have... mom and dad have been visiting?"

"As if you care..." Omar grunted. Then, without meeting Dyrk's eyes, he sighed. "Yes. The usual: dad says everything will be fine, mom says she wishes she were in here instead..." He looked up again. "I stand by my decision, though. And if the Science Police don't agree... I just have to go somewhere else." He tapped on the side of the screen. "Visit's over!"

Dyrk watched as Omar stood up and turned away.

********************************************************

"You." Mano's voice was calm and cold as he watched the five Legionnaires enter the room. He tried clenching his fists inside the cuffs that prevented him from moving them; there was enough space inside that he could wiggle his fingers, but he could not touch the sides. "The Defenders of the UP. Or of that war criminal, McCauley. One of you even worked for him."

"Hey, that was a long time ago," Ultra Boy protested. "I didn't realize then how many weapons he sold."

"And as I recall, Mano," Sensor's tone was grim, "you've killed a few innocents yourself."

"Not on the scale of McCauley," Mano sounded calm.

"You've changed, Mano," Chameleon's tone was light and friendly, a contrast to his teammates' serious faces. "You started out wanting to avenge Angtu; and you turned against Tharok when you realized he was going to shoot missiles at Titan*******". Yet you rejoin the Fatal Five in the end..."*********

"Maybe the Five grew on me," Mano said.

"Or perhaps you were planning to turn the Five in after accessing this thing?" Chameleon smiled. Mano barely twitched.

You're on the right track, Sensor "sent" to Chameleon. Though not a true telepath, she could read reactions at a low-level; as Brainiac 5 called it, a secondary aspect of her abilities, that helped make her illusions more realistic. Keep at it.

Chameleon lowered himself so he sat directly in front of Mano. "Mano, if you tell us where this thing is, we can retrieve it and keep it safe. Tharok, Empress, Persuader... none of them will ever get it."

Mano remained impassive. "Only we Five can access it together. You're wasting your time, Legionnaires."

Chameleon opened his mouth to reply... but before he did, alarm klaxons began to ring.

"Riot!" Ultra Boy and Sensor said, simultaneously. "I felt a sharp wave of anger!" Sensor spat out. Training his penetra-vision around, Jo pointed. "In the cafeteria. Sci-Cops are on the way, but there are a lot of inmates..."

"Go ahead," Chameleon said, not even looking behind him. "I'll stay here. Mano and I can chat one-on-one."

Mano allowed himself a small smile as Ultra Boy, Rebound and Sensor flew out of the room.

********************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Sandy Anderson used to be called Inferno, but she gave up the code name partly because Dirk Morgna took it up, and partly because she didn't want to go into costumed superheroics anymore. Ultra Boy and Sandy were on the Workforce together until Jo left (LSH 72)

2) Chuck got his powers in Volume 3!

3) Volume 1!

4) Legion 21!

5) LSH 79-80, L* 36. Chameleon pretended not to speak Interlac so he could impersonate Winema Wazzo, and get then-President Jeanne Chu to confess to various crimes

6) After the Blight and the Rift and the disbanding of the Legion, Dyrk Magz (then still powerless) became a Science Police Officer for about a year. Omar's lack of brotherly love when Dyrk was depowered, was seen in L* 53 and 56.

7) Mano's story: tried to suicide in despair over mass death on Angtu caused by McCauley chemical weapons (which were used by warring factions on Angtu) (L* 19), tried to kill McCauely in revenge (LSH 63/L* 20), joins the Fatal Five versus the Legion, as he was told the Legionnaires were mass murderers but turns against Tharok when he realizes it's a lie (LSH 80)

8) Legion 15-16, the (rest of) the Fatal Five try to break Tharok out of jail so they can recover a "thing". It is implied to be powerful and/or useful, and only the 5 together can access it
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 11/18/22 05:37 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD


Takron-Galtos

Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form
Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time

********************************************************

"Magno, a riot's breaking out!" Rebound's voice was a mix of excitement and breathlessness.

"I can see that, Chuck!" Dyrk replied as he magnetically slammed an inmate into the wall. "I'm in the visitors' area!"

"Oh grife, do we need to help? Ultra Boy can ultra-speed over!"

"Not too many visitors here," Dyrk looked around. There were maybe a half dozen other civilians; and two guards. "I think we'll be fine." One of the guards was already ordering the civilian visitors over to one corner.

One of the inmates, a big hulking brute of a woman with red skin, ran towards the guard. She grabbed a chair, and raised it over her head.

"Hey!" Dyrk waved to call her attention. She scowled and threw the chair at him, which he dodged easily. "If you're here, you probably have someone visiting, don't you?" he motioned to the visitors, who were huddled against the wall.

"Mommy...?" said a red-skinned little girl. An older woman - probably the inmate's sister - clutched the girl. "Don't look, don't look..."

The inmate hung her head. The second guard quickly ran over and cuffed her, leading her away.

Magno looked around. "Omar, you okay?"

"Look out!" Dyrk heard Omar call. Turning his head, he saw a purple-furred feline man spring at him. Using his flight ring, Dyrk flew backwards, even while peeling off the metal strips on his uniform. He fashioned them into manacles that wrapped around the feline; the man fell to the ground with a clang, hissing all the while.

"Thanks... Omar," Dyrk said. Omar shrugged; he was standing, hands up, with other inmates who had surrendered. "You looked for me first. Fair's fair."

"I... I'll put in a good word for you after all this," Dyrk said.

"Whatever makes you feel better," Omar said. He still didn't meet Dyrk's eyes.

Dyrk sighed as he looked around. Why hope to repair a brotherly relationship that never really existed? He put Omar out of his mind as he swept the room to make sure everybody was safe.

********************************************************

"I don't know about you two, but this is exhilarating!" Rebound was all bubbly as he ricocheted into an inmate, then careened right towards another. "6 in a row over here!"

"Save some for me!" Ultra Boy called as he flew two more cafeteria staff to safety. "Only a few more there!"

"They will be safe with me," Sensor spread her tail out as far as she could, forming a barrier between the cowering staff and the rampaging inmates. She willed herself to focus; there was a lot of anger and pride flying around. Figures. When you have a bunch of hot-headed types in a large room, like this cafeteria... Out of the corner of her eye, she spied a tall, bald man with one eye running towards the staff. She flicked her tail just so at his leg, causing him to trip and crash into the wall with a yelp.

"Probably best to slow them down, though." Concentrating, she began to broadcast an illusion of blinding light.

"Nass!" "Sprock!" "What the frag?!" "Sprocking snake!"

"I resemble that remark," chuckled Sensor.

"Wow, what are you showing them?" Chuck asked as he bounced off the ceiling, using the leverage to bowl over a particularly large and broad Quothoni. Nadir, he recalled from the Legion files.

"Oooh!" Nadir toppled over like a stack of rock, flattening the four inmates standing behind him.

"Now I've changed it to total darkness," Sensor laughed lazily.

"You two are just too sprocking efficient," Jo said, half in jest, as he picked up two more staff members.

"We'll try to save some for you," Sensor chirped as she tripped a female Khund; the prisoner tried to stop her fall, toppling over a slim Talokian in front of her.

"This feels good!" Chuck exuberantly bowled over a muscular, trim prisoner who had shoulders even broader than Ultra Boy's. "Hah, those muscles aren't helping you now!"

"Chuck..." Sensor began. Jo was away, having flown off with the last of the staff; and none of the inmates was particularly nearby. She took a chance. "When Chameleon made that joke about Triad*, you reacted oddly... is everything okay between you two?"

Chuck fell silent as he bounced off a table. Using his flight ring, he ground to a halt mid-air. "Was I that obvious?"

"I AM a mentalist," Sensor said coolly. "Though I think even Brainiac 5 or Babbage would have noticed..."

Chuck landed in front of Sensor, facing sideways so he could keep one eye on the crowd, and one eye on her. "It's just that Lu... well, part of Lu... she always makes jokes about my big belly. And coos about fit guys when watching Love Planetoid. It's just..." He looked down, crestfallen. "I mean, pretty much all the other guys on the team are walking undergarment ads, you know?"

Sensor made eye contact, and at the same time used her powers to make it seem like she and Chuck were raving about Tenzil Kem's menu at Live Wire and Saturn Girl's wedding. "Charles, Luornu chose you for a reason. You make her comfortable... and Purple is the only one of her who does that, yes?"

Chuck nodded. "Sorry, excuse me." He picked up a tray and hurled it just so; it bounced off the wall and smacked an inmate in the back of a head. The man fell with a grunt. "Yes, Orange and Neutral always give her grief over it."

"And how do YOU feel about your own looks?"

"I... I never had a problem with it, though sometimes I think I need to work out and slim down and..."

"If you feel happy with yourself, and there are no health issues, why should you care?" Sensor rose up. "I'm accepting myself. Ferro accepted himself enough to want to take his mask off**, and now he can't. Even Candi made peace with her transformations*** despite other people calling her ugly. You shouldn't have to change yourself because of other people."

Chuck looked up.

Sensor pressed on. "And does Triad want you to change?"

"No," Chuck's eyes glittered. "She doesn't."

"There you go. Now, I think we need to get our heads back in the game," Sensor pointed at the mass of sixty or so inmates still on their feet.

"You saved some for me, after all!" Jo flew back into the cafeteria, grinning widely as he punched a six-armed inmate in the face. "Now it's time to rumble!" He gripped the arm of a being whose skin was made of interlocking plated armor, and flipped her upside down.

"Two silverales say I take out more than you do," Chuck smiled as he ricocheted into the fray.

Sensor smiled as she waded in. "I'll pay the Warden a visit to make sure the rest of the prison is clear."


*****************************************************************************************

"My teammates will go where you need them, Warden," Chameleon sent a message to the Warden. Then he focused his attention on Mano. "Do you think your fate is tied to the rest of the Fatal Five, Mano?"

"Tharok and the Empress would kill me in a heartbeat," Mano stared back. "Do you seriously think I will put myself in a position to lose any leverage with them?"

"They're locked up - "

"Hah! We've broken out, or been broken out, before," Mano laughed. "It will just take time. But why should I? My planet is gone, McCauley is dead****, what more do I have to live for out there?"

"You could find something, Mano, you could..."

"Chameleon!" Warden Wafil's face appeared on his Omnicom. "I've isolated the cafeteria, but I need you to help clear one of the visitors' halls - a small group of inmates have reached there, and I can't block it off!"

Chameleon sighed. "Warden, I can't leave Mano -"

"I'm sending six guards over there," the Warden's tone was commanding. "They can't fire safely into a crowd of prisoners mixed in with visitors. You're a shapeshifter, you can. Your teammates are all busy, too."

Chameleon sighed. "Fine." He looked at Mano. "We'll be back later."

Mano flashed his teeth. "Whatever you say, Legionnaire."

*****************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Last post!

2) Legion Worlds 5

3) Candi was disfigured by a gene bomb, turning into Monstress (revealed Legion Lost 2). Her second transformation was coming back as Element Lass, in the climax of Volume 2!

4) McCauley's death was revealed in Legion 3, the work of Ra's al Ghul - who then impersonated him
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 11/18/22 06:13 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD


Takron-Galtos

Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form
Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time

********************************************************

"Easy folks," Chameleon said gently as he cradled a pair of younglings into his arms. He sprouted iridescent wings from his back. "You ever fly with a giant butterfly before? It will be fun." The kids' sobbing gave way to excited laughter as he flew them to the other side of the room. As he did, he let his mind work. A riot, just as they were sitting with Mano... what perfect timing...

"My sister!" A slender young man who resembled a gargoyle - Cham had seen one at the Notre Dame Cathedral - pointed. "Please, help her!"

Reep chided himself on losing focus. He elongated an arm, thickening it like a mastodonian's trunk. "I've got her!" Putting himself in the moment, he began herding the rest of the civilians together.

********************************************************

Three hours later....

Rebound leaned back in his chair. The cafeteria was cleaned up again, and cleared of inmates. Non-security staff had all been given the day off. "Whew, that was tiring."

"Speak for yourself!" Ultra Boy laughed. "Felt just like the old gang days on Rimbor!"

"Not everyone has your ultra-energy, Jo," Sensor chided.

"Oh, it's fine, Princess," Chuck winked. "We're all individuals, and we should love ourselves as we are."

Sensor and Chuck shared a grin. Jo, puzzled, began to speak; but before he could ask, Warden Wafil, Chameleon and Magno all walked in.

"Thank you all again for your help," the Warden addressed the Legionnaires. "Nobody was critically injured, but I already anticipate a drop in visitor levels AND a summons by the UP Senate..." her face and tone showed what she thought of that.

"I'm happy to testify," Chameleon offered. "We've interviewed everyone AND reviewed all the securi-cam footage... there's no obvious breach in security." He sat down and grabbed a kono juice. "No obvious cause for the riot either, it's just like everyone decided to beat up the inmate closest to them all of a sudden..."

"I DID feel a sharp surge of anger," Sensor said thoughtfully. "I wonder if we had any emotion-manipulators on board? In any case, I'm happy to testify too."

"So am I, as an independent reviewer," Magno offered. "I saw that all protocols were followed."

"Glad you were here too, Dyrk," Chuck offered. "Too bad your day off was ruined, though."

"At least I got to visit my brother," Dyrk shrugged with a smile. "Could have been worse."

"So... we're also done with Mano?" Ultra Boy punched his fists together. "Did Cham weasel something out of him?"

"We tried," Reep sighed. "He wouldn't talk; makes sense, the other members of the Five need him alive to get that "thing" of theirs. And telepathy won't work, Imra and Mysa say they have magical telepathic shields, of all things... Nothing we can do about that."

Chameleon stared off into the distance as his teammates began to banter. Something was just too convenient about all this...

***************************************************************************************

Deep Space

Kono kept a wary eye on her companions as their ship flew through space. "We're here," she said abruptly. She looked around. "I don't see anything."

"That's why I'm here," hissed the Orandan snake. Well, Kono had figured out that the hissing was biological, and the voice she heard now was mentally broadcast. "I am one of the few Orandan serpents with mental abilities, after all... and that's why I, Slizz, the Snake." Facing outwards, the snake waved its tail... and a very tiny planetoid appeared.

Kono rolled her eyes. She herself was the Rat; all this mystical mumbo-jumbo made her head hurt. But if she got Sklar back... "Setting course to land," she muttered.

"Seven klicks north," said the Kwai female to Kono's right. She was the Rooster, though Kono thought she could have easily been the Snake too, with her armored skin and bug-like wings. "I can sense our path, now."

Kono bit her tongue. This whole trip had been insufferable; first, following Slizz closely through Takron-Galtos as the Orandan concealed them with her powers; Slizz nearly collapsed when she saw Sensor, Princess of Orando was there; but they had brought along that concealment orb thing or from the Luck Lords as backup at least. Then using a magical Totem to incite a riot by making inmates angry; sneaking into the room where the Legion had been interrogating Mano; and using the Pig's memory charm to figure out where the Fatal Five had hid the Serpent Crown. And then listening to the Kwai - Ckahuq - yammer on and on about paths and direction and placement and whatever. She had been tempted to phase-shift both of them into a star on the way... but they were needed.

She focused on landing their ship. Apparently, the Serpent Crown was one of the most powerful magical artifacts in the galaxy. Soon, soon, they would gather enough... She clutched at the anti-magical Orb the Pig had given them; it would dispel the enchantment the Emerald Eye had placed on the Crown...

She smiled a bit. When the Fatal Five finally came for the Crown, they would be left with a taunting message Kono would leave - anonymously, of course. Why not have a little satisfaction while they were at it?
Posted By: razsolo Re: Dreamer - 11/21/22 09:24 AM
Quote
glad you liked the links! lol when I checked the dates re when I first started this, I was floored.. over a decade of my life!

It's pretty wild, I had the same reaction when I saw how long I had been doing mine! I only started my series to try and instill some self-discipline because I always fizzle out on new projects really quickly and now it's really the most committed creative endeavour I have done!

I get you on forgetting the fine details too...I am pretty sure I have changed background character names by mistake sometimes because I hadn't used them in like 5 or 6 years, and I'm sure Evolvo Lad's hair has gone from being brown to blond at some point laugh

On with the new instalments!

- flame shooting out of Inferno's ears when she's mad seems like such a Jeff Moy thing, I love it laugh

- I really liked the scene with Inferno and her cousin...you brought across really well how she's not as bad as she makes out, but she still isn't actually great at being a good person

- nice reminder that Jo and Inferno were on the Workforce together too

- and Jo came across pretty mature with his chat with Chuck...it's good to see he can respect that the Espionage Squad have to maintain some secrecy about the stuff they do

- hahaha was the warden's "I'm not an ambassador" line a callout to Ambassador Jeryl? laugh

- yay, Mano! Reboot Mano is definitely his best incarnation, it's cool seeing him again!

- Sensor's chat with Chuck was sweet....she was always so bitter after she got mutated we never really saw that side of her again in the comics; and Chuck's insecurity is VERY relatable!

- Kono! I dig the sound of this crew she's travelling with, sounds like they are based on the Chinese Zodiac? I am looking forward to seeing where they go from here, and I assume they are going to screw something up at some stage and need the Legion to save their nasses wink
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 11/21/22 01:33 PM
Raz, always a pleasure reading your comments wink kudos to you indeed for maintaining your wonderful fic - it’s a treat and a long-runner for sure

Glad you liked these bits! You got it right, it’s the Chinese zodiac, good spot - always wanted to do something with them

Yeah Reboot Mano was a complex dude, and I thrill he got shafted by DNA TBH - the previous creative team left him out of the Five in LSH 120-121 on purpose after all

Sandy is a treat, she’s genuinely decent but just has trouble with it wink

And i figure Jo has his hidden depths that need to be brought out

And sensor indeed was a voice of reason before her transformation wink

And glad Chuck came off well, I was worried a bit as he never really had those issues in other incarnations, but glad they came off realistic here !

Oh and the warden’s line was definitely a reference to Cham flirting with Ambassador Jeryl smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Tryouts! - 12/07/22 03:07 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD


Legion World

Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions; informal media liaison

Hannah Wells of Earth (France and Mali); reporter

*******************************************************************************************

"Is there anything I should keep in mind before we go live, Condo? "I'm sure a lot of applicants will be nervous, and I don't want to exacerbate that." Chemical Kid wanted to shake his head. Hannah Wells' smile was much more genuine now, than it had been when she was known as Trudi Trusoe. She was also much more pleasant to work with these days, Condo reflected; as Trudi, she had been all about the big scoops and the drama.* As a budding reporter so many years ago, Condo had quickly learned to seek out better role models.

"We won't broadcast the actual tryouts," Condo smiled. "Other than that, you're free to speak to any Legionnaire or Cadet or Support Staff member you want... and of course, any applicant who agrees to speak with you..."

"... as long as they've been properly briefed," Hannah finished. "Thanks, Condo. It's good that you're managing the Legion's media relations. And how did you find Devlin?"

"Oh, he's totally eager," Condo laughed. "Like, mega."

*******************************************************************************************

Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; generate and control harmful and beneficial microorganisms

Hotshot, Staq Mavlen of Shwar; breathes fire
Splitter, Floyd Belkin of Lallor; ability to detach his limbs from his torso

Devlin O'Ryan of Xanthu; reporter

*******************************************************************************************

Devlin O'Ryan was shaking in his boots. Here he was, in the Legion World welcome hall, introducing the coverage of the tryouts! "Wow, Microbe, this will be the first open tryouts, since, like, the one where Sensor, Umbra, and Magno joined!"**

"Well, not quite, Devlin," Microbe smiled. She didn't really like it, but appearing on camera often helped sentients relate more to her - a tactic that Chameleon had coached her on, as he had used it to get sentients more accepting of Durlans. "Those tryouts were for direct Legion membership. Now that we have the Legion Cadet program, these tryouts will be for that."

"Oh yes, of course," Devlin was almost bouncing up and down. "And am I to understand that accepted candidates will go into the Cadet program?"

"That's correct," Microbe nodded. "Of course, we do consider that some applicants will be skilled and experienced enough to deserve full Legion membership right away - any like that will be introduced into a compressed Legion course, focusing on our key processes, flight ring and equipment training, and the like. We hope that applying for the Cadet program instead, will help ease applicants' nerves. After all, many Cadets have used the program to learn about different options - and some have found that their paths lie elsewhere than with the Legion."

"That's right, that's right," Devlin babbled on. "And as a former Cadet yourself, what lesson from the program can you share with our viewers?"

"One has to learn about one's limitations," Drura smiled at the cameras. "When I started, I thought my powers would only work on organic sentients... but research and training has taught me to select microorganisms that can affect non-organic material, such as this piece of plastic..." she pointed at a plastic bottle on the table beside them. It slowly turned black and began to rot.

Devlin oohed and aahed, and after a few seconds Drura had to prompt him. "I'm not the only one who's learned from my Cadet experience, Devlin..."

"Oh yes, yes," Devlin stammered. "We have a few more guests here, sentients!" As he introduced them, Blizzard, Hotshot and Splitter flew in. Blizzard waved and smiled at the camera, and so did Hotshot; Splitter was a bit more somber.

"Blizzard! You graduated into the Legion together with Microbe, what can you say about the program?"

"It teaches us to use our powers safely," Brek smiled. "When I started out, I nearly froze half the class. Now..." With a theatrically flourish, Brek created a small sphere of swirling snow between his hands. "Control is very important. We work with sentients all the time, and we have to make sure we don't hurt anyone with our abilities."

"And I'm an example of someone who's graduating the program to go elsewhere," Hotshot grinned. Being in front of the camera came naturally to him. "I'm proud to announce that I, and my friend Stone Boy, are joining the Heroes of Lallor!"

Blizzard and Hotshot then explained that the Lallor team had forged an agreement similar to the one with the Amazers; the Heroes of Lallor become Reserve Legionnaires, and get first pick of graduating Legion cadets who cannot, or do not want to, join the Legion.

"As most of the work on Lallor is on-planet, my fire powers will be much more useful there. No limitations with sending me into space," Hotshot finished. He glanced over at Splitter expectantly.

Splitter looked up with a small smile. "I'm also happy that my time with the Cadet program has taught me a lot... I've honed my skills here and met sentients from all over the galaxy," he continued. "I'm... happy... to go back to Lallor to serve and protect my people."

Blizzard and Microbe looked at each other; Splitter had insisted on speaking to Devlin, but he was still clearly disappointed about not continuing with the Cadets.

Devlin thanked the heroes before him. "Isn't it great, folks? We'll be back later for more coverage of the actual tryouts!"

As the cameras switched off, Blizzard and Hotshot approached Splitter. As Drura saw this, she went to Devlin.

"Hey, Floyd? Thanks for joining us for the interview," Brek began.

"I think it's super cool we'll be working together on Lallor," Staq smiled.

"Yeah..." Floyd said quietly.

"Hey, I know we're not joining the Legion," Staq continued. "I mean, it was a tough pill to swallow, realizing that my fire-breathing isn't quite as good as Inferno's powers... he can shoot plasma, after all... But we'll still be Legion Reservists, you know?"

"You'll still be a part of the Legion," Brek smiled quietly.

"Yeah, you guys are right," Floyd sighed. "I mean... being one of Lallor's primary protectors is still a big thing, you know..." He looked down for a bit, then looked up gratefully. "So... you wanna grab lunch?"

Brek and Staq smiled. "I'll get Drura AND Dag to come with," Brek said happily. "Let's toast, to new beginnings."

"And with Thresholds, we can still visit often," Staq winked as they headed to the cafeteria.

******************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) "Trusi Trusoe"'s epiphany came in Legion 35-38
2) Legionnaires 43!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Tryouts! - 12/09/22 06:21 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD


Legion World

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation, enhanced vision

Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau); underwater survival; hydrokinesis (Legion Cadet and Reservist)

*******************************************************************************************

Checking her image in the holo-mirror, Lamprey said a quick prayer as she prepared to leave her bedroom. Today was her chance to show the Legion how much she had grown. She...

She nearly jumped as the door opened to show her friends, Amp and Nightwind. Tayla scolded herself mentally - she was ready, she knew she was! Why was she being so jumpy?

"I know that look on your face," Berta reached out to touch her friend. "I know you'll do well later, Tayla."

"I only wish we didn't have to wait so long!" Ming was bouncing up and down. "I mean, I GET that we might get an applicant who could be ready to join right away, but..."

"I can wait, I've waited this long," Tayla sighed as she hugged her friends close. "Thank you both, thank you so much!"

Berta and Ming hugged her back.

*******************************************************************************************

Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation

Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal); controls his body's density (Legion Cadet and Reservist)

*******************************************************************************************

"I know you'll do fine," Gravity said as he paced back and forth in front of his husband, Density.

"Tel, we've talked about this..." Jed began. "Even if I don't make it..."

"But you will!" Jed leaped up. He grabbed his husband's hands. "Jed, you have to believe in yourself!"

"Tel! You're not listening!" Jed said, a bit testily. Softening his voice, he pulled his husband closer and held onto his face. "Mandalla, Cannus, Theena... they've all found permanent places with the Legion support staff... I can stay here on Legion World as one of those, if I don't make it."

"I know!" Tel stamped his foot angrily. "But you're acting so fatalistic! You should be more confident in yourself, Jed!"

"I am!" Jed stood up; being a head taller than his husband and nearly half as wide, he seemed to loom. Tel stepped back involuntarily. "I'm just saying that even if I don't make it today, I can stay here! I'm not as catastrophic in my thinking as you are, Tel! Why can't you understand that!"

Tel staggered back. "But Jed, I just... it just seems like you're not trying because you think nothing bad can happen!"

Jed inhaled. Then he sat down on the bed with a big bump. "Tel, sometimes you act like an overbearing parent, instead of my husband. And it hurts."

Tel began to tear up. "I just want what's best for you, Jed."

Jed stood up. "So do I, Tel. I wish you trusted me when I say I do, though."

"I... I..." Tel stammered as tears began to fall from his eyes. "I don't understand..."

"Maybe if you listened, you would," Jed turned away from Tel, and walked towards the door.

"Wait...!" Tel ran over and tugged on Jed's arm. "Please, I want to understand, okay?"

Jed turned to him, and took in the sight of his vain, normally perfectly-groomed husband with his hair in disarray and tears running down his face. How could he stay mad at that sight? He resisted the urge to laugh, even. "Oh, Tel... I know you mean well." He enveloped his husband in a hug. "Look... let's talk about this later, ok? I know you're just being high-strung..."

Tel rested his chin in Jed's shoulder. "Grife, I'm being stupid, aren't I? You're the one trying out, and I'm the one acting like a headless elvabird..."

Jed stroked Tel's hair - something he normally wouldn't be able to do without Tel throwing a fit - and smiled. "It's just who are you, my little bunny rabbit. I just want you to respect who I am, too."

Tel played with Jed's earlobe. "I do, my big buff bear, I do. I swear I do."

The two spent the next two minutes holding each other close.

*******************************************************************************************

Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings). Anti-energy being.

Sizzle, Teela Spuunvll of Abaddonus; absorbs and redirects energy
Tellus, Ganglios of Hykraius; telepathy and telekinesis

*******************************************************************************************

Wildfire looked at Sizzle and Tellus, who were sitting across him and watching the coverage from Hannah Wells. "Both of you are sure you won't be applying today, eh?"

Sizzle shook her head and smiled. "I know my limits, Wildfire. I didn't even score as high as Density and Lamprey did last time... I know I was a tier below them. I don't feel ready, you know."

Wildfire motioned. "Though you DO know you're getting better at drawing ambient energy, right?"

"I know," Sizzle smiled as she raised a finger. A bit of lightning crackled around it. "Like how I'm drawing light energy from this well-lit room... But I think I need a bit more practice." What Sizzle didn't voice out, was that she partly felt that way because of how much skill other energy-casting Legionnaires had now... she knew she was still a bit out of her league.

Fair enough," Wildfire nodded. He didn't mention it, but the strain on Sizzle's face was visible... and the tiny jolt of electricity she produced probably wouldn't even tickle a Hovering Hyacinth. Still, weeks ago she couldn't even manage that...

"And you, Tellus?" he gestured to the other Cadet in front of him.

"I... am... still..." Tellus shook himself, as if clearing his head. Wildfire sighed inwardly; despite being telepathic, Tellus was still so slow in communicating his thoughts. "It is still... very... overwhelming... for me... at times," Tellus finished. Wildfire nodded in understanding. "Well, that is the point of this program," he continued. "Just take all the time you need."
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Tryouts! - 12/13/22 01:25 PM
Hey IB, so sorry for falling so far behind!

So, from 7th Nov onwards, here goes:

Joine EartGov. get well paid and bring in the babes - hahahahaha! Is that one of Triad's selves flirting with poor Evert? The Espionage Team are on manouvres! Fabbo smile

Was the 'little tramp' on Rimbor Zoe? Searching for Tinya's wayward dad? And the Luck Lord being sent to his room is hilarious!

Ahh, so they are looking into the thefts of magical objects. You've had this plot bubbling away for a while so it's great to see it get more traction. And Sensor not knowing what to do with her arms when relaxing was cute.

Nice characterisation for Troy - he's a good egg. much better fit than the tradition Angry Young Man that he's suffered under. I'm enjoying Radion being snippy btw, these things always seem to pop up in groups so it's good to see even superheroes on space missions can be asses too. I love Element Lass, you have kept Candi's nature which is always great.

Nice interaction between B5 and Zaron - "the process would be thoroughly unfavorable." ah, yeah, that smile

Xao making reparations by teaching - nice! His affection for Mysa and apprehension of Dirk was well written.

Cannus speaking like Scooby Doo is hilarious! And Karate Kid showing his skills at not-punching things was nice.

That's huge team! And nice that you give everyone something to say or do! Is Brek a drinker in every version? Nice too that Jazmin let's Querl call the shots here wthout any ego-drama.Drake's show of empathy at Sizzle's impatient was sweet, he isn't always a hot head afterall.Nice differentiating between the psychics on the team, it's easy - and something I know I've done - to just see telepathy as being the same for everyone. And joining together the six Legionnaires was a clever. Thankfully the essence of Dryad wasn't angry at their intrference for long and was rational enough not to just say "sod you, I'm coming back."

That was a nice solution to that mission IB, the team using brains and compassion to stop the situation getting out of control.

And I've ran out of time, sorry, I'll finish reviewing your work later in the week.

This was great, you have such a good handle on the team it's always a delight to read your fic's,

More, more, more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 12/13/22 03:42 PM
Harbi! always a pleasure to read your comments, thank you! and please, no apologies needed for falling behind, real life happens (thanks for writing to me about it), and your comments are worth the wait!

Indeed, it was one of Triad's selves flirting with poor Evert smile the little tramp on Rimbor was actually Sussa (her long hair was hidden by Sensor's illusions, and she also kept it up to avoid anyone tripping over it) tongue I do think Zoe could have pulled it off acting-wise, but Zoe's not part of the Espionage Squad, so it fell to Sussa wink

Tinya's dad was caught and is still on Takron-Galtos, but there was that artifact he was using to hide himself - the Squad was trying to trace where he got it, as it disappeared (actually, stolen by Kono smile )

alas, I cannot take credit for Scooby-Doo Cannus, it was a canon thing (check out Legionnaires 43 as an example smile )

tee-hee, what IS it with Brek and drinking!

one of the things I like about Jazmin is she's no-nonsense, so no chest-thumping here, she knows Brainy is smarter than she is (at some thhings tongue )

indeed, your own work inspired me a bit to differentiate between the various telepaths smile

thanks a ton, glad you liked the various character bits!
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Tryouts! - 12/16/22 01:33 PM
Back for more, yay!

Echo is such a decent guy, isn't he. Though I'm with Pete - I would want t see a panet being formed too! Nice use of both their abilities btw.

Also nice scene with Particon and Radion - I don't know these characters but like how you write them. Particon in particular is compasionate enough to go talk to him but strong enough to set out her stall and not take his rubbish. Still, we've all felt what Radion feels too, left behind and annoyed at ourselves for missing opportunities.

Mysa and Xao, they have an interesting relationship - was she his mentor in the reboot?

Pig and Rat? Chinese zodiac? Interesting.... and happy to see Kono hasn't been forgotten.

I do love a bit of Imferno, she's so willful and unafraid it's always fun when she's in the mix. You're showing this side of her well while she's in the doctor's office bit it's touching that you mention that she feels 'hollow' at the lack of familial concern she feels towards her cousin, good characterisation there. Also, I love how she dealt with her cousin - straight talking but offering him a solution, that co-incidentally will inconvenience the Legion. That gave me a smile.

Nice explanation why the Espionage Squad don't talk about their missions. Perhaps that's not the only reason they don't talk about their potentially illegal activities, but a good one anyway smile

Got to love a good Encyclopedia Galactica entry!

Reep and the Warden - cute exchange between them. That wasn't the best of meetings between Magno and his brother, and Omar saying "if the Science Police don't agree... I just have to go somewhere else." - is this him plotting something? A potential LSV'er perhaps? Afterall, the Ranzz's shouldn't monopolise having a psycho sibling, should they? Mano in the reboot was a grey character then? Not the full on crazy s other boots? And Reep trying to get him to open up a bit is interesting - not sure what the thing is, though am sure you'll evetually reveal all. A riot? Just as the team arrive? That's a bit of a co-incidence...

Magno dealing with the red-skinned woman was well done, and then needing to get a bit more physical with the next rioter as they clearly not going to talk showed how smart he is - all that SPand Legion training paid off. Sensor and Chuck are great together, having fun dealing with the rioters - and of course nice illusions to give the team a clear advantage. Though is mid-riot the best of times to start asking personal questions? Haha Love Plaanetoid - ghastly to think Love Island format will survive but let's be honest it probably will...

Nice banter between Chuck and Sensor, and like Reep I too think it's all too convenient that the team go to speak to Mano and everyone gets angry enough to riot. Looking forward to wherever you are takin us with this.

Ah, so it was Kono and crew all along. Interesting that Sensor couldn't see through Slizz's illusions - so they can affect each other? And leaving a note taunting the Fatal Five is a brave move! I'm really looking forward to finding out if Kono ever gets Sklar back or if she's being used. And I wonder who is behind all of this - Mordru is the obvious suspect but I'm looking forward to finding out what you have planned out.

Nice to see Condo again, I forgot he used to be a reporter in the reboot, so nice nod to that. And you have Devlin too, sweet, I liked him in the 5YL canon. Nice to see Staq and Dag are getting to be full heroes - albeit being on Lallor. Great conversation between Tel and Jed too, highlighting how different their personalities are. I hope Jed does get in, just because I like him, though it would make for a more interesting story if he ddn't - what would Tel do? Drama!! Wildfire being supportive of te cadets is a nice nod to canon, and Sizzle's doubts, while understandable are not accurate to me - of all your cadets so far, she's the one I think will get in.

And that's it! I thought there was more, but guess I'm going to have to wait frown

Really looking forward to where you take the Kono story, and finding out who will be your new Legionnaire/s.

Keep going IB, you know you hve adoring fans desperate for more, more and more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 12/16/22 06:43 PM
Hi Harbi, thanks as always for your detailed and thoughtful comments!

original Troy's angry depiction always annoyed me, I like writing him as the thoughtful, competent guy that he is here wink and I'm with Pete too - thankfully, they'll get to watch the tapes (not that the rest of the team saw much, considering all the darkfield protection they needed tongue )

Mysa did indeed mentor Xao for a bit in the Reboot - she enlisted him vs. Mordru in L* 46-52, and helped him regain his magic in L* 71-74


you raise an excellent point about the Espionage Squad, a lot of the things they do are most certainly illegal tongue but Lyle and his Earthgov spy roots are very sneaky...

yup, Mano in the Reboot had a bit of color to him, I did like that characterization of his!

Slizz did have the benefit of a magical artifact to help conceal from Sensor

Glad Sizzle made an impression on you! I guess I made her more competent and level-headed than I thought wink

and don't worry. whether or not Jed gets in, he and Tel are so different that there will be plenty of drama to go around as long as they remain a couple wink

and hopefully the next part won't be too long!

thanks tons Harbi, really appreciate it!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 12/20/22 12:45 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD


Legion World

Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication

Brawler of Moxie; super-strength and durability, can mind-mesh with machinery to control it
Chlorophyll Kid, Ral Benem of Mardru; plant manipulation
Crystal Kid, Bobb Kohan of Earth (Brazil and Peru); crystal generation and manipulation
Rainbow, Dori Aandraison of Xolnar; rainbow-based light powers
Retro, Deen Toro of Retcon; touch-triggered ability to rewind time, but leaving those affected with a memory of "future" events
Vision, Rhent Ustin of Earth (Egypt and Spain); microscopic, telescopic, heat, freeze, and hypnotic vision

*******************************************************************************

"Ral," Triad began gently. "Are you actually comfortable in combat situations? Or are you just sticking to the Cadet program because you're the last one of the former Substitute Heroes* - except for Rainbow - still in it?"

Ral Benem twitched in his seat. Even when had been were stationed in Guyana under Blizzard's and Night Girl's leadership and training, he had been the wariest and most shy of the team during sparring sessions. "I... Miss Luornu, I..."

"You don't need to call me miss, Ral," Triad said gently. Only Orange was here today; the Luornus had agreed that Orange's gentle touch was needed, especially considering their co-interviewer...

"Have some more respect for yourself, Ral!" Gates snapped as he leaned forward. "You've done excellent work on all of our missions to help out with cases of famine, or deforestation, or anything!" He gestured wildly. "I stay in the Legion because I'm used to combat, but you're clearly not - think of all the good you could do, working full-time on relief missions!"

"I... sorry Gates, I..."

"I'm only saying this because you're excellent, Ral," Gates continued. "And you should have known me long enough to know that I don't give faint praise!"

"It's true, Ral," Orange smiled. "Please understand, the main reason we didn't score you higher in the last tests was your reluctance... in combat situations, you have to think fast. But on relief missions, you will have time to plan and consult, and you will have far less immediate violence to deal with."

"These play to your strengths, Ral," Gates added. "You get to help people in a thoughtful way."

Ral looked down, then slowly smiled. And this would mean he'd have more direct involvement with the Legion...

"Okay, sign me up," he smiled goofily.

*******************************************************************************

Triad stood up as both Ral and Gates left the room. It had been tiring, but the Legion had made sure to take care of their current Cadets first. Each of them had gotten a counselling session to discuss options. Most had decided to stay; after all, many of the lower-scores in the last test, such as Crystal Kid, Vision and Comet Queen, had sufficient powersets to make it to active Legion membership, if they improved their battle tactics and teamwork. A few, like Chlorophyll Kid and Cannus and Theena, were better-suited for supporting roles within the Legion, and had been placed as such. And a very few others had chosen to pursue completely different paths, like Zaron Lux or Yera Liggle. Speaking of, Yera's new holo was coming out next week...

She scrolled through the Cadet list. Two more were left, and both had been marked as remedial cases. Brawler was too arrogant and unable to work with others. Retro displayed extreme cowardice, and lied about it. She wasn't looking forward to speaking with either of them...


*******************************************************************************


"Yes, yes, I'm finally where I deserve to be!" Brawler flexed for the crowd as he stood on the podium; he had meticulously shaved his stubble for this occasion. Waring his newly-tailored costume, he watched as his new teammates, the other Legionnaires, applauded along with the crowd. After destroying everyone else's scores during application, and even beating a few records of current Legionnaires, everyone knew this was where he had to be. Kinetix was swooning, and Apparition was gushing, and even Andromeda blushed when he looked at her. Finally, he was where he belonged...

... and he woke up. Another dream. He chuckled as he looked at his reflection in the Omnicom. In one hour, he would tell the Legion about his intent to apply for the main team today. Sizing himself up in his holo-mirror, he smiled. With these good looks and his powers... he tapped on his console, letting his mind meld with it, and telling it to switch on the lights.

He was ready.

*******************************************************************************

Retro poked glumly at his food. Knowing that he was the bottom-scoring Cadet had weighed heavily on his mind. But he had panicked, and lied about it, and thought he had nearly gotten some Legionnaires killed. Many of the others had made mistakes in battle, but he was the only one who had lied...

"Are you well, Retro?" Retro nearly jumped as Vision sat beside him. He forced himself to look at Vision's four big, red eyes; though he was wary that if his classmate lost control, he could be fried by heat vision... "Just thinking, Vision."

"About your next move?" Vision cocked his head. "Crystal Kid, Rainbow and I talked about it a lot, and we all decided to stay... our powers are unique enough to possibly get us in, if we improve."

"We're definitely improving," Crystal Kid sat down, a satisfied look on his face. "Last time Wildfire blasted at me, I didn't even flinch!"

"Rebound showed me how my scores went up, too!" Rainbow's aura was painfully bright with excitement, and Retro looked away in annoyance.

"But none of you are applying today, right?" Retro cocked his head. Crystal Kid scowled a bit, Rainbow scrunched her lip, and even Vision blinked. "Well, you know the only ones invited to apply today were the ones who scored in the first two tiers during that VR room test, right?" Crystal Kid's tone was rather testy.

"So, that leaves Density and Lamprey, who ARE applying, and Sizzle and Tellus, who are not," Rainbow sniffed as she dug into her pudding. "And what about you, Retro?" She smiled, a bit too much and too sweetly. "I know most of us are planning on slugging it out as Cadets - though I hear Tomb just accepted an offer to join the Legion medical staff. But the rest of us rejected offers for various Legion departments. Bobb and I thought joining the Laboratory staff would be super boring."

"I hear Sarge Stuffypants was really sad Vision didn't join Search & Rescue," Crystal Kid snickered.

Retro tried to hide his blush. Each of them had gotten some sort of offer? All he had gotten was a talking-to from Kid Quantum about being honest to your teammates... and he didn't even get to join some backwater super-team like the Heroes of Lallor, not like that spaz Splitter!

"I'm.... not hungry anymore..." Retro stood up, grabbed his tray, and left without a word.

Bobb, Dori and Rhent looked at each other awkwardly. "I was just trying to make conversation," Dori shrugged.

"You did pry a bit, you know," Rhent said, looking at Retro as he left.

"He did bomb our VR test really badly," Bobb shrugged. "And he also lied about what he did, unlike Cannus."

The last thing they heard was a slam, as Retro exited the cafeteria.

*******************************************************************************

"You will regret this!" Brawler smashed his fist on the desk separating him from Triad.

Triad folded her arms and stared at Brawler. Though it was Orange, she knew how to deal with temper tantrums. "Your reaction shows our decision not to allow you to test was correct," Triad continued. "Now, leave my office or I will have you escorted out."

Brawler grit his teeth. He kicked at the chair he sat on, and stomped to the door. He slammed his fist on the panel, willing it to open. "I will make the whole Legion pay... my dream will come true, I saw it!" As he stomped out, he saw that pipsqueak coward Retro blinking at him, mouth open.

"What are you looking at?" Brawler shoved Retro to the side. The pale young man landed on the floor, grunting in pain.

"You nasshead!" Retro spat. But Brawler was already walking away. "My dream... it must be true!"

"Are you okay?" Triad asked as she bent down to help Retro, glaring at Brawler as he walked away.

"Yes ma'am..." Retro stared after Brawler curiously. What he said...

"I'll deal with Brawler later," Triad said firmly as she helped Retro stand up. Sensing his distraction, she asked, "What's wrong? Are you hurt?"

"No... it was just..." Retro thought for a minute. What Brawler said seemed weird, but would saying anything make HIM sound like the weird one? Or a tattletale? "Just... a bit shaken, Ma'am... but I'm fine. Let's get started."

Retro tried not to think too hard about things as Triad led him into the office.


*******************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) L* 43 and L* 49 showed that Blizzard and Night Girl did form a Substitute heroes in the Reboot! The rest of the membership was never shown though, so the actual membership here is my own doing.

2) To keep track of the Legion Cadets, check out this recap of the results of the last test!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 12/21/22 11:51 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD


Legion World

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony (Earth colony: Japan and Myanmar); skilled martial artist
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings); anti-energy being

*****************************************************************************************

About one-fifth of the current Active Legion membership sat in the Jan Arrah audience hall, showing the importance of these Cadet tryouts. Some time ago, during Legion Day, a cadet named Retro had asked why Jan Arrah* had not been celebrated in the same way that other then-dead Legionnaires were*. This prompted some self-reflection from Saturn Girl, who had witnessed Jan's evolution into the Progenitor**... and the Legion had decided to honor Jan's time as Element Lad with sensitivity. As Shikari had said then - "The Progenitor was my galaxy's god, who created and destroyed... but I watched your mission tapes, and Element Lad was a good person, and that part should be remembered."

And so, there they were. Nine Legionnaires (an odd number to avoid ties), mainly volunteers, with Amp and Babbage to represent former Cadets. After all, who better to judge a potentially good Cadet, than one who had been through the program?

"How many more do we have?" Shikari asked, trying to hide her impatience. Andromeda looked at her gratefully; both had only been nudged to join by Kid Quantum and Nightwind, who had wanted them to be more involved with the Cadets. Every Active Legionnaire was required to give two hours a week; most gave more, but both had so far given only the bare minimum.

Triad Neutral (Purple was outside keeping order) scrolled through the list of applicants. "Pre-screening's weeded out quite a few who are underage, or who have no actual inherent powers****... next one is # 12 out of 37 so far."

Shikari stifled a sigh, and Wildfire patted her hand affectionately. Shikari bit her lip; she understood that the Legion simply couldn't accept everyone as a Cadet, as they had to allocate sufficient resources AND ensure Cadets could accept the rigors of the program. Still, she wished others with more interest were in her place now... though Leader Legion HAD gently told her these could be her future teammates, so she would strive to pay attention.

"Our next candidate is Louie Lee of Pluto," Triad Neutral said. "Please enter."

An androgynous-looking dark-skinned bipedal humanoid entered, flashing a big smile.

"How would you like us to address you, Louie?" Cosmic Boy leaned forward.

"They, please," Louie's eyes twinkled. "I identify as non-binary... but my hero name is Battering Ram."

"Nice to meet you, Louie," Rokk smiled. "As a reminder, our Cadet program is for those who want to develop their powers and abilities based on the Legion's principles; we do not expect that everyone will graduate into the Legion proper, but we do expect everyone will apply themselves to reach their full potential."

"Thanks, Cosmic Boy. I know several graduates have taken spots with the Legion support staff, or with other super-teams, or with UP offices," Louie smiled. "My heart is set on fully joining the Legion, so I'll do my best!"

"That's the spirit," Cosmic Boy continued. "Now, we've set up our VR technology in this room, so you may proceed..."

A blinking light indicated that the VR tech had begun. Four menacing-looking sentients of various shapes and sizes materialized, each carrying a frightening-looking weapon. Louie braced themselves, and their hands began to glow a pure white. Blasts of concussive energy leaped at each sentient in quick succession; one was hit in the jaw, another in the solar plexus, one on the knee, and the last was missed by inches.

"Sorry, I'm still working on my aim," Louie said, a tad embarrassed. A fifth blast hit the last attacker's hand, causing him to howl in pain as it dropped its gun. A sixth blast finally hit true, hitting the man in the chest and causing him to crumple in pain to the ground.

"Although your aim is not yet the best, your power rationing is very good," Babbage intoned. "The strength of those blasts was just enough to incapacitate most sentient beings without causing lasting harm."

"I've been very cautious of that," Louie admitted. "I don't want to kill anyone by accident."

"Good powers and attitude," Wildfire pointed out. "I think we know how this vote's gonna go, eh?"

And after the vote passed, Louie Lee sank to their knees in joy as they entered the Cadet program, taking the codename Battering Ram.

*****************************************************************************************

The next applicant was a shoo-in as well. Mend'rr of Jaquaa, the homeworld of Dr. Gym'll and Dr. Ryk'rr. Mend'rr explained that Jaquaans believed in health first, hence the large number of their species renowned in the medical field. Mend'rr had been caught in a lab accident while testing some new healing technology, and had developed the ability to accelerate natural healing. "And I can boost the effects of my power, by borrowing strength from others," he explained.

Demonstrating with VR sentients, he touched one healthy one and one injured one. As a rainbow glow surrounded them, the injured one's gaping wounds closed up in front of them (and to his credit, Mend'rr didn't even flinch at the sight, or at the smell of blood!) However, the healthy sentient slumped forward, exhausted, after all was done.

"I'm really eager to learn the limits of my power," Mend'rr noted. "I don't want to accidentally cause someone to die, because they volunteered to help someone else heal..."

And Mend'rr became the next Cadet, codenamed Healer.


*****************************************************************************************

Betty Shell of Ventura***** sashayed her way into the Jan Arrah hall. "Hello, boys, girls, and other sentients," she smiled as if she were looking into a holo-cam, hands on her shapely hips. Violet gave a little sniff, and Andromeda snapped the iron bar she had been playing with. Wildfire, though, leaned forward and whistled. Shikari and Karate Kid both glanced at him, to which he shrugged. "I may be an energy being, but I still have feelings, you know!"

"I call myself X-Bomb Betty," Betty smiled, fluttering her eyelids. "I can cause small explosions."

As the VR simulation whirred, Betty pointed at a couple of combat drones. They exploded into so many bits of hard plastic, raining debris down around her. Then she turned to face her next attacker...

... and stopped. Face blanching, she aimed instead at the ground. The blast threw the flesh-and-blood man backwards with a sickening snap.

"Oh my sprock, oh my sprock!" Betty ran forward, checking the man's pulse. She pulled a little medi-kit from her belt. "He's still alive, but I need to call for help now!"

Ending the simulation, Cosmic Boy and Violet came down to comfort Betty. "You don't have the best control yet, do you?"

"No," Betty said, tears causing her eyeliner to streak. "That's why I wanted to join - I think I can do a lot of good with this power, but I don't want to hurt anyone, you know? I've been trying... like, that's why I targeted the ground, but... I just can't do it on my own, right?"

Andromeda's frown softened, and Violet clasped Betty's hand in empathy. Those tears and that good heart were real, despite Betty's outward appearance. And she had taken precautions, such as bringing a medi-kit with her. And because of that, X-Bomb Betty became the Legion's newest Cadet.

*****************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) In Legion 25! At that time, the dead Legionnaires also included Kid Quantum I (James), Leviathan (Gim), Live Wire (he's better!) and Monstress (now Element Lass!)

2) Legion Lost vol 1!

3) For those keeping count: the former Cadets among the Active Legion membership now are Amp, Babbage, Blizzard, Calorie Queen, Echo, Gravity, Mentalla, Microbe, Nightwind.

4) Yes, this Legion still has the "only inherent powers rule!" But obviously, no "no duplicate powers" rule, though they DO encourage having a variety of powers!

5) And yes, it is THE X-Bomb Betty from the SW6 era! XBombBetty
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 12/21/22 12:39 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD


Legion World

The next candidate stepped forward quietly, though with back straight. Maintaining eye contact, he introduced himself as M'Rissey. "I have good planning skills," M'Rissey explained.

Eyebrows raised among the Legionnaires. "And, have you considered applying elsewhere, like with the Science Police?" Amp asked. "That is impressive, but perhaps not in the field... Unless you're interested in a Support Staff role?"

"I actually am," M'Rissey smiled. "Though Mentalla and Echo encouraged me to meet you. They thought we would all benefit from a testing of my abilities."

Babbage stood up; as the Robotican in the room, it was best served to do that. Tapping on its arm, Babbage displayed on the viewscreen in front of M'Rissey a sheet of data showing Gil'd; the percentage of oceans restored, the populated areas which had been repopulated, the population still off-planet.* "Can you develop a scenario for accelerating our restoration of Gil'd oceans?"

"Hmm..." Fingers tapping quickly, M'Rissey began to magnify exhibits and scroll. "Could I request for economic and budgetary data for the worlds hosting Gil'd refugees that are at least 10% of that world's home population? This will let me consider whether any of those worlds are overstretched. And I'd like some data on the inhabitable spaces restored for each of the 10 biggest cities on Gil'd, to see which cities can accept more returning Gil'd residents. And..."

As M'Rissey's mind worked, Babbage nodded. "This is truly advanced planning," it intoned. "I would say M'Rissey's scenario planning is 70% of Brainiac 5's own abilities. Not as rapid, but I calculate that M'Rissey's strength is in identifying and considering variables, modelling scenarios, and refining complex plans."

Triad's eyes twinkled. "I'm calling Gates, Kinetix and Microbe in*. I think we've found a great candidate to manage our Disaster Relief and Development program."

"And if you can pass an interview with Gates and Kinetix both, you can work with anyone," quipped Violet. At Cosmic Boy's shocked face, Violet laughed. "Kinetix is my best friend, I know how she can be..."

M'Rissey passed that interview with flying colors, with Gates in particular very happy that someone could deal with the details of the program full-time.

**********************************************************************************************************

Cera Kesh of Earth***** entered with a whisper. In sharp contrast to X-Bomb Betty, Cera was dressed very plainly and had a permanent downcast look. Violet immediately warmed up to her.

"I... I can levitate objects," she whispered.

"It's okay, honey, you can speak up," Violet said warmly. "Do you know your upper limit?"

"It's not a lot, and I really need to concentrate..." Cera smiled with gratitude. "Truthfully, I don't want to fight crime or anything like that. I just want to control it well, I imagine I can use it to carry the wounded or help people with groceries, or make kids bounce around and be happy..."

With difficulty, Cera managed to levitate a desk stacked full of objects across the room - though the ride was shaky, and by the end nearly half of the objects had fallen off.

"I really need to work on it," Cera said, abashed.

"That's what we're here for," Karate Kid smiled reassuringly. "All of us had to start from somewhere."

"Cera, if I may..." Amp flew from her seat, landing beside the girl. "My power is to amplify powers, but that amplification is a certain factor of existing abilities. It's not exact, but would you like to try? Maybe we can figure out your upper limit."

"S-sure! That would be great!"

And as Amp's red glow enveloped her, Cera felt alive and powerful. Pointing around, she lifted not only the desk, all the objects that had fallen... but also herself and all nine Legionnaires present! "Oh, it feels like I can fly!" Cera clasped her hands.

"You have quite a lot of potential, dear," Amp smiled, even as she used her flight ring to land herself.

"Not far off from Kinetix's power levels," Violet pointed out.

"And a refreshingly helpful spirit," Andromeda added. "Lots of desire to uplift people."

"I like that word," Cera said, laughing as she floated in the air. And Cera joined the Cadet program under the name, Uplift.

**********************************************************************************************************

Eryk Davis Ester of Touston***** entered the room with hope. His case had been brought by Kent Shakespeare to Brainiac 5 and Invisible Kid, and together with the likes of Gear and Chemical Kid, they had devised a temporary solution for his problem. A device monitored his body chemistry and helped him control his ability to zero in on an object's weak point and exploit it, often destroying the object completely. Unfortunately, his power had manifested when Eryk reached his 14th birthday - the age of majority on his world - with disastrous results; his family home had been destroyed, and only timely intervention by Science Police rescue units and a few Legionnaires had ensured that everybody escaped alive.

"I just want to live a normal life, you know?" Eryk explained. "I just want to learn how to control this, so I can live without fearing that my home will fall apart."

With difficulty, and only because of the device he wore on his left wrist and around his forehead, Eryk focused on a metal block. The block began to shake, and with a lot of clangs, it crumpled all over itself.

"It won't be easy," Karate Kid said gently, "but in time we should be able to get you some level of control.

And though he didn't particularly care for a codename, Eryk joined the program as Calamity.

**********************************************************************************************************

Juan Joey MacNamara of Uranus leaped with excitement, landing in front of the Legionnaires with a ta-da! Even before Cosmic Boy could speak, Juan Joey began. "I call myself Glow-Worm - watch me dazzle you!" And without warning, Glow-Worm let loose a blinding light that made most of the Legionnaires - save Andromeda, Babbage and Wildfire - flinch. Shikari only escaped by having her armor-skin cover her face. Thankfully, all the rest had goggles in their belt pouches.

"Glow-Worm, you should learn to warn your teammates before you use a power that could hinder them!" Triad snapped as she fastened her goggles securely.

"Oh... but... if it stops the bad guys, why does it matter?" Juan Joey genuinely looked perplexed. "I mean, you'll all get better, right?"

The Legionnaires looked at each other grimly. Triad tapped on her Omnicom. "Hmm, looks like we're getting a report from Calorie Queen... highlights include..." The atmosphere in the room shifted very quickly. Apparently, Juan Joey had several civil lawsuits pending, from sentients whose eyesight he had damaged - and only two as a result of stopping crime. He had temporarily blinded ten people while exploding light at the Pride event in New Orleans...

Psych scans and a psychological evaluation had not shown any severe pathologies, but had detected a rather shocking lack of empathy and consideration.

When confronted with this, Glow-Worm just shrugged. "I mean... I guess I could be more careful, but you know?"

"You do know that the United Planets courts are empowered to require power-inhibiting devices for sentients who consistently display a disregard for others, don't you?" Cosmic Boy's face was thunderous.

"I did hear that was the most likely outcome of my court hearing tomorrow," Glow-Worm said lamely.

"We can't have someone who does not even recognize the consequences of their actions," Triad kept her tone level, with difficulty. And so it was that Umbra came in, enveloped Glow-Worm's body in her darkfield, and escorted him out to the nearest UP court, hastily convened by emergency call from the Legion.

**********************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Gil'd's oceans were taken away by the Water Elemental (L* 71-74), the Legion is helping restore it now

2) Yes, it is the M'Rissey from the 3boot smile MRissey Why Gates, Kinetix and Microbe? All 3 helped start the Disaster Relief and Development arm of the Legion. I thought it made sense: Gates is communist/socialist leaning, Kinetix's origin showed her wanting power to help people (though I interpret it as her being a bit selfish, in wanting to feel useful), and Microbe is also altruistic AND thought it would be good PR for her planet (but Gates/Kinetix approached her cause of her useful power).

3) Yes, it is the Cera Kesh from the SW6 who became an Emerald Empress CeraKesh

4) Yes, it is THE Calamity King from the Preboot! CalamityKing
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 12/21/22 02:17 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD


Legion World


The next candidate was a graceful young woman from Starhaven*****, a planet known for its close attunement with nature. Her dark red eyes mesmerized the Legionnaires as she spoke. "My birth name is Cats-Eye. I am here today to offer my gifts to you..."

"Says here you have... animal empathy?" Wildfire titled his head, a mannerism from the days when he had a human form.

"Yes... I understand them... and they understand me..." Cats-Eye smiled. "And if I beseech them nicely and respectfully, they can lend me their abilities. If I may demonstrate..."

The Legionnaires watched in fascination as Cats-Eye knelt down carefully, placing her hands on the floor. A tiny mouse appeared from her sleeve and scampered to the floor. Fauna squeaked, turning her head and twisting her ears, and the mouse appeared to do the same.

"I am thanking her for lending me her strength," Cats-Eye smiled. Then she stood up, and a soft red glow surrounded her. "I can hear... the Legionnaire called Gravity calling the next name outside... and..." She took a running leap, and clambered up the walls, tucking her legs in under her as she pulled herself up.

"A very interesting ability for sure!" Shikari nodded.

"Very, very, interesting," Wildfire chuckled.

Taking the codename Fauna, Cats-Eye took care to introduce herself individually to every single Legionnaire and Cadet and staff member that she could.

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

In terms of powers, A'rmie of Gil'd was a shoo-in: the brain-like, tentacled applicant had telepathy and could produce electricity, like all others of its Gil'dan sub-species. What got A'rmie a resounding YES vote was its heartfelt motivation for joining: "I know that rogue elements of my people have caused trouble for the United Planets before by supporting the Dark Circle*. But when the Water Elemental** damaged my world, the UP and the Legion continued to help... and joining the Cadet program will help me atone.

Encased in a plastic water-filled sphere while on Legion World, A'rmie rejected the codename, jokingly suggested by Wildfire, of Brain Globe. It instead would choose the codename Neuron, a more fitting description of its powerset.

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Oulan Calhoun had just recently retired from the UP Navy, having served with distinction under Fleet Admiral Everett. Calhoun had decided that military life was no longer what she wanted, though she still did believe in security. As Everett had worked very well with the Legion, playing key roles in the fight against Mordru***, Oulan's application ended up in front of the Legion jury.

"I'll cut to the chase, Legionnaires," Oulan leaned forward, assertively if not a little aggressively. "I'm only here because I respect Admiral Everett greatly. She thought I could use this to get ideas of what to do after retirement." The tall woman with close-cropped red hair and rippling muscle all over seemed to loom over the team. "She thought it could help me adjust to civilian life, but I feel like I'm too set in my ways to learn your Legion ways."

"Hmm... survival skills, highly enhanced endurance, able to operate without food or water for double the galactic average time..." Cosmic Boy had a twinkle in his eye.

"Way ahead of you, Cos," Triad smiled. A quick call to Spider-Girl, and the red-headed Legionnaire had gotten her former Workforce teammate Evolvo on the line. "To what do I owe this pleasure, Legionnaires?" asked the diminutive white-skinned man with the oversized cranium.

"You told me you were looking to boost your Workforce numbers," Spider-Girl smiled. "Well, have I got the candidate for you!"

Oulan Calhoun, call sign Survivor, managed to negotiate quite a lucrative contract with Evolvo. She became field leader of the Workforce, and made very sure to include a clause that the Legion and the UP could call upon the Workforce to assist in emergency situations classified as a Red or higher. Evolvo was only happy to allow it, though he made a show of hemming and hawing; after all, it made good business sense to stay in good standing with the Legion.

And for their part, the Legion and the UP were happy to have such an upstanding former Navy member in a place to help keep Evolvo in line... after all, Evolvo, much more than any other Workforce member, had been intimately involved with many of Leland McCauley's not-very-ethical schemes, once upon a time.*****

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Meyer Qayd****** of the Sol Asteroid Belt seemed to float on a cloud of dust particles. "It's not very pretty," Meyer admitted. "I have to wear a transuit pretty much all the time. Once I hit puberty, my body started to attract small particles, and well..."

"That must have been difficult to deal with," Andromeda remarked sympathetically.

"Yeah... My parents were grateful this didn't start when I was a baby," Meyer said drily. "I just want to learn how to turn it off, you know."

Babbage consulted some reports. "It appears that your ability can attract objects with a maximum diameter of one millimeter... lower limit is as yet unknown."

As with some previous candidates, Amp offered to boost Meyer's own power. And the room gasped collectively in awe, as Meyer's eyes glowed. "I... I can FEEL each individual particle! And..." he began to form them into shapes. First, he spelled his own name; then he formed a replica of the Legion symbol. "Oh... oh my gosh..." He eagerly stepped out of his transuit. "I can feel the air again... it's been so long..."

Amp gave poor Meyer a hug as he teared up. "We'll get you free of that transuit, bit by bit, Meyer."

Poor Meyer did have quite a sense of humor; that was what helped keep him sane all these years. Because, all this time, nobody had ever thought his power could be useful, he chose to call himself The Mess.

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************


IB's notes:

1) See Dark Circle Rising, L*62-65 and LSH 106-108

2) L* 71-74

3) L* 48-52!

4) One of those was the exploitation of the Space Anomaly, to sell Anomaly teleporting technology to the Affiliated Planets (AP) - though at least McCauley and Evolvo didn'tknow that the AP then was a front for the Dark Circle! And once they knew they were in too deep, they did cooperate with the UP!

5) This is Starhaven's first Reboot appearance - I thought that, even with the Kwai existing in the Reboot, Starhaven deserved a place too smile

6) You may recognize The Mess as THAT Adventure Era reject Mess
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 12/21/22 03:16 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD


Legion World

Akiko Li was the picture of nervousness, hair disheveled, fingers nervously tapping against each other as she watched the assembled Legionnaires. "So... you have the power to make people question things?" Violet asked.

Akiko nodded, biting her lip. Her power always worked, but it was also always thus far an unpleasant experience.

"You can demonstrate on me," Karate Kid smiled. Akiko nearly bit her tongue as she watched Val Armorr's adorable eyes grow smaller as he smiled. "I have no secrets, and my time with the monks on Steeple* has taught me some things about myself.

"Okay..." Akiko nearly tripped as she stepped forward! Cursing silently, she stood in front of Val and activated her power...

... and as her normally black eyes turned a solid white, she seemed to transform. She stood up front, her mannerisms and tics subsided, and her high-pitched voice became smooth and suave.

"Why are you a Legionnaire?"

Val's eyes betrayed his shock, though years of training meant his face did not. And his mind was clear. "After I left the Workforce**, I realized I had a responsibility to use my skills for good."

"And why do you stay? Why do you not join some other group?"

"If the Legion were only about stopping criminals, perhaps I would..." Val continued. "But the martial arts I practice are an extension of various ancient philosophies, and I am able to use my talents during relief missions, for example..."

"Is that all?"

"No... the Legion is my family now, too, and I want to help it grow..."

"I think this is a great demonstration," Cosmic Boy cut in tactfully. "That's pretty amazing, Akiko. Though tell me, is the Legion your main goal?"

Akiko's eyes turned black again, and once more she seemed a bundle of nerves. "Well, honestly I just want somewhere my power is valued, you know!"

Triad spoke up. "I have an idea, Cos." After a hasty conference between the Legionnaires present, plus Invisible Kid as head of the Espionage Squad, and Shvaughn Erin in her role as Science Police liaison, Akiko was presented with an offer. "The Legion and the Science Police cooperate extensively on many cases," Shvaughn began. "We'd like to offer you a role as a negotiator and interrogator."

"But we also understand that the different discipline and training in the Science Police isn't for everyone," Invisible Kid said, a twinkle in his eye as he recalled his own flouting of authority as an Earthgov spy***. "So, we'd like you to join the Legion support staff... and in case the Science Police request your services, a Legionnaire or Shvaughn will always accompany you."

Akiko nearly tripped again in her haste to say yes. She would go on to have a brilliant career, earning the nickname "The Question."

**************************************************************
In contrast to Akiko, the next candidate, Giselle Smith of Triton*****, had most of the makings of a Legionnaire: combat prowess, an interesting powerset that included enhanced base levels of speed and strength and durability. Nothing too remarkable, certainly not strong enough to lift a Legion cruiser with one hand, but serviceable. But her VR scenario showed she lacked imagination. When faced with six enemies all charging at her, she fought them one at a time, ignoring the props around her.

"Doesn't look good..." Amp muttered.

"Let me try something..." Cosmic Boy noted. "Giselle, why don't you use that beam to hit the enemies?"

"Oh... yes, great idea!" Giselle broke off punching a pink-skinned woman, then picked up a wooden beam. Using it as a club, she finished off the rest of the enemies.

Turning the VR scenario off, Cosmic Boy addressed Giselle. "Giselle... I have to say, you don't really show a lot of inventiveness. But, you fight well. And you seem to take commands quite well..."

Giselle nodded, confusion on her face.

"You may instead be interested in the Science Police..."

And later on, Giselle joined other Cadet applicants, such as Bogdan Tarka of Doopa*****, whose personalities seemed more of a fit for the Science Police, in an information session. Lieutenant Gigi Cusimano and Officer Sybelle Deacon were only too happy to explain the daily duties of an Officer, and noted that Legion Cadets in particular were often sought after for postings on Legion World. Of the 10 Cadet applicants referred by the Legion to Gigi, 9 enrolled as Science Police officers within the next week, including Giselle and the invulnerable Bogdan.

**************************************************************

Swallowtail, a butterfly-like humanoid from Swizzar, was a sight to behold. Having been caught up in the Air Elementals**** awakening on Swizzar, Swallowtail remembered being battered by sharp, slicing winds that tossed and turned her around like a moopsball in a hurricane. That had left her comatose and near-death; but somehow, miraculously, it had also awakened a dormant power within her. Her body had formed a healing cocoon; and when she emerged, she had much greater speed than the average Swizzan, with much bigger wings. And more than that; her wings could shed scales that refracted light, and caused a variety of effects on anyone caught in the scales that she willfully shed; hallucinations, hypnosis, paralysis, sleep...

Swallowtail explained, quietly but not shyly, that she had been hailed as a miracle on Swizzar... but that not everyone was welcoming or accepting of her otherness. At the same time, she didn't wish to turn her back on the UP peoples; nobody deserved to suffer, like those caught in the maelstrom on Swizzar.

Using her given name as her codename, Swallowtail would spend many free days as a Cadet happily tending to the gardens on Legion World, striking up an especially close friendship with Chlorophyll Kid.

**************************************************************

1) Legion Worlds 5 until Legion 22

2) LSH 103

3) This part of Lyle's past was revealed in LSH 67 and L* 66!

4) L* 71-74; the Air Elemental had possessed one of Swallowtail's people, a woman called Flutter

5) Giselle Smith debuted as Gazelle, and Bogdan Tarka as Turtle, in the Threeboot
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 12/21/22 05:55 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD


Legion World

Aquamarine of Mellorus waddled uncomfortably into to the room. From an aquatic world dominated by a piscine species,* Aquamarine was naturally adapted to the water. However, her power of inducing transformations in herself and in others manifested - luckily enough - while her family was visiting the waters of Earth as tourists. She had accidentally turned herself into a land-based form, complete with legs and arms instead of fins! The lucky part was that she had been near land then, and had been pulled onto a boat safely; if she had been on Mellorus, she would likely have drowned. After calming herself down and getting Legion assistance, she had experimented with her powers; she could also transform herself into an air-based form, gaining wings.

The more startling part had been when she had accidentally given Ultra Boy wings, and given Apparition gills! Luckily, by then she had had enough control to reverse her transformations right away!

Blessed with a spirit of curiosity, Aquamarine thought her future lay in exploration - using her abilities to visit new habitats and new worlds. But that could wait, until she discovered the limits of her powers. As she relayed what she could - and could not - do, the Legionnaires carefully tracked that against her file. Confident that she was conscientious and careful in her use of her abilities, Aquamarine was welcomed by them as a Cadet.

**********************************************
Apollo and Artemis Chiang of Eros entered with the confidence of people who know they are attractive, and are comfortable with the attention it brings. Yet there was a distinct lack of arrogance in their movements. Having grown up poor and orphaned on the asteroid Eros, they had known many hungry nights. One night, the weakened twins had been attacked by a very predatory man; their powers had manifested then, and as the man was bisexual they had been able to convince him not to hurt them - and to feed and clothe them before releasing them unharmed.

After surviving until their late teens with their powers, they had determined three things: that they were (thankfully) immune to each other; that they wanted to better their lot in life; but that they also wanted to use their powers with dignity and only on those who deserved it, so to speak. No innocents.

After several reassurances from the team, Apollo turned his power on. Violet, Triad, Andromeda, Amp and Shikari had all leaned forward immediately. "Well, I see why Invisible Kid's write-up on you was so glowing," Triad had flirted.

Apollo turned his power off; and Artemis turned hers on. Cosmic Boy, Wildfire, Karate Kid and - again - Violet - were all caught in it. "I can see you being a star at crowd control," Cosmic Boy beamed.

After Artemis turned her power off, the twins waited anxiously. Cosmic Boy rubbed his temples. "Well, now that I can think properly again, I do see that your powers will be great in crowd control and similar situations... though unless you can aim it selectively, it might be a liability in combat. But you're definitely Cadet material!"

The twins would later grin at each other as they moved into their adjacent Cadet quarters; they had never known such luxury in their lives! The nature of their powers would also earn them the codenames Dream Boy and Dream Girl.

**********************************************

Jackie Idonno, a hermaphroditic humanoid from the aptly-named planet Hermaphrodite, had often been described by their friends as an energy vampire. They complained that Jackie was just so negative somehow, and Jackie supposed it had been their tendency to constantly worry about and search for the best possible outcome when making decisions. However, as time passed, Jackie had noticed that appliances and equipment also seemed to drain faster around them. It was not until Jackie's skycar suddenly lost power and fell a few meters to the ground that an injured and shaken Jackie had asked for a battery of tests.

And then, Jackie had learned that they were a living energy drain. Energy from humans, from objects, from electronics, from machinery... Jackie could absorb it for themselves. Yet Jackie was somehow not very effective at converting energy for their own use; Jackie could drain a dozen of their friends, with only a miniscule increase in their own mood and energy.

With a great deal of effort, Jackie was able to learn how to turn this field on and off. Unsure of what to do, Jackie thought about the Cadet program...

... and that's how Jackie found themselves now, facing Element Lass, Wildfire and Spark.

"Wow, they are actually pulling my energy form into them," Wildfire commented.

"I can't even generate a bolt!" Spark complained.

"And that uranium I transmuted isn't radioactive anymore!" Element Lass remarked.

Jackie turned their field off. "But like I said when I applied, I can't turn this on and off..." Jackie shrugged. "I only came here because I didn't know where else to go... but I imagine I won't be much use in big fights or things like that."

"You're insightful," Wildfire mused. "But..."

And that was how Jackie Idonno, adopting the moniker Vampire with pride, became a member of the Clean-Up crew under the Legion's Disaster Relief and Development program. Jackie would be sent to areas like Xanthu's nuclear wastelands or to accident sites, where Jackie's energy draining field could ensure the environment was safe for others to follow... Jackie even got sent to a couple of riots, of course backed up by Legionnaires with long-ranged powers, to keep Jackie safe.

**********************************************
Solana Xatu of Korugar was flushed with excitement as she waited for the Legionnaires to assess their VR tests. She had been placed in a hostage situation, and she had taken care to ensure the hostages safety, first taking out the goons guarding them. After ensuring the hostages had escaped, then she had taken out the rest.

The Legionnaires looked at her, smiling, though she could sense some sort of confusion among them.

"Solana..." began Andromeda. "You clearly are at peak strength for a Korugarian, certainly very impressive... but our scans show you are not quite superhuman."

Solana's smile slipped a little. She had always been faster, stronger, tougher than everyone around her, which was part of why she had developed a career as a coach and trainer - she loved making others better, as well. But she had thought... hoped... that her impressive physical abilities would have received more of a welcome here. Though on the other hand, she had thought often about it - was it all her, or had she gotten lucky when she was born?

"On the other hand," Babbage continued. "Considering what you shared of your training routine, your age, everything... well, you are in remarkable physical condition for a sentient of your age and sex..."

"... but tell us, why do you want to be a Legionnaire, instead of going into a career in sport, or joining the Science Police?" Triad finished.

Solana clenched her hands. "My homeworld, Korugar, suffered under the oppressive rule of Sinestro before finally claiming freedom. I respect that the Science Police stand for order, but the Legion - you - you all stand for hope!" Solana pleaded at them, fixing each with her eyes. She watched as they began to sit up straighter; Amp smiled, Shikari beamed. Even Babbage seemed to look up. "I want to inspire others, to take charge of their destinies, and to be the best that they can be!"

"That was a great speech," Cosmic Boy mulled.

"A Rokk-level speech, eh?" Violet winked.

"But indeed, we've all had enough experience to know that there is something more there than an amazing orator..." Cosmic Boy's eyes twinkled. "Solana, have you ever had any... psychic experiences?"

"What?" Solana was perplexed.

After a quick call to Saturn Girl, who consulted with her mentor Micah Aven, and a quick scan of Solana...

... she sat down with a thump as she read the readouts.

"I can boost confidence in others?!" That explained a lot - why her trainees and clients often said she made them feel like they could push themselves more!

"I know it's a lot to take in," Triad said gently. "Believe me, though, you're a product not just of your power, but of you."

"As speeches go," Babbage intoned, "you said all the right words - so it was a combination of you and of your power."

"Hey, your speech was great!" Wildfire gestured. "But we've all been through Cos speeches, and we could just tell there was something more, an extra push, behind it, you know?" He held out his hand. "So you're an amazing physical specimen AND a posthuman! Welcome to the Cadet program, Solana!"

Solana would relish this moment, and also relish every time she used her power for good, while learning how to best use it as the Cadet called Paragon.

**********************************************

It took nearly ten hours in total to see each of the 52 candidates who made it to the jury. After 5 hours, the nine Legionnaires who met the candidates changed. But the pre-screening had worked; of the 52, 26 were accepted into the Cadet program. Another 11 were offered places in the Legion support staff, and 14 more were referred to partners such as the Science Police or UP Military. Only one, the rather unempathetic and careless Glow-Worm, were outright rejected for attitudinal or personality issues. A testament to real-life learning from mistakes; after Glow-worm, the Legion had been more stringent in the pre-screening.

At the end of the day, all involved retired with much exhaustion, except for Babbage - who took it upon itself to update the personnel files.

Though Babbage knew the biggest update would come tomorrow, as the testing for full Active Legion membership would take place - though based on today's results, only four current Cadets and no new joiners were eligible to join. The whole of Legion World was already abuzz with thoughts about which of the four would make it.

Ah, organic beings and their emotions.

**********************************************
IB's notes:

1) A native of Mellorus appeared in a single panel in LSH 104
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 12/22/22 10:33 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Legion Cadets

Brawler, Brash Knightley of Moxie; super-strength and durability, can mind-mesh with machinery to control it
Retro, Deen Toro of Retcon; touch-triggered ability to rewind time, but leaving those affected with a memory of "future" events

*******************************************************************************

Retro tossed around in his bed. No matter how he tried to clear his mind, he couldn't put his meeting with Triad out of his head.

"Retro," she had said, we understand that not everyone is cut out for the field - not everyone is brave enough to put themselves in danger like that. And that's fine - some of your fellows like Cannus and Chlorophyll Kid have taken non-combat positions. But you do understand and remember that lying about it is something else, yes? We need honesty in the Legion, Retro. Even among our staff.

Retro had nodded, meekly and sullenly.

We're giving you one more chance, Retro... take some time to think. I've linked a fresh organizational chart and descriptions of each Support department to your Omnicom... you may choose whichever, but remember that you will be under heavy probation. We need to know that we can trust you.

Retro sighed. He ran away in battle, and he lied about it. Now he had to live with it. Cursing, he jumped out of bed. Maybe a short walk to clear his head...Why was he here, anyway? Well, to get away from the boring work of taking over the family business back home on Retcon... and he thought becoming a Legion Cadet would be fun and exciting.

It had its moments, but it was also a lot of hard work... and maybe excitement was not what he craved.

Muttering to himself, he pulled on his favorite shirt and his bedroom slippers, then headed out to the pantry...

... and then he heard that nasshead Brawler, who had the room next to his, mumbling.

Remembering Brawler's weird statements about dreaming last time, Retro inched closer to Brawler's bedroom door. The door was oh so slightly ajar... Retro remembered Brawler bragging about always getting fresh air while sleeping, or some such nonsense. Whatever.

He peeked through the door to see Brawler on his side, facing away from him. "Gonna.. gonna... show them..."

Taking a gamble, Retro gently touched the door and rewound it with his power ever so slightly, so it opened a fraction more. Wow. Was Brawler sweating so?

"Won't stop me taking test... show them... show them I'm the best... yes... tamper with the VR room..."

Eyes widening, Retro almost stumbled backwards. Was he hearing this?

"Yes... dangerous... but... way to show I can do it..."

Scrambling backwards silently, Retro stood up shakily and walked briskly towards the pantry.

*******************************************************************************

Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation, enhanced vision
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers

Legion Cadets and Reservists

Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal); controls his body's density
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau); underwater survival; hydrokinesis
Sizzle, Teela Spuunvil of Abaddonus; absorbs and redirects energy
Tellus, Ganglios of Hykraius; telepathy and telekinesis

*******************************************************************************
"Good luck, hon," Gravity kissed Density. "Be confident, ok?"

"I think you're more nervous than I am," Jed laughed gently as he kissed his husband back. "Thanks, I'll do my best."

Tel resisted making a quip about his husband's relaxed confidence. That had always been one of their major differences... but at times when he was feeling tense, Tel did appreciate Jed's easy calmness. He moved over to join Nightwind, who was here to support Lamprey. Berta had just given Tayla a good luck hug.

"Ready to watch?" Berta smiled at Tel.

"I'm not sure I can look, to be honest," Tel whispered back. "I'll just be a bundle of nerves the whole time!"

"Eh, what's the worst that can happen?" Spark stuck her tongue out. Together with Invisible Kid and Timber Wolf, she would referee and judge the VR test - with the authority to stop the test at any time if the situation became dangerous. The rest of the Active membership would have 24 hours thereafter to watch the footage and vote. Gravity and Nightwind had recused themselves from being judges.

Timber Wolf headed over to Sizzle and Tellus. "Last chance, both of you - it's still a no?"

"Still a no," Sizzle smiled. "Thanks for asking, though."

"I am also not ready..." Tellus communicated.

"Fair enough. Then I guess we can begin." Invisible Kid ushered Sizzle and Tellus out; not taking part in the test meant they shouldn't watch it. Then he gave some last-minute instructions to Density and Lamprey, before sending them into the main VR chamber. "Good luck, you two," he smiled as they put their VR goggles on.

*******************************************************************************

"Where are we?" Lamprey looked around. It was too dark to see anything. Though she could hear some vague humming, and the sound of animals moving in the distance. Her first instinct was to get a glow-buib, but.... "Sprock, our utility belts are gone. And so are our flight rings."

Being careful to narrate his actions, so that Lamprey and the judges could follow his thought process, he said "I'm gonna increase my density and feel around..."

"Good idea," Lamprey encouraged him. "I'm not going to use my water powers until we know I won't damage anything."

Feeling around, his left hand found what appeared to be metal bars. "I think we're in a cage, Tayla." He began to follow the cage around...

*******************************************************************************

"Really, Lyle? An escape room?" Ayla stuck her tongue out again, as she watched the screen that showed what Jed and Tayla were experiencing. "You have been watching too many reality game show holos..."

"Oh, wait until you see what else I have planned," Lyle stuck his tongue out back.

*******************************************************************************

Decreasing his density allowed Jed to stretch his arm a little bit more. "Just.... a bit... more... got it!" He stood up, clutching a thin metal needle.

"Perfect!" Lamprey took it and began poking around into the lock they had found. "Now if I remember our lessons right... there!" Smiling in satisfaction as the lock of their cage opened, she grinned. "I am so glad the Legion's been training us on what to do if we're stuck on a low-technology world!"

*******************************************************************************

"Enough cloak-and-dagger stuff!" Brin growled at Lyle. "My turn, let's test their battle reflexes!"

*******************************************************************************

"Jed, behind you!" Tayla yelled.

"Thanks!" Jed said gratefully as he lowered his density so he could leap higher than normal. Just in time, as a laser burned the ground he had been standing on. Leaping in the laser's direction, his foot connected with something that made a metallic clang. "Droids, I think?"

"I know!" Tayla yelled back. "I can see another!" She rolled forward, avoiding a blast.

"Hold on!" Jed called. "I'm coming!"

"No, I can manage, thanks! I've been practicing!" Normally, Tayla would use the water in her belt pouch as a weapon, but she would have to get creative. Concentrating, she began to condense water vapor from the air. Forming it into a thin stream, she fired right at the attacking droid's eyes, shorting it out.

"Nice!" Jed gave her a high five.

******************************************************************************

"Way to go, girl!" Berta clapped. "I knew your practice would pay off!"

"They have definitely mastered their powers more," Lyle noted.

"Told ya, that last test just had too many Cadets in it for them to shine," Brin clapped Lyle on the back.

"Were you all THIS cavalier when I was part of the tested group?" Tel asked, almost incredulously.

"Nah, but that had more than 20 of you at a time," Ayla laughed. "Now, there are only two of them... and they did well last time. Now we can focus on testing their progress on the specific feedback we gave, which was mostly on power versatility."

"Oh, okay then," Tel smiled. Jed and Tayla had been working hard, after all.

*****************************************************************************

Sizzle sighed as she rounded the corner from the VR room. She HAD decided to skip the test... she hoped she wouldn't regret it. "Well, Tellus, what say we get a drink?"

"I... thank you... Sizzle.. but... I... need to... review my lessons on... United Planets history..."

"Well, we can study together, and... huh?" Sizzle looked up to see an angry Triad and a very pale Retro running towards her. "Stop him!" Triad pointed.

Sizzle turned around and gasped.

*******************************************************************************

"Computer up ahead," Tayla pointed. She examined the console. "Looks like a pretty old model..."

"Great-grandpa had something like that," Jed noted. "Switch was on the bottom right..."

"Found it! Let's see if we can find out what we're dealing with... huh?" Tayla stopped as the computer in front of her began to shimmer and blink, like it wasn't there.

"Weird... maybe we should step back," Jed said, increasing his density as a precaution.

"I'm with you, I... hey!" Tayla felt herself thrown back with brutal force. Arcing her body like they learned in training, she braced herself nonetheless for an impact.

"Got you!" Jed caught her. "What was that?"

"Whatever it is, it's not visible... or organic!" Tayla was pointing at the space in front of her. "Not only can't I see anything, I can't sense any water molecules at all in front of me... Nothing to manipulate."

"You can -" Jed began, but didn't finish. Something rammed into his side. "Ugh!"

*****************************************************************************

"That seems a bit rough, no?" Ayla smacked Brin.

"That's the problem, Ayla. It isn't me!" Brin gripped the controls. "This thing is acting on its own!"

"What?!" Tel jumped beside Brin. "You're not kidding, are you?!"

"Oh no!" Lyle pointed down. The very walls of the VR chamber were rippling and tossing Tayla and Jed about like rag dolls. "This is impossible! And I've already tried shutting the program down!"

"First priority is to get them out!" Berta began to fly down to the chamber.

Before she could get far, the door opened and a familiar figure stepped in with a grin. "Rest your pretty head, Nightwind... Brawler is here to save the day!" With a flourish, he touched the floor and commanded it to manifest five seats. "All of you sit down, I'll handle this!"

"Wait a minute!" Gravity used his powers to crumple the nearest chair back down to the floor. "Do you have something to do with this, Brawler? Why are you suddenly here?"

"Oh, good old Brawler just happened to be passing by," Brawler's bloodshot eyes nearly bulged out of his head. "Now have a seat!" Touching the floor again, he forcibly created a chair just behind Tel, pushing him into it with such force that Tel fell unconscious.

"But... you're not this powerful!" Berta gasped. Brawler just grinned.

"And his eyes, his voice... something's wrong," Lyle continued. "Like he's crazed! Calling for Saturn Girl or Mentalla..."

"Enough of this!" Ayla blasted at Brawler. Berta followed with a gust of wind. Brawler simply grinned as he caused a section of the floor to block their attacks. Then he made the floor under Ayla and Berta erupt, knocking them both out.

"Now where were we... ah!" Brawler yelled as he felt claws slash into his back. Then a booted foot kicked him in the face. Brawler reacted quickly, covering his entire body with material from the walls and floor, and sending waves of metal crashing into his assailant. With a groan, Timber Wolf fell to the floor, bleeding.

"Not bad. You would have finished me off if I hadn't gotten more powerful, recently," Brawler looked at Brin in satisfaction. Four Legionnaires down. Now he could rescue those two stupid, outmatched classmates of his, and...

"Aaaah!!!" he screamed as a stinging spray filled his eyes. Rubbing them, Brawler willed himself to be quiet. There was a fifth Legionnaire in the room...

"Lyle here! Brawler's done something to the VR room, control panel locked, can anyone hear me?"

"I don't need to see you, when I can hear and feel you!" Meshing his mind with the walls, Brawler commanded the whole room to ripple. With satisfaction, he heard Invisible Kid gasp and fall to the floor. Brawler made the floor erupt; and Lyle groaned again, slumping to the floor, his unconscious form shifting into visibility.

Grinning madly, Brawler looked around in satisfaction. "I just beat 5 Legionnaires! And now for those two losers down there!" Turning towards the VR room, he readied himself with glee. Density and Lamprey thought they were better than him, eh? Well, he would show them. Oh yes...

He pressed the button to open the main VR chamber with satisfaction, and stepped through...

... and was met with a purple fist in his face!

"What have you done, Brawler?" Density bellowed as his second fist struck Brawler. Brawler also felt water splashing around him. Wiping his eyes, Brawler saw that Density was riding a wave of water controlled by Lamprey. They had somehow freed themselves from the VR scenario!

"How? You were being bounced around while..." Brawler spat. He touched the floor, forcing it to erupt in spikes.

"That's enough of that!" Lamprey concentrated on Brawler's form. She felt the water molecules permeating his body... many of them were in tissue and organs and muscles, but she just had to tug on the free ones floating around, and...

Brawler gasped as he felt himself weaken. "What...?"

"I'll see to the others!" Density called as he headed for the VR control room.

"No, this won't stop me!" Brawler began to stand. "I have the Legionnaires in death traps, just need to squeeze and they die and..." He cast around with his mind, feeling Gravity slumped forward in the metal mass above. This would hurt Density the most. He began to squeeze...

why was he feeling so hot? he was sweating, he...

And Brawler sank into blessed unconsciousness.

*****************************************************************************

The Active Legion membership was somber as they reviewed the footage. Triad had annotated it. But most things were clear.

Density and Lamprey recognized the VR scenario they were in was going wrong; they had exited from it, though were still stuck in the VR chamber.

Triad, having been warned by Retro about Brawler's odd behavior, had called the Monitor Board right away. They had followed Brawler to the VR room, encountering Sizzle and Tellus on the way.

Brawler, displaying irrational behavior and inexplicably boosted abilities, had subdued the 5 Legionnaires in the VR control room. This fact unsettled everyone in the room; they had been taken off guard, but still, for one assailant to down five of their number was grave. It also showed how Brawler's power had inexplicably grown. Not only that, but Brawler had somehow jammed flight ring signals coming into and out of the room.

During all this, Tellus had telepathically made contact with Density and Lamprey. Together, they formulated a plan - Density and Lamprey were to distract Brawler, while Retro would try to rewind the VR room door so they could enter. That part failed, so the plan shifted; Sizzle tried to absorb electrical currents and ambient light, channeling it into a fine laser that would allow them to enter the room. But when Brawler threatened the Legionnaires inside, the plan altered again - Sizzle turned her absorbed energy into heat. Coupled with Density's and Lamprey's other attacks dehydrating Brawler, they were able to knock him out.

Triad highlighted the quick thinking of Lamprey, Density and Sizzle in particular: Tayla and Jed had thought to wear their transuits just in case, and Sizzle had had the presence of mind to shift to taking out Brawler quickly. The Legionnaires had decided not to re-test Tayla and Jed, but to proceed to a membership vote. And Tayla and Jed had insisted that Sizzle and Tellus be included in the vote, too.

A solemn Invisible Kid, Spark and Timber Wolf went through the VR room footage, pointing out good behaviors by Lamprey and Density.

But everyone on the team knew that the Cadets' actions against Brawler played a bigger role in the voting that followed...
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 12/22/22 11:17 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Tellus felt his heart beating even as Mentalla gave him the news. Considering how adamant Density and Lamprey had been, that defeating Brawler had been a team effort, he had expected this... But was he ready? He drew on the wisdom of his elders, who said that one must be as seaweed and go with the tide... but also that one must be like the coral, slowly and steadily growing...

**************************************************************************************

As soon as Density saw Spark coming to see him, he knew. Ayla Ranzz was not one to try keeping a poker face. Jed guessed that his husband Tel had asked for someone else to give him the news...

**************************************************************************************

Sizzle sat, stunned, even as Wildfire leaned forward, clasping her hands. When she woke up today, she had never imagined that this would happen.

**************************************************************************************

Lamprey resisted the urge to use her powers to clean up her tears. Instead, she mumbled a thank you as Triad passed her a handkerchief.

**************************************************************************************

Retro breathed a big sigh of relief. Who knew that telling true tales would keep his position in the Cadet program safe? Apparently, he had regained enough trust to remain a Cadet in good standing, though just a Cadet and not a Reservist. Fine, he knew he had to do more to become a full Legionnaire, if he did want to be one. For now, he was just happy to stay a Cadet and have fun. Some of the new Cadets looked interesting... he put his hands behind his head and thought about the poor chumps who would be graduating out and become real Legionnaires. More work and responsibility for them. He hoped they would not regret their decisions.

**************************************************************************************
Brawler stared, glassy-eyed, at the ceiling. Several Legionnaires had come to see him; a telepathic probe by Saturn Girl, recently returned from her honeymoon, had found nothing. Chameleon, Invisible Kid, Kid Quantum, Triad, Rebound... all had questioned him, but he had told them the same thing. His dreams gave him the idea. He had triggered the VR Room to come to life, so he could show how worthy he was. It all came to him in a dream...

**************************************************************************************

The Legion World Members' Cafeteria

"Get your cupcakes here, get your cupcakes!" Tenzil Kem called as he waltzed through the crowd, towing two anti-grav trays of cupcakes with him. They were decorated in red, green and purple, in honor of the three newest Active Legionnaires on the team.

"Oh Tenzil, how thoughtful!" Lamprey was all smiles as she picked a green one. "It matches my skin tone exactly!"

"You're welcome, my dear Lamprey, Legionnaire #48 out of 49," Tenzil winked. "And please, tonight, call me Matter-Eater Lad - I even wore my costume for this!" He tugged at his green-and-black costume, with the shiny white tooth insignia on his chest. "Everyone's in full regalia!"

"You didn't make cupcakes with MY skin color when we were inducted!" Amp teased. "And vanilla doesn't count, Tenzil!" she pressed before Tenzil could respond. Hugging Lamprey close, she kissed her friend on the cheek. "All our training sessions together paid off, look at us now!"

"I'm just so glad, Ming, so glad."

"So are we," Kid Quantum smiled as she grabbed a red cupcake. "Say, Lamprey, can I borrow you for a moment?" Behind Jazmin were Density and Chemical Kid. Jed was beaming like a star, and had his arm around Condo. "Man, we're finally gonna go on missions together!" Jed squeezed Condo's shoulder. "Tel is already planning how to redecorate our room..."

"I hate to bring business up during this celebration," Jazmin said. Density and Lamprey both listened attentively, while Condo looked a bit embarrassed. "So I'll keep it short - Condo's going to transmit the press release tomorrow morning. But I wanted to ask you both... some UP delegates have been making noise about the Legion having a disproportionate number of members from Earth, and not enough from other planets. Now, I have to repeat again that we voted you in based on merit, without considering origin, but given that Jed's father is from Quothon, and Tayla's mother is from Neptune, would you mind if we used both your homeworlds in our press release?"

"Not a problem," Jed shrugged. "Haven't been on Quothon since I was three, but no big. Though my father moved to Earth when he was a kid himself."

"I was born on Earth, and so was my mother," Tayla said cautiously. "I only reacquired Neptunian citizenship because my grandparents still live there. Though I know Berta also announces herself as being from Earth and Enwa both, so I'm fine with embracing my Neptune heritage."

"Great," Jazmin smiled. "I'm sorry we have to think about imaging, but..."

"We are more effective if sentients trust and like us," Condo finished with a shy smile. "A lesson I learned while working in media."

"Now, go and have fun, you two!" Jazmin ushered the two back into the crowd. "Oh, and - don't drink too much. XS, Gates and Kinetix will see you in Brainiac 5's lab tomorrow at 10."

"Uh, okay?" Jed and Tayla looked at each other, then shrugged. Soon, Tayla found herself chatting with Inferno and Blizzard about combining their powers; while Jed was trying not to stare at Ultra Boy's abs as he chatted with him and Tinya, pointing out that they represented two of the three married couples on the team and should get together more socially...

Over at the buffet table, Sizzle was smiling at Wildfire and Timber Wolf. "Thank you both, for your confidence in me," she said.

"Hey, kid, you earned it," Wildfire gave a thumbs up. "You're a quick study."

"You definitely think fast," Timber Wolf winked. "Just glad you made the decision to trust yourself, kid. Hey, why the long face, Cham?"

Chameleon looked up. "Oh, just thinking about the weirdness with Brawler. One of our Cadets, somehow compromised and changed... when did it happen? How did it start? I think we'll need to start digging into his movements. But..." he shook his head visibly, then approached Sizzle with a smile. "But let's not let that dampen tonight, eh? You're a full Legionnaire now, Sizzle, welcome! And you know you have to dance to celebrate, right?" Sizzle giggled as Chameleon pulled her towards the dance floor.

Tellus watched as most of the Legionnaires began to gather in the middle of the room. Then he turned to his companions. "I appreciate... your... asking again... Gates and Sensor, but..."

Gates clicked his beak in exasperation. "But, you seem so reluctant to admit your capabilities, Tellus!"

"Leave it, Gates," Sensor said calmly but forcefully. "Tellus is the best individual to judge whether he is ready."

"Oh, but we should get more non-bipeds on the team!" Gates fumed. "And really, Tellus, you got a strong majority wanting you to join..."

"I thank you all indeed..." Tellus intoned. "But... I... do not feel ready to... live up to your high opinion of me..."

"It's fine, Tellus." Everyone turned to see Live Wire. "I'm usually the impatient one, but I get it... If you don't feel ready, you don't feel ready."

"Bah!" Gates threw his hands up. Live Wire laughed. "Maybe we can look at your training plan, Tellus. See which areas you would most like to improve in."

"Well..." Tellus hesitated. "I mean no offense... Live Wire... but..."

"Go on, what is it?"

"I... just... dealing with... sentient mammalian minds... is... a challenge... for me..."

"Hmm...this looks beyond my pay grade, but maybe Imra can consult with Aven and propose something..."

"But for now," Sensor interrupted firmly. "Tonight is a night to celebrate, and celebrate we shall."

And so, celebrate they did.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Updated Roll Call (Dec 23, 2022) - 12/22/22 11:18 PM
Updated Legion Roll Call.

Definitions: quoted from LSH Secret Files 2

1) Active members - must have at least one genuine and intrinsic super-power (which does not need to be unique relative to all other current active members); be able to fully control said power; and be courageous and of good character
2) Reserve members - must be a former active member, an honorary member, or a worthy candidate for active membership not elected to active membership
3) Honorary members - not defined; may be proposed by any Active member

IB's note - for Honorary members, I've also listed the reasons why they were elected to Honorary status

Active Legionnaires

Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion leader.

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Calorie Queen, Taryn Loy of Bismoll; consume all forms of matter, and conversion of same into super-strength
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions
Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal) and Quothon; controls his body's density
Dreamer, Nura Nal of Naltor; precognition
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis, can see heat signatures
Insect Queen, Lonna Leing of Xanthu; morphs into various insect forms, gaining the powers of the forms she takes
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony (Earth colony: Japan and Myanmar); skilled martial artist
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau) and Neptune; underwater survival; hydrokinesis
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan; telepathic control of others' physical functions
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation, enhanced vision
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy
Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Sizzle, Teela Spuunvil of Abaddonus; absorbs and converts energy
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair
Star Boy, Thom Kallor of Xanthu; gravity manipulation
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time
Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; darkfield casting
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings); anti-energy being
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed


Reserve Legionnaires (Not Legion Cadets or Support Staff)

Dragonmage, Xao Jin of New Shanghai (Earth colony); sorcery (teacher)
Magnetic Kid, Pol Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis (magno-ball athlete)
Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers


Reserve Legionnaires (also Legion Support Staff)

Chlorophyll Kid, Ral Benem of Mardru; accelerated plant growth (Disaster Relief & Development)
Impulse, Kent Shakespeare of Earth (United Kingdom: England); enhanced speed, strength, durability and recuperative abilities (Legion World chief medical doctor)
Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter (Legion World head chef)
Mandalla, Tari Wahlmunn of Takron-Galtos; projects a thought-sphere that affects the target's mental and physical functions (Legion medical staff)
Tomb, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions (Legion medical staff)

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program) - Partial List

Arachno of Arachnidia; enhanced abilities of spiders
Catspaw, April Dumaka of Earth (Ghana and Tanzania); enhanced agility, speed and claws, cat-like senses
Comet Queen, Grava of Quaal III; super-speed flight and emission of comet-like gases
Crystal Kid, Bobb Kohan of Earth (Brazil and Peru); crystal generation and manipulation
Dragonwing, Marya Pai of Earth (Singapore and Tibet); breathes fire and secretes acid venom
Flying Fox of H'lven; levitation, enhanced agility and strength, claws
Rainbow, Dori Aandraison of Xolnar; rainbow-based light powers
Tellus, Ganglios of Hykraius; telepathy and telekinesis
Veilmist of Khundia and ??; teleportation
Vision, Rhent Ustin of Earth (Egypt and Spain); microscopic, telescopic, heat, freeze, and hypnotic vision

Other Legion Cadets - Partial List

Aquamarine of Mellorus; induces transformations in self and others to land-based, water-based, or air-based forms
Battering Ram, Louie Lee of Pluto; concussive force blasts
Calamity, Eryk Davis Ester of Touston; disintegrates objects uncontrollably
Dolphin, F'e1lpz of Dili-Tawi; can hold his breath indefinitely
Dream Boy and Dream Girl; Apollo and Artemis Chiang of Eros; charismatic attraction of those attracted to their sex
Fauna, Cats-Eye of Starhaven; animal empathy and borrowing of animal attributes
Healer, Mend'rr of Jaquaa; accelerates natural healing by borrowing strength from others
Martin Anderson of Luna; pyrokinesis
The Mess, Meyer Qayd of the Sol Asteroid Belt; telekinesis affecting small-diameter objects
Neuron, A'rmie of Gil'd; telepathy, electricity generation
Paragon, Solana Xatu of Korugar; boosts others' confidence
Polecat, Dafe Meron of Venus; emits a foul stench
Retro, Deen Toro of Retcon; touch-triggered ability to rewind time, but leaving those affected with a memory of "future" events
Swallowtail of Swizzar; flight, scales from wings can refract light and cause effects such as hallucinations, sleep, paralysis
Uplift, Cera Kesh of Earth (Antarctica); levitation
X-Bomb Betty, Betty Shell of Ventura; causes small explosions

Uncanny Amazers of Xanthu - have a cross-Reservist arrangement with the Legion

Atmos, Marak Russen of Xanthu; nuclear energy blasts, flight, enhanced strength and durability
Kal Bodo of Xanthu; phrenology and psychometry activated upon touching another's head
Konk!, of Xanthu; detachable floating head, if she fails to reattach her head to her body, a new one with a different personality grows
Night Girl, Lydda Jath of Kathoon; super-strength in darkness
Porcupine Pete, Peter Dursin of Earth (Jamaica and Mexico); ejects quills from his body
Radion, Roy Travich of Earth (Italy and Madagascar); flight and emission of radiation
Spectrum, Ulu Vakk of Lupra; changes the color of people and objects

Heroes of Lallor - have a cross-Reservist arrangement with the Legion

Beastmaster, Ilshu Nor of Lallor; transform into any animal
Hotshot, Staq Mavlen of Shwar; breathes fire
Splitter, Floyd Belkin of Lallor; ability to detach his limbs from his torso
Stone Boy, Dag Wentim of Zwen; turns self into stone
Vapor, Tal Nahii of Lallor; transforms her body into gases

Honorary Legionnaires (they get flight rings too!)

Rene Jacques Brande of unknown; telepathy of unknown levels (See L* 52!); Legion Founder/Financier and United Planets Ambassador to the Second Galaxy (recognized for founding the Legion! and being their continued supporter all throughout)

Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Ireland and Montenegro); Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer (recognized for helping the Legion on several missions, such as being stranded in the 20th century (LSH 85-100), resisting the Blight (Legion of the Damned LSH 122), and piercing the Robotican shield (Legion 14)

Superboy, Kon-El of 20th century Earth/Krypton; tactile telekinesis that simulates super-strength, flight and invulnerability (recognized for helping save Valor - now M'Onel - from the Phantom Zone in L* 31)

IB's note: prior to receiving his powers, Rebound (Chuck Taine) was also an Honorary Legionnaire, for helping the Legion vs. the Rift (Widening Rifts, LSH 124-125/L* 81) and as part of the SUBS (Legion Worlds 3, Legion 1-4). A depowered Magno (Dyrk Magz) also kept Honorary status after losing Active status, due to playing key roles in missions such as defeating the Fatal Five (LSH 121) and resisting the Blight/helping against the Rift (Legion of the Damned/Widening Rifts).

Other Legion Support Staff or residents of Legion World (staff also get flight rings as a matter of practicality, but are not honored to the same level as Honorary Legionnaires

Cannus of Anthropologia; skilled tracker, canine senses and abilities (Search & Rescue)
Cub Wazzo-Nah of Bgztl and Rimbor; son of Apparition and Ultra Boy, confirmed phasing abilities
Dr. Gym'll of Jaquaa; Legion physician
Dr. Ryk'rr of Jaquaa; Legion psychiatrist
Dr. Mollie Dennum of Hephaestus; materials scientist
Gigi Cusimano of Mars; Science police lieutenant and commander of the Science Police contingent on Legion World
Lenzslo Philish of Athram; lead of the Legion World Athramite contingent; chief designer
Lori Morning of 20th century Earth (USA); RJ Brande's adopted daughter
Mabuhay Corazon of Aleph; fashion design student and Legion costume consultant; childhood friend of Kinetix
Marla Latham of Earth (Germany and Sweden); Legion adult advisor
M'rissey of Mercury; advanced scenario modelling; manager of the Legion's Disaster Relief and Development arm
Proty of Vyrga; shapeshifting and limited telepathy
Question, Akiko Li of Venus; makes people question their inner motivations; Intelligence and Negotiation
Rond Vidar of Earth (Greece and Iran); scientist specializing in time studies
Theena of unknown; attached to a symbiotic alien able to open "viewscreens" allowing communication across distances (Communications, Search & Rescue)
Vampire, Jackie Idonno of Hermaphrodite; energy draining field (Clean-Up)

Other Allies

Devlin O'Ryan of Xanthu; reporter
Hannah Wells of Earth (France and Mali); reporter
Hegga Hanzo of Winath; Science police officer on Winath; childhood friend of Spark and Live Wire (along with her twin Megga, with the UP Aid Program)
Micah Aven of Titan; extremely skilled telepath and tutor of the most promising adepts
Sandy Anderson of Luna (formerly Inferno of the Workforce); pyrokinesis
Winema Wazzo of Bgztl; United Planets President
The Wolfpack of Rimbor; Timber Wolf's former gang (leader Crody; Hubble, Mash, Race, Rn'drr)
Yera Liggle of Durla; shapeshifting (actress)
Zarox Lux of Colu; 10th level intelligence (UP Disaster Coordination)

The Workforce of McCauley Industries; may be called upon by the Legion and United Planets in grave emergencies

Amber of Dendron, projects a sap-like gel
Evolvo, Sev Tcheru of Lallor; shifts self between human evolutionary states, including a super-strong ape-man and a telekinetic, hyper-intelligent futuristic human; current CEO of McCauley Industries
Lupine of unknown, wolf-like humanoid form
Sandstorm of Mica, body composed of animate dust particles
Survivor, Oulan Calhoun of Mars; enhanced durability and endurance, UP Navy training; field leader of the Workforce
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 12/22/22 11:19 PM
And because our emojis are so cool

(ones without emojis are either canon characters from one of the realities, or my original characters)

KidQuantumII AmpGirl Andromeda Apparition Babbage PolarBoy1 Brainiac51 CalorieQueen Chameleon ChemicalKing CosmicBoy1 PowerBoy Dreamer Tyroc Monstress Ferro Gates Gear :Gravity: SunBoy InsectQueen InvisibleKid1 KarateKid1 Kinetix Lamprey LiveWire Lume Magno Mentalla InfectiousLass MOnel1 Nightwind1 Particon ChuckTaine SaturnGirl1 Sensor Shikari Sizzle Spark SpiderGirl StarBoy1 TimberWolf1 Triad UltraBoy1 Umbra Violet WhiteWitch Wildfire1 XS

Dragonmage MagneticKidII Thunder Cannus ChlorophyllKid Impulse MatterEaterLad Mandalla Theena Tomb

Arachno Catspaw CometQueen CrystalKid :Dragonwing: :FlyingFox: RainbowGirl Retro Tellus Veilmist VisiLad

:Aquamarine: :Armie: :BatteringRam: CalamityKing :Dolphin: :DreamBoy and DreamGirl: :Fauna: :Healer: :MartinAnderson: Mess :Paragon: Polecat :Swallowtail: CeraKesh XBombBetty

Atmos :KalBodo: :Konk!: NightGirl PorcupinePete Radion ColorKid

BeastBoy FireLad ArmFallOffBoy StoneBoy GasGirl

:RJBrande: :ShvaughnErin: :Cub: Reflex :DrGymll: :DrRykrr: :DrMollieDennum: :HannahWells: :Hegga and Megga: :Lenszlo: LoriMorning :Mabuhay: MarlaLatham :MicahAven: MRissey Proty :Question: RondVidar :SandyAnderson: :Vampire: :WinemaWazzo: :Wolfpack: :Yera: :ZaronLux:

:Amber: EvolvoLad: :Lupine: :Sandstorm: :Survivor:
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Visiting other Legions - 12/23/22 05:44 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World, Brainiac 5's lab

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Calorie Queen, Taryn Loy of Bismoll; consume all forms of matter, and conversion of same into super-strength
Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions
Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal) and Quothon; controls his body's density
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis, can see heat signatures
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau) and Neptune; underwater survival; hydrokinesis
Sizzle, Teela Spuunvil of Abaddonus; absorbs and converts energy
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

**********************************************************************************

"We're going on a field trip to another universe!" Echo was bouncing on his feet. "I can't believe it!" The rest of the Legionnaires present, mainly the newer ones, were also buzzing with excitement.

"Yup, a social call to that other Legion's universe," XS smiled. "Gates and I spent quite some time with them, you know."*

"So did I, though most of that was while I was absorbed by their Mordru," Kinetix quipped.*

"This trip is also a learning experience," Brainiac 5 admonished. "It is a different universe from ours, many similarities but also many differences. That's why we waited until now to arrange this meeting with our counterparts; the barrier between our universes thins irregularly, and we have a good crop of new recruits and a returnee* to introduce." Several of the new Legionnaires brightened visibly at Querl's praise.

"I'm glad I could come along again," Chemical Kid was a tad giddy. "Lyle and I visited before to bring news, but I didn't get to meet that many of them."

"Now, don't dawdle," Brainiac 5 continued. "We have three hours for this visit, any longer and we risk being trapped. And I still have to examine Brawler when we return..."

*************************************************************************************

In another Legion's universe

The visit started off a bit formally, at first. The other Legion's leader, Phantom Girl, a version of Apparition, greeted them. They got a short tour of the HQ, then filed into a meeting room for a presentation of this Legion's membership, history and duties.

"There sure are many more Boy, Girl, Lad, Lass codenames here," Density whispered to Amp. "Tell me about it... I might not have dropped the Girl from my codename if I existed here," Amp whispered back.

Brainiac 5, and especially Gates, pointed out key differences this Legion had - such as a 25-member limit for much of its history (Sizzle had gasped that she would never have gotten in with a membership cap like that!); a no-duplication of powers rule (Gravity had said the same!); not always being an official arm of the United Planets (Echo had leaned forward at that); and having a Legion Academy instead of a Legion Cadet program.

Gates rather bluntly said this was probably why several rejected Legion applicants became outright villainous, prompting the other Phantom Girl to acknowledge that her Legion could have done better, but also that those villainous rejects had been trouble to begin with psychologically; and she had rather deftly asked about how Cadet Brawler was doing. "I read the briefing your Brainiac 5 sent over," she winked as Gates turned quiet.

"We've also supplied your team with a great portion of our own archives," she continued, smiling without a hint of satisfaction at shutting Gates up. "So you can peruse on your own time... let's use the rest of our time to actually get to know each other."

And she had led the group to a large cafeteria with drinks, snacks, and a good dozen of the other team beaming at them.

*************************************************************************************

"Hey, little bug!" The other Timber Wolf high-fived Gates. Gates replied, "Hey, hairy mammal!" Amp almost spit out her drink.

Gates eyed her. "Am I surprising you, Amp?"

Embarrassed, Amp wiped at her mouth. "Ah... it's just... well, I know you have a sense of humor, but this is really much more casual than I expected from you, Gates."

"Brin and I were trapped in this reality's 21st century for a bit," Gates explained. "Having been through that once in our own time** made me try to cope in, uh, different ways."

"Anyway, I'm Timber Wolf, and I suppose you've met my counterpart?" The Other Brin shook Amp's hand.

"Yeah... I'm Amp, I don't think I have a counterpart here..."

"Maybe not yet," the Other Brin smiled. "Who knows what will happen?"

*************************************************************************************

Density and Gravity stared through the viewscreen at their counterparts, both of whom were former Academy students and Science Police officers in this reality. They'd already read the files, so knew the story; the other Jed had graduated from the Academy without a Legion membership offer; the other Tel would have gotten an offer for helping beat a villain, but decided to leave as one of his classmates had died in that fight.***

"I think we're only a few years older than you two?" Other Jed asked, looking their counterparts up and down.

"I think so," Tel replied. "We, uh, look good in Science Police uniforms."

"Kinda sexy," Jed sent through their tele-plugs. "Too bad they're not here, we four could..."

"Jed! Not now!" Tel fought to keep from blushing. "Also, they are us in a way, that's like..."

"Come onnn Tel, you know we've talked about what it would be like to do naughty stuff with ourselves," Jed sent back. "Though I don't usually go for older dudes, but they're not that much older..."

And on the other side of the viewscreen, the Other Jed was saying, "And I don't usually go for younger dudes, but..."

"Let's talk about it later, honey," the Other Tel playfully pinched his husband's bottom. "Let's not make this weird." Clearing his throat, he beamed at their younger counterparts. "So, uh, has becoming Legionnaires been all you dreamed of?"

*************************************************************************************

XS was pulling Sizzle along. "I didn't stay active with this team that long, but I did make a few good friends I want to introduce you to!"

"Please, XS," Sizzle tried not to throw up. XS had carried her once in training, but even some of the most veteran Legionnaires had said that kind of super-speed would take getting used to! "I'm still trying to remember to use Phantom Girl for their Tinya, instead of Apparition! Can we take a break?"

"Oh, Lightning Lass! Shrinking Violet!" XS dashed to two women. "Meet Sizzle, she's new!"

"Just joined yesterday, and it's been a whirlwind," Sizzle smiled self-deprecatingly as she shook hands.

*************************************************************************************

"So our counterparts haven't made it to the big leagues yet, eh?" Dragonwing folded her hands over her chest.

"Our Dragonwing and Comet Queen are Reservists and Cadets in good standing," Lamprey began carefully. So far, this Marya and Grava seemed very much like her own, but you never knew...

"I'm sure our brilliant selves are gonna reach Big Bang level soon!" Comet Queen clapped her hands. Lamprey only understood her because of practice with her own Grava!

"So, is my counterpart free, you think?" Lamprey scanned the crowd. "I know she's in the Science Police, but if you're in touch with her, do you think I can call her while she's on break?"

"Oh, uh, she's been like asteroidally frenzied with work," Grava began. Tayla raised an eyebrow; another commonality of Gravas appeared to be their utter inability to lie.

"Oh, cut it out, Grava," Marya shook her head. "Look, our Lamprey was in the Academy class ahead of us, and she's definitely not yet over graduating without a Legion offer. We asked her, but she blew us off." Tayla gripped her drink in consternation. "She used to say that maybe if she had your powerset, she could have gotten in as it was more unique*****, but our Lydda said that she just didn't do well enough in the tests, and that was that."

"Oh, I see..." Tayla was shaken. Hearing this, she appreciated her own Legion's view on second chances a bit more. "Are either of you in contact with her? I'd love to pass a message along..."

"Oh, that would be starshiney!" Grava clapped. "Here's my Omnicom, nebula!"

Tayla smiled in thanks, and she began to write. Imagine that, encouraging her alternate universe self not to give up, and to appreciate herself...

*************************************************************************************

"Looks like the Brainiacs are having a nerdgasm," Sun Boy tilted his head towards Querl and Querl. The two Coluans were talking animatedly - for them - as they viewed a holo-dashboard of each others' experiments.

"Heh, maybe we should slip some porn links in there, see how they react," Inferno winked as he sipped his drink.

Sun Boy threw back his head as he laughed. "So, younger me, you bedded anyone from the team yet?"

Inferno bought time by sipping his drink a bit more. Five minutes into their conversation, it had become apparent that his counterpart was considerably more indulgent. Dirk himself had always abided by the "don't sprock where you work" policy... and also, he found flirting fun in itself, an act of wits and getting attention. This Dirk seemed like a bona fide sex machine. Of course, this universe's version of his dad seemed a lot less attentive and loving than his own dad, so maybe that was why. He mentally made a note to call his father tomorrow. Looking his counterpart in the eye, he answered. "Ah, I don't play around where I work," Dirk said. "I still remember the one and only employee I slept with, at dad's place. He fell in love with me, and when I said I wasn't interested in anything serious, he smashed his Omnicom and quit on the spot."

"Whoa, hold on, hold on!" Sun Boy held up his hands. "He? Like a man?"

Dirk's jaw dropped. "You're not bisexual?"

"Straight as an Elvabird feather!" Sun Boy answered. "But hey, different universes, you know." He downed his drink, then poured another. "So, is it true that guys do it better than girls?"

Inferno looked around to make sure nobody else was in earshot. "Well..." and for the next half hour, the two Dirks traded stories on their escapades, and tips on acts each thought the other would like to try.

*************************************************************************************
Calorie Queen willed herself to focus as she spoke to this reality's Tenzil Kem. But it was so difficult! The Legionnaires here were a little bit older... and they just seemed so much more mature and sexier! More revealing outfits, more suave... and while their Tenzil was a bit of a skinny beanpole, THIS Tenzil obviously worked out. Everyone here was just so mega-sexy!

"Yeah, our Tenzil was a chef first, and he's a really good one," Taryn replied.

"Hm, maybe I should try my hand at cooking," Tenzil winked.

"Oh please!" Taryn turned, and froze as she seemed to look into a mirror. It was her! A bit older, and with a considerably more revealing outfit, compared to her own costume in the standard Legion style, arms and legs covered. But her counterpart had cleverly cut holes in her outfit! "You couldn't cook a meal edible for a Bismollian, Kem!"

"Ah, Calorie Queen, meet Calorie Queen, my assistant in the Senate," Tenzil winked.

"Deputy, Kem. You agreed to that," older Taryn laughed. "So, nice to see my counterpart with a flight ring!"

Taryn swallowed, then shook her counterpart's hand. "Let me tell you about OUR Kem, I think you'll love the stories..."

*************************************************************************************
Chemical Kid spied someone out of the corner of his eye at the buffet table, and turned. "Oh, Colossal Boy, Chameleon Girl! Good to see you!"

"Condo!" Gim beamed. "Hey, you remembered our codenames! I keep calling your Jed "Power Boy"," he confessed.

"Haha! I used to be a reporter, remembering stuff was part of the job," Condo smiled.

"Ah, yeah... our Condo had trouble controlling his powers from a young age, so he never really pursued a career..." Gim shuffled uncomfortably.

"Ah..." Condo looked down, wishing he could disappear into his plate."

Chameleon Girl chucked as she stepped in between the two. "Okay, boys, Brainiac 5 posited that there could be an infinite number of universes out there," she said as she extended her neck to kiss her husband on the cheek. "There are universes out there where each of us is evil, or dead... It just so happened we found one where each of you is dead." She grasped her husband's hand, and also patted Condo gently on the back. "I'm glad that my counterpart followed an easier path into the Legion's world than I did, at least. And I'm glad her acting career seems to be taking off faster than mine!""******

Gim and Condo looked sheepishly at each other. Taking a sudden burst of inspiration, Condo smiled. "Well, if you put it that way... I'd actually love to hear more about your Condo... and your Lyle."

Gim smiled warmly. "Only if you tell me more about your Gim, too."

"I never actually met our Gim, but..." Condo looked around, spotting Kinetix. "There's someone who knew him well! Hey, Zoe!"

Kinetix floated over. "hey, Condo... oh! and Yera and Gim!" She began tapping on her utility belt nervously.

"Um..." Condo bit his lip. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. "We were just gonna share stories about our counterparts, and I thought you might want to..." he trailed off.

Zoe's face froze. Then she put her hand on her neck, and sighed. "Sorry, I'm being ridiculous. I, uh, flirted with our Gim for a bit," she confessed.

"Oh..." Gim looked like he wished he could shrink instead of grow.

"Oh no, no, I'm being a nasshed," Zoe smiled. "Our Gim's death taught me not to waste time, and now I'm dating a really good guy...***** You know, our Vi also had a big crush on him."

"OH!" Gim said again, and this time Yera fixed him with a stare and stamped on his foot. "Sorry, love," Gim said sheepishly. "Just not used to all that attention..."

Kinetix laughed as she telekinetically grabbed four fresh glasses and a bottle of punch. "Come on, let's go sit, and I'll tell you everything."

*************************************************************************************

"A dimension-shifting island? Whew!" Echo spread his hands in surprise. "Now that's something! I don't think Marzal even exists on my Earth!"

"So I take it you led a normal life on Earth?" Tyroc asked. "How was it, growing up black?"

Echo's face turned serious. "I know history," he began. "But our Earth has changed since then... I've never felt different because of my skin color. Most UP planets now have the same physical differences we do... There are interplanetary tensions, like between our Braal and Titan, but it has nothing to do with looks."

Tyroc raised his hands. "Hey, well, not to paint a wrongly negative picture of our Earth, it's improved since then," he continued. "That's why I joined our Legion, they showed me how Earth had changed for the better."

"That's good to hear," Echo sipped his drink. "So, what WAS it like in Marzal's dimension?"

Tyroc chuckled as he grabbed a bottle of Venturan wine. "Brother from another Earth, we're going to need full drinks to get through all that."

*************************************************************************************
Element Lass' heart wanted to break. She sat across the other Element Lad, and he looked just like their own Jan Arrah... just older, taller, a bit more mature, and quite a bit more muscular. But it was Jan. It was really Jan.

"So... I'm glad that there is still a transmuter in your Legion, too," Element Lad smiled. "I know the story.... about what happened to my counterpart... your Jan..."

"Yes, it was..." Candi struggled with her words. Their Jan... her Jan... "I choose to believe he didn't try to kill me, but rather to evolve me..."*********

"I choose to believe the same," Jan smiled.

"Element Lad... Jan... I..." Candi licked her lips. "I'm sorry, it's just..."

"It's okay," Jan smiled. Just like their Jan used to. He was so sweet and kind... "It's okay."

Sobbing, Candi broke down even as Jan comforted her.

*************************************************************************************

Brainiac 5 looked up. "Legionnaires, we have to go."

Saying their goodbyes, the Legionnaires of two universes promised to meet again soon - this time with the other universe hosting. The two Brainiac 5s confirmed that they had arrived to the same calculations for the next time they could meet.

And the two teams parted ways again... but they knew they would meet again.

*************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) XS and Gates were with the Retroboot Legion reality for a bit after the end of Legion of 3 Worlds, while Kinetix was absorbed by Mordru in Legion of 3 Worlds. See my Volume 2 for how they came back! Monstress/Element Lass was presumed dead during this time, too, so hasn't yet visited the Retroboot.

2) Poor Gates! First, part of the Team 20 storyline in LSH 85-100, then being part of Legion Lost vol 2!

3) Adventure Comics vol. 3 #529. Variable Lad dies stopping Cosmic King, who dies too

4) Retroboot Lamprey could generate bioelectric blasts instead of controlling water!

5) Reboot Yera is my creation, she joined the Cadet program for publicity to further her acting career; Retroboot Yera, as we all know, impersonated Violet out of good faith for a time.

6) Kinetix is dating Blizzard now. For her mutual flirting with Gim, see LSH 66, LSH 67, L* 37 and L* 39. And for Violet's one-sided crush on Gim, see LSH 76, LSH 83, L* 40, L* 52 - Reboot Gim's death was the trigger for Vi going full Emerald Violet!

7) See Legion Lost vol 1... Element Lad became the godlike Progenitor, and killed Monstress then. Her return is my doing, see Volume 3!
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Visiting other Legions - 12/29/22 10:56 AM
Hey IB, you've been busy! I'll try to get through as much as possible though might run out of time before the end.

Ral working in the disaster relief team is inspired! Great idea and looking forward to seeing more of this side of your team.

Brawlers dream is worrying...

Retro's introspection is well done. He really was an idiot last time so good to see a bit of character growth there. Your Retro is very different to mine so I'm keen to see where you take him. Rainbow was a bit to eager to chat there, wasn't she? Love these little interactions that show how they react to each other. Retor's doubts as everyone else was offered another role isn't going t feed well into his insecurities. Are you setting him up to become a bitter potential villain? Sarge Stuffypants, hahaha! Ah. will Retro save the day when Brawler tries to live out his dream?

The Jan Arrah hall? Nice! Cleverly carrying on from Retro's comment in canon. And nice that Amp and Babbage are there to represent former cadets too.

Battering Ram - yay, you are creating your own characters IB, hoping there will be more! Healer, cool, the team need more members with helpful abilities like that which are non-destructive, though I suppose potentially he could knock out opponents by draining their energy. And nice character work on X-Bmb Betty - the Nura-esque confidence alongside her fear of hurting people.

M'Rissey is a great background character, isn't he? Disaster Relief is perfct for his skills.Cera Kesh, ummm didn't she become the Emerald empress? Interesting that you bring her in, perhaps this time she'll have a more positive storyline. Calamity getting support so he can live an ordinry life is poignant, shows another side to the cadet program.

Glow-Worm - massive fail! And, indeed a justifiable use of the power-inhibiting regualtions. The first real potential villain in your try out so far.

Fauna - your Animal Man, but with access to an inter-galactic array of animals to mimic. Looking forward to seeing how she goes, could be very interesting, though the obvious limitation is she can't exactly carry a zoo around with her. Neuron the Brain Globe - ace! I do love alien legionnaires. Survivor - was that a set-up to get someone onto the Workforce? The Mess - haha, I always saw him like some character from Peanuts. Good of you to take him on and give him some credibility.

Akiko Li - the Question - that's somene I imagine the secrey service would want pretty badly!

So, your Gazelle and Turtle are of to join the SPs, hopefully we'll see them again. Swallowtail - another Oc? And another non-humanois character - great stuff. They have an interesting powerset and it'll be interesting to see where you take them.

Aquamarine is interesting - wonder if they can alter beings to survive in space, or lava, or a methane atmosphere? Dream Boy and Dream Girl - great to see their abilities being on the right side of the law (so far!) as often these attractive ypes are villains - Charma and also Apollo from the Devil's Dozen spring to mind. Vampire is interesting, and neat use for them being part of the Disaster crew. Paragon is certainly unique - boost confidence in others? That could be pretty useful, so long as she stays on the teams side. Again this is the sort of sneaky power that would usually be given to a villan, so it'll be fun seeing what you do with her in future.

So, I'm out of time for today but will try to finish this off tomorrow for you. Really enjoyed it so far and of course I'm looking forward to more, more, more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Visiting other Legions - 12/29/22 04:33 PM
hi Harbi, what a treat to read your commentary, thank you again for making time!

Indeed, I'm glad to find places for some great characters, like Ral, who may not fit on the "main" team (either due to powers, personality, or there simply being so many of them already!)

Our Retros sure are different, yours is gearing up to become an ace Legionnaire, mine is a bit of a slacker tongue It does look like Retro's future will be brighter than Brawler's, at least!

thanks, glad you like some of these originals smile X-Bomb Betty in particular was a touch of inspiration, as she came across quite mean and snotty in her one SW6 appearance... so I'm glad to give her some hidden depths

you remember correctly, Cera Kesh did become the Emerald Empress in the SW6 continuity smile

Glow-Worm is a total idiot, though he's more uncaring and unempathetic than totally evil smile but indeed, villain potential!

Let's say the Legionnaires saw a good opportunity with Survivor, someone who would make Evolvo happy - so win win wink she's not exactly a spy, but will help keep Evolvo in check

I love me my SPs, so Gazelle and Turtle will show up from time to time don't worry smile

ooh, you make some good comments re Aquamarine, thank you! I can see a natural evolution of her powers!

Dream Boy and Dream Girl were indeed inspired by Apollo and Charma smile thought it would be interesting to see how those powers could be spun for good

thanks tons Harbi, really appreciate it!
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Visiting other Legions - 12/30/22 02:20 PM
Back for more, yay, will comment as I read...

Your Retro is really believeable: He's kind of special and wants more than his lot at home, but doesn't realise how tough striking out on his own will be. Hopefully his chance overhearing of Brawler will lead to a redemption arc.

Nice charascterisation of Tel and Jed. unny we all have Tel as up-tight laugh Berta showing support for Tayla was sweet too.

An escape room? Haha great test actually, let's see them use their wits. Haha it would be Brin who'd want to see them fight. Nice move from Tayle, condensing water vapor like that.Tel wondering if the team had that been cavalier when he go through was funny.

Sizzle and Tellus to the rescue? Rather than a VR battle it looks like they'll have a real one to fight, ah the irony.

Gandpa's computer? Invisible enemy? okay... so the VR has gone rogue - yikes! That's right, Brawler has some IT ability. Though I don't remember you writing hm being able to maniplate reality like this, he's had a serious power upgrade. He took out the Legionnaires fairly efficiently too, so that's a worry.

"and stepped through...

... and was met with a purple fist in his face!"

Hahaha not what I expected at all. Jed and Tayla to the rescue! Very nice use of her abilities there too.

Great use of the cadets to take down Brawler, and nice to see them adapting quickly when their plans didn't work. So, of all the cadets, due to his lack of confidence Tellus probably wouldn't get my vote, but I'll wait and see where you take it.

"one must be as seaweed and go with the tide... but also that one must be like the coral, slowly and steadily growing..." great advice generally.

So, Retro didn't make it, and given this insight into his character I totally get why he shouldn't.

Brawler was manipulated and the mystery villain is... will have to wait and see, though throwing in the return of Mordru fpr now smile

Interesting that the team ask their new recruits to keep quiet about their Terran heritage, though it's a fair point really.

Nicely considered interactions between the new members and old-guard, though this stood out as it gave me a laugh - " Jed was trying not to stare at Ultra Boy's abs"

And so Tellus turned down membership. My initoial thought was "all the better to spy on the team for his masters in the Dark Circle..." but surely having one cadet being used the team is enough, two would be a great risk. But, anyway, I don't think your version of Tellus is ready for the team yet so am relieved he declined.

And so, celebrate they did. - great stuff! Nice ending to this part of your epic IB, and I've ran out of time again so will star my review next time at your membership list.

This is great fun, you've given us new members of the team, a new mystery and a feeling of a fresh start going forward. Looking forward to more, more, and much more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Visiting other Legions - 12/30/22 08:02 PM
yay! more comments, thanks Harbi smile

Glad Retro is ringing true!

yeah, what is it with Tel that it just is so fun and natural to make him uptight? or is it because Jed is so laidback, it's just natural...

happy that the Tayla/Jed curveball was not predictable tongue and you called it, Tellus (mine anyway) is just so unsure that I could not see him as a Legionnaire smile

I like your Mordru guess re Brawler's situation wink

glad Retro and Tellus not making it came through realistically, Harbi. ooh, Tellus as a Dark Circle mole would be a nice callback to TMK... (too bad as Tellus would indeed add some non-bipedal, non-mammalian diversity, but!)

as for Jed, I'm channeling some, uh, gay friends I have in real life - the ones who wear very revealing clothing and ogle all the cute guys tongue

and I'm pleased you liked it all Harbi, thanks tons!
Posted By: Set Re: Visiting other Legions - 12/31/22 03:40 PM
Just caught up with the new Tryouts, and so far Aquamarine is my favorite, powers-wise. I like the idea of a character who can partially transform others to 'buff' them with animal abilities. Grow wings like a bird or gills and fins like a fish, for the appropriate environments, or perhaps other stuff like armored skin like a crocodile or great size and strength like an elephant? Making them an aquatic alien, using their power to operate out of water, is inspired (although I wish there was a picture somewhere of a Mellorian, so I had the slightest idea how to picture them in my head!).

I am intrigued by the notion of a Gil'd cadet as well, but I had no idea they had electrical generation powers, is that a Reboot thing? The 'old' version seemed to be mildly telepathic (enough to communicate, but never suggested to be anything really like a super-power like Saturn Girl) and have some abilities related to their teleportation tech (Hwyndyr could summon hostile forces through small portals for elemental attacks, Zymyr just created larger portals for transport).

It will be interesting to see if this Chinese-zodiac-themed group has any connection to what's going on with Brawler, who I suspect wasn't entirely an innocent pawn in some evil scheme, but had personal flaws that made him the ideal choice for their machinations...

I have always found the idea of a Chinese zodiac themed group to be amusing, because both Marvel (with China Force) and Aircel comics (with Dragon Ring/Dragonforce) have flirted with the concept, but stuck to 'cool' animals like Dragon and Tiger, Monkey and Snake, and kind of glossed over the less-cool animals like 'Pig' or 'Rabbit' or 'Rooster.' smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Visiting other Legions - 12/31/22 06:05 PM
hi Set, glad you're liking!

re Mellorus, wish I could scan and upload here, I'm not techie enough for that.... a Mellorus person appeared in exactly one issue of the Reboot smile

Re Gil'd cadet, yes, the Reboot established that there are two Gil'd species: the Zymyr type, and the brains with tentacles in globes type - those are the ones with electrical powers too

you are absolutely correct, that Brawler had issues that were simply exploited. he's not completely brainwashed, but was already ripe for the plucking.

yeah, I've generally been disappointed with Zodiac themed groups in other publications tongue so I'm hoping to make this grouping more memorable... smile
Posted By: Set Re: Visiting other Legions - 12/31/22 07:12 PM
Oh yeah, loving to see more of Amp. She's one of my favorites among the 'new generation!'
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Visiting other Legions - 12/31/22 07:36 PM
Glad you’re liking Amp, Set smile I also love how useful her powers are
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers. flight
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight

*************************************************************

Andromeda fingered the red-sun bracelet that inhibited her powers. She insisted on wearing one while off-duty, even though as a Legionnaire she was exempt. Of all the United Planets worlds, only Daxamites needed to inhibit their natural abilities while off-world - a consequence of the White Triangle terrorist attacks* spearheaded by rogue, xenophobic and murderous Daxamites. Titanians had to wear a saturn symbol; and with Durlans going off-planet more often, there was talk that Durlans might need to wear something too, though their shapeshifting powers made that difficult.

Andromeda cleared her head as she looked at Obin Der, Daxam's Ambassador to the UP, and one of the few people outside the Legion that she trusted completely. And beside Obin were Linzi Rand and Armin Lur.

"I don't think we will need to bring you into protective custody just yet," Obin gently soothed Linzi and Armin**. They had been among the few dozen Daxamites who had migrated off-world since Andromeda herself had left; Daxamite culture was still very insular, even in the largest cities. Not everyone hated other races, of course, but most just weren't very used to it. Yet Armin's family were strong White Triangle supporters, while Linzi's were horrified at what the Triangle did. And so they had left without telling Armin's family where they were going - or even that they were in a relationship. A necessary measure to protect Linzi's family back home.

"I'm just so worried," Linzi began. "So is Con, even though he's moved in with that lovely Tharrian boyfriend of his, he's still a little edgy that his family will find him... I keep telling him that his homophobic parents will never leave Daxam, but he needs some time..." She buried her face in her hands. "I'm just glad that Daria is interning on Medicus One, she'll be safe there!"

Armin clutched Linzi's hand, lines of worry on his face. "Ambassador, have you heard from Dar Zel?"

"Dar is fine," Obin Der smiled soothingly. "He has no family on Daxam, so he doesn't need to keep a low profile." His smile turned serious; Obin Der's own family was either with him on Earth, or was under security detail back home; the White Triangle had been largely disbanded, but there were still many sympathetic to them. "And that leaves Teena..."

"We're a close group," Armin turned to Andromeda and M'Onel. "We left Daxam together, went through the cultural workshops and power training together, and we kept in touch..." Armin's own bracelet hung on his wrist. Each was calibrated just so, enough to give their wearers enhanced durability, strength, speed and flight - the UP wanted to ensure Daxamites off-world weren't a threat to others, but neither did they want them to be vulnerable to vengeful attacks. With this, Armin could fall down a cliff and be fine, but he wouldn't be able to knock someone's head off. A fine balance, indeed.

"Teena is such a lovely soul," Andromeda's voice was serious. She had met Teena once, and her spirit had uplifted Laurel. "I hope she's okay."

"We haven't heard from her in a week!" Linzi wrung her hands. "She was supposed to be travelling to Vyrga, then on to Talok VIII... She was always so fascinated by the less-touristed worlds!" She tugged unconsciously at her transuit. "What if she was exposed to lead?"

Obin Der placed his hands on the table, leaning slightly forward. "This is why we need your help, M'Onel, Andromeda. The Science Police are of course willing to take this case on, but a potential Daxamite disappearance..."

"If Teena falls into the wrong hands, it could be disastrous," M'Onel said grimly. He still remembered his own bout with lead poisoning; he thought every day about the dangers other Daxamites, besides he and Andromeda, faced.* He looked Linzi and Armin and Obin Der in the eyes. "I promise, we will find her."

*************************************************************
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility

Impulse, Kent Shakespeare of Earth (United Kingdom: England); enhanced speed, strength, durability and recuperative abilities (Legion World chief medical doctor and Reserve Legionnaire)

Brawler of Moxie; super-strength and durability, can mind-mesh with machinery to control it (former Legion Cadet)

*************************************************************

Impulse looked up from the scans. "Sorry, gang. None of the tests detect anything unusual from Brawler's physiology. Other than his sudden boosted power levels."

Invisible Kid tapped a finger on his chin. "I know Brainy will hate to admit it, but... this reminds me of Magno's case***."

Impulse nodded. "Exactly like that. None of the tests could show what happened to him..."

"Mysa's on leave, and I don't want to call in Dragonmage just yet," Chameleon leaned against the wall. "But as soon as Mysa comes back, we should ask her to look at Brawler."

"In the meantime, Gear is reviewing our records," Lyle offered. "Checking the logs to see where Brawler has visited."

"The alternative is that he was compromised here on Legion World," Reep's voice was grim. "Our protocols help ensure that Cadets won't bump into random visitors, but..."

"Apparition, Spider-Girl and Violet are testing our security measures," Lyle offered. "Saturn Girl has scanned Brawler as well, but nothing has come up." A grim silence hung in the air. Reep considered; Brawler was only a Legion Cadet because he was one of three original students of the UP-run Legion Academy on Warnabros****... the Academy had shut down partly due to issues with student quality, where UP member worlds chose their own delegates without outside vetting. History bore this out, of the three Cadets, Cannus was rejected twice for cowardice; and Tomb showed no true interest in becoming a hero, opting instead for a support staff position. And then we had Brawler...

Chameleon's flight ring buzzed, putting an end to his reverie and the silence. After listening to his message, Reep saluted Lyle and Kent. "I'll leave you two gentleman, I have a mission. It will be a nice diversion..."

*************************************************************
Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers. flight
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Sizzle, Teela Spuunvil of Abaddonus; absorbs and converts energy

Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Ireland and Montenegro); Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer (Honorary Legionnaire)

************************************************************

"So this is our away team, eh?" Chameleon looked around. "Small group, but excellently chosen."

"Shikari to track, Chameleon for detective work and sneaking into places, and Lume and Sizzle to power our two Daxamites up in case you end up on a red sun world?" Shvaughn smiled.

"Excellently done, not that I would expect anything less from our Legion Liaison," M'Onel smiled. "Only thing you missed is that Lume can sneak around, as well."

"Indeed, allow me to demonstrate," Lume smiled. It shifted its body into its normal form, that of a small firefly-like ball of light. It flitted once around the room, then back to its seat before transforming back into its more familiar humanoid form.

"And just one small correction," Shikari pointed out, not unkindly. "I don't really track, I don't really follow others... but my sense is more to find where we need to go. I wish I could explain it better than that."

"As long as it works," Andromeda smiled. "I know it irks Brainiac 5 not to be able to scientifically explain it, but the rest of us are just happy it works."

"We talk about Brainiac 5 a lot, don't we?" Sizzle was jumping in her seat. Andromeda blushed slightly; Mentalla and Dr. Ryk'rr were still helping her through her feelings about Brainiac 5. She had progressed enough to understand that she didn't feel love, but she still wasn't sure if it was a crush, some gratitude for him saving her life,****** Thanks for choosing me," Sizzle said, almost breathlessly. "My first mission!"

"You always remember your first," Shikari joked. "Wildfire always says that."

M'Onel and Shvaughn exchanged looks; being older than the average Legionnaire*****, they picked up on the adult implications of Wildfire's phrase. They both carefully avoided saying anything to Shikari. Instead, M'Onel smiled at Sizzle. "You've earned your Legion membership, Sizzle. I'm sure you'll do great on this mission."

"Here's all the Science Police know about Teena Dav's movements." Shvaughn slid an Omnicom over to Chameleon. "Last movement was tracked five days ago. Unfortunately, I have to follow protocol before we officially declare her missing and share the files with the Legion... but I have been getting a bit forgetful lately," she winked.

"Why, Shvaughn, do Brainy and Rond know how lax you are with the rules?" Reep winked.

Shvaughn grinned. "I may give them a hard time when they do their time travel studies, but we all know it's to prevent them from blowing up half of Legion World," she chuckled. Andromeda smiled at that; she had been caught in a Brainiac 5 lab explosion at least once before*******, and every time she had crossed paths with the team between leaving and rejoining, someone had made a joke about Querl Dox's destructive scientific habits. Shvaughn turned serious. "I hope Teena's okay, and I share your concerns that someone might want to exploit her Daxamite powers for the wrong ends."

Chameleon began to click through the Omnicom contents. "Let's go over what we know; then we'll adjourn so everyone can rest and get ready. We leave 10 solar hours sharp tomorrow."

As the others glanced at the screen, M'Onel sat beside Shvaughn. "Do you wish you could come along?" he placed a hand very gently on hers. He, too, was wearing a power-inhibiting bracelet; though he could control his powers well, he didn't want to risk hurting Shvaughn.

"I'd love to be in the field with you," Shvaughn smiled. "But I have my Legion liaison duties, and besides, this isn't an official case yet." Then she patted his arm and stood up. "Now, you have to listen to the briefing, too!"

M'Onel smiled and tapped his ear. "Super-hearing."

Shvaughn laughed. "Well, I don't have that, and I'm terrible at multi-tasking, so let me focus..." She caressed his shoulder. "But you will have my full attention when you get back."

"I'll hold you to that promise," M'Onel smiled. Then he turned to face Chameleon, who was already outlining a list of supplies to bring.

************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) The White Triangle storyline climaxed in Legionnaires Annual 2, fallout in LSH 72. Brainiac 5 invented a lead serum to cure Andromeda and M'Onel, but it is keyed to their genetic structures; using it on other Daxamites (except perhaps for close relatives) would turn them insane.

2) Besides Obin Der, who appeared a few times in the Reboot (e.g. Legionnaires 23, 27), all the Daxamites I mention by name, first appeared in volume 1 - the Andromeda entry!

3) Legionnaires 50-53: Magno lost his powers in battle against Mordru (L*50). In L* 53, we see him go through a battery of medical tests, none of which could figure out what happened to him.

4) I didn't make it up! Brawler, Cannus and Tomb debuted in Showcase '95 #6. This was the one and only appearance of the Legion Academy, which didn't actually appear as the whole story took place en route there. L*43 confirms that the Academy was closed. Cannus made his last canon appearance in L*43, while Brawler and Tomb never appeared in-canon again.

5) Brainiac 5 cured Andromeda's lead poisoning in LSH 70. Unfortunately, the lead serum is keyed to her genetic structure; using it on other Daxamites, such as the White Triangle's Action Cadre, turns them insane (L* Annual 2). This is why the other Daxamites need to wear transuits all the time. Only Andromeda and M'Onel have the lead serum.

6) Shvaughn Erin was established to be a few years older than the team (LSH Secret Files 1, LSH 94). As for M'Onel, physically he's on the upper end of the Legion age scale (I think it was revealed in a letter column somewhere, he was 16 when he joined, and by my reckoning he should be at least 21 now!), but mentally he spent 1000 years in the Phantom Zone as Valor, so...

7) Legionnaires 37, Brainy blew up half his lab when Andromeda came to say goodbye, cause she wasn't rejoining the Legion7
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Back to the Far, Far, Future! - 01/02/23 04:47 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Calorie Queen, Taryn Loy of Bismoll; consume all forms of matter, and conversion of same into super-strength
Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal) and Quothon; controls his body's density
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau) and Neptune; underwater survival; hydrokinesis
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan; telepathic control of others' physical functions
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; generate and control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; shadow casting
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings); anti-energy being

Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers

*************************************************************

"First day as a full, active, Legionnaire, and you're already experimenting with your powers?" Wildfire joked as he sat in the Legion cafeteria. In front of him, Lamprey had created a revolving sphere of water between her hands. And across from her, Blizzard was slowly freezing it.

"It's useful for me too, Wildfire," Brek's tongue was sticking out in concentration. "Normally, my cold projection powers already allow me to freeze water vapor in the air OR liquid water on the ground... but I need to get better at freezing moving water."

"I'd say you're doing a great job," Lamprey offered as she watched the sphere turn into a lump of ice. "Now as for me, I need to get better at manipulating frozen water..."

"You've done a good job yourself, Tayla," Microbe smiled. "That's one reason we voted you in - you've really grown your powers."

Over at the next table, Density was scrolling through his Omnicom. "Nothing yet today..."

"Already looking forward to your first mission?" Calorie Queen laughed. "My first one wasn't too long ago, but it seems like ages..."

"You always remember your first one," Gravity sighed as he chomped on his egg salad. He always marveled at how Tenzil could make even the most boring, low-carb food taste so good. "Mine was a mess, we had to clean up a plasteel spill..."

Live Wire and Timber Wolf came over with their trays of food. "Any space here?"

"Oh, of course!" Calorie Queen was only too happy to make room for her teammates. Still reeling from their recent visit to the other Legion's universe, Taryn thought that their Garth was very lean and could benefit from a bit more muscle - but she did prefer the shaggier hair and overall hairiness of their own Brin.

"I'm still surprised your honeymoon was so short, Garth," Brin said before he began gobbling his steak. Density stared in surprise and envy; being naturally on the heavier side, he had to carefully watch what he ate so he didn't develop a belly. But Brin could scarf down tons of food and still remain fit!

"It seems short, but we were away for two weeks," Garth laughed. "And we only got interrupted that one time, when Dryad was reforming. That's already a win in my book, considering all the other things that made us postpone getting married."

"And how is married life, Garth?" Tel winked. "I've asked Tinya, but she's been so coy about answering!"

"What happens in our household stays in our household," Tinya smiled.

"Including all the times Ultra Boy puts his feet in his mouth?" Brin quipped. Tinya made as if to smack him, and he grinned. "Hey, hey, at least Jo and I actually say Hi to each other now!"*

"It's about time," Tinya smiled over her bowl of Bgztlian Blue ice cream. "Now Cub can actually see both his father AND his Uncle Brin at the same time."

"Speaking of," Jed's eyes lit up. "With Imra and Jo, we six are the only married Legionnaires! We should get together some time..."

"Oh, and the rest of us are just silly singles, eh?" Taryn teased.

"Jed!" Tel hissed.

"Hey, I'm just kidding," Taryn laughed as she placed an arm around Brin. "Singles have more fun, don't we?"

At the next table over, Umbra rolled her eyes in mock derision. "No wonder it takes everyone else so long to eat. They waste so much time on gossip and joking around!"

"Oh yes, we need to be more efficient," Gear quipped. "Maybe we should be like Babbage, who doesn't eat at all!"

"I think I'll propose that to Kid Quantum," Tasmia smiled wickedly. "What do you think, Mentalla?"

"Oh, I think it's good to relax," Mentalla began awkwardly.

"Hey, I know I'm intimidating, but I AM joking," Tasmia smiled. "You should see the celebratory feasts we have on Talok VIII. Each tribe has its own customs, but all of them take time out from battles and labor to relax and enjoy."

"Humor makes the job easier," Gear pointed out, even as he scooped up another bite of pie.

"You're right," Delya smiled. "I was just thinking that on Titan, our society tends to be a bit more austere... we sometimes share memories of food, which can color the perceived flavors we get of food. So chefs don't always do their best..."

"Whew, I'm glad that didn't affect the food at Imra and Garth's wedding!" Gear laughed. "If it had, I would have faked an emergency mission to get out of there."

"I haven't had many yet, thankfully," Delya laughed. "I hate dropping whatever I'm doing to scramble and -"

Before she could finish, a loud boom filled the cafeteria!

"Behind me!" Umbra summoned her darkfield, casting it protectively in front of Gear and Mentalla. "The rest of you..."

"I've got some of the others!" Density stood, arms spread out, bodily density increased. Apparition had phased where she stood. "Sorry, Tenzil," Calorie Queen muttered as she ripped a table out of the floor, using it as a shield.

Blizzard peeked out from behind the wall of ice he had created. "Is that..."

"Legionnaires! Friends!" Thunder emerged from the smoke, costume immaculate, but face full of worry. "I need your help! Binderaan is being attacked!"

"You've got our help," Umbra already had her flight ring to her lips. "I'm calling the Monitor room to send everyone else available over."

"No time," Thunder said. And the 14 Legionnaires were enveloped in a flash of light.

Steadying himself, Live Wire blinked the white spots out of his eyes. As his vision cleared, he found himself in looking at a very technologically-advanced city, much more futuristic-looking than even Colu or Robotica. He turned to Thunder. "We're in the 90th century, aren't we?"

"I'm sorry for not giving you more warning," Thunder was grim. "The wizard lent me enough of his power for only a few seconds."

"Grife, now I know how Ferro must have felt when he first came to our time**..." Apparition looked around.

"I'll give you a tour later," Thunder said as she took to the sky. "But first, we have to make sure there's a planet left to come home to! I'll brief you on the way!"

Density shook his head as he followed. "Well, I definitely didn't imagine my first mission would be 60 centuries in the future!"

****************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Timber Wolf and Ultra Boy had a rocky relationship through much of the DNA series; there was some jealousy from Jo's part, as Brin helped Tinya while she was on Rimbor, and traveled with her for a bit back to Earth.

2) Ferro was born in the 20th century! The Legion brought him back to the 30th century because he was all alone there (LSH 100)
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Back to the Far, Far, Future! - 01/02/23 06:54 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

90th Century Binderaan

6,000 years in the future from most of the Legionnaires' perspectives, but only 30 minutes ago from Thunder's...

*************************************************************

Ilona Tusk tapped her foot, annoyed, as she scrolled through her MetaLink feed. Her last link had achieved 700,000 reactions... not enough. That upstart artist FlamingoCrest was regularly getting 850,000... she pushed her annoyance to the side and looked at her companion. "Are you not done yet?"

Magnificus Sivana XXXVIII jumped from the machine he was operating. Towering over 2 meters, with a physique that looked like it belonged on a soldier, Magnificus was a study in contrasts. "S-so-sorry, Miss Ilona," he boomed in a deep bass voice. "It's taking longer than I thought it would, and I needed to adjust the flux capacitor, and consult the-th-the manual that my great-great-great-great-great-"

Ilona scowled and slammed her palm on the armrest of her floating chair. "Just say ancestor!" she shrieked. Cursing, she activated the holo-mirror on her chair, and inspected herself. She had a press conference in three hours, and needed to look perfect. She primped her eyelashes. Frowning, she fiddled with the buttons on her sheer, glamorous gown. It had fit so well when she bought it yesterday, but now her belly bulged just so. She should not have eaten that fourth dumpling for lunch... Clearing her throat, she eyed Magnificus up and down. If he only actually worked out, that large frame of his could be transformed into a supermodel's. Or a pro-athlete's. As it was, he was just a large, hulking, timid, mouse of a man. At least his face was drop-dead handsome, with a chiseled jaw. Sadly, his strikingly green eyes were hidden behind gamera-shell frames. Ah well... She jumped out of her chair and poked her finger in Magnificus' chest. Though he towered over Ilona, Magnificus jumped back.

"Listen, I'm only here because you came to me saying that your ancestor had an invention that would harness the powers of these statues!" she pointed at seven dusty, grime-coated figures vaguely resembling humanoids. "You promised me riches and power, more than I have now." She kicked at a pebble that lay on beside them, then frowned as it scuffed her shoes. Ah well, she'd bought ten pairs just in case. "But I've been waiting two hours here now, and you haven't delivered!"

"I-I-I-It just takes time!" Magnificus protested. "It...oh, I got it!"

The machine, which resembled a desk wide enough to seat three Chuck Taines, began whirring and clicking. Lights began to flash and whirr. And the seven statues began to glow.

"Yes! Yes! It's happening!" Magnificus squeaked.

"What is happening?" Ilona screamed.

A red-and-white blur flew in front of them. "You don't know what you're doing, you're-"

The end of that sentence was muffled in a blur of light.

Thunder moaned as she struggled to stand up. Such a blow must have been caused by magic... she gasped as she remembered. The two with her...

"Ilona? Magnificus?" She clambered up. Ilona was gasping weakly, wig blown off, face burned. Magnificus was lying on his side, feebly stirring, glasses broken.

And the seven statues were gone.

Gritting her teeth, Thunder listened to the wisdom of Solomon. She needed help, and fast. Calling the emergency services to their location, she first made sure neither Ilona nor Magnificus was in any danger of being crushed by debris. Then, she clutched the amulet that the Wizard had given her; it would allow her to travel back to the 31st century, to the Legion of Super-Heroes, but only for a few seconds. It was meant to be used in a pinch, unlike how she normally would visit. Rubbing the amulet, she vanished in a flash of thunder and light.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Tenazor-4

An extremely remote, completely undeveloped world. A Stargate introduced in 2999 made it marginally accessible from major trade lanes, but there was nothing on Tenazor-4 that could not have been gotten more easily somewhere else. The only event of interest in the last few years was a battle between the Legion of Super-Heroes and the Fatal Five*.

- from the Omniguide to Tropical Destinations, 658th Edition

*************************************************************
Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers. flight
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Sizzle, Teela Spuunvil of Abaddonus; absorbs and converts energy

*************************************************************

M'Onel shielded his eyes from the sun. Under Earth's yellow sun, he had enhanced vision as well as invulnerability; but under the orange sun of Tenazor-4, both his powers were halved. He and Brainiac 5 had spent hours trying to figure out why his enhanced vision didn't make his eyes more sensitive to light, and Brainiac 5 had theorized that evolution favored those with required secondary abilities to make use of their primary abilities, but...

... he shook his head. Teena Dav likely needed them, and the Science Police information and Shikari's pathfinding sense had led them here. He shifted his focus to following his winged teammate.

"Teena Dav's path leads here," Shikari pointed to a clearing. She landed in front between two trees that provided plenty of shade. "Here," Shikari said, her armored skin retracting. "I sense that she spent some time here."

Kneeling down, Chameleon inspected the grass. Then he elongated his trunk to inspect some of the branches. "I see some indentations here. Looks like she hung something.

Using his microscopic vision, M'Onel scanned the area. "I see traces of... processed foods... plasteel packaging... ashes from a fire..."

"Wow!" Sizzle breathed as she looked around. "I can't see any of that!"

"I was told that Teena is a very conscientious traveler," Andromeda smiled. "She would have taken care not to leave anything that would pollute this place."

"Do you see any traces of a struggle?" Chameleon asked. "Or anything that would indicate sudden teleportation, like grass being cut neatly?"

"No," M'Onel and Andromeda said together. Lar and Laurel smiled at each other; they usually went on different missions, as many of the threats or situations they faced didn't require two fully-powered Daxamites, so one would go and one would be kept in reserve for other threats. It was nice working together more often.

Lume coalesced into its humanoid form. "I don't see any strange wavelengths, either."

Chameleon sighed. "Well, that's one more world down."

Shikari opened her wings and closed her eyes. "Next world, then?"

Chameleon considered. "Before we go, there is one thing I want to check..."

*************************************************************

"Koko! Koko!" The white monkey raised its arm.

"Koko! Koko! Koko!" A crowd of green monkeys surrounded it, chanting.

"Koko! Koko! Koko! Koko!" The white monkey said. The Legion flight ring on its arm, once belonging to Brainiac 5, glistened in the sun.

From far above, M'Onel shook his head. "And Brainy said Koko wasn't going to be an invasive species!"

From his perch, Chameleon, in the form of one of the local birds, chuckled. "Well, at least it seems to be a good change... near as I can tell, Koko has helped these local monkeys build their own society!"

"A second fib Brainy told was that he wouldn't miss Koko at all," M'Onel smiled. "I think he'll secretly be glad to hear Koko is fine, though."

Sizzle shook her head. "I wish I could see what you were seeing... I can't imagine Brainiac 5 owning a pet monkey!"

Chameleon and M'Onel both chuckled. "I think Brainiac 5 was Koko's pet, to be honest." Chameleon shapeshifted back into his usual form. "Well, time to go. Let's leave Koko to it."**

*************************************************************


IB's notes:

1) LSH 121. The Omniguide blurb is also adapted from the actual blurb that was in that issue wink

2) Brainiac 5 "acquired" Koko in LSH 88/Impulse 21; Koko was brought along to the 30th century with Ferro in LSH 100; and Koko decided to stay behind on Tenazor-4 in LSH 121.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Sataar

An average world in most aspects - size, population, economy, development. Sataar's one recent claim to fame was a case of two wraithlike parasites, local mutated wealthy landowners, who possessed Legionnaires M'Onel and Thunder briefly before being driven out by Invisible Kid and Karate Kid.*

- United Planets briefing for Earthgov Diplomats

*************************************************************

Andromeda shivered as she watched Sataar's red sun sink. She had rarely felt so vulnerable before... and even when wearing her control bracelet, her powers were merely limited. Here, she could feel the yellow solar energy powering her cells depleting.

Sizzle sat down beside her. "Are you cold? I can help."

"It's okay, I..." Andromeda paused. Sizzle was new; and Andromeda herself remembered being a new Legionnaire, isolated and alone due to her xenophobic beliefs.** She joined the Legion only because her White Triangle-sympathizing family pulled some strings; and her only motivation then was to gain wondrous powers. But Sizzle was here because she wanted to do good and make friends... the least Laurel herself could do was encourage that. "Thank you," she made sure to smile. "That would be great.

Sizzle beamed. Taking in the red sunlight, she converted it to both yellow sunlight and pure heat. "I can only handle a small amount of energy compared to our teammates like Inferno, Spark, Wildfire, Particon... but at least I can convert one form into another."

"We all have our own gifts," Andromeda smiled back. "Like how Star Boy has greater range, but Gravity has better fine control; or how Saturn Girl and Mentalla specialize in different aspects of telepathy. You have your own niche, Sizzle."

"Please, call me Teela," Sizzle smiled.

"How do you two keep from being bored?" Shikari sighed as she tossed a pebble against a nearby tree trunk. "This waiting is so annoying!"

"Maybe I can help you practice your aim, Shikari," M'Onel offered. "I can throw pebbles at you, if you want to practice blocking or slicing them. It will help me too - I've been taking up batball in my spare time."

"Oh, did Shvaughn get you into it?" Andromeda teased.

Spots of color bloomed on M'Onel's cheeks. "She's quite athletic and sporty, isn't she?" Andromeda pressed.

M'Onel rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment. "She IS a Science Police captain, after all, she needs to keep fit..."

Shikari and Andromeda giggled as M'Onel broke into a goofy grin. Sizzle just beamed; most of the Legionnaires had seemed so professional and aloof and stern while she was a Legion Cadet, but it was nice to see that they were human too, after all!

*************************************************************

Chameleon, disguised as a generic, dark-skinned, middle-aged, average-looking humanoid male who could have been from Earth, Xanthu, Aleph, Cargg or any of a few dozen UP worlds, sat sipping his starshine lambanog. Empty glasses littered his table. A passing server rolled her eyes at the drunken man. Chameleon let out a hiccup for good measure, and spilled some of his drink. Two patrons at the table beside his laughed and pointed at the poor, drunk, pathetic man.

Except Chameleon had also shapeshifted a Bismollian's digestive system. Or at least, a portion of it - he didn't completely understand why, but apparently the Bismollian ability to digest matter was something he could not copy, making it a bona fide power like a Braalian's magnetism or an Imskite's shrinking. He was, however, able to copy a Bismollian stomach, which could hold the alcohol and keep it from seeping into his bloodstream. He made a mental note to thank Tenzil with a bottle or two of Bismollian synth-wine, the only substance that could actually make a Bismollian drunk. He would have to get the mercury flavor.

"Chameleon," came Lume's voice over the telepathic plug array. The two Legionnaires had set it to a private channel that only they could access. "I'm in." With Chameleon's guidance, Lume had infiltrated the inner security chambers. "One organic here, and I do not see any securi-cams."

"As expected," Chameleon replied. "After all, you're in the security chamber. Why would they watch themselves? Now, listen carefully..."

Following Chameleon's instructions, Lume quickly and silently took out a vial containing a powerful laxative. It had not been easy, but Lume had learned to carry small objects - like its flight ring and a small utility pouch - within its light-based form. As the security personnel, a bored-looking blue-skinned man, yawned, Lume put two drops into the drink on his desk. The man took a sip, and Chameleon cautioned Lume to wait.

Not three minutes later, the man's eyes widened, and a fart rang out. Lume gave silent thanks it did not have a sense of smell.

Taking care to walk like a drunkard, Chameleon stumbled outside the bar. As soon as he rounded the corner and into the adjoining dark alley, he shapeshifted into a tiny Tenazorian hummingbird; one of the many forms he had picked up on Tenazor-4. He flitted into the bar and into the employee toilet that the security personnel was now painfully and uncomfortably sitting in. The personnel would likely be here for a while, but it was Chameleon's job to ensure that he remained here, while Lume searched for the records they needed.

Only seven minutes later, Lume reported back. "I found the footage of Teena, Chameleon!"

"Good," Reep sent back. "Make a recording of it; and once you're done, I'll meet you outside." Behind him, Reep heard the personnel groan. "Don't worry, this guy will be here for a while... and he's the only one, nobody's substituting for him."

Chameleon made a mental note to nominate Lume for Espionage Squad membership. He had had his eye on the Silvan Legionnaire for some time now, and this mission made the perfect chance to test him out. Of course, Lume wouldn't be able to sneak around darkly lit areas, as it would be like a beacon to anyone around; but in well-lit areas like this, it made the perfect unnoticeable spy.

*************************************************************


IB's notes:

1) See LSH 111!

2) Andromeda used to be a White Triangle member, though she merely subscribed to the belief that races/species should be kept separate. She was never a party to the genocidal part.
Posted By: Harbinger Re: The Case of the Disappearing Daxamite - 01/06/23 04:35 PM
Hey IB, happy Friday!

You have so many characters! I didn't realise how many until I was going down the list, seems I'm not the only one who is making the Legion an actual Legion smile Within your actual team I'd love to see more of Calorie Queen (I keep meaning to introduce her to my team), Spider Girl (I know she had a recent appearance with the espionage squad but more would be great), and I'm craving a Karate Kid action scene as he really needs to attle a planet into submission every now and again.

Just realised I know nothing about Tomb really so any little storyline with him/her/it would be appreciated too.

On with the story: Fieldtrip to another universe? I'm in!

"So did I, though most of that was absorbed by their Mordru," Kinetix quipped.* - sounds like my last holiday with my ex-hubby....

"Now, don't dawdle," - one of my favourite expressions to use when people are dragging their heels laugh

Why is Echo so interested in the other team not being an official arm of the UP - apologies if you've covered this but is he ex-UP staff?

Nice little bit of banter between Gates and PG, she's nobody's fool is she? Gates and Brin were cute, as was Amp's reaction. Jed and Tel are funny, love how we all have them as some sort of horndogs. XS introducing Sizzle to her old teammates was sweet. Lamprey, Dragonwing and Grava chatting about their counterparts was a great scene - Grava being unable to lie convincingly was a fab moment, it's so her! Marya jusy telling thr truth and then Tayla writing a motivational note to her counterpart was really good.

Nerdgasm - hehe.The two Dirks talking sexual conquests, I wonder how much of their conversation was genuine and how much was ego. I really don't want to know what they said, just speculating.

Yay! Calorie Queen! Even better, TWO Calorie Queens smile

The scene between Condo, Gim and Yera was sweet though once Zoe joined it became even better, her awkwardness and Yera's jealousy were great snapsots. Candi and Jan was very touching, they both have such empathy that they're are really good together.

And on that note it's time for the teams to go. You covered a lot of interesting groupings between the two teams and it's great that you're thinking of making it a regular event.

And I've run out of time again frown

So sorry, it's been a crazy day and I need to run now, I'll get onto the rest early next week.

As usual, I am really looking forward to more, more, more!
hi Harbi, happy Friday too! what a nice way to start the weekend, reading your comments smile

I know, I have 49 Legionnaires now... and that's only the fully Active ones! I think I might stop at 50, and keep the team stable for a while tongue

thanks for your list wink Calorie Queen is on one of my two ongoing missions now, Spider-Girl will be in one of those after that... and I'll see where I can have Karate Kid and Tomb come in wink I think they will be perfect for one of the missions I have planned smile

Originally Posted by Harbinger
"So did I, though most of that was absorbed by their Mordru," Kinetix quipped.* - sounds like my last holiday with my ex-hubby....

ooph, I hope your ex-hubby doesn't blow planets up like Mordru does smile I just realized I missed a couple of words: should have read ""So did I, though most of that was while I was absorbed by their Mordru," Kinetix quipped.* oops, I relally should have proof-read better!

Originally Posted by Harbinger
Why is Echo so interested in the other team not being an official arm of the UP - apologies if you've covered this but is he ex-UP staff?


good question! I didn't envision him to be, he's just this Legion's straight-A student type. And I'll say he believes very much in the UP and its governance and all of that tongue

PG knows how to handle herself wink she's not one to be fazed by Gates tongue

re Jed and Tel as horndogs, yeah their fashion sense just lends itself to that tongue

Grava is just so sweet, I'm almost sorry I don't quite have space yet on my active roster for her... but the Reboot universe one will definitely pop up from time to time tongue

glad you liked all the bits! I didn't mentally delve too much into the things two Dirks would talk about either tongue you raise a good point that even Dirk would kind of want to one up his alternate reality counterpart sometimes tongue

happy the cross-universe field trip worked! I love all this compare-and-contrast between versions, so will definitely have it happen again in time tongue
Posted By: razsolo Re: Tryouts! - 01/08/23 12:59 PM
Hi IB! Looks like I have got quite a bit to catch up on, I will post my thoughts as I go!

- Drura being able to break down plastic is so clever! I never considered her power beyond making people sick!

- Jed and Tel's scene was cute, and a nice indicator that they're getting better at the whole relationship thing.

- poor Tellus, I imagine it must have been a steep learning curve leaving Hykraius - I like that he and Sizzle are both being realistic about their limitations here. If everyone mastered their powers straight away there wouldn't be a need for a cadet program I guess!

- Gates is a treat as always, and it makes sense that of all the Legion he'd be the one to see someone's powers more in the sense of how they can help a community rather than just combat applications. It was an inspired idea having Orange Triad partner with him to act as a social buffer too.

- thanks for the reminder about Retro's poor showing....I am intrigued to see what is gonna happen with him! And Brawler acted pretty much like I thought he would, the dream was a nice touch too hahaha

- X-Bomb Betty!! I am curious to see what you do with her as a fleshed-out character!

- aww, Violet and the other Legionnaires being nice to Cera Kesh is a much more palatable introduction than she got in the comics! And I really like the name Uplift for a telekinetic!

- Glow-Work cracked me up...what's a Legion tryout without someone with absolutely zero self-awareness making a spectacle of themselves? laugh

- I already like Fauna! Animal Man powers are fun!

- The Mess!! Wow, you are really going for the deep cuts! I have to admit I have always been interested in seeing what could be done with his power if you treated it seriously so I am very intrigued with his addition to the program!

- Swallowtail's visual is cool, and it sounds like she has a versatile power...another one I am looking forward to seeing more of!

- Glad to see Lamprey and Jed (and Sizzle!) made it on to the team, they deserve it! They have had quite a presence despite not being on the team...and it looks like we have a mystery on our hands with Brawler's shenanigans!

All of the above is very exciting and I am looking forward to seeing where it all goes! I will try and catch up on the rest this week if I can!

Oh I nearly forgot! Jed being distracted by Jo's abs was a winner as well, I feel like that would be a very relatable problem if I was in the Legion hahaha
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 01/08/23 08:09 PM
hiya Raz, thanks for catching up! appreciate your read & review a lot smile

glad you liked the little bits smile I like finding new applications for Legionnaire powers too, and Drura's plastic-breaking-down power was inspired by a recent article I read https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottc...plastic-eating-bacteria/?sh=2e6ae1167406

yeah, I figure that Jed and Tel must be doing some things right in their relationship to stay married tongue

Gates' social applications of powers were inspired by a lot of real Reboot moments too, moments that made me love him: crying about homeless people (LSH 86), volunteering at a soup kitchen with Jo (LSH 94) with the hilarious side effect of scaring the staff and clients; and ranting about the money spent on the Legion being better spent on nutrition and education (LSH 120).

glad that Brawler's turn was realistic!

I'm super proud of the Uplift name myself smile

for a pic of Swallowtail's visual, here's the Wind elemental host (Flutter) from her homeworld in the upper left smile https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/m...71.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20081024012307

I'm supper gonna have to have Glow-Worm appear again tongue

The Mess was an inspired choice after scrolling through lists of Legion rejects tongue Fauna herself is inspired by Dawnstar, but also Animal Lad from before (and elements of Animal Lad's power appear in Aquamarine)

also happy to see Lamprey, Jed and Sizzle make it in, after all the scenes I've included them in - Sizzle was a bit of inspiration after your excellent use of her, AND Harbi's comment on her being her bet. (I was already toying with bringing Sizzle in later, but thought - better earlier than later!)

and my gosh yes, so many fit heroes in spandex lol! besides being distracted by my teammates' abs, I'd be super conscious about my diet and workout routine too lol!
Posted By: razsolo Re: Tryouts! - 01/09/23 10:29 AM
Okay Part 2 of my reading journey! I really like everything I saw here!

- I LOL'd at Jed and Tel thinking about having a foursome with themselves laugh

- poor Sizzle learning how hard it can be to keep up with Jenni hahaha...on another note, I wonder if it's weird actually for Vi and Ayla to know they're a couple in this reality? Vi in particular is probably the Legionnaire to diverge the most depending which of the teams you're looking at from Legion of Three worlds!

- speaking of randy Legionnaires, something tells me it wouldn't take TOO much convincing to get older Dirk to experiment a bit tongue

- Sooo much awkwardness in the Condo/Gim corner, I love it laugh

- aww poor Monstress...her scene with Jan kinda reminded me in the comics when older Jo met the SW6 batch's Phantom Girl for the first time frown

- this was a really nice bit of characterisation for everyone, IB! I'm glad the two teams got to just meet and chat without there being a fight or anything to take attention away from them!

- oh, also I like the little asides about the classic Legion all being more muscular and whatnot....it's a nice way of showing that the 247 Legion were generally all drawn more as lean teenagers than with the typical generic superhero body!

- OOOH TRIP TO THUNDER'S TIME! Love it!!

- haha nice Koko cameo! smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 01/09/23 10:43 AM
hi Raz, thanks again and thanks a ton for your comments smile glad you're liking it!

TBH Jed and Tel's "foursome with themselves" is based a lot on concepts and discussions re: would one do it with an alternate universe version (or even clone) of themselves lol! I've talked about that with some guys I've dated too, so that spurred this scene lol! also this whole "boyfriend twins" concept tongue https://inmagazine.ca/2021/01/doubling-down-on-boyfriend-twins/

re Vi and Ayla, it's also gotten me thinking: could Reboot Vi and Ayla be spun to be bisexual? I'm dipping my toes into Vi being one at least...

LOL maybe younger Dirk's stories will be the catalyst for older Dirk to experiment!

I'm all for some funny awkwardness, and I figure even super-heroes are just human (most of em anyway loL!)

one of the things I did love about early Reboot, was they really did look like teens! it felt more realistic for my own teenaged self, and I could enjoy the stories imagining them as peers, rather than some unattainable level of teen-that-looks-like-an-adult-Hollywood-actor-instead!

yeah, that Tinya/Jo thing hurt, and I really felt for Candi/Jan while writing them frown

glad you liked everything! Koko was an inspired touch, I was racking my mind for worlds that our missing Daxamite could have visited and remembered Koko, so... tongue

glad you're all caught up! next bits will focus on wrapping up the two threads/missions I started smile
Posted By: razsolo Re: Tryouts! - 01/09/23 11:38 AM
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
I've talked about that with some guys I've dated too, so that spurred this scene lol!
hahaha I remember this guy I used to be friends with saying he would immediately hook up with his own clone if it was possible.....I think I would just do my own head in, no thanks laugh

I think the benefit of the reboot Legion still all essentially being teenagers is that it's really not difficult to imagine most of them being whatever sexuality you want them to be because they're all at that age where they're learning who they are anyway...also I am generally of the opinion that in the Legion's bright and shiny future, people in general are probably just more open-minded about sexuality anyway smile
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Sataar

An average world in most aspects - size, population, economy, development. Sataar's one recent claim to fame was a case of two wraithlike parasites, local mutated wealthy landowners, who possessed Legionnaires M'Onel and Thunder briefly before being driven out by Invisible Kid and Karate Kid.*

- United Planets briefing for Earthgov Diplomats

*************************************************************

Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers. flight
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Sizzle, Teela Spuunvil of Abaddonus; absorbs and converts energy

*************************************************************

Andromeda watched the footage again. Teena Dav had been sitting in the bar, eagerly scrolling through her Omnicom. A young man about her age had come up, chatting her up. And then they had left.

"I don't see him putting anything in her food or drink," Chameleon muttered.

"Everyone always commented on how open Teena was," Andromeda said as she clutched the chair in front of her. "She was always meeting new people..."

"Andromeda..." Sizzle began, seeing that the chair was largely intact despite Andromeda's grip. "Your strength is almost gone, do you want me or Lume to turn on the juice?"

"Thanks, Sizzle," Andromeda smiled absent-mindedly. "M'Onel and I can use our flight rings and transuits for now... you and Lume should conserve your strength."

"We need to find her quickly," Shikari was grim. And a tad frustrated; she had had little problem following Teena's trail to Sataar, but on-planet was something else. Kwai pathfinding was most effective in space, or in the interdimensional spaces encountered in the Thresholds; her people had honed their skills in such an environment, after all. But on a planet, with atmospheric and gravitational differences, and a multitude of small objects that she had to work around... it was taking an effort, for sure.

But as she did whenever challenged, she remembered her feat of guiding three Legion teams simultaneously through three different planetoids, and that gave her strength.

"Please, I need to concentrate," Shikari said as she armored up. Then she folded her legs up and used her flight ring to hover. And she used her mind to touch the pathways around her...

While Shikari focused, Chameleon was using his Legion authorizations to access Sataaran databases. Sizzle and Andromeda gathered around him, watching him input parameters such as age and biological sex.

"Age is so difficult," Chameleon muttered. "Some races, such as Naltorians, just naturally look young even into their 50s..."

"Maybe focus on height?" Sizzle offered. "Height is height, and can easily be judged."

"Good thinking," Chameleon said, causing Sizzle to blush. Andromeda replayed the video again, freezing it on the man. Magnifying it, she studied for a moment. "Teena is 185 meters tall, so I'm guessing the man is in the range of 185-190..."

"Let's figure out who he is later," Shikari called out. She extended her wings, ready to fly. "I've narrowed down Teena's location."

*************************************************************

After nearly half an hour of flying, Shikari descended. Sizzle marveled at how her teammate seemed to orient herself so well! After leaving the city, they had flown over a vast, barren, dusty wilderness that seemed featureless. But then, she had grown up in a big city herself... more than once, those coming from less-developed worlds had remarked at how all buildings tended to look alike!

"Well, this should be easy," M'Onel looked at the installation ahead of them. A three-story building surrounded by a fence. "No sign of living beings, but there are a few robo-drones hovering. If you could power us up, Lume and Sizzle..."

"Sorry, M'Onel, we're not charging in," Chameleon stepped up. "We don't know what condition Teena is in..."

"No, I'm just going to use my x-ray vision," M'Onel's face was blank.

"Sorry, M'On," Reep bowed a little. "I didn't mean to imply anything."

"It's okay," Lar smiled, to show Reep he took no offense. "Better to be careful and prevent anything rash, right?"

Reep nodded in gratitude at Lar's understanding. The Legion trained extensively for different situations, and M'Onel was far more experienced and cautious about his powers than most of them. They had come a long way from the early days, when Apparition needed to coach Ultra Boy on which power to use for which situation...*

Sizzle stepped forward. She and Lume had discussed, and it took Lume comparatively more effort to switch its wavelength to yellow, than for Sizzle to simply draw in the red sunlight shining on her and convert it to yellow. Of course, Lume could produce more energy - but to activate M'Onel's vision powers, only a little was needed. She pointed at M'Onel, and watched as he drank in the sunlight.

"Hmmm...." M'Onel considered. "We have to be careful, there's something blocking much of my vision. I hope it's not lead, for Teena's sake."

"If they're holding a Daxamite, we have to assume it is," Andromeda could feel the anger inside her. She forced herself to tamp it down, and focus.

"I guess that's our cue," Chameleon nodded to Lume. Shifting into a desert mosquito, Reep took off.


***************************************************

IB's notes:

1) See LSH 111!

2) Yeah, early Reboot Ultra Boy was a bit of a numbskull sometimes, though mainly when with Apparition. See L* 26, L* 27, L* Annual 2, LSH 83 for instances where Tinya had to tell Jo to "be strong", "be fast", "be tough", or to stay grounded and use his flash vision to pick off flying targets... Though other times, Jo seemed very skilled at switching his powers in combat (LSH 64, L* 21).
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Sataar

*************************************************************

Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers. flight
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Sizzle, Teela Spuunvil of Abaddonus; absorbs and converts energy

*************************************************************

"Do you need my help, Chameleon, Bright Legion?" Shikari sent over the telepathic earplugs.

"Thanks, no need to strain, Shikari," Reep replied telepathically - he did not want to shift his Venusian Googlipede form now to manifest vocal cords. "This building is not so large, and we need to be focused..."

"Okay, break a leg... not literally," Shikari signed off.

Reep resisted the urge to smile. When they had been lost in the Kwai Galaxy*, Shikari had used rather superficial nicknames such as Orange Legion, Green Legion and Large Legion. Through time, she had updated the nicknames to refer to qualities, such as Smart Legion; and later on, she had started to remember their code names and real names. But with the team growing so quickly and so much, Kari still sometimes slipped back to her nicknames for some of their newer teammates.

Chameleon crept along the ventilation shaft. Lume followed behind, its light dimmed; Lume had used its own very limited ability to change its shape to make itself appear more like a firefly than a glowing ball of light. This should be enough to fool anyone looking through a securi-cam.

Coming up on a vent, Reep changed into a Sataarian Desert Mosquito and flew down. The mosquitoes compounded eyes gave him a good view of what appeared to be a very large laboratory. Tubes filled with liquid were scattered around, as were specimens of what Reep assumed were local wildlife. He recognized some organisms that he had encountered earlier on Sataar, but many more were unknown to him. As he hovered around, he was surprised to recognize a Phlonian badger, an Alephian ornament-bird, an Imskian glo-beetle, and a Vyrgan ringworm. Whoever owned this laboratory had been very busy.

Lume, for its part, had focused on seeing if anyone was in the laboratory. Lume couldn't understand any of the machines here; it barely understood how to operate its Legion-issued Omnicom. Its homeworld of Silvan had very little technology or need for anything beyond the light of the stars, and had only recently began adopting some United Planets technology for entertainment. After all, what else would beings made of light need or want? Communications technology had only recently been installed to speak with Silvans offworld - all four of them, at least count. Again, beings made of light could also travel at light speed, so they hadn't needed any before now. "Chameleon, I don't see anyone..."

A cry caught both their attention. Signaling Lume, Reep followed the source of the sound. They turned the corner, and Reep bristled as he recognized the sound of sobbing.

"It doesn't matter if you cry or not, my dear." Reep recognized the man from the video; he had dark brown hair, and stood back straight, unmoving, with a dispassionate and almost blank look on his face. An older, tall brown-haired man in a dirty white coat hovered over Teena Dav, who was clad in a form-fitting jumpsuit. Reep noted that she also wore a transuit - which meant her captors wanted her alive and safe from lead poisoning. A good sign, at least.

Tears streaked down Teena's eyes; she could not wipe them off, as she was strapped down, her limbs bound. "You should be no stranger to pain; your marvelous Daxamite physiology was like a normal Terran's under Daxam's red sun, no?"

"Why are you doing this?" Teena mumbled.

"It will go easier on you if you just answer," the man said dispassionately, with no hint of a smile. "Now, tell me, was this worse than the last one?" Reep felt his blood boil as he heard a sickening whir. Teena screamed in pain.

"Ah, a little blood. Be a good boy, son, and collect the sample, will you?" the older man said.

The son turned his head. "Yes, father." Collecting a vial, the son dabbed at the blood with a specimen collector.

"Chameleon, we can't let this go on!" Lume sent with compassion and anger.

"Yes, I've seen enough. Watch out for guards or drones," Reep sent back. Then he morphed into a Naltorian Land Octopus. As Reep's new form landed on the floor, one tentacle yanked the son away from Teena and slammed him into the floor. Another roughly bound the father's arms together.

"This is Chameleon of the Legion of Super-Heroes. You're under arrest for unlawful detention and torture," Reep broadcast through his telepathic plugs. Tell me how to set her free," Reep constricted gently so that the father would feel how serious he was.

The father did not even blink. "Son."

"Yes, father." Before Reep could react, he felt a burning, biting pain in his tentacle. He cursed as he dropped the son, whose eyes were now glowing. Reep's own tentacle felt like it had been burned.

Reep quickly morphed the tentacle holding the father into a fist, and punched the father into unconsciousness. "Father!" cried in anger and fired a blast of vision at Reep's head. Reep evaded by turning into a tiny Plevitzian Flying Rabbit.

"Chameleon!" Lume coalesced into its normal form and sent a burst of light at the son, intending to blind him. The son did not even blink. Lume began to concentrate its energy into a laser; but before it could fire, an opaque bubble descended from the ceiling, trapping it inside. "I can't break through!" Lume sent to Reep in panic.

Reep flew over the son's head before shifting into a Lallorian Great Ape. Dropping down and lunging forward to punch the son, Reep howled as his fist connected into what seemed like a brick wall.

Screaming in pain, Reep shifted back to his typical humanoid form. The son lifted an empty examination table and slammed it on Reep, mercifully blasting him into unconsciousness. Watching his foe dispassionately, the son then ran towards the father. But before he could reach him, the far wall burst outwards.

"You've just made a terrible mistake," M'Onel flew through. Sizzle was right behind him; her right hand glowed red as she took in ambient red sunlight, and her left hand glowed yellow as she powered M'Onel up. Following right behind, Shikari flew in with Andromeda in her hands; as Sizzle was busy powering M'Onel up, Kari's greater speed let her bring Laurel to Teena's side.

"Are you okay?" Laurel asked frantically as she reached Teena. "Do you know how to operate this thing?"

"Controls... are..." Teena sniffed, trying to ignore the pain she felt. Laurel's stomach lurched as she saw the wounds covering Teena's arm and torso. Teena pointed with her lips. "Over... there..."

"We'll get you home safe, and this man will get justice," Laurel promised as she ran to the controls.

"I'll watch your back," Shikari called. Steeling herself, she watched carefully as the son began ripping up furniture and equipment and throwing them at M'Onel. M'Onel was not at his full strength yet, despite Sizzle powering up.

"Sizzle, Kari, I can't catch everything," M'Onel warned.

"Leave this one to me," Shikari sliced through a telescope, making sure the pieces fell nowhere near Andromeda or Teena.

Sizzle had entered the battle searching for an opportunity to use her powers to blast the bad guys, but found she needed all her focus on powering up M'Onel while dodging debris and equipment. Heart racing, she remembered what had been drilled into her during training: the Legion works as a team, and usually on missions everyone has their job. And her job was to support M'Onel. "To your left!" she screamed.

"Thanks!" M'Onel raised his arm, and a piece of equipment smashed itself to pieces on it. "We have to end this fast! I'm going on!" Lar prepared himself for impact as he rushed at the son.

"You hurt my father," the son glared. "Now, I will hurt you." He gestured, and Sizzle yelped in surprise as a gripping claw erupted from behind her. It wrapped around her with such force that she blacked out.

Cut off from his power source, M'Onel could feel himself weakening. But he had to buy Andromeda enough time to free Teena. Gritting his teeth, he steadied himself as he slammed into the son... what followed was a sickening crunch as M'Onel dropped to the floor, unconscious.

The son began to walk towards where Andromeda was helping Teena.

"No!" Shikari jumped in front of him. "Stay back, I'm warning you!" The son lunged at her; Shikari dodged and pivoted to kick him. The son caught her foot and slammed her into a wall.

"Now father will have two more Daxamites to study, and four other specimens as well," the son said, without a hint of glee, as he advanced on Laurel and Teena.

"Teena, hold on, I'm going to fly us out of here," Andromeda said desperately. She had no chance against the man advancing on them. If she could escape, though...

"No..." Teena whispered. "Bring me to controls... know how to stop...trust me..."

Laurel looked at her teammates, strewn around the room. Then, saying a prayer she had learned from the Sisters of the Eternal Cosmos**, she took a leap of faith. Flying erratically so she could dodge the son's attacks, Laurel flew Teena to the console. "Quickly!" Laurel said, looking behind her.

The son began to run faster.

"Teena!" Laurel called.

"It's here... know it..." Teena slammed her fist into a button.

The son's eyes suddenly went blank, and he fell forward.

Laurel set Teena gently on a grav-chair, then rushed to check on the son. "I... I can't feel a pulse. Is he dead?" Laurel asked.

"He's not alive," Teena sobbed. "He's an android!"

Laurel recoiled; this was the most lifelike android she had ever seen! "What happened here..." she whispered. Then she stood up, looked around at the unconscious forms of Chameleon, M'Onel, Sizzle and Shikari, and the trap that Lume was caught in. She sighed as she brought her flight ring to her lips and called for help.

************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legion Lost vol 1 of course smile

2) This refers to space-nun Sister Andromeda, a period was depicted from L* 46 to L*65 (and that lasted until at least the end of the Reboot canon, before Andromeda's sudden reappearance, as normal, in Legion of 3 Worlds)
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers. flight
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Sizzle, Teela Spuunvil of Abaddonus; absorbs and converts energy

Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Ireland and Montenegro); Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer (Honorary Legionnaire)

*************************************************************

"She's traumatized, but physically she will be fine," Andromeda sighed as she sat down. She had just been to visit Teena. The poor girl had endured days of torture. After questioning the father, they had determined he was a scientist who simply wanted to study a Daxamite captive. This meant Teena was tortured more to understand her physiology, rather than with the intent of causing pure pain. But Teena had also been terrified this whole ordeal; Laurel hoped that her being instrumental in defeating the android son would help her heal.

"We've catalogued and dissected every bit of data in his systems," Shvaughn reported. "We've found no indications that the doctor was working for anyone. But..." she tapped gently on her screen. "It seems that he's had dealings with the Dominators... and the Tyrrazzians."

"The Dominators could have been funding him in secret," Chameleon's face grew dark. "And the Tyrrazzians could explain the android..."

"We do need to establish whether these were rogue actors," Shvaughn said gently. "I know it's frustrating, but both are still members of the Affiliated Planets. Openly, both planets say they've purged themselves of any Dark Circle elements*, so we need to proceed cautiously."

"All the AP worlds said that," Sizzle shook her head. "Doesn't mean they actually have!"

"I know," M'Onel said grimly. "But the Dark Circle are crafty, so we do need to be very careful in investigating this."

"Well, we already have our first lead," Chameleon said. "I'm positive he's not a mole, but he may know something that can explain his father's actions or history."

"And you don't mean the android, do you?" Shikari asked. She was still disturbed by the reports they had received. While the father was imprisoned, the android lay inert and in stasis on Legion World because of its power.

"No, I don't," Chameleon said quietly. Lume picked the report up, and scrolled slowly down to the conclusions. It couldn't believe what it had read, either.

The name of the doctor was Mar Londo of Zuun. And genetic testing had shown that he was indeed the father of their teammate: Timber Wolf, or Brin Londo.

***************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) The Dark Circle Rising storyline in L* 62-65, LSH 106-108 ended with the Dark Circle breaking up; many of the Dark Circle Worlds stayed together in the puppet Affiliated Planets, attempting to turn it into a legitimate organization.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 01/09/23 05:37 PM
Originally Posted by razsolo
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
I've talked about that with some guys I've dated too, so that spurred this scene lol!
hahaha I remember this guy I used to be friends with saying he would immediately hook up with his own clone if it was possible.....I think I would just do my own head in, no thanks laugh

I think the benefit of the reboot Legion still all essentially being teenagers is that it's really not difficult to imagine most of them being whatever sexuality you want them to be because they're all at that age where they're learning who they are anyway...also I am generally of the opinion that in the Legion's bright and shiny future, people in general are probably just more open-minded about sexuality anyway smile

hahahaha! it takes all sorts... and I super agree, I imagine in the bright and shiny 31st century nobody cares what sexuality anyone has! smile everyone's accepted love
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Back to the Far, Far Future - 01/11/23 01:17 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

90th Century Binderaan

Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Calorie Queen, Taryn Loy of Bismoll; consume all forms of matter, and conversion of same into super-strength
Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal) and Quothon; controls his body's density
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau) and Neptune; underwater survival; hydrokinesis
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan; telepathic control of others' physical functions
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; generate and control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; shadow casting
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings); anti-energy being

Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers (Reserve Legionnaire)

*************************************************************

Thunder had briefed hear teammates on everything she knew, and now the 14 Legionnaires were rushing to their destination. "I wish Shikari and the White Witch had been among you," Thunder sighed. "But I'm sure we will manage. No offense, I know you're all capable and I trust you with my life, but the threat we face..."

"We'll face it together," Live Wire smiled. Deep down, though, he wasn't so sure. Magic still made him uneasy.*

"Are you feeling okay, Gear?" Microbe cast a worried eye on her teammate as they flew through the sky.

"I'm a bit... overwhelmed..." Gear sounded out of breath. He squinted, trying to focus on responding. "This time is sensory overload for me... too many signals, too much noise..." In their own time, Gear dealt with a comfortable level of input from the machinery and computers around him. As a techno-organic being, he received signals much like Terran human beings would see, hear and smell other humans.

But 60 centuries in the future... it seemed everything was a machine! "The number of artificial organs broadcasting their owners' bodily functions to medical installations' monitoring... it's too much..."

"Can we help in any way?" Microbe's worry was evident.

"Thanks, but no... I just need to deal with it, or..."

"Can you block some of it out?" Mentalla approached from Gear's other side. "I know when I left Titan, I needed to work on filtering out the telepathic noise. Could that help?"

"I... think... trying... Apologies, if I can just..." Gear was now being overwhelmed by his internal systems.

Suddenly, a gray aura enveloped him. Gravity smiled as he, too, approached. "Here, this should help. I'll carry you along with us, so you don't have to concentrate on flying."

Smiling gratefully, Gear said, "Thanks. Pardon me for being rude a bit, but I need to withdraw from you all for a moment." Going silent, Gear began to review his machine sensory settings. "Block out economic broadcasts... political information... health transmissions..."

Wildfire gave Gravity a thumbs-up, as the Legionnaires continued to fly onwards.

Thunder pointed up ahead. "The Science Police have told me about a disturbance ahead. This way."

"Go on ahead if you need to," Apparition called out. "We can track you with our flight rings. But take Wildfire and Density with you."

Thunder flashed a grateful smile. Density commanded his body to concentrate his mass, making him shrink ever so slightly as he became more compact. "This should make it easier to carry me," he smiled as he latched onto Thunder's back. As soon as he was secure, Thunder arced ahead. "Yahoo, advance force time!" Wildfire gunned his thrusters.

Jed was grateful for his transuit as Thunder sped forward; he had foolishly tried out his flight ring once without wearing one, and had gotten a face full of dirt and dust for his trouble. At least now he could keep his eyes open... and as they neared their destination, he could see seven golem-like figures in the middle of the city. "I see them!" he yelled into his flight ring. "Too many civilians though, I don't dare jump!" He tried to shut out the screams, and focus on the targets.

"This is a job for me, then!" Wildfire raced ahead, adjusting his suit controls to fire thin streams of anti-energy. "Clear away, everyone! We'll keep you safe!" Wildfire addressed the crowd as he fired blasts to herd the seven figures together. He flew in a circle around the seven, trying to separate them from the civilians.

Jed jumped off Thunder's back and barreled into one of the figures, driving it back from a terrified family huddling together. "Leave these sentients alone!"

"You're going back to your prison!" Thunder grabbed two more, using Hercules' strength to slam them together.

"How dare you!" uttered one. But the other one just smiled. "Foolish children... these golems are our prison as well. Or they were... but those two idiots who freed us from that cave also freed us from these."

Thunder's eyes widened as the wisdom of Solomon kicked in. "We have to leave, now!"

"Oh no, no you won't," smiled one of the golems. Then it opened itself up and swallowed Thunder whole.

*************************************************************

"Okay, team," Live Wire called out as they approached the battle site. "Remember, we can't risk damaging or cracking the statues. Calorie Queen, Blizzard, Gravity, Umbra, Lamprey, we'll help Thunder's group collect the golems. Apparition, take the rest and evacuate civilians."

Gear's eyes opened, and he gave a thumbs up to Gravity. "Looks like I'm just in time. Thanks for the lift."

"It looks like we're too late for the party," Timber Wolf pointed out. "Our friends were too efficient for us."

Below them, Thunder, Density and Wildfire were standing over seven golems. They had been tied up together with scrap metal. Live Wire's brow furrowed; why then, were civilians still running away? Also, Thunder had clearly said that the threat was bigger than it was. "I don't like this. It seems too easy. Be on your guard..."

"Are you underestimating how capable we are? Then eat this!" Wildfire stretched his hand out and fired at them.

"Behind me!" Umbra's darkfield snaked out, meeting Wildfire's anti-energy head on.

Thunder grabbed Density's form and hurled him at the Legionnaires. "I missed you, husband! Your sexy stubble, your revealing costume..." Gravity began to sweat as he focused his power on Jed. At that velocity, it would be tricky to slow him down...

Mentalla reached out to Thunder's mind with her telepathy. "Don't move, Cece!" Mentalla grit her teeth. Thunder was just so powerful...

"We don't even have to move," Thunder smiled. "Now!"

Four of the golems began to glow, and a dark mist emerged from each. One passed through her darkfield and hit Umbra square in the chest. Another surrounded Gravity, who was straining as he held Density in his gravity field. One more slammed into Calorie Queen, who had just set down a damaged grav-car. And the last swirled around Blizzard, who had been trying to freeze the golems solid.

The rest of the Legionnaires shielded their eyes as their four teammates began to glow. The light was so bright that Timber Wolf dropped to the ground with a snarl; it was too much for his senses. And Mentalla found herself driven out of Thunder's mind. Even Gear had to morph a visor to withstand the brightness.

"Ah, how adequate. Finally, a vessel fit for me!" Umbra looked at herself in satisfaction as she joined Thunder.

"Hmph, I'm too skinny. I wish I had more muscle," Gravity sounded annoyed as he compared himself to Density.

"I like this girl. She's been eating a lot," Calorie Queen nodded in approval. "More than most puny humans can."

"Can we just get this over with?" Blizzard created an ice cushion and sat down. "I want to nap."

"Oh no... we're too late," Lamprey began to pale. "What should we do, Live Wire?"

Garth's hands began to crackle with electricity. "These aren't our teammates now, gang. But those are still our teammates' bodies. We have to stop them without hurting them."

"If only they'd be careful about not hurting us..." Microbe sighed as Thunder began to laugh.

"Yes, you'd prefer to be one of our vessels once we're done with you," Thunder smiled cruelly as she began to advance on the remaining Legionnaires. "The Seven Deadly Sins are free once more, and we won't let you take this away from us."

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) On Live Wire and magic. After encountering Emerald Violet (L*40-41), being kidnapped by Mysa (L*42), Garth was so fed up with magic that he rejected Dragonmage on the spot at his tryout (L* 43). Garth did warm up to Mysa and Dragonmage when they fought against Mordru though (L*48-52).
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Back to the Far, Far Future - 01/11/23 07:01 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

90th Century Binderaan

Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau) and Neptune; underwater survival; hydrokinesis
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan; telepathic control of others' physical functions
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; generate and control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers

The Seven Deadly Sins

Sloth - possessing Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Gluttony - possessing Calorie Queen, Taryn Loy of Bismoll; consume all forms of matter, and conversion of same into super-strength
Lust - possessing Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal) and Quothon; controls his body's density
Envy - possessing Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Pride - possessing Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; shadow casting
Wrath - possessing Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings); anti-energy being
Greed - possessing Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers (Reserve Legionnaire)

*************************************************************

"Legionnaires, make sure they don't hurt any civilians!" And with that, Live Wire launched himself at Umbra. Experience training with her taught Garth that her darkfield was great against physical attacks, but that other kinds of energy might have a chance...

Pride/Umbra laughed as she eyed her attacker. "Please, Live Wire, you're not even as strong as your sister Spark*, and I could beat her in my sleep. I'll swat you like the gnat you are." With a flick of her wrist, Umbra sent dark bands at Garth.

"I don't need a lot of power to beat you," Garth smiled even as the bands wrapped around him. "Now, Tayla!"

"I can beat both of you!" Pride/Umbra laughed as she looked around and spotted Lamprey. "Here, have some darkness to snuff out that annoyingly cheery personality of yours."

Tayla didn't even bother to answer; she could quip later. Instead, she focused on sending a spray of water from the supply she carried right at Umbra's feet. "Garth!" she called.

Though his limbs were wrapped, Garth unleashed a burst of electricity from his eyes and at the puddle around Umbra's feet. "AYYEEII!" Tasmia screamed as she fell unconscious.

As the bands vanished from around them, Garth and Tayla flew at Tasmia. Tayla quickly checked her vitals. "She's unconscious, but otherwise fine." Garth quickly pulled his flight ring to his lips. "Team, they have our friends' memories but not their battle skills or experience."

“yeah, I’ve fought Umbra in practice and she relied on her combat skills as much as on her darkfield,” Lamprey observed.

"I can see that," Timber Wolf growled as he faced off against Gluttony/Calorie Queen. The blonde smiled in delight as she ripped the doors off a grav-car and devoured them. "Ah, I adore this form," she licked her lips. "Now I can eat ANYTHING!" She burped as she squared her body and looked at Brin. "I could even eat you. I've always wondered what fur tastes like..."

Brin just snarled as he circled Calorie Queen. Once she made a move...

"Don't make me wait, big boy," she laughed. Bending over, she slammed her fists into the ground.

Brin waited for the shockwave to reach him. Then he leaped up into the air, using it to propel himself forward. Retracting his claws, he instead formed a fist and smacked Calorie Queen right in the face.

"Owwww! Don't damage my teeth!" Gluttony spat. "If you stop me from eating..." she countered by swinging around wide. Brin somersaulted backwards, avoiding the hit. "I'm okay here, Garth," he reported back. "Gluttony over here fights like a wet noodle. No memories of any Legion training." Not even waiting for a response, Brin launched himself forward again. Gluttony's eyes flashed, and she began throwing objects at Brin. Making sure to keep his leaps short, Brin dodged and wove his way through them.

"Stay away!" Gluttony screamed as she threw a hoverbus at Brin. Brin quickly pivoted his body so his feet met the bus; he then propelled himself to the right, and twisted again to bounce off a pole. Before Gluttony could react, Brin's feet slammed into her face. Not even Calorie Queen's enhanced durability could withstand the kick, and she crumpled to the ground.


****************************************************************

Microbe crouched low as she stalked her target. Sloth/Blizzard was leaning back, yawning, on the snowbank he had created to lie on. "I love possessing beings with long-range powers," he sighed. "Just makes it so easy..."

Drura thought for a moment. On one hand, Sloth always seemed like the easiest Sin to defeat. On the other hand, she knew very well that Brek could freeze her in an instant. She had at least a dozen microbes that could withstand sub-zero temperatures and do the job, but getting them near Brek was another matter... she watched him carefully; he seemed to be projecting the cold outwards in all directions. How could she...

"Ah," she smiled. Drura clumped snow together into a snowball, then commanded a few million microbes to inhabit it. Taking to the air, she carefully positioned herself directly above Sloth. Then she dropped the snowball. As it fell closer, she called out, "Hey, lazybones, up here!"

Sloth/Blizzard looked up to see the snowball zooming towards him. "How tiresome," he sighed. "I hate cleaning things up, so..." He sent a couple of pointy icicles at the snowball, breaking it up into a flurry of snow. "And now for you, you pale little... HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!" Sloth gripped his chest as he doubled over, coughing. "What... HACK... have you... HAAAAAAAACK!"

"I just had to get close enough to deliver the payload," Drura smiled as she felt the temperature around her begin to rise again. Now that Brek couldn't focus, he couldn't use his powers either. She flew towards Brek and mercifully knocked him out with a nerve pinch. Making sure he was unconscious, she commanded her microbes back into her body. "Sloth deserves what he got, but I wouldn't want poor Brek to have a bad weekend," she smiled.

****************************************************************
"You think you're so sprocking good, just because you sprocking joined first!" Envy/Gravity's power enveloped Gear, slamming the Legionnaire into a wall. Gear made sure to grunt out in pain. He knew that even with all his techno-morphing, he was potentially outclassed against both Gravity AND Density.*** Tel had the range, after all. But maybe, just maybe, Envy and Lust could be tripped up...

"Please..." Gear whispered, commanding his body to go limp. "You know I'm not the Legion's best combatant, I'm more of a support team member."

"Hah, you've been on plenty of missions," Lust/Density giggled. "I know cause I've seen the vids." Lust openly ogled Gear. "I like your tall, slim frame..."

Envy/Gravity rounded on Lust. "You always look at other men! You used to only have eyes for me!"

"Now, now, there's plenty of me to go around..." Lust/Density reached out and touched Gravity's lightly-furred bare chest. "And there's plenty of you, too. What say we collect some more guys and have fun?"

Gear couldn't keep from rolling his eyes. Not only were these Sins unable to control themselves, but they were so engrossed in their spat that they weren't even looking at him! Making sure to keep the bulk of his body limp and struggling, Gear slowly morphed one arm into a blaster cannon...

... Density's hand didn't even finish travelling down his husband's abs as both men were knocked out by a sonic wave.

As the gravity field holding him in place vanished, Gear caught his two teammates' forms. "I just wish I could unhear their hot and heavy flirting," Gear muttered.

****************************************************************

"Release me, worm!" Greed/Thunder raged as she strained to flex her muscles. "I did not choose the most powerful of you to possess, just to be trapped her, unable to move!"

Mentalla grit her teeth as she strained to hold on to both Thunder and Wildfire. "I can control a handful of sentients at a time, but Wildfire's energy form and Thunder's power are..." she began.

"Let me help you out." Apparition turned intangible and dove at Wildfire.* "After all, I've become good with machines, and this containment suit IS a machine..."

"Oh, shut up, princess!" Wildfire raged as streams of energy burst from his suit. "Little rich girl thinks she's better than me!"

"Tinya-!" Delya cried out.

"No worries, Delya, an apparition is never in the way." Tinya calmly flew through Drake's energy blast. As she reached his suit, Tinya plunged her arm in. "I'm glad I spent time studying this. Now, we don't have a spare here, so we don't want to destroy it, but rather..." She phased her hand carefully through the circuitry in the suit that locked its controls from anyone other than Wildfire. Keeping her body carefully in phase, Tinya solidified ever so slightly so that she could touch the circuitry without damaging it. "I have control, and now..."

Wildfire's containment suit dropped, inert, like a sack of Winathian onions.

"He's off until we turn him on again," Tinya smiled as she stepped back.

"Looks like a wrap," Live Wire called from above. Lamprey, Timber Wolf, Gear and Microbe all converged on Apparition and Mentalla, the unconscious forms of Umbra, Density, Gravity, Calorie Queen and Blizzard in tow.

Greed/Thunder stood stock still, eyes blazing with anger and hatred even as Mentalla commanded Thunder's body to stay still.

"That was the easy part," Lamprey 's heart was beating. Her first mission! "I'm so glad we came up with that plan."

"The historical records and Thunder's knowledge were clear," Microbe's eyes twinkled. "The Seven Deadly Sins like possessing sentients... but they don't tend to make those sentients more powerful."

"I'd guess that their long imprisonment in those statues also made them weaker," Gear pointed at the vessels around them. "

"So it made sense to lure them into some of us," Apparition continued. "That also let us keep the status whole and safe, so we can return the Sins to them."

"I'm just glad I wasn't one of the possessed..." Mentalla shivered. Everyone nodded in acknowledgement - they had all been willing, but everyone was relieved to not be taken over.

"Yeah, now that's the part we didn't figure out yet..." Timber Wolf muttered. "We have to get them out of our friends."

"Well, Thunder did explain how she normally travels to our time," Live Wire offered. "Some of us could go back, fetch Mysa, and maybe she can figure something out."

"Actually..." Mentalla said as she felt Thunder's body struggle. "We didn't have time to discuss this as a group, but I maintained telepathic contact with Thunder. Just before she was possessed by Greed, she had a flash of Solomon's wisdom. Coupled with what her old Wizard told her..." Mentalla quickly explained their theory. "Of course, it's only a theory," she stressed.

"Well, it beats having Microbe keep everyone sick, and Mentalla keeping Thunder motionless, while we go for reinforcements," Timber Wolf shrugged.

"Risky, though," Gear pursed his lips. "What if they jump into us?"

Mutters of debate broke out. Then Live Wire, as the senior Legionnaire, held up his hand. He locked eyes with Apparition, the next most senior, and both nodded.

"I appreciate the hunch, Mentalla, and this is by no means an indication of the faith we have in you and Thunder, but..." Live Wire began.

"We do have the situation in control now, so we don't have to take unnecessary risks," Apparition continued.

"I understand and agree," Mentalla smiled. "We could be wrong, after all."

"Glad we're on the same page," Live Wire smiled.

****************************************************************


Legion World
back in the 31st century

Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion leader.
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery

****************************************************************
Kid Quantum II rubbed her temples as she listened to Live Wire's story. She had just been sitting with the White Witch, Violet and Invisible Kid, reviewing the Espionage Squad's findings on the disappearances of magical objects around the galaxy. Jazmin had needed to calm Mysa down, as Mysa was always edgy about Mordru potentially getting free of his prison on JS-1967.***** It had taken a bit of soothing for Jazmin to convince Mysa to look into the findings after checking up on Mordru again. Even now, Mysa was sitting with her arms crossed, frowning.

"So..." Jazmin sighed. "Apparition and five others are watching over seven possessed teammates of ours 6000 years in the future... and Mentalla thinks she knows how to un-possess them, but this theory was crafted with Thunder - who is now one of our possessed."

"That's about it," Live Wire shrugged. "Oh, and we think the original vessels are still intact, but we can't be absolutely sure."

"Well, just another day in the life of a Legionnaire, eh," Jazmin sighed. "Querl?"

Brainiac 5 looked up from his Omnicom. "Triad and Marla Latham have already liaised with the President's office, and we have our authorization," he said drily. Having once been imprisoned for unauthorized time travel******, he had been very conscientious about not doing it again. "And we've been traveling through time so much recently, another round trip shouldn't hurt."

"Right," Jazmin said. "Very well, Garth, lead the way."

****************************************************************

90th Century Binderaan

Gear had finished checking the statues for damage, and given the all-clear. Apparition had liaised with the local authorities of the team; they had been helped by files from Thunder, who had - in her foresight - explained who the Legionnaires were. Brainiac 5 had his forcefield up for protection; Kid Quantum was ready to freeze time around their teammates; and the White Witch had done some magical research to test Mentalla's theory. And a privacy screen had been set up to keep civilians from approaching or observing the team.

"I think we're as ready as can be," Kid Quantum noted. "Delya, you're up."

Mentalla fixed her concentration on Thunder. She had explained to her teammates that she didn't simply tell people what to do; she went into their minds and pushed the levers and buttons that made actions happen. So commanding someone to speak what she wished, required her to move the mouth and tongue just so. But she had been practicing.

Greed/Thunder's eyes bulged angrily as Mentalla forced her way in. "Cap- Cap- Captain Marvel!" she whispered.

Magical lightning struck Thunder and the six unconscious Legionnaires around her, and a huge thunderclap erupted. Then, seven shrieking spirits vacated their host bodies and were driven back into the vessels were imprisoned in.

Kid Quantum immediately enveloped each of the seven statues in a quantum bubble. "Perpetua," the White Witch chanted; as her magic surrounded a statue, the bubble around it shrank inwards, embedding itself into the statue's material.

"It is done," Mysa intoned. "The stasis bubbles will keep these Sins frozen as long as my spell remains undisturbed."

"Oh, moley, I'm so glad you figured it out!" Cece Beck, who looked just like Thunder even without her powers*****, ran to Mentalla. "I didn't have much time, but I'm so glad our gamble worked!"

"Heck, just getting you all possessed by the Sins was a gamble in itself," Lamprey laughed. "But I really am glad it worked!"

Microbe slowly commanded the sleeping sickness bacteria in her teammates to recede; she had chosen the Andromedan strain, as the only real symptom was drowsiness. Though given the differences in physiology, Umbra at least would have mild muscle pain for the next three days. As they stood up, Calorie Queen immediately made a face. "Ew, what did I eat while I wasn't myself?"

"I, uh, just want everyone to know that I won't hit on someone like a creep," Density said, embarrassed.

"I think I need to hit the gym," Blizzard sighed. "All that lying around gave me cramps."

"Looks like all's well that ends well," Kid Quantum surveyed her team. "But remember, Dr. Ryk'rr is on-hand in case any of you want to talk about your possession..."

"It felt like I was on the outside, looking in," Umbra muttered. "Like I was watching someone who wasn't me. I hated it, but it was nothing compared to the Blight. And not nearly as long.********"

"Alright, but remember, there's no shame in talking to a professional if any of you need it," Kid Quantum reminded gently. "I trust you all to take care of yourselves."

"So," Cece began. "I'd invite you all to have dinner with my parents and I, but..."

"Absolutely not!" Brainiac 5 cut in. "I insist we go home before I observe any more future technology, and invent something dangerous!********"

"The Wisdom of Solomon agrees with you, Querl," Cece laughed. This was exactly why cross-time visits were so rare, to minimize damage to the timestream. "It's okay, you all already helped with clean-up. I can bring the statues back to the cave myself. And the ones who set them loose are still in custody, so we should be fine."

"Well, we'll see you back in the past, then," Wildfire waved. And Thunder waved goodbye with a smile as Brainiac 5 triggered the time platform to bring her teammates back to their own time.

"Moley, I love being in a team," she smiled to herself. "Thanks, Captain Marvel!" Transformed back into Thunder, she grabbed two of the statues and flew back to the cave where they had been hidden.

******************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Spark died and was resurrected in LSH 101, when Live Wire drew electricity around Korbal to jump-start her. A side effect was not only restoring her to life and returning her lightning powers, but also making her more powerful than Garth. This development hasn't been mentioned since...

2) See Legion 12, the battle against a holographic JLA, for more examples of Gear's trickery and playing possum!

3) Apparition learned how to affect machinery and electronics in LSH 87 (a swami drew from Tinya's essence to become a poltergeist type, and Tinya was left with the ability to affect electronics)

4) Mordru was imprisoned there, dormant, in L* 50. He almost woke up once in L* 73 even!

5) When Thunder was an Active Legionnaire in the Reboot (LSH 110-123, L*67-80), she was a preteen as Cece Beck (think Billy Batson age). In Volume 1, I aged her to be about the age of the Legionnaires.

6) Brainiac 5 was jailed by then-president Jeanne Chu in L* 32, and was only pardoned by RJ Brande in LSH 80!

7) Umbra was among the Blighted Legionnaires in Legion of the Damned, LSH 122-123 and L*79-80.

8) Brainiac 5's dangerous inventions are also a running joke in the Reboot: he invented a time machine that got him arrested (L* 30-32, LSH 74-75); he invented COMPUTO to return to the 30th century, but COMPUTO went rogue (LSH 98-100).
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Back to the Far, Far Future - 01/11/23 07:47 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD
Legion World
back in the 31st century

Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Calorie Queen, Taryn Loy of Bismoll; consume all forms of matter, and conversion of same into super-strength
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion leader.
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery

*************************************************************************************

"We debrief tomorrow, team," Kid Quantum said as the Legionnaires arrived back on Legion World. "It's been a long day, get some rest." Sighs of relief abound, as the other Legionnaires filed out of the room.

She nodded to the White Witch. "Mysa, I'll see you and Lyle together in two days?"

Mysa nodded, a bit distractedly. Apparition, noticing her teammate's discomfort, gave her a squeeze. "Mysa, I know you're worried. If you'd like to sit and talk...?"

Mysa inhaled. "I feel weary, Apparition. I think I'm going to bed now. But..." she smiled with genuine warmth. "I really do appreciate your concern - and I would love to have breakfast with you tomorrow, if you're free?"

"It's a date," Tinya smiled. "I'll see you in the cafeteria. Link you later for the time."

"See you, Tinya," Mysa waved as she left. Tinya smiled; this was the first time Mysa had addressed her by her first time.*

"Well, Tinya, I don't want to go to bed without dinner," Timber Wolf laughed. "You want in? How about you, Kid Q, Cal?"

"I think I've eaten enough for today, but I wouldn't mind some synth-wine," Calorie Queen smiled. She had hung back precisely hoping to catch some time with Mister Brin Londo - he had just been so agile, so powerful, so animalistic during their fight while she was possessed by Gluttony...*

"Ah, sorry Brin, I have one thing before you go," Kid Quantum's smile vanished.

Brin cocked his head. "it can't wait, boss?"

"I don't think you want to wait on this, Brin," Jazmin smiled a little bit, in sympathy. "If I could have a word in private...?"

"I'll wait outside," Tinya said quickly. "Uh, me too," Taryn said. But she couldn't resist looking back one more time before the doors swung shut.

****************************************************

"So... how are you enjoying being a Legionnaire?" Tinya smiled at Taryn. It was obvious that Taryn was crushing on Brin; she had such a goofy grin on! Taryn, startled out of her reverie, turned to focus on Tinya. "Oh, it's just been amazing. Fabulous! Like, it's more fun than I ever imagined, and now I feel like life is just full..."

"That's great," Tinya smiled.

"And how about you?" Taryn asked. "I mean, you've been here longer than I have, you've met your husband through the team, you have a kid..."

"I'm really fortunate," Tinya grinned. "It just all came together, and..."

They were interrupted by the door slamming open. Timber Wolf stalked out, and Tinya had never seen him this angry before. Not even on Rimbor**. He was basically frothing at the mouth now. "Brin, what's -"

"It's my father."

Tinya gasped. Brin had told her the stories...

"He's here on Legion World," Kid Quantum said quietly. After all, Brin had opened the topic up.

"I'm going to slice that squaj open."

Jazmin raised her voice. "Brin, Mar Londo is a prisoner under investigation. I sympathize, as it's personal, but you will follow protocol when visiting him."

Brin bared his teeth.

"Brin," Jazmin said sternly.

"Fine."

"I can go with you, Brin, if you need..." Tinya began.

"Thanks, Tinya, but I need to do this alone."

Jazmin considered; Chameleon and Shvaughn Erin had been hoping that Brin could shed some light on Mar Londo's experiments, but now was clearly not the time. "He's in cell 1278, Brin."

Brin stalked off without a word, while Tinya, Jazmin and Taryn all looked at him.

"Well," Tinya smiled at the other two. "Do you want to grab dinner, and let's see how hungry Brin is after he talks to his dad?"

Taryn was still watching Brin storm off, and Jazmin had to call her a couple of times before she answered with a shaky yes.

****************************************************

If looks could kill, Mar Londo would have dropped dead on the spot once Brin Londo walked outside Mar's cell. A Science Police officer - he recognized her as Sybelle Deacon - walked up behind him.

"I'm interviewing this prisoner alone," he growled. Sybelle, known for her snark, saw the look in Brin's eyes and swallowed the retort she had been going to make. Brin watched as she walked off.

He knew that Legion protocol for this section - full of prisoners under investigation - meant their conversation would be recorded. He didn't care.

"So, I see you're still alive," Mar began.

"No thanks to you."

"Son, I did it to-"

"Don't call me that!" Brin snapped. "You're my father only biologically."

"I did it to help you," Mar finished. "Without my experiments, you wouldn't be where you are today."

Brin clenched his fists. He remembered the intense pain, and him wishing for death. Days and days of suffering. That had only ended when the experiments finally mutated him, gave him his powers; and he had smashed his way through Mar Londo's laboratory to freedom.

"I never wanted powers," Brin glowered. He was grateful for them now, but if he could have avoided everything that he went through to get them...

"Well, they made you special," Mar sat down.

Brin stepped up to the door and looked Mar straight in the eye. "If I ever see you walk out of here, I'll make you swallow the head of that damned sprocking Karth Arn android of yours****, and then cut your hands off so you can never do this to anyone again." And without waiting for Mar's reaction, he stalked out of the prison.

Mar Londo watched his son leave. Then he sat down, silently, in the corner of his cell.

****************************************************


IB's notes:

1) Apparition's been making an effort to befriend White Witch; this has roots in L* 74, when they bonded over having terrible fathers (Mordru for White Witch, Luonel Burdo for Apparition - he was a sentient-trafficker and con artist who had sold part of her into slavery; don't worry, he got caught). )

2) Last issue wink

3) See Legion Worlds 6; Apparition was on Rimbor finding a connection to Ultra Boy (who was then Lost in Legion Lost); she saved Timber Wolf's life and they became friends.

4) Timber Wolf was never given a canon Reboot origin, so I decided to reboot it myself. Yes, it is THAT android, the one that gave M'Onel and company such a hard time!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

JS-1967

Planetoid JS-1967 was once an idyllic location, with rolling plains and grassland. This all changed after a battle between the Legion of Super-Heroes, volunteers from Xanthu's Uncanny Amazers and McCauley Industries' Workforce, a pair of sorcerors, and the United Planets fleet against the sorcerer-despot Mordru. Mordru is now dormant, entombed and under constant guard.

JS-1967 saw violence one more time, when the four Elementals of Disaster traveled there to awaken and slay Mordru. The Legion stopped the Elementals, though not before most of the UP forces stationed there were slaughtered.

- The Earth Spins, Planet Profiles *


**************************************************************

Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery

**************************************************************

"Wow... THIS is where it all happened," Blizzard looked around the chamber where Mordru's airtight intertron sphere was kept. "I still remember watching the report on the battle, and being there when the Legionnaires returned to Earth..."*

"Sssh, Brek," Kinetix chided softly. "Mysa needs to concentrate."

The White Witch didn't give a sign of hearing anything, though. She was focused intently on testing each of the spells she had laid around Mordru's prison. Each was in place, tied and set, but she did not dare risk being careless where that accursed father of hers was concerned.

Nearby, Ultra Boy stood, tense. Blizzard laid a reassuring hand on Jo's shoulder.

Apparition's head popped out of the sphere. "He's still asleep, kneeling; doesn't look like his physical form has moved at all." Despite trusting in her teammate's magical skill, Tinya still shook a bit. After all, she had already "died" once; and though she hadn't faced Mordru herself, she had fought the four Elementals.***

Jo relaxed visibly. "Good job, angel."

"So I guess we're done here?" Brek almost sounded disappointed.

"Yes..." Mysa began. "Saturn Girl has also scanned Mordru, and he is completely dormant."

"I wonder...Could he be fooling us somehow? Maybe we should..." Kinetix reached out to touch Mordru's prison.

"Don't touch that!" Mysa snapped. "Haven't you learned anything from your brushes with power?!"

Kinetix rounded on Mysa. "Oh, you want to bring that up, do you? I gained my powers because my mother helped you, then you took them away to manipulate me!"**

"You impertinent whelp!" Mysa drew herself up.

Zoe pointed a finger at Mysa. "Don't pull age on me, you ancient h-"

"Stop it!" Tinya phased in between the two. "We're all friends here, you know?"

"Friends?!" Zoe rounded on Tinya. "Friends don't steal their friends' powers, and continue to treat them like idiots even when they become teammates!"

Jo took one look at the thunderous looks on Zoe's, Mysa's and Tinya's faces, and wisely began to back away, pulling Brek with him. Jo reocgnized Tinya's expression from many past arguments with her mother Winema, and knew that the best thing to do was to wait for the emotions to wane.

"I told you!" Mysa walked through Tinya's intangible form to get to Zoe. If their faces were thunderous before, both Tinya and Zoe now looked like they could chew through inertron. "My friends were dead and I couldn't trust anyone, I did what I felt I had to do to ensure Mordru would never return!"

"Right, so you just used me like a tool! And you could have killed Violet when she separated from the Eye!"*****

Brek's mouth began opening and closing like a Mellorussian. Jo, desperate to avoid Brek saying anything, turned to him. "So, what was it like being possessed by the Seven Deadly Sins?" Brek turned to Jo in surprise. "How can you..."

Jo shook his head side to side, motioning with his hands to keep quiet. Brek took one look at the three women, saw their faces, and decided he didn't want any part of this. "Yeah, uh, it seems like a dream now. I talked to Wildfire and Density and the barely remember anything..."

Tinya stomped between Mysa and Zoe and turned to look both of them in the eyes. "Zoe, Mysa, you're both acting like Leland McCauley used to," she hissed. "Listen to yourselves, I thought you two talked this over long ago!"*******

Mysa felt like she had been slapped. It was true; she WAS acting like a child. She saw the same consternation and shame reflected on Zoe's face. Well... she was the older one by a few centuries. Swallowing her pride, Mysa bowed to show her shame. "I... I am sorry, Kinetix. You are right. We are teammates now, peers, and I should have treated you as one. I already apologized for my previous manipulations of you, and I apologize again - and also for my outburst today. I should not allow myself to become irrational where Mordru is concerned."

Zoe's face softened, and she stepped forward and took Mysa's hands. "I'm sorry, Mysa. I know you've been off on your own for more than a century, watching and waiting and hunting the Emerald Eye, and trying to recover from the death of all your friends... and dealing with the memories of the terrible things Mordru did when he ruled his empire..." She gave Mysa's hands a soft squeeze. "It can't be easy to deal with all of this. And we should be doing more to make you feel like you're one of us, one of the Legion."

Brek and Jo had by now stopped chatting, and were cautiously listening to this round of apologies.

Tinya smiled. "Now you two are acting like the adults you are."

Zoe shook her head apologetically. "Listen, I did mean everything I said. Why don't you two join me on Saturday? A bunch of us are going to that fashion school ******* my mom and Candi's dad opened..."

"I would honestly love to," Mysa's smile touched her eyes. "But I have to sit with Invisible Kid and Kid Quantum that day, and I don't know how long that will take. But I would love to visit another time."

"And we're taking Cub and my mom on a picnic to Starhaven," Tinya smiled. "Mom doesn't get a lot of days off, so we need to go on that day."

"Being UP President is like two full-time jobs," Jo offered, secretly relieved that they wouldn't have to spend the day looking at fashions. And now that his mother-in-law Winema was much calmer and nicer, he didn't hate the idea of spending an afternoon with her.

"Tsk, your loss," Zoe winked to show she was joking. "But I'll invite you again next time. Brek's really looking forward to it though, aren't you?" she elbowed Brek playfully.

"Oh yeah, yeah, more fun than a barrel of Kokos," Brek smiled his biggest fake smile. "I can't wait to see all the dresses..."

Jo pursed his lips, Tinya looked away awkwardly, and even Mysa began shaking her head. Zoe fixed Brek's eyes in hers, and Brek began to lower his gaze.

"Oh Brek, it's sweet that you want to support me," Zoe held Brek's hands this time. "But you already came with me on my first visit there. You don't need to be there with me ALL the time."

"But I want to be there for you..." Brek began.

"I know," Zoe put a finger to his lips. "And it's enough that you want to be. When we're together, we should do things we both enjoy."

A smile slowly spread on Brek's face, and he scooped Zoe up and swung her around. "You... are... amazing!"

"I know, and so are you," Zoe smiled as she kissed Brek.

"Awww," Tinya grabbed Jo's arm. Jo kissed her on the cheek. And Mysa even shed a tear. After Zoe and Brek stopped kissing, Mysa stepped forward. "So, I did think that you could help me ensure Mordru has no oxygen, Kinetix... I mean, Zoe..."

A few minutes later, Zoe had surrounded Mordru's prison with an airtight telekinetic shield. For good measure, Brek had lowered the temperature inside the sphere to sub-zero levels. Mysa had cast a spell to make both effects permanent. Tinya had phased through one last time to check on Mordru, and Jo used his penetra-vision as a last check as well.

As the five made their way to the exit, Mysa took one last look backwards.

"It fills me with hope to see that, even after all the destruction and pain wrought here, life still goes on..." she thought.

**************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) The Legion and company fought Mordru in L* 48-50, aftermath in L* 51-52. The Elementals were fought in L* 71-74.

2) L* 52! If you look closely, you will see Brek and Lydda in costume in the crowd on the 2nd last page!

3) Apparition "died" fighting the White Triangle in L* Annual 2. Her spirit survived, anchored to Ultra Boy's invulnerable form (revealed, LSH 82). She came back by merging with 20th century LEGION's Phase (LSH 100), who was revealed to be one of her Carggite bodies sold into slavery by her awful dad (LSH 101)! The third body was never found, but I am using Reboot's story as canon: her third body died too. No second chances for Tinya if she dies again, then!

4) Ah, where to begin... Kinetix's mom Azra (an archaeologist) was pregnant with Zoe. Azra found a badly wounded Mysa, and just so happened to have a magical scepter that could heal her. The scepter altered Zoe's body structure, making her receptive to magic; it also "forged a link" between Zoe and Mysa. Mysa became aware when Zoe first gained her telekinetic powers by absorbing an "energy pool" on Titan. Mysa then engineered the loss of Zoe's powers, and offered to restore them IF Zoe would help her search for the Emerald Eye... (revealed L* 42; Zoe lost her powers in LSH Annual 6, and Mysa restores Zoe's powers in L* 33). The Eye had been Mordru's most powerful tool. (revealed L* 48-50) Mysa, as Mordru's daughter, wanted to find the Eye and hide it away in case Mordru returned.

Mysa actually led a revolt against Mordru more than a century before the United Planets formed; she and her sorcerer friends defeated Mordru and sealed him away, but her friends all died in the process. (see: L*49-51).

5) So, Violet was possessed by the Emerald Eye (revealed LSH 83/L* 40); as a gamble to throw Mordru off from reclaiming the Eye and hurting Violet, they merged into one being (L*49); when Vi tried separating from the Eye, Mysa rushed the process (L* 50).

6) Zoe and Mysa sort of talked it over, and Mysa sort of apologized, in L* 51. Zoe even commented that Mysa had become so nice! (in L* 52)

7) See Volume 1. Zoe's mom Azra got Monstress' dad to fund the Zoe and Candi Institute of Design, as a way to honor the legacies of both Kinetix and Monstress. They both shared a love of fashion, after all!
All, I know I've been writing up a storm lately! This is only because last couple of weeks were relatively light; and I took advantage of that in anticipation of a busy period coming up for the next month or so. So I will likely be slowing way way way down until the end of March or so!

thanks to all who continue to read and leave comments smile I appreciate it a lot!
Posted By: razsolo Re: (Post ZH Legion) The Best-Laid Plans - 01/17/23 10:55 AM
Hi IB, I caught up on your latest tonight and as usual I have thoughts!

- I like Sizzle's thoughts on urban areas vs the great outdoors...as someone who grew up in the inner city, I can relate!

- I also like this little grouping of characters, and putting M'Onel and Andromeda in a position where they're not automatically WAY more powerful than everyone else gives the group an interesting dynamic.

- I kinda miss Shikari's nicknames for everyone to be honest, but it does make sense that she would learn to call people by their actual names as she spends more time with them. Having her do it with the newbies is a good compromise smile

- Lume is turning out to be quite the good little Espionage Squadder! And it's always fun when Cham does his thing turning into different sneaky animals (I kind of wanna see what a Plevitzian Flying Rabbit looks like though!)

- man, that kid is scary! My initial thought was maybe he was a spin on Ol-Vir, but after seeing that he's an android I'm wondering if it's some future Kid Amazo in the making...

- oh wow, Brin's dad! I did not see that coming!! Although in retrospect, incredibly lifelike android who sees him as his father is a huge clue hahaha

- woooh the FUTURE future people! This is the storyline I have been looking forward to the most! Gear being overwhelmed makes perfect sense and is a good quick way of highlighting the technological difference. And the Seven Deadly Sins! Awesome! It's fun seeing who matches up with who....Tasmia as Pride definitely makes a lot of sense given Umbra's history, Calorie Queen is a natural for Gluttony and Jed and Tel with Lust and Envy seem like a natural pairing as well.

- all of the individual fights were well done, and it was cool seeing Timber Wolf's agility on display, but Gear beating Tel and Jed through applied flirting was the best laugh

Quote
"Absolutely not!" Brainiac 5 cut in. "I insist we go home before I observe any more future technology, and invent something dangerous!

No wait, that bit was the best laugh laugh

- I didn't know that reboot Ayla is more powerful than Garth! Or that Tinya can pull a Kitty Pryde with electronics now either!

You left everything off in a nice spot I think, I look forward to seeing where we go from here when you get time to pick up again!
hey thanks raz, appreciate your thoughts as always! thanks for taking time to comment!

haha I was hoping the "lifelike android bit" would still come as a surprise, glad it did!

re Brainy's line, can't take full credit for it - he gave a similar line in LSH 100, when Team 20 returned to the 30th century. "I insist we leave before I invent anything else!" (it was also a bit of a cheat from me, to avoid having to think more about what the 90th century would be like lol - I slipped in Gear dealing with all the tech input to help show we were 6000 years in the future tongue )

and yeah, I wanted to highlight Brin's agility more so he wouldn't just be that guy that slashes things tongue

the Ayla > Garth thing was to my knowledge never brought up again after LSH 101, but I thought it would be a nice element to include re the twins. also to show Garth's growth, cause in LSH 101 he was a bit of a jerk to Ayla over her "uncool" anti-grav powers then.

and the Tinya/electronics thing was mainly used subtly too, but I like that aspect of her powers smile

I think I now need to write a story on Plevitz where the Flying Rabbits get featured tongue

and thanks, I'm happy with this stopping point too!

the Daxamites (and Thunder, and actually also Mysa and Kid Q especially) are always tricky. at least Imra, Kinetix, Condo, Candi-as-Element Lass have limitations that are a bit easier to write; the others though are just so powerful! I always feel like I need to carefully think of how I can avoid having them just punch/wave their hands and solve everything tongue

though next up, a team will visit Lallor; and I'll pick up that Fashion Institute visit that Zoe mentioned! and I have a couple other missions germinating which may or may not happen! tongue
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Animal Instinct (Post ZH Legion) - 02/13/23 02:46 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Lallor

Lallor, like Xanthu, has become known in diplomatic circles as Earth Junior. Like Xanthu, Lallor has an Earth-like population with a number of unique post-humans (in contrast to worlds like Imsk, Braal, Tharr and Titan, whose inhabitants all have variations of the same abilities). Lallor is also similar to Earth in size, climate, and industry. Unlike Xanthu, Lallor sits firmly close to the center of the galaxy, and is a consistent yet unremarkable member of the United Planets.

The one claim to fame that Lallor has, besides its native post-human population, is its biodiversity. Lallorian fauna, while unique to Lallor, shows a development similar to Earth's about 1500 years ago. Many species are endemic to certain regions of Lallor, resulting in the planet rivalling some unpopulated worlds for sheer number of species. This has led to the recent trend for tourists to visit Lallor "to see Earth without all the development and drama". Lallor's government and most of its population are not pleased by this trend. A small segment have now come to rely on tourism for their livelihoods, however.

- snippet from an internal, unofficial, communication sent between United Planets (UP) Senate civil servants



Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony (Earth colony: Japan and Myanmar); skilled martial artist
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation, enhanced vision
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair

Tellus, Ganglios of Hykraius; telepathy and telekinesis (Reserve Legionnaire, Legion Cadet)
Tomb, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions (Reserve Legionnaire, Legion medical staff)

Heroes of Lallor - have a cross-Reservist arrangement with the Legion

Beastmaster, Ilshu Nor of Lallor; transform into any animal
Hotshot, Staq Mavlen of Shwar; breathes fire
Splitter, Floyd Belkin of Lallor; ability to detach his limbs from his torso
Stone Boy, Dag Wentim of Zwen; turns self into stone
Vapor, Tal Nahii of Lallor; transforms her body into gases

***********************************************************************************

"That briefing reeked of ignorance and smugness!" Gates snapped as Babbage ended the transmission from the UP Diplomatic Corps. "Earth Junior, my thorax!"

"While I agree they could have worded it better," Nightwind sighed, "I do think it is important to understand the opinions of others, Gates. Some people can be reasoned with, if we know what misconceptions they have."

"Bah! That so-called civil "servant" was looking down his nose at us while perpetuating hateful stereotypes!" Gates continued. "Just like Leviathan did when we visited Xanthu... the UP has to up its standards!"*

Nightwind was glad that none of the others on this mission were Legionnaires at the time Leviathan was; if Kinetix or Violet had been here she'd probably have a fight on her hands. Even so, Karate Kid and Spider-Girl, both of whom had been on the Workforce then, had met Leviathan a few times - and Karate Kid had even been present when Leviathan died.** Both looked uncomfortable. "Enough, Gates," Berta said firmly. "The Legion and the UP have made efforts to train our members and staff on cultural sensitivity, and we have been invited to give feedback whenever we feel that representatives aren't living up to those standards. You can, and should, submit yours through official channels." Before Gates could retort, she looked around at the room. "Okay, gang - we leave at 14.00 UP standard hours. Briefing packs have been sent to your Omnicoms! Tellus, Tomb, I've scheduled 1-1s with you to go over your physiological needs and mission roles. See the rest of you at the Threshold chamber!"

***********************************************************************************

As they left the room, Karate Kid fell beside Spider-Girl. "This is our first small mission together in a while, Sussa. How are you settling in?"

Sussa laughed as she shook her living hair. "I can't remember you ever calling me by my real name when we were in the Workforce, Karate Kid."

"I realize I was a bit aloof..." Karate Kid rubbed the back of his neck. Then he smiled. "But we're in the Legion now, Sussa. We're not just a team, we're a family."

"Family might be a bit much," Sussa's eyes twinkled. "But I am liking it way more than when McCauley yelled at us all the time."

"I'm glad you made your way here. So, want to grab a banyo-shake before we have to pack for this mission?" Karate Kid asked.

Sussa's smile touched her eyes this time. "My pleasure, Val."

***********************************************************************************
Babbage made sure to maintain eye contact with Tomb, as it fitted the Reservist with a special transuit. Tomb's Sarccan's physiology had both its positives and negatives; a positive was that Tomb could sense other biological beings' inner workings at close range; a negative was that Tomb was extremely sensitive to foreign beings. This transuit would allow Tomb to use his powers to the fullest, while protecting him from such stimuli.

Internally, Babbage's programming was whirring. As a Robotican, Babbage had no need for social mores; but as a Legionnaire, Babage always made an effort to socialize. Other beings had their needs, and it afforded Babbage data with which to become a more effective team player. But Tomb was definitely different from most.

Babbage made eye contact. "How are you looking forward to your first mission as a Reserve Legionnaire and member of staff, Tomb?"

Tomb turned slowly in Babbage's direction, and stared at what seemed to be a point just to the right of, and behind, Babbage. "It will be new."

"Do you like new stimuli?" Babbage continued as it checked the transuit functioning.

"New is not always good... but it can be useful," Tomb's lips moved in what would have been a smile on most humanoid faces... but Babbage's sensors told it that Tomb's heart rate did not elevate in the way most humanoids would, were they excited. Curious.

"Your file does say that you need some time with a new kind of being, to understand and manipulate their functions, yes?"

"Like... Chameleon... with morphing..." Tomb's eyes glittered, though whether that was the light or the humor, Babbage did not know.

"And like most of us in new situations," Babbage intoned.

"And you are ready too?" Tomb asked.

"I need to download some files on Lallor and the Heroes there, and on the native fauna," Babbage answered immediately. "I will do my best to prepare."

"Good... good..." Tomb continued as it stood up to test its transuit. "I hope friend Tellus will be ready too..."

This gave Babbage pause, as it updated its observational databases on relationships between Legionnaires and Staff. It had never particularly observed Tomb and Tellus spending time together... but then, it's not like Babbage had drones or cameras everywhere. That would be unethical, and would make its teammates uncomfortable.

One definitely learned something new every day...

***********************************************************************************

"Welcome to Lallor, Legionnaires," Vapor smiled as Nightwind's team exited the Threshold. Lallor's Threshold chamber was situated right in the middle of LallorGov's headquarters, a wing of which held the Heroes of Lallors' own headquarters and personal quarters. "Or should I say, welcome, teammates?"

"Yeah, we act as each others' reserves now!" Hotshot's exuberance was palpable as he walked, hands outstretched, to greet his friends.

"Yes, you're reserve Heroes of Lallor, and we're reserve Legionnaires," Stone Boy grinned as he held his flight ring up.

"It is good to see you all," Splitter smiled as he shook hands simultaneously with Nightwind and with Spider-Girl. "Oops, watch the hands," he giggled as he detached his forearms.

"Glad to see you in good spirits, Floyd," Nightwind smiled, thinking of how disappointed Splitter was to have been rejected for active Legion membership recently***.

I can see why he didn't make it, Spider-Girl looked down at the detached forearm she was shaking. If I let go, his hand just drops to the ground... I don't have the best powers either, but at least I can attack enemies long-range with my hair...

"Teammates, hah!" Beastmaster scowled. "We have an alliance, that's all."

Vapor and Nightwind exchanged looks. Beastmaster and Vapor had both trained in the Legion Cadet program for a while; though always with the desire to return to Lallor. Yet, Vapor had received an invitation to join the Legion full-time; Beastmaster had been deemed too headstrong, aggressive and uncooperative to receive one. His ego was undoubtedly still bruised from that.

"We're here to help, Beastmaster," Karate Kid quietly moved in front of Gates; his posture showed that he was not in the least intimidated by Beastmaster's greater height and much more muscular body.

"And I expect that we will all work together well," Vapor sternly looked at Beastmaster. "We need help; Lallor's local fauna is acting up more and more frequently. It's only a matter of time before poor innocents get hurt."

"I wish we had brought our new Cadet, Fauna..." Tellus began. "She can communicate with animals better..."

"Oh, stop it!" Gates rounded on him. "You need to be more confident in yourself, Tellus! That's why you're here, not Saturn Girl - you're better at telepathy with non-sentient life forms...!"

"I also expect that we will work together, and encourage each other positively," Nightwind cut Gates off. "I know you'll do your best, Tellus," she continued soothingly. "Now, let's get briefed."

As they followed Nightwind and Vapor, Spider-Girl grabbed Karate Kid's wrist with her hair, pulling him gently beside her. "We sure are a family, in good times and in bad," she whispered jokingly.

"We have our squabbles," Karate Kid acknowledged. "But from experience, I know we come together when needed."

"I hope Beastmaster knows that..." Sussa eyed the tall Lallorian warily. "I don't think this one sees us as part of his pack..."

Beastmaster caught Sussa and Val out of the corner of his eye, and grit his teeth in a snarl.

Sussa made sure to smile back warmly. But I'm definitely keeping an eye on you this mission, she thought to herself.

***********************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) LSH 82. Leviathan, fueled by his hope to get rid of Star Boy (because he thought Star Boy a reckless Legionnaire who damaged Legion property thoughtlessly, which to be fair he did in L* 33 and more egregiously in LSH 81), kept making fun of Xanthu being a backwater world. Gates called him out on it then too.

2) Versus Doctor Regulus, LSH 83.

3) Splitter's story spans a lot! In canon, he applied in Legionnaires 43; we see him being disappointed still in Legionnaires 49. In my fic, he badly messes up his VR test here ; we see Magno counselling him here; and he finally begins to accept his place as a Hero of Lallor and Reservist here.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Lallor

Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony (Earth colony: Japan and Myanmar); skilled martial artist
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation, enhanced vision
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair

Tellus, Ganglios of Hykraius; telepathy and telekinesis (Reserve Legionnaire, Legion Cadet)
Tomb, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions (Reserve Legionnaire, Legion medical staff)

Heroes of Lallor - have a cross-Reservist arrangement with the Legion

Beastmaster, Ilshu Nor of Lallor; transform into any animal
Hotshot, Staq Mavlen of Shwar; breathes fire
Splitter, Floyd Belkin of Lallor; ability to detach his limbs from his torso
Stone Boy, Dag Wentim of Zwen; turns self into stone
Vapor, Tal Nahii of Lallor; transforms her body into gases

***********************************************************************************
Tellus listened intently, the pods on his back glowing a dark blue to show concentration, as Vapor briefed the assembled heroes on what they knew. In the past seven days, there had been four incidents of Lallorian fauna suddenly and inexplicably rampaging. They had occurred thousands of kilometers apart. Each incident had been longer and more violent, with more affected animals, than the last.

"There is no discernible connection in terms of distance or biosphere," Babbage pointed out immediately. "One in the polar south, one in the middle of the World Ocean, one in the tropical rainforests, and one in the Eastern Grasslands."

"No discernible cause, either," Stone Boy shook his head. "We've checked recordings, asked the Lallor Military High Command to review their signals..."

"And I shifted into the species affected and spoke to the animals; they cannot remember anything other than inexplicable feelings of fear and rage." Beastmaster's eyes flashed with that second emotion. "I had to urge LallorGov not to put them down."

"We do have the animals in safekeeping..." Vapor added. "As you can imagine, Lallorians everywhere are scared too. We've been asking everyone to remain calm, but..."

"But we have to get to the bottom of this!" Gates snapped. "Sentients do stupid things when they're afraid. I'm sure Tellus can check if there's been any telepathic tampering!"

Tellus recoiled a bit at Gates' ferocity. "I will do my best... Not all minds are alike..."

"Take the time you need, Tellus. In the meantime, we will explore every angle," Nightwind said firmly. "Vapor and I discussed, and we want a three-team split. Tomb, assist Gates in keeping the animals calm AND checking for drugs or foreign substances. Babbage, Spider-Girl, I want you reviewing footage and recordings - and check if any other odd incidents were reported at the same time as these; they cold have been distractions. Karate Kid, Gates, we should visit the sites of these incidents and see if we can find anything."

Seeing Beastmaster and Hotshot about to react, Vapor spoke up. "We're going too, of course. Stone Boy, go with Nightwind's team - you might be able to help spot something. Beastmaster, you and I will join Tellus. And Hotshot and Splitter..."

"Yeah, yeah, someone has to stay behind and do the boring studying," Hotshot waved his hand. "Don't worry, I'm sure we will see action soon enough.

"Thanks for being a team player, Staq," Vapor made sure to look pointedly at Gates and at Beastmaster. "Okay, team, let's hop to it!"

***********************************************************************************

Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony (Earth colony: Japan and Myanmar); skilled martial artist
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation, enhanced vision

Heroes of Lallor

Stone Boy, Dag Wentim of Zwen; turns self into stone

***********************************************************************************
"Ugh, this snow is worse than the Final Night*!" Gates snapped as he let his teleportation gate wink out. Operating Thresholds required a lot of energy and a Kwai guide, so for on-planet travel, Gates' own teleportation was a better option. He would never admit it to anyone except Brainiac 5, but he did like having this niche.

"Final Night, is that a new VR room scenario?" Stone Boy asked, innocently, as he shielded his eyes on reflex. The goggles they wore protected their eyes, and the transuits they wore kept them comfortably warm, but visibility was still poor from all the falling snow.

"Let me help clear this up," Nightwind quickly said, changing the subject.* Gates had been caught in the Final Night when he and others were stuck in the 20th century, but this time travel information was classified and known only to full Active Legionnaires, some of their support staff, some Time Institute researchers, and a selected few of the United Planets leadership. As a matter of security, Reserve Legionnaires and other Legion staff were only told the truth on a need-to-know basis. Waving her arms, Nightwind created a dome of clear air around them.

"Much better, thanks." Karate Kid immediately began to scan the area. "Sadly, the winds mean we won't find any tracks here, will we?"

"No," Nightwind admitted. "I think we'll have more luck in the grasslands myself..."

"... but we should still check everything out, eh?" Stone Boy finished. He pulled out his Omnicom. "Scans show there are some rocky mountains and caves over there." He pointed into the whiteness ahead. "If any clues here would be buried in snow, maybe something over there will have remained."

"Don't even ask me to teleport without being able to see!" Gates shook his head. "You might be fine materializing into a granite wall, but I would not recommend it!"

"Then we do it the old-fashioned way," Nightwind took to the air. "I'll clear a path; just tell me what direction to fly in, Stone Boy."

***********************************************************************************

Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair

Heroes of Lallor - have a cross-Reservist arrangement with the Legion

Hotshot, Staq Mavlen of Shwar; breathes fire
Splitter, Floyd Belkin of Lallor; ability to detach his limbs from his torso


***********************************************************************************

"Do you even need our help, Babbage?" Hotshot shook his head in amazement. "You're monitoring like ten streams live at the same time! I think only Brainiac 5 could do better!"

"We are a team, Hotshot," Babbage intoned. "And I believe your varied experiences can help detect something I would not..."

"Doesn't seem like it yet," Spider-Girl sighed, as she slowed down and rewound footage of the rampage in the rainforest. "I've been checking to see if any of the tourists in the holos are acting suspiciously, but if anyone here is a bad guy, they're pretty good actors!" She put her Omnicom down. "Maybe we have to take a different tack. If someone is causing these animals to rampage, why would they do so?"

"Uh... they are fighting for animal rights?" Hotshot offered. "Angry at tourists coming to visit?"

"Cross-referencing known animal rights activists..." Babbage intoned. "This is something I could not think of myself."

"That's one lead," Spider-Girl smiled. "Come on, keep going. Let's make a list."

"Maybe... someone wanted a distraction?" Splitter offered. "Either to steal something nearby, or conceal something..."

"Geo-locating and scanning..." Babbage continued.

"Now you're thinking!" Spider-Girl leaned back in her chair. "Now, Babbage, maybe cross-reference the timing of these incidents with any reported crimes or disappearances or accidents..."

Hotshot leaned forward as he watched Babbage jump between viewscreens. Wow, this kind of detective work was interesting after all!

***********************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) The Team 20 storyline was intentionally kept secret on orders from then-President RJ Brande; the cover story was that the Legionnaires were on a secret mission. The face reason was to spare Violet from further embarrassment, considering everyone already knew she was possessed by the Emerald Eye. I always thought the time travel aspect was the main reason for the secrecy, though; as time travel (and research into it) had been outlawed by the previous President, Jeanne Chu. Brande did open the Time Institute again, but maybe there was some concern about time paradoxes and whatnot.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Lallor

Tellus, Ganglios of Hykraius; telepathy and telekinesis (Reserve Legionnaire, Legion Cadet)
Tomb, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions (Reserve Legionnaire, Legion medical staff)

Heroes of Lallor - have a cross-Reservist arrangement with the Legion

Beastmaster, Ilshu Nor of Lallor; transform into any animal
Vapor, Tal Nahii of Lallor; transforms her body into gases

***********************************************************************************

Tellus and Tomb watched as a swirling mist encircled one of the Lallorian Earthquake Beasts in front of them. The second stood off to the side, but was gently causing the floor to vibrate with its tail. Tellus could tell that it was a means of comfort that the Beasts used.

The first Beast fell asleep, and the swirling mist coalesced into the familiar humanoid form of Vapor. "Nighty night, sweet thing."

"He's really scared," said the second Beast as it shifted back into Beastmaster. "He's just started out as a lone adult male, all by himself, and he's not used to all this." Beastmaster gestured around the enclosure. "It resembles his natural habitat, but it's still different... No other animals, no familiar sounds..."

"By the blessings of great Mother Ocean, he will be back where he belongs soon," Tellus said. "I pray that the tides will bring me where we need to go..."

"And while you do that, I will see what I can find." Tomb stepped forward and placed a hand on the Earthquake Beast's belly.

As they watched the two work, Vapor moved closer to Beastmaster. "Ilshu, a word?"

Ilshu glowered at Tal. "I will not be nicer to the Legionnaires, and I will not apologize for thinking badly of them!"

"You are being extremely snappy!" Tal kept her voice firm, low and flat. A shouting match was the last thing she needed now. "What's gotten into you, Ilshu? Are you being affected by whatever has affected these animals, too?"

Tal watched as Ilshu visibly struggled to contain himself. He had always been assertive, bordering on aggressive; but lately, his temper was like a supernova. "I care about you, Ilshu," she continued. stretching out her hand. "You and I, we were the first post-humans to be discovered on Lallor. I'm not asking this because I want to bring you in line, I just want to make sure you're well."

Ilshu's features softened, and he took Tal's hand in his. "I'm sorry, Tal. It... I..." he breathed in, keeping an eye on Tomb and Tellus; the former was still crouched down, while the latter was floating in the air, eyes closed. "You know that when I turn into one of these beasts, I become them. It takes effort to reassert my humanity, sometimes. And lately... they're all scared, and they don't know what happened to make them angry, and they don't fully understand what's happening..." He shook his head. "I gave into that side of myself during Legion Cadet training, and it was not easy to accept that I should not." He looked down at his minds. "I am still a human first, after all."

"Oh, Ilshu..." Tal pulled Ilshu to her, and hugged him. "I will help you as best as I can."

Though he was only meters away, Tomb crouched, eyes open but unseeing. Having touched the Earthquake Beast, he was now perceiving its body systems. Nothing foreign int he blood... Tomb thought; having scanned Beastmaster and a few other specimens, he already had a good idea of what would be normal n an Earthquake Beast. Nothing in the nerves... Nothing in the brain...

At the same time, Tellus immersed himself inside the Beast's mindscape. He tentatively reached out to where the memories were stored. Bracing himself, Tellus sank in.

Jumbled impressions. A pinprick, then falling asleep. Waking up, in this strange place.

Tellus jumped out and searched earlier.

Trudging through jungle. Thirst. Bending down to drink. Something out of the corner of its eye. Movement? Then a blinding flash. Rage! Pain!

Tellus' eyes opened, and it took all of his discipline not to send out a telepathic scream. Instead, Tellus screamed physically, on a wavelength only he could hear.

"Tellus? What's wrong?" Vapor's concerned voice fills Tellus' ears as she flew to him. "I saw you arch back and tumble in mid-air, are you okay?"

"I have... found the... memory," Tellus breathed. "If I can... record it... we need to... replay it... cannot quite... understand it..."

"You need to take a break after this," Vapor said as she guided Tellus out. "We can't have you pushing yourself too hard..."

*******************************************************************************************

Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony (Earth colony: Japan and Myanmar); skilled martial artist
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation, enhanced vision

Heroes of Lallor

Stone Boy, Dag Wentim of Zwen; turns self into stone

***********************************************************************************

Stone Boy grunted as he nearly tripped over a rock. "Ugh! I hate being in the dark! This cave is just so creepy!"

"I don't understand how you bipeds can walk such long distances!" Gates exclaimed. "Without my disks or my flight ring, I would never get anywhere!"

Karate Kid calmly reminded himself to hold his tongue. Having been raised with the utmost discipline, being drilled and trained over and over and over... He could never understand why some, such as Gates, who had such powers and privileges most of his species didn't have could complain so... instead, he focused on touching the rock around him. Something felt off and unnatural... "I feel something here, everyone." Shining his glow-bulb, Karate Kid pointed. "There is a hole in this rock wall, but it's smooth."

"Amazingly, unnaturally so," Nightwind observed. "I think we have a clue. Patching Babbage in..."

Nightwind held her Omnicom up against the rock face as Babbage appeared on screen. "What can you glean from this?"

"It was cut smoothly, as if by energy," Babbage intoned. "If I examine it up close, I can better tell what, but..."

"We'll leave a marker," Nightwind nodded. "We still have two more sites to visit. Gates, if you can bring us to the next site, then pick Babbage up?"

"Outside the cave," Gates tutted. "No teleportation indoors! Taxis can't park inside!"

"Understood," Babbage continued. "I will prepare and meet you outside."

***********************************************************************************

Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair

Heroes of Lallor - have a cross-Reservist arrangement with the Legion

Hotshot, Staq Mavlen of Shwar; breathes fire
Splitter, Floyd Belkin of Lallor; ability to detach his limbs from his torso


***********************************************************************************

"Already?" Hotshot exclaimed as Babbage ended the call with Nightwind. "But we were just getting somewhere here!"

"Then go with Babbage!" Spider-Girl didn't quite snap, but there was an edge in her voice as she typed increasingly quickly on the screen in front of her. "But don't interrupt, we're getting somewhere!"

Beside her, Splitter didn't even glance in Hotshot's direction. "Unrelated landslide on the same slope as the rainforest; and near the marine disturbance, a coral reef is recorded as having shifted slightly in position..."

"But..." Hotshot began. Spider-Girl and Splitter sssshed him simultaneously.

"I recommend that you accompany me," Babbage began moving out of the room. "They are in a flow state, and distractions will only disrupt their thinking..."

Hotshot sighed as he watched Spider-Girl and Splitter excitedly chatting and filing findings away. "Me and my big mouth..." he huffed, sending a sad-looking smoke ring, as he followed Babbage outside.
Posted By: razsolo Re: Animal Instinct (Post ZH Legion) - 02/15/23 07:14 AM
Hi IB - cool to see some more of the Heroes of Lallor!

Some commentary!

- Nightwind having a 1-1 with Tellus and Tomb is a clever idea, and one of those things it would make sense for the Legionnaires with different needs to do with missions generally!

- Babbage helping Tomb prepare was a neat way to get some insight on them both, I wonder do you find it particularly challenging writing Babbage at all? You always write Babbage consistent personality-wise, but I feel like I would probably struggle a bit with not having emotional connections or motivations to fall back on to find reasons for it to drive stories etc

- I like Spider-Girl playing detective, nice way of showing that Babbage might look superior on paper but they all have roles to play.

- I also liked Vapor (which is a MUCH better name than Gas Girl by the way :D) and Beastmaster's little chat...shades of poor Beast Boy back in the day. I was a bit confused about this bit though?
Quote
Tellus' eyes opened, and it took all of his discipline not to send out a telepathic scream. Instead, Tellus screamed physically, on a wavelength only he could hear.
It sounds like Vapor heard him as the next bit says she flew straight to him?
hey raz thanks for your comments, always appreciate them!!

When writing leadership like Nightwind, I always channel my own corporate experiences lol... lots of little details to think about, like members' different needs smile

thanks for the compliment re Babbage! TBH he is probably the most challenging Legionnaire for me to write, even above Lume and Brainiac 5. Lume and Brainy at least have emotions, while Babbage does not -- I always have to put on my "be dispassionate and logical" hat on whenever I write him! The one thing that does make it easier, is that Babbage is driven by doing a good job for the good of the team.

yeah, the human element brought by Spider-Girl and company helps balance out, TBH I was inspired by the Criminal Minds show, where you have the profilers doing the detective work while the tech analyst does the techie search work - so you need both wink

The "other" fashion for code names here made it easier to drop the Gas Girl name wink

yeah, poor Beastmaster - I was indeed inspired by that old Adventure story. let's hope Beastmaster has a happier ending than his Adventure Era counterpart tongue

oooh thanks for the catch! I have to go back and edit it - I'll have it that Vapor saw Tellus' physical reactions rather than hearing anything smile
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Lallor

Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony (Earth colony: Japan and Myanmar); skilled martial artist
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation, enhanced vision
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair

Tellus, Ganglios of Hykraius; telepathy and telekinesis (Reserve Legionnaire, Legion Cadet)
Tomb, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions (Reserve Legionnaire, Legion medical staff)

Heroes of Lallor - have a cross-Reservist arrangement with the Legion

Beastmaster, Ilshu Nor of Lallor; transform into any animal
Hotshot, Staq Mavlen of Shwar; breathes fire
Splitter, Floyd Belkin of Lallor; ability to detach his limbs from his torso
Stone Boy, Dag Wentim of Zwen; turns self into stone
Vapor, Tal Nahii of Lallor; transforms her body into gases

***************************************************************************************

Shiv Lassi rolled his eyes, not caring if the tourists beside him saw. "Oh my gosh," gushed the light-skinned Terran woman with slanted eyes and far too much makeup, as she pointed at the family of Zebra Tigers lounging in the shade of some giant Rainbow Mangroves. "They're so cute!"

Shiv bit his tongue; these creatures were majestic, but they were still wild. He was happy to observe them from the safety - and comfort - of their vehicle. The weather in the Lallorian Mangroves was far from pleasant...

He grit his teeth as two Alephians began chattering about how many animals there were here on Lallor, in contrast to their own world. Shiv himself preferred to see his own planet first; he'd travel to Naltor or Tharr or Colu some day, but he wanted to support his own...

His train of thought was interrupted by a heavyset man from Olo pointing at the water. "I see a dark shape, is that a Long-nosed Gavial?"

Then their craft began to rock violently. Shiv's icy demeanor dropped and he clutched at the tourist beside him in panic. "I don't want to die here!" Shiv heard himself screaming.

Then a gaping maw appeared at the window beside him, and Shiv fell into a dead faint.

"Call 111!" screamed one of the Alephian tourists, as she ducked to the floor.

Minutes later, above the craft, Nightwind tsked to herself as she surveyed the scene. The craft itself was, thankfully, intact and sealed; though she could see screaming sentients bouncing around inside. But her wind powers weren't at their best in the confines of a mangrove swamp... "Tellus, can your telekinesis lift the craft?"

"I will... try..." Tellus began.

"Let him answer, Gates," Nightwind said, a bit more sharply than she intended, as Gates opened his beak. A little annoyed at herself, Nightwind turned to Tellus. "If I support you with a bit of air, can you keep the craft steady?"

"I think... I can..." Tellus answered.

"Gates, please be on standby in case some sentients cannor evacuate by themselves," Nightwind continued, more softly. Gates nodded, tight-beaked. Using her flight ring loudspeaker, Nightwind addressed the sentients in the craft. "We are from the Legion of Super-Heroes! Please, buckle yourselves in; we will attempt to lift the craft out of range of the animals!"

Berta watched Tellus concentrate, as the two slowly lifted the craft.

Below them, Vapor's gaseous form hovered above the water. "I can't get to many of them," she called out. "Most of them are still below water, or diving too fast! I'm going to focus on animals on the trees!" And with that, she moved over to a rather nasty-looking Monkey-Eating Eagle that was cawing in challenge. Surrounding the eagle, she gently made it fall asleep.

"I can lure some away," Stone Boy flew to the far end of the water. "My stone form SHOULD be tough enough..." His skin turning grey, indicating his transformation; and he fell with a loud plop into the soft silt.

"Brrrr," Spider-Girl shuddered as she watched some of the Gavials swim up to Stone Boy's immobile form, which was now waist-deep in water. Thankfully, none of their bites so much as scratched him. "I'd rather not be touched by any of these things..." Looking around, she spotted a few vines. Giving thanks that her transuit fit her like a glove and allowed her hair its maximum range of movement, she grabbed a few branches and waved them around. "Here kitties, here kitties..." being careful to keep far out of range of the Zebra Tigers, she began leading them away from the tourist craft.

Hotshot positioned himself at another end of the river. He looked around in annoyance; there were too many plants. How could he be sure he wouldn't cause a forest fire... "Ah," he smiled to himself. Flying over to where the river was wider, he breathed flames down towards the water surface. Sensing the hotter temperatures, the Gavials below began swimming back towards the main herd.

Finally, Karate Kid and Beastmaster positioned themselves below Nightwind, Tellus and Gates. Gates was now using small-diameter teleport disks with precision, to cut branches that were blocking the tourist craft from advancing. Tellus was completely concentrating on the craft, while Nightwind was simultaneously helping with the lift and with verbally calming the tourists inside.

Suddenly, a Crested Baboon leapt from one of the trees right at Gates. Karate Kid deftly intercepted it, and spun it around with just enough force to send it tumbling through the trees. The Baboon smacked its back on one of the branches and slumped down, unconscious but unharmed.

"Primate probably thinks all insectoids are food..." Gates muttered.

Before anyone could answer, a pair of Web-winged Pterosaurs flew down, screeching.

"These are mine," Beastmaster flew past Karate Kid, transforming into a Scythian Chimera as he did so. Before Karate Kid could say anything, a Horned Ring-Serpent began to coil its way at him. Val put Beastmaster out of his mind and focused on the snake, eyeing it warily for any sudden movements.

Up above, Beastmaster let his flight ring carry him even as he spread his wings out to be as threatening as possible. He made all three of his heads give out warning cries.

The Pterosaurs looked at each other. Then the larger one threw its head back to screech. Beastmaster snarled in return, letting his tail snake out behind him. He watched the two Pterosaurs warily...

"Beastmaster, behind you!" Ilshu's lion ears heard Karate Kid's warning. But before he could turn, he felt talons slash his back!

"Aarrrh!" Ilshu shifted his form into a Zwennian Stonefly's. Three more Pterosaurs began screeching. Stupid, flew right into an ambush, he thought.

Looking down, he saw that Karate Kid was alone, and now dodging and weaving between at least half a dozen apes and snakes. Nightwind and company had gone off in the distance. Ilshu knew he was alone.

He shifted again, this time into a Winged Tentacled Goblin. His bipedal primate form came with eight tentacles; perfect for a melee battle. Screeching, he threw himself at the nearest Pterosaur and began to flail his arms. He could feel other tentacles of his connecting with the rest of the flock. The sounds of the jungle filled his ears, and his eyes turned red.

*Beastmaster!*

Ilshu felt his mind being coaxed into reality. As his vision cleared, he stared down at his arms, still in the form of the Goblin. They were covered in blood. A struggling Pterosaur was flapping desperately a little bit below him. Another dangled helplessly from three of his tentacles; and he could see three more forms below him.

"What..."

*I had to enter your mind, Beastmaster," Tellus intoned. "You were... going..."

"Out of control!" Gates snapped.

"Ilshu!" Vapor materialized in front of him. "You were caught up in a frenzy."

"Did I..." Ilshu looked around. He loved animals, and knew their attack wasn't their fault. "Are all the Pterosaurs..."

"Some are badly hurt, but Tomb is healing them," Nightwind said quietly.

"They will be fine," Tomb called from below. "Only skin wounds. Nothing internal."

"Oh grife..." Beastmaster shifted back to his normal form, and buried his face in his hands. "I was lost in..."

"You became one with your form," Karate Kid said gently. "I suppose you really transform into the animals you become..."

"Maybe... Maybe I should stop being Beastmaster..." Ilshu wanted to hit something.

"Maybe some telepaths could help. Tellus was able to reach you!" Vapor sounded almost pleading.

"I did feel a connection..." Tellus began.

Before Ilshu could react, Splitter's eager voice came over the flight ring array. "Hey, Babbage and I found something! It was just like Spider-Girl's hunch! I think we've got them!"

"Okay," Nightwind took charge. "Let's get these animals to safety and make sure no tourists are in the area. Then let's get some rest, " with this, she spared a glance for Beastmaster and Vapor, "and review what we've found. Okay?"

Affirmative responses came all around. Tellus flew closer to Beastmaster. "Ilshu Nor... I could feel your animal rages, but I could also feel your inner desire to protect us. And I could feel your mind respond to me when I asked you to stop. I... I think I can help you... and maybe you can help me."

Beastmaster looked up. "What do you-"

"Your confidence and strength filled me too, Ilshu. When you are in animal form, I can connect better. I have never felt so in synch with any other Legionnaire... I think your sentience even as an animal gives me something to anchor myself to..." Tellus continued.

"If you can help each other, that would be wonderful," Nightwind said softly. She looked at Vapor. "I think, after we solve these animal rampages, you and I need to make a call to Kid Quantum...

"But for now, let's get going," Vapor finished. "The middle of a mangrove swamp isn't the ideal place to talk about this."

Beastmaster wordlessly flew after the others. "Tellus, wait up." As Tellus turned to him, Ilshu began to wonder. He knew Tellus seemed so alien to some others, but for Ilshu himself - who could turn to many forms - he did feel strangely comfortable. "Tell me more about how we can help each other..."

"Perhaps... with your permission... I can show you..."

Ilshu hesitated, then nodded in agreement.

As Tellus reached out telepathically, Ilshu began to understand. Tellus' mind was like an anchor for him, too. And he could feel Tellus gaining more resolve, as Tellus drew on Ilshu's own emotions.

The two flew silently through the treetops, both contemplating the future.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Lallor

Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony (Earth colony: Japan and Myanmar); skilled martial artist
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation, enhanced vision
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair

Tellus, Ganglios of Hykraius; telepathy and telekinesis (Reserve Legionnaire, Legion Cadet)
Tomb, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions (Reserve Legionnaire, Legion medical staff)

Heroes of Lallor - have a cross-Reservist arrangement with the Legion

Beastmaster, Ilshu Nor of Lallor; transform into any animal
Hotshot, Staq Mavlen of Shwar; breathes fire
Splitter, Floyd Belkin of Lallor; ability to detach his limbs from his torso
Stone Boy, Dag Wentim of Zwen; turns self into stone
Vapor, Tal Nahii of Lallor; transforms her body into gases

***************************************************************************************

Leena "Sprocker" Antal jabbed a finger at the chest of the Tyrazzian leader. "Listen, Tyr," she spat. "You Tyrazzians may be the technological brains of this operation, but we Sklarians are the thieves and raiders! We want AND deserve a bigger share of the cut!"

"Don't make me break your finger," Tyr growled as he loomed over the shorter Leena. "Without our sub-sonic transmissions, you would not have the distractions you needed to actually go and steal these resources!" As if to accentuate his point, a clump of faulknerite* ore tumbled out of the pile.

"Lusyo!" Sprocker and Tyr screamed in unison. A tall, timid-looking biped that looked like a horse** came rushing up, his forearms waving wildly and his brow furrowed. "Y-yes, Ma'am Sprocker, Sir Tyr..."

"You didn't stack them properly!" Sprocker yelled. "Our clients pay top dollar for this, you better protect this nass or you won't get a cut!"

"And you'll get a whupping too!" Tyr smacked Lusyo on the side of the head with his gun-arm. Lusyo knelt on the floor, rubbing his head. "No, no, sorry Sir Tyr, Ma'am Sprocker, I'll fix it!" Lusyo scurried away and began moving the pile, piece by piece.

"Now," Tyr turned toward Sprocker. "You were going to accept 30% of the profits."

"We DESERVE 75%!" Sprocker drew her knife. With a flick of the wrist, she jammed it into a joint in Tyr's left cyber-arm. "Any less, and I'll take out your good eye."

"Such violence. You could use a little bit of calm," came a high-pitched, feminine voice.

"What the s-" before Sprocker could finish her sentence, she dropped like a bag of rocks to the floor.

Tyr reacted instantly, cursing his compatriot - his arm didn't hurt, but he didn't dare use it without running diagnostics. "All hands on deck, posthuman attack!" Activating his built-in transuit, he watched intently as his suit sealed himself into safety.

What he didn't see was the green teleportation disk opening above him, or the grey immobile form of Stone Boy falling through it. Tyr crumpled like so much paper as Stone Boy knocked him unconscious.

Babbage, Spider-Girl, Karate Kid and Splitter quickly exited. "Wow!" Splitter stood, slack-jawed. "It worked, it worked! How did you know what kind of signals to monitor for, and how to trace them?"

"Detective work and process of elimination," Spider-Girl said flatly. "We can debrief later."

"Yes, now we have to focus," Karate Kid admonished Splitter gently.

"I suppose you'll find your own way out?" Gates joked as he closed his gate. "I have to go bus Nightwind around..."

Vapor reformed her head. "My work is done here, I'm going to scout around." Turning back into gas, she headed for the vents.

Babbage dashed to the controls. "I am synching with this cruiser..."

A series of blasts interrupted Babbage. "Ah, here comes the cavalry," Spider-Girl pointed. "Hey, don't you nassheads realize you're damaging your own ship??"

"I expected more from the group that stymied us for so long," Splitter nodded. "But I guess we took the brains of the operation out." Detaching one arm, he threw it at the lead Sklarian just so; without the body armor that her Tyrazzian companions wore, she was knocked out cold.

"Nice throw," Spider-Girl smiled. She quickly whipped her hair out to grab Splitter's arm with one tendril, and the fallen Sklarian's blaster in another. "I'll take this side..."

"And I'll cover this one," Karate Kid replied. He went silent, so he could analyze the situation. Ten armed opponents, six Tyrazzians and four Sklarians. The Sklarians were more agile, but the Tyrazzians tougher. Val knew what he had to do. Launching himself just so, he punched the lead Sklarian, then pivoted so he could fling her into the next two. He picked up one of their blasters and took out the last Sklarian. Now, he could concentrate on the six Tyrazzians...

"Karate Kid, watch out!" Splitter called.

"Don't bother, Floyd," Spider-Girl smiled. "He's in his happy place. Help me cover Babbage." As she used the blaster to clock yet another Tyrazzian, another tangle of her hair pulled the legs out of an advancing Sklarian.

"My pleasure," Splitter tried not to let his nerves sound. Watching Spider-Girl on one end and Karate Kid on the other, he was sort of glad that he could focus on watching Babbage. He picked up a fallen blaster with his remaining arm, and kept watch as Babbage tried to take over the ship.

A hatch opened above them, and a Sklarian poked out. "Sprocking filthy Robotican!" she aimed at Babbage.

Splitter quickly fired his blaster, wounding the Sklarian on the arm. The shock of the blast jostled her, and she fell out. "Argh!!" she spat at Splitter. "You're going to help that Robotican kill us all?!"

"My people deeply regret the actions we took when we were controlled by COMPUTO,"** Babbage spoke without pausing its work. "We are doing our best to atone, and we have reinstated our Asimov Circuits. I am incapable of doing harm to sentient life. And I am bound to ensure that you will not be harmed..." Babbage cocked its head to inspect the Sklarian's arm. "...More than necessary." What Babbage left out, as now wasn't the time, was that the Asimov Circuits had been reconfigured slightly. The original wording of the first law was: "A robot may not harm humanoid life." "Humanoid" had been replaced with "sentient", and the definition of harm had been adjusted to allow for causing minor injuries in the aim of saving other sentients. Babbage could, for example, have blasted the Sklarian's arm at low intensity, if she had been about to shoot Splitter.*****

"So, if you'll be a good prisoner and stay still," Splitter quickly rushed behind the Sklarian and slapped some cuffs on her. He exhaled in relief; "... and now let me close that hatch..." he muttered, as Babbage continued to work.


****************************************************************************************

Outside the ship, Gates opened another teleport disk. "Your chariot is here, your majesty," Gates quipped as he came out to greet Nightwind and Hotshot. Berta just ignored him; Gates never stopped complaining, anyway. "Okay, disarming time," Nightwind pointed to the weapons on the left side of the ship. Focusing her powers, she sliced off a couple of gun turrets; Hotshot melted a few more; and Gates opened his disks just so, slicing firing mechanisms in half.

Suddenly, a hatch opened on the side and six more guns emerged.

"How many weapons does this thing have?" Hotshot complained as he melted one more shut.

"It's a Tyrazzian ship, remember?" Nightwind replied as she ripped the hatch off its hinges, sending it slamming into the two Tyrazzian operators inside. "These always came armed to the gills."

"Filthy warmonging heartless buffoons!" Gates muttered.

"Why Gates, your insults are getting more and more creative," Nightwind teased as she began summoning the winds around her.

****************************************************************************************

Elsewhere on the ship, Tellus flew ahead of Tomb and Beastmaster. "The captive animals are here, I can sense their fear and confusion!" Tellus said.

"I almost couldn't believe how cruel these thieves are," Beastmaster spat. "So they captured members of these species, so they could program their subsonic ray to induce anger and fear in other animals?"

"Ssstop right there!" A Dominator with an oval that marked her as a scientist stepped out. Behind her stood a squad of Sklarian and Tyrazzian guards. "Do not..."

Beastmaster did not even let her stop. Transforming into a Jovian mastodon, he barreled towards the guards. The Sklarians ducked out first, and the Tyrazzians tried to fire but were met with Tellus' telekinetic shield. Soon, they too scattered, allowing Beastmaster to crash through the door behind them. Ripping the door open, Beastmaster snarled as he saw row upon row of energy cages.

"Beastmaster, please see to the animals. We will take care of the personnel," Tellus called telepathically. Remembering to ration his power, Tellus picked up some light debris and propelled them at the heads of guards still standing, knocking them out.

"I prefer this way," Tomb smiled as he approached the Dominator scientist. "You are not the first Dominator I have met." Staring into her eyes, Tomb simply uttered a command. "You want to sleep." The scientist's eyes rolled up in her head as she fainted.

"There are more in her!" Beastmaster called telepathically. Tellus and Tomb quickly rushed in, to see Ilshu Nor had turned into a Mimbian Brontopod. He was wrestling with at least eight more Tyrazzian guards.

Tomb quickly spotted a quartet of Dominator scientists in the back of the room. "I will take those," he said, and flew off. "You help Beastmaster. I think he will need it."

Before Tellus could respond, Beastmaster let out a wounded wail as one of the Tyrazzians shot him in the side. Blood flowing down his wound, he turned on his attacker and moved as if to slash him.

"Ilshu, remember who you are!" Tellus called out telepathically, even as he used his tail to swat another Sklarian away. "You are Lallorian first!"

Ilshu slowed, and shifted instead into a Xanthusian Great Ape. He swatted at the Tyrazzian, knocking him out. "Thank you, Tellus. Non-lethal force."

"That is the Legion way," Tellus replied, sending a jolt of happiness and encouragement along their telepathic link.

"These scum do not deserve sweet dreams," Tomb added from the back of the room; he had gotten close enough to affect the scientists. "I am inducing some nightmares in them, to show them the error of their ways..."

"And finally, the last one," Beastmaster called as he felled the last two guards. "Now, let's see to the captives."

Tellus sighed as he looked at the number of cages. There were at least thirty. "I will try to calm them, but they are so many..."

"Will it help if I transform into each species in turn?" Ilshu offered. "Then you can link me to them..."

"Yes," Tellus said as he tucked his tail under him. "We might as well begin, it will take time..."

Ilshu turned into the first species, a Majestic Monkrat. Tellus linked with Ilshu, and began to drink in the simplicity and earnestness of Ilshu's animal mind. As a human, Ilshu had the same doubts and fears and complexity of any other sentient... but as an animal, the baser and purer instincts came forward. And to Tellus, this was actually much easier to manage... it was somehow purer and simpler.

As Ilshu and Tellus calmed the Monkrat, Tomb then came to check on its vital signs and ensure no injuries were present. And even when Babbage called, to say it had taken control of the ship and was flying it to the Lallor Armed Forces Airbase, none of the three replied.

Nearly an hour later, the three finally finished.

****************************************************************************************

Back at the Heroes of Lallors' headquarters, Babbage, Nightwind and Vapor sat together. Spider-Girl had led Splitter and Hotshot in cataloguing the mineral resources that the raiders had stolen; while Tellus, Tomb, Beastmaster and Gates returned each of the animals to their natural habitats. Karate Kid and Stone Boy were assisting the Science Police in decommissioning the raiders' ship.

"It appears that this technology was developed by the Dominators and Tyrazzians together," Babbage reported. "But Tellus was unable to determine more than that through telepathic scans."

"I trust you'll report this," Nightwind said. "It's a new and potentially very dangerous weapon."

"Already done," Babbage responded.

"Thanks, Babbage. And now for the hard part..." Vapor said. "Do you think Kid Quantum will be upset that I've invited Tellus to stay?"

"It's what he wants, too," Nightwind smiled. "And while Tellus is competent, I think he will be happier here, away from the cacophony of minds on Legion World..." She watched as Tellus and Beastmaster returned a Polar Penguin-Bear to its home on the southern pole. "I haven't seen him this confident before."

"And I haven't seen Ilshu so calm and in control before, either," Vapor noted. "They're good for each other."

"Then we're agreed," Berta smiled. She tapped on her Omnicom, and the familiar face of Kid Quantum appeared on the screen. "Hello ladies," Jazmin said, earrings dangling. "Ready to come home from Lallor, Berta?"

"About that, Jazmin..." Berta began.

****************************************************************************************

"Be well, Tellus," Tomb came up to his former fellow Cadet. "I am happy you are finding your own place."

"Thank you, my friend. And I am happy you have found yours, too," Tellus replied.

Gates came up. "Tellus, I-"

"Please, friend Gates," Tellus said firmly. "I know you believe I belong in the Legion, but my heart tells me I will be more effective here, working with Beastmaster. I can focus more here; the variety of minds on Legion World is simply too much."

"I WAS going to congratulate you for making a good decision," Gates said, a bit sheepishly. "I realize my encouragement was expressed harshly... for what it's worth, I think you have made an excellent decision."

"Oh!" Tellus couldn't hide his surprise. "Well, I thank you very much, friend Gates."

"But if you ever decide to join the Legion full-time...!" Gates began.

"I think you need to know when to quit, Gates," Nightwind laughed as she stepped up to Tellus. "Let's visit often, okay? You still have to come collect your belongings and update the other Cadets personally, you know."

"With the Thresholds, we will never be far from each other," Tellus replied. "May the tides bring you to good places, Nightwind."

****************************************************************************************

Splitter frowned at the database he was building. "I could have sworn that Babbage's initial download said there were 85 tons of ore in total. But our counts show only 84.7!"

Hotshot didn't even look up from the holo-game he was playing with Stone Boy. "That's not a big discrepancy, is it?"

"No, but..."

"Ah, even Legionnaires can get it wrong," Hotshot waved Splitter off.

"Maybe the raiders miscounted. Or rounded up," Stone Boy added. "Hey! That move isn't fair, Staq!"

"Tell that to the referee," Staq teased.

"I guess you're right..." Splitter trailed off.

****************************************************************************************

As darkness fell over the Lallorian Highlands, a shadow shifted. Lusyo emerged, eyes twinkling. Those stupid thieves had never suspected that timid Lusyo was a plant...

Hefting the sack on his back, he carried his precious cargo along. The Pig had been right; Lusyo could feel the magical energies contained in the gems in the sack. To all those not magically inclined, these would look like plain, unpolished rock; but Lusyo could see the sparkling colors signifying magical energy behind them.

And now that he had moved far enough away from the site of the Legion's raid, he could leave this blasted planet.

With this little offering, Lusyo was positive he would claim the seat for the Horse. Shifting the shadows, he opened a warp to Pon and stepped through.

****************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Yes, named after Kitty Faulkner from the 20th century STAR Labs! She appeared in LSH 88, having given the time-lost Legionnaires shelter... though she kicked them out after Brainiac 5 and Impulse nearly destroyed STAR Labs.

2) Yes, Lusyo is based partially on H'Hrnath, but also on the Phlippine mystical creature tikbalang.

3) See L* 78, Legion Worlds 4, and Legion 9-14 for the full Robotica/COMPUTO story!

4) Full wording of the 3 laws: 1) A Robot may not harm sentient life. 2) A robot may not commit an act that will indirectly harm sentient life. 3) A robot may not, through inaction, cause a sentient life form to come to harm.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Aleph

Aleph is an archaeologist's dream. Among the United Planets worlds, Aleph has the biggest concentration of ancient ruins relative to its size. Many of these ruins and artifacts hint at a magical civilization that thrived long ago. Researchers have recently theorized that this civilization ended around the time the wizard conqueror Mordru began consolidating star systems into his empire; speculation is that Mordru destroyed the ancient Alephians for resisting him, leaving the ruined world as a testament to his power and wiping most of the memories of the survivors.

One archaeological camp believes that the keys to unlocking Aleph's past lie elsewhere, on other worlds touched by Mordru or by magic. One of the most prominent of these advocates is Azra Saugin, who is also the mother of Legionnaire Zoe Saugin, code-named Kinetix.

- excerpt from the Journey to the Past podcast


Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electric manipulation
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter (Legion World head chef, Reserve Legionnaire)

Lori Morning of 20th century Earth (USA); RJ Brande's adopted daughter
Proty of Vyrga; shapeshifting and limited telepathy

*************************************************************

The Legion cruiser glided through the darkness of space. "I've missed this!" XS smiled as she gently guided the cruiser on its path. "We've gotten so used to Thresholds*, that I think most of us have forgotten how to pilot one of these!"

"I've heard some of the Cadets - and even some of the newer Legionnaires - say that we should drop pilot training," Violet said thoughtfully. "Kid Quantum put her foot down hard when she heard those, though. It's still a useful skill to have." She looked off into the darkness of space. "I like it. It is amazingly peaceful out here."

"More so out there than in here," XS laughed, as she gestured towards their friends.

"I can't believe you let Blizzard off the hook!" Spark stuck her tongue out at Kinetix. "Seriously, we're going to a fashion institute named after YOU, and your boyfriend isn't coming along?"**

"Well, I don't see YOUR boyfriend here!" Zoe rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, well that academy isn't named for ME, is it?" Ayla teased back.

"Whoa, whoa, we're all friends here!" Ferro held his hands up.

Ayla and Zoe both looked at him, then at each other. Ayla lifted her eyebrow as if to say, "Boys..." Zoe shook her head, as if in annoyance at being misinterpreted.

"They're just having fun, Ferro," Tenzil winked as he gently patted Ferro on the shoulder. "They're not going to actually punch each other or anything."

"Oh," was all Ferro said, before sitting down dejectedly.

"Don't feel so bad, Andy," Element Lass said kindly. "So, I heard that you used to sew back in your own time. Have you thought of taking it up again?"****

"I've been trying," Ferro sighed as he looked down at his hands. "But, well, I'm still trying to get used to having heavier fingers... I can make do with a sewing machine - Gear kindly built one for me using pictures... but I can't do anything with a sewing needle!"

"That is so, like, a millennium ago!" Lori Morning piped up. Proty, sat on her shoulder, jolted a bit at her sudden reaction. Though she and Ferro came from the same time*****, Lori had embraced the future much more eagerly than Ferro had. "We have way more efficient ways to make clothes now!"

Seeing Ferro slump dejectedly, Candi shot a look at Lori. Lori bit her lip. "Although... I do get why you'd want to have some hobbies..."

"And your hobby of making clothes is exactly why I invited you along," Zoe smiled as she tapped Ferro's shoulder. "And why you're judging the contest later."

"And I'm only to cater the refreshments for that, am I?" Tenzil said jokingly.

"Hey, you wanted your name to be out there as an up-and-coming chef, didn't ya?" Ayla stuck her tongue out. "Plus, Vi would never have forgiven us if we didn't - hey!" Ayla yelled out as Violet tossed a stuffed animal at her.

Candi chuckled to herself as she watched Ayla retaliate by generating static all over Salu's hair. "After all we've been through as a team, it's great to see that we can still horse around and have fun... Too bad that dear Kid Quantum isn't much into fashion, and that Insect Queen and Particon, are on vacation now - they make such a lovely couple! Oh, and I hope Sensor is enjoying her visit home... but it would have been fun if they were all here!"

She leaned back to watch Ayla, Vi and Zoe play-bickering, as the Legion cruiser approached Aleph.

**************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Introduced by DNA, the Thresholds are doorways to anywhere . The technology came from the Kwai/Second Galaxy, which Brainiac 5 studied and re-engineered (Invisible Kid and Gear helped). They just require a navigator to use. This is the role the Kwai, Shikari's people, play with their pathfinding sense.

2) See Volume 1. Zoe's mom Azra got Monstress' dad to fund the Zoe and Candi Institute of Design, as a way to honor the legacies of both Kinetix and Monstress. They both shared a love of fashion, after all!

3) Ferro used to sew in the 20th century! See LSH 93, LSH 94...

4) Recap: Ferro first encountered Superman, then the Legion, during the Team 20 storyline (Adventure of Superman 540, LSH 86). Cosmic Boy brought him along to the future because Ferro was an orphan with no family. Lori Morning was brought to the 30th century by the time-travelling villain Chronos (LSH 75, L* 32); she was also an orphan and decided to stay.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Aleph

Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electric manipulation
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter (Legion World head chef, Reserve Legionnaire)

Lori Morning of 20th century Earth (USA); RJ Brande's adopted daughter
Proty of Vyrga; shapeshifting and limited telepathy

Mabuhay Corazon of Aleph; fashion design student and Legion costume consultant; childhood friend of Kinetix

*************************************************************

"What, no giant statues of you two?" Spark teased Element Lass and Kinetix as they approached the Zoe and Candi Institute of Design. "I mean, statues would complement those big letters with your names on them!"

"Spark, you're just envious that your parents didn't build some sprocking lightning rod with your name on it," Kinetix rolled her eyes.

"They're still just teasing each other, Ferro, don't worry," Violet whispered into Ferro's ear. Ferro just nodded awkwardly.

Before Spark could retort, a heavyset, dark-skinned young woman with elaborately coiffed long hair ran up to the group. "Girl!!!" she held her arms out at Zoe.

"Mabuhay! Girl!!!" Zoe hugged her old friend tight. Then she made a show of pushing Mabuhay back a bit so she could eye her up and down. "You made this yourself, didn't you?"

"Of course!" Mabuhay giggled as she spun around slowly. It was an iridescent skirt and blouse, with alternating coiling stripes of white, blue and silver. Tasteful jewelry completed the look.

"The blue is too dark, girl!" Zoe made a show of gagging. "You look like an overripe pluberry!"

"Well, YOUR outfit looks like something your mother would wear," Mabuhay made a show of turning her head away and holding her hand out in disgust. Zoe and Mabuhay giggled as they hugged again.

"Oh, I think your outfit is perfect!" Candi cooed.

Zoe smiled as she turned to face the group. "Mabuhay, you've met Violet before." Violet waved. "Oh, come here, girl," Mabuhay pulled Vi close and kissed her on the lips. Zoe quickly introduced the rest, and Mabuhay made sure to hug each one - even Lori, though she had to stoop a bit to reach her. Zoe had briefed her very well in advance, and Mabuhay knew that Lori was touchy about her young age. "Welcome to the Institute, folks! You have the best, most promising student as your guide!" She made as if she were whispering a secret. "I'm not just bragging, I'm in the running for class valedictorian!"

"And, she's been invited to display her collection at Ventura Fashion Week," Zoe whispered conspiratorially.

"No, oh my goodness, that's wonderful! That is THE fashion event of the galaxy!" Candi clapped.

"You're all invited," Mabuhay winked. "I can bring four more guests, anyway, so you'll have to fight amongst yourselves."

"They can have it; I hate fashion, I'm only here for the food," Spark whispered to Tenzil.

Mabuhay continued, as if she had not heard. "Zoe and Vi have dibs of course, and so do you, Candi, cause you have an eye for fashion. Now, come on, we have plenty of things to see!" Mabuhay motioned, and the group followed.

"The Institute isn't terribly large, and the philosophy is on quality over quantity," Mabuhay gestured as they entered the reception area. "We make sure we have plenty of space for everyone! And by the way, you probably already know that Aleph is full of funky ancient ruins, yes?" Violet and XS nodded, but the rest - except Zoe - looked puzzled. "You can see some ancient temples in the distance - " Mabuhay pointed, and everyone looked to follow; Ferro took his Omnicom out and made a holo. "And the building itself is designed in what archaeologists call the Old Aleph style. Watch the pointy spires!"

Mabuhay turned into one of the hallways. As she did, Proty began shifting its form to copy the outfits of sentients they passed in the hallways. "Over here are our design labs. Hey, Prats!" She waved to a dark-skinned young man who was trying to pin some fabric to a mannequin.

Prats looked up and nearly dropped his scissors. "Oh my stars! You!" He walked over to Zoe and Candi. "You! The founders! Well, not founders, but you know what I mean! The inspiration for this marvelous place!"

"Guilty as charged," Zoe laughed. "And you are Prats...?"

"We call him Plaid Lad,"** Mabuhay teased. "Come on, show them what you can do!"

Prats threw his head back in exasperation. "My dear Mabuhay! I am more than just my power!"

"You have powers?" Lori asked, impressed.

"Oh, these powers are a sight!" Mabuhay egged Prats on. "Come on, show them!"

Prats made a big show of sighing. "Fine. Look down at your clothes."

Everyone gasped as their outfits suddenly transformed into chequered patterns, though they retained some semblance of their color schemes. XS looked down at her yellow, white and blue shirt. "Wow, this is... uh..."

"Oh, I'm under no illusions," Prats shook his head. "I KNOW I'm not going to fight crime or solve hunger with this. But, it helps me create, so it's all good!"

The group spent a few minutes chatting, before Mabuhay motioned them to go on. "Plaid Lad" was still waving even as they left the room.

Lori looked at Violet uncomfortably as she watched Zoe and Mabuhay chatting and giggling. "Violet..." Lori began.

"Yes, Lori?" Violet tore herself away from staring in awe at the designs being displayed all around.

"Aren't you... I don't know..." Lori shifted. "Aren't you kind of annoyed that Zoe and Mabuhay are so..."

"Oh, Lori," Violet smiled. "I'm not. Zoe told me once - Mabuhay is her oldest friend, but I'm her best friend." She patted Lori on the shoulder. "I don't mind sharing."

"Okay..." Lori sounded unconvinced.

"Ah, and here is our Publicity team!" Mabuhay gestured to a quartet of sentients. One had a holo-camera, another was fiddling with some lights, a third was wheeling some dresses and clothing over, and the fourth was taking notes furiously on their Omnicom. But a fifth sentient was stood in the middle, hands on hips. She turned to face the group, and her familiar features were instantly recognized by all.

"Oh, darlings!" Yera Liggle**** rushed over. The staff with the holo-camera began scowling, but Yera simply said "sorry, one second please!"

"Yera!" XS was the first to hug her. "Haven't seen you since you left the Cadet program - not in the flesh, anyway! But your holo..."

"I loved your acting!" Element Lass gushed. "When you cried in that one scene..."

"Oh thank you, thank you!" Yera bounced. "I'm so glad some of you could attend, I know how busy you all must be."

"So, are you branching into modelling, then?" Tenzil asked.

"No, acting is still my first love," Yera smiled. "But one must promote oneself; and besides, we are contracting the Institute for our costume design! Mabuhay is going to make one for my next holo!"

"Ugh, I hope you can still choose someone else," Zoe quipped. Mabuhay stuck her tongue out at Zoe.

After chatting for a bit more, the Legionnaires took their leave; though Jenni and Candi kept waving to Yera even as they exited.

"Now, I have one more surprise for you..." Mabuhay rounded the corner, and the group gasped as they entered a sumptuous lounge.

Except Candi, who inhaled sharply at the tall, pale-skinned, well-dressed man who smiled warmly. "Daddy!"

"Princess!" Candi's father moved forward and hugged her. He had to look up at her. "It's so good to see you."

"What a surprise, Daddy!" Candi cooed.

"Well, I did fund this wonderful institution," Candi's dad smiled. "Thanks to Zoe's mother."* He gestured towards Zoe, who nodded and smiled.

"Mister Le-Parc..." Tenzil began.

"Ah, Mister Kem! Yes, I will respond tonight about the menu for the house party you're catering," Candi's dad nodded. He briskly walked around the room, giving firm handshakes to each. Then he turned back to Candi. "I regret that I can't stay longer, my dear, but I will see you next week at our company anniversary, yes?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the universe," Candi kissed her father bye on the cheek.

As Candi's dad left, Mabuhay spread her arms. "Well, it's been quite a whirlwind, hasn't it?"

"You're telling me, it's gone faster than XS running a marathon," Ayla plopped herself on a couch, and grabbed a nearby pitcher of juice. "Can we rest now?"

"That's why we're in the lounge, silly," Mabuhay laughed. "Relax, enjoy... we have a couple of hours before the fashion design contest."

"And Mabuhay, do you know if..." Zoe began.

"Your mom and bro should be JUST in time for the contest," Mabuhay laughed. "That's what they told the secretariat, anyway."

"Sounds just like her," Zoe sighed. "At least she remembered to actually notify the staff!"

"I'd better take my leave, then," Tenzil bowed out. "Need to get the cooking started."

"Oh, I'll help, dear!" Candi raised her hand. "If you need it, anyway."

"With pleasure, milady," Tenzil bowed.

"Aren't you going to stake your claim, Vi?" Ayla made a point of pushing Vi forward.

"Eh, I'll just get in the way," Violet said as she pecked Tenzil on the cheek. "Unless you really need it."

"I think I have enough hands," Tenzil smiled as he kissed Vi's cheek. "See you all later."

Vi smirked at Ayla, grabbing the pitcher beside her. "Now, be nice and let the rest of us relax, Ayla."

As Tenzil and Candi left the room, Ferro, Zoe, Mabuhay, Vi, Ayla, Jenni, Lori and Proty sat down and began chatting.

*****************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Yes, "Plaid Lad' is a rebooted version of that one-shot wonder and Legion reject, Plaid Lad from the SW6 era.

2) Yes, Yera Liggle is a rebooted version of Yera Allon/Chameleon Girl.

3) See volume 1 for the origin of the Institute!
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Dangerous Designs (Post ZH Legion) - 02/18/23 08:41 PM
Yikes! I need to figure out where I left off!!! laugh
The recap thread can (hopefully) help tongue you definitely commented on Garth and Imra's wedding tongue
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Dangerous Designs (Post ZH Legion) - 02/19/23 02:49 AM
Yes, I've bookmarked it - Now to start with my trusty Notepad handy to stream of consciousness four months of your stuff!!! laugh (and then raz, and then Harbi!)
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Xanthu Reborn - 02/19/23 03:42 AM
Not sure as to how best present this for your V4, so I'll just do it in chunks based on the date of the posts...

10/31:

Dreaming as analagous to a search engine is brilliant. Also, Lydda's reasoning to be on the Xanthu team makes perfect sense.

For Porcupine Pete - take a look at the scifi concept of the Gauss gun or the Needler from the Halo video game. That's totally where I'd go with him, but that's me. :)'

Great jeopardy with the Asteroid - Legion stories really get good when the first plan doesn't go as, well, planned.... I especially love how Zoe still has the sass for Nura!

Ooof - love the Particon/Radion friction!!!

And can I get a shout out for my fave sub Infectious Lass, I mean Microbe? Nice!

That's one cute interaction between Ferro and Insect Queen. Too bad she's accounted for smile

11/1:

We didn't get to know Atmos much in the reboot. I'm glad you've made him testy. smile

Seeing Konk in action is great - as is a Zoe who has learned and grown from her life lessons!

Oh no! Lume!!! Now I really want to know what this asteroid is about!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Xanthu Reborn - 02/19/23 10:21 AM
hiya GL, thanks for the read and review! always appreciate your thoughts smile

Glad you find things make sense. And, thanks for the suggestions re Pete - I will definitely have him using his abilities for combat in the future wink a search and rescue mission just wasn't the ideal time for that tongue I have been remiss in not having him use his powers more - though he did in this training session (I had to go back through the recap thread to check lol)

Sassy Zoe and Testy Atmos are here to stay wink Insect Queen is actually a very nice and compassionate gal too tongue

Drura will have another mission soon from where you are reading, hope you like it smile

hope you enjoy the rest of the asteroid bit smile
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Tryouts! - 02/19/23 05:08 PM
The rest of November:


I love these little vignettes around Luonel - looking forward to seeing where they pay off.

It took me a second to realize that Zoe was chatting over comms and not there in person! wink

Also - Sussa in the E-Squad is a cool angle. I hadn't thought about using her that way.

Was Lume caught up in that planetary creation process? That was a cool sequence - even cooler that Candi got to rescue it!

Ahhh, it's Dryad, isn't it???

"The one who punches things" - laugh

The whole sequence of the reformation of Dryad and the Legion communicating was really great - all the chaos due to Dryad trying to "hurry up" was a neat touch, and the character moments were well done. There were a lot of characters to juggle there, but everyone did something given the changing nature of the situation. I'll say this for the thresholds - they're able to get characters into position really fast!

Ah good - we get the confrontation between Jen & Roy. He definitely needs somebody to talk to. Xao may need the same, but at least he has Mysa. I share his disappointment that Dryad won't be back to "normal" for a long, long time.

Kono!

Aha, Sandy's back! Hope she won't go to pieces like Splitter! wink

Man, you have her down pat! Such a literal firebrand!

Hmm, what's up with Chuck??

God, I love this Dyrk/Omar confrontation. Omar's such a jerk and I love seeing Dyrk throw it back at him.

The Mano conversation is also great - kind of a good cop/bad cops thing going on, and I wonder where this is going.

OUCH! Chuck slamming someone to the wall doesn't sound too comfortable!

I really love how you're making Sensor extremely powerful - something that is not done enough.

Ah, so Chuck is feeling some body shame. Sensor is a good friend to be giving him the pep talk as she is 100% right.

Uh oh - I have a bad feeling about this bit with Mano...

I like Slizz - the concept of an evil Orandan is neat.

This is fun, Ibby!!!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 02/19/23 06:09 PM
Thanks GL smile

Luonel will stay in jail for now, but he’ll stay in jail for a bit. Though with a vengeful Luck Lord and an angry Winema outside… he’s probably safer there tongue

My bad re not establishing well that Zoe was calling from Xanthu!

Glad the whole Dryad bit worked! I’m very particular about giving everyone something to do, I hate when some characters are just there for no reason wink

Glad you liked my writing of Sandy too!

Omar is such a jerk and I dislike that he never got his comeuppance in canon!

Considering how Sensor’s illusions once fooled Mordru, and another time COMPUTO, she is definitely underrated! And physically, she once punched Terrorform Zoe… smile

Hope the Mano pay off was enough. And Slizz will be back wink

Glad you’re liking it GL!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Dangerous Designs - 02/22/23 11:48 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Aleph

Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electric manipulation
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter (Legion World head chef, Reserve Legionnaire)

Lori Morning of 20th century Earth (USA); RJ Brande's adopted daughter
Proty of Vyrga; shapeshifting and limited telepathy

Mabuhay Corazon of Aleph; fashion design student and Legion costume consultant; childhood friend of Kinetix
Prats Pradesh, "Plaid Lad" of Dolcegabanna; fashion design student
Yera Liggle of Durla; shapeshifting (actress) (former Legion Cadet)

*************************************************************

"She's always doing this!" Kinetix threw her hands up in annoyance as she looked at the raplidly-filling auditorium. "I don't even know if she'll show up before the contest is over!"

"Maybe we can find a substitute judge?" Violet offered. "After all, your mom is notoriously late, and for some reason unreachable..."

"I'll do it!" Spark volunteered.

"You?!" Kinetix, Violet and Mabuhay all said in unison. "But you don't know a thing about fashion!" Kinetix began.

"Nor do you care one bit about it!" Violet finished.

"That's why I'll be the perfect judge!" Spark beamed, her eyes flashing mischievously. "If the contestants can wow someone like me..."

One of the professors at the Academy, a woman who looked like her nose was always turned up because she smelled someone inferior, drew herself up. "Now see here, young woman... I, Professor Vera Coco Vuitton Armani XVIII, will not countenance..."

"No, it's a great idea," Kinetix butted in. "We have some knowledgeable judges, such as yourself -" Zoe made a point to acknowledge Professor Vera, whose eyebrows had climbed to her forehead - "and one judge who is coming in completely uneducated about the topic... this is perfect!"

The Institute staff quickly began briefing Spark on the contest rules and judging criteria. Violet watched as Zoe plopped in her seat.

"I know that look," Violet smiled as she sat beside Zoe. "You're thinking: your mom always forgets stuff, maybe she left her Omnicom. But your brother Thanot would never do that, he's the responsible one, so what if I go out and search for them while you stay here and do your stuff?"

Zoe slowly began to beam, though worry still furrowed her brow. "You really get me, Vi. You know you're my number one best friend, right?"

"And don't you forget it," Salu winked. "I'll ping you once I find them, and call you if there's anything urgent."

Zoe watched, smiling, as Salu zipped out of the room.

**********************************************************************************

"Tsk, I should have asked for more time," Tenzil Kem wiped his brow as he looked at the clock. The Institute kitchen was a hive of activity. Some canapes and finger sandwiches were ready, but some of the pastries still needed a bit of time to bake...

"Don't worry, good food is worth waiting for," XS said cheerily. "And this coming from an impatient speedster!"

"Besides, some of the appetizers are ready," Element Lass' tongue was between her teeth as she stacked some dirty plates away. Her large fingers were not ideal for decorating cupcakes, but at least her strength could be put to use elsewhere.

"I'll say," Lori Morning rubbed her hands greedily as she stared at some of the cupcakes.

"Noooo Lori!" Proty chided as Lori reached for a cupcake.

"Fine, fine," Lori rolled her eyes. "You're such a Jiminy Cricket, Proty."

"Thanks, ladies, your reassurance means a lot," Tenzil made as if to bow. "Now, if I could ask for a bit more help?"

As Jenni and Candi acquiesced, Tenzil quickly gave instructions. Jenni was to set up the catering table and take point until Tenzil could finish up inside. Candi was to bring the trays and pitchers out as they were finished. And Lori...

"I'll help Jenni," Lori's eyes brightened. "Staying by the pastry table sounds WAY more fun than watching boring fashions!"

"I'll help too!" Proty said, as it morphed into a serving spoon.

"Thanks, Lori, Proty, Tenzil smiled. "But Proty, no touching the food directly unless you sterilize yourself first, okay? Maybe you can hand napkins out. Now, I appreciate your help, but I have to start plating these..."

**********************************************************************************

Ferro sat silently, scrolling through his Omnicom. He had decided to come along to help distract himself, but... he tried to stop thinking about how he used to be able to feel a fabric's softness when he could turn back to flesh and blood...

His thoughts idled over what Brainiac 5 had said. In theory, Candi COULD transmute him back... but with her limited biological knowledge and lack of practice with her power... after all, it had taken Element Lad - the Progenitor - millennia of practice and a trip through an inter-dimensional barrier, to hone his abilities to do what he did in the Second Galaxy.*

"You're really taking this seriously, aren't you?" Ferro looked up as Spark sat beside him. "I bet you can describe each designer's style and influences by now?"

"And what do you know about design influences?" Ferro bantered back, though his heart wasn't really in it.

Spark made a point of looking around, then lowered her voice conspiratorially. "I just know that all these fancy shmancy designers always name drop two or three big shots whenever they give an interview." She puffed her chest out and mimicked a nasal tone with an exaggerated accent. "Yes, my own style evolved after I closely studied the works of Madame Vera Coco the Stuck Up..."

Ferro laughed. "You're so mean, but in a good way, Ayla."

"I try," Ayla winked. "Anything to make a friend smile."

"You can't see it through my mask, but I am smiling now," Andy replied. "Thank you, Spark."

"Okay, places, everybody!" one of the staff came, gently ushering all the judges. Spark and Ferro took their places beside Kinetix, Yera, three of the professors, and two apparently famous designers of the time - "Plaid Lad" had nearly fainted when they walked into the room, and Candi has popped out of the kitchen to get autographs AND gush about their work. All Spark knew about them was that they had names that were terribly difficult to pronounce. "I walked by one of their stores with my mom once," she confessed to Ferro and XS. "Mom was just like, I don't understand why all these sentients are willing to wait for 2 hours just to get inside the store - I could have bought a years' worth of working clothes in that time!"

It didn't help that that designer had very obviously fawned over Zoe and Candi, but also over the other Legionnaires; mentioning their upcoming shows on Ventura and on Mars and where have you, and hinting that the Legionnaires would be looked upon very favorably among upper class society if they attended AND let the designer dress them...

The emcee, a rather nervous looking young woman whose demeanor didn't match her elaborate gown, began. Once she did, her voice and manner became surprisingly confident. "Welcome to the first annual design competition of the Zoe and Candi Institute of Design! Each participant will have a segment of their own, though we will do a blind show - each designer will have their features hidden, and their identities will only be revealed after judging. For the contest duration, each will be designated by a number..."

"Wow, this is really serious business!" Spark muttered to Ferro and Yera.

"You should see how they do it at the Venturan contests," Yera whispered back. "I do get the logic, but I wonder how well it really masks someone's identity... the more famous a designer gets, the more you'd expect people would recognize their style!"

"Sssh!" Professor Vera snapped.

Yera gave her best "I'm so sorry, I'm so mortified look!" Then she turned back to the others and made a face.

Ayla was trying hard not to burst out laughing.

"That was funny, but we should probably settle down though," Ferro whispered. "These contestants worked hard, and I think we should show appreciation for that." Ayla and Yera nodded, and all three settled down as the emcee began to announce the first contestant.

**********************************************************************************
Satisfied that she was a safe distance away from the Institute, Violet grew to colossal size - enough that she could see a wide-enough radius while still being maneuverable. She made sure to hover safely above the ground; she didn't want to accidentally step on something. Consulting her Omnicom, Violet located the ruins where Zoe's mom had been the day before. Then she traced the path they would have taken to reach the Institute.

Seeing the way point north, she started flying in that direction...

... but before she went far, a speeding two-person craft came barreling at her.

"Azra?" Salu called.

A comms channel opened, and a familiar voice responded. Thanot's voice was deeper than Violet remembered. "Hey, Vi! Sorry, mom lost track of time again. I had to drag her out of the -"

The end of Thanot's sentence was drowned out by something Salu could only describe as a screaming of reality. Everything seemed to ripple around her, and Salu felt consciousness slip away.

**********************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) See: Legion Lost!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Dangerous Designs - 02/22/23 12:13 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Aleph

Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electric manipulation
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter (Legion World head chef, Reserve Legionnaire)

Lori Morning of 20th century Earth (USA); RJ Brande's adopted daughter
Proty of Vyrga; shapeshifting and limited telepathy

Mabuhay Corazon of Aleph; fashion design student and Legion costume consultant; childhood friend of Kinetix
Prats Pradesh, "Plaid Lad" of Dolcegabanna; fashion design student
Yera Liggle of Durla; shapeshifting (actress) (former Legion Cadet)

Azra Saugin of Aleph; Kinetix's mother, archaeologist
Thanot Saugin of Aleph; Kinetix's younger brother, archaeologist

*************************************************************

Reality seemed to break for a moment inside the Institute. Kinetix felt her vision turn white for a moment; then she found herself clutching the desk in front of her as she regained her bearings. "What happened? Is everyone okay?"

"My stars, I should really lay off the designer drugs!" muttered one of the guest designers, a lanky, light pink-skinned sentient wearing a rainbow of colors.

"Is everyone okay?" the familiar whoosh of a speeding XS came by. "They're ok in the kitchen, Candi managed to catch a falling freezer, I don't think anyone is hurt here?" As everyone nodded no, XS ran off to check the rest of the Institute.

"Oh my gosh, Vi! And my mom!" Zoe began to fly towards the door...

... when another rumble came. The lighting went off, and emergency lighting came on. The ceiling began to crack, and screams began to erupt around the room.

"Spark, lead everyone out!" Zoe called as she flew to the ceiling. Unleashing her telekinetic field, she began stitching the ceiling back together. "Ferro, I can't reach everything in time..."

"Say no more, Zoe!" Ferro flew up to the largest slab that had formed from the cracks, and angled himself under it. He tried to ignore the smaller bits of debris falling past him. The slab itself was light, but he had to hold it up properly so it wouldn't crack...

"Okay folks, come on out - and no running! You trip, you'll hurt yourself more!" Spark held one hand up to give light, while ushering people out. "Hey, I said no running!" She snapped at Professor Vera Coco, who had hitched up her dress and shed her heels so she could sprint to the door.

Vera bumped past a young student, who tumbled to the ground with a cry. "Hey!" Ayla yelled again.

"I've got you," Yera helped the student up. "Just a bit of a scratch, I see. Go on." As the student left gratefully, Yera called. "I'll check to make sure nobody's trapped."

"Thanks," Ayla responded. "While you do that, I'll see how the rest are doing..." She held her flight ring up to her lips. "Spark here. We've got the main contest hall covered. The rest of you?"

"I'm in the student quarters! Searching room by room!" XS replied. "What the sprock happened I don't think it was an earthquake I'll call Brainiac 5 and..."

"You do that," Ayla said as she zapped some more falling bits of rubble into bits.

Over in the kitchen, Lori picked up her ring. "Hey, we're okay here! Kitchen is a mess though..."

"I hate to do this, but people over furniture," Element Lass began transmuting a collapsed table into oxygen. A trapped server underneath looked on gratefully as his leg was freed.

"That will help me keep to my diet," Tenzil quipped as he began to eat through a portion of a wall that had fallen.

"Someone.... here..." Proty pointed to yet another area of the kitchen. "Candi, Tenzil..." Lori called.

"We'll be there as soon as we're done here, dear!" Candi replied. "There don't seem to be any aftershocks. If you want to, take Proty and have a look, but be careful!"

"Okay!" Lori held her hands out to carry Proty. "Lead the way!" Proty grew a pair of wings and began to fly ahead. "Here, here...." Proty pointed to a pile of rubble.

"I can see a door behind," Lori said. "Hey, is anyone in there?"

"Help me, I'm trapped!" came a panicked reply.

Sounds like someone even younger than me, Lori thought. "Hey, I'm Lori, what's your name? Are you hurt?"

"I... I'm Meghyn," came the frightened answer. "My momma let me use the bathroom by myself, and now I'm stuck here!"

"You know the Legion, right?" Lori responded. "I'm here with them, and we'll come get you soon and take you to your momma, okay?"

Meghyn's voice sounded buoyed. "Are you a Legionnaire, Lori?"

"No, but..." Lori's stomach sank for a bit. But hey, she didn't have powers, so... "But I'm their friend, and they're just as cool as the holos make 'em out to be! I can tell you some stories..."

And Meghyn listended intently as Lori shared a few relatively harmless stories of life on Legion World, behind the scenes.

*************************************************************

Violet came to slowly. "What... where..." She was staring down at a patchwork of buildings and open land, and...

"Oh, sprock!" She suddenly remembered. Using her flight ring function to trace comms, she searched frantically for where Azra and Thanot had been. Where... where... THERE! Violet willed her flight ring to move as fast as it could, as she spotted the falling two-person craft. Gliding gracefully under it, she positioned herself below and began to grow...

"Gotcha!" Violet sighed as she caught the craft in the palm of her hand.

"Thank our lucky stars!" Azra Saugin sighed as she opened the craft doors. She looked just like her daughter Zoe, only more mature, of course. "You saved us!"

"Part of my job," Violet quipped. "And besides, Zoe would never have forgiven me if I hadn't."

"What happened?!" Thanot struggled to right himself. "One nano we were chatting, the next I was out cold, then I woke up to see the ground coming up..."

"I don't know, but we'll figure it out." Violet scanned the horizon... no visible threat detected. She pulled her flight ring to her lips. "Zoe, I got them!"

"Salu, you're the best!" came the answer back. "The Institute is literally falling apart now though..."

"Okay, we'll meet you there." Salu addressed Azra and Thanot. "Buckle up tight, and I'll fly you over to the Institute." Cradling the craft carefully in her hands, Violet began flying back.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dangerous Designs - 02/26/23 05:45 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Aleph

Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electric manipulation
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter (Legion World head chef, Reserve Legionnaire)

Lori Morning of 20th century Earth (USA); RJ Brande's adopted daughter
Proty of Vyrga; shapeshifting and limited telepathy

Mabuhay Corazon of Aleph; fashion design student and Legion costume consultant; childhood friend of Kinetix
Prats Pradesh, "Plaid Lad" of Dolcegabanna; fashion design student
Yera Liggle of Durla; shapeshifting (actress) (former Legion Cadet)

Azra Saugin of Aleph; Kinetix's mother, archaeologist
Thanot Saugin of Aleph; Kinetix's younger brother, archaeologist

*************************************************************

As Violet reached the Institute, she found a place to land. "I'm going to put your craft down, okay?" She gently placed Azra and Thanot's cruiser on the ground, then shrank down.

"Vi I'm glad you're ok!" XS came running over. "Mabuhay's been keeping track of everyone, nobody's too badly hurt here, and I've been checking the surrounding area. Whatever's happened is in a small radius, and I tracked your flight ring and it's well within, and emergency services are on their way..."

"I was going to say you're fast, but you know that already," Violet smiled.

"I'm so glad you're okay!" Kinetix rushed up and hugged her mother and brother. Then she stepped back and waved a finger at Azra. "If you hadn't been late, you would have been safe and sound inside the auditorium when whatever this was happened!"

"Well, safer, anyway," Thanot muttered as he looked at the damaged walls of the Institute.

"I know I was late, but we were wrapping things up at the site!" Azra frowned. "We found a temple full of artifacts, and...oh." Everyone looked at one another.

"Where's the site?" Violet took out her Omnicom.

As Azra gave the coordinates, XS' breath caught. "Based on what I've seen, that looks like it could be the center of the area where things have been going bad!"

"What exactly HAS happened, anyway?" Thanot scratched his head. "Things are damaged, our cruiser failed, I remember momentarily losing consciousness..."

"It's just as you described," Mabuhay came up. "AlephGov's told me that basically, some kind of energy explosion happened. It knocked people out for a bit, and caused machines to fail. Thanks mainly to you all, nobody's been killed or hurt too badly that we know of..."

"... but we have to make sure this doesn't happen again," Kinetix finished. "Looks like we're going digging."

********************************************************************
"I wish I could have gone with them!" Lori Morning grumbled as she watched the Legionnaires fly away.

"No, safer here!" Proty shifted into a steadier form on Lori's shoulder. "Much safer!"

"There are still a lot of people here who need help, Lori," Tenzil said gently. He gestured to a hover-ambulance that had just landed. Medics were taking out a woman, her face and chest heavily bandaged.

A Science Police Captain came over. "Captain Ruth Goldberg. Spark told me you'd be here to help."

"At your service," Tenzil playfully saluted.

"Me too," Yera flew over in the form of a large bird, though her head remained in its usual form. "What can we do?"

"We need to clear space for vehicles to land," Captain Goldberg gestured at a crumbled wall near the Institute. "And some of the injured need to be taken inside, so we need space.

"Time to get chewing, then," Tenzil rubbed his palms eagerly. "I'll tale the outside, and you go inside, Yera?"

"Deal," Yera winked. Taking the form of a Naltorian Land Octopus, Yera used her flight ring - which she had been allowed to keep after graduating from the Legion Cadet program - to fly towards the Institute.

"And Lori..." Tenzil bent down. "I'm sure you can help, too."

"Yeah, how?" Lori crossed her arms in front of her.

"Lori!" A little girl* came running up, and hugged Lori around the waist. "They say mama is going to be okay!"

"I think you've found your answer," Tenzil grinned. Lori stood up slowly, as she patted Meghyn, the girl she had found trapped a bit earlier, on the head. "See, I told you, you just had to be brave and wait."

"Yeah, and I'm going to be fine, too!" Meghyn showed the bandage on her lower arm. "It hurts a bit... but I'm already feeling better!"

"Do you want to go help make others feel better?" Lori bent down. "I'm sure the medics could use our help carrying supplies and stuff."

Lori held Meghyn's hand as the two followed Captain Goldberg. Tenzil took off his trademark shades as he watched them. "Well, Lori's growing up nicely." He watched for a few more seconds, then turned to the rubble in front of him. Cracking his fingers, he bent down to start eating it away. "Mmmm... nice combination of potassium and sodium..."

********************************************************************

"It's magnificent..." Kinetix took in the site of the ancient citadel, nestled in a pit that had been recently cleared away. Spires decorated with statues rose up above ornate buildings that were green-tinted with moss and age. "Imagine, this has been here for centuries, and we only rediscovered it last week!"

"Aren't there any guards here?" Ferro looked around.

"No. Here on Aleph, we respect history. Vandalism and theft are unknown, and offworlders who try to take anything will find heavy fines," Kinetix said with a hint of contempt. "And these force-barriers aren't just for show, either. Watch."

She telekinetically picked up a nearby pebble, and flung it at the translucent barrier separating them from the citadel. It jolted as it connected. "It's very weak, but..."

"But it would be enough to make most non-invulnerable sentients think twice," Spark finished.

Kinetix crouched down so her eye was close to the ground. "Luckily, you have a certified member of the Aleph Archaeological Association with you." A melodious feminine voice sounded. "Accessing... Zoe Saugin, welcome to the Angkodarona Archaeological site." Ferro gasped, and Element Lass cooed, as a shimmering portal appeared in front of them.

"I'll go ahead and scou-" XS began.

"No, we should stick together," Violet said firmly. "If there's some artifact here causing everything, who knows what it could do to us?"

"Or what traps there could be," Kinetix continued. She consulted her Omnicom. "Mom said that one of the temples had an unusual concentration of objects, and it's over there..." she pointed.

"And what about your magic sense, dear?" Element Lass asked. "Do you sense anything?"

"Frankly, it's been tingling since we've landed," Zoe sighed. "Very faintly though, and I can't get a read on a direction."

"It's not like Shikari's pathfinding, is it?" Spark questioned.

"No, I just get a vague sense of magical energy," Zoe said as she led the way to the temple. The floor - an ancient highway - had been cleared of debris, and she imagined how it must be like to have walked here eons ago, when it was full of people. "It feels like this whole place us suffused with it, and..."

A roar was the only warning she had, before she felt herself being carried away. As she got her bearings, she looked around. "XS, what?"

"Some crazy cat lady!" Jenni pointed. A humanoid with feline features snarled as she crouched in front of the other Legionnaires. "Legion scum!"

"Wait!" Spark held her hands up. "You're from Wellur, aren't you?"

"Don't pretend you don't know! You Legionnaires killed and tortured on my world for years!" snapped the Wellurian.

"Please, that wasn't us!" Spark knelt down. "Listen to me. Your former king, King Kradok, copied some of our powers and pretended like the Legion oppressed you* I swear, we weren't involved in it. Our team stopped the king!"

"That's what those that you fooled on my world say!" The Wellurian's eyes blazed with anger. "But I watched your cursed brother zap mine to ashes, and now I'll gut you in his memory!" The Wellurian leaped at Ayla.

"No!" Ferro intercepted the Wellurian, grabbing her by the waist. "Please, listen to us!"

"Don't hurt her!" Ayla called.

"I think she's more likely to hurt herself trying to scratch Ferro," Element Lass sighed. She quickly transmuted some knockout gas around the Wellurian. She continued to struggle, however.

"I... I'm... she's immune to it," Candi shook her head. "And I don't dare transmute the air around here into inertron, not while she's flailing like that."

"She still needs oxygen," Jenni began zipping around Ferro and the Wellurian. "And Ferro doesn't, so..."

Despite not needing to, Ferro closed his eyes out of instinct as Jenni whipped hurricane force winds around him. Mercifully, after a few seconds, he felt the Wellurian go limp in his arms. He gently laid her down on the ground.

"Now I can make some manacles around her claws," Candi stepped forward, enveloping the Wellurian's arms in lightweight plasteel.

"What was she doing here?" Zoe stared down at the Wellurian. "How could she have gotten off Wellur and on Aleph?"

"Let's try to answer that later," Violet pointed towards the temple. "First, let's see if we can figure out what happened here."

Zoe lifted the Wellurian telekinetically, and they walked closer to the temple.

As they did, Ayla fell behind Ferro. "Thanks for saving me back there. I'm sorry I told you not to hurt her, I just..." She gulped. "I was the first Legionnaire to encounter Wellur. A pilot saw my cruiser... and he killed himself, because he thought I would kill him."*

Oh, Ayla... That must have been awful," Andy said gently.

Ayla turned to look at the unconscious Wellurian. "It was, and if anyone is manipulating these Wellurians, they've got a fight on their hands."

*************************************************

Two hours later, the Legionnaires had scoured the whole citadel. Nothing seemed to be missing; but considering the contents of the site had not been fully catalogued, it was impossible to say.

The captive Wellurian had just stared at them angrily, and had refused to say anything other than to snarl threats.

"I think we've done all we can here," Kinetix sighed. "The magic I've sensed has remained constant this whole time, at least."

"And no other incidents have been reported," Violet continued. "Maybe we'll have to come back with Mysa to see if she can find anything."

"Maybe our captive can tell us something..." Spark muttered. "Back on Legion World, anyway."

As the group prepared to leave, Kinetix took one last look back at the citadel. Whatever secrets it held, would have to wait for later.

*************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legionnaires 75! The Legion was really a flying craft with three dummies standing in for Cosmic Boy, Live Wire and Saturn Girl. Machines simulated electricity and magnetism, while Saturn Girl's telepathy was faked. The events Spark describes also happened in L* 75.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dangerous Designs - 02/26/23 06:11 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

Question, Akiko Li of Venus; makes people question their inner motivations (Legion support staff: Intelligence and Negotiation)

Gigi Cusimano of Mars; Science police lieutenant and commander of the Science Police contingent on Legion World

Brawler, Brash Knightley of Moxie; super-strength and durability, can mind-mesh with machinery to control it (former Legion Cadet, now incarcerated on Legion World)

**********************************************************************

Akiko Li gulped nervously as she sat in the interview room.

"Nervous?" Saturn Girl smiled encouragingly at her. "Don't worry; our bonds are foolproof; and anyway, this prisoner doesn't have long-range powers."

Akiko nodded; she didn't want to say that she was intimidated as sprock! She was sitting beside a Legion founder, former Legion leader, and one of the most powerful of them all... She took to fiddling with her badge to calm her nerves.

The door opened, and Gigi Cusimano stepped in, leading the angry Wellurian female. "You! One of the tyrants!" she spat, her ears perking up.*

"Sit down," Gigi pulled a chair out. The Wellurian plopped on the seat, hissing.

"I wish I could make you believe," Saturn Girl said calmly. "But I don't tamper with minds like that. But if you would let me show you..."

"You are not entering my mind!" The Wellurian snapped.

"I won't alter it," Saturn Girl promised, as her eyes glowed. "But for the good of Aleph, we need to know if you know about anything danger- uh!" Imra jerked backwards as if punched physically.

"Are you okay?" Akiko stood up, shocked.

"There are some very formidable psychic shields around her mind," Imra slumped in her chair. "They forced me out of her mind like a rag doll." She opened her eyes. "This is almost as strong as something Micah Aven could manage... whoever did this is incredibly skilled!"

"There aren't many telepaths who could manage that," Gigi said, her voice grave. "This is troubling."

"Let me try, then." Akiko's heart beat in her chest; but her voice sounded full of confidence. Her eyes glowed as she used her power.

"Why were you on Aleph?" Akiko asked.

"To defeat the Legion," the Wellurian glowered as she answered.

"Why were you in that temple?" Akiko continued.

"To defeat the Legion," the Wellurian glowered again.

"What caused the tremors and technological failure on Aleph?" Akiko repeated.

"Something that will defeat the Legion," the Wellurian repeated.

Akiko's eyes turned back to their normal dark brown as she sat back in her chair, brow furrowed. "I don't understand... usually by the third question I've gotten further, but..."

"The shields must be affecting your power, too," Imra laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. "It's not your fault."

Gigi motioned to the two officers with her. They pulled the Wellurian to her feet and led her out. Then she turned to Saturn Girl. "This is just like what happened when you tried Brawler, isn't it?"

Saturn Girl sighed as she remembered; the moment she had tried probing Brawler's mind, she had been thrown out. And Akiko's questioning - on why Brawler had sabotaged a Legion membership test and attacked several Legionnaires** - had only given them the answer: "Because it was my glorious destiny to do so."

"So," Gigi muttered. "First we have a Legion Cadet suddenly get enhanced powers; and now we have a Wellurian native - from a world that has not yet established relations with the United Planets - suddenly appear on Aleph. I don't like these unexplainable events..."

"Neither do I," Saturn Girl said, grimly. "But mark my words, Gigi. The Legion won't quit until we solve this puzzle."

************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) See L* 75 for the story of Wellur. The ex-king, King Kradok, created a flying craft with three dummies standing in for Cosmic Boy, Live Wire and Saturn Girl. Machines simulated electricity and magnetism, while Saturn Girl's telepathy was faked. He used this fake Legion to terrorize Wellur in a bid to regain power.

2) See here for Brawler's turn at villainy!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dangerous Designs - 02/26/23 06:28 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Pon, the Lesser Moon of Xanthu

The Pig stood and looked at the gathered Animals around him. Six other seats were filled, besides his.

"We are seven now," he began. "But we should have been eight."

"The Tiger didn't listen..." began the Rooster. "When the portal opened, she refused to step in!"

"... and we barely escaped Aleph ourselves!" the Rabbit pounded the table with his muscular arms. "The amulet you gave us didn't protect us from that magical sword you had us steal!"

"You didn't use it properly," the Pig sneered. He snapped his fingers, and a bolt of energy zipped through the Rooster, who screamed. It lasted only a second, then the energy zapped the Rabbit, who sat straight back in his chair. His teeth clenched, and his furry toes curled back, as his eyes rolled back. The Pig watched, impassively. Then, mercifully, he turned it off.

The Rabbit slumped onto the table, heaving.

"Be grateful that I do not have the time to replace you," The Pig said. "And also, you were at least intelligent enough to listen: retrieving the artifact was the most important part of going to Aleph." Across him, the Snake shifted uncomfortably in her chair. The Rat stared back at him unflinchingly, while the Horse sat quietly, confident in his place. "And that one is the Tiger no longer; her failure means she has lost her chance. I will deal with her later; for now, the enchantments will ensure she does not betray us."

He waved a hand. "We have almost collected enough magical objects. We need to accelerate activating the remaining five." As he spoke, five images appeared.

"Another Wellurian?" The Rat shook her head. "I hope this one listens better."

"This one will," The Pig smiled. "Their affinity with the Tiger is marginally weaker than the first one, but this one is more level-headed."

The Dog sniffed at that; she didn't believe any Wellurian could be level-headed.

"I recognize the species of the Goat," the Horse peered at the images. "But not the Ox."

"And of course, we know the Dragon and the Monkey," said the Rooster quietly.

"We will approach those two last," The Pig noted. "Precise timing is crucial to our success. For now, you have your assignments."

The Pig waved his staff in front of him. "And I... I have an errand to run." A portal appeared before him. The Rat, Kono, blinked, curious. That looked like... recognition dawned on her. If she were right... the Legion would not be happy that this world would be visited. And things would happen quickly, after that.

*********************************************

IB's notes:

To help you all keep track:

1) Rat - Kono, of Sklar. Mass-shifting that allows her to phase. Her power may also have other unknown applications. Master thief and pirate.
2) Ox - ??? to be recruited
3) Tiger - an unnamed Wellurian to be recruited
4) Rabbit - a muscular rabbit-like humanoid
5) Dragon - ???
6) Snake - Slizz, of Orando. Sensory manipulation.
7) Horse - Lusyo, a humanoid horse
8) Goat - ??? to be recruited
9) Monkey - ???
10) Rooster - Shakuq, of the Kwai. Pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
11) Dog - a female
12) Pig - the leader
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac A Piece of Darkness - 02/26/23 10:18 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Tasmia Mallor lay in her bed, stirring gently. She often slept slightly longer than most of her teammates, but part of that was communing with her ancestors; in that point between wakefulness and sleep, she would seek their counsel. She had already done that earlier tonight; her great-great-great-great grandfather, a wiry man with a merry twinkle in his eye, had regaled her with his exploits, pretending to be a woman to sneak into a warlord chieftain's harem and stop a bloody conquest.

Now, though, she was blissfully approaching true sleep. She felt her consciousness drift off, and...

TASMIA!

The cry shocked her awake. "Mother?" Tasmia saw the familiar woman, the mother whom she had rarely seen as a child, kept apart so a single danger could not claim them both**. Though her form was made of shadow, it was definitely her. And her mother looked... afraid.

"Tasmia, you must come now!"

And then the shadow disappeared.

Cursing, Tasmia jumped out of bed and grabbed her flight ring. "Kid Quantum, I need to go to Talok VIII."

**************************************************************

Talok VIII

Dreamer, Nura Nal of Naltor; precognition
Insect Queen, Lonna Leing of Xanthu; morphs into various insect forms, gaining the powers of the forms she takes
Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; darkfield casting

**************************************************************

Insect Queen watched as their Kwai guide gestured to the small contingent around them. But Lonna took some time to drink the sights in. Since Umbra had joined the Legion so long ago***, Talok VIII had been mentioned often on the news; to most worlds, the planet was a backwater. Much of its technology had been brought by the United Planets, and it had taken the twelve tribes of Talok VIII some time to choose an ambassador to sit in the United Planets seat. After Umbra had been lost in the Rift, Talok VIII had unilaterally seceded from the UP briefly, using the darkfield to cloak itself in eternal shadow;** until Umbra had returned, reclaimed her darkfield, and talked sense into Talok VIII. The main reason they were able to come so quickly was that a permanent Threshold had been set up, to help ease the Talokian's fears. At least three Kwai, a handful of UP bureaucrats and a contingent of Science Police were on Talok VIII at all times; only Xanthu, Gil'd and Corvan IV currently had the same.******

One of the Science Police officers stood up and approached. Lonna noticed that the officer had blue skin, like Umbra's. "Officer Asma Tarun, ma'ams. How may I help you?"

"Thank you, officer. We need to visit the Shadow Caves; we can manage our own journey." Umbra clasped the officer's hands and kissed them. "You do our people great honor by serving in the Science Police, Officer Tarun."

Officer Tarun kissed Tasmia's hands twice back. "Not as great as the honor you bring, by serving in the Legion, Shadow Champion."

Lonna and Dreamer both clasped their hands in front of them, and bowed. Tasmia had briefed them on Talokian customs before arriving, and had stressed the need for proper politeness.

As they took to the air, Insect Queen activated their transuit.

"Wise," Umbra said, as she activated her own. "The Talokian desert can be unforgiving. I grew up in it, but anything that helps us focus now is good."

Dreamer closed her eyes momentarily. "Umbra, I'm trying to scan ahead, but... I'm mainly seeing darkness. I can see some shapes, but..."

Umbra tsked. "It's as I feared. The darkness in the shadow caves is too intense."

The three flew along in silence for a bit. Nura kept trying for glimpses of the future, and Tasmia was laser-focused. Once or twice, Lonna thought of making a comment about the beautiful desert landscape below, but thought better of it.

Thankfully, the silence only lasted a few minutes. Umbra began to descend, and Lonna saw the mouth of a large cave.

"I need to go in alone," Umbra said. "Please wait here."

"No, I can manage," Nura said steadily. "Trust me."

"It's not that," Tasmia gave a small smile. "You are both warriors and Legionnaires, and I trust you to watch my back. But only Shadow Champions have ever survived the Shadow Cave..."

"Oh, if it's that, then..." Nura smiled.

"We'll see you in a bit," Lonna added.

Tasmia gave a small bow, then went inside.

Nura closed her eyes again; she tried to focus on Umbra. All she could see in the next hour or so was darkness; Umbra cloaked in it, commanding it, moving in it. She focused on the cave; all she could see again were shadowy forms.

"Still nothing?" Lonna asked, concerned.

"No, but let me try something else..." Nura closed her eyes and focused on Lonna. She could see Lonna shifting into a Talokian Sand Beetle, then yelling something into her flight ring. Then she could see...

"Darkness!" Nura's eyes opened. Lonna had already shifted into a Talokian Sand Beetle, and was digging into the soft desert sand. "But that means..."

Suddenly, the darkness that they could see through the cave opening seemed to flow. Then tendrils of blackness rushed at them!

"No!" Lonna yelled into her flight ring. "I don't know if Umbra's down!"

"We have to keep moving!" Dreamer yelled. She looked mere seconds in the future, and watched the shadows roll and move. Shifting her vision between present and future, Nura commanded her flight ring to help her dodge and weave between the waves of shadow. "Lonna, I'm barely keeping ahead, are you...?"

This time, Lonna had shifted into a Kathooni Orbwing. Her new form's gigantic eyes glowed in the darkness. "I can see your shape, and I can see the shadows... shaped like humanoids... but that's it!" Commanding her wings to carry her backwards, Lonna desperately flew from left to right.

Nura cursed. "I should have seen this earlier... but if I'm right, Tasmia is right here with us somewhere!"

"I am!" Tasmia sounded. "Whatever you two do, don't go forward into the cave!"

"Don't worry, I'm not about to go nearer!" Lonna snapped. She rotated her eyes, memorizing the darker outline of the cave mouth, even as she quickly banked right to avoid a sharp shadow.

"And what will you do?" Nura could see Tasmia's form, moving as if slashing forward, just like in her vision. "Oh!" just in time, Nura foresaw a flurry of shadowy daggers would come her way. She leaped up into the air with her flight ring to escape.

"I'm talking to the family," Tasmia said as she dove into the cave mouth once more. As she entered the mouth of the cave for the second time today, she felt her darkfield rising and ebbing within her. "Ancestors! Your daughter is here! Speak with me!"

Shrieking, writhing forms appeared in front of her. Tasmia's heart caught in her throat; these were her once-regal ancestors. Her mother's face appeared, contorted in anguish. "The pain, Tasmia, the pain!"

"What happened?" Tasmia reached out to her mother's hands. "Tell me, so I can help!"

"It just appeared...!" Tasmia's mother choked off.

Looking around, Tasmia could barely make out the walls of the cave. The shadows were swirling around too quickly. But was there something here, something foreign? She unleashed her darkfield, trying to ignore the screams. She cast her shadows around the cave, feeling for something... anything...

... there! There was something smooth, something unnatural...

Tasmia wove her darkfield as tight-knit as it could go, and loosed it at the object she felt. She heard a crunch, like glass breaking...

... and the shrieking stopped! Tasmia watched as her ancestors began to solidify their forms, looking once more like the great Shadow Champions she saw in her dreams.

"I had not felt such pain since I was killed!" Tasmia's mother rose up. She looked so much like Tasmia herself.

"There was an intruder..." Tasmia's great-great-great-grandmother, with her long white hair, stood up. "He didn't enter the cave, fortunately for him; he would have been torn asunder once he did."

"But he left something," said a tall, muscular man whom Tasmia knew was the fourth Shadow Champion in her line. "That... device... that you broke."

"And..." Tasmia's mother looked around, as if searching. Then her eyes focused in anger. "And he took something!"

"He took a part of the shadow cave!" hissed Tasmia's first ancestor. "He distracted us, so he could steal something!"

"Ancestors, tell me exactly what happened," Tasmia soothed. "Show me!" Tasmia opened herself up to the shadows; and the Shadow Cave filled her with visions. She saw a large figure, surrounded by the outside light. A humanoid male. He threw something into the cave, and the pain began. And after Tasmia helped end the pain, there was a feeling of loss, like a little hole had appeared in the souls inhabiting the cave.

Tasmia bent down to pick up the object. It was some kind of translucent purple crystal, split into two where here shadows had hit it.

"I will find out who did it, ancestors," Tasmia clutched the crystal in her fist. "And I will make them pay."

**************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legion Lost 6 and Legion 24 hint at Umbra "speaking" with her ancestors by means of her darkfield

2) Legends of the Legion 3 showed Umbra's origin; among them how she was taken from her mother shortly after birth, and kept separated for safety.

3) Umbra became a Legionnaire in Legionnaires 43.

4) Umbra was part of the Legion Lost cast, leading the UP at large to think her dead. Umbra lost her darkfield in Legion 2; she left for Talok VIII in Legion 10; and in Legion 24 she reclaims her darkfield and encourages Talok VIII to rejoin the outside world.

5) Why do these worlds have special status? Xanthu was ravaged by Robotica (Legion Worlds 4); Gil'd is still recovering its oceans (stolen by the Water Elemental in L* 71-74; and Corvan IV was suffering a famine (mentioned by terrorists in Legion 1). Through Volume 4, I've mentioned that the Legion is helping all these worlds.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Putting Their Heads Together - 02/28/23 02:22 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Dreamer, Nura Nal of Naltor; precognition
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion leader.
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication
Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; darkfield casting
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery

**************************************************************

Kid Quantum sighed as she ran towards the meeting room. With all the reports and messages coming in over the last few days, she had barely had time to think! She was just glad her boyfriend Cosmic Boy had also been leader, once upon a time; he would never moan that Jazmin had to postpone date night for an emergency. And he gave some good advice, too.

Jazmin idly thought of slowing time in the meeting room down, so she could eat her synth-chicken salad wrap. Then she thought against it; after all, she shouldn't use her powers on her teammates without their consent. Or implied consent, as she may have to do in battle.

She sighed, and unwrapped her wrap, taking a bite as she entered the room.

"Kid Quantum, Why am I here?" Brainiac 5 asked immediately. There was no heat in his voice, but just the fact that he asked made Jazmin want to rub her temples.

"I asked you here, Brainiac 5, because you are still the most intelligent mind on the team," Jazmin said flatly. "Babbage is great at running different scenarios and pulling in data sets, but it can do that outside of this room - you are still able to make logical leaps that it could not. Babbage itself admits that."

"Well, that seems logical." Brainiac 5 settled in with an air of satisfaction, and Invisible Kid made a friendly face at him.

One of the leadership lessons she had learned; think carefully about who should be in a meeting. And think carefully she had. Saturn Girl, Kinetix and Umbra were here mainly to share what they knew. The others would sink this in and try to piece things together. Dreamer was here to use her precognition for insight. Invisible Kid represented the Espionage Squad as their founder and de facto leader - though from all Jazmin gathered, the Squad operated more in a more egalitarian, flatter manner now - nearly all the Squad were headstrong in their own ways, though they worked together wonderfully. The White Witch was, of course, here for her magical expertise. Triad was here as de facto Deputy Leader; with Nightwind having stepped down as co-Legion leader, there was no current Deputy. Something Kid Quantum was planning on fixing herself. Triad still played a key role in day-to-day team administration, though more as a consultant for her expertise and reviewing reports. With Rebound and Gear also as full Legionnaires, the day-to-day needed to be handed over to the team's support staff. Jazmin made a mental note to check in on whether Marla Latham needed some help with that, and whether she could encourage him to divide oversight between himself and M'Rissey...

Ah, sprock that. "Excuse me, I need to make a note," she announced. She pulled out her Omnicom and left a little reminder - "Marla and M"rissey!" She sighed as she pocketed her Omnicom again. "Okay, ladies, shall we get briefed?"

Saturn Girl was first; she described how she and Question had tried to probe both the Wellurian prisoner and Brawler. "They have either been shielded by a very powerful and skilled telepath, or some magic is involved," she finished. "I asked Micah Aven to look at them, and he concluded the same. To be certain, Karate Kid helped me contact the monks on Steeple - but Universo is firmly imprisoned, and I could not detect any mental activity that indicated he had pierced his telepathic scenario."*

"There are definitely spells to protect against telepathic intrusion," White Witch said, gravely. "My friends and I were forced to use some when plotting against Mordru..."**

"He's not involved, is he? We just checked his prison yet again." Kinetix was clearly worried.

"No, all readings indicate not," Invisible Kid had his hands clasped in front of his head, two fingers tapping his lips. "A cult trying to awaken him?"

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Kid Quantum gently steered the meeting back. "Let's hear what happened on Aleph first."

Kinetix described the team's search of the unearthed citadel; how they had scanned and inspected each artifact, but felt nothing strange. The White Witch had also visited Aleph afterwards, and found nothing.

"It's similar to all the other sites," Kinetix's tone got more and more frustrated. "Like the ones on Earth. All I could feel was some sense of magic..."

"And it ties into all the reports of missing magical objects," Triad continued.

"Was one of them this?" Umbra angrily pointed at the object she had found on Talok VIII, in the Shadow Caves. "This nearly drove my ancestors mad!"

"It is definitely magical in origin - or was," White Witch frowned at the object. "But it was imbued with a spell, rather than being a magical artifact on its own."

"I can't sense anything in it now, either," Kinetix added.

Kid Quantum began pacing. "So let's go over what we know. Magical objects are being stolen across the galaxy; some reported, but some we only guess at. Is that right?"

Triad and Invisible Kid confirmed it.

"Then, we suspect that whatever's happened with Brawler and our Wellurian prisoner is also magical." Again, a round of nods.

"It doesn't seem to be Mordru. Any other suspects or motives?"

"I have reached out to my fellow sorcerers on Zarrox," Mysa began. "None are aware of any rogue factions... though I have to admit, Zarrox does not have a monopoly on magic. And as for the why..."

"There are two parts here, the collection of objects and the agents like Brawler," Brainiac 5 offered. "One thing to notice is that the Wellurian was also likely involved in collecting the objects... but what did Brawler's actions have to do with magic?"

"That's a good point..." Triad began to mull. "All Brawler did was sabotage a Legion membership test. And try to kill several of us, but..."

Kid Quantum caught Invisible Kid's eye. She had not liked it, but she had asked the Espionage Squad to carefully probe the backgrounds of the newest Legionnaires and some of the Cadets. Density, Lamprey and Sizzle had made it onto the team because they had helped stop Brawler. Retro had benefitted from telling Triad what he had seen and heard to indicate Brawler might be planning something. She hated it, but she had left no stone unturned... the Espionage Squad members hadn't found anything too suspicious, other than that one of Lamprey's uncles had a gambling problem. But that hardly seemed like something that would lead him to get involved in whatever was happening.

And of course, standard psychic scans didn't indicate any strong tendencies towards deviousness.

"What bothers me too is how Brawler changed," Invisible Kid subtly shifted the subject. Though he had seen the need to investigate Legionnaires and Cadets, he knew that others in the room would not find it so palatable... or would question whether they had been investigated, too. As a former leader himself, he knew how important it was to maintain team harmony. "He went through the same personality scans we all did. They indicated some arrogance and carelessness, but no red flags that would have disqualified him from Cadet-ship. And, how did his powers increase?"

"Magic, duh," Kinetix rolled her eyes. "Everything seems to be explained by magic!"

"Okay, then explain the why?" Brainiac 5's annoyance was palpable. He did sometimes have a short fuse, especially when teammates were acting irreverently.

"Is it a trap?" Umbra's darkfield began to manifest around her, and she clutched her fists. "Is Brawler a mole?"

"I don't see anything of that sort, but you all know magic is a weakness of mine, too," Dreamer offered. She tugged at her hair, a sign of her discomfort with her admission.

"Maybe we should move them off Legion World," Kid Quantum muttered. "But where to? If it is a trap, I wouldn't want them to be on Takron-Galtos..."

"Perhaps I can arrange for them to be housed and guarded on Zarrox," White Witch offered.

"Thanks, Mysa. Lu, would you get Mysa in touch with Gigi Cusimano please?" Triad nodded at that, hands tapping quickly on her Omnicom.

"Okay team, thanks for putting our hands together," Kid Quantum stood up. "I propose we do this. Brainy, Lyle, Nura, I want you thinking and crunching and trying to make connections, please. Whether you do it alone, or bring others in, is up to you. In two days, let's sit again and see if we can thresh things out."

Jazmin looked at Luornu. "Lu, whatever happens, I think we need to brief the team. Please organize something in three days, and tell everyone attendance is a must as long as they're on-duty and not on a mission." Lu tapped faster and faster as she got to work.

"Jazmin, a word?" Nura moved over to Jazmin. "I can see some... uncertainty... and anxiety... during that meeting. Some reassurance would help."

"Thanks, Nura," Jazmin smiled. "Lu, I think it will be good to work with Gear and try to give as many Legionnaires as possible some down time after our briefing. We'll be asking them to think, and I want them to have clear, fresh minds." Lu nodded once more; she had triplicated by now, with each of her working on a different task.

Jazmin stood up. "Thanks, everyone. I know this is worrisome, but we'll get everyone we can working on it." As she watched everyone - except Triad, who was still tapping quickly - file out, she leaned on the table and sighed. She had forgotten how hungry she was... She grimaced as she bit into the cold wrap. "I think I'll run over to the cafeteria and ask Tenzil for some cake..." she muttered.

**********************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Micah Aven is Saturn Girl's old teacher, and one of the best telepaths on Titan. Universo was imprisoned in a harmless telepathic dream scenario, then placed on the isolated world of Steeple to boot. (See the end Dream Crime, Legion 23).

2) This White Witch is the daughter of the Reboot Mordru. She and her friends brought him down more than a century before the United Planets formed (as retold in L* 49-51)

3) Nightwind and Kid Quantum II were co-leaders at the start of Volume 4, but Nightwind's doubts and guilt over the takeover of Legion World in Volume 3 led to her stepping down.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Putting Their Heads Together - 02/28/23 11:20 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

*note: for a full roll call, please click here

***********************************************************************

The meeting room was abuzz as each and every one of the 49 current Active Legionnaires chatted and milled about. It was rare that all of them were in the same room together these days, and the atmosphere was getting livelier by the minute.

"Ooh, those holos from your honeymoon are fantabulous!" Triad Neutral gushed. "Yes, you really should visit Ventura if you have the chance," Saturn Girl sighed.

"Even turning burst-pluberry red was worth it!" Live Wire chucked as he absent-mindedly rubbed his sun-darkened skin.

"I can't believe I fell for it!" Echo was raging as he stomped into the room. Behind him, Inferno chuckled. "Come on, Troy. We all had our turn playing Chuck at billiards!"

"It's practically a new Legionnaire rite of passage by now," Particon laughed.

Rebound grinned. "Sorry, Troy. That's why I insisted on not playing for anything. That's the only way I could get Tenzil to play with me again."

Mentalla smiled shyly at Echo. "We all fail sometimes, Troy. We can't be the best at everything, you know."

Troy began to snap, then looked at Mentalla. "Y-you're right, Delya," he mumbled.

"Staq and Dag seem to be doing fine," Blizzard told Microbe as they walked in. Having all been on the short-lived Substitute Heroes* together, they had all made it a point to keep in touch - after all, every single former Sub was still attached to the Legion in some way. "They say Lallor is more "slow-paced"," Brek made air quotes to emphasize the words, and Drura giggled in understanding. "But their own VR room helps."

"I heard the same from Lydda," Drura shared. "She, Ulu and Pete said pretty much the same thing about Xanthu. And Dori seems to be fine; she joined our Subs pretty late, so I don't know her as well as the rest; but she and Ral are making an effort to meet a lot."

"We should join them more often," Brek sighed. "It's just that, with missions and all..."

"Tell me about it..." Drura added. "I've told them; if just one of us two can join, we should go for it..."

"Well, at least we got some more non-humanoids AND non-vertebrates this time!" Gates snapped as he consulted the list of Legion Cadets. "It's our own fault if some sentients perceive us as elitistic biped exclusionists!"

"Maybe you should go on more recruitment trips," Spark teased as she watched Gates rant.

"What a brilliant idea, Spark!" Gates rounded on Chemical Kid, who had been making shushing sounds towards Spark. "You're helping coordinate those, aren't you, Condo? Through your media contacts?"

"Uh... that is right, but... the scheduling is all care of Marla Latham..." Condo stammered.

Condo was saved by Kid Quantum stepping forward and clearing her throat. "Okay, everyone, settle down."

There was a little bit more buzzing as Legionnaires finished their conversations and settled into their seats.

Kid Quantum looked round at the team, all seated in a U-shape around her. There was a microphone and a unique holo-display for each. Swallowing, she began. "You all know by now that we have been encountering odd happenings for some time..."

She quickly went through what they knew. The magical objects being stolen; Brawler; the Wellurian on Aleph; Umbra's ancestors on Talok VIII. At this last one, even some of the longer-serving Legionnaires muttered among themselves. Umbra was not the most sociable Legionnaire, so most of her teammates didn't quite grasp just how mystical her darkfield was.

Jazmin made a point of refreshing the holo, to get her teammates' attention. She then ran down the avenues the team had investigated; Mordru, Universo, other sorcerers on Zarrox.

"In summary, we still don't know who is doing this, or why..." Then she paused to let it all sink it. "And there is another angle we have to seriously explore."

She felt the atmosphere change with her holo display, as Brawler's profile filled the screen.

"What does HE have to do with it?" Density asked loudly. Amp glowered, and Echo visibly tensed. Those who had been Legion Cadets alongside Brawler had mixed feelings about his turn; none of them had actually liked him, but he had been one of them.

What they didn't realize was that many of the other Legionnaires also felt disturbed. After all, most of them had voted for the establishment of a Cadet program in the first place.** XS looked ill, and even Cosmic Boy was frowning.

"We have to explore every avenue..." Jazmin began. She quickly ran through the group's reasoning; about how Brawler's power boost was unexplained; how he displayed a similar telepathic and psychic immunity to the Wellurian's.

"We don't know how he was compromised, or why, but..." Jazmin paused and looked around the room. Even the normally relaxed Magno, Inferno and Spark were leaning forward. "But we have to assume he was, for a reason."

Murmurs broke around the room. "Aren't our screening procedures tight enough?" demanded Gates. "Do we need to check on everyone?" Andromeda asked, suddenly tense; M'Onel placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Given her own history, as a sort-of-mole for the White Triangle***, she was one of the most sensitive to the idea of a traitor on the team.

"We've run extensive background checks on all staff on Legion World," Jazmin leaned forward for emphasis. "We're working with the Science Police through Shvaughn and Gigi. We've even briefed the UP President, who has directed UP Intelligence to work with us."

Sizzle and Ferro traded looks, and Star Boy visibly exhaled.

"We are working on a plan of investigation," Jazmin continued. "Brainiac 5 and Dreamer are building a squad to coordinate security reviews and enhance protocols; I've asked Nightwind to help manage that squad." Cheers erupted among the team; all three names had good reputations. Nightwind smiled gratefully at her teammates' support.

"And Invisible Kid will lead the Espionage Squad**** in pursuing further leads." Lume literally beamed at this; it had been inducted just days prior.

"But this is an all-team affair," Jazmin continued. "I expect that everyone will take this mystery seriously, and contribute to solving it."

"And how can we help?" Magno nearly leaped out of his seat.

"Nightwind and I will be in touch," Jazmin's eye twinkled. "With Triad, we'll be coordinating between the two squads. We will need all of you to take on some fact-finding missions."

Rebound was nodding in agreement, and Wildfire let out a "sprock yeah!"

"And so it's not all work," Jazmin ended. "We've done some duty roster juggling and given everyone two days off within the next week... and one of those days is now."

"Wait, what?" Wildfire jumped up this time. "Seriously?"

"Don't expect this regularly," Jazmin laughed. "We're going to be working hard, so we thought everyone should get a break. Thank Dreamer for this suggestion."

"I could so kiss you," Star Boy turned to Dreamer. "In fact, I will!"

"Enjoy your time off, everyone," Jazmin said as she ended the holo. "Get some rest, I want you all at your peak in the coming days."

***********************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Blizzard and Night Girl got the idea of forming the Subs in Legionnaires 43; we only ever saw them once more, with all other members in silhouette, in L* 49. It's my own canon that the other "canon" Preboot Subs also joined the team.

2) The Legion Cadet program was introduced in Legion 25!

3) Andromeda joined in LSH 66, and we would learn that she had White Triangle ties. Her White Triangle family had pulled some strings... and Roxxas, Daxam's Ambassador to the United Planets, used this to his advantage. Andromeda would turn on the White Triangle at the end (Legionnaires Annual 2).

4) Other permanent Espionage Squad members are Apparition, Chameleon, Sensor, Spider-Girl, Triad, Violet.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac A Day in the Life - 03/01/23 12:10 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

*note: for a full roll call, please click here

***********************************************************************************************

Echo walked, somewhat absentmindedly, into the cafeteria. He picked up a tray and walked to the serving tables, while composing his plan for the next free 23 hours in his head.

Tenzil Kem tilted his sunglasses as he looked at Echo. "Troy? Hey, Legion World to Troy!"

Echo shifted his focus to Tenzil. Idly, he wondered why Tenzil insisted on wearing sunglasses indoors, then realized they were probably regular glasses with one-way tint. "Sorry, Tenzil?"

"I'm going off-duty in half an hour, too," Tenzil's eyes twinkled. "The servo-bots will keep food fresh, but if you have special requests you'll need to ask for them now."

"Oh! No, no, this selection is more than good enough," Echo laughed. "Thanks, though. You are still the master chef!"

"And don't you forget it," Tenzil winked. "I hope you're relaxing today."

"Oh, I will, I will," Echo smiled. He then busied himself making nutritious selections; he avoided the creamy pasta, but loaded up on the plain softboiled elvabird eggs. Sighing, he looked for a place to sit, and spotted one of his teammates alone. Swallowing, he walked up to her.

"Hey, Mentalla... Delya?" As the blonde Titanian turned to look at him, Troy could feel his heart melting. She had the sweetest smile.

"Oh, Troy!" Delya Castil immediately tapped on the table. "Please! I'd, um, love your company?"

Troy Stewart was oblivious to Gravity, Density, Kinetix, Blizzard, XS and Magno giggling at them from another table. XS whispered, "So cute!"

"Troy motioned at Delya's own plate. "Full of healthy, fresh, natural foods, I see!"

"You know what they said in Cadet training," Delya laughed. "Sound body, sound mind..." She took a sip of her fresh pluberry-and-sweetgourd juice. "So, how are you spending the free day?"

"I was, um, thinking of visiting the Ethnography Museum," Troy confessed. "I know most of our teammates are lazing around, but..."

"This is both relaxing and educational, isn't it?" Delya beamed. "That's a great way to spend it! I was planning on going out too, but was deciding between that and the UP Historical Archives."

Troy picked at his food for a bit. Behind him, Kinetix was now nudging Gravity. Blizzard and Magno were peering at Troy. "Come on, take the shot..." Magno breathed.

"Would you like to come with me?" Troy looked Delya in the eye.

"I'd love to," Delya beamed. "When were you planning to go?"

"Um... any time, really. What time suits you?"

"I was going to work out at 15:00. We can leave after eating and be back before then if that suits you?"

"I work out at 14:00 myself," Troy smiled. "But what say I bump my gym time to 15:00, and we can have an extra hour at the museum?"

"It's a da- deal," Delya caught herself, even as she began twirling her hair.

Troy took a long sip of his cinnamon coffee, to hide the grin forming on his face.

Behind them, Blizzard made an "oh yes!" gesture.

***********************************************************************************************

In the Legion's gymnasium, Karate Kid demonstrated the Swimming Crane form. "And this form allows one to flow quickly into a defensive move, then an offensive one," he narrated as the VR-generated opponent moved to strike at him. Val deftly blocked the strike, then pivoted his body so he could strike his attacker's head. Shifting back into a normal stance, Val waved his hand. One VR opponent appeared for each of his students - Amp, Microbe, Rebound and Star Boy. A handful of the more diligent Legion Cadets were here too - Battering Ram, Dolphin, Paragon, and X-Bomb Betty. Val kept his classes small on purpose, so he could give enough attention to each.

Val began his route along each. Amp was a quick study, and Val appreciated how she refrained from using her boosting powers. Microbe was less swift, but she was equally diligent; she would try and try until she mastered a form. Rebound was surprisingly adept, at least in terms of knowing just how to place his limbs and angle his body for maximum effect. Not surprising, considering his skill at reading angles. Star Boy was clearly not fully interested in being here, but Val had been present when Dreamer had urged her boyfriend to learn how to defend himself against opponents who may be immune to his gravity powers.

Val stepped in gently to correct Thom's posture. Thom flinched, then nodded. Val smiled inwardly; Thom was one of the more athletic Legionnaires, but in a clumsy, brute force sort of way. Val knew that Thom was happiest pushing himself to lift heavier and heavier weights.

He spared an eye for the Cadets. Dolphin, with his ability to hold his breath indefinitely, already knew he would likely not be a full Legionnaire; his heart was set on joining Search & Rescue, and he pushed himself hard towards that dream. X-Bomb Betty, for all her beauty, was also incredibly dedicated. Many a Legionnaire had initially dismissed her, only to change their minds once realizing how hard she applied herself. Battering Ram was equally eager, though approached things with a bit more childlike joy. Being a Legion Cadet was still a big adventure to them. And finally, Paragon was someone who thought much like Val himself; pushing oneself to their best is just her life philosophy.

After another 15 minutes, Val clapped his hands. "Good work, everyone. I appreciate your diligence. I'll see you all next time."

As he dismissed the class, Dolphin and Battering Ram came over to gush. "Wow, I hear you all have a free day today!" Battering Ram was bouncing on their feet. "What are you all going to do in your free time?"

Val laughed a bit as Rebound and Star Boy came over. "We're just normal sentients; we each have our own interests," Val explained.

"Although, Blizzard and Chameleon were talking about getting everyone together for a VR game tournament," Rebound grinned. "You know Sega Square's new Ultimate Final Crisis XVI? It has every 21st century hero ever, even ones you've never heard of!"

"No way!" Dolphin nearly dropped his towel. "We have it? I hear the Enchantress and Doctor Light are mega overpowered; there was this holo of some dude comboing Doctor Light and Kole...!"

"So, you two are in?" Thom winked.

"I wish!" Battering Ram looked crestfallen. "We have that learning trip to Colu today..."

"Well, there will be other tourneys," Val smiled. "We'll make sure to get an invite to the next one."

A few meters over, Amp, Microbe, X-Bomb Betty and Paragon were chatting, too. "Oh, that fashion show sounds divine!" X-Bomb Betty stood on her toes. "Too bad we have to go on a trip to Colu!"

"I could use some new formal wear... the Cadet program has a lot of trips to UP offices planned," Paragon seemed slightly disappointed.

"Then we'll make sure you get an invite to the next one," Amp laughed. "Besides, if you corner Kinetix on a good day, she'll whip an outfit up for you on the spot."

"And sometimes you don't even need to ask," Microbe giggled.

****************************************************************************************************

"Well, are we doing this?" Timber Wolf snarled as he turned to Ferro and Wildfire. The three were standing outside of the VR room.

"Oh, we so are," Ferro made a motion of punching his open palm. He had heard from Element Lass about how Mentalla and Echo were going on a date, and he needed to let off some steam. But then... how could he expect Mentalla to care for a man trapped in iron form?

"Yeah, blasting stuff is more fun than playing video games. Any day," Wildfire noted. He knew Brin and Andy were both going through tough times; Brin with having his father - who had experimented on him - imprisoned on Legion World; and Andy, with some sort of girl troubles. Drake himself wasn't doing too badly; though he was basically a man trapped in energy form, his own life was going pretty well...

"May I join you?" Shikari rounded the corner, with Calorie Queen in tow.

"Kari, you are always welcome!" Drake beamed. "Right, guys?"

"Sure..." Brin muttered. "Let's just get in there."

Calorie Queen made a point of moving beside Brin. "Shredding stuff is the best way to relax, isn't it?"

Brin turned to Taryn and slowly smiled. "It is, and you get me."

"There's time for talk, and there's time for action," Taryn winked.

Ferro was grateful that his teammates couldn't see his teeth grit behind his mask. Great, even the ball of energy has better luck in the love department than I do...
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: A Day in the Life - 03/01/23 12:33 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

*note: for a full roll call, please click here

***********************************************************************************************

Live Wire puffed his cheeks out as he played with his food. He locked eyes with Ultra Boy, and knew they were both thinking the same thing. Why, why, why had they agreed on this triple-married-couple date idea of Gravity and Density's?

Ultra Boy pointedly poured another silverale into his glass. All the while, Apparition, Gravity, and Saturn Girl were gossiping about how their mothers kept trying to give them marriage advice!

"Sorry, guys!" Garth perked up as he heard Density's voice on through their tele-plugs. Judging by Jo's reaction, he heard too. Jed himself was already slouching in his seat. "When Tel and I proposed this, I thought it would be like two hours tops, and then we could join the guys for some VR gaming... I didn't expect we'd be listening to in-law stories all night!"

"Eh, it's fine," Jo thought back. "Our partners are happy, the Silverale is good..."

"You know, boys, you can just excuse yourselves." Garth nearly spilled his drink as Imra's voice joined their chat. Garth, Jo and Jed all visibly paled as they turned to see Imra, Tinya and Tel all staring at them; the three each had a brow raised.

Imra made a show of tapping her temple.

"Angel, I..." Jo began.

"Otter, I..." Jed stammered.

"Imra..." Garth just said.

Tinya, Imra and Tel made their best angry faces.... and after five seconds, all burst out laughing.

"You three have no poker faces," Tinya gently elbowed Jo. "Go, have fun."

"We're having more fun without you," Tel's eyes twinkled. He pinched Jed's bottom discreetly. "Go on, Big Bear."

"You deserve to have fun, too," Imra kissed Garth on the forehead.

Blabbing their thanks, Garth, Jed and Jo ran out the door. Jo made sure to take the case of unopened silverale on the way out.

"Sigh, our poor husbands," Tel laughed once the three were out of earshot.

"Zoe says they're gathering in Rec Room A," Tinya grinned.

Imra picked up a tray of puff pastries. "If one of you will take those bottles of Tharrian Ice Wine, let's go and party!"
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: A Day in the Life - 03/01/23 02:17 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

*note: for a full roll call, please click here

***********************************************************************************************

Chameleon and Spark, Chemical Kid and Invisible Kid, and Insect Queen and Particon were laughing as they watched Density, Live Wire and Ultra Boy running in the halls.

"So, I guess we did get our revenge after all!" Insect Queen quipped. "Our own little triple date outlasted the married couples'!"

"They're early, too!" Invisible Kid checked his Omnicom. "It's not for a half hour yet!"

"Was it THAT boring?" Spark stuck her tongue out. "Look at them run!"

The group chuckled again; Chemical Kid laughed so hard he had to hold on to Lyle. This made Particon laugh even more, and Insect Queen had to pat her on the back.

"Alas, I do have to go soon too," Chameleon smiled. "I have to help Blizzard get the VR gaming organized. Are any of you coming?"

"Us!" Chemical Kid and Invisible Kid raised their hands. "Unlike Gravity, we're more like Density - just one of the boys, except that we like boys," Invisible Kid joked. "I never did appreciate fashion... I'm invisible most of the time, anyway."

"And when I was a reporter, I avoided fashion beats like the Khundian Plague," Chemical Kid added.

"Well, we are also just like the girls," Particon smiled. Insect Queen gave her a knowing look; between the two of them, Particon liked fashion more. Insect Queen was largely indifferent to it; but they had both decided to attend the fashion show to get to know - and appreciate - their mainly-female teammates a bit more.

"Yeah, having to suffer through Element Lass' weekly shopping trips back on Xanthu has kind of killed all my appreciation for fashion," Insect Queen laughed.

"I'm hitting the fashion show too," Spark playfully said.

"But you hate fashion!" Chameleon protested.

"Yes, but I love annoying Kinetix," Spark grinned evilly.

****************************************************************************************************************
Kid Quantum wearily opened the door to her quarters. She had spent the last two hours catching up on messages and reports. Even with Marla doing admin full time, there were many things that the Legion leader HAD to approve! Triad, bless her, screened as much as she could, but...

"I really need to get a Deputy Leader soon... or better yet, step down and call for fresh elections," Jazmin muttered.

"You're doing a great job, but when it's time, it's time." Jazmin jumped for a moment. "Rokk!" she scolded as she turned the lights on. "I told you not to startle me like that!"

"I'm sorry!" Rokk spread his arms out in apology. "But you did such a great job at the briefing, and I know how much work you've been doing recently, so I wanted to surprise you..."

"You scamp," Jazmin smiled. She kissed Rokk firmly. "I was just about to shower up and call you. I had to postpone our last date, and I was thinking..."

"Great minds," Rokk slyly pulled out a basket of Martian rainbow strawberries and a bottle of Tharrian ice wine. "I take it we're skipping the VR gaming and the fashion show?"

"If we finish in time, we can go..." Jazmin's hands glowed as she encased her room in a quantum bubble. "You don't mind me freezing time for a couple of hours, eh?"

"I will gladly be a couple of hours younger than everyone else, if that means more quality time with you," Rokk crept up to Jazmin and pulled her into a long, deep kiss.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: A Day in the Life - 03/01/23 07:37 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

*note: for a full roll call, please click here

***********************************************************************************************

"Dear?" Element Lass tapped hesitantly on Sensor's door.

Candi could hear movement inside. She guessed that Sensor was checking who was visiting... and she was right.

The door whirred open, and her friend smiled at her. "Yes, Candi?"

"Have you heard about that wonderful fashion show that Kinetix is organizing?"

Sensor's tail coiled and uncoiled, a sign Candi recognized as anxiousness.

"I remember how you used to love hats..." Candi whispered.

"Yes, before my transformation," Sensor looked down at her hands. "It takes some getting used to, you know."

"I know," Candi looked down too. "I may look basically the same, but I miss smell-testing different perfumes, or the feeling of silk pajamas after a long day..."

"... I ..." Sensor wondered for a moment. Ferro, Wildfire, Element Lass - they all had lost their senses of taste, touch and smell. At least Sensor's only real changes were her physical form... she could still enjoy a whole roast chicken if she wanted.

Sensor drew herself up. "Well, we can still marvel at ourselves in the mirror, and enjoy time with our friends." Grabbing Candi by the hand, she pulled her down the hall. "Come on!"

Chameleon passed them in the hall and waved. Both waved back, then went back to discussing which shade of pink would best match Sensor's markings.

**********************************************************************

Sizzle frantically swiped on the screen in her room, each swipe calling up a different outfit. "Oh, this one is way too revealing! And this one makes me look like my grandma!"

Lamprey and Nightwind sat beside her. Lamprey was a bundle of nerves, too. "Does this make me look too high school?"

Nightwind sighed. "Girls, we don't have to overprepare!"

Sizzle and Lamprey both rounded on her. "But we're going out there in front of everyone!" Lamprey protested. "We have to look our best so we don't seem like noobs!"

Nightwind shook her head. "Girls, calm down! I swear, our teammates don't care!"

The doorbell sounded. Sizzle nervously ran to open it.

The door opened to reveal Violet. "Hey, we're gathering in Rec Room A!" Then she paused and pointed at the screen. "Oh wow, are you going to have Zoe conjure that up?"

Sizzle's cheeks turned even darker red than normal. "Oh, um..."

Violet gave a knowing grin. "Just make sure to be very precise and firm when you tell Zoe what you want. I remember the first time we girls went out... Zoe kept changing my outfits, until she made one too revealing and I had to shrink out of sight!"*

Lamprey and Sizzle began to goggle, while Nightwind leaned back with a satisfied smile. "No way!" Lamprey covered her mouth.

"Really, you?" Sizzle said.

Violet shrugged. "We were a new team. I was new... I'd never been off my homeworld before." She made a point of leaning in conspiratorially. "Pretty much all of us were like that when we were new... XS used to panic sometimes, and you should have seen how Apparition fought with her mom!"

"We may be Legionnaires, but we're all just human too," Nightwind added. "Now come on, let's go have some fun!"

As Lamprey and Sizzle chattered excitedly, Violet and Nightwind shared a wink as they exited the room.

***************************************************************

Ib's notes:

1) L* 23!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: A Day in the Life - 03/01/23 07:49 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

*note: for a full roll call, please click here

************************************************************************************************

Blizzard's jaw dropped as he watched Gear working on the VR displays. "Do we really have THAT many VR titles?"

"And more," Gear grinned. "These are just the ones that support up to 12 players at a time!"

"Not even my dad had that many in his library!" Inferno whistled.

"There are perks to being a Legionnaire," Magno grinned. "I mean... it IS nice, being pampered a bit during our down time!"

"A bit?!" Blizzard shook his head. "None of my friends or family had anything close to this back on Tharr!"

"Neither did mine," Gear's eyes twinkled. "I come from a race of living tools, after all."

"Oh, uh..." Inferno scratched his head. "Well, uh, you're a Legionnaire now, and..."

Gear threw his head back and laughed. "Hey, hey, I'm over it, you don't need to be all sappy and supportive, it's fine!"

Blizzard and Magno made big shows of exhaling. "Whew, that's easier," Blizzard grinned. "Often, Zoe will come up to me and say something, like ask me if her outfit makes her look fat, or tell me about this thing Spark said, and I always don't know how to react!"

Magno chuckled. "Jenni is really sweet, but even she has her moments..."

The four continued chatting as they set up the drinks tables and arranged the seats.

**********************************************************************************************************************************

"... and can you believe, this was before he formally broke up with me* - Jo actually asked ME to help him pick a gift for Tinya's birthday?" Spider-Girl finished her story, even as her prehensile hair was split into ten different strands, each holding an empty glass.

"No!" XS pressed her hands to her mouth. "If Shvaughn had asked me to help pick a gift for M'Onel..." At Kinetix's and Triad Purple's looks, XS stammered. "I mean, before I started dating Dyrk!"

Kinetix telekinetically grabbed a pillow and beaned XS on the head. "You are NOT still crushing on M'Onel, are you?!"

"No!" XS stamped her foot. "I was just giving an example! Dyrk is the sweetest, kindest, cutest ever, and he's just for me!"

"Well, I don't mind admitting that Jo is a hot dish, but I wouldn't kiss him again unless my life depended on it!" Spider-Girl laughed.

"Chuck is really sweet, too," Triad Orange said quietly. "He always makes me feel special."

"That, he does," Triad Neutral sighed. "That, he does."

"Don't any of your boyfriends act like numbskulls sometimes, though?" Dreamer queried. "I mean, we know Sussa's stories about Jo... Don't get me wrong, Thom is a dear, but sometimes he can be so DENSE! Like one time, he asked my mother the name of her YOUNGER sister... except that was her older cousin!"

"No!" Kinetix, XS, Spider-Girl and all three Triads said in unison.

"Well, one time Brek told my mom she looked young for her age!" Kinetix began to giggle.

"And one time, Dyrk asked if my dad had gotten hair implants..." XS sighed. "And my dad was around the corner!"

The girls began laughing hysterically.

"Oh, I have one," Triad Purple began. She looked at Neutral and Orange, who nodded in approval. "So, it's RJ's birthday, yeah? RJ Brande, the man who used to bankroll all of us. We get him his favorite cake, and also his favorite fatty steak and rich wine... We set it at the table with a note "Happy birthday RJ!" Then we go to find RJ, bring him back, and..."

The other girls leaned forward.

"We come back... and Chuck is sitting there burping and going, "Oh, Mister Brande, nice to see you!" Purple cackled.

"I reacted first!" Orange couldn't hold back her tears. "Me! I said, Chuck, what were you thinking?!"

Orange was clutching her sides. "And... and.. and Chuck says, you told me there was a surprise, I thought it was for me!"

The room erupted into laughter. Dreamer was laughing so hard, she plopped down into the couch.

Five minutes later, they were still laughing.

***************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Spider-Girl and Ultra Boy used to date when in the Workforce together! (we never actually see Ultra Boy formally break up with Spider-Girl).
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: A Day in the Life - 03/01/23 08:53 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

*note: for a full roll call, please click here

***********************************************************************************************

Andromeda peeked hesitantly into the multi-labs. She could hear all the laughter and hooting going on upstairs; but she wasn't interested in twirling around in different costumes. No, she wanted to...

"... the most absurd proposal that ignored all sentient decency!" Gates was gesticulating widely. In front of them was a screen showing the United Planets Senate debates.

"It is indeed a rather extreme draft," Babbage mused. "Is it perhaps, a negotiating tactic?"

"I... Andromeda, you are here!" Brainiac 5 turned to look, and so did Gates and Babbage.

Andromeda could feel the blood rushing to her cheeks. She remembered Mentalla's counsel: just treat him like you would any other Legionnaire. "I didn't know you were interested in politics, Brainiac 5."

"I used to focus on the physical sciences..." Brainiac 5 admitted. "But Gates has shown me that politics makes for interesting study, too. Besides, Orin Fex's Colu has made some questionable maneuvers in the past*, and learning more about politics will help me counter that."

"I always say, curiosity is a true hallmark of intelligence!" Gates chirped.

"Is that why you sought us out, Andromeda?" Babbage questioned. "Did you know we were discussing politics?"

"Not quite, I try not to use my super senses to overhear things," Andromeda smiled. "I was just... thinking of... using my free time differently..."

"Ugh, yes, I do believe most of our teammates are indulging in the utmost consumerism upstairs!" Gates shook his head.

"Well, we are happy to have you here. Your input will be extremely valuable," Brainiac 5 smiled.

Andromeda tried not to smile too much as she sat down. She thought about what Mentalla and Dr. Ryk'rr had suggested: maybe she just had this weird obsession with Brainiac 5 because he saved her life, and that upended her old xenophobic, Daxamite-superior beliefs. If she felt he were treating her as an equal, then maybe she could move past that. "I look forward to a stimulating discussion then, gentlebeings!"

********************************************************************************************
"I'm sure you will wow them at the conference," M'Onel smiled down at Shvaughn.

"I'm sure I will," Shvaughn winked. She tiptoed to kiss M'Onel. "Thanks for showing me the stars earlier, Lar," she winked.

M'Onel bit his lip as he watched Shvaughn disappear into the Threshold. He loved this side of Shvaughn; to her, he wasn't Valor the Supreme Deity, or M'Onel the amazingly powerful Legionnaire. To her, he was the man that she loved and could share everything with. And when the red sun lamps were on, he could let her take control, and...

He couldn't stop grinning as he zipped over to the hatches. He could hear the vast majority of his teammates cheering each other on while mashing buttons on the VR controls, or laughing as they sashayed in their custom dresses. But neither of that interested him; he just wanted to relax outside.

He had spotted three of his teammates floating outside Legion World, and flew over to join them.

"I see you are all having some quiet," M'Onel smiled as he floated up to them. "Do you mind if I add my own silent company?"

"Shinings, M'Onel," Lume waved. "You are most welcome."

"Oh, M'Onel..." Umbra nodded at him, then turned away. "Come, enjoy the sight."

The White Witch looked at Umbra oddly, then turned to M'Onel. "I welcome anyone else who likes the silence and solitude of space, M'Onel."

M'Onel looked at Umbra. They had patrolled together some time ago*, but M'Onel had found Umbra so wrapped up in her honor, so intense about being perfect... no, he needed Shvaughn's ability to help him relax.

M'Onel settled for falling into silence.

Umbra pushed away her feelings of jealousy. She reminded herself that her main reasons for looking at M'Onel in the first place were because he would have contributed amazing genes to her bloodline... as part of being Shadow Champion, she owed her people and her ancestors at least one heir to her shadowcraft. If M'Onel had chosen to spend his life with Shvaughn Erin, so be it. Umbra could find another worthy of her attentions... and of her heart.

Lume looked askance at the shadows surrounding Umbra. It had noticed a similar behavior among its own kind before; those who wanted to be alone would unleash their brightest lumens, as a sign to others to stay away. Were Umbra's shadows the same? Well, that was her business, and Lume determined that it could best offer silent company.

The White Witch mused over everything they had learned. She wished that Dragonmage weren't on vacation now... she could really use his counsel. His youthful ideas... he often saw things that she did not...

She tried to put it out of her mind. They were supposed to relax, to be fresh.

She peered into the distance. "Oh! A star is forming there, yes?"

M'Onel trained his telescopic vision where Mysa pointed. "Good eye, Mysa! It is!"

"Another life-giver is born," Lume said quietly. "Beautiful."

"More life is always welcome," Umbra whispered.

The four Legionnaires continued to float in the inky blackness around them, every so often pointing out things of interest in the distance.

*****************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Orin Fex is the leader of Colu, and the man responsible for sending Sharn Nux to help the Legion during the Robotica crisis. Sharn Nux ended up injuring Brainiac 5 and attempting to slash at COMPUTO with some sharp implants, so... uh.... not very effective. I have Orin Fex as a continued thorn in the Legion's side.

2) LSH 120-121, L* 77. But yeah, it was just them patrolling together... and frankly, M'On and Shvaughn had so much chemistry in Legion Worlds 1 that I fell in love with the idea of them as a couple!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: A Day in the Life - 03/01/23 10:37 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

*note: for a full roll call, please click here

***********************************************************************************************

Mentalla almost didn't hear what Echo said, she was too taken by his amazingly chiseled features.

"... Delya?"

"Oh, sorry," Mentalla shook her head. "Was just lost in thought."

Echo smiled as he watched Mentalla blush. She was just so... so... so gorgeous, yet also so competent, so together... "Ah, I was just going to ask what you were going to do now?"

"Well, the gym was actually the last thing on my to do list," Mentalla smiled coyly. "So a bit of learning, a bit of working out..."

"Oh, mine too," Echo said quickly. "And we still have free hours to spare..."

Cosmic Boy and Kid Quantum strolled in front of them, hand-in-hand. "Oh hey, Delya, Troy!" Cosmic Boy waved.

"We're heading over to the others," Jazmin beamed. She seemed very satisfied. "You know, it's mainly the girls doing fashions, and mainly the boys VR-gaming..."

Mentalla and Echo looked at each other.

"Hey, fashion isn't my thing either," Jazmin grinned. "But I figure, I'll go say hi, grab a couple of drinks, then meet Rokk here in the cafeteria for some dessert before bed."

"It's nice being social for a bit, too," Rokk smiled.

Mentalla and Troy looked at each other again. "Well, maybe just for a little bit..." Delya said. "Do you have a preference, Troy?"

"I think..." Troy gulped. "I think I'll go where you go."

Jazmin and Rokk traded discreet grins. Delya's eyes were shining. "Why don't we go to the fashion show first, then the VR gaming, then maybe go for a nice walk in the Vyrgan habitat?'*

"Sounds like a great idea," Troy smiled. He followed Delya down the hallway. Rokk clasped Jazmin's hand as they watched their two teammates walking in front of them.

And behind them, none of the four noticed that the hallway was turning a blinding white.

**********************************************************

"Brin, look out!" Calorie Queen yelled even as she punched at a lumbering VR behemoth.

"Thanks, Taryn," Timber Wolf snarled as he landed on his hands. He pivoted around and kicked at the assassin creeping up behind him.

"Don't look at his beautiful body," Calorie Queen scolded herself as she watched Timber Wolf somersault into a fighting stance.

"Girl knows her stuff," Timber Wolf thought as he watched Calorie Queen break an inertron beam into two, eat one half and use the other half as a staff to clear a radius around her.

"Oops, mind your head!" Shikari quipped as she slammed a struggling attacker into a low-hanging branch.

"Oh, Kari, your combat quips just get better and better," Wildfire laughed as he angled himself so he could blast at a sniper he had spotted.

Ferro grit his teeth as he punched at his own target. "I should be happy for my friends, not envious!" he mentally kicked himself.

Then he noticed something out of the corner of his eye. "Um, gang, is it just me or..."

He didn't finish his sentence before the VR room faded into nothingness.

**********************************************************

Andromeda, Brainiac 5, Gates and Babbage had begun a thought exercise on countering the Wellurians' false beliefs that they had been terrorized by the Legion. So engrossed were they, that they didn't even think of reacting before they were swallowed up into the aether.

**********************************************************
Tenzil Kem and Impulse were cursing and grinning as their respective player characters**, Elongated Man and the Manhattan Guardian, slammed into one another. Beside them, Karate Kid as the Batman was pummeling a fleeing Black Lightning, played by Live Wire. Ultra Boy, as Lobo, was fending off an attack from Magno, who had chosen Kyle Rayner.

"No fair!" laughed Blizzard, whose character Firestorm had just been knocked out by a Doctor Light-Kole combination operated by Inferno and Density. The two high-fived each other.

"Don't gloat yet," Gear laughed, as he barreled into them with his Lex Luthor. Chameleon followed, commanding the Martian Manhunter to use his eyebeams.

Star Boy's character Starman blasted Cosmic Boy's Doctor Polaris, while Rebound's Flash crashed into Chemical Kid's Doctor Alchemy. Chlorophyll Kid caught his teammate with his chosen Floronic Man.

"What IS it with all these 21st century Doctors?" Invisible Kid quipped to Kid Quantum, who just shrugged.

Echo was explaining to Mentalla the concept of combo attacks, when a bright whiteness cut through the recreation room.

**********************************************************

Lori Morning was bored out of her mind, watching these older kids twirling around in gowns and dresses. Well, technically most of them would be young adults in her native 20th century, and they were definitely considered adults now in the 31st. But she still thought of them as big kids.

"Work it, Mandalla!" Kinetix cheered as Mandalla sashayed down the makeshift catwalk in her gold-and-green gown. Behind her, Apparition strutted in a throwback one-piece with bell-bottoms.

Violet and Amp were eagerly fluffing Spider-Girl's long hair, while Element Lass was picking out some shoes. "These will go perfect with your naturally red hair, dear!"

XS buzzed around the room, making sure everyone had enough snacks and refreshments. Sensor threw her head back and laughed, as Dreamer told her and Insect Queen a story about Star Boy's snoring. Particon was admiring Saturn Girl from a distance. Saturn Girl didn't notice; she was trying to stand still while Microbe pinned a sash to her dress. Sizzle and Triad were eagerly picking out outfits, while Nightwind was experimenting with how her shawl draped around her.

Spark just leaned back, gossiping with Gravity about which of their male teammates kept the most immaculate facial hair. "Trust me, that Impulse trims his beard daily, he must considering how it looks the same every single day!" Gravity winked.

Lori grumbled. "Come on Proty, let's go play some VR games..." and as Lori stood up, Proty slipped from her shoulder. She bent down to catch him, not noticing her surroundings vanish.

**********************************************************

Outside Legion World, Umbra cocked her head. What was that blinding flash that made the edge of her darkfield tingle? "M'Onel, do you...?"

The White Witch felt the surge first. "Get behind me!" she desperately called out to her teammates as she wove a spell of protection.

"I can't keep my eyes open!" M'Onel gasped, his shock palpable.

"It's too bright!" Lume cried out.

Desperately, Mysa tried to draw her teammates to her. But she could feel their forms slipping away. There was one gamble she could make, one spell she could try. She quickly uttered a spell of protection; it might not be strong enough to keep her teammates completely from injury, but maybe it would keep them alive...

The blinding flash enveloped Legion World, drowning out everything else.

Mysa didn't know how long she floated, while trying to stop the ringing in her ears and the jarring flashes in her eyes. As she opened her eyes, her vision coalesced into the worried face of Impulse.

"Mysa, are you okay?" the Legion's medical officer asked.

"Who else is left?" Mysa stammered.

Impulse turned to look sadly at their company. Tenzil Kem had removed his sunglasses, his face somber. "I can't hail anyone!" Chlorophyll Kid stammered as he fiddled with his flight ring. Tomb floated silently, looking awkwardly at Mandalla, who was cuddling Lori Morning.

"What do we do, Mysa?" Mandalla asked, shaking.

"I... Who else is left?" Mysa repeated.

Tomb locked eyes with her, and Mysa knew. "Mysa... you're the only Active Legionnaire left."

**********************************************************

Ib's notes:

1) Legion World has sections that resemble Legionnaire homeworlds - as seen in Legion 3 and Legion Secret Files 3003!

2) The VR game based on 21st century heroes and villains, actually appeared in LSH 119 smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Stepping Up - 03/02/23 07:25 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery. Currently the only Active Legionnaire whose whereabouts are known.

Reserve Legionnaires (also Legion Support Staff)

Chlorophyll Kid, Ral Benem of Mardru; accelerated plant growth (Disaster Relief & Development)
Impulse, Kent Shakespeare of Earth (United Kingdom: England); enhanced speed, strength, durability and recuperative abilities (Legion World chief medical doctor)
Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter (Legion World head chef)
Mandalla, Tari Wahlmunn of Takron-Galtos; projects a thought-sphere that affects the target's mental and physical functions (Legion medical staff)
Tomb, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions (Legion medical staff)

Reserve Legionnaires (Not Legion Cadets or Support Staff)

Magnetic Kid, Pol Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis (magno-ball athlete)
Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers

Honorary Legionnaires (they get flight rings too!)

Rene Jacques Brande of unknown; telepathy of unknown levels; Legion Founder/Financier and United Planets Ambassador to the Second Galaxy
Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Ireland and Montenegro); Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer

Other Legion Support Staff or residents of Legion World (staff also get flight rings as a matter of practicality, but are not honored to the same level as Honorary Legionnaires

Gigi Cusimano of Mars; Science police lieutenant and commander of the Science Police contingent on Legion World
Lori Morning of 20th century Earth (USA); RJ Brande's adopted daughter
Marla Latham of Earth (Germany and Sweden); Legion adult advisor
M'rissey of Mercury; advanced scenario modelling; manager of the Legion's Disaster Relief and Development arm
Proty of Vyrga; shapeshifting and limited telepathy
Theena of unknown; attached to a symbiotic alien able to open "viewscreens" allowing communication across distances (Communications, Search & Rescue)

********************************************************************************************

Tears of effort were streaking down Theena's face. "I'm sorry... I'm at my limit! I can't find them at all!"

"It's okay, Theena, it's okay," Impulse gently patted her on the back. "You did your best."

Marla Latham rose. "We've done our part, now we need to buy time for the White Witch to do hers."

"I will depart right away," White Witch said. "what I felt was definitely magic... and perhaps some of my fellows can help us."

"About that," M'Rissey leaned forward. "I took the liberty of calling for help."

What appeared to be a bolt of lightning struck the conference table, and a dark cloud filled the room - which soon cleared up to reveal Thunder.

"I came as soon as I could!" Thunder stepped forward. "Are they really..."

"Gone, but we will find them," Marla Latham said firmly.

"By damn, we will!" RJ Brande slammed his fist on the desk. "We can't let the galaxy know about this, either. We need to keep this sealed among us - except for the highest levels of the United Planets, of course!"

"I've sworn my deputies on Legion World to secrecy," Gigi Cusimano stood up. "And requested for temporary back-up directly from Commander Hagbard."

"And I've sent a communique to the Chiefs of Staff - and the Presidents' Office," Shvaughn Erin tried to hide her worry. If M'Onel was at some magical lunatic's mercy...

"Thanks for coming running back from your conference, lass," RJ Brande smiled gently. "And thanks for copying mein on the message to President Wazzo. I'll brief her personally, once her staff give us a time."

"And what can the rest of us do?" Mandalla trembled a bit; not quite out of fear, but out of the momentousness of everything.

"For all intents and purposes, you are the active Legion now," Marla Latham smiled. "And I expect you will all act the part. I've called in the Heroes of Lallor and the Amazers..."

"... and I've also actually put the Workforce on alert," M'Rissey added.

Marla rounded on him. "You what? The Workforce don't have the same kind of Reservist arrangement that the other two teams have!"

M'Rissey leaned back, as if punched. "I just thought-! Mathematically, we need their help as well. And I didn't reveal the Legionnaires' disappearance!"

Marla sighed, as he stepped back. "That is a fair point, and I'm glad you didn't tell them. Still..." he drew himself up. "We don't quite have protocols for situations where the entire Active membership disappears... but I believe that the White Witch, as the only Active Legionnaire; and I, as head of the Legion's Support Staff, should at least have been consulted."

"I apologize..." M'Rissey looked downcast. "I am at my best dealing with numbers, not crises."

"It's fine, as long as you remember for next time," Marla turned friendlier. "Now, I do think you and Theena will make an excellent pair on Monitor Duty, and..."

A deafening crunch was heard at the door. "Are we under attack?" Lori Morning clutched Proty to her.

"They won't get far." Mandalla unleashed her thought-sphere at the door, and Tomb activated his power as well. "Ah... a Braalian," he muttered.

"Oh, I have an idea who that is..." Gigi Cusimano muttered, putting away the blaster she had drawn. She ran to the door and peeked through the sensors. Giving a sigh of recognition, she tapped the door open...

... and Magnetic Kid fell splat on his back on the floor.

"Did I make him too dizzy?" Tomb asked, peering at Pol Krinn's face.

"Rokk... Have you found my brother?!" Pol demanded.

"Um, th-this one was me..." Chlorophyll Kid sheepishly admitted.

Marla sighed.

"I'm summoning the robot crews as we speak," M'Rissey volunteered, eager to make better.

"Okay, everyone," Marla clapped his hands. "I suggest we act normal. If M'Rissey and Theena can man the Monitor Board, while our Reservists start mobilizing available Cadets... then the White Witch can start her search."

Behind Marla, Matter-Eater Lad bit nervously into a half-eaten chunk of titanium. He had already changed into his Legion-style uniform. "I guess it's out of the kitchen, and into the fire..." he muttered.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Stepping Up - 03/02/23 07:43 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Thanagar

Uncanny Amazers of Xanthu - have a cross-Reservist arrangement with the Legion

Night Girl, Lydda Jath of Kathoon; super-strength in darkness
Porcupine Pete, Peter Dursin of Earth (Jamaica and Mexico); ejects quills from his body
Radion, Roy Travich of Earth (Italy and Madagascar); flight and emission of radiation
Spectrum, Ulu Vakk of Lupra; changes the color of people and objects

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Arachno of Arachnidia; enhanced abilities of spiders
Comet Queen, Grava of Quaal III; super-speed flight and emission of comet-like gases
Flying Fox of H'lven; levitation, enhanced agility and strength, claws
Veilmist of Khundia and ??; teleportation

Other Legion Cadets

Aquamarine of Mellorus; induces transformations in self and others to land-based, water-based, or air-based forms
Uplift, Cera Kesh of Earth (Antarctica); levitation

******************************************************************************************************


Thanagar has a rich history of innovation and technology, far advanced beyond that of Earth, and more practical than Colu. It remains one of the most urbanized planets of this century. Considered war-like and violent by most other UP worlds, Thanagar is not typically a destination visited by offworlders.

- excerpt from 21st Century Powers: What are These Planets Like Now?

******************************************************************************************************


Five minutes ago, M'Rissey had mobilized the Uncanny Amazers to travel to Thanager, where massive technological failures were being reported. Atmos, Konk! and Kal Bodo had stayed behind to defend Xanthu, but more than half the Amazers - supported by some of the more advanced Legion Cadets - had made directly for the Thresholds.

Zaatar Mol didn't know any of that though. The dark-skinned youth, long hair flowing behind him, was screaming as his one-sentient rider plunged towards the highway below.

"Like, don't let your nova burn, starshine!" Comet Queen chirped as she grabbed Zaatar under his arms, pulling him to safety. "Comet Queen has got you!"

"Who?!" A confused Zaatar tried to catch his breath.

"I'm like, the nebula-streamiest future Legionnaire you ever saw!" Comet Queen beamed.

"Give him some room, Grava," Porcupine Pete called out. Pushing Grava's reply out of his mind, he concentrated on the falling rider. It could kill someone below, unless... taking careful aim, Pete generated two long quills from his arms and fired them just so. The flew with a twang, pinning the rider to a pillar just so.

"Nice aim, Pete!" Color Kid called out. He was flying beside Night Girl, coating her in blackness, while she carried a disabled grav-bus up to safety. Color Kid reflected for a moment; they had brought a large group to Thanagar, because Thanagarians loved air travel. Nearly every Thanagarian had some sort of hovercraft or artificial wings. And with technology failing... there were a lot of accidents waiting to happen.

Aquamarine flew after them, unsure what to do. There was so much chaos, and... She gasped as an open-air four-seater began to plummet from the sky.

"Aquamarine! I can't leave Night Girl - you have to help them!" Color Kid called out. The team had debated, and had agreed that they would need to involve the newest Cadets - hastily recalled from their field trip. There was just too much to do. But the more experienced heroes would guide them closely.

"But I..."

"Use your power!" Night Girl urged.

"...oh! Of course!" Aquamarine concentrated on herself, making her form sprout wings. Then she flew after the craft."

"You might not be strong enough!" Color Kid coached. "Use your power on them, too!"

"Why didn't I think of that?" Aquamarine mumbled. She pointed at the occupants of the craft, making them grow real wings, too. They gasped as they found themselves aloft.

"What happened? an older woman cried. "I have wings?!"

"It's just my power, ma'am," Aquamarine gently said. "As soon as we have you all on land, I'll reverse it... but that was the only way I could save you. Now, follow me, please." Aquamarine looked around for a nearby rooftop.

"I don't understand," Arachno questioned as she fired webbing at a pair of Thanagarian Hawk-Police, whose artificial wings had failed. Being careful not to coat the police officers themselves, she tangled their wings, pulling them to safety. "Where are the Legionnaires? There are too many innocents here for us to help!"

"They're just busy," Radion muttered. "Secret mission, or something." He knew he was a terrible liar, and just wanted to concentrate on the job. Thankfully, his flight ring and Omnicom still worked. "I have to get to the Zaporizhia Power Plant. Failsafes are in danger of collapsing, but I can absorb the radiation."

"Let me help you. I can get you there faster." Since failing her Legion exam, Veilmist had come to realize the need for collaboration. "I'll drop you off, then come back here to help." At Radion's nod, Veilmist's tell-tale purple energy signature erupted, and the pair vanished.

Watching them leave, Uplift bit her lip. "Um..." she had spotted two young men clinging to the edge of a building. She quickly flew over to them. "I'm not very strong, but if I can hold you just a bit..." Sweat dripped down her face as she focused her power. "Can you... can you boost yourself up?"

Porcupine Pete flew up behind her. He had read the files of all the Cadets with them, and knew that Uplift's power was still budding. He readied a few quills, just in case. But he could clearly see the impact of Cera's power; the two young men were visibly being pushed up by an outside force! "You're doing great, Cera," he whispered. Uplift smiled gratefully.

"I can... I can.... ah!" One managed to pull himself up, and Uplift gave him a last boost as he did. He quickly scrambled to help his friend over. The two sat down, huffing.

"Thank you, miss!" The other one heaved. "I wouldn't have had the strength to climb up without the little push you gave!"

Too tired to speak, Uplift just smiled happily. Pete tapped her on the shoulder in reassurance.

About a block away, Flying Fox was struggling. "Hey, can someone tell this kid to stop squishing me?" The mammalian Cadet had been helping Thanagarians out of a bus that was nestled on a half-dozen of Pete's quills. But a young boy had latched onto him.

"Pleaase, Mister Dog, I'm scared!" whined the kid. "I was going to go to my grandma, and...."

"I am a fox! A flying fox!" the Cadet wiggled in vain. "Look, I don't want to hurt you...!"

"That won't be necessary." Veilmist had reappeared, and with a snap of her fingers she teleported Flying Fox out of the child's grasp. As the child gasped in surprise, Flying Fox flew nearer, though careful to keep out of reach. "Look, kid, I know you're scared, but I'm with the Legion. We'll help you, but you have to let us help you and other people, okay?"

The kid nodded tearfully.

"Good, now tell me where your grandma lives. And the nice lady and I will take you there." Veilmist did her best to give a reassuring smile, though she showed a bit too much teeth. The child recoiled a bit.

"Eh, she's just had a bad burrito," Flying Fox distracted the child. "Okay, if I show you my Omnicom, can you tell me where your grandma lives?"

"They're not doing too badly," Porcupine Pete thought as he threw a few more quills. "Some of these might make full Legion status after all!"
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Stepping Up - 03/03/23 07:15 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Takron-Galtos

Reserve Legionnaires (also Legion Support Staff)

Chlorophyll Kid, Ral Benem of Mardru; accelerated plant growth (Disaster Relief & Development)
Mandalla, Tari Wahlmunn of Takron-Galtos; projects a thought-sphere that affects the target's mental and physical functions (Legion medical staff)
Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter (Legion World head chef)

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Catspaw, April Dumaka of Earth (Ghana and Tanzania); enhanced agility, speed and claws, cat-like senses
Vision, Rhent Ustin of Earth (Egypt and Spain); microscopic, telescopic, heat, freeze, and hypnotic vision

Other Legion Cadets

Battering Ram, Louie Lee of Pluto; concussive force blasts
Dream Boy and Dream Girl; Apollo and Artemis Chiang of Eros; charismatic attraction of those attracted to their sex
Polecat, Dafe Meron of Venus; emits a foul stench
Swallowtail of Swizzar; flight, scales from wings can refract light and cause effects such as hallucinations, sleep, paralysis
X-Bomb Betty, Betty Shell of Ventura; causes small explosions

***************************************************************************


Given its importance to the United Planets' police and legal systems, more investment in technological innovation and qualified personnel is recommended. The current Warden is highly competent, but must be given the resources to defend against external attacks.

- excerpt from United Planets Senate briefing

******************************************************************************************************

"Some of our failsafes are working, but only in Blocks C and D!" Officer Neep Liddle called out from his station. Well, one of the guards' stations; the poor fellow had fallen to pieces in panic at the chaos erupting around them. Neep had often pondered at how "rigid-forms", as some Durlans called non-shapeshifters, often had so much trouble dealing with change...

"We have to herd the prisoners there!" Warden Wafil turned to the Legion contingent sent to assist her.

"Leave it to us, Ma'am!" Matter-Eater Lad grinned. Tenzil wasn't used to being called that; as a Reservist, he was still better-known as Tenzil Kem, Legion Head Chef extraordinaire. Sprock, taking on the Matter-Eater Lad name was meant as a joke, like his alternate universe counterpart had confided...

Mandalla nodded at him, as did Chlorophyll Kid - though Ral trembled a little. Combat was NOT his cup of tea. But the three Reservists had planned carefully before arriving; they had selected mainly relatively level-headed Cadets, and had split the group up into balanced teams. Hopefully.

As they headed out, Warden Wafil moved closer. "Matter-Eater Lad, may I have a word before you go?" Tenzil looked at his squad - they were waiting patiently, out of earshot. "What is it, Warden?"

"This is just like when those four magical elementals disrupted tech across the galaxy - is this related?"*

Tenzil blanched. "We don't know for sure yet, Ma'am." He met the Warden's eyes. "But we are investigating. And yes, it does appear to be related to magic."

The Warden shook her head. "Thanks, good to know. Be safe out there, Legionnaires." As she walked away, Tenzil could still hear her muttering about "sprocking unpredictable magic".

***************************************************************************

Chlorophyll Kid was glad that his squad had the most cooperative of the Cadets. Then he could concentrate on walling off sections of the hallways, to draw any prisoners down the Legion's planned route. He stepped back, marveling at the prickly Phlonian Tumbling Thornbushes he had placed to seal off one branch of the intersection. These plants didn't have roots per se, but when they found a surface they liked, they managed to adhere... perfect for an indoor area.

X-Bomb Betty called out from the next intersecting point. "Mr. Benem... are you sure I can...?"

"It's f-fine, Betty," Ral smiled. "We c-cleared it all with the Warden. She said, and I quote, "As l-long as you don't bring the ceiling down over our heads, do what you have to do! We can sprocking clean up later!" As he tossed a few more seeds, he also called out "Please, you can call me Ral." Ral was secretly pleased with himself; when he had first left his homeworld, he would have been absolutely tongue-tied at such a beautiful woman as Betty. But now... he had only tripped over a couple of words. What a win!

"Okay, Ral," Betty smiled. She concentrated her power at a mass of furniture the prison guards had carried this over. One *boom* later, and another hallway was blocked by so much debris.

Vision was staring off in the distance. "I see the next intersection over there," he pointed.

"Okay, team, let's go to it," Ral smiled.

***************************************************************************

"Hallways are sealed," Ral called. "We're ready, Tenzil."

"Okay, team," Tenzil looked at his squad. "Show's ours."

"Finally!" Catspaw unsheathed her claws. She could smell the mass of prisoners on the other side of the door, hear them pounding on it... She was eager to charge at them.

"Ready?" Tenzil asked the others. Polecat nodded nervously, while Battering Ram could barely stop themselves from bouncing up and down. They had never dreamed they would go on a real mission so soon after becoming a Cadet!

"Okay, three, two, one... now!" Tenzil entered the access codes the Warden had given him, opening up the door to the common room. The door swung open to reveal a half-dozen stunned prisoners, surprised that the door they had been trying to open finally did.

"Hey, it's that Legion Chef!" one pointed at Tenzil.

"And I'm not alone," Tenzil smiled wickedly. "Now, Polecat!"

Dafe Meron stepped forward, his small antennae tingling. Then he let out the foulest stench he could emit.

"What the sprock!" the lead prisoner gagged as he dropped to his knees.

"It's like the clouds of Venus over here!" another one swayed unsteadily. "Run!"

"You better!" Catspaw, claws bared, gave her best snarl and leaped forward. Wearing her transuit, she was unaffected by Polecat's stench, and began slashing through the air with glee.

Tenzil looked in approval; Catspaw was giving a great show, while being careful not to actually hurt anyone.

"You sprocking nassheads!" A rather large, orange-skinned, one-eyed prisoner came charging at Tenzil. He carried an uprooted table over his head.

"Tsk, tsk," Tenzil wagged his finger. Taking aim, he spit at the table. The prisoner stopped in his tracks as he felt his load lighten; he looked up, goggling like a fish, as he watched it dissolve in thin air.

"This is what happens when you make a Bismollian mad," Tenzil flew up. "Now imagine what happens if I spit ON you?"

The prisoner dropped the remnants of the table and ran screaming down the room.

At another corner of the room, Battering Ram was sending beams of force to herd the prisoners down the other exit. Their aim wasn't yet the best, but their goal wasn't to actually hit anyone; it was to scare them so they would be herded down the path that Chlorophyll Kid's team had cleared. And so Battering Ram took delight in letting their shots go wild, damaging walls, hitting furniture, and making as much noise as possible!

"Okay, gang, we've got them on the run. Now, let's move out!" Tenzil called over the telepathic earplugs. Grinning, the four began to advance on the mass of prisoners, driving them slowly through the one remaining exit in the room.

***************************************************************************
Mandalla floated above the large open atrium. This was one of the areas with working failsafes, but she knew that her squad would make much better crowd control than any prison system.

"Are you all feeling ready?" she asked her squad,; she had distributed them in three equidistant points around the room, so each could work without disturbing the others.

"Ready and excited," Swallowtail fluttered her wings nervously. This would be her first time using her powers in actual battle!

"For sure," twins Dream Boy and Dream Girl both gave a thumbs-up.

"Okay, Chlorophyll Kid says the rush will be here any moment..." Mandalla looked towards the open entrance. She could hear the sounds of running and screaming coming closer, closer, closer...

She watched as the first of the prisoners ran through. "Wait until they get to the middle of the room," she reminded.

"The last of them have passed me!" Vision called over the flight ring network. He had concealed himself just outside of the atrium.

"Okay, it's showtime!" Mandalla called. She quickly unleashed her thought-sphere over her portion of the room. She had trouble targeting it; at least, she could not selectively control who was affected in the area it covered. She could make it small enough to affect only one person. But once it expanded, any caught in it were affected.

Not a problem when subduing a rioting mob, however.

She watched in satisfaction as any prisoner caught in its area began to sway and sit down in confusion.

Swallowtail's shimmering scales rained down on the prisoners in her area. The diminutive Cadet flapped her wings for all their worth, unleashing a sleeping powder on all who were caught in it. A few prisoners resisted, even as their companions dropped like bundles of inertron. Shifting gears on those, Swallowtail triggered a cascade of paralyzing scales to fall, instead. One by one, those still standing also fell. These last ones remained awake, but immobile.

And on the far end, Dream Girl and Dream Boy began turning on the charm. Between the two of them, 98% of the prisoners began to swoon.

"Absolutely gorgeous!" "Hey, toots!" "You looking for a good time?" came the calls.

The twins looked at each other, and grinned. Nothing they hadn't heard before. Controlling the intensity and effects of their powers, they slowly shifted their control to put their targets into more of a trance-like state.

The 2% of unaffected prisoners looked around them, stunned. One pointed at the twins. "It must be those two! Get 'em!"

"Why? I'm not affected, I'll just make a break for it!" said one, who began to run.

"Hey!" Dream Boy said, unsure of what to do. He knew that a very few asexual sentients would be unaffected by their powers, but...

"Shut up!" one prisoner's eyes began to glow.

"Apollo!" Dream Girl cried out at her brother.

"We're not having any of that!" Mandalla's foot connected with the prisoner's face, knocking him out. "Tenzil, Ral, Vision, the others are yours!"

Dream Girl and Dream Boy gasped as Matter-Eater Lad slammed into another fleeing prisoner; while Vision's eyes unleashed streams of freezing cold to stop another in her tracks. Chlorophyll Kid's tumbleweeds swept up the last few.

"Oh, thank you!" Dream Girl gasped.

"We just froze up..." Dream Boy said sheepishly.

"Hey, it happens," Mandalla said soothingly. "You're still in training, after all. Remember, you should be training in VR scenarios; we only brought you here now because it's an emergency."

"Yeah, you did really well, kids," Tenzil hugged them both tight. He took one last look around the atrium, to be sure that no prisoner was left standing. "We all did great. Banyo-shakes on me when we get back!"

***************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Elements of Disaster, L* 71-74. They affected Takron-Galtos, too!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Stepping Up - 03/03/23 05:05 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Colu

Reserve Legionnaires (also Legion Support Staff)

Impulse, Kent Shakespeare of Earth (United Kingdom: England); enhanced speed, strength, durability and recuperative abilities (Legion World chief medical doctor)
Tomb, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions (Legion medical staff)

Reserve Legionnaires (Not Legion Cadets or Support Staff)

Magnetic Kid, Pol Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis (magno-ball athlete)

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Dragonwing, Marya Pai of Earth (Singapore and Tibet); breathes fire and secretes acid venom

Other Legion Cadets

Calamity, Eryk Davis Ester of Touston; disintegrates objects uncontrollably
Dolphin, F'e1lpz of Dili-Tawi; can hold his breath indefinitely
Healer, Mend'rr of Jaquaa; accelerates natural healing by borrowing strength from others
Neuron, A'rmie of Gil'd; telepathy, electricity generation
Paragon, Solana Xatu of Korugar; boosts others' confidence

***************************************************************************

Perhaps driven by pride and ego, Colu's current government led by Orin Fex is more of a potential foe than a potential ally. A recent mission led by Brainiac 5 has hopefully lulled Orin Fex into perceiving the Legion as altruistic and harmless, while allowing the team to determine if he has laid any immediate plans to weaken us.

- excerpt from the Legion Espionage Squad files

******************************************************************************************************
"Orin Fex?" Impulse turned to face Colu's leader - a man that he knew was not pleased with the Legion. Orin Fex had attempted many times to sabotage Robotica's new peace with the United Planets, and had even tried to spy on the Legion. So Impulse was determined to be as careful as he could in dealing with this man.

Yet, Orin Fex looked like a shell. Unsurprising; Colu was one of the UP worlds most dependent on technology, after all.

"Hmm?" he turned towards Impulse.

"Orin Fex... how long has the Coluan Sleepnet been off?" Impulse asked. Brainiac 5 had explained it, but Kent still tried to grasp the concept. The Sleepnet was some sort of information-sharing network that Coluans used to share ideas while asleep... and its loss would have grave consequences indeed. Coluan society had been on shaky ground during the brief emergence of the Elements of Disaster*.

"Too long... days..." Orin Fex muttered, staring into space.

"He's completely out of it!" Magnetic Kid shook his head. "I thought Brainiac 5 said the Coluans were working on contingency plans in case the Sleepnet went offline again?"

"Either the plans weren't finished, or..." Impulse trailed off, afraid to consider the implications.

"Or? Or what?" Dragonwing spat.

"Or... this Sleepnet breakdown is worse than the last one was?" Healer asked tentatively.

"Spot on, Healer," Impulse said. "We have to assume the worst."

"I'm sure we can handle it," Paragon smiled.

"The sooner we do, the sooner we can find my brother and the rest of the Legionnaires," Magnetic Kid sighed.

Impulse tried not to frown. This attitude wasn't helping. "I want you all to look around the room, see if you can learn anything useful," he told the Cadets. As the others scampered off, Kent went up to Pol. "Pol, I know you're worried about Rokk, but..."

"It's my mom and dad!" Pol snapped. "Rokk vanished into the aether before, and it nearly killed them!** He only came back after a year, and... mom nearly drank herself to death, and dad cried every night, and..."

"Pol, believe me, I know it's tough," Kent said. He had seen many a patient break down before, and knew that he needed to be firm. "I know you're worried, so am I. But we're here on a mission, a lot of innocents depend on us..." Kent watched Pol's anguished face. "Look, we had to flee into another reality before***.... and we found the original Legionnaires, and we came back, and we retook Legion World and saved all the hostages... let's let Mysa and Thunder do their job, okay? We can increase their chances of success by doing ours."

Pol shook his head. "... You're right, Kent. You're right. I'm sorry."

"it's called being human," Kent smiled. "Come on, let's go do Legiony stuff."

Pol chuckled at Kent's reference to the informal battle cry they had adopted, when they had kept the Legion going all that time ago.***** "Let's do Legiony stuff, Legionnaires!"

"Okay, Cadets!" Kent called. "Tell me what you've found, and then we'll head out and save people!"

*************************************************************************

Dragonwing rolled her eyes as she watched Dolphin dive again into the water, and surface bringing two more Coluans to safety. The lean youth had an amazing swimmer's build... and no powers other than holding his breath. Yet, here he was, being much more effective than she herself was!

"Magnetic Kid, tell me again why I'm here?!" she snapped. "My powers are best suited for fighting, but there's nobody to fight! Calamity and I aren't helpful here at all!"

Magnetic Kid glanced over at Dragonwing. Behind him, a large sheet of metal floated, with half a dozen gibbering Coluans seated on it. Pol had created a sort of fence around the edges to ensure none fell off.

"Are you sure Calamity's not doing anything?" Pol asked. He pointed, and Dragonwing's eyes followed.

Calamity had his eyes closed, even as he concentrated on the walls of the sinking watercraft. Dragonwing watched in shame as the walls crumbled into nothingness. "Whew, time to scoot," Calamity whispered; his control over his powers was still spotty, and he didn't want to risk causing any more damage than needed.

Opening an entrance meant Dolphin could swim in; and in seconds, Dolphin had emerged carrying a Coluan child.

"Maybe you can find some other trapped people, and use your acid to free them?" Pol asked.

"Yeah, good idea..." Dragonwing sheepishly mumbled as she took off.

A few klicks away, Neuron floated silently over a ruined cityscape. It had marveled at how advanced Colu seemed to be, with towering skyscrapers everywhere. Yet, with technology intermittently failing all over the galaxy, Neuron realized that Colu's advancement was both a blessing and a curse. "There," Neuron directed. "My telepathy senses some trapped Coluans. I will help pinpoint their location."

Following Neuron's instructions, Impulse jogged over to a collapsed building. Paragon flew and followed behind. "Is it safe to rip this fallen wall off?" Impulse asked.

"Nobody is directly behind it..." Neuron answered.

"Good." Impulse punched a hole in the wall, then tore an opening through it.

"Anyone here?" he asked.

A few scattered, muffled cries came from inside.

Paragon helpd her glow-lamp up. "Hello, who's here?"

A young female Coluan trembled as she took tentative steps forward. "Children... here..."

"Hey, it's okay, it's okay," Paragon smiled as she drew nearer and activated her power. "Keep calm, you can make it out. Is anyone too injured to walk?"

Two dozen children shook their heads no. Impulse quickly scanned them, to see if any did have serious injuries; none appeared to.

"Okay then, let's all file out properly, and we can go out in the sunlight again," Paragon pointed towards the opening.

Impulse shook his head in amazement as Paragon single-handedly cleared the building. He flew ahead to where Tomb and Healer were working feverishly. Between the two of them, Impulse had little use for his own medical knowledge; Tomb focused on mending wounds and minor injuries, while Healer gave a boost to the most injured cases.


Watching the strain on Healer's face, Impulse approached. "Healer, I know your healing draws on energy... are you channeling your own?"

An exhausted Healer's nod told Impulse all he knew. "Use mine, instead. You need your own strength to keep doing this."

Healer smiled gratefully, and touched Impulse's arm. Kent soon felt himself growing more tired. But he watched as the wounds of Healer's current patient knit themselves in front of his eyes. That was the most important thing right now; saving as many as possible.

*************************************************************************


IB's notes:

1) L* 71-74 again!

2) Referring to Titans/Legion Special, Infinite Crisis, when the Reboot Legion's Earth was seemingly destroyed, with only the Legionnaires surviving in limbo. Check the recap thread, "What Came Before", for more detail.

3) Kent is talking about Volume 3!

4) Pol means: during Volume 1, when the original Reboot Legion was lost!
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Visiting other Legions - 03/03/23 06:15 PM
December!! I'm getting there! You sure did crank out a lot of stuff!!!! laugh

I can feel Floyd's disappointment as he talks to Devlin. But its still an important job.

Ah, Jed's got the nerves going, and Tel's not handling it well. Maybe they got married too soon?

God, I love the contrast between Orange and Gates here. The concept of being job counselors to effectively sort the applicants is a great idea.
Brawler's dream had me laughing!! His interaction with Triad, not so much.
Retro may need to rethink his options...

I'm really glad that you are allowing Jan to get his honors. I've always felt that DnA turned him into a villain then kind of threw him (and all the good he did prior) away like Kleenex.
Battering Ram seems interesting - they're an original character, right??
LOVE Betty's sequence. From the girls going from being dismissive to supportive. And, of course, Wildfire. I like her addition to the cadet program.

M'Rissey! Logistics as a super power! laugh LOL at Vi's comment about Kinetix. Still, I think its a really cool idea to bring him in for resourcing. He's like Batman in how he can plan ahead.
Cera is great - and love her code name. This is sizing up to be a cool revisioning of the early Legionnaires tryout. Glad Garth isn't there laugh
No Uranus jokes...No Uranus jokes...No Uranus jokes... laugh

Fauna is interesting just from the perspective of Starhaven being her homeworld. I was expecting another Dawnstar.
Meyer actually reminds me of Kinetix in some ways. And by the way, I really like your more sympathetic take on Andromeda.

Akiko seems like a walking, talking lasso of truth.
Giselle as a SP is an interesting choice. I think it suits her.

Oho! So Violet responds to Artemis! wink
Can I just say that I LOVE the energy Vampire concept in pretty much any form?

Aha! I knew something was going to happen around Retro and Brawler!!!
Spark Tongue sighting!!!
Ah, here we go. The old Kobyashi Maru with an evil twist. Man, Brawler took out Brin handily. He must be really powerful. He's not making a great case for himself.
Nice job Lamprey!!

LOL I can never expect this Ayla to keep a poker face. Which is ironic given she was so good at it in 5YL. smile
Gates is improbably a big advocate for the trainees here. I love it.

Retroboot visit!!
I like the differences of the Dirks the best. Reboot seemed much more level headed.
The Allons/Kinetix interaction was great, of course. Although I don't think it would be wise to bring Vi in on the conversation.
And Jan & Candi. frown So sad, but I loved it.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Visiting other Legions - 03/03/23 09:17 PM
thanks for the read and review, GL!! yeah December was relatively light for me, and I knew Jan-march would be crazy (it still is!) at work, so I cranked stuff out real quick!

re Jed and Tel, I have them as Tel always having a bit of a stick up his butt, caring way too much about status and achievements. Jed is just more chill and OK with how things are tongue

Gates tells it like it is wink he doesn't really care about being politically correct, ironically despite being very social justice-y tongue

Jan did a lot of great things, and despite becoming the Progenitor... yeah. DNA took a good step in Legion 25 with Retro questioning and Imra/Cos remembering, but it did not go far enough in my opinion



Battering Ram is definitely an original character! glad you like smile character creation is probably my weakness as a writer, so glad some of them are working well!

Re X-Bomb Betty, I've fallen into the trap of judging attractive people negatively myself tongue hence the idea for Betty's bit.

I'm super proud of the Uploft code name myself, and happy to give poor Cera Kesh another chance smile

glad you are liking all these little bits! re Lamprey, I made such a big deal after her first rejection re the limitations of her power, I wanted to show her overcome those tongue

yeah, Reboot Dirk seemed way more together than Preboot/5YL one, so that bit totally stays

heh, imagine Retroboot Vi learning all about Reboot Vi/Gim... whew!
and indeed, I could not let a Candi/Jan meeting pass by smile it had to happen!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Stepping Up - 03/04/23 12:18 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Vyrga

Heroes of Lallor - have a cross-Reservist arrangement with the Legion

Hotshot, Staq Mavlen of Shwar; breathes fire
Tellus, Ganglios of Hykraius; telepathy and telekinesis
Vapor, Tal Nahii of Lallor; transforms her body into gases

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Crystal Kid, Bobb Kohan of Earth (Brazil and Peru); crystal generation and manipulation
Rainbow, Dori Aandraison of Xolnar; rainbow-based light powers

Other Legion Cadets

Fauna, Cats-Eye of Starhaven; animal empathy and borrowing of animal attributes
Martin Anderson of Luna; pyrokinesis
The Mess, Meyer Qayd of the Sol Asteroid Belt; telekinesis affecting small-diameter objects
Retro, Deen Toro of Retcon; touch-triggered ability to rewind time, but leaving those affected with a memory of "future" events

Other Legion Support Staff and Allies

Cannus of Anthropologia; skilled tracker, canine senses and abilities (Search & Rescue)
Theena of unknown; attached to a symbiotic alien able to open "viewscreens" allowing communication across distances (Communications, Search & Rescue)

Megga Hanzo of Winath; UP Aid program (childhood friend of Spark and Live Wire)

**************************************************************************************

"Vyrga has always had an interesting relationship with the UP. As somewhat short-lived invertebrates, Vyrgan leadership has always looked for ways to stand thorax-to-thorax with the vertebrates that dominate the UP. Why else do you think they keep telling me to stay with the Legion? Anything that can give them acclamation within the UP... bah! Mark my words, if they ever find some more teleporters manifesting their powers, we'll have them on our doorstep in the next cycle!"

- Gates, during a Legion meeting

*************************************************************************************

Martin Anderson's head was reeling. First, his Legion Cadet field trip had been cut short; then he and his classmates had been told they would be sent on missions while the Legionnaires were off on a mission; then he had taken a Threshold to Vyrga, where they had been very warmly received by Vyrga's Matriarch, who had kept on and on about the great debt Vyrga owed the Legion*; and how Vyrgan Legionnaire Gates had ensured that Vyrga received developmental aid - hence why a UP Aid mission was now on-planet. And now they were being briefed on their own mission.

"We lost contact with our UP colleagues four hours ago," Megga Hanzo said. The brunette hailed from Winath; but as a sign of the influence of Winath's own twin Legionnaires Live Wire and Spark, Megga's own twin was nowhere to be seen. Apparently, Winathian twins used to do everything together, but that was changing.

Martin idly thought about his own cousin, Sandy - the erstwhile Workforce member and Legion ally Inferno. She had gone to explore the galaxy and have a good time, she said; he also hadn't had contact with her in days. He hoped she was fine...

"Martin, please focus." Martin nearly jumped up as Tellus' voice sounded in his head. "I know you joined the Cadet program mainly for companionship, but we have a job to do..."

Martin nodded silently; he still had trouble communicating over telepathic links. He tried to focus, but it was tough. He resorted to biting the inside of his cheek to keep from falling asleep...

Beside Martin, Crystal Kid and Rainbow were both paying rapt attention. Both still strongly wanted to impress the Legionnaires, after all. On the other hand, Retro was dabbing uncomfortably at his brow; the jungle humidity on Vyrga was not pleasant. "You can just wear a transuit, you know," Crystal Kid whispered cheekily.

As Megga finished her briefing, Vapor stood up. "Okay, team. We have 45 UP staff to find, and a lot of ground to cover here on Vyrga's jungle terrain. Unfortunately, we've had to decline help from Vyrgan officers; their anatomies are simply too slow for a search-and-rescue mission."

"Oh yes, that's why Gates always flies or teleports," Crystal Kid volunteered eagerly. The Mess sniggered a bit; Crystal Kid had been a bit too forthcoming with all of his Legion knowledge, in a rather transparent bid to impress.

"That's right," Vapor smiled, then continued on before Crystal Kid could pop in another tidbit. "And with communications links on Vyrga down, we will have to get creative in communicating."

"That's my job," Theena smiled. She was glad to be off Legion World and on a mission for once! "I'll stay here with Megga and keep tabs on all of you through my symbiote." As if to demonstrate, her symbiotic viewscreens flashed to show images of several of the Cadets. "I will coordinate from here."

"And remember, besides the Vyrgans that we all know, Vyrgan jungles have a lot of native species - mainly harmless. But, UP scientists have catalogued an average of three new species per standard cycle, so keep your eyes open," Megga warned.

Fauna leaned forward with interest; she always enjoyed encountering new species.

Vapor drew up a map. "We'll split up into these teams..."

**************************************************************************************

"Rhis rhay!" Cannus pointed. "Reye rmell rher rhent!"

Hotshot wanted to call M'Rissey and ask what the idea was. Thus far, he had needed to ask Cannus to repeat almost everything twice; that accent of his was just...

"Hey!" Retro exclaimed.

"What is it?" Hotshot asked.

"I stepped on some poop." Retro's nose crinkled in disgust.

"Oh for the love of...!" Hotshot started. He sighed. "Use your flight ring, like the rest of us."

"I hate flying," Retro whined. Seeing Hotshot's death stare, he relented. "Let me just get this off." Using his power on his leg, he rewound the excrement so it fell off his boot and onto the ground.

"I'm glad you didn't have to touch the poop itself," The Mess laughed.

"Well, you would know," Retro fired back. "I see that Vyrgan jungles have a lot of tiny insects!"

The Mess sighed as he wiped a mass of dead insects from his transuit-covered face. He knew from experience that his power hadn't killed them; there were just dozens of dead ones that he attracted.

Hotshot sighed as he looked at his squad. He, Vapor and Tellus had discussed the squad assignments, and he knew that he had the lazy Retro and the poor-power-control Mess to balance having Cannus the tracker. "Come on, let's just get this over with," he sighed as he motioned Cannus to continue.

**************************************************************************************

Vapor watched as Fauna began to glow red, a sign she was using her power. She wondered whether Fauna could combine powers with Tellus and with Beastmaster; too bad that Beastmaster had to stay behind to protect Lallor. Maybe one day, she would get to test that theory. But for now, Fauna was still a new Cadet and needed guidance.

Fauna opened her eyes. "I've spoken with a Vyrgan Giant Dragonfly, and she tells me that some humanoid bipeds went this way."

"Then this way we go," Vapor said. "Please led the way."

"Vapor!" Martin pointed in panic. "A giant beetle!"

"A Giant Winged Beast Beetle!" Fauna said excitedly, looking at the winged creature flapping its wings threateningly at them.

"I'll drive it away!" Martin wreathed himself in a corona of fire.

"Martin, no!" Vapor had changed her body into a flame retardant gas, while keeping her head solid. "You risk burning down the jungle!" At Martin's confused look, Vapor's tone softened. "Besides, remember our own powers; I could put the beetle to sleep, or Fauna can talk to it."

"I already am," Fauna replied, her eyes glowing. "He apologizes; he thought we were invading his territory. Now he understands we are just looking for some lost sentients."

"Good job, Fauna." Vapor gently turned to the downcast Martin. "And I also appreciate your alertness, Martin... We just have to think carefully before we act, okay?" Martin nodded, but Vapor made a note to pay special attention to him from now on.

**************************************************************************************

Crystal Kid fumed silently as he trudged through the jungle behind Tellus. This would have been a great opportunity; but instead of being sent on a more high-profile mission, here he was following Tellus of all sentients into the jungles of Vyrga! Why couldn't he have gone with Impulse or Matter-Eater Lad, who actually resided on Legion World? Or even the White Witch, the only Active Legionnaire not to have gone on that blasted secret mission?

Tellus stopped and turned to Crystal Kid and Rainbow. "I do not sense any sentient minds here..."

"How about asking the local wildlife?" Bobb offered, a bit testily.

"Thank you, Crystal Kid... That was my next step, indeed," Tellus intoned. "Now please, I need to concentrate..."

Rainbow made a little face at Bobb, and Bobb returned it. Where Vision and Catspaw were beating up criminals on Takron-Galtos, here they were playing hide-and-seek in the jungle!

Rainbow raised a hand, and began to radiate some black light. "Maybe I can find some tracks..." she muttered.

"That is indeed helpful," Tellus' message almost made the two jump. "All I have gathered is that some sentients passed through here not long ago..."

Rainbow walked forward eagerly, her hand held high as she searched for tracks on the ground. Crystal Kid rolled his eyes as he followed. He wished this mission were a bit more glamorous!

**************************************************************************************

Theena checked her viewscreens as she called M'Rissey. Her colleague was still on Legion World, coordinating missions; he had called to check in if some team members could be diverted elsewhere.

"I think you'll be able to deploy us all soon," Theena smiled. One screen showed that Cannus had found a group of UP staff; Hotshot, Retro and The Mess were checking to see if anyone needed medical attention.

Another screen showed that Fauna had tracked down a second group. Vapor was providing oxygen to a few that had fallen ill, but otherwise everyone was healthy.

And the third screen showed Crystal Kid levitating a crystal platform with several more UP staff on it. They appeared tired and weak, but otherwise fine. Tellus and Rainbow were checking each, to be sure.

"Not bad, not bad," Megga said as she watched the screens. "So, what kind of mission are the Legionnaires on? I'm pleasantly surprised to see not a single Active member here... Ayla told me once that each mission should have at least two Active Legionnaires..."

Theena nearly spit out her drink. Trying to keep a smooth face, she smiled at Megga. "Well, I can't give you details yet, but it has to do with a case the team's been working on for a while..."

Theena took a long sip of her drink while studying Megga's skeptical expression. She really hoped they would locate the missing Legionnaires soon... she didn't know how long they could keep this secrecy up!

**************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) The Legionnaires stopped the Reboot Mantis Morlo from taking over the Vyrgan government! (L* 45)
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Stepping Up - 03/04/23 11:44 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Other Legion Support Staff and Allies

Gigi Cusimano of Mars; Science police lieutenant and commander of the Science Police contingent on Legion World
Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Ireland and Montenegro); Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer
Dr. Gym'll of Jaquaa; Legion physician
Marla Latham of Earth (Germany and Sweden); Legion adult advisor
M'rissey of Mercury; advanced scenario modelling; manager of the Legion's Disaster Relief and Development arm


*************************************************************************************************************************

"I don't like it, Marla, but my projections show that we will need to shut down the Thresholds," M'Rissey shook his head. Behind him, a series of tables and charts displayed the data that he had somehow cobbled together, in between dispatching teams and triaging situations. "Unfortunately, the pattern of technological disruptions is thus far random; and the duration and severity of each shows no consistent pattern either. Thanagar was hit first, then Naltor, then Vyrga, then Linsner." M'Rissey flashed to a chart showing the planets that had been affected, with numbers displaying their order.

"No pattern at all," Shvaughn muttered. "None of those worlds are close by."

"And next comes the severity," M'Rissey changed the display to show colors, ranging from red to green, with red most severe. Again, no pattern.

"... and finally, duration." A series of little clock symbols appeared; Marla raised an amused eyebrow at the detail and specificity with which M'Rissey made his presentations. He leaned forward; they were a little small for his older eyes. "So, Colu had both a long and Red disruption... but Daxam's was just as long, yet much less severe at only Green..."

"... and Aarok's was Green but short, whereas Thanagar's was Red but also mercifully short," M'Rissey concluded. Then he called up another screen, that showed a timeline. "The only pattern is that every hour, more and more worlds are experiencing disruptions. And..." Four red circles appeared, highlighting two planets' names. "Both Earth and Bgztl have been hit twice."

Gigi stood up. "A targeted attack? Seat of the UP and homeworld of the sitting President? I thought this was just some kind of natural occurrence, as sustained attacks would have wiped whole populations out, but is this some sort of feint and confusion?"

"I've tried to test both scenarios, but don't have enough data," M'Rissey said, sadly.

Marla, Shvaughn and Gigi began talking of what to do and whom to inform. Dr. Gym'll sat, arms folded, his face growing darker by the moment. "Look, just tell me the implications for health and safety. With Impulse off playing hero, that leaves me as the most senior medical expert here - I've had to ask my practice to screen and divert only the most urgent calls to me. My main concern is what to tell Legion World's residents about keeping safe!"

Gigi began to answer, but Marla stopped her. "I apologize, Doctor. You're right. I would suggest you have the staff make an inventory of equipment classified by technological sophistication, while preparing a memo to all residents on items to stock up on assuming we get hit by the most severe and prolonged disruption to date. If M'Rissey transmits these charts to you, will that be enough?"

"Perfect. I'll be in the medi-labs." Dr. Gym'll grabbed his bag and turned to leave without another word.

Gigi sniffed. "He was right, but his manner... anyway. We are agreed, we need to shut down the Thresholds?"

"But only after recalling all away teams urgently. Or at least one member per, depending on how urgent their situations are," Shvaughn said, her heart beating. "It's a risk that some will be caught in Thresholds, but M'Rissey, what are the chances that someone will actually get caught mid-threshold in the next hour or so?"

".... 3.45% is my best guess, but these models are inaccurate... margin of error, +-10%."

"We have no choice," Gigi sighed. "I don't like it, but if we don't do it now, if we wait..."

All four looked at the timeline chart. The unspoken conclusion hung in the air; the disruptions would get more frequent and less predictable the longer they waited.

"Let's do it," Marla said. "Have the teams come back and take Legion cruisers. Although with Stargates gone, our response times will increase..."

"I'm working on more scenario modelling," M'Rissey turned back to his screens, typing as he spoke. "I'll come up with a plan re using select UP worlds as outposts. If we, for example, station a contingent on Imsk, and another on Zwen..."

"Good thinking," Marla smiled. "Gigi, I'll leave you to handle peace and order. Shvaughn and I need to prepare a briefing for the UP leadership..."

*************************************************************************************************************************

Earth, Seat of the United Planets

Honorary Legionnaires

Rene Jacques Brande of unknown; telepathy of unknown levels (See L* 52!); Legion Founder/Financier and United Planets Ambassador to the Second Galaxy
Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Ireland and Montenegro); Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer

United Planets Leadership and Staff

Edvard Hagbard, Science Police Commander
Hector Hol, United Planets Armed Forces General
Rosa Tubman Everett, United Planets Fleet Admiral
Winema Wazzo of Bgztl; United Planets President
Zarox Lux of Colu; 10th level intelligence (UP Disaster Coordination)

*************************************************************************************************************************
As the least senior person in the room, alongside Zaron Lux, Shvaughn was surprised at how unintimidated she felt when faced with the top echelons of UP leadership. But after all, she reminded herself that she had started as Legion Liaison Officer with the perception that it would be a joke and a grunt job; * but that seemed like eons ago, in the team's first year, with only 13 relatively inexperienced members. The Legion had grown and proven themselves time and time again; and she had seen attitudes within the Science Police, from the newest Cadet to Commander Hagbard himself, change from skepticism and ridicule to mutual respect.

This was evident in today's meeting. Formerly one of the most skeptical of the Legion, Hagbard was now one of their biggest advocates.

"If the Legion's numbers guy says it, I'm convinced," Hagbard said.

"Hagbard, you're not one for being in the middle, are you?" Admiral Everett barked. Shvaughn loved her, and though she never saw herself as a soldier, she would work under Everett if she had the chance. "I respect the Legion too, but it's best practice to have those scenarios verified independently!"

"Which I have just done, pardon my interruption." Zaron Lux stood up. Though not as intelligent as Brainiac 5, he came quite close; and being more often than not the smartest person in the room gave him a quiet confidence. "The calculations are impressively correct. To conserve energy and minimize the chances of a fatal Threshold accident, we should indeed wind up Threshold operations within the next 2.35 UP standard hours."

General Hol turned to Winema. "Madam President. By your leave...? We already have protocols in place for operations should the Threshold system go down, but every minute we have to execute them properly helps. This is the first situation in which we will have to use them."

"With two of the brightest minds in the galaxy saying so, I agree." To her credit, Winema showed not an ounce of indecision. "It won't be easy, but... Rene, would you..."

"I have already requested calls with the Affiliated Planets leadership, and representatives of the worlds of the Second Galaxy," RJ smiled back. "AP planets are being hit, and who knows if the Second Galaxy will eventually be impacted? Matriarch Enkenet of the Kwai is my first stop, of course."**

"Thank you, Rene," Winema smiled. "I trust you will make the good Matriarch feel like she is involved in decision-making..." She turned to her Chief of Staff, asking her to schedule a meal with the Matriarch in a week, and to place a private reminder to sound out the Matriarch's thoughts on forming some sort of United Planets within the Second Galaxy as well. "Much more efficient if they have their own representative in place, to have a single point of contact. Now..." Winema rose. "I trust you all to handle the operational aspects, both military and civilian, of shutting down the Thresholds. I'll have communications staff arrange a galaxy-wide communications two hours from now, just before we shut the Thresholds down. Rene, please do ask the AP if they would like to piggy-back on our broadcast. Zaron..."

"I am preparing a list of alternative communications channels that can reach the worlds with massive disruptions," Zaron said without looking up.

"Perfect," Winema smiled. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to get a cup of tea before digging in." And with that, Winema phased through the floor.

The leadership stood up, with General Hol and Admiral Everett briskly walking out the room. Commander Hagbard made a point of grabbing an extra pastry from the table before winking at Shvaughn and exiting. Shvaughn forced herself not to roll her eyes; Hagbard was still a bit of a nasshead, sometimes.

RJ Brande approached her as she gathered her things. "Shvaughn, lass, how are you holding up? And please, call me RJ, none of this Mr. Brande or Ambassador Brande nonsense, by damn!"

"Oh, RJ, thank you for asking," Shvaughn smiled. "It's been incredibly busy, but..."

"But I can see the work takes your mind off other things," RJ's eyes twinkled. "I'm worried about Triad, too. But by damn, we'll find her and M'Onel and the rest, we will."

Shvaughn nearly dropped her bag. RJ smiled again. "I like to keep up on everyone, you know."

Shvaughn smiled. "Thank you, RJ. We'll find them all, indeed." And when they did, she would give M'Onel the biggest kiss ever.

*************************************************************************************************************************

Earth, Seat of the United Planets

Other Legion Support Staff and Allies

Cub Wazzo-Nah of Bgztl and Rimbor; son of Apparition and Ultra Boy, confirmed phasing abilities
Devlin O'Ryan of Xanthu; reporter
Hannah Wells of Earth (France and Mali); reporter
Winema Wazzo of Bgztl; United Planets President

*************************************************************************************************************************

"No, control, I will not shove a camera in Cub Wazzo-Nah's face!" Hannah Wells politely but firmly told her bosses through the commlinks. With tech blipping on and off unpredictably, they had resorted to voice-only comms; too bad, she wished they could see the disgust on her face. Cub was only a child!

"Yeah, that's right!" Devlin O'Ryan echoed Hannah. "Let's focus on the news, and not exploit any children!"

Ignoring their bosses' rants, Hannah and Devlin turned to the podium. Winema Wazzo was already there, and behind her sat Cub in his crib, a watchful nanny hovering over him. Hannah had heard Winema speaking with her staff. "Cub is here both for safety and for perception," Winema had explained. "With technology failing, I want my grandson close by; and it will help the people accept our message if they see me as someone with normal family connections too. Like them." And so, Cub's crib was placed just so, slightly behind and to the back of Winema. He would not be in center stage, but anyone reading the links would know who he was.

Nobody could ever accuse Winema Wazzo of being a clumsy politician. Hannah pondered on her evolution; she used to have a temper that made her lose reason, but since the Blight came, Winema had become much more adept. And this had only increased as she began to work more closely with the Legion.

Perhaps, pondered Hannah, Winema's new family dynamic -better relations with daughter Apparition and son-in-law Ultra Boy, and spending time with her grandson Cub, had also affected her positively.

"We are live in 10!" A tech officer shouted. Hannah began her narration. "We are here today with an urgent message from the President of the United Planets."

And then it was Winema's turn. Looking up with a calm but sympathetic expression, she began. "Citizens of the United Planets, citizens of the Affiliated Planets, and all other unaligned worlds receiving this message. You by now have likely heard of the random, unexplained technological disruptions plaguing worlds intermittently. Rest assured, the United Planets is collaborating with your leaders to enact measures that will keep us as safe as possible. Even now, the majority of the active Legion of Super-Heroes membership is on a mission to find the cause of this; and Reserve Legionnaires are working with UP services on relief operations."

The screen behind Winema showed several images; Impulse and Matter-Eater Lad helping a group of Science Police Officers calm riots on Bismoll; the Heroes of Lallor pushing back a herd of space dragons from approaching Neptune; Xanthu's Uncanny Amazers dispelling freak storms on Winath after its weather control system failed; UP aid workers and several Legion Cadets led by Chlorophyll Kid distributing edible foodstuffs on Corvan IV; the UP Fleet mobilizing to man the UP border worlds just in case. Even McCauley Industries' Workforce appeared alongside some Science Police officers.

"However, while we are still understanding the situation, we have to act with the utmost caution. And with this, we have to temporarily restrict usage of the Threshold transport technology," Winema continued. "This is necessary to prevent incidents should a Threshold fail while sentients are inside. To mitigate the loss of transport, we are spreading our personnel across the galaxy. We have determined a series of equidistant points that can offer us the best coverage and fastest response times possible. We will also equip local personnel on your world with supplies and equipment."

Devlin was jumping with energy. Everything seemed so well-planned...

"I know you are all probably frightened. I am too," Winema continued. "We will be publishing a list of actions you can take within your own homes, to keep yourselves as safe and comfortable as possible while we resolve these issues." Behind her, Cub sat up, rubbing his eyes.

"I promise you, we will do your utmost to keep you and your families safe," Winema ended her statement. Then she walked over to Cub just before the cameras stopped.

Picking up her grandson, she looked in his eyes. "Grandmama will be very busy, my little one," she cooed. "You be good and play here first, okay?"

Hannah smiled, even as she ignored her boss screaming once more to have her catch this footage of a lifetime. "Sorry, boss, I can't hear you. Tech problems, you know."

*************************************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Commander Edvard Hagbard has an interesting Reboot history. We see him giving admin tasks to then-Science Police Cadet Imra Ardeen in LSH 0, with Shvaughn commenting that Hagbard hates Titanians. In LSH Annual 6, he assigns Shvaughn the role of Legion Liaison Officer, and her SP colleagues mercilessly tease her for getting the "full-time desk job". I thought it would be interesting to explore how his attitudes may have changed since then.

2) The Affiliated Planets was created as a dummy entity by the Dark Circle, but decided to legitimately stay together as an alternate United Planets. Some Legion homeworlds like Winath and Xanthu remain in the AP, even. The Second Galaxy is the Kwai Galaxy; they do not currently have any structure resembling the United Planets, but RJ Brande led an ambassadorial trip to visit several Second Galaxy worlds once. The Kwai, of course, maintain good relationships with the Legion, as their pathfinding is necessary to use the Thresholds.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Stepping Up - 03/04/23 12:26 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Gallan

The Workforce of McCauley Industries; may be called upon by the Legion and United Planets in grave emergencies

Amber of Dendron, projects a sap-like gel
Evolvo, Sev Tcheru of Lallor; shifts self between human evolutionary states, including a super-strong ape-man and a telekinetic, hyper-intelligent futuristic human; current CEO of McCauley Industries
Lupine of unknown, wolf-like humanoid form
Sandstorm of Mica, body composed of animate dust particles
Survivor, Oulan Calhoun of Mars; enhanced durability and endurance, UP Navy training; field leader of the Workforce

Other Legion Support Staff

Dr. Mollie Dennum of Hephaestus; materials scientist

Science Police Officers

Bogdan Tarka of Doopa, invulnerability (Science Police cadet)
Dar Zel of Daxam; Science Police officer
Giselle Smith of Triton, super-charges metabolism to enhance physical attributes (Science Police cadet)
Hegga Hanzo of Winath; Science police officer (childhood friend of Spark and Live Wire)

*****************************************************************************************

Gallan is a mudball, period. McCauley bought it because it was well-located, and it had a livable atmosphere with no local population and not much in the way of local animal and plant life. So, he could use it as a giant factory and not worry too much about pollution or nass like that. I hear it's gotten much better under Evolvo... nobody's brought him to labor court yet, anyway.

- Spider-Girl, during a Legion Espionage Squad meeting

*****************************************************************************************

Hegga Hanzo presented her credentials to the woman called Survivor; a necessity today, as the planetoid Gallan was fully owned by McCauley Industries. Oulan Calhoun had been a legend in the UP Navy; even coming from a different UP branch, Hegga had heard the stories. How Oulan had survived, alone, on the desert world Kalahari after escaping from a criminal gang; of how she had hidden for three days without food and water, thanks to her unique physiology, until she could interrupt a major arms deal on Rimbor.

"I am grateful to get a chance to work with you," Hegga said. Survivor smiled. "Pleasure is mine. Now, tell me who you have with you, and what abilities they have."

Eager to get into the flow of work, Hegga handed over a list of the Officers and Cadets with her, sorted by experience. Those with posthuman abilities were clearly marked.

"Well-prepared, I see." Survivor studied the list, even as Hegga tried very hard not to smile like a schoolgirl.

Just as they were finalizing the squad assignments, a storm of dust particles burst under the door and took the shape of Workforce member Sandstorm. "Survivor. Looters. Lupine is holding them off, but..."

Survivor and Hegga looked at each other. "Gold and Green Squads?" Hegga asked.

"My choice exactly. Go, go!"

Hegga activated her comms and hailed the Squads mentioned. Trying hard not to grin, she ran out the door.

Survivor watched with a mix of pride and recognition. Ah, Hegga reminded her of when she first joined the Navy... She quickly called her boss, Evolvo. "Mister Evolvo, sir."

"Yes, Oulan?" Evolvo picked up the call as he was studying the main energy reactor of his McCauley Industries plant on Gallan.

"Looters have been reported in east wing. Dispatching two squads to tale them down. Science Police is leading. I'm at command central."

"Thank you, Oulan," Evolvo said. "I trust you to handle it, but please do notify me of any actual compound breaches. And after this, I've made a note to staff to review our tenant vetting procedures..."

Amber shook her head as she listened to Evolvo. She had first briefly joined the Workforce* under Leland McCauley, the deceased former CEO. She hadn't stayed very long; McCauley's capriciousness and greed had made her incredibly uncomfortable. Evolvo was not only a much calmer, nicer and better leader; but also surprisingly much more ethical. She did hear from some other more experienced McCauley Industries employees that Evolvo would find legal loopholes where he could; he was just more pragmatic in maintaining good relations with the United Planets and Legion, and less brazen about turning a quick profit than McCauley was. Indeed, he treated his employees better; working conditions on Gallan and elsewhere had vastly improved since Evolvo had taken over. At least among the less wealthy, planetoids like Gallan had become a decently-attractive choice for affordable, yet well-serviced, housing.

One of the first signs of change had been when Evolvo was voted in, and decided to keep the McCauley Industries name as so. Though he had said it was more a branding decision, as he wanted to leverage the McCauley name. "As long as we are profitable, it can be called anything," he had said.

"Amber, would you be so kind as to patch up that pipe?" Evolvo pointed. Snapping out of her reverie, Amber dutifully complained; projecting her sap-like gel. She let it solidify around the pipe.

"Thank you. Now, could you also please ask Survivor if there are any, by chance, Durlan, Braalian, Tharrian or even Daxamite officers with her? We will need to shore up this reactor so it continues working even if our failsafes... fail," Evolvo explained. "Basically, anyone with powers that can help strengthen or shape metals, seal leaks, that sort of thing."

A call to Survivor and five minutes later, Evolvo had a Daxamite with him. "Officer Dar Zel from Daxam, but stationed on Earth," he saluted.

"Ah, I've heard of you," Evolvo smiled warmly. "One of the few Daxamites who travelled offworld. I admit, I thought I might see one of you in the Legion Cadet program by now..."

"I prefer to keep out of the limelight," Dar Zel said, face all serious. "Most of the Daxamites I know offworld do; the political and social situation on Daxam is still not ideal."

"Yes, xenophobia and prejudice can be difficult to stamp out," Evolvo nodded. "Well, I'm glad we have you here. If you please, I have to call a consultant." Moments later, the smiling face of Dr. Mollie Dennum appeared on a small viewscreen. "Oh my, what an exciting case this is!" she grinned. "I'm so happy I joined the Legion Support Staff, every day is a novelty!"

"I am sure they are pleased to have you as well," Evolvo said. "Now Doctor, Officer Dar Zel here is a Daxamite, and I do have some limited telekinesis. While Amber can project a sap-like gel, and I sent you a sample some time ago." Amber felt amused at that; she had indeed been hired mainly for security, but Evolvo had soon realized her powers could have other applications, too. "Can you guide us on ways to make this reactor safer?"

"Of course, of course!" Dr. Mollie just exuded excitement. "I've studied the metals used, and if Officer Zel can heat the front plate by exactly 177 degrees..."

"A moment, I will need to adjust the amount of power I ration." Dar Zel fiddled with the power-limiter on his wrist, that all Daxamites wore offworld. "Okay, I am ready."

Amber settled back as she watched, in fascination, as Dr. Mollie directed Evolvo to hold the plate still while Dar Zel molded it just so. Who knew that working with the Workforce could be so fascinating?

Outside, Hegga Hanzo was also having the time of her life. She had disarmed three looters already. Beside her, Sandstorm blinded another half-dozen with his sand particles. Cadet Giselle Smith, having boosted her metabolism with an energy drink, was keeping three more looters occupied with her dodging and weaving.

"I wouldn't do that, if I were you," Cadet Bogdan Tarka warned a large tattooed man. "Eat this, Sci-Cop!" The man punched Bogdan in the face... and cried out as a sickening crunch came from his fist.

"Told you, invulnerability," Bogdan shook his head.

"Stand down! The resources here are not yours!" Giselle said as she kicked the firearm out of one looter's hand.

Lupine just snarled as he roared at a few more looters. Having been blinded by Sandstorm, they finally regained their vision to see the tall, hairy, fanged Lupine advancing on them. With shrieks, they dropped their weapons and ran... only to have Hegga train her weapon at them. "You're under arrest for destruction of property and intent to commit violence!" She said.

She watched in satisfaction as they dropped to their knees, and Bogdan came up behind to handcuff them. She knew her twin Megga was busy distributing relief goods now, but she was confident that she was having much more fun than her twin!

************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Amber was part of the all-new, all-adult Workforce that McCauley formed, at a time when the Legionnaires were being vilified by the United Planets for being too young, inexperienced, and potentially leading the Blight to Earth. (Widening Rifts, LSH 124-125, L* 81). Other members: Meta (dead, he was the idiot that caused the Rift in the first place by not listening to Brianiac 5's warnings); Lori Morning (a loophole, as she was an adult while using her H-Dial); Repulse (would later join the Oversight Watch under McCauley - who was really Ra's al Ghul at the time); and Dune (same homeworld/powers as Sandstorm, but I made him a two-bit villain in Volume 3!)
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Stepping Up - 03/05/23 12:42 PM
Originally Posted by Gaseous Lad
No Uranus jokes...No Uranus jokes...No Uranus jokes... laugh
.


And I admit, I intentionally made Glow-Worm come from Uranus, as he has his head up his @ss... and he is in fact named after 3 real-life people that I know, who also have their heads up their @sses tongue tongue
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Animal Instinct (Post ZH Legion) - 03/10/23 04:58 PM
January!! Okay, I'm getting there!!! laugh

----------------------

Two things I really like here - the callback to the White Triangle and some affect on the Daxamites. Its really cool to have them wear some kind of an inhibitor without going the transsuit route. I'm assuming M'Onel has one also? For some reason I keep thinking Obin was killed by Roxxas, but I'm sure I'm incorrect there.

Oooh, it looks like we have a true mystery here with what happened to Brawler...

Ah, and there we have the M'Onel bracelet along with a nice moment with Shvaughn. smile

---------------------

"You always remember your first...." seems to be a theme here laugh

oh fun! We're in the 90th century!!

Does the flux capacitor require 1.21 GW of energy? wink

Ah, they are with the SHAZAM statues!

LOL, I'm glad we get a follow up with Koko!

And I'm REALLY enjoying your Cham when he's undercover. VERY fun.

Nice little moment there between Cham and Lar. It's good to see the team members stepping on each others' toes now and then.

------------------

Cool sequence rescuing Teena - I kind of felt like they rushed in there, so hoping it goes well. I'm reminded of the Brin Londo origin!

Aha! It is Mar Londo!!!

I'm looking forward to see where this goes!

----------------------

Oooh, back in the 90th, its interesting to see Gear getting overwhelmed with all the tech from the timeframe.

Uh oh, Legion vs Legion batlling! and its 7 vs 7!!

Ah, its not the SHAZAM golems, its the deadly sins! I like how you have the posessed legionnaires appropriately tagged. I also like how they are tempermentally aligned, and that the "good" Legionnaires are smart enough to use their personalities as an achilles heel.

And the resolution is great. Great first mission for Tayla!

I'm really invested in how Brin's story plays out.

Had to laugh a bit at Tinya though. Brin stalks off - "So anyway, let's go eat!" laugh

---------------------

Yeah, loving the Mysa/Zoe spat!!! Obviously, I'm in Zoe's corner! laugh I still want them to be angry with each other! LOL

But I'm glad that she and Brek seem to have more emotional maturity than Jo and Tinya did at that age - and kudos to Jo for caring enough to give Brek some bumpers on that.

Four more pages to get caught up!!!! LOLe3
You’re getting there GL! Lol glad you liked these bits!

Yeah despite the team all being professionals, they need to clash from time to time wink

The Daxamite bracelet thing, I just felt was a natural outcome of the White Triangle destruction. With beings capable of so much… and if Titanians have to wear a Saturn symbol… smile

I think having two Daxamites on the Teena rescue team made them a bit reckless wink

Glad you liked the Deadly sins pairing, and the Zoe/Mysa/Brek stuff. I see Brek as a bit Immature but earnest, and Zoe has been through so much. And Jo is finally settling down so… wink
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Animal Instinct (Post ZH Legion) - 03/10/23 09:10 PM
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
The Daxamite bracelet thing, I just felt was a natural outcome of the White Triangle destruction. With beings capable of so much… and if Titanians have to wear a Saturn symbol… smile

It's funny/not funny how I didn't realize until now how close that is to the whole literal branding of certain groups was in the last century.... eek

Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
Glad you liked the Deadly sins pairing, and the Zoe/Mysa/Brek stuff. I see Brek as a bit Immature but earnest, and Zoe has been through so much. And Jo is finally settling down so… wink

I think we know who "wears the pants" so to speak in that relationship laugh It's fun to imagine her bossing him around.
yeah, that Titan shield thing... it's an interesting debate. in the Reboot universe case, it's because of some of the abilities they have...

lol Zoe is definitely in the lead over laid-back Brek wink
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Visiting other Legions - 03/11/23 04:56 AM
February!

Nightwind has figured out how to cut Gates off at the pass - speak before he does! laugh

I will always enjoy Sussa as a friend vs a foe! I think Val might, also. smile

Tomb is .... kinda creepy...

I'm really enjoying reading Nightwind as a leader. She's a character who didn't get a whole lot of coverage even in her prime, so you get to make something pretty interesting out of her.

Cool sequence as Tellus is scanning, but is this sentence supposed to be referring to Vapor:
Quote
"You need to take a break after this," Tellus said as she guided Tellus out. "We can't have you pushing yourself too hard..."

Gates using his powers to prune the trees was a fun touch. He can have a new job when he retires! laugh

That scene with Beastmaster going feral had me freaked out for a second. I'm glad Tomb was on hand! And the connection with Tellus is very intriguing.

---------

LOL at "Sprocker" and at the takedown of Tyr. First damaging his arm by hitting someone with it, then letting Stone Boy get the drop on him. Ahem.

Neat description of Babbage's motivation around the Asimov circuits.

And Tellus gets to stay on Lallor! How about that!

Aha! I was wondering about Lusyo, as well as the cargo discrepancy...

--------------------

And now the Aleph section - I started reading this when I was on travel last month, but now I get to read it in context! I'm glad to see Zoe & Vi on the same chapter!

Honestly, part of the reboot died when they stopped using that cruiser. This is space opera. You NEED spaceships goddamit.

Spark tongue! AT KINETIX!! (hey now!)

And Ferro completely out of step. Love it.

Hi Lori! Great to see you again! laugh

Yes, Tenzil, you're literally just here to cook. smile

Looks like there's plenty of Ayla's tongue to go around! Hmm. I should rephrase that. NOPE!

Seriously love this chapter!!! (obviously)

-------------

So by the way, your intro section is awesome - both from the background/worldbuilding perspective as well as the fact that its what ever a podcast is in the 31st century! laugh

I kind of love Mabuhay in a lot of ways.

HAH! Plaid lad! That's so awesome!!! I love it that you're pulling him in!!!

Love the scene with Yera! ESPECIALLY Candi's generic feedback with Yera eating up the feedback! And Zoe being real is just icing. laugh

--------------------

And I'm lapping myself here to where I reconnected with the thread.... moving onward... I'm loving this regardless

You definitely need to write more Zoe & Vi material. Just saying as a fan of all parties!

I get this image of Tenzil in one of those cooking contests here...

Nothing can make Spark be anything but lovable.

The Zoe and Candi institute should have a logo, don't you think? smile

Nice tense moments there in the arena. For the length, I was worried that Vi had fallen on the facility...

And I'm glad that I'm not the only one that had thought Zoe and Azra were twins. There is a sci-fi thread about people cloning themselves but augmenting their DNA to either add to the X in an XY pairing or delete part of a XX branch to produce specific genders, and I had thought about going down this route with Azra, but I dunno.

Nice growing moment for Lori. I'm convinced she could be used more as a character, but no one gave her a second chance.

Interesting action in the ruins. I'm wondering about the Wellurian. Lots of great character moments that are setting the stage for more to come, obviously. This was a fun thing to read!! laugh

--------------------

Back to Brawler!!!!

Whoa - whatever is affecting her is focused. I was reminded of V'Ger in ST:TMP

Hmmm, seven animals... Chinese Zodiac? And Kono as the Rat??

Go Tasmia!!!

REALLY cool sequence with Tasmia, Nura and Lana - I mean Lonna - going in to Talok's underground.

Next section - the paragraph describing WHO should be in a meeting is f-ing genious. Not to mention the need to eat on the go. I can't tell you how many times I've been in projects where you eat the best you can, even if you are talking.

Gold star to the Kinetix/Brainy exchange. I love that. I'm hooked on whatever Luornu is doing.

LOL - Condo inadvertantly scammed into recruitement by Spark! I love it.

I'm very much in favor of Nightwind co-managing things. Again, I'm a real big fan here.

Aw... Echo and Mentalla... smile


IS Andy having girl troubles?? But Its fun seeing the frustrated get their anger out....

HAH! The Triple date - NEVER a good idea. Hell, DOUBLE dates are NEVER a good idea in most cases. They all have wonderful spouses.

----------------------

I'm almost up to date!!!
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Visiting other Legions - 03/11/23 04:59 AM
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
lol Zoe is definitely in the lead over laid-back Brek wink

LOL he needs to be careful not to be left behind in her wake...
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Visiting other Legions - 03/11/23 11:03 AM
His hook is his open, kind heart wink Zoe just loves that
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Visiting other Legions - 03/11/23 06:18 PM
Almost missed your last batch of comments, GL!

I intentionally made Tomb creepy, he was kinda a one-word guy in his lone appearance... thought he would add some color to the team wink

glad you're digging leader-Nightwind! I like her as leader too wink

thank you for the catch re Vapor/Tellus! Have fixed it now smile


re Beastmaster/Tellus, it was a way to have both characters work around their issues wink Tellus is great, but I've written him as so unsure (a holdover from his v3 early days) and him being so unsure just ... just did not feel right for him to be a full Legionnaire. so on Lallor he stays smile

heh at Tyr indeed wink not the brightest bulb in the bunch.

glad you picked up on Lusyo and the cargo discrepancy clues smile

--------------------

Also glad you're digging the bits on Aleph! Zoe/Vi are an awesome pairing...

and yeah, the cruiser bit I wrote in because indeed, a lot of the best scenes were on the cruisers... and there should be a place for them even with the Thresholds!

Mabuhay is based on a lot of women I knew back in the Philippines. Glad she's gelling well here, I thought she'd play off nicely vs. the likes of Zoe and Ayla! and also super stoked you like the Aleph intro, and the little appearances from Yera and Plaid Lad smile


the Institute should totally have a logo, but I'm not the right person to design one tongue

re Lori, I agree, she had potential if only used right (and without taking too much of the spotlight!)


Interested to see what road you'd take your Azra down smile

I had to look up V'Ger, interesting!

Spot on with Chinese Zodiac tongue

and glad you liked the Talok VIII scene, I wanted to right Nura and Lonna and Tasmia in something more resembling combat wink

And yes! work troubles re who should be in a meeting. I always figured, the Legion is a big organization that handles Serious Business, so there should be more insight into the admin/management headaches that go with that wink I would love to be a Legionnaire personally, but not be Legion leader!

Brainy/Zoe have had their sniping moments before (see LSH 81, L* 58) so those should continue wink

Now I most definitely need to have a follow-up where poor Condo has to deal with Gates on a recruitment mission tongue

Mentalla and Echo was an inspired pairing, they're both such perfectionists wink and I did have Andy start to develop a crush on Mentalla, but he never acted on it, and now... poor Andy

and yeah, the nice thing about the triple date is that all 3 couples are quite good on their own... though they do have their probs from time to time wink
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Visiting other Legions - 03/12/23 05:49 AM
LOL - I love the idea of Spark annoying Zoe.

I get that Sensor is still getting over her new form - I hope that she is able to come to terms with herself.

These are fun interactions. Count me as a vote for a Brainy/Andromeda relationship! I'm also liking how you're exploring Tasmia's feelings here as well.

Garth as Black Lightning! Hah!

Hey, something's going on... How did Lori get to be with Mandalla? Did I miss something?

-------------------------

Arachno is basically Spider Girl?

LOL at the Mister Dog comment

This combo of Tenzil, Polecat and Catspaw is very entertaining to read.

I keep imagining the Marvel Vision when I'm reading this story laugh

Man, it's hard to imagine the whole of planet Colu not being able to sleep... But this is so cool to have the (basically) sub teams picking up the slack and looking for the Legionnaires.

--------------------------

Am I the only one who thought Retro stepped in Cannus' poop?

MORE THEENA PLEASE! I'm really glad that you have a version of that character in use here - she's really a cool concept.

Hmmm. I'm just gonna say that I will never trust Winema Wazzo in any iteration of her character.

Oh! Amber! Okay - I'm curious. Is this the first time you've used her?

AND I'M CAUGHT UP!!! WHEW!!!

Now I can turn my attention to Harbi's and Raz's! laugh
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Visiting other Legions - 03/12/23 05:51 AM
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
Interested to see what road you'd take your Azra down smile

I think it's more a road to take Zoe & Thanot down, as they'd be clones of Azra (in some SF, the concept is called a true-daughter or true-son, IIRC)

But I don't know if its much to hang a story on; more just an interesting attribute.

Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
Brainy/Zoe have had their sniping moments before (see LSH 81, L* 58) so those should continue wink

I have something up my sleeve in that department if I can get un-busy enough to get back to that story...
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Visiting other Legions - 03/12/23 09:30 AM
thanks again for the read & review GL smile

re Sensor, it is a work in progress. but she's getting there smile she's already come a long way from lashing out in anger at least!


Originally Posted by Gaseous Lad
Hey, something's going on... How did Lori get to be with Mandalla? Did I miss something?

They were both at the fashion show when the vanishing happened smile Lori was about to leave, granted, but she is still there

-------------------------

Originally Posted by Gaseous Lad
Arachno is basically Spider Girl?

yup, basically Tangleweb - she's from Tangleweb's world smile

glad you are liking the Reservists being called up! plenty for them all to do.

Originally Posted by Gaseous Lad
Am I the only one who thought Retro stepped in Cannus' poop?

LOL! I'll have to think about that, Cannus is still sentient after all smile

Originally Posted by Gaseous Lad
MORE THEENA PLEASE! I'm really glad that you have a version of that character in use here - she's really a cool concept.

thanks! She's cool indeed, I just need to get a handle on how powerful to make her

Originally Posted by Gaseous Lad
Hmmm. I'm just gonna say that I will never trust Winema Wazzo in any iteration of her character.

that's also what I wanted to get across. though she's more of an ally now than she used to be, she is still an ambitious politician after all...

Originally Posted by Gaseous Lad
Oh! Amber! Okay - I'm curious. Is this the first time you've used her?

yup, I left her out of all the villainy in volume 3 . though she did appear briefly in the VR scenario that was the first Cadet exam - the one that got Calorie Queen, Gravity, Echo, and Amp called up to the team smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Visiting other Legions - 03/12/23 09:31 AM
Originally Posted by Gaseous Lad
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
Interested to see what road you'd take your Azra down smile

I think it's more a road to take Zoe & Thanot down, as they'd be clones of Azra (in some SF, the concept is called a true-daughter or true-son, IIRC)

But I don't know if its much to hang a story on; more just an interesting attribute.

Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
Brainy/Zoe have had their sniping moments before (see LSH 81, L* 58) so those should continue wink

I have something up my sleeve in that department if I can get un-busy enough to get back to that story...

maybe you can work that Zoe/Thanot bit into your ongoing wink and you write snippy Zoe really well, so I'm eager to read that!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Stepping Up - 03/12/23 01:07 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Zarrox

White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery. Currently the only Active Legionnaire whose whereabouts are known.

Reserve Legionnaire (Not Legion Cadets or Support Staff)

Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers

**************************************************************************

Zarrox is a world steeped in mysticism - not just because of the long history of sorcerers who've settled there, but because the planet itself is imbued with magical energy. It was depopulated during the rise and first imprisonment of Mordru, as the conqueror slew many of his potential rivals. Many others perished while rising up against him, leaving only the present-day Legionnaire White Witch and a few scattered magic-users alive.

Since then, the White Witch has made an effort to gather other magic-users on Zarrox. The recent rise in numbers has led to Zarrox organizing their own makeshift society, with a ruling council - but there is no true permanent society yet.

Considering the low number of magic-users in the galaxy overall, the long lifespans that they tend to have, and the overall lack of interest in precreation - it will likely take decades, if not centuries, before the topic of United Planets membership becomes relevant for Zarrox.


- excerpt from a report on UP Membership

*************************************************************************

Thunder watched as the White Witch stood wearily. They had spoken to each and every one of the sorcerers currently on Zarrox - nearly two dozen. None knew for certain what was going on, but a few had their suspicions. In the end, it had been decided that most of the sorcerers would offer their aid to the United Planets and to the Legion, while Mysa and a handful of others would remain and try to cast a handful of counterspells.

Thunder had offered to go accompany the Sorcerers heading to Legion World, but the Wisdom of Solomon had kicked in just then. "Will drawing on the magical energy empowering me help?" she had asked Mysa.

"Yes... we are dealing with something that is disrupting the normal, natural order of energies in a haphazard fashion. Whatever is doing this is likely drawing on the power of those magical objects stolen..." Mysa had smiled back. "Your own magical energies will hopefully boost us enough to pierce through them."

And now, Mysa was checking her Omnicom. Thunder had asked about that; most of the other sorcerers here on Zarrox avoided anything more advanced than simple lighting or plumbing technology. But Mysa had smiled and pointed out that she lived on Legion World; and that using technology where it made sense, freed up her time and energy for other matters.

"I wish we could reach Dragonmage," Mysa sighed. "But he told me he'd be "off the grid" during his vacation, as he was going to experiment with some new teaching methods..."

"The rest of us will have to be enough," Thunder smiled. She handed a cup of steaming lavender tea to Mysa. "Now, I'll leave you to rest - I don't need to in this form, but..."

"But I do," Mysa smiled gratefully as she sipped on her tea. "Indeed, we must begin as soon as we can."

***************************************************************************

Merely three hours later, Thunder watched through the viewscreens as the sixteen sorcerers arrived on Legion World. Marla Latham and Gigi Cusimano had quickly taken charge of them; they would be deployed to various worlds as needed for emergencies, with some remaining on Legion World to help ensure transportation and communication would remain up-and-running.

Thunder cut the feed, then turned to the much smaller circle being formed. The White Witch sat in the middle. Four other sorcerers linked hands around her, eyes closed in concentration. Harlak, a Khund who had fled Khundia as he hated their violent and warlike tendencies; Antonio Stefanacci, a museum curator whose powers had awakened during the last magical upheaval caused by the Elements of Disaster;* Traci Thirteen the XIIIth, a descendant of the legendary young sorceress from the 21st century; and Elphaba, who had survived Mordru's rise simply because she had been an untrained, though powerful, sorceress - one whom Mordru had hoped to bring to his cause. She had been left on some distant planet, and Mysa had only rediscovered her existence after poring through old texts Mordru had left behind.

All four were potentially very powerful, but relatively new and untrained. Traci Thirteen the XIIIth was the only one who had any real experience casting spells before arriving on Zarrox. Along with Thunder, they were mainly here to feed magic into Mysa. The sad part was, none of the sorcerers who had gone to Legion World were particularly more experienced than those here; Mordru has been very thorough in eliminating any real or potential rivals, all those years ago.

As the chanting began, Thunder could feel the magics flowing into Mysa. The first step was to cast a divining spell that would hopefully reveal exactly what was going on; a diagnosis, to enable the group to decide what the cure should be.

Thunder began her lonely circuit around the group, even as she felt her own magics flowing into Mysa. But a spell of this sort required concentration, and everyone else would be vulnerable while it happened. So it was up to her to keep watch, and keep them safe.

Keeping her mind clear and alert, Thunder slowly flew around the dome, hoping that she would enough to deal with any threats that would arise.

**************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) L* 71 - 74
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Stepping Up - 03/12/23 01:32 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Brawler, Brash Knightley of Moxie; super-strength and durability, can mind-mesh with machinery to control it (former Legion Cadet, now incarcerated on Legion World)

**********************************************************************

"Let me out! My destiny is at hand!" Brawler shouted even as he strained both his muscles and his mind. Why couldn't he mind-mesh with anything around him? Why wasn't he strong enough to break through his bonds?

He needed to get out of here. Clearly, these Legionnaires were impostors. He needed to find the real Legion, shut down these evil ones, and reclaim his rightful place at the head of the team. He...

"Why would you even want to JOIN the Legion?!" The Wellurian hissed at him. She was in the cell across. Neither of them could use their powers, so the Legion had seen little harm in letting prisoners speak with one another. "You must be as evil and power-hungry as they are!"

"The Legionnaires you met must have been fakes," Brawler spat. "The real Legion is here to bring prosperity and peace! Yes! We will lead the galaxy into a golden age..."

"And that we will do." Brawler watched in awe as a portal appeared in front of him. A figure he knew well stepped out; a towering man with a pig's snout and face. Though he was stocky, he could hardly be described as fat; he moved with control and strength.

"You! You came to me in my dreams!" Brawler approached the bars. He could see several other figures through the portal, as well as what seemed to be a rocky cave. "Who are you?"

"I'm M'Onel, but you must not tell anyone," the man said. "For now, call me The Pig. We need to use code names, so those fakes won't know who we are."

"I knew it! I knew it!" Brawler hissed. "These copies couldn't be the real Legion! If they were, they would have seen how capable I was, how I was trying to help them by weeding out idiots like Density and Lamprey and Sizzle, how I should have been chosen before all the others..."

"Yes, yes, you should have been one of us long ago," The Pig soothed. "But come, join us, there are only a few of us who know the truth. Twelve of us... but we will be enough, to free the United Planets."

"Liar!" The Wellurian hissed as she clanged against her prison cell. "The Legion is evil, evil! And I don't believe..."

Twin beams of energy fired from The Pig's eyes, burning off the Wellurian's mouth and tongue. She tried to scream even as she clasped at her face, but the damage had been done. She fell to the floor, trying to make sounds.

"I'm sorry I had to do that," The Pig said. To Brawler's eyes, he seemed remorseful. "But she's clearly been brainwashed, and she would have given us away... you know how it is here, our every move is being watched.

"Of course..." Brawler rasped. "A little pain is needed, it was a necessary evil. I mean, when we fight the impostor Legion, we'll have to kill them, anyway, right?"

"Indeed..." The Pig nodded. "It's part of the Legion code. We only kill when we absolutely have to." Brawler nodded; he had studied the Code so much. It made so much sense.

The Pig motioned to the portal.

Brawler barely registered his prison cell opening. He felt like in a dream again, as he stepped through the portal. A yellow-skinned, blue-haired girl came up to him. She took his hands. "I'm so glad you could join us! It's me, Apparition! We were transformed into these forms so we could be replaced... but now we get to fight back!"

Brawler was amazed as the other eight rushed at him. Each was a long-time Legionnaire, but had adopted a code name in disguise.

The Pig stepped through after Brawler. "I did what I could for that poor captive, but I had to be fast," he said somberly. "She is at ease now, and she won't cause us any more trouble. Now, Brawler, let me fill you in..."

Slizz's breath caught as she watched how calmly the Pig and the Rat, Kono, were playing their parts. Even Lusyo, the Horse, made a convincing Brainiac 5 as he pretended to brief Brawler on this turn of events.

For her part, Slizz was creating realistic illusions of the atrocities this supposed fake Legion had done. And she had also hidden the Pig's presence on Legion World, and masked Brawler's disappearance. She watched as the Dog finally came through the portal, carrying the broken body of the female Wellurian. She had been recruited to be their Tiger, but she had disobeyed the rules and revealed them on Aleph... after The Pig and Brawler has leapt through the portal, the Tiger and the Rabbit had further punished this Wellurian.

Slizz forced herself to look in fascination at the Wellurian's body. She was barely alive, her mouth burned off, every bone in her body broken. She must be in agony, and she would remain in agony until she died. The Dog unceremoniously tossed her into a corner.

Their new Tiger, a Wellurian just like this one, crept over. "You poor fool," the new Tiger shook her head. "You believed the wrong lies, even after we were freed. Our new government found so much evidence that the fake Legion that terrorized us*; but you and your kind refused to see the truth. Blind idiots like you hold Wellur back from true progress." The Tiger kicked at her predecessor, who wordlessly flailed weakly.

Slizz watched impassively as the life faded from the first Wellurian. She knew that her painful death was a warning to the rest. But unlike some of the others, Slizz knew her place; there was no way she could match The Pig. And besides, she wanted their plan to succeed, so she could get her prize. Then she could be done with this group, and enjoy her new glory reigning Orando while that accursed Wynzorr family groveled in chains. She focused again on the Wellurian; watching this would be useful, if she ever had to create such illusions... and knowing the next phase of their plan, she probably would.

As the portal faded out, Slizz released her illusions on Legion World, concentrating on feeding Brawler's mind with images and sensations that would convince him of the "truth" they were feeding him. She marveled at how easy it had been to fool him through months of dreams of glory....

"Pig, the White Witch and Thunder have begun something on Zarrox," the Rooster quietly said, so as not to distract Brawler.

"Ah yes... we will take care of them soon," The Pig smiled. "Now, rest, Brawler," The Pig laid a shoulder on Brawler, whose eyes were still wide open, but glazed and unseeing. "We will soon get the chance to fight for our freedom. Very soon, in fact," The Pig's eyes twinkled as he rubbed his hands. "For you are the last one we need... my Monkey."

"I'm ready to follow, for freedom and glory," Brawler tapped his chest.

"Good, good," The Pig smiled. "Then the next part of our plan can proceed. Gather around, my Zodiac. The twelve signs are finally complete."

*********************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) See Legionnaires 75; ex-King Kradok of Wellur created a fake Legion, actually the three founders, using machines that simulated electricity and magnetism, while Saturn Girl's telepathy was faked. The three real founders stop King Kradok, though initially the Wellurians refused to believe the truth, they were so angry.
Posted By: razsolo Re: Tryouts! - 03/12/23 01:57 PM
Hi IB, I didn't realise I had so much to catch up on!

Loving your Heroes of Lallor and Legion working together! Some more specific thoughts:

- always a fan of the Legion corralling weird space animals, and it's fun to see the different ways that team members handle the task! I also feel sorry for Nightwind; as fun as Gates is as a character, he would be a nightmare to have to deal with as a team leader laugh

- I really like Tellus and Beastmaster helping one another! It feels like a good way to give them both some constructive story spotlight! And using that to have Tellus join the Heroes of Lallor is a good evolution too, Tellus gives them some more power and gets to be the only telepath on the team this way!

- I kinda love Stone Boy being used to knock Tyr out....I know I made him able to move around in stone form in my series, but it was always fun trying to find ways to make him useful back in the day too smile

- some neat foreshadowing with Splitter noticing the ore count is off and the immediate cut to Lusyo being a sneaky SOB, I like it smile

That is all I had time for tonight, but I am looking forward to getting through some more later this week!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 03/12/23 02:27 PM
Thanks for the read and review Raz smile yeah I was so excited to get my ideas on “paper” that I powered through recently lol

Tellus’ power set was definitely a big consideration in having him go to Lallor - along with his uncertainty. Look for more Cadets graduating into the Lallor Heroes and into the Amazers in the future, as I look to round out the powers on the team and find a place for Cadets who aren’t quite Legion material (yet), but are too competent to just remain Cadets smile

And while I love Gates too, I don’t think I’d be able to stand him in real life either!

Glad you loved the other little bits too smile nice picking up on the Lusyo and cargo clues!

And I always enjoy a great scene with Stone Boy clobbering someone tongue
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 03/12/23 03:56 PM
thanks everyone for the read and review - I will probably pause publishing for now, as I've set things up for the next big shebang. And it will be a doozy... and rather ambitious. I've also challenged myself... as a hint, there are 48 missing Legionnaires and 12 zodiac signs, and I've used a random number generator to figure out who goes where wink
Posted By: razsolo Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 03/13/23 12:27 AM
Kicking off with the fashionistas on Aleph, let's goooooo!!

- XS and Vi's comments about piloting the cruisers vs using the Thresholds was good to read - Thresholds really would be a quantum change in the way people think about transport!

- Mabuhay is fun! You can tell she and Zoe go way back, and I like that Vi is mature enough to not feel threatened by it. And Plaid Lad! Yay!!...also I just noticed his home planet laugh laugh

- I actually totally forgot that you introduced this institute already, thanks for the reminder! It is nice to see Candi and her dad hopefully having a better relationship nowadays smile

- Professor Vera Coco Vuitton Armani XVIII..fashion royalty! laugh

- aww poor Andy, he's such a woobie...I am glad that you're getting into his head about being stuck in metal form full time though, I really feel like DnA glossed over that altogether when they brought him back.

Quote
"My stars, I should really lay off the designer drugs!"
This trip to Aleph is really bringing out some comedy gold! laugh

- Lori talking to the trapped kid was cute smile

- I nearly forgot to mention too, it's nice to see your Yera again and see her helping even though she's not with the Legion anymore!

- I like the way you get around Candi just insta-stopping any threat by plonking them in an inertron block...it makes sense that if someone's thrashing about too much it would be dangerous to transmute elements around them, especially with Candi not being anywhere near as experienced as Jan.

- this new villain group is cool! They are big enough to have a decent confrontation with the Legion when the time comes too! And I forget how scary Tasmia's Shadow Cave is in the reboot, I liked the diplomacy when they arrived as well.

- I dig that being beaten by Chuck at pool is an unofficial rite of passage now smile


- all the little personal moments following up the team meeting are appreciated to look in on everyone - I had to laugh at Garth, Jo and Jed thinking they could get away with having a private convo around Imra and Tinya smile

- M'Onel and Tasmia thinking about one another was interesting....if I am being completely honest, I think your M'On and Shvaughn have a healthier relationship than classic Mon and Shady for the reasons that he mentioned - Shvaughn just lets him be a normal guy, with Shady it's always the planetary champion and her legendary consort. And Umbra is even more about that life so I don't imagine it would be any different if those two were to hook up either. I liked seeing the more quiet Legionnaires watching the nebula on their own as a balance against all of the more boisterous heroes.

- I love the 21C hero roleplaying game! I wonder if Garth playing Black Lightning was a nod to the Bendisboot hahaha...and Tinya in the classic Phantom Girl costume too! smile

I just got up to where Mysa is the only Legionnaire left! I love a good spotlight story, will be fun to see where this goes! As big as your team is, you're really good at giving everyone enough of a spotlight that it doesn't feel like anyone's forgotten over time!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 03/13/23 10:42 AM
wow raz, you read fast!! thanks for the read and review smile

I originally wrote this Fashion Institute thing as a one-off, a way for the universe to remember Zoe and Candi outside them being Legionnaires (and to highlight their altruistic personalities). but it's become a surprising source of comedy gold and stories smile

super glad you picked up on all those little things: Plaid Lad's planet, Prof. Vera Coco whatever, hee hee! yeah, I was lying awake one night and thinking, a lot of my fave scenes from the Reboot happened in Legion cruisers, and your fic and Omni's and GL's all use cruisers a lot too, and even Harbi had a few. And when was the last time I had MY team in a cruiser??

Mabuhay is a breakout star, I'm so pleased. she was mentioned back in passing way way back, and I thought I'd better do something good with her smile

thanks re Candi, it's not easy to tone down some of the most powerful Legionnaires, but the Legion code (and lack of experience) help tongue

glad you liked all these little character bits, the M'On/Umbra/Shvaughn thing just kinda slipped in there - cause I remembered M'On/Umbra also skipping that beach trip (L* 77) cause they hated crowds. That inspired the stargazing bit, and I thought of revisiting the implied M'On/Umbra attraction late pre-DNA smile

and glad you liked all the characters popping in and out, like Yera and Plaid Lad and Lori smile

hahaha and sadly I cannot take credit re Garth being Black Lightning as a nod to Bendisboot... I just picked the first electrical hero I could think of smile good catch from you and GL there!

and thanks for the kind words re giving everyone a spotlight smile it ain't easy, and it means more work, but I love 'em all so they all get their time smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: (Post ZH Legion) All-Out War! - 03/13/23 12:43 PM
PS, forgot to mention: the 21C role playing game did actually appear in LSH 119 smile
Posted By: Klar Ken T5477 Re: Tryouts! - 03/13/23 02:03 PM
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
IB's notes:

1) See Legionnaires 75; ex-King Kradok of Wellur created a fake Legion, actually the three founders, using machines that simulated electricity and magnetism, while Saturn Girl's telepathy was faked. The three real founders stop King Kradok, though initially the Wellurians refused to believe the truth, they were so angry.

Your story is better.
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Tryouts! - 03/13/23 03:04 PM
Hey IB, I'm about a thousands posts behind here so will try to review as many as posible before my time runs out. These are my thoughts as I'm reading so the usual caveats apply smile

Is the red-sun bracelet in canon? I don't really know the reboot too well and know the white Triangle storyline only through what you and others have posted here, but it seems pretty harsh but appropriate if Daxamites are seen as a serious threat. Titanians have to wear the Saturn symbol afterall. Haha which you go on to discuss immediately... I really should read more than the first line before writing. So, anyway, there's a group of semi-powered Daxamites in the UP who don't share the White Triangles ethos - that's good to know. But one has vanished - not good news! That's a worry given how much other troubling events are going on, and if Andromeda and Mon-El are off investigating that then the team loses two of its most physically powerful members.

I like that Brawler's condition hasn't been forgotten about andReep is on the case (after his diversion/mission) so we know it'll get figured out.

That's a nice away team, well considered - and Shikari quoting Drake, oh someone tell her that he's not the best example of humanity she could chose, please!

Lamprey and Brek experimenting is good to read, nicethat your team are keen to develop, not just sit on their laurels once they get membership. I'm jealous of Brin's metabolism too smile Thunder just kidnapped a team of Legionnaires! Okay, so that was out of left-field. Great smile I like these unexpected adventures. Wonder what#s wrong in the 90th Century?

Ah, next post and we find out, haha. Magnificus Sivana XXXVIII sounds like a Clark Kent character.But his surname should have told me he's not a good guy, oh well.

Koko? No, jut no. though "I think Brainiac 5 was Koko's pet, to be honest." was funny. Nice momemt between Andromeda and Sizzle, and then between the team. Sizzle realising that they aren't always aloof was sweet too. Chameleon Boy disguised as a drunk, clever. And the Bismollian digestive system is a smart move. Mercury flavour? Yech! Nice use of Lume, and giving the poor guard a serious laxative - cruel, but also funny laugh I wonder what they'll find on the security footage?

And I'm caught up to where I last posted. I'm going to call it a day there as I need to do some work - blinking inconvenient, I know.

This was fun IB, plenty of action, really solid characterisations and good job pushing the stories along. Good Job!

I'll be back tomorrow for more, more, more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 03/13/23 03:29 PM
Originally Posted by Klar Ken T5477
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
IB's notes:

1) See Legionnaires 75; ex-King Kradok of Wellur created a fake Legion, actually the three founders, using machines that simulated electricity and magnetism, while Saturn Girl's telepathy was faked. The three real founders stop King Kradok, though initially the Wellurians refused to believe the truth, they were so angry.

Your story is better.

aw thank you, Klar! so nice of you to say! Appreciate your encouragement and comment smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 03/13/23 05:42 PM
hi Harbi, what a treat to read your comments, thanks again for your time smile

I think I will slow down for a bit, I'm already drafting the next parts but I want to take a bit of time to flesh them out smile



the red sun bracelet is not in canon, and I always did wonder why. I do think that the Reboot canon relied on a) hunting down most of the White Triangle Daxamites (which: how?!? did they manage that? We see the Science Police hunting down some White Triangle ones in LSH 72 and saying that the rest were dead, but how would they have gotten red of the powered ones??! - I answer that in my Volume 1 btw , and b) many non-White Triangle Daxamites just being insular and afraid of going offworld. And I thought... nah, surely there would still be some Daxamites who want to go off-planet, so there must be protocols for that, for their safety and the safety of others. and so, the idea was born smile

You make a good point that having both M'Onel and Andromeda off makes the team lost two of their most powerful smile almost like the timing was planned... almost smile

Brawler's condition hits close to home for most of the Legionnaires, so they won't stop until they get to the bottom of it. He was one of their Cadets, after all smile

glad you liked the little bits re Cham pretending to be a drunk, Brin's fast metabolism, the laxative, Brainy being Koko's pet, Magnificus Sivana XXXVIII (I should probably use him again at some point!), etc. etc. and indeed, someone should give Shikari some nice advice on not just parroting everything Wildfire says wink


and don't worry, Koko is staying on that jungle world! Him being written out is one thing I very much agreed with DNA on tongue he can just remain safe and happy and carefree there with all the native monkeys tongue


thanks again for your kind words, really appreciate it smile
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Tryouts! - 03/14/23 11:43 AM
Back for seconds smile

And straight back into the mystery of the missing Daxamite.Age is so difficult - tell me about it! When I was first training to teach I mentioned to a childs mother that I was happy to see his grandmother come to a parents event... ouch! I never made that mistake again, and still feel guilty about it now. I really enjoy how your team are working together and understand each other's strengths and weaknesses, it makes a change from the usual gung-ho approach that superheroes usually take. And, yup it is going to be lead holdng Teela, isn't it? I mean, if you're holding a Daxamite it's got to be! Venusian Googlipede - great name! Lume looking like a firefly - clever. Reep to the rescue - I think in close quarters, other than Val, he's the Legionnaire that could do most damage. Plevitzian Flying Rabbit, indeed, am sure Paul would love a flying rabbit named after him smile The son has had some Daxamite gene-mod thing then? He made pretty short work of Reep. Well, this isn't going as planned, is it? With Sizle down, M'Onel won't last long. And there goes Shikari as well. Ah, the Son is an android, okay. It's a wonder that ever two-bit dictator doesn't have an army of them at their command really - the perfect stormtroopers.

Oh wow, Brin's dad was he kidnapping mad scientist - that's going to cause some issues. What a great twist! Looking forward to where you take that IB.

And we're back to the 90th century, I've been looking forward to seeing what you do with the Seven Deadly Sins.Gear being overwhelmed is interesting, I'd have never have thought of that. The team rushing in to support him was great as well, your team are nice folk! Jed and Wildfire being keen to tackle the bad guys was in character, as both can be a little over confident. Drake corralling the golems is smart. Ah, maybe not, Thunder getting swallowed up like that does not bode too well... great cliffhanger smile Garth being sensible and urging caution? He's grown up! I'd have expected him to rush in there. And, doesn't the shazam powerset include immunity to mental control? Am I just imagining that that's canon? I really don't know too much about them really so I could well ave just imagined that laugh So, Thunder, Wildfire, Density, Gravity, Umbra, Callorie queen and Blizzard are possessed, that's a tough team! As Cece and Drake are the real heavy hitters out of the whole team in the 90th century, this is going to be a difficult fight.

Pride - Umbra, perfect match! Garth and Tayla together are a great team. "AYYEEII!" a real Levitz scream smile Drura taking out Brek was well done, nice that you give her the limit of needing to be close to infect people or she would be pretty much unstoppable. Tel and Jed are horndogs even when possessed, haha. Nice that Gear caught them too after knocking them out. I wonder what Mentalla's plan was? We're going to find out though, aren't we? Nice little twistthat the team expected to get possessed and were ready for it. Nice teamwork to remove the Sins and keep them in their statues. And, Drura using a sleeping sickness to keep the possessed teammates out of trouble was clever... Andromeda Strain? Michael Crighton would be hapy to see that it's still going in the 30th/90th century, his royalties must be mounting up smile Brainy wanting to rush back surprised me, I thought he would want a sneaky peak, but given his habit of building dangerous toys it's probably for the best. Cece's love of being on a team was sweet.

Your Tinya is really kind, offering to help Mysa when she's probably pretty exhausted herself. Calorie Queen and Timber Wolf? Yeah, that would work I think, certainly be interesting. Of course, that depends on how he acts out around his father... Taryn really is crushing hard, isn't she?

I think you missed a word - the scene where Brin goes to talk to his dad - "if could kill..." you ,missed "looks" I think. Well, that was an intense scene and you captured Brin's anger beautifully. He's one Legionnaire you know will hold a grudge!

Right, I need to crack on with work - most inconsiderate of ot it! Though will try to catch up on more this afternoon.

Looking forward to seeing where you take Brin and his father, and the missing magical items story IB, it's been on the backburner for a while and you are heavily hinting that Mordru is involved but I reckon that's a red herring.

Can't wait to get stuck into more, more, more!
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Tryouts! - 03/14/23 01:57 PM
So, back for 45 minutes, let's see how far I can get on with this smile

I'd forgotten about the Mysa/Zoe history, so it's nice to see you touch upon it, and good for Zoe standing up for herself. Though are they being manipulated? seems to hae come out from nowhere, or is the stress getting to them? Tinya handled it well. Jo backing off and stopping Brek talking was funny. So, Brek and Zoe are a couple? I'm so usedto version where she's with M'Windaji that I had a momentary gasp there laugh

And onto Lallor, will be good to check in with the team there as there's several cadets aren't there? Gates is such a cumudgeon, isn't he smile Was that Karate Kid making a move on Spider Girl? Cute! I've no idea who Tomb is, so looking forward to finding out more, and loving your Babbage, the Legion needs at least one artifical being on the team. They are an interesting pairing ad I'd like to see more of them. Spider Girl's thoughts on Splitter show her true nature - she's not one to miss something going on around her, is she. Beastmaster isn't a happy soul, is he? KK dealing with it calmly was well done, I do think he'd be the eternal peacemaker. Gates telling off Tellus for not being so confident was great, and Berta stepping in was good leadership. Do you mean "sapient beings" rather than "Senient" - my pet peeve from Star Trek is they continually get this wrong. I wonder what's causing the animals to go wild(er)?

I really like how you always bring up the pods on Tellus' back flashing colours, it's such a simple but really effective way to show his mood and remind us just how alien he is. Nice threeway split of your team, fab, it's always fun to see the different stories from each give us clues so it all come together. Bless poor Staq having to stay behind. Oh well, perhaps someone with a flaming head isn't the best to have in a team investigating scared animals though. Final Night? I'll check out your editors note at the end. Of course Sussa would be thinking about the sneaky approach, what are they being distracted from? I wonder if it's on Lallor, whatever it is that is wanting the team distracted, or whether this fits in with the Pig and the stolen magical items.

nd I've run out of time again, though I'm inching my way nearer to being caught up. My next post is the 13 Feb so at least I'm only a month or so behind now smile

Hopefully I'll have a bit of time tomorrow IB, as I'm looking forward to more, more, more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 03/14/23 02:28 PM
hi Harbi, thanks again for the read and review and your nice comments! It's interesting to see your take as things develop!

Lead holding Teena was really something I thought about, but decided to go a different way for two reasons: 1) I wanted M'Onel and Andromeda powerless, and they both had lead serums already; and 2) I considered having Brainy swoop in and cure Teena's lead poisoning, but decided against it, so red sunlight it was smile

you make a good point about two-bit dictators having androids. hmm, something to think about smile

re Shazam powers giving immunity to mind control, gosh I really don't know! Maybe I need to research more too smile

glad you liked the Seven Deadly Sins fights smile I had lots of fun with that little bit!

oops, thanks for catching the missing word in the Brin scene, have gone back and fixed. I really need to proofread more smile

thanks a ton Harbi, is Mordru a red herring? we will see... smile but indeed, it's about time for the magical items bit to come to full flame tongue

thanks again for your kind words and time, Harbi!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 03/14/23 02:33 PM
ooh and there's more! smile what a treat for me!

re Zoe and Mysa suddenly flaring up, it's really mainly Mysa being stressed and worried that the magical item mystery has not been solved. And Zoe is just the type to fight back if someone pushes her, as is Tinya smile so no manipulation - not in this scene. but that was a good question, and it could easily have been!

haha! Karate Kid could very well have been mildly flirting with Sussa, she is a bit of a knockout wink let's see... I did mean sentient, at least as I use it (and as I understood the Reboot canon), sentient = beings fully capable of thought like today's human beings. so animals would be non-sentient.

thanks for commenting on Tellus' pods, I actually took this page from you and raz smile as you both have developed Tellus much better and more than I have!

glad you are digging it Harbi smile I'll be slowing down for a bit while working on my next bits, so no rush to catch up - at least for a couple of weeks smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 03/14/23 05:57 PM
By the way gang, we’re almost at the end of volume 4 (gasp! Spoiler???) so if you read this… I will be opening leadership elections to readers smile please start thinking about whom you want to vote for - all Active Legionnaires are eligible. I will post again when I formally open voting. But as there’s a lot of reading and reviewing now, I thought I’d pre announce so you all can read the next bits with an eye open for leadership smile
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Tryouts! - 03/15/23 09:42 AM
Back for more - I will catch up eventually!

Vapor and Beastmasters little talk was sweet - her being concerned that he isn't being affected by the same thing that's turning the wild animals crazy, was well done. Nice moment between two people that have known each other for a long time. And Tellus has a clue - glad to see you are usng him as he's a difficult character to write effectively, his timid nature doesn't really work (I think) for such a buljy and visually striking character, so he can be difficult to include. KK biting his tongue, yup, understandable, he would be the character that would disapprove the most of some of his colleagues priviedge and blinkered views. So, Hotshot will get to go on a mission afterall, be careful what you wish for... and Sussa and splitter being the detectives, while Babbage is their data processor works really well, nice to show that Babbage may be smart and super efficient, but joining the dots takes a different skillset.

Poor Shiv Lassi laugh So, Spider Girl and Splitter joined Babbage and Hotshot to Nightwinds group? I thought they were staying behind? Nightwind supporting Tellus was great, and keeping Gates in line was funny. Nice mix and use of exotic/sci-fi animals by the way. Beastmaster getting swept up in the rage that affects the other animals could have ending horrifically, so nice use of Tellus to calm him down - they seems to have bonded. An unusual pair but you've written their connection well.

Tyr and Sklarian raiders? Nice! Unexpected but totally can see them working together. Stone Boy taking out Tyr was a classic move!KK againts half a dozen Tyrrazzians and 4 Sklarians? They don't stand a chance smile "He's in his happy place" - absolutely! Asimov circuits, great! The three laws survive to the 30th century then, slightly tweaked but still great to see. And a Dominator scientist? Okay, this potentially gets bigger. Beastmaster and Tellus make a good team together - you have taken two really different characters and found an interesting way to make them work together, well done. I'm kind of glad that your Tellus is staying on Lallor, though as I like how you write him it's a shame that he;s leaving the main team. Still, within the story it made perfect sense and at least now Gates will stop nagging him laugh

And there's the twist - the meek and feeble Luyso is actually in the pay of the Pig, fantastic. I'm really enjoying how you are slowly building up that storyline.

Yay, Element Lass! I do like her smile XS enjoying piloting is a nice nod to pre-Threshold era.And good to hear that the Academy still train the students in piloting. You like having them stick their tongues out, don't you tongue "What, no giant statues of you two?" haha, nice dig from Ayla. " I hate fashion, I'm only here for the food," ha, that would be me too smile Plaid Lad, oh dear, though nice that he's found a home and hopefully he's away from his pushy mother (hoping I'm remembering that scene correctly). Yera! Fab, there's a character that needs a decent writer to bring out their potential. Love how the team gush over her and compliment her acting. Nice scene between Candi and her dad.

That's all the time I have this morning IB, but I'll be back soon for more, more, more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 03/15/23 09:53 AM
thanks Harbi, appreciate your comments a lot!!

Originally Posted by Harbinger
Poor Shiv Lassi laugh So, Spider Girl and Splitter joined Babbage and Hotshot to Nightwinds group? I thought they were staying behind?

ah yes, I should have been clearer with this one. this was a completely new incident, not related to Babbage and Hotshot joining up with Nightwind. I decided to skip ahead a bit and cut out some of the detecting and analysis smile


I also can't fully claim credit for Tyr and Sklarian raiders, they were both part of the Reboot Dark Circle smile (L* 62-65, LSH 106-108). Asimov circuits too, they were mentioned in Legionnaires 78 and played a key plot point too!

happy that the character bits stand up, esp. Beastmaster and Tellus, and Beastmaster/Vapor

indeed, Tellus gets to escape from Gates a bit; Gates isn't the type to stand down and stop tongue but no worries, Tellus will still appear quite often wink the Lallor Heroes are too fun to leave alone for long



glad the slow burn with the Pig's group isn't dragging on too long wink

I blame the Reboot for the tongue-sticking-out part, Spark did that so, so often under Jeff Moy's pencils tongue

and yeah, I thought that not enough was done in the Preboot with Yera's acting career, so I wanted to showcase it here!

glad you liked these bits, Harbi! thanks again for the read and review smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Stepping Up - 03/16/23 12:04 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Zarrox

White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery. Currently the only Active Legionnaire whose whereabouts are known.

Reserve Legionnaire (Not Legion Cadets or Support Staff)

Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers

**************************************************************************

"Get back!" Thunder punched at her attacker, a glowing image of a Chinese Dragon. Its form shattered at her touch... but there were eleven other attackers behind it.

"Mysa! Whomever you're searching for has likely found us first!" Thunder had no proof, of course; but the Wisdom of Solomon told her that this was no coincidence.

Mysa sat, eyes closed, mouth slightly hanging open. She wished she could answer her teammate, but she needed to keep weaving their spell. This scrying spell was difficult in the calmest of environments, but with an attack...

"Mysa, do we alter..." Traci Thirteen the XIIIth began.

"Already doing..." Mysa whispered. Then she focused her concentration on subtly shifting the magical energies she wove to consider the twelve attacking animal forms around them. If the spell could study them and trace the source of their energies...

... she could feel them, emanating vaguely in the distance. If she could only trace it...

Above them, Thunder grunted as the form of an Ox charged into her. A Monkey pressed the attack by jumping on her head. She quickly flew into the wall, knocking the Monkey off and giving herself distance from the Ox.

"Traci... you're most experienced... .help Thunder... need more time..." Mysa muttered.

Traci nodded. She knew that the other three sorcerers linked in the circle were not advanced enough in their studies to be able to multi-task. But she could. Drawing on the staff passed down to her through the ages, she blasted at the Tiger, Horse and Rooster forms converging on Thunder. Traci dared not stray too far though; her own magical abilities were still powering Mysa's circle. She dared not break it.

"Even the ones we destroy reform slowly," Thunder snapped. She grabbed the Ox by its horns, throwing it into the Dog and the Goat. Then she spoke into her flight ring. "Mayday, Marla, need back-up! Send whom you can!"

**************************************************************************
Legion World

Other Legion Support Staff

Marla Latham of Earth (Germany and Sweden); Legion adult advisor
M'rissey of Mercury; advanced scenario modelling; manager of the Legion's Disaster Relief and Development arm
Theena of unknown; attached to a symbiotic alien able to open "viewscreens" allowing communication across distances (Communications, Search & Rescue)

**************************************************************************

"Who do we have?" Marla asked M'Rissey. Thunder's call had just come in. Hearing the desperation in her voice, Marla knew they had to act quickly.

"Nobody fresh," M'Rissey said somberly. "Everyone is stretched, Marla! Nobody's had more than an hour of rest since this all started. It's been ten hours of emergencies popping up here and there..."

"I wish I had more range," Theena wanted to cry. With communications channels tied up trying to connect across worlds, she had taken to linking with staff on Legion World. Her viewscreens winked open, showing every Reservist and sorcerer currently on Legion World. She wished she could communicate across interstellar distances, but...

Marla quickly studied the faces. "Theena, please ask that teleporting sorceress - Viki, was her name? To come help us. And then, please call the following over..."

As Marla read the names, Theena began talking into her viewscreens. She could feel Viki jump a bit; she knew it took some getting used to, as Theena's voice would be perceived as a disembodied voice in their minds. "Viki, it's Theena. We need you to urgently send an away team to Zarrox..."


**************************************************************************

Zarrox

White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery. Currently the only Active Legionnaire whose whereabouts are known.

Reserve Legionnaire (Not Legion Cadets or Support Staff)

Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Crystal Kid, Bobb Kohan of Earth (Brazil and Peru); crystal generation and manipulation
Rainbow, Dori Aandraison of Xolnar; rainbow-based light powers
Vision, Rhent Ustin of Earth (Egypt and Spain); microscopic, telescopic, heat, freeze, and hypnotic vision

**************************************************************************

"I don't get why so many of us are going," Crystal Kid began. "I know it's important that the White Witch complete her spell. But we're spread thin as it is, and..."

Marla Latham just looked at him, even as the teleporting sorceress Viki completed her spell. Crystal Kid felt his body warp, and in a flash, he and his two companions were on Zarrox.

"Get down!" Thunder flew in front of them, facing away; and Crystal Kid gasped as a glowing Goat slammed into her form.

"You have to hit them hard enough to shatter them!" Thunder said, not looking back. "But they reform anyway!"

Crystal Kid gawked as he watched another half dozen or so glowing animals circle around them.

Vision's eyes lit up, and a blast of pure heat evaporated the form of a Rabbit. Rainbow's body glowed in all colors as she fired on a Snake that had reared back, as if to strike.

"Bobb! Protect Mysa!" Rainbow spat.

Stammering, Crystal Kid ran to where the White Witch sat. "Mysa, if I erect a dome..."

"Spell can go through crystal. Go!" Mysa said, not even opening her eyes.

"Leave me outside," a dark-haired girl said. Bobb jumped a bit as the staff she held unleashed a bolt of energy at a charging Pig.

Bobb gulped as he spun a dome of crystal around him, Mysa, and the other three sorcerers sitting around her. He willed the crystal to be transparent so he could see around him. He thought about setting it, then decided against. If it shattered, he needed to reinforce it quickly...

He crafted a small chair so he could sit and rest, and concentrated on reinforcing his dome while he sat. Outside, Rainbow had ducked as a glowing Dragon fired at her. Thankfully, Vision's eye beams drove it back before it could do much damage.

Part of Bobb wanted to be out there fighting, but part of him was secretly glad he could focus here as he sat. Considering, he began forming spikes of crystal on his dome, and fired a pair at the Dragon. He grinned as he watched it dissipate from his strike.

Turning around slowly, Bobb's hands glowed as he readied himself for what might come next.

**************************************************************************

Pon, the Lesser Moon of Xanthu

**************************************************************************

The Pig smiled, even as he watched the reinforcements help hold the line on Zarrox. They could not defeat these avatars; sooner or later, they would wear themselves out.

And he didn't need to delay that accursed Mysa for long. They were ready.

Weaving his own spell, he set it around himself and the other Zodiac Signs. The Monkey was already grinning in anticipation, and the Rabbit looked like he was having fun. The Rooster had called forth her Kwai army, and the Tiger looked to be on guard. A blinding white light surrounded each of them, sending them off to their targets.

The Pig could feel his smile growing bigger as he, too, disappeared.
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Stepping Up - 03/17/23 11:37 AM
So I'm back for more! Yay!

The scenes in the fashion institute were great, highlighted eveyone nicely. I loved Ayla becoming a judge and was looking foward to her honest apraisals of all the contestants. Lori is a character that I always hated - a young child has no place with the Legion to my POV, but the way you wrote her calming don and reassuring the trapped child was really well done. I still dislkike her but at least she was useful laugh Nice to see Yera getting a little bit of character growth too and helping the team out. Vi saving Zoe's family was sweet. Nice to see Proty too btw.

I like the team that's investigating the ancient temple. Zoe's awareness of magic is nice to reference, it's usually pretty useless in the hi-tech 31st century but good to see it in action. A crazy cat lady? Sounds like a couple of my friends laugh So, I assume the fake Legion on Wellur was a reboot plot? It's sounds pretty nasty.

So, the Wellurian is connected to Brawler - same 'benefctor', the Pig - you are building that storyline up nicely.

Umbra, yay! She's always fun. Nice backstory to Talok, thanks for adding that. And nice to see local customs in action. Nura being unable to foresee anything is always a worry. Nie having Tasmia talk to her ancestors at the end there, that was a plot in canon that could have been mined but was never really considered. And, I'm assuming that whatever was taken was for the Pig? I know, wait and see... tongue

I forgot Jazmin and Rokk where a couple for a second there smile And nice to differentiate between Brainy and Babbage's capabilities. And well considered group to get together to discuss the issues at hand. Clever tinking by Jaz to investigate their new members.

Nice to see a list of your full membership! Wow, it's really grown. Loving all your support staff and the roles they fill.

Playing Chuck at billiards, haha, yup, great rite of passage. At least it would be over quickly. The former Subs checking in on each other is sweet. Gates on recruiting trups? Well, that would get rid of a lot of time waters, I guess... nice character moment that Andromeda is overly-sensitive to a spy potentially being on the team. I like how open Jazmin is to everyone, thogh wonder that if there is a spy they now know what the team are doing.

Troy and Deyla, nice! Also, it's good to see the different sorts of athleticism on the team, from the supple Val to the weight lifting Thom. Sega Square's new Ultimate Final Crisis XVI - my son would love that laugh I'm going to kind of call you out here IB, the VR gamers are mostly boys while the fashion show are girld, it's a bit too cut and dried along gender lines, I'd hope by the 31st Century we'd see a more nuanced split. Ferro's jealousy is sadly on point, that's a typical teenage reaction. And Taryn and Brin - nice! I think they would make a fun couple.

Triple date - eeek! I'm with Garth and Jo, that sounds awful smile Otter and Big Bear... okay, that fits and is cute smile

"But you hate fashion!" Chameleon protested. "Yes, but I love annoying Kinetix," Spark grinned evilly - I laughed out loud at this.

Sweet scene between Rokk and Jazmin, and also Candi and Jeckie.

Vi and Berta opening up to their new teammates was great as well, you're really nailig these sweet interpersonal moments. The gossiping about their history and lack of understanding of the girls amongst the guys, then Sussa, et al, gossiping about the guys... yeah, that's pretty accurate laugh Andromeda joining in a political debate would be interesting... and nice to see not everyone is looking for stimulation on their day off, a bit of silent solitue sounds good as well.

"Mentalla almost didn't hear what Echo said, she was too taken by his amazingly chiseled features" - oh dear, we've all been there laugh

Calorie Queen is strong enough to snap inerton? Really? I thought that stuff could hold Validus, or is this just in the virtual world? And now everyone os being swallowed up in a white light? Is this the Pigs plan coming to fruition? It reminds me of the 5YL story where Mon El killed the Time Trapper and changed reality, or perhaps Zero Hour. Something massive is happening here! You fooled me with all the downtime and interpersonal moments, I really wasn't expecting anything yet. Ouch, Mysa is the only active Legionnaire left? Wow, this going to be great!

And I've run out of time again, but at least I'm getting closer to being up to date. Greatstuff IB, your characters personalities and interactions are really well observed, and I'm looking forward to whatever you've got coming up.

More, more, more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Stepping Up - 03/17/23 12:07 PM
yay, more comments! thanks, Harbi smile

Lori's not my fave either, which is why I use her veeeery sparingly wink I sometimes wish I could age her, but that would age everyone else tongue maybe I have to revisit that fashion contest at some point wink I think I can have a lot of fun with Spark and some snooty designers as judges.

you assume right re whatever was taken in Talok wink momentum is building, and we're at the point where everything can tie in together, tee hee!

I wonder if it's even possible to get a spy onto the team these days, what with telepaths, a Coluan, a Robotican, a sorceress... would be interesting to see if a convincing plot could be worked out for that tongue

Originally Posted by Harbinger
I'm going to kind of call you out here IB, the VR gamers are mostly boys while the fashion show are girld, it's a bit too cut and dried along gender lines, I'd hope by the 31st Century we'd see a more nuanced split.

good call out on the gender split, Harbi. I had thought about it too, but I was too excited to get to the next part that I decided not to change it. mea culpa for that one, it's all on me. I'll do better, promise!

I really need to research on how strong intertron is, to be honest. it's a great tough metal, but I don't really recall seeing its strength ever clearly being displayed anywhere.


glad you're enjoying the ride, and glad the surprise at the end of downtime worked tongue

thanks again, Harbi! smile
Posted By: razsolo Re: Tryouts! - 03/18/23 11:16 AM
Hi IB, I am back for more!

Quote
PS, forgot to mention: the 21C role playing game did actually appear in LSH 119
I didn't know that! Wait, maybe I did....was that when XS fought the Flash's Rogues? I am gonna steal it anyway, I have enough characters in my team that are history nerds, roleplaying nerds and/or superhero nerds to get something fun out of it laugh

I am a sucker for stories where the team reserves and hangers-on have to save the day so I am all in for this!

I miss RJ! Loved seeing him here again worried about his pups smile

..and lol at poor Marla working up to an ulcer while he has to deal with these overeager kids laugh

Lots of good scenes on Thanagar! Even though they're not the Subs in this universe, they really are kind of a Substitute Legion at the moment and I always love seeing them being used effectively. Pete's the real MVP here today, that is a clever use of his quills that I never thought of!

I also loved seeing the Cadets in action - obviously more Grava is always a good thing laugh

The others are all doing really good though and I like how it's obvious that they have different levels of experience and skill level.

"Mister Dog" and Veilmist trying and failing to be reassuring gave me a laugh smile

Neep Liddle is an instantly recognisable Durlan name (a bit of a weird thing that there are such things as recognisable Durlan names, but good work!)

Aww, Ral giving himself a pat on the back for holding it together around X-Bomb Betty is cute smile

I like how your Tenzil manages to be involved in a lot without actually being an active member of the team - and Mandalla stood out here as well, not afraid to chuck a boot in when she needs to!

Kent's bit with Healer was well done too....I like how almost everyone here *coff*Marya*coff* is being as useful as they can be, and even with her it's more frustration and a lack of initiative than anything more negative than that.

It was cool to see Fauna do her thing on Vyrga, but man you gotta feel sorry for Vapor, Tellus and Hotshot getting stuck with the rest of these schmucks laugh

You are good at showing what M'Rissey brings to the table! His abilities aren't very exciting to be honest but I like how it's obvious how useful he is from his meeting with RJ and the others.

Also I forgot to mention till I saw that GL asked, but I did have a momentary shudder where I thought it might be Cannus's poop that Retro stepped in laugh

OKAY I am getting there! I think I should be all caught up by tomorrow, it has been fun having so much stuff to read here lately! smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 03/18/23 11:29 AM
hey raz thanks for the read and review again smile

Originally Posted by razsolo
Hi IB, I am back for more!

Quote
PS, forgot to mention: the 21C role playing game did actually appear in LSH 119
I didn't know that! Wait, maybe I did....was that when XS fought the Flash's Rogues? I am gonna steal it anyway, I have enough characters in my team that are history nerds, roleplaying nerds and/or superhero nerds to get something fun out of it laugh

I am a sucker for stories where the team reserves and hangers-on have to save the day so I am all in for this!
not quite, XS fighting the Flash Rogues was in Legionnaires 37 IIRC, in the VR room as a training session - she was with Spark and Triad. They made quick work of em, I think Triad triplicated out of Captain Cold's ice trap and beaned him. XS took Grodd and Spark took Weather Wizard. I think. the VR game in LSH 119 was just like a console game, but with VR graphics, kinda like Preboot Dungeons and Dragons smile

glad you're here for all the not-quite-Legionnaires smile I'm also a sucker for having the bigger group step up!

happy that Pete is getting his chance to shine, I thought it was his turn! and score on getting Durlan names down pat, hee hee wink and thanks, I always figured that testing for attitude and motivation should be like #1 when it comes to the Legion/Cadet program, so there should be extremely few, if any, slackers. (and don't worry, Marya will get a scene to make up for it later! hint hint, you might have to wait a bit though, I haven't posted it yet)

and yeah, the Vyrga crew got the short end of the stick. Martin Anderson... has had issues. Poor The Mess is, like Calamity, just trying to get a handle on his powers. (but watch for a useful scene for The Mess in a little bit too, hint hint!) Retro is kinda the spoiled rich kid in class... but he'll get his moment later on, too wink and Rainbow and Crystal Kid are a bit... what's a good word for em... tongue but they, too, already have a nice scene or two coming up wink

thanks again, raz! I have some of the next bits written, but I'll wait til you, Harbi and GL are caught up as you're all really close. Omni will probably be a bit further away (ok, a lot further away) so Omni will have a nice long novel to catch up on tongue
Posted By: Omni Re: Tryouts! - 03/20/23 03:39 AM
Hey IB,

now its your turn for me to catch up and it looks like i've got a lot to catch up on! so this will be a review as i read!

Man, i know Dirk isn't as well known as Inferno but i always get confused when i see that name and just think of Sandy.
but on that note it was cute to see this Dirk get all excited about working with Dr. Light and Superman and expanding his abilities.
Roxy's moment at the end where Wonder Woman included her before she could even ask was funny.
i liked Plastic Man trying to comfort Garth as well. its a side we don't see often from him.

Man the all white cell with no doors or anything is something i love and hate. like why can't the cell's be more inventive? but then i'm like its a great menacing tool. lol

Saturn Girl really has never been without her powers has she? its something we don't see a lot of and looking forward to how she's going to deal. i don't know if i ever thought of it as being blind/deaf though. but makes sense as its a core sense for her.
I'm enjoying how strong both Imra and Ming are and that they won't be defeated so easily.

hahah. Imra taking Superboy down was good. i chuckled at that a bit. must be the silly kid in me.
Hmm that is odd but also really lucky that Firestorm didn't split apart. But i wonder if this means he still has some of his powers.
bahhh!hahah! laugh laugh i have to agree the contest of heroes fighting to the death is so over done. But something i love seeing! i loved their reactions to it as well.
but they should have listened more. i feel like there's something they and we missed.

Damn it starts right out the gate and their already fighting and in some jungle? hmmm i wonder how real this jungle is.
Nice shot Cos! that was lucky and liked that Imra didn't give up and used her surroundings.
Of course the Legion came for you Rokk! but now i have to wonder just how long he has been there. or should i say thinks he's been there.

Of course Cos made a safe space for people.
I'm not familiar with Aura or the Superboy and the Raver's series. But its nice to know those characters went somewhere.
This is very reminiscent of the Harvest storyline from the Retroboot Lost Legion series.

Amp still recognizing the racial issues even as a passing thought was well incorporated. it would make sense that she would find this way of culture being jarring when its something she never gives any thought to. i wish we lived in the latter of those two scenarios.
Is Frostbite from the Heroes in Love series?

Firestorm have a little faith in your teammates!
Glad Rokk didn't say anything about being from the Future. i can see that going very badly.
i've said it before and Rokk is the heart and soul of the team. He's a true leader in every sense of the word.
58 heroes and still no Sandy? that's odd...

Thank you for the notes on who is who. i really don't know most of these younger heroes outside of little blurbs or small moments in the big crossover events.

I knew Harvest wasn't far behind! hopefully your plan for him will be better than the ever changing and uncertain one from cannon.
So its kind of like the movie, the Tomorrow War? so Harvest must be from before the Legion or father down the timeline... ok so he mentioned the 55th century. so he must be from father down. But how does he not know of the Legion?
hmm interesting tactic... But i don't think its going to go the way Harvest thinks it will...
That's the worst way to wake up in the am. But i love that Firestorm's fire hair is useful.
Wait so not just people with powers were taken? i mean that's smart. but its also a bit odd.
Cos does some great tactics and to defend his people.
White father's got a good shot...
Another person Superboy knows...and glad she wasn't trying to hurt him. But i'm with White Father and worry everything would be a trap.
Inferno is here! yes! i was really hoping they'd find her sooner rather than later.
The Inferior Five are fun choices.

Why does Sandy not want to go back to the 30th century? is she running from something or someone? But something tells me that the Legion can't let her remain here in the past.
quick question, why are they talking about time travel? i thought they were trying to keep that a secret and i figured they were all in close proximity.

Sun Girl and Persuader of the Terror Titans?
Shimmer and Mammoth are nice additions to this.
Sun Girl liked to be leader huh? wait she's from the future too? i thought she was Dirk's ancestor.

Poor Garth getting so upset. i don't think we've ever seen him this upset.
Lol oh Plastic Man.

its so cool to see Jazmin getting to use her smarts and a greed with the comments that its cool how she can keep up and only have dabbled in much of the science Dr. Light is talking about.

Thank you for the notes and reminders of what's come before!
This has been a really fun read and i'm enjoying getting caught up. hopefully it won't take me too long to get all caught up. That's all the time i have for now. But can't wait for more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 03/20/23 08:11 AM
hi Omni, what a treat! I always dig your insightful comments and questions - and some of them have made me think too!

Originally Posted by Omni
Man, i know Dirk isn't as well known as Inferno but i always get confused when i see that name and just think of Sandy.

Yeah, I thought about this when I named him, in "real life" Dirk got the Inferno name first in the SW6 series... I can just imagine some fans getting really angry when Sandy comes along in the Reboot as Inferno, with no Dirk around lol... I let Dirk get the Inferno name partly for that, and partly because I was certain I would never make Sandy a full Legionnaire - she's killed before, and she doesn't quite have the personality to be one smile But I understand it can be confusing!

Originally Posted by Omni
but on that note it was cute to see this Dirk get all excited about working with Dr. Light and Superman and expanding his abilities.
Roxy's moment at the end where Wonder Woman included her before she could even ask was funny.
i liked Plastic Man trying to comfort Garth as well. its a side we don't see often from him.

Glad you liked these subversions and different angles for these characters smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Man the all white cell with no doors or anything is something i love and hate. like why can't the cell's be more inventive? but then i'm like its a great menacing tool. lol

I know I would be disoriented in one! but good point, all-white cells are in almost any futuristic movie lol

Originally Posted by Omni
Hmm that is odd but also really lucky that Firestorm didn't split apart. But i wonder if this means he still has some of his powers.
bahhh!hahah! laugh laugh i have to agree the contest of heroes fighting to the death is so over done. But something i love seeing! i loved their reactions to it as well.
but they should have listened more. i feel like there's something they and we missed.

completely honestly, Firestorm maintaining his form but not his powers was my way of not having to deal with him splitting into two characters... but also, when Harvest did actually appear, he had a few captives who were in non-human forms (I think Skitter was one) without having their powers. So I just went with it tongue

you are correct that they should have listened carefully, they were listening but talking while doing so might have made them miss something!

Originally Posted by Omni
This is very reminiscent of the Harvest storyline from the Retroboot Lost Legion series.

very astute smile I hated that Harvest was a loose end in the Retroboot, so I thought of dealing with him here once and for all

Originally Posted by Omni
Amp still recognizing the racial issues even as a passing thought was well incorporated. it would make sense that she would find this way of culture being jarring when its something she never gives any thought to. i wish we lived in the latter of those two scenarios.
Is Frostbite from the Heroes in Love series?

Me too, me too, I wish we'd advanced to a point where racial issues weren't a thing. I do take it as a sign of hope, that the 31st century Legionnaires wouldn't deal with it BUT would have learned about it and how awful it was!

and yes, Frostbite is from Heroes in Love smile

Originally Posted by Omni
So its kind of like the movie, the Tomorrow War? so Harvest must be from before the Legion or father down the timeline... ok so he mentioned the 55th century. so he must be from father down. But how does he not know of the Legion?

I had to think carefully about this, actually! I was reflecting while having my morning coffee lol. I'll just say that I imagine Harvest is from much, much, much farther in the future than even the 55th century; that he wasn't really a historian; that records became a bit hazy. He did know about the Legion, but Harvest was so fixated on getting a 21st century army that he didn't even stop to think that Cosmic Boy was from the 30th century or part of the Legion. He might have made the connection if he realized Cos had magnetic powers, but powerless as Cos was, it just didn't occur to Harvest smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Why does Sandy not want to go back to the 30th century? is she running from something or someone? But something tells me that the Legion can't let her remain here in the past.
quick question, why are they talking about time travel? i thought they were trying to keep that a secret and i figured they were all in close proximity.

Sandy was being more of a "how dare you assume I want to go home without asking me first" type, rather than not really wanting to go home. of course, she was the one who decided to stay in the 20th century first back in LSH 100/her Inferno mini smile

Re talking about time travel, I should have made it clear that Cos, Imra and Sandy were away from the rest when they did, so there was little risk. Plus, Sandy was the one who mentioned time travel - Cos was careful to just say "we'll get you home", which could have implied dropping her off in Kansas or Tibet or something tongue

Originally Posted by Omni
Sun Girl and Persuader of the Terror Titans?
Shimmer and Mammoth are nice additions to this.
Sun Girl liked to be leader huh? wait she's from the future too? i thought she was Dirk's ancestor.

correct, from Terror Titans! I also thought Sun Girl was Dirk's ancestor, but I looked her up and her bio said she comes from the future relative to the 20th/21st centuries. So, she could potentially still be Dirk's ancestor...
https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Deborah_Morgna_(New_Earth)

Originally Posted by Omni
Poor Garth getting so upset. i don't think we've ever seen him this upset.

its so cool to see Jazmin getting to use her smarts and a greed with the comments that its cool how she can keep up and only have dabbled in much of the science Dr. Light is talking about.

Thank you for the notes and reminders of what's come before!
This has been a really fun read and i'm enjoying getting caught up. hopefully it won't take me too long to get all caught up. That's all the time i have for now. But can't wait for more!

I figured Garth would, after he proposed to Imra the Blight came, then the Rift, then Legion Lost, then he turned into Jarth... they've delayed their wedding for so long smile

and yeah, Jazmin's origin story in Legionnaires 60 showed she studied how to increase her powers, I always felt it was a shame her smarts were never referenced. She might not be the Legion's top scientist but she should be advanced relative to the typical 31st century person smile

thanks Omni, glad you're enjoying it, and I am enjoying your comments a lot!! I'll be slowing down a liiiiittle bit with posting, so hopefully that'll help you catch up a bit too smile
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Tryouts! - 03/20/23 01:17 PM
And back for more....

So, the White Witch survived the purge. somehow I think she may wish it had been anyone else, still she's versatile enough to figure out what happened.

"By damn..." Nice to see RJ be RJ, whichever boot he's in smile And good of M'Rissey to call in reserves - he's a smart boy! I think Marla felt a little bit upstaged there.

Nice to see Grava get to save someone, and Pete use his quills constructively. Pairing Colour Kid and Night Girl always makes sense. Nice to see your newer adets get involved too. Mr Dog - haha. poor Flying Fox. "Veilmist did her best to give a reassuring smile, though she showed a bit too much teeth" - very nice!

Takron-Galtos! This could get scary... power failures on the prison planet are always a worry. Nice that Tenzil is who the warden wants to speak to, good to see him given some gravitas. Also good to see Ral's confidence increasing. Oh, good plan to limit the routes that the prisoners can take. Polecat - ew! Though effective so that's a good ew, I guess smile

Mandalla is always good to see, I can't remember a single comic where she actually appears and does anything so I do enjoy it when she is given something to do. Dream Boy and Dream Girl, ummmm do you want to get some rioting prisoners horny? Wouldn't that be a even more disruptive? Ah, they can do more than just turn people on, they're more versatile then, that's good.

Colu - okay, you are giving us a decent tour here smile I wonder if there's a reason these particular planets are so badly affectted? This team has Dr Shakespeare and two healers on it - Tomb and, ah, Healer, is there a reason? Oh, lack of Sleepnet, that'll require a couple of healers really. Nice scene between Pol and Kent. And good to see Dolphin be useful, it's always great to see the lesser powered characters get their moment in the spotlight, and also good leadership shown by Pol as he directs Marya into action. Also, Paragon is pretty handy here as well. Kent allowing Healer to use his own strength was a good moment, rang very true.

And now to Vyrga! I'm really enjoying the little snippets introducing each planet by the way, sorry meant to mention that earlier. Nice to see Winathian culture is changing with the influence of Garth and Ayla. Where they really seen as so out-there as they did things separately in the reboot? Crystal Kid, ah, in every reality he's desparate to impress. Was that Cannus poop Retro trod in laugh Inferno's cousin Martin seems just as reckless as she does, oh dear! And Crystal Kid is still a glory-seeking dick, haha.

Shut down thresholds - that'll be interesting, as it will leave planets even more cut off from support. M'Rissey showing off his smarts is great, exactly how he should be used. Good to see yhst Marla and Gigi take him seriously too. These disruptions are pretty major so my fingers are crossed your not doing a Giffen on us and destroying 31st century civilisation. Also I'm enjoying you including the senior UP staff's conversation. Winema planning ahead with a potential UP in the second galay even while dealing with this crisis rang true. RJ and Shaughn's little chat was sweet.Hannah and Devlin standing up for their morals was good, though likely to get them sacked. But then, when you're potentially looking at the end of civilisation having a job isn't really a priority, is it? And good to see Winema looking after Cub, she's not a heartless machiavellan shrew afterall, or t least not all the time smile

Gosh, even the Workforce are getting involved - it must be serious! Gazelle in the Science Police? Well, why not I suppose. Nice to see the softer side of Amber - I don't know her from the comics, onlt here and always assumed she was a bit of a psycho. Interesting that Daxamites want to keep out of the limelight, culturally they've never been shown to be extroverted so this fits with what Dar Zel says. Nice to see Turtle in action too, well inaction really, but you know smile

Zarrox and the White Wirch and Thuder - been looking forward to seeing what they get up to. not even two dozen mystics? Wow, they really are a rare breed! Mysa using an Omnicron was clever - nice to see she is as open minded to technology as she is to magic. Traci Thirteen the XIIIth, sweet. And using Thunder's magical energy to power the spells should keep them going for quite a while.

Brawler - oh dear, I'd kinda forgotten about him. He's still bonkers then, the Pig really did a number on him. The Pig playing up the fantasies to keep Brawler enthralled made me feel quite sad actually, and it doesn't bode well given how the Tiger was treated.

Back to Mysa - And it seems the Pig is onto them, and these animal avatars must be pretty powerful if they can give Thunder trouble! Hopefully Myas will have enough power and time to track where they have come from.

Marla to the rescue smile Nice to see Vision and Rainbow Girl join in and help Mysa, and Bobb, oh Bobb, really isn't suited to be a Legionnaire is he?

And the Pig is going into action now - nice cliffhanger! You've been building up to this for so long now I'm really looking forward to seeing where you take it from here.

Haha, I've caught up finally! That some some journey getting here, you've certainly taken me on a wild ride here! Can't wait to see what you have coming up, as ever I'm keen for more, more, more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 03/20/23 02:02 PM
hi Harbi, yay! more read and review! thanks for your comments smile you are also now the first reader to catch up all the way until the end tongue (not that it's a contest, but...)

Indeed, White Witch made it - she was the logical choice, for being a sorceress herself smile although, she also has a big role to play, which is why I've left her alone for now wink

Yes, there was definitely a bit of Marla thinking that M'Rissey was being uppity, but Marla caught himself and focused on the protocols in place wink I think I will have some fun writing their dynamic later on.

and yes indeed, Dream Boy and Dream Girl can control the attraction effects: admiration, adoration, and can tweak it a bit to be sexual or non-sexual. definitely did not want to go the sexual route here tongue

re which planets got affected and why, no, it was all meant to be random. I just thought Takron-Galtos and Colu would make for interesting picks smile and glad you're liking the planet snippets!

re Garth and Ayla, check out Legion Worlds 2 and Legends of the Legion 2 for cases of that. I was a bit surprised as well. though, Legends of the Legion 2 takes place way before DNA took over, and Legion Worlds 2 is towards the end of Legion Lost, and we already see an improvement. Still, both comics showed/implied that Winathian twins tend to spend lots of time together, do similar things, take similar careers...

My Gazelle is definitely a way different personality than the canon Threeboot one, or yours wink thought to take her in a very different direction lol!

Winema has a heart, too wink and glad you're liking all these little bits. don't worry, I'm not planning on ending the 31st century just quite yet tongue

re Brawler, indeed, he was always brash and arrogant, but your reaction highlights - Brawler is a bit of a victim here too. and the Pig is definitely on to the team! This part was a bit tough to plot honestly, as we have the good guys working on the case, while the Pig is aware they're close to being discovered, so both sides are kind of racing here.

Amber, she was part of the Workforce, but I've re-read her canon appearances and she was not quite so bad as Repulse or Meta, so lucky her, she gets to remain on the good side in my fic tongue

no, Bobb sure has some major issues eh? Rainbow and Vision are showing him up in the attitude department for sure...

I intentionally kept the number of sorcerers few, didn't want too many magicians running around wink

thanks again, Harbi! Things are going to get wilder in a bit, I've already written the next couple of acts. gosh, is the team in for a doozy!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Tryouts! - 03/24/23 04:04 PM
gang, I've drafted everything until the end of volume 4 (dun dun dun!) so am gonna start posting sloooowly!

also, for the next 12 posts: I randomly picked which 4 Legionnaires would encounter which Zodiac sign. I'd be curious to hear feedback re: did it show, or did I manage to make it seem organic? it was fun seeing the teams that were picked at random, and thinking of how best to write the scenes given whom I was dealt tongue
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Chinese Zodiac: The Rat - 03/24/23 04:05 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

An Unknown Location

**********************************************************************
The Rat is the first of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The Rat tricked the Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived at the finish line, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox, becoming first.

Optimistic and energetic, people born in the Rat year are likable by all. They are sensitive to other’s emotions but are stubborn with your opinion. Their personality is kind, but due to weak communication skills, their words may seem impolite and rude.

- extracted from https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/rat/

**********************************************************************

Kono forced herself to stop thinking about the last meeting of the Zodiac. Each interaction let her build a better view of her companions. The Pig was certainly at the top of the pecking order, but Kono was determined to be as close to the top as possible. By her assessment, the Dragon, the Horse and the Snake were the next most dangerous.

But that was for later. Now, she had her part to play. The Pig had been clear: they must get the Legionnaires to expend as much energy as possible, and weaken the team as much as they could. This was only the next phase of their plan, and they needed to set the pieces up well for the final phase.

She knew who their ultimate targets were; those must be kept alive. But the rest could be killed.

Fortunately for the Legionnaires, the White Witch had successfully cast a protection spell before the Legionnaires had been pulled in. Fortunately for Kono, as well; she could use that as an excuse for not killing any of them. Ah, problems, problems; many of her colleagues had no qualms about killing to get their way. But she was a thief, not a killer. And another point: her anger at Sklar's
destruction was firmly directed at that squaj Mordru; the Legion likely wouldn't have stopped him that day.*

Though she wouldn't mind hurting Live Wire a little... the logs had been clear, he had deviated from the Legion's plan, letting Mordru reorient and counter. Had Live Wire not foiled the Legion's plan... Sklar's destruction would only have been delayed, not prevented. Kono was realistic enough to realize that Mordru had been too powerful, and Sklar had been doomed the moment he landed on it.

Just as Kono was realistic enough to know that she couldn't stand against the Pig by herself.

Putting that sobering thought out of her head, Kono carefully hid herself just so inside the rock wall, where she could watch the Legionnaires without them seeing her. Thankfully, Apparition and Saturn Girl weren't among the ones pulled here. She began thinking of how she could make this look good AND weaken the Legion, without actually killing anyone...

**********************************************************************

Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau) and Neptune; underwater survival; hydrokinesis
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings); anti-energy being

**********************************************************************

Anti-energy streamed from Wildfire's suit as he gestured at his teammates. "What the sprock? One moment we're enjoying ourselves during a free day, the next the world whites out, and now we're here?! How can you be so calm?!"

"You get used to it after a while," Spark snarked. "The Time Trapper pulled us away before**, and then there was the Rift...***"

"I was there, Spark!" Wildfire raged. "It's an experience I don't want to go through again!"

"Wildfire, please!" Lamprey stood in between her teammates. "Spark isn't the enemy. We have to work together to get out of here!"

Looking at Tayla's face, Wildfire wavered. "Point, point, look, I'm sorry! I just don't like all of this... this!" Wildfire blazed.

"How do you think I feel?" Gates snapped. "I'm the teleporter, yet I can't get us out of here because I don't know where to go!"

"Okay, okay," Wildfire mused. "What if I fly up and try to find where this mudball is?"

"That might work," Spark sighed. "I can't get a signal on my Omnicom, so we have to explore things ourselves."

"I think it's a great idea," Lamprey said, even as she filled up a flask with water condensed from the air. It was straining her, but she wanted to be sure they had enough to drink.

"Okay, then..." Wildfire gunned the thrusters on his suit... and gasped as he felt himself sinking into the ground. "What the-" his words were swallowed together with him, as he disappeared from sight.

"What?" Lamprey jumped forward. "He just sank in...?"

"My doing." Kono phased herself out of the ground, smiling.

"Bring him back!" Spark zapped at Kono. The bolt passed harmlessly through her, shattering some rocks behind her.

"I can't pull anything from her!" Lamprey gasped, even as she started condensing water vapor from the air. "It's like she's not here!"

"Brilliant observation," Kono laughed. "You can't touch me unless I want you to."

"Like Apparition, then," Gates snapped. "Don't let her get near you!"

"Oh please," Kono smiled. "I'm not reaching into your chests to squeeze your hearts, or anything gross like that. No, not when I can just..." she snapped her fingers, and Gates began to sink into the ground.

"No!" Spark reached out, and gasped as her hands passed through Gates' outstretched own.

"Why are you doing this?" Lamprey rounded on Kono. "What do you want?"

"Nothing that you can give." Kono smiled. Then, like an uncoiling whip, she lunged at Spark and plunged her hand into the Legionnaire's chest. Ayla screamed as her body short-circuited, her lightning feeding back onto herself.

"Ayla, no!" Lamprey, thankful for her transuit, caught her teammate. She gently laid Spark on the ground, even as Ayla shook uncontrollably.

Meanwhile, Gates was summoning his strength. He could feel the dirt around him; but he also felt his body was solid, and not to be melded to it. He focused around himself, calling forth a teleport disk...

And made himself warp above Kono. He shook his abdomen, freeing the soil to crash onto the Sklarian.

Most of it passed harmlessly through her, though she did laugh. "Almost got me there, bug." Kono dove through the soil, cackling as she did.

Lamprey flew to Gates. "That was brilliant! I think if we keep airborne, Kono will have a harder time getting to us..."

Gates looked sadly at Spark, who was still trembling. "I wish we could do more for Spark. And for Wildfire."

Lamprey nodded, intently looking at the ground for the next possibility of Kono appearing.

What neither Gates nor Lamprey saw was Kono leaping above them. One of the charms the Pig had lent her gave her the power of flight. Both Gates and Lamprey barely had time to cry out as Kono landed on their heads...

... and Kono watched in satisfaction as the two Legionnaires crashed into the earth below.

Now she just had to go after Wildfire; if the Pig questioned her for her failure to kill any of her opponents, she could claim the anti-energy Legionnaire was the biggest threat and that she had been intent on disabling him. Smiling, she dove into the ground once more.

**********************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Mordru destroyed Sklar in Legionnaires 48.

2) The Time Trapper pulled the whole team away in L* 61 and LSH 105, but also took (most of) the Team 20 stranded Legionnaires in LSH 92, and took Legionnaires from both Team 20 and Team 30 in L* 54!

3) The Rift: the Rift that led into Legion Lost. See Widening Rifts (LSH 124-125, L* 81) and Legion Lost volume 1.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Chinese Zodiac: The Ox - 03/24/23 04:06 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

An Unknown Location

**********************************************************************
In Chinese culture, the Ox is a valued animal. Because of its role in agriculture, positive characteristics, such as being hardworking and honest, are attributed to it.

Oxen are honest and earnest. They are low key and never look for praise or to be the center of attention. This often hides their talent, but they’ll gain recognition through their hard work.

They believe that everyone should do what’s asked for them and stay within their bounds. Though they are kind, it’s difficult for them to understand persuasion using pathos. Rarely losing your temper, they think logically and make great leaders.

- extracted from https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/ox/

**********************************************************************

Ferdinand watched as the four Legionnaires shimmered into view in front of him. The Pig had said they would be disoriented for a few minutes. Ferdinand could see them groaning.

He began feeling the earth around him, a gods-given gift to his kind. Yet, the old Greek gods had forsaken them, casting them around the stars, left to fend for themselves on worlds whose magic had dwindled.

So Ferdinand switched his allegiance to the ancient Chinese gods. And today... today, he and his companions would move a step closer to gaining those gods' favor. And Ferdinand was certain of the boon he would ask: a new world for his kind, where they could live at peace and in prosperity.

Ferdinand smiled to himself as he watched the four Legionnaires stir. He would give them a chance, of course; there was no honor in striking down unconscious foes. But he was certain he would prevail in this fight.

**********************************************************************

Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication

**********************************************************************

"Are you okay?" Ferro towered over Echo, who was groaning.

"Twisted my ankle, I think..." Echo said through clenched teeth.

"Maybe Mentalla can make it better..." Ferro muttered.

"What...?" Echo said.

"Nothing." Ferro bent down and lifted Echo up. "How are you two doing?" he called over his shoulder.

Live Wire rubbed the back of his neck as he stood. "What happened? I remember a bright light, then feeling like I was falling..."

Triad sat up. She knew, but still... she willed herself to triplicate, and sighed in relief. All three of her were indeed here. A Carggite always knew, as the feeling of being combined versus being triplicated was different, but with all the magical beings and telepaths and reality benders the team had met, well... "All three of me are okay." She began to look around.

"Speak for yourself" Purple spat. "We're stuck in the middle of nowhere. When I find who did this to us..."

"You have found me, then." All three and three-thirds Legionnaires turned to look in the direction of the voice.

"A minotaur!" Ferro gasped. "From Greek mythology!"

"I don't suppose Wonder Woman is here somewhere?" Live Wire asked hopefully.

"Don't say that name," Ferdinand's face darkened. "She owes my people much. Now..." Ferdinand lowered his arms and began to paw at the ground, clawed hooves clattering. "Prepare to die."

Echo reacted first, sending a blast of sound at Ferdinand. The Ox smiled; he loved a good battle. Reaching into the ground, he made the soil under Ferro erupt. The iron Legionnaire tumbled to one side, while Echo screamed as he fell another way.

"Troy!" Triad Orange ran to her fallen teammate, while Neutral and Purple turned to face Ferdinand. Live Wire joined them, arms crackling with energy. "I don't know who you are, but..."

Ferdinand turned to look Garth's way, and Garth unleashed a blast of electricity. A wall of vines and branches erupted from the ground blocked Garth's attack. Then, the branches shot towards Garth. He tried to fly away, but he wasn't fast enough; they wrapped around his hands.

"I can't blast through!" Garth gasped. "Too thick..."

Purple and Neutral had already launched themselves at Ferdinand, and Ferro was not far behind. Two purple-gloved arms punched the Ox, one on each side of the head. Ferro followed, his arms above his head. He swung down, beaning the minotaur on the head.

Ferdinand felt himself stagger, but he stood. "Not bad," he smiled at Ferro. "I actually felt that. But as earth bears metal, so can earth bury you." Stomping his hoof, Ferdinand made the earth open up beneath Ferro."

"Nice try, but I have my flight ring," Ferro flew above the crevice. "Now..." but before he could leap at Ferdinand, he felt a tug on his leg. Looking in horror, he saw dozens of vines erupt from the pit. Thrashing wildly, Ferro broke one; but for every one he broke, ten more looped around him. He clawed desperately at the pit walls...

... and Ferdinand made the ground swallow Ferro up.

"No, let him go!" Triads Purple and Neutral flew at Ferdinand from opposite sides, their feet connecting simultaneously. He merely laughed as his head spun momentarily.

"Again, not bad. I did feel that, barely," he smiled. Two stone hands erupted from the ground, each one grabbing a Triad body with such force that both Luornus hung, limply, in their clutches.

Inspecting his work, Ferdinand turned to Live Wire. He also hung limply, the vines around him having constricted his chest. "I thought there'd be more fight in y-" Ferdinand's next words were cut off by the blast of electricity into his eyeballs, and the sonic vibrations playing havoc with his balance. He staggered for a moment.

"That's more like it," he smiled as he commanded the vines around Live Wire to choke him. Then he traced the sonic vibrations through the ground, finding two more heartbeats. He commanded the ground under them to erupt. As he watched the storm of dust settle, he smiled as he saw the two prone forms sprawled on the ground. "So much for the triplet and the loud one," he smiled. "Not a bad fight, though... These children are worthier than I expected."

Whistling as he collected his fallen opponents, he began to think of the arguments he'd make to the Pig to use them as sport later. He hadn't met many individuals in this century who could put up such a fight.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Chinese Zodiac: The Tiger - 03/24/23 04:07 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

An Unknown Location

**********************************************************************
According to legend, Tiger was confident that no one could compete with its speed and vigor for the celestial race that would decide the order of the zodiacs. However, when Tiger climbed out of the river, thinking it was first, it was informed that Rat placed first for its cunning and Ox placed second for its diligence. This left the king of the jungle having to settle for third place.

Like their eponymous zodiac animal, people born in years of the Tiger are vigorous and ambitious, daring and courageous, enthusiastic and generous, self-confident with a sense of justice and a commitment to help others for the greater good.

- extracted from https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/tiger/

**********************************************************************

The Wellurian called Scratch drew her claws as she moved into position. That had been her code name in the Wellurian resistance. She had chosen it because it represented the resistance's slow, grinding fight against the power of ex-King Kradok's fake Legion. And it also masked the powers that had helped her survive for so long, when so many of her fellows did not.

She only wished she had had enough power to reach that accursed flying Legion craft, or the ex-King's floating palace.*

But she was hopeful that the past could be changed. Maybe the old gods would hear her plea and take pity on all who had suffered and died on Wellur. And maybe, just maybe, changing the past and stopping Kradok's terror early would allow Wellur to flourish, as it should have all along.

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Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation, enhanced vision
Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation
Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; darkfield casting

**********************************************************************

Invisible Kid looked around, drinking every detail in. Beside him, Nightwind kept trying different frequencies on the telepathic plugs and on the flight ring network. Umbra just stood, her cape curled around her. And Sensor had stretched her body up, trying to sense any minds around them.

"Still nothing!" Nightwind cursed in annoyance.

"I cannot sense my ancestors, either," Umbra said, surprisingly calmly. "Even when we were lost in the Kwai galaxy, I could sense them from a distance. But wherever we are, is beyond our connection."* As if to reassure herself, she let wispy tendrils of darkness surround her.

"At least your darkfield still works!" Sensor snapped. "If I couldn't sense your minds, I'd think I'd lost my powers!"

"So we may be on another plane, one with different physical rules," Invisible Kid mused. "Someone brought us here, but why us? Either we four share a connection, or, everyone else is around here somewhere. But..."

Lyle was interrupted by a snarl and a whoosh. Before he could react, a dark form dropped seemingly out of nowhere and slammed into Sensor's skull!

"Jeka!" Nightwind called as she watched Sensor drop.

"I have her," Umbra said as she commanded her darkfield to cushion Sensor's fall.

Turning invisible, Lyle looked around. "What was that? I saw something, out of the corner of my eye, but..."

Scratch smiled. She was eager for the chance to test her skills a little bit. When she wanted to, she could pass unnoticed by a hundred men at a brothel... anyone looking directly at her would find their focus torn away. She simply could not be perceived, unless she wanted to.

This Invisible Kid was clearly the most intelligent one, so she focused her hearing. She had already tried to locate his smell, but he had likely been prepared enough to wear a transuit. But even transuits did not mask sound...

... and she heard it. A heartbeat.

Raising her claws, she struck.

To Nightwind's and Umbra's horrified eyes, blood started blooming on Invisible Kid's back and arms. With a cry, their teammate fell face-down to the ground, blood pooling under him.

"Whoever you are, get back!" Nightwind commanded the air around them to swirl. "We know you're out there!"

Umbra began tending to Lyle, trying to stop the bleeding.

It was, sadly, too late. Umbra received a wound to the back of her head, and fell forward onto Lyle, dark blood spilling on top of his. Nightwind realized that their attacker was right beside them; but before she could turn the winds around, Berta fell too. Blood flowed from her wounds as she collapsed.

Scratch stood, looking pleased, as the air calmed down again. She might not be the most powerful, but with the element of surprise and a little quick thinking, she could defeat any foe her claws could scratch.

She bent down to flip Umbra around. Raising a clawed hand, she pondered. This one was a fierce fighter; which limb should she slash, to make her a cripple?

Umbra's eyes opened just then, and a surge of shadows erupted at Scratch. Umbra still couldn't see her foe, but she wouldn't let anyone get close...

"Agh!" Umbra cried out as she felt her side rip open. Tears fell as pain blossomed, and she fall again. As her darkfield faded, Scratch stood over her, angry at herself. She had gotten careless... but thankfully, the Pig had given her the a ring with the essence of the Talokian Shadow Cave they had stolen. That had given Scratch some immunity to the shadows.

This one was indeed dangerous, Scratch mused. Perhaps she should simply kill her... though would it be safe to do so?

Scratch decided to ponder for a while. After all, none of the four bleeding Legionnaires was in any position to hurt her.

**********************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legionnaires 75! Ex-King Kradok of Wellur was exiled to a floating palace. He created a fake Legion to try to regain power. The Legion was really a flying craft with three dummies standing in for Cosmic Boy, Live Wire and Saturn Girl. Machines simulated electricity and magnetism, while Saturn Girl's telepathy was faked.

2) See Legion Lost 6; Umbra gets tormented by the "cackling ghosts" of her ancestors.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Chinese Zodiac: The Rabbit - 03/25/23 10:49 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

An Unknown Location

**********************************************************************
The Rabbit is the fourth of all zodiac animals. Legend has it the Rabbit was proud—arrogant even—of its speed. He was neighbors with Ox and always made fun of how slow Ox was. One day, the Jade Emperor said the zodiac order would be decided by the order in which the animals arrived at his party. Rabbit set off at daybreak. But when he got there, no other animals were in sight. Thinking that he would obviously be first, he went off to the side and napped. However, when he woke up, three other animals had already arrived. One of them was the Ox he had always looked down upon.

To outsiders, the Rabbit’s kindness may make them seem soft and weak. In truth, the Rabbit’s quiet personality hides their confidence and strength. They are steadily moving towards their goal, no matter what negativity the others give them.

With their good reasoning skills and attention to detail, they make great scholars. They are socializers with an attractive aura. However, they find it hard to open up to others and often turn to escapism.

- extracted from https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/rabbit/

**********************************************************************

Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions
Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal) and Quothon; controls his body's density
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion leader.
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space

**********************************************************************

Kid Quantum's body hurt all over. Why did she ache so? Last thing she remembered was sitting with Invisible Kid and Cosmic Boy, watching their teammates playing VR games, and...

Rokk!

She sat bolt upright. "Rokk?"

"He's not here, and neither is Lyle." She turned to face Chemical Kid, who was trying to pull himself up. "I don't know what happened, but I willed my body to secrete more cortisol and dopamine... I can't keep it up or it will play havoc on my system... I didn't want to wake you or the others up just yet, we might need..."

Jazmin thought of using her powers to accelerate Condo's body to a point a few hours later, then decided against it. They both had such complicated powers; without Brainiac 5 guiding them, she didn't want to risk their abilities interacting in strange ways. Instead, she offered Condo a hand, and pulled him to a nearby rock.

"Where are we?" she muttered. "I can't tell anything from the sunlit sky..."

"We could be anywhere," Condo huffed woozily. "All I see are featureless rocks..."

"You rest here," Jazmin said firmly as she ran over to Shikari. Neither Kari nor Density - the only other Legionnaires she could see - seemed to be bleeding, and she thought waking their pathfinder first would be advantageous.

A few minutes later, all four Legionnaires were sitting in a ring, pulling their transuits on. "At least we got ported here with our supplies," Density said forlornly. "I'm glad we got drilled to always expect the worst and keep our utility belts on us all the time..." he munched dejectedly on an energy bar.

"Something is masking my senses," Shikari's frustration was evident as she looked skyward. "I cannot perceive anything up there!"

A rustling between some leaves made the quartet look to the right. A small, fluffy, bipedal creature with long ears and jutting front teeth hopped out.

"Oh, a bunny!" Jed knelt down. "What a cutie you are!"

"Careful, Jed," Jazmin warned. "We know nothing about this place."

"Don't worry, I'll keep my distance," Jed replied. "It's just nice to see some adorable local life."

The bunny hopped along, not seeming to notice any of the newcomers to the area. It began nibbling on some blades of grass.

Jazmin made sure to keep an eye out on it. "Condo, do any of YOUR powers tell you anything about this place?"

Condo shook his head. "I can't detect any chemical reactions that would be out of place on Earth, or Phlon, or any of a dozen other UP worlds..."

Jazmin sighed as she looked at her flight ring. "And we can't raise anyone. The handbook says to stay where one is if lost, but we have to assume all our teammates have been whisked away to who knows where too, and... Wait a minute."

She turned to where she had last seen the bunny. It had been on the very edge of the clearing they were in, but now it was hopping near their feet. How could it have moved so fast?

"Whoa, fast little bugger," Density made his body denser just in case. "What are you..."

The bunny stopped hopping, looked at Jed Rikane, and leaped for his throat.

Lepus willed his body to expand into his humanoid, bipedal form. He felt his arms grow longer as he reached for Jed Rikane's neck.

Jed Rikane leaped backwards into the air, somersaulting with a grace surprising for his massive frame. Lepus knew that the purple man was using his power.

"Hold it right there!" Lepus heard Kid Quantum, and knew that a cascade of quantum particles was coming his way. Using his super-speed, he flew to the opposite end of the clearing.

"Not so harmless and adorable now, am I?" Lepus grinned. He watched the four Legionnaires, as they looked at him warily.

Lepus was used to being overlooked. He had been born on Earth-26, a universe of sentients who were just like him in his real form: to him, this was normal. To those in this other universe, he was described as a bipedal, anthropomorphic animal. That suited him just fine. He had been transported to this universe in one of those cosmic time storms* that all the heroes loved calling Crises; and somehow, he had gained the ability to shift his form into a normal rabbit like the ones in this universe. And he had also gained abilities as wonderful as those of his universe's Captain Carrot.

That was enough reason for Lepus to want to stay here, where he could start anew. Where he could be enough of the most powerful beings alive, instead of going back to being useless, plain, average, overlooked Oswald Lepus.

Grinning, Lepus charged at the four Legionnaires.

"Now, Condo!" Jazmin unleashed a wall of quantum bubbles, while Condo focused his powers on Lepus' nervous system, trying to give him an energy crash. Lepus laughed as he felt their powers tickle. Given time, they would work. But he wouldn't give them the time. "Still too fast for you," he taunted as he crashed into the ground. The resulting shockwave knocked both Kid Quantum and Chemical Kid into the air. Lepus flew at them, grabbed them both by the collars and knocked their heads together.

"No!" Shikari, armored up, charged at Lepus.

"You'll pay for this!" Density's skin was a deep dark purple now, signaling the increase of his mass.

Lepus smiled calmly as he threw the still forms of Kid Quantum and Chemical Kid at them.

"I got them, Kari!" Jed yelled as he caught Jazmin gently in both arms. He slung her over his shoulder as he chased Condo.

"You're just a bully!" Shikari screeched as she feinted at Lepus. She knew better than to think she could damage him, but if she could just buy some time...

As Lepus evaded her attack, Shikari pivoted mid-air to strike him with the back of her other hand. She quickly spun around as he screamed and countered.

"Ah, playing it this way, eh?" Lepus understood what Shikari was up to. "Fine, you're fast... but your purple friend isn't so quick." Lepus charged towards Jed, who was still struggling to reach Condo.

"No!" In frustration, Shikari chased after Lepus. But the Rabbit was fast... Kari watched in horror as Lepus crashed into Jed, sending him and Jazmin tumbling after Condo. She prayed that their flight rings would slow their falls... she pushed herself to fly past Lepus. If she could catch Jazmin and Condo at least...

Shikari never did make it. She felt her leg being pulled backwards with almost enough force to knock her out. As she jerked forward, Lepus headbutted her...

... and he discarded her still-armored form beside the bodies of her three teammates.

"That's a wrap," Lepus laughed as he sat down. "I bet I did it faster than my fellows." He leisurely grabbed a carrot from his belt pouch. After his snack, he would check to see which ones were still living... he had plenty of time to finish them off for good.
Posted By: razsolo Re: The Chinese Zodiac: The Rabbit - 03/30/23 10:18 AM
Hi IB, I am all up to date and enjoying this a heap!

Some more thoughts:

I like oddball pairings, and that is definitely Thunder and Mysa! Drawing on Thunder's power was a clever idea, that Wisdom of Solomon certainly earns its keep! smile

Mysa's sorceror apprentices are great! Traci Thirteen the XIIIth is so awesome, I wish I had thought of that name!! (nice to see her be the one to help Thunder out later too!) And Harlak!! And I am gonna be using Antonio Steffanaci myself soon so that is a bit of synchronicity! And does Elpheba happen to be an odd shade of green? laugh

Quote
Twin beams of energy fired from The Pig's eyes, burning off the Wellurian's mouth and tongue

OH WOW!!! That was unexpectedly brutal!! As much of a violent idiot as Brawler is, I do feel sorry for him....I don't think this is gonna end well for him somehow!

I feel like I missed something with the first Tiger though...did the other Zodiac members beat her up while Pig was distracting Brawler? I can't figure out how she ended up with all the broken bones?

oooh you are doing leadership elections, that's exciting!

Interesting that your Bobb can make his crystal forms transparent, I like that development...and that he managed to be a good defence AND offence. He's actually got such a useful versatile power, it's beyond me why he never got anywhere in the comics!

I like your little real world synopsis of the zodiac signs, it feels like something Roy Thomas would have done in old Avengers comics smile

I also like that Kono isn't down for killing...she was one of my faves in the 5YL Legion so I am glad to see that she's not all bad here (and she walked all over the Legion!)

I keep forgetting your Lamprey has water powers! Drawing drinking water from the air is a cool move!

WAIT!!! Ferdinand as in Wonder Woman's pal Ferdinand??? OMG IT IS HIM! I wonder what the line about Diana owing his people is all about? I am so intrigued!!

Scratch is a cool name for a tiger and being able to remain unperceived is a pretty scary power for a slasher!

Chemical King detecting for unusual chemical reactions is another clever use of powers smile

Man, the Legion is NOT faring well! (although part of me always wonders if Sensor is just playing possum anytime we see her get knocked out lol)...I am digging these Legion squads though, they don't really come off as completely random and having Ferro and Echo on the same squad actually allowed for a reminder of Andy's subplot. I liked Kid Q's thoughts about her power interacting with Chem's as well.

The Zodiac are kicking goals at the moment! I really like all the individual villains we've seen so far and I like that they all have unique motivations that aren't necessarily evil....very much looking forward to seeing more!
hiya Raz, thanks for the read and review! Glad you're enjoying! This idea has been bubbling in my head for more than a decade now... tongue

Originally Posted by razsolo
Mysa's sorceror apprentices are great! Traci Thirteen the XIIIth is so awesome, I wish I had thought of that name!! (nice to see her be the one to help Thunder out later too!) And Harlak!! And I am gonna be using Antonio Steffanaci myself soon so that is a bit of synchronicity! And does Elpheba happen to be an odd shade of green? laugh

glad you're digging them! Harlak and Antonio were locks, being some of the very few magical characters in the Legion-verse. Elphaba is indeed Green wink and Traci, coming from a long line of Tracis, definitely knows her stuff compared to the other apprentices!

Originally Posted by razsolo
Quote
Twin beams of energy fired from The Pig's eyes, burning off the Wellurian's mouth and tongue

OH WOW!!! That was unexpectedly brutal!! As much of a violent idiot as Brawler is, I do feel sorry for him....I don't think this is gonna end well for him somehow!


I feel like I missed something with the first Tiger though...did the other Zodiac members beat her up while Pig was distracting Brawler? I can't figure out how she ended up with all the broken bones?

yeah, Brawler's an idiot but I did want to show he's being manipulated too. so the poor 1st Tiger had to get it...

and yes, sorry I wasn't clear. Pig / Snake are making Brawler think they are the good guys, so they only let Brawler see the first hit on the poor 1st Tiger. But Pig had Tiger beaten up to scare the rest of the Zodiac into line too.


Originally Posted by razsolo
Interesting that your Bobb can make his crystal forms transparent, I like that development...and that he managed to be a good defence AND offence. He's actually got such a useful versatile power, it's beyond me why he never got anywhere in the comics!

I also like that Kono isn't down for killing...she was one of my faves in the 5YL Legion so I am glad to see that she's not all bad here (and she walked all over the Legion!)

I keep forgetting your Lamprey has water powers! Drawing drinking water from the air is a cool move!

Yeah! I always thought Nightwind and Crystal Kid got a raw deal in canon, they have useful powers. And I remember Nightwind and Lamprey giving Wildfire a good fight in their first appearance. Nightwind and Crystal Kid definitely had powers that could hang with the Legion... Lamprey's bioshocks duplicated Garth, so I gave her water powers instead to differentiate her smile

Kono did a good job eh? With her phasing, nobody could touch her... and yeah, I didn't want to make her fully evil, so kept her kill-free wink

Originally Posted by razsolo
WAIT!!! Ferdinand as in Wonder Woman's pal Ferdinand??? OMG IT IS HIM! I wonder what the line about Diana owing his people is all about? I am so intrigued!!

I was definitely thinking of that Ferdinand when I made this one! They're not the same though, as I don't know enough about Diana's Ferdinand to do him justice. But there is some connection for sure wink

Originally Posted by razsolo
Man, the Legion is NOT faring well! (although part of me always wonders if Sensor is just playing possum anytime we see her get knocked out lol)...I am digging these Legion squads though, they don't really come off as completely random and having Ferro and Echo on the same squad actually allowed for a reminder of Andy's subplot. I liked Kid Q's thoughts about her power interacting with Chem's as well.

The Zodiac are kicking goals at the moment! I really like all the individual villains we've seen so far and I like that they all have unique motivations that aren't necessarily evil....very much looking forward to seeing more!

Sensor will definitely have to play possum one time... and glad the squads are melding well! Ferro and Echo ending up in the same one was a happy accident that I took advantage of for sure wink

And glad the individual Zodiacs are hitting it! I have a few more surprises in store, so hope you like the other 8 as much as you've liked the first 4! There are a couple in particular that I think will draw strong reactions wink
Posted By: razsolo Re: The Chinese Zodiac: The Rabbit - 03/30/23 11:51 AM
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
There are a couple in particular that I think will draw strong reactions wink

If the ones we have seen so far are anything to go by, I am hella excited to see them!

And I am MORE intrigued about Ferdinand now! I hope we get to see what his deal is before this is all over! smile
Ferdinand gets a pretty big moment in the finale wink I'll say that I probably won't answer all your questions about Ferdinand, but that does not mean they cannot be answered in the future wink

And super stoked you are excited... in fact, a few more will be up before the weekend smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Chinese Zodiac: The Dragon - 03/30/23 02:38 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

An Unknown Location

**********************************************************************
The Dragon is the fifth of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. Everyone expected the powerful Dragon to arrive early on. However, he came after Rat, Ox, Tiger and Rabbit. When asked why he was so late, Dragon said that on the way, he saw a village suffering from drought. He had to stop and create rain for them. The Jade Emperor was happy when he heard of this noble deed and gave him the fifth position.

Dragons are the most revered animal in Chinese culture. In the past, emperors were seen as the reincarnation of dragons.

- extracted from https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/dragon/

**********************************************************************
The Dragon uttered a silent prayer to his ancestors. He had prayed long and hard for guidance. He was not comfortable with all their methods... but he felt, deep down in his heart, that what he did today was the right thing to do.

As the four Legionnaires assigned to him by fate materialized in front of him, he knew what he had to do.

**********************************************************************
Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

**********************************************************************

Sweat rolled off Magno's face as he focused his powers. But even with Amp beside him, boosting him up, he couldn't find anything metallic to latch on to... no magnetic fields called out to him, besides of the ground they were on.

"I'm sorry, I can't..." Magno sighed. "Can't detect anything that will give us a clue as to where we are."

Both Magno and Amp stopped using their powers, sitting down to rest.

"Hey, what if..." Blizzard snapped his fingers. "The 21st century Flashes could time travel, right? If Amp boosts XS up, maybe we can..."

"I wouldn't do that, if I were you." A figure cloaked in green appeared in front of them. It was vaguely humanoid in shape, but it was hard to tell; its entire body was covered in a large, formless outfit that obscured all of its features. Even its voice was vaguely human, and very androgynous.

"Who are you?" Amp asked. XS stood at the ready.

"I am the Dragon," the figure said simply. "Please, don't fight back." The figure raised its arms.

"We so will fight back!" Blizzard snapped, sending a flurry of hailstones at the Dragon. The Dragon simply countered with a shield.

But that distraction was all that XS needed to run behind the Dragon. She reached out to knock him out...

... and passed harmlessly through him.

"I am slightly out of phase with this reality," the Dragon said. "Again, please don't fight back. It's useless."

"Okay then, what do you want?" Magno began. The four Legionnaires had already been discussing telepathically. Magno stepped forward. "Why did you bring us here?"

"We need you," the Dragon said simply. "We just want to cast a spell, and we need you to do it. So please, don't fight back, it will go easier."

"And you expect us to just watch and wait?" Blizzard asked. "What will your spell do?"

"Right some past wrongs, I hope," the Dragon said simply.

"Not good enough," Magno said. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Amp and XS discreetly working. A little bit more..."Tell us everything. If you mean well, we're happy to help. But what exactly are you trying to do?"

"I don't dare say any more," the Dragon said simply. Again, it raised its hands. "Please, don't make this more difficult than it has to. Just stand down and..."

The Dragon's next words were drowned out by a sonic boom. Powered by Amp, XS had found the vibrational frequency that matched the Dragon's own form. She appeared before it in an instant, punching it back. It landed on its behind with a groan.

"Now let's see who you are!" Also powered by Amp, Blizzard encased the Dragon in a block of ice, chilling its every muscle. Unable to move, the Dragon could not resist as XS ripped its cloak off...

... and gasped, as she saw the features of Xao Jin.

"Dragonmage?!"

Dragonmage averted his eyes. He wished it had not come to this. He wished that XS had been just a second slower, while his chanting finished. He wished he didn't need to confront them openly, for the Pig's spell to work. He wished that violence wasn't needed. And he wished, oh how he wished, that his former teammates hadn't seen his face. He didn't want to - he wouldn't - kill them... and doubtless, they would survive, and maybe tell Mysa about him.

And that would break her heart. He had hoped to avoid that.

But it was too late now. Dragonmage looked, not hearing the protests and shock from XS, or from Amp, Blizzard and Magno, who had all now flown up to them. He watched, not hearing, as the dragon-forms he had silently been conjuring appeared in the sky, behind and above the Legionnaires. He watched, tears streaking down his face, as one dragonform passed through each Legionnaire. He heard their screams of pain and shock as their bodies jerked. And he felt the ground shake as each one fell, in a heap, at his feet.

He forced himself to look at them as his dragonforms melted the ice around him, and warmed his body. He forced himself to watch as the mystic energies from their battle, the energies of violence, flew up into the air, to their collection point. He forced himself to feel the magical energies around them burning stronger, as his own betrayal added to the mix.

Soon, soon, there would be enough negative energy to call forth the Great Ancestors. He just hoped that all his friends would survive the process.

He sat, crying, his warm tears mixing with the cold melted water, as he imagined all the heartbreak that would come from this.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Chinese Zodiac: The Snake - 03/30/23 02:38 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

An Unknown Location

**********************************************************************
Snakes usually have a negative diction and are symbols of witchcraft. However, Nu Wa, the creator of the world in Chinese mythology, had a human’s head and a snake’s body.

In a chaotic environment, they are the eye of the storm. Snakes are able to hold their ground and calmly think of solutions.

They are always making new plans and follow them without relying on others’ input. They’re usually correct, but this also comes from a distrust of others. You cannot judge a Snake by its cover. Their slow and lazy talking hides their fast-paced thinking. Behind their calmness, they are alert and observant.

- extracted from https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/snake/

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Dreamer, Nura Nal of Naltor; precognition
Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony (Earth colony: Japan and Myanmar); skilled martial artist
Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan; telepathic control of others' physical functions

**********************************************************************

"How could I not have foreseen this?" Dreamer asked herself over and over, even as she dodged the attacks of her teammates. "How?" Despite her discipline in skimming the future regularly for threats, she still didn't predict this!

A few minutes ago, she had found herself in a quiet clearing with Element Lass, Karate Kid and Mentalla. The four had all remembered a blinding white light on Legion World, and had found themselves here.

They had been overjoyed to see some bushes part, and had seen Echo, Ferro, Kid Quantum, and Star Boy walk through. They had rushed to their teammates, only to see them smile twistedly before charging at them!

Kid Quantum had caught Karate Kid and Mentalla in her quantum spheres, but Element Lass had swiftly turned the air around Kid Quantum into knockout gas. Star Boy had then sent Element Lass sinking into the ground. Dreamer, knowing how dangerous her paramour Thom's powers could be, had dashed to him and knocked him out with a chop to the back of the knock.

As she watched Thom fall to the ground, Dreamer forced herself to snap back to the present. Her teammates needed her!

Andromeda and M'Onel emerged from the bushes as well.

"We've done this dance before*," Karate Kid told his teammates. "I'll keep M'Onel busy." Val began twisting and turning in the air as M'Onel blasted around with his heat vision.

"I'm sorry, dear," Element Lass turned her attention to Andromeda. She quickly turned Andromeda's utility belt to lead, and concentrated on the elements she knew made up Andromeda's lead serum. "I'm just glad Brainy had me study that serum of his...!" Andromeda's eyes turned from a blinding red to their normal light blue color, as she began to stagger.

Echo and Ferro both advanced on Mentalla. The blonde telepath paled as she tried to push into their minds. "Troy? Andy? This isn't like you!"

Thoughts ran through Mentalla's mind. She had spent time with both; her date with Echo had been the best of her life. And she knew Ferro had had a crush on her, but he had always acted so gently and kindly, and had treated her just as a friend. They were both moving so coldly and cruelly now, though...

"I can't detect any mind control in them!" Mentalla yelled to her teammates as she propelled herself backwards. Just in time, as Echo let loose a sonic blast that shredded the tree that had been behind her. "Think, Delya, think!" she told herself.

Dreamer's mind darted through the possibilities. Not mind control, perhaps a dream, or...

Mentalla and Dreamer gasped at the same time. One more option.

"An illusionist!" both exclaimed. Mentalla began casting her telepathy wider. Dreamer flew to Element Lass. "Candi, start transmuting. Besides us four, we have to assume everything around us isn't real!"

"If you both say so, dears!" Candi turned her powers around them, creating knockout gas everywhere.

Val somersaulted in the air; he had just dodged a punch from M'Onel. He had not needed to; as Candi's transmutation worked, their fellow Legionnaires faded from view...

... and instead, the rogue telepath called Universo fell to his knees, coughing.

"How did you get free from Steeple?" Karate Kid called as he flew at Universo. Val raised his arms, ready to strike.

"He's not alone!" Dreamer pointed; the telekinetic called Brainstorm and the mind-controlling Charma appeared.

"Brainstorm's mine!" Mentalla entered Brainstorm's mind. "Get out, witch!" Brainstorm spat.

"No." Mentalla forced Brainstorm to use his telekinesis to fly into a tree branch.

Dreamer, meanwhile, charged right at Charma. Charma could only affect males. "I can beat you with my hands," Charma snarled. The yellow-skinned beauty lunged at Dreamer. Nura dodged one punch, only to have Charma land a kick in her side.

"Shouldn't have underestimated the pretty girl," Nura scolded herself. Using her power, she saw Charma's follow-up punch. Twisting her body so it missed, Nura kicked Charma in the face.

"There are more!" Candi gasped as a half-dozen more villains appeared. She began transmuting like she never had before. "Nura, Delya, Val... what is happening?!"

But there was no answer. Slizz the Snake could see what was really happening. If she were a mammal, she would be smiling right now; Slizz settled for coiling her body comfortably as she watched the show.

Fooled by her illusions, Karate Kid had kicked at harmless air. Mentalla had taken control of his body, not Brainstorm's; helpless to resist, Val had knocked himself out on a tree. That part was real.

Dreamer had in turn knocked Mentalla out in a fight, not Charma.

And Element Lass, thinking Dreamer was the assassin the Empress, had encased her own teammate in a block of inertron.

Slizz was pleased that her plan worked. Make the Legionnaires think they were winning, and knock themselves out. She knew they would figure the illusion part out eventually, and that they wouldn't think of a second layer of illusion after the first. She only regretted that none of the three defeated ones could really have harmed Element Lass' crystalline form. Else, she would have eliminated her first. But no matter; perhaps she could think of a way for Element Lass to harm herself. Maybe if she had someone attack from above...

Slizz willed the pendant around her neck to renew the protection spell it cast on her, just to be certain no stray transmutations from Element Lass would take her out. Then she continued to bombard Candi with imaginary opponents. Sooner or later, Candi would take herself out... or, if time ran out, Slizz would just disable her with one of the magical trinkets she brought to this battle. But Slizz was enjoying her way to that outcome.

************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Karate Kid fought a possessed M'Onel in LSH 111, though M'Onel was at half power then (being under an orange sun), and Val didn't quite beat him - just sent him flying off into space. Karate Kid also fought a full-powered Daxamite in Legionnaires Annual 2, and was able to stagger him for a moment.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Chinese Zodiac: The Horse - 03/30/23 02:39 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

An Unknown Location

**********************************************************************
The Horse is the seventh of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. Horse had to pass a cemetery on his way, but he was too scared. He hesitated for the longest time because running past it with his eyes closed. After he overcame that obstacle, he went at full speed and managed to arrive seventh.

Horses are full of energy, albeit a bit too much. Both studious and athletic, they are strong believers of chasing after dreams. Rather than wealth and fame, happiness is what motivates them. They expect others to operate at the same speed as them and don’t understand why others can’t.

- extracted from https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/horse/

**********************************************************************

As Lusyo fingered the magical ornaments that the Pig had given him, he wondered why he had waited so long to say yes. When the Pig had approached him, only the Rat's position had been filled; but when Lusyo finally claimed the title of the Horse, the Rabbit, the Snake, the Goat and the Dog had all preceded him.

But no matter. Even if the others were first, Lusyo knew he could rise above them.

What exactly did rising above them mean, he pondered? He doubted they would rule over anything as a cabal. Each wanted a different thing; the only reason they were united was because they needed one another. Twelve Zodiac signs, which just happened to be filled by twelve individuals whose personalities and souls made them good matches for their respective sign.

Well, Lusyo knew what he wanted. Power and fame, so he could shove it in the faces of those who'd laughed at him, bullied him, all his life. He had told them there was so much more out there, outside the little backwater world they came from. He would return with riches, and make them grovel before him, begging... and cruelly yank the riches away just when they thought they'd gotten his pity.

He smiled as he heard the voices approaching. He would have a lot of fun with this.

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Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis, can see heat signatures
Sizzle, Teela Spuunvil of Abaddonus; absorbs and converts energy
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers

**********************************************************************

Brainiac 5 angrily tossed his Omnicom aside. "What good is technology when it won't work?!" he snapped.

Timber Wolf caught it easily. "Easy, big brain... maybe it just needs a charge?"

"I'm happy to provide some energy," Sizzle said hopefully.

"No, no! The battery is nearly full!" Brainiac 5 spat. "Even when we were lost in the Second Galaxy*, I could rely on my Omnicom! But I can't detect anything wrong with it to repair!"

"Okay," Inferno began pacing. "Well, can you tell anything from the sky?"

Brainiac 5 made a face as he pointed upwards. "Not while the sunlight blocks the stars!"

"Oh, sorry," Inferno said. "I sometimes forget that my heat-sensitive vision lets me see different things." He trained his eyes upwards. "If I describe the patterns, will it help... wait, I see something... it's shimmering, and..."

A tall, vaguely humanoid form appeared in front of Inferno, and unleashed a blast of energy at him. Dirk instinctively held his hands up in front of his face, calling forth a burst of fire to shield him. But the blast burst through and singed his hands.

As Dirk screamed, Brainiac 5 enveloped him in his forcefield. "Hold still and let me look," Brainiac 5 said.

"That was a big mistake." Timber Wolf stepped protectively in front of his teammates. Beside him, Sizzle began drawing in sunlight.

"Yes, I should have remembered your friend can see heat signatures," Lusyo said as he raised his hand to shoot another blast. Sizzle didn't give him the chance; she channeled the sunlight around her into five different forms of energy, loosing one from each finger. Lusyo just laughed; he waited until the last moment, then his body seemed to fold into itself as he teleported away.

"Some kind of teleporter!" Sizzle gasped. Timber Wolf began sniffing around, keeping alert for their assailant.

"Get in here!" Brainiac 5 commanded. "Inferno is already unconscious. But at least my field will protect us."

"Will it?" Lusyo smirked as he appeared above the group. He aimed and fired right at Brainiac 5... and his mystical bolt blasted through Brainiac 5's field. "No!" Sizzle cried as Brainiac 5's burned body fell, his forcefield blinking out of existence.

Lusyo laughed. "Two down, two to go."

"Magical energy is still energy, right?" Sizzle grit her teeth. "Brin... make your move!" Sizzle leaped at the blast heading towards them, and took it right in the chest. It drove her back, forcing her to kneel on the floor. "Ugh... need a moment to understand and absorb..."

Without wasting a breath on words, Timber Wolf leaped at a tree, using it to pivot himself at Lusyo.

"I can fire in two directions at once," Lusyo said, though he wasn't as confident as before. Sizzle actually seemed to be close to absorbing his blast! He began to fire in Brin's direction, but the agile Legionnaire dodged and flipped through the air.

Lusyo bit his lip nervously as he watched Sizzle begin to stand. Her hands began to glow, a sign that she was processing and changing the energy.

Behind Lusyo, Brin had his claws out and was approaching fast.

Lusyo began to sweat. Then, he remembered. His original power.

He warped out of his position. Too late, Sizzle watched her target disappear; and a nuclear blast hit Brin right in the face. "No!" she ran to where Brin fell. "Brin, I'm sorry, I..."

"I would have hit you if you hadn't blasted me..." Brin smiled weakly. "Keep on your toes..."

But Sizzle didn't get the chance. Lusyo instead blasted at the cliff wall beside Timber Wolf and Sizzle, and watched the pair cry out as they were buried in rock.

Wiping his brow, Lusyo sat down on a tree stump to rest. He had to remember not to get so overconfident next time... But still, his four Legionnaires were all down. He wouldn't do any worse than the other members of the Zodiac.

He sighed as he leaned back. Fighting was more fun if one wasn't in too much danger from it.

**************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legion Lost volume 1!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Chinese Zodiac: The Goat - 03/30/23 02:39 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

An Unknown Location

**********************************************************************
The Goat is the eighth of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. Goat and Deer set off together, but they needed to cross a river. There were no boats available, so they had to swim across. The Deer couldn’t take it and gave up. Goat struggled on by himself and finally made it to the party as eighth place.

Goats are able to persevere through any difficulty. This is their most notable trait. They are strong and resilient, though their gentleness might be misleading.

- extracted from https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/goat/

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Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

**********************************************************************

"Garth?" Saturn Girl said hopefully as lightning flashed down from the sky. It struck different points of the barren, rocky landscape before them.

"I don't want to be a downer, but this lightning feels... different..." Andromeda said as a blast hit the ground not far from them.

"You still can't sense anyone with your telepathy?" Gravity asked as he huddled behind Andromeda. He was thankful she and Gear were taller; they were both much more resistant to lightning than he was.

"No, and I've already reached the end of my range," Saturn Girl's voice was tinged with worry and frustration. "Something else is happening here. Could it be related to Brawler and...?"

A sudden flash of lightning made Imra gasp as she spoke. Knowing what would come next, she telepathically sent to her teammates: cover your ears!

Still fighting flashes of blindness, Gravity saw Gear extend some earmuffs from his arm. One pair settled on Gravity's head; but even through that, he could hear the loud crackle of thunder.

Tel shuddered. He had grown up knowing weather control. "How did you..."

"Winath is a relatively poor world," Imra shrugged. "Garth grew up with the occasional storm, before weather control. But usually the storm came with rain..."

Another crack of thunder came, and rain began to pour.

"I wish neither of you had said anything," Gear sighed as he extended an umbrella from the top of his head.

"Wait..." Andromeda tried to shield her eyes. There WAS something off about this lightning, it was so bright. "I see a silhouette over there..."

All the Legionnaires turned to where Andromeda was pointing.

"Is that... is that..." Saturn Girl said.

Gear's eyes telescoped forward so he could see better. "A lightning beast?!" he exclaimed.

The lightning beast looked at them, and pointed its horn. Then, the world lit up in a flash of lightning.

Andromeda braced herself as she sped in front of her teammates. Her last thought was that she hoped she were fast enough.

Gravity came to. How long had he been out? He grunted as he got up on all fours. "What...?"

"Sssh!" Saturn Girl's voice sounded in his mind. "That lightning beast is still out there, and Andromeda is..."

"Still alive, but barely." Gear looked up from Andromeda's prone body. Gravity gasped as he saw her blackened skin and frizzy hair. "But she's invulnerable..."

"And lightning beasts aren't that powerful!" Imra added. "Now hush, I'm trying to locate it, but I'm not at my best with non-sentient minds, and..."

Another bolt of lightning streaked out of the sky, striking Saturn Girl with uncanny accuracy. Gravity and Gear watched in shock as Imra's form lit up like a Diwali offering. She too, slumped forward.

"Sprock, sprock, sprock!" Gear quickly converted his arms into lightning rods. "Gravity, you're our only hope!"

"I... thank you." Tel took to the air, hoping to get some distance from Gear. He quickly turned his powers on, hoping to detect a shift in gravity, anything that would tell him where the Lightning Beast was. He heard Gear cry out as more electricity tore through his body. Gravity spared a glance; Gear was kneeling, barely conscious. How many more lightning strikes could he take?

Tel reached out, pushing to the limits of his range... There! Focusing on what he felt, he used his powers to toss the Lightning Beast into the sky, then slam it back into the ground. The beast snarled and whined as it fell. Gravity did it again, a second time...

... and then the thunder came. Crying out, Tel fell to his knees, his head ringing. It felt like his head had been caved in with a rock!

Snorting, the lightning beast watched as Tel tried to stand up. All she knew was that she had been brought here, that her name was now Goat, and that she could do things her pack members could not. And that she owed her newfound sense of safety to her master, the one called the Pig. And Pig had said to hurt these Legionnaires. So hurt them, she did.

Two flashes of lightning later, and both Gear and Gravity lay unconscious, smoke curling up from their bodies.
Posted By: razsolo Re: The Chinese Zodiac: The Goat - 03/31/23 07:27 AM
More Zodiac goodness, awesome!

Yay, XS really did a good job of knocking that dragon on its ass! Now let's see who's behind this pesky rubber mask WHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA XAO WHAT ARE YOU DOING?????

oops IB, I think you forgot to delete a bit - there are some notes under the Snake roll call still smile

Also this bit - I think Val humping in the air might be from the Black Label version of the story laugh

Quote
Val began twisting and humping in the air

I like that Brainy made Candi study the anti-lead serum! It makes me wonder if he would have gotten her to become familiar with some other helpful things now as well....(do they have Cancelite in the reboot?)

Also, nice to see Nura and Mentalla both reach the same deduction at once...I feel like Saturn Girl would have figured it out straight away but it makes sense that with their exotic powers they'd be a bit more attuned to this stuff than the regular person.

I kinda wish I had seen Val knock himself out on a tree; somewhere Keith Giffen is smiling and doesn't know why laugh

Also nice to see that Candi's the last one standing, it's easy to underestimate how tough she is when she's so nice all the time smile

Sizzle did good too! Interesting that she can convert even magical energy!

A lightning beast!! I am a bit scared for Imra being hit by the same blast that took Laurel out!

I actually think the Goat Legionnaires are the ones I would most like to see on a mission together generally, they have a really good mix of powers and personalities. Assuming they all survive lol

Four more, right? This has been really fun so far, IB! I can't wait to see how our heroes get out of this mess and whether the more altruistic Zodiac members will let their better sides come to the fore before it's all over!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: The Chinese Zodiac: The Goat - 03/31/23 09:16 AM
wow Raz, you read faaaast!

Originally Posted by razsolo
oops IB, I think you forgot to delete a bit - there are some notes under the Snake roll call still smile

Also this bit - I think Val humping in the air might be from the Black Label version of the story laugh

Quote
Val began twisting and humping in the air

Oops and oops! thanks Raz! especially those notes. I read the Snake entry like 3 times, but kept missing it, how embarrassing!! have gone back and edited! thanks for being my editor!

Originally Posted by razsolo
I like that Brainy made Candi study the anti-lead serum! It makes me wonder if he would have gotten her to become familiar with some other helpful things now as well....(do they have Cancelite in the reboot?)

We could have it... wink

Originally Posted by razsolo
Also, nice to see Nura and Mentalla both reach the same deduction at once...I feel like Saturn Girl would have figured it out straight away but it makes sense that with their exotic powers they'd be a bit more attuned to this stuff than the regular person.

I agree, Imra is just in another league (she would have figured it out quicker, and been annoyed with herself for not being even quicker) tongue Nura was blindsided by the Snake's illusions affecting Nura's own precognition, while Mentalla's specialty is controlling motor functions - and Snake was able to use her illusions to make Mentalla think there was nothing there beyond their illusory enemies. at first, anyway. Illusionists are tough to write, I gotta say! layer upon layer of illusion!


Originally Posted by razsolo
I kinda wish I had seen Val knock himself out on a tree; somewhere Keith Giffen is smiling and doesn't know why laugh

I think Keith Giffen would have done way worse to Val tongue

Originally Posted by razsolo
Also nice to see that Candi's the last one standing, it's easy to underestimate how tough she is when she's so nice all the time smile

yup, and that crystalline body helps! smile

Originally Posted by razsolo
Sizzle did good too! Interesting that she can convert even magical energy!

I figure, energy is energy, though indeed a "unique" and new form of energy gives Sizzle a tougher time!

Originally Posted by razsolo
A lightning beast!! I am a bit scared for Imra being hit by the same blast that took Laurel out!

I actually think the Goat Legionnaires are the ones I would most like to see on a mission together generally, they have a really good mix of powers and personalities. Assuming they all survive lol

Four more, right? This has been really fun so far, IB! I can't wait to see how our heroes get out of this mess and whether the more altruistic Zodiac members will let their better sides come to the fore before it's all over!


Poor Imra, and Gear and Tel... although the lightning is a bit magical, so Laurel got taken out more easily smile

I should probably come up with a mission having Laurel, Imra, Gear and Tel next time wink thanks for this feedback Raz. they are a fun foursome to write, and probably I'll toss in a couple more.

and yes, 4 more... just for this act wink

thanks again raz, appreciate all your comments and feedback!!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Chinese Zodiac: The Monkey - 03/31/23 09:17 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

An Unknown Location

**********************************************************************
The Monkey is the ninth of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. Monkey, Rooster and Dog were in another country, helping a god defeat evil spirits. After, they set off to the party together. Because they arrived at the same time, the Jade Emperor went by the order they met the god in the other country. Thus, Monkey became ninth.

Monkeys’ most defining trait is their intelligence. As children, they win awards and the praises of teachers. As adults, they gain professional recognition and make great leaders. Due to this, it’s understandable that they can be arrogant. They’re often disrespectful and self-centered when making decisions. Monkeys become jealous easily, especially when others are doing better than them. They are awfully competitive, which is both positive and negative.

- extracted from https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/monkey/

**********************************************************************

Brawler laughed as he saw who faced him. They didn't even bother to hide behind their disguises! They sent three newer Legionnaires, clearly fakes.

The only one he'd miss was this fake Kinetix; she was pretty. But once he was a Legionnaire, Brawler could have any girl he wanted. He was sure he'd find a pretty girl or three to marvel at his prowess.

Without giving his enemies a chance to think, he charged into the fray.

**********************************************************************
Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form

**********************************************************************

"Babbage, get down!" Rebound angled his flight so that he could strike Brawler without bouncing into Babbage. "Brawler's powers are your weakness!"

"I know, Rebound," Babbage intoned even as its body shook. Using its flight ring, Babbage began to flee. "Now I must divert my energy to repair..."

"I'll buy you some time!" Rebound ricocheted off a nearby tree, then into Brawler's face. Brawler staggered back a bit, then smiled. "Is that all you can do?" Rebound was already speeding away, but Brawler tore off both of Babbage's robotic arms and wrapped them around Rebound's form. With a cry, Chuck Taine fell to the ground, weighted down.

"You won't get away!" Brawler smiled viciously as he felt his mind mold with Babbage's systems. He knew how the robot's body worked better than it did itself. Brawler willed Babbage to shake.

"No... being ripped.... apart..." Sparks erupted all along Babbage's form, as bits of plating fell from his golden, once-gleaming body. "Main... frame... am..."

"Let Babbage go!" Microbe launched herself onto Brawler, scrabbling desperately to cling to his back. She quickly willed all manner of viruses and bacteria to infect her former fellow Cadet.

Brawler calmly reached behind him and ripped Microbe off his back. Ignoring her sharp cry of pain, he threw her to the side. She bounced a couple of times before Kinetix caught her in her field.

"Are you okay?!" Kinetix asked, watching Microbe bleed through the heavy gashes on her face and forearms.

"Fine... just help... Babbage..." Microbe gasped, even as she commanded some of her microorganisms to begin knitting her wounds and to numb the pain.

Kinetix quickly molded some soil into a comfortable bed and set Microbe down. Making sure her teammate was comfortable, she then sped towards Brawler, fire in her eyes.

Brawler was sweating and panting, a sure sign that Microbe's attack was working. But he stood, back straight, and grinned even as blood flowed out of his nose.

"Hey, pretty girl." Reaching out towards a heavily damaged Babbage, he ripped both of Babbage's legs off. Babbage's limbless torso fell, circuitry flying around. Brawler flung the legs at Kinetix.

"You monster!" Kinetix swiftly cast a telekinetic shield around her, catching Brawler's parts in mid-air. Setting them gently on the ground, she commanded the ground below Brawler to erupt. She flung him into the air, bouncing him up and down.

Brawler just smiled. Whatever the real Legionnaires had done, he was stronger and tougher than before. Reaching out with his mind, he commanded Babbage's legs to snake around the fake Kinetix's pretty neck.

"Ack!" Kinetix coughed and gasped. Tears streaming down her face, she whispered, "Sorry, Babbage" even as she shredded the robotic parts attacking her. Doubling down, she swatted Brawler even further away. And for good measure, she fixed a telekinetic shield around his head and neck, hoping to cut off his oxygen.

"Oh gosh, are you okay, Zoe?" Rebound ran to her, carrying a moaning Microbe with him. Most of her bleeding had stopped, but the way her arm dangled did not look good. "I deflated myself, but even then it took time to disentangle myself from... from..."

"I'm fine," Zoe forced herself not to touch her throat, even as she gagged. She took Microbe's form using her powers, being careful to keep Drura's limbs steady. "Let's get Babbage and Drura to safety, and..."

The sudden darkness alerted Rebound first. "Get down!" He quickly inflated himself, and Kinetix desperately tried to weave a shield around the three of them. Then, a mountain of soil crashed down on them.

Babbage watched helplessly as his teammates were buried. If only its sensors could still work. But....

Brawler's boots filled Babbage's optics as the former Cadet landed with a thump. Kinetix's field had dissipated, and he was grinning like... Babbage was in no position to diagnose him, but he had seen this expression on a number of asylum patients before. Were it human, Babbage would have been frightened now. It desperately tried to signal for any Legionnaire in the vicinity.

Brawler's feet slowly moved closer. "I will take my time with you, little robot." Babbage felt the tell-tale pull of Brawler's power on its circuits. "I wonder, how badly do I have to shred you so that you cannot rebuild yourself?"
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Chinese Zodiac: The Rooster - 03/31/23 09:17 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

An Unknown Location

**********************************************************************
According to legends, roosters are able to protect against evil spirits. In ancient times, sworn brothers must swear to the heavens, then drip rooster blood into wine and drink it all.

Roosters are serious in their work. They are straightforward and decisive in their actions. They’ll directly criticize what they see unfit and are perfectionists. They are logical and good at managing teams.

No matter how difficult something is, they won’t give up. But if someone is blocking their path, they will reveal their fierce side. They are terrifying if angered and get into arguments easily. Even if they lose, they’ll use various methods to convince others into their side.

- extracted from https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/rooster/

**********************************************************************
Chakuq gazed longingly at the revolving hologram of the latest pretty fashions from the Venturan collection. Soon, soon... soon, she would wear these pretty dresses, and have her life be as glamorous as Yera Liggle's character from The Princess Holograms XXXVIII!

May the wings fall off of any Kwai arrogant enough to sneer at her, for daring to want a life similar to those soft Legion Galaxy* natives. But why should Chakuq settle for a tiring, harsh life as a nomad, a wanderer chasing skylights** for frozen water? Or act like a servant to those damned United Planets tourists and bureaucrats, who would dance through the Thresholds onto their second homes? Yes, the Kwai could travel through the Thresholds whenever they wanted, but Chakuq wanted to do so in comfort and in style.

And so what if she hurt a few Legionnaires to do it? That cursed Progenitor had come from the Legion's ranks.*** Getting a bit hurt was the least that they deserved.

She called forth her carapace and began to crouch. Soon, she would only need to strike this pose when making holos, and not because she needed to leap at prey...

**********************************************************************
Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Insect Queen, Lonna Leing of Xanthu; morphs into various insect forms, gaining the powers of the forms she takes
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation

**********************************************************************

Insect Queen blinked at the sky; she looked quite a sight, with her torso and legs human, and only her face transformed. Apparition paled and looked away; she wouldn't be fazed in battle, but she didn't want to have to look at the many eyes and moving pincers of Insect Queen's Pasnician Trapping Spider form. Not unless she had to.

Insect Queen morphed back to her normal form. "I'm sorry, I can't make anything out. I can't see any other sentients, much less any of our teammates..."

"You did your best," Particon murmured in comfort. But she was conscious that Apparition's and Cosmic Boy's respective partners weren't there, so she tried not to be too affectionate.

Cosmic Boy sighed as he fiddled with his flight ring. "At least when we were trapped on 20th century Earth, we knew where we were..."****

The four fell silent. There were too many unanswered questions. Insect Queen couldn't help but squeeze Particon's hand.

"My turn to try and see something. I'll be back in five minutes." Apparition turned intangible and dove into the ground, trying not to think of Cub and Ultra Boy.

Particon held her hand up as well. "I'm trying to sense any energy patterns, but..."

"It's the same with me," Cosmic Boy added. "I can't sense any magnetic fields, except for this planetoid's. And that doesn't tell me anything." Then he smiled. "But, at least some of us are together. If the others are around here, they're probably in groups, too."

"Did someone do this to us? Is it that Time Trapper***** you mentioned in your presentation about the biggest potential threats out there?" Particon asked.

"It could be..." Cosmic Boy considered. "The Trapper has just pulled us into alternate realities before. This could be some sort of test."

"Well, then let's show we're up to the challenge," Insect Queen snapped. She took to the air, turning her body into a Lallorian Lacewing's. "With this form, I can sense sound and vibrations. Let's see what I can find... Wait, something's coming!"

"What?" Particon looked into the horizon.

Before either of them could react, Lonna cried out as a humanoid form crashed into her. Deep gashes appeared on her abdomen. Wincing in pain, she dropped to the ground and turned back into her normal form. "What...?"

"A Kwai?!" Particon stepped in front of her girlfriend and conjured up an energy shield. "Lonna, are you okay?!"

"Take care of her," Cosmic Boy pulled at the metallic disks on his costume and sent them flying at the Kwai. "I've sparred with Shikari before, and I know her armor's weak points..."

"I am not Shikari," Chakuq replied with a hint of amusement. As if to prove her point, she let one of Cosmic Boy's disks strike her elbow. She stood up and made a flourish. "See?"

Cosmic Boy didn't reply; he just sent two more of the disks flying at Chakuq's head. She laughed as she sliced both disks out of the sky...

... only to get hit by a third in the back of her head!

"The old Hindsight Maneuver," Cosmic Boy smiled. "A favorite of my magnoball days."

While Chakuq was distracted, Particon took the opportunity to blast her right in the chest. The Kwai screeched as she flew backwards.

"That's for hitting my girlfriend," Particon snarled. Then she turned to bend over Lonna, who had been pressing a compress against her side. "Easy, I'll bandage you up, and..." Particon felt... odd. She looked down in horror, to see her hands transforming into...

"You're turning into a bug!" Insect Queen's eyes widened. "What...?"

"And your hands are glowing!" Particon gasped, pointing at Lonna's hands. Lonna waved them in a panic, sending a blast of energy shooting at the ground. Just then, Apparition emerged; the blast passed harmlessly through her intangible form.

"What's going on?" Apparition asked.

"Our powers switched!" Insect Queen and Particon said in unison.

"Best guess, it's that Kwai!" Cosmic Boy pointed, willing his disks to levitate. "Huh? Nothing's happening?" Then he watched in horror as he began to slip into the ground.

"I'm guessing we've switched too," Apparition sounded grim. "Cos, whatever you do, don't solidify until you're out of the ground!" Apparition pointed at the disk nearest her, and watched it float. "Hm, well, let's turn this into an advantage." She willed the disk to fly at the recovering Kwai.

Chakuq just laughed, flying out of its path. She wasn't afraid to rely on a magical talisman to give her an advantage. "You may still have powers, but you don't know how to use them."

"Oh shut up!" Insect Queen pointed at Chakuq, commanding pink energy to blast forth. But the blast went wild, and Apparition had to jump out of the way. "Hey!" Tinya shielded her face with her hands.

"Sorry, sorry!" Lonna grit her teeth; her wound was beginning to hurt.

Chakuq smiled as she leapt at Tinya. Instinctively, Tinya began to flow into one of her phase-fighting stances, then remembered she couldn't phase. She tried to fly backwards, but Chakuq was too fast. Tinya cried out as Kwai armored skin slashed at her arms. A final kick to the head made her slip into blessed unconsciousness.

"What can this form do?" Particon asked desperately. Her entire body had turned into some sort of ant; only her head remained normal.

"You have a painful bite..." Lonna began.

"Which you won't get a chance to use." Chakuq came bearing down on Particon. The Legionnaire tried to jump out of the way, but she tripped over her own legs. "No!" Lonna cried as she watched Chakuq backhand Particon. A couple of hits later, and Particon lay unconscious, her body turning back to its normal form, blood pooling under her.

"You monster..." Lonna tried to hold tears back.

"I'm not a monster. I'm going to help you stop feeling pain." Chakuq smiled. She willed her wings to vibrate; an enhancement granted to her by the Pig. Lonna screamed as the vibrations tore through her body. She stepped back, admiring her handiwork. Three unconscious Legionnaires. For good measure, she sent some vibrations into the fallen bodies of Apparition and Particon, too.

She felt a tug on her leg. Looking down, she saw Cosmic Boy emerging from the ground. Rokk was trying to trip her off-balance. Chakuq merely stepped backwards, and vibrated her wings just so, turning Rokk solid. He screamed; parts of his foot were still emerging from the ground. Chakuq finished him off by slashing at Rokk's midsection.

"Four unconscious Legionnaires," Chakuq smiled as Rokk Krinn fell onto his stomach.

Now, she could take her time. Perhaps after this, she would have one of those Legion-type costumes made for her...

**********************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) As a reminder, the Kwai come from a different galaxy than the United Planets one. The Legion first met them in Legion Lost volume 1, after all!

2) Skylights - the Kwai term for the frozen balls of ice (think comets) that they rely on for water

3) Progenitor = Element Lad, see Legion Lost v1 for details.

4) Team 20 storyline! LSH 85-100

5) The Legion met the Time Trapper officially in L* 61 and LSH 105; the Trapper had already been manipulating ("training") them by shunting them into alternate realities (LSH 92, L* 54). He was "training" them to restart time (L* 64). The Trapper offered Cosmic Boy a reward, and Cos angrily attacked it for manipulating them (LSH 108).
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Chinese Zodiac: The Dog - 03/31/23 09:18 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

An Unknown Location

**********************************************************************
A Dog’s most defining characteristic is their loyalty. They will never abandon their friends, family or work.

Honest and just, they are popular in social circles. Everyone needs a Dog friend for advice and help. They are also good at helping others find and fix their bad habits.

Despite how they act, they are worried and anxious inside. However, they will not let this stop them. Once they decide on something, no one can persuade them against it.

- extracted from https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/dog/

**********************************************************************

Hachiko perked her ears up as she heard the voices approach. Her quarry was coming!

She sniffed, the better to sense their direction. While she didn't enjoy killing, she would do what she needed in order to bring her family back. She missed them so, so much. And if she got her wish, they would never be apart again.

**********************************************************************
Calorie Queen, Taryn Loy of Bismoll; consume all forms of matter, and conversion of same into super-strength
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Star Boy, Thom Kallor of Xanthu; gravity manipulation
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body

**********************************************************************

In the form of a Taltaran Telescope Bird, Chameleon flew high over the rocky, barren landscape. He looked rather goofy with his long eyes that resembled a gawking cartoon character's, but this was still the best form he knew for seeing vast distances.

Beside him, a gigantic Violet shielded her eyes from the sun. "It's just more of the same, Cham. Do you see anything?"

"No, Vi, just rocks, no features that stand out, and... hey, wait a minute..." Chameleon sharpened his eye's focus. "Is that... Cannus?"

"Have our friends found us?" Violet perked up. "Are you sure it's Cannus, and not someone else from his world?"

"I think... I..." Chameleon began to sway as the figure approached. He felt... he felt...

"Cham? Cham, I..." Violet felt herself feel faint. Not wanting to destroy anything, she willed herself to shrink...

She heard a gentle voice. "Rou both are ry family row."

************************************************************************

Down below, Calorie Queen bit through a tree branch. Inspecting the tip, she chewed the tip a bit to get it sharper. "Ugh, can you imagine that early humans had to make do without 4d printing and artificial intelligence to erect buildings?"

Star Boy bit his tongue as he tried in vain to fit two of the branches together. Though he could shift tons of mass, he had to admit that he did not quite have the level of fine motor control that both Kinetix and Gravity had. "Yeah, I can't... sorry, need to concentrate a bit. Hey, can you hold the poles while I try to fit this one into it ?"

Sighing, Calorie Queen put down the two branches she held. Grabbing the wooden pole from Star Boy, she knelt down for better balance. She fumed a bit; she and Timber Wolf had been having fun, and now...

Star Boy's sharp cry of pain made Calorie Queen look up. A bird with sharp, metallic wings was attacking him!

Calorie Queen quickly bit into the pole she was carrying, snapping it into two, and hurled both halves at the bird. One slammed into the bird's head, and it began falling out of the sky, turning into a familiar form as it fell. With a splat onto the ground, Chameleon lay twitching.

"What the sprock?" Calorie Queen gasped as she ran to Chameleon.

"Be careful!" Star Boy called from above, as he lowered himself to the ground. "He just flew into my face, and..." Star Boy blinked, trying to get the blood out of his eyes. "Sprock, I'm bleeding! What's gotten into Cham?"

Calorie Queen stopped in her tracks. If Cham had attacked Star Boy... "and where's Violet?"

Taryn's question was soon answered as a purple blur erupted from under her, smashing into her nose. "Ugh!" Taryn yelled as she fell backwards, clutching her face. She felt blood everywhere.

"What the-" she never finished her question; a large purple foot slammed into her from above.

"Vi, stop!" Star Boy tried to ignore the sickening crunch that he heard, and used his powers to lift Violet up. His heart caught in his throat as he saw Calorie Queen twitching weakly; at least she still lived.

He focused on Violet. He saw her shrinking, trying to get out from his gravity field. In response, he focused his power; if he kept it up, he would... would...

He began to feel... strange. He knew he had to... to... to protect himself. Yes. He focused the weight of gravity on Violet, crushing her. He heard his teammate cry out, heard some bones crack...

A primal scream sounded behind him, and he turned. But before he could, he felt sharp talons slash into his side. Thom Kallor fell to the ground, bleeding, as Chameleon towered over him. At least, the it was Chameleon's upper body and the lower body and legs of some giant crab.

Chameleon raised his pincer; but before it could crush Star Boy, a tree slammed into it. Chameleon bellowed, as Calorie Queen pushed him over.

Then Violet grew, and punched at the ground. Calorie Queen, Chameleon and Star Boy just managed to dodge in time.

On a rocky outcrop close by, Hachiko watched as the four Legionnaires tried their best to hurt each other. She had gotten close enough to infect all four with her pheromones; none of them were thinking straight. They seemed evenly matched; she expected that they would tire themselves out fighting, without actually killing one another. But that was fine; then they would be softened up enough for her to swoop in for the kill.

She wished there had been another way, but she told herself she needed to do this. For her dear, dear family.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac The Chinese Zodiac: The Pig - 03/31/23 09:19 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

An Unknown Location

**********************************************************************
The Pig is the twelfth of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. Pig was late because he overslept. Another story says that a wolf destroyed his house. He had to rebuild his home before he could set off. When he arrived, he was the last one and could only take twelfth place.

Pigs might not stand out in a crowd. But they are very realistic. Others may be all talk and no action. Pigs are the opposite.

Though not wasteful spenders, they will let themselves enjoy life. They love entertainment and will occasionally treat themselves. They are a bit materialistic, but this is motivation for them to work hard. Being able to hold solid objects in their hands gives them security.

They are energetic and are always enthusiastic, even for boring jobs. If given the chance, they will take positions of power and status. They believe that only those people have the right to speak, and that’s what they want.


- extracted from https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/pig/

**********************************************************************
The Pig rubbed the magical pendant around his neck in anticipation. He had, naturally, picked the best of the stolen magical objects for his own use. What he had been very careful to hide from the rest of the Zodiac - indeed, from everyone else - was that he had no powers of his own, except one. Everything else he could do was because of the magical objects he possessed.

And that would be enough.

He marveled at his ingenuity and imagination. Most of the other Zodiac members thought they were his equal. Hah! They would soon see...

But he had always had insight and imagination beyond others. When Mordru reappeared, most only saw a threat and a danger. The Pig had seen opportunity. If Mordru could harness magical objects to conquer star systems, then he could too...

He eagerly watched as his Legionnaires appeared in a flash of light. And he smiled as he realized he had some of the most powerful in front of him.

Good. Despite the White Witch casting a protection spell on them, he would eliminate these threats as they stood in front of him.

And even if he couldn't... he reminded himself of what he really needed from the Legionnaires. The ingredients for the spell they had been preparing to cast, all these long months.

**********************************************************************
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time

**********************************************************************

M'Onel and Ultra Boy stood nearly back-to-back. Both were using their vision powers, and both were rather annoyed at their lack of progress.

"It doesn't seem like we're in our galaxy, or in any real galaxy," M'Onel shook his head. "I don't see anything beyond endless plains. No signs of animal life... and I can't even see the atmosphere. Just endless sky."

"What you said..." Ultra Boy muttered. "I'm really getting tired of this. I wish I at least knew where Tinya was!"

"We'll find her, Jo," Spider-Girl said quietly. She had often made fun of Ultra Boy for his relationship with Apparition, but Sussa knew how serious of a situation they were in.

"I never thought I would say I missed the darkness of space..." Lume sadly looked up at the sky. "This light... it's different. It isn't like the natural light from the stars."

"Is this some kind of VR simulation, then?" Spider-Girl thought about the possibilities. She tentatively tried to will something into existence. "Okay, I just asked for a milkshake, but..."

"It is a magical construct, Legionnaires." The Pig materialized in front of the quartet. He could already feel his own power growing as he neared them. "You won't find your friends here. You will only find me."

The Pig didn't even flinch as Ultra Boy zipped in front of him at ultra-speed. Jo Nah grabbed the Pig by the collar, lifting him up high with one hand. "Where's Tinya? What do you want from us?"

"Jo, no!" M'Onel and Spider-Girl both yelled. With Jo's energy switched to strength... M'Onel saw the Pig's hand move, and he sped at his teammate.

The Pig let loose a bolt of energy, and M'Onel moved just fast enough to intercept it. With a grunt, the Daxamite flew backwards, crashing into a copse of trees.

Ultra Boy looked in horror, switching to invulnerability as he did. Anything that could beat M'Onel like that...

"And you can only use own power at a time," the Pig smiled. He tapped his foot on the ground, willing it to open. Then, he pointed at Ultra Boy's flight ring, dissolving it.

"No!" Jo cried as he fell into the earth. Without his flight ring... he had to keep himself invulnerable. The Pig laughed as he closed the crevice after Jo Nah.

"And now for... ah." The Pig smiled as she saw Spider-Girl and Lume racing off in M'Onel's direction. "Smart, these two."

As they reached M'Onel's prone form, Spider-Girl tapped her visor, darkening it. "Okay, Lume!"

Lume shone as bright as it could, filling M'Onel's cells with yellow sunlight.

Spider-Girl watched as M'Onel slowly stirred. "Thanks, Lume. Save your own strength. Now, where's our opponent?"

"Look no further." The Pig smiled calmly as he reappeared in front of them. He watched M'Onel approach from the left, eyes blazing; and Lume from the right, its whole form glowing even brighter.

"I know what you're thinking," the Pig said. He snapped his fingers, and Lume cried out. "What's happening to me?!" Lume shrieked as its form transformed into a gigantic lamp...

"Lume?" Spider-Girl gasped. M'Onel fired at the Pig; the Pig just calmly waved, conjuring up a shield that caught M'Onel's heat vision blast.

"Magical construct, remember?" Snapping his fingers, the Pig caused the lamp that had been Lume to glow a deep red. Then, with a waving motion, he called forth a burst of red light and aimed it at M'Onel.

The Daxamite flew into the air, his speed causing a sonic boom. He had to get out of range...

"Nice try, but..." The Pig snapped his fingers again, and the lamp disappeared, reappearing high into the air, above M'Onel. M'Onel screamed as he willed his flight ring to keep him aloft; his powers were being drained!

The Pig flew up, and waved. Now he could use the powers he had been draining from these Legionnaires - his one, true, secret power, to drain and copy the abilities of others. Pulling his fist back, the Pig punched M'Onel in the face. He watched with satisfaction as M'Onel tumbled to the ground, rolling over and over until he came to rest in a heap.

Spider-Girl was already running away. The Pig just smiled, before using borrowed super-breath to sweep her off her feet. She, too, tumbled; and the Pig watched as her bruised and battered body fell.

Looking at the hourglass on his collar, he tsked. The spell was already wearing off. He began to fly towards M'Onel. If he only had time to finish one off, it should be him.

And just as the Pig readied to fire his heat vision at M'Onel's head, reality turned white again...
Posted By: Omni Re: The Chinese Zodiac: The Rabbit - 04/02/23 03:39 AM
Hi IB,

looks like you've got a bunch more post up. But sadly i'm still catching up. So i'm back for another read and review. I'm starting all the way back with Rokk and the others still trapped by Harvest.

Starting off with Rokk's speech to rally the masses. Inspirational for sure. Rokk's always got the right heart and I agree with Imra, the truth is part of his charm. He won't down play it but he will not give up!

I'm glad the Legion and JLA weren't too far off from finding the missing metas. Hmmm Kid Q makes a good point. But this feels way to easy for them to get in so far...
Oh, i guess not. Lol that was a great save. but i for sure thought there was going to be a bit of a battle first.
Sun Girl...Sun Girl of course there's one that still wants to squash the good guys even though there are bigger fish to fry.
Imra and Garth was super cute. Her basically calling him her beacon or in a sense Lightning Rod.
Why would Rokk think she wouldn't come? of course she would. Hmm...you gave me an idea to work with for spinning Jazmin...i'll have to think on it some more. tongue
Amp I'm with you. i'm with you.
Plastic Man oh Plastic Man.
Haha of course Firestorm is ready to party.

The moment at the Hall of Justice reminds be of issue 100 of LSH vol. 4 where the team and League interacted. good call back moment.
I still keep waiting for the other shoe to drop with Harvest.
You know i never thought to use Dreamer and Shkari together. That might be a pairing worth exploring.
Ok, we're addressing the ancestor and desendant debate. I was hoping someone could tell us where/when Sun Girl is from.
Brainy, is so wise!

the discussion with Sandy went better than expected and even though i know she isn't the hero type i had always hoped she would have joined the Legion. I'm glad she's changed and that our century had helped raise her threshold for burning people. I guess Dirk aka Inferno is here to stay, I'll get used to it some day. laugh
Oh thanks for brining it back to what started all of this her cousin looking for her. i totally forgot all about that.
Ahh ok, I'm glad that the League has a way to contact them. But the moment i read the "neither thinking they would need it line." i was like don't be to sure about that. My memory is failing me. but how strict has time travel become? like its clearly not out right banned.

the ending to this adventure was fun. But i guess i was hoping for a battle with Harvest. i wanted to see him get his but kicked./ all those meta's to have some fun with. But i get it. not every battle is epic like that. and i totally understand being lazy. lol laugh laugh laugh

-The Wedding of Live Wire and Saturn Girl
That was a cute way to introduce this section.
You bring up an interesting thing about how telepaths experience memories. I'd love it if you elaborated on it a bit more. do they get a full sense vs a hazy moment? is it multi-perspective?

Jancel works for Titanet now?...never mind question answered. lol.
That was great that she's grown and her and Imra might have a chance at a better relationship now. Its interesting that Imra has a temper outside of her Legion life where she seems so much calmer and cooler than a lot of her teammates, including Garth.

Ayla's memories -
I enjoy her and Cham's playful nature. i forget about that sometimes.
i was not expecting Mekt to be attacked like that. but I'm glad he was shown mercy by the woman. sometimes know that those who have wronged us are suffering sadly makes us feel better.
Ayla's speech to Mekt was well done and its nice to see that he's still on the road to recovery. you've turned their relationship around so well compared to many of the other realities. out there.
Haha. i laughed at Cham's line and the hanky.
I'm enjoying the framing device of Imra and Garth in the future. it helps make all of this so much sweeter. Knowing that Mekt goes on to truly help those he wronged was also a good moment. I theorized for a while that before Garth came back that Mekt was going to step up and join the team. i wonder if this is all pointing to that...

Jazmin's memories.
This was a really interesting concept to bring up about Jazmin and Imra's relationship. I had never really given it much thought. But they don't interact on a social level at all really. Even in the main series i don't recall them being particularly close. Also touching on a concept i think both Raz and Harbinger have touched on, the old guard vs the new guard. The Reboot legion wasn't around long enough it seems to have that issue with most of their members joining in close proximity and then so many events that through them into the thick of it we never really dealt with the clashing of teammates due to when they joined. i think the closest we get is Ultra Boy and Timber Wolf and that has more to do with their gang rivalry/ feelings for Tinya. You've touched on it with the newer members that have joined since the return but not with the OG cast of the reboot really until now.

Imra opening up to Jaz is interesting. but i don't like one line she said, that implies that a big part of opening up to her is because she's with Rokk. its something in my own life i have issue with. i want others to like me on my own merits not because someone else said i was "cool". i'm sure that's not what Imra ment. but it just felt that way to me. But either way she's opening up. I also would have thought Rokk broadcasted something to Imra.
Thank you again for the notes at the end and a reminder of where the team has been. I had forgotten that Ayla and Imra had been unpleasant and unsupportive of Jazmin in the beginning.

On to Dyrk memories.
i had forgotten that Jenni and Dyrk were together now.
Haha i laughed at the super speed fidgeting. i can totally picture XS just vibrating in place. lol.
I like how you've toned down Dyrk positive nature. i liked Magno back in the day but he was a little grating at first.
I'm with Garth, i'd rather have a more quiet ceremony.
I'm enjoying a lot of these small details you've added in. like Zoe changing out fits and the Athrmites getting annoyed.
Those magnetic ying-yang's are a sweet gift. Imra and Garth are a very good balance together.

RJ's memories.
This was propbably the most sentimental one yet and on so many levels. his view point covers so much of the legion and what they came to be from the onset. He is such a proud papa figure for all of them and its true this has been such a long time coming. I always enjoy seeing the team through his lens and how it has grown and changed.
That is quite the guest list. But when you've saved the Universe a couple dozen times you get pretty well known.
Hahah, RJ finally exclaiming by Damn was worth it and deserved.
You know the concept of the families being just as netorious as their children is something no one has really touched on i think. the Legionnaire daddies was funny.

Triad's memories.
Of course she's going to be there and not be there.
i wonder how it was decided which one got stuck staying with Monitor duty. although i wouldn't be surprised if Lu Orange volunteered. lol that was answered quickly.
Loved that Nura is on a "security" detail of sorts and watching for any issues, even the minor ones.
So Triad is like a facilitator for all the on goings at the party to make sure there isn't a political incident? good idea.
Lu's like the ultimate wedding coordinator here.
I love seeing all the different roles the team takes throughout the event.
Kinetix changing an inappropriate outfit, Echo using his sound powers to help ambassadors who don't have vision.
I had forgotten that Evolvo was now head of McCauley industries.
Hahah loved Lu Purple yelling at reporters.

Rokk's memories.
His speech as always was super well done and a total tear jerker.

and so ends the wedding and the jaunt to the future.
I enjoyed this a lot and am super curious about all those things to come that Garth talked about. Maybe someday we'll see them come to pass.

Star boy's adventures on Xanthu -
thank you for the recap of Xanthu's most recent history and the AP.
Seeing that list of all the legionnaires from Xanthu was just like wow.
New uniforms? Just for the mission or going forward?
Also what exactly is it they are their to do?
Thom wanting to help his people move forward is so rewarding to see. He's always striving to do more.

Another great way to show the Legionnaires using their powers in non-combat ways. its always interesting to see how they can be used. I'm glad the Amazers are joining in and helping as well.
i'm with Kid Q. the narration of what they are all doing is rather distracting. hopefully not too distracting.
Ok, i'm glad they all hate the narration. lol. laugh
its easy to forget that Microbe much like Cham has a hard time in the universe.
Gates being so encouraging is great and all of this falls so inline with how he would want to help the universe. lol i chucked at him getting cut off by Kid Q.
Loved Babbage's thought on wishing for a friendlier design.
Wait so what exactly can Brawler do? by Meshing it means control? i only ask because when the other tanks rose up it seems like magnokenisis or maybe i just misread and it was Tellus bringing them up while Brawler waited...i just don't understand how his control of one tank would make the others rise up.
i'm glad someone didn't do the narration. lol it just is so awkward. I understand where Atmos is coming from. But hopefully with time that can change.
Of course Brawler wants to show off more. Idk if he's ever gonna make it into the team with that additude.
but i will say Lamprey is doing well and Jed too. i like that him and Gravity are really working on their relationship.

Getting to watch your planet basically be rebirthed i bet would be super emotional for everyone and it was great to see everyone helping out. i like how they all really do have a part to play in replanting this rainforest.

The banquet -
How did you decided who stays for the gala? i would have thought Rokk would have been there with Jaz.
I like how you described Nura's power as like a search engine. i never thought of it that way. But she is seeing possibilities and looking for the most likely path. so makes total sense.
I'm not surprised that Xanthu still feels like a second best. But those ties to the Legion will come in handy i bet. Although i for sure thought we'd be getting a legion stationed out in the Rim worlds near Xanthu instead of just making them Reservist.
So Night Girl, Porcupine Pete, who i thought you had named Quill as well. But could just be my memory being off, and Spectrum joining the Amazers is interesting and i like all of their reasons for wanting to go.
Great display of power and glad Spectrum and Night girl used that trick. its the one trick that i never understood not using as often as possible.
You go Q'Bahl, and glad a Politian stood up to his collogues and using the debate they already had as when they should have voiced their concerns.
The trouble of being a precog everyone always thinks its a vision. lol.
Preach Nura Preach about the show these Politian's are doing.

Is Xitega the new Wilma Wazzo?

Dang it just when things were going well. at least it was natural...oh maybe not. Magic? who could send an asteroid magically to them...
I'm kind of surprised Zoe wasn't sent after the asteroid after sensing magic.
Lol, both Thom and Zoe not arguing with Dreamer was funny.
I never realized Radion and Particon were that close for him tp be this upset.

Poor Ferro. you paint his pain so well. i didn't realize just how much he was trying to avoid himself. I like him and Lonna as friends. both the i'm smiling for sure lines were super cute.
Berta has a lot more patience with Atmos than i would. i would have back handed him. lol.
So is the rock alive?

Gear's form must be incredibly tired making all those gurneys for the victims.
Thats the thing I always forget is that its not just about the powers when writing these stories. sometimes its just so easy to get caught up in their powers vs the heart of the story. So good moment and reminder.

I liked your use of Kal Bodo and how he's the face of the Amazers. Facescreen page. that was a funny ester egg. The idea that something like Facebook makes its way around again in a 1000 years is entertaining. Or is it more like an onlyfans kind of thing?
I like that Knok and Zoe are bantering and not actually arguing.
Great job keeping Zoe from taking off after the magic rocks. she really has learned from her past mistakes.

Loved hearing Lume's inner thoughts about why he joined the Legion and being scared of the dark and how it affects his people. The fact that iis people joined the UP on a whim. i always thought it was for some sort of protection.
Lume reached within itsself? so is its body like a pocket dimension or can open one to hold things?
wow! wait so is Lume gone? I don't want Lume to be gone.
Flight rings need to be able to transform with Legionnaires clearly.

Orchid Sapphire -
So is she some kind of telekinetic or someone with an empathic ability?

Rimbor-
Some one's on the look for Tinya's father...and the Luck Lords? this isn't a good thing.
Which i'm intrigued by the Luck Lords. we never got to see much with them in cannon.

The Espionage Squad -
I love seeing this grouping work together.
Ahh Spider-girl, does make a good fit. lol of course she's right at home. She owns whatever room she enters.
A return to the mystical thefts. nice. i wondered where that was going to go.

Echo is again much better than me. i would have hit Roy by now. and boy is he right. Umbra would have thrashed him by now.
I'm glad Thom listened to reason and didn't continue on.
Wow a planet forming? But how does that explain the rocks flying and being pulled over such long distances or the magic for that matter?
WOW! Dryad is back? that just blew my mind. but now i have to wonder if its because of the Elemental that blew it up?
Dragonmage is back too? oh this is going to be interesting for sure.
Brainy's convo with Lux was hilarious. laugh i can see Brainy being super vexed by magic.

Calorie Queen's comment about Cannus' spittle was funny.
Poor Cannus but at least he's found a place to be.
Val got a nice moment. its easy to over look him against all the others. I always forget about the sensing of weaknesses thing.

Glad Gravity is learning to get a sense of humor.
I don't want to know what Grava and Retor were doing in the comfort room...:P

I didn't think Brainy had such an issue being called Brainy still.
Gear's line was funny because i wouldn't expect it from him. lol.
I really do love how well your team works together and how their powersets can combine and compliment each other. all the bits with what each member brings were really well done.
Sizzle's own disappointments too. but glad Wildfire was able to make her feel better.

Brainy seems off. did i miss something? He seems more curt than usual.
Lol i couldn't help but laugh a little at Tel revealing that Thom had been picked as most handsome of the team. idk i'm a sucker for the black hair and blue eyes combination. so Cos has always been my go to.
Agreed with everyone who hates just waiting for things to happen or to be useful.
I like how your using Mentalla to boost Saturn Girl and giving the distinctions between the two of them and Tellus on their powers and how they work. One of the few things that always bothers me with X-men is that they don't always do this. a telepath is a telepath. but its so much more than that and a world full of them would make sense that they specialize in different areas.

a living planet? but passive? So like a normal planet? or living in the sense that it has a mind? cause all planets are living. sorry not trying to be pedantic. just trying to understand.
Slightly surprised Brainy just didn't free up one or two thoughts of track and then continued to monitor. lol.
Ok so it is Dryad and it is alive. Thank goodness for Imra being there to support Tellus and to really communicate to Dryad.
The poor planet and the idea of having to reconstruct yourself over millions of years...that is unfathomable.

As much as i understand that its better for Dryad to take it slow. i was hoping this would really help lead to Dragonmage letting himself off the hook just a little bit.

haha i had to laugh at pete's moment with Echo and calling him perfect.

that was a much shorter confrontation with Roy than i thought it would be. But why is he made at himself? i hope the good doc can help him.

Kono and the Pig are back. interesting. So their trying to rebuild Sklar....But something tells me the Pig isn't in it for that.
this has been a great ride and i look forward to more but sadly that's all the time i have for now.

Hope to be back soon with another R&R!
hiya Omni, thanks for the read and review - appreciate your thorough comments! I definitely had to think (and reread what I wrote) to answer some of them... smile which is great, as I can consider if I would have done anything different or if I want to do a follow up later... and you are making good progress catching up for sure!

Originally Posted by Omni
Starting off with Rokk's speech to rally the masses. Inspirational for sure. Rokk's always got the right heart and I agree with Imra, the truth is part of his charm. He won't down play it but he will not give up!

Indeed, Rokk's empathy is one of his strengths!

Originally Posted by Omni
I'm glad the Legion and JLA weren't too far off from finding the missing metas. Hmmm Kid Q makes a good point. But this feels way to easy for them to get in so far...
Oh, i guess not. Lol that was a great save. but i for sure thought there was going to be a bit of a battle first.


honestly, my main problem was dealing with the power-nullifying stuff and actually finding Harvest. Once that was done with though, Harvest isn't so tough without his technology smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Why would Rokk think she wouldn't come? of course she would. Hmm...you gave me an idea to work with for spinning Jazmin...i'll have to think on it some more. tongue

happy to have given you an idea, and excited to see what it is!
and It wasn't so much Rokk not thinking Jazmin would come, as more of Rokk worried that they wouldn't be found smile



Originally Posted by Omni
Amp I'm with you. i'm with you.

Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
"That was almost anti-climactic... not that I'm complaining," Amp allowed herself to sit down for a bit, even as she glowed red. "I'm boosting your power, Kid Q."

sorry that you found it anti-climactic, and... thanks for not complaining wink I'll address below why I ended this storyline the way I did.



Originally Posted by Omni
I still keep waiting for the other shoe to drop with Harvest.

No other shoe there, I'm glad to be done with him (for now). I didn't like his comics storyline, and this was a way to wrap that up while also wrapping up the search for Cos (and Sandy) smile


Originally Posted by Omni
the discussion with Sandy went better than expected and even though i know she isn't the hero type i had always hoped she would have joined the Legion. I'm glad she's changed and that our century had helped raise her threshold for burning people. I guess Dirk aka Inferno is here to stay, I'll get used to it some day. laugh

Some day wink it's more natural for me because I also read the SW6 Legion, so Dirk = Inferno is embedded in my mind.

As for Sandy, I can't think of a good in-story justification for having someone who rather casually killed opponents get in. I think the "no kill" rule is a key part of the Legion code, and we have at least one clear case of Sandy violating that (L* 21). I am aware it's been implied that Brin has killed before, but we've never actually seen it on-screen. And besides, Sandy is rather volatile and unstable, unlike Brin. (and he joined in canon, so... he was already there).

Originally Posted by Omni
Ahh ok, I'm glad that the League has a way to contact them. But the moment i read the "neither thinking they would need it line." i was like don't be to sure about that. My memory is failing me. but how strict has time travel become? like its clearly not out right banned.

Time travel isn't banned, but (as Brainiac 5 explains here, appropriate clearances are typically needed. Stress on the timestream, and all that.

Originally Posted by Omni
the ending to this adventure was fun. But i guess i was hoping for a battle with Harvest. i wanted to see him get his but kicked./ all those meta's to have some fun with. But i get it. not every battle is epic like that. and i totally understand being lazy. lol laugh laugh laugh


No big battle now indeed, I felt this storyline already dragged on long enough wink It wasn't the shortest storyline (not helped by the real-life gap between entries), plus I wanted to focus more on the rest of the Legion smile also, it was primarily a rescue mission so the Legion/League thought of defusing things in the fastest, safest way possible - a lot of the abducted metas did not have a lot of battle experience smile


Originally Posted by Omni
You bring up an interesting thing about how telepaths experience memories. I'd love it if you elaborated on it a bit more. do they get a full sense vs a hazy moment? is it multi-perspective?

I don't have a clear answer for this yet, but I'll try to touch on it next time we have one of the telepaths doing their thing! For sure though, very skilled telepaths would be able to call forth memories that touch on all the senses!

Originally Posted by Omni
That was great that she's grown and her and Imra might have a chance at a better relationship now. Its interesting that Imra has a temper outside of her Legion life where she seems so much calmer and cooler than a lot of her teammates, including Garth.

My take on Imra is that she's incredibly self-possessed with people she does not know well; but those she does know well get to see her inner sides, which include a temper wink Imra is a bit of a perfectionist, and she expects similar things from people tongue

Originally Posted by Omni
Ayla's speech to Mekt was well done and its nice to see that he's still on the road to recovery. you've turned their relationship around so well compared to many of the other realities. out there.


glad you like the Mekt developments smile

Originally Posted by Omni
I'm enjoying the framing device of Imra and Garth in the future. it helps make all of this so much sweeter. Knowing that Mekt goes on to truly help those he wronged was also a good moment. I theorized for a while that before Garth came back that Mekt was going to step up and join the team. i wonder if this is all pointing to that...

No plans for Mekt to join the Legion at the moment. although he's getting help and rehabilitating, it will take a lot for the Legion to bring in someone who has killed and murdered before...


Originally Posted by Omni
Jazmin's memories.
This was a really interesting concept to bring up about Jazmin and Imra's relationship. I had never really given it much thought. But they don't interact on a social level at all really. Even in the main series i don't recall them being particularly close. Also touching on a concept i think both Raz and Harbinger have touched on, the old guard vs the new guard. The Reboot legion wasn't around long enough it seems to have that issue with most of their members joining in close proximity and then so many events that through them into the thick of it we never really dealt with the clashing of teammates due to when they joined. i think the closest we get is Ultra Boy and Timber Wolf and that has more to do with their gang rivalry/ feelings for Tinya. You've touched on it with the newer members that have joined since the return but not with the OG cast of the reboot really until now.

Imra opening up to Jaz is interesting. but i don't like one line she said, that implies that a big part of opening up to her is because she's with Rokk. its something in my own life i have issue with. i want others to like me on my own merits not because someone else said i was "cool". i'm sure that's not what Imra ment. but it just felt that way to me. But either way she's opening up. I also would have thought Rokk broadcasted something to Imra.
Thank you again for the notes at the end and a reminder of where the team has been. I had forgotten that Ayla and Imra had been unpleasant and unsupportive of Jazmin in the beginning.

re Imra's line, I led with that as a way to show why Imra decided to give Jaz a chance - but I did end with "And we've been through so much together... and you've done a lot for us. It's the least I can do." to put the focus more on Jazmin herself. hence the notes. Imra IS a bit socially awkward still at times, so let's say she started out poorly, caught herself, and tried to go for a save wink

Originally Posted by Omni
I like how you've toned down Dyrk positive nature. i liked Magno back in the day but he was a little grating at first.


yeah, and having lost his powers and been through the Blight and all, it makes sense that Dyrk is a bit more realistic these days!


glad you liked the rest of the wedding and the many little bits here, too! smile

Originally Posted by Omni
New uniforms? Just for the mission or going forward?


New uniforms are mainly for the Cadets, and this is going forward (if they like em). tongue it's part of the pageantry, but as they are Reservists they can wear the new uniforms too.

Originally Posted by Omni
i'm with Kid Q. the narration of what they are all doing is rather distracting. hopefully not too distracting.
Ok, i'm glad they all hate the narration. lol. laugh

I would hate the narration too, if I were doing it tongue but it's part of the price they have to pay for becoming more accessible to the average sentient!

Originally Posted by Omni
Wait so what exactly can Brawler do? by Meshing it means control? i only ask because when the other tanks rose up it seems like magnokenisis or maybe i just misread and it was Tellus bringing them up while Brawler waited...i just don't understand how his control of one tank would make the others rise up.


Meshing means control, and I should have been clearer - Brawler was meshing with each tank in succession. So he meshes with one, brings it up, and repeat smile and going off his one canon appearance, his meshing is similar to Zoe's, he can make them come alive.

Originally Posted by Omni
i'm glad someone didn't do the narration. lol it just is so awkward. I understand where Atmos is coming from. But hopefully with time that can change.
Of course Brawler wants to show off more. Idk if he's ever gonna make it into the team with that additude.
but i will say Lamprey is doing well and Jed too. i like that him and Gravity are really working on their relationship.

glad you are enjoying Lamprey, Jed/Tel. and yeah, Brawler really has an attitude problem... wink

Originally Posted by Omni
The banquet -
How did you decided who stays for the gala? i would have thought Rokk would have been there with Jaz.

great question! Jazmin had to stay as she is the leader; for the rest, I kept Thom/Nura/Jen/Lonna as they have a lot of history on Xanthu, and the other Legionnaires I chose because many haven't had focus/been in combat for a bit. And Zoe for the magical link tongue so Cos didn't stay because he's just had A LOT of focus, and it was time to let some of the others get some time!


Originally Posted by Omni
I like how you described Nura's power as like a search engine. i never thought of it that way. But she is seeing possibilities and looking for the most likely path. so makes total sense.

yeah, and I also did this to help show that not all Naltorians are as skilled as Nura. Plus, to make it a more "active" power, and boost her from being a passive "oh well no visions are coming, so..." type.

Originally Posted by Omni
I'm not surprised that Xanthu still feels like a second best. But those ties to the Legion will come in handy i bet. Although i for sure thought we'd be getting a legion stationed out in the Rim worlds near Xanthu instead of just making them Reservist.

you hit on it in the first part of your comment - because Xanthu feels second-best, AND because they already have their own hero team (Amazers), it was decided to expand the Amazers and link them to the Legion, rather than them getting their own Legion. it would not have gone over well if the Legion had replaced the Amazers, or if the Legion had stationed a team alongside the Amazers... the Amazers would still have to have been in charge, which would have been awkward with two separate teams. so the best solutions was to strengthen the Amazers.

Originally Posted by Omni
So Night Girl, Porcupine Pete, who i thought you had named Quill as well. But could just be my memory being off, and Spectrum joining the Amazers is interesting and i like all of their reasons for wanting to go.

I had to check on this, but I searched the recap thread and I don't think I ever used Quill! It's a nice name though. Maybe Pete will adopt it in the future wink


Originally Posted by Omni
Great display of power and glad Spectrum and Night girl used that trick. its the one trick that i never understood not using as often as possible.
You go Q'Bahl, and glad a Politian stood up to his collogues and using the debate they already had as when they should have voiced their concerns.

right, it just makes sense to power Lydda up. and Q'Bahl is the no-nonsense, good politician type wink



Originally Posted by Omni
Is Xitega the new Wilma Wazzo?

he's one of a number of trouble-making politicians around, though even he would have a hard time being a Winema wink

Originally Posted by Omni
I'm kind of surprised Zoe wasn't sent after the asteroid after sensing magic.
Lol, both Thom and Zoe not arguing with Dreamer was funny.
I never realized Radion and Particon were that close for him tp be this upset.

Although Zoe could sense it, Lume could follow it too - and Nura foresaw a greater need for Zoe on Xanthu smile

Radion and Particon were on the Workforce together, then joined the Amazers together, so they got a bit closer on that time. but, let's say that Radion has magnified their closeness because of his own regrets and insecurities...

Originally Posted by Omni
Poor Ferro. you paint his pain so well. i didn't realize just how much he was trying to avoid himself. I like him and Lonna as friends. both the i'm smiling for sure lines were super cute.

thanks! re Ferro I try to put myself in his shoes... to be honest I think my Wildfire should have a bit more angst too, but with Wildfire it's a bit different (almost dying, then coming back). but Ferro has just lost things, so Ferro does not have that sense of gratitude that Wildfire has.


Originally Posted by Omni
I liked your use of Kal Bodo and how he's the face of the Amazers. Facescreen page. that was a funny ester egg. The idea that something like Facebook makes its way around again in a 1000 years is entertaining. Or is it more like an onlyfans kind of thing?

I see it as more of Facebook/Tiktok than OnlyFans. Kal, being the face of the Amazers, has to have a wider reach wink

Originally Posted by Omni
Flight rings need to be able to transform with Legionnaires clearly.

that would certainly be an upgrade! I'll have to touch on that - how does Chameleon manage his for example (but I see it as Cham tucking the ring in somewhere in his form for safety). We don't have a lot of Legionnaires who fully transform their bodies, so Lume is fairly unique in this regard, and making the ring transform into light and back to normal matter is tough!

Originally Posted by Omni
Orchid Sapphire -
So is she some kind of telekinetic or someone with an empathic ability?

Rimbor-
Some one's on the look for Tinya's father...and the Luck Lords? this isn't a good thing.
Which i'm intrigued by the Luck Lords. we never got to see much with them in cannon.

Orchid Sapphire was actually Triad in disguise, and the moving objects were courtesy of Invisible Kid smile

as for the Rimbor connection, it was just Apparition and Violet doing their stuff smile

and the Luck Lords, I have some ideas in mind for them...

Originally Posted by Omni
Echo is again much better than me. i would have hit Roy by now. and boy is he right. Umbra would have thrashed him by now.
I'm glad Thom listened to reason and didn't continue on.

lol, so true smile and Thom has learned a lot from his rookie days!


Originally Posted by Omni
I don't want to know what Grava and Retor were doing in the comfort room...:P

Me neither tongue and glad you liked the other character bits too! Gravity is working hard to become more likable wink

Originally Posted by Omni
I didn't think Brainy had such an issue being called Brainy still.
Gear's line was funny because i wouldn't expect it from him. lol.

Gear is normally so straight-laced, but I like to write him like this. I'm a bit like this too, most people get surprised when I make jokes like this. I see Gear as the same, he looks angelic but can be quite naughty and witty.

as for Brainy, he tends to tolerate being called Brainy, but stressful situations like this make him more snappish, as he has to devote more mental resources to the problem at hand, and less resources to regulating his emotions and behavior smile

Originally Posted by Omni
I really do love how well your team works together and how their powersets can combine and compliment each other. all the bits with what each member brings were really well done.
Sizzle's own disappointments too. but glad Wildfire was able to make her feel better.

Brainy seems off. did i miss something? He seems more curt than usual.

thank you smile and again, it's just Brainy being stressed at the situation, and moving more resources to the problem than to regulating himself smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Lol i couldn't help but laugh a little at Tel revealing that Thom had been picked as most handsome of the team. idk i'm a sucker for the black hair and blue eyes combination. so Cos has always been my go to.

ah! nice to know your type smile tongue

Originally Posted by Omni
Agreed with everyone who hates just waiting for things to happen or to be useful.
I like how your using Mentalla to boost Saturn Girl and giving the distinctions between the two of them and Tellus on their powers and how they work. One of the few things that always bothers me with X-men is that they don't always do this. a telepath is a telepath. but its so much more than that and a world full of them would make sense that they specialize in different areas.

thank you! glad you like this bit indeed. my impression of Marvel has always been that most telepaths are interchangeable there, they have different degrees of skill/power but they can do the same things. I wanted to do something different, partly as a way also to give Mentalla and Tellus their own niches (I mean, Imra is just a different level overall...)

Originally Posted by Omni
a living planet? but passive? So like a normal planet? or living in the sense that it has a mind? cause all planets are living. sorry not trying to be pedantic. just trying to understand.
Slightly surprised Brainy just didn't free up one or two thoughts of track and then continued to monitor. lol.

thanks for clarifying, it's kind and sweet of you smile and yes, I think later parts made it clear that Dryad is living in the sense that, say, Mogo (from Green Lantern Corps) is living.

and Brainy is just being very, very, very careful wink he doesn't want a planet reformation to go wrong!

Originally Posted by Omni
haha i had to laugh at pete's moment with Echo and calling him perfect.

that was a much shorter confrontation with Roy than i thought it would be. But why is he made at himself? i hope the good doc can help him.

heh, Echo's personality is based on one of my husband's friends, whom we all call perfect because even in adverse situations, he's just so... so.. so darned self-sacrificing

as for Radion, he's conflicted. he and Particon joined the Workforce together, and the Amazers... but when they finally got the chance to become Legionnaires (which happens off-screen before Volume 1), Radion did not take it. and now he has to deal with the "what if". this scene was relatively short because Particon recognized this was not the best time, and she was not the best person, to act as psychologist for Roy then smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Kono and the Pig are back. interesting. So their trying to rebuild Sklar....But something tells me the Pig isn't in it for that.
this has been a great ride and i look forward to more but sadly that's all the time i have for now.

Hope to be back soon with another R&R!

thanks Omni, really appreciate it! you're making fast progress!!
Posted By: razsolo Re: The Chinese Zodiac: The Rabbit - 04/02/23 10:21 AM
My thoughts as I read!

- Brawler continues to be skeevy! I get the feeling the Zodiac guys didn't have to push him too much for him to end up being as much of a big creep as he is now!

- the Monkey team is another interesting group too actually! Having Babbage, Zoe and Drura on the one team gives us three very distinct specialised power sets with Chuck as the token straightforward one (it's also pretty convenient to maintain Brawler's delusion about the Legion being fakey)

- I like Chuck calling out Babbage's vulnerability here, and man this encounter did NOT turn out good for our favourite Robotican! Hopefully this is less of a tragic death in battle and more of a "Red Tornado/Vision/Cyborg gets ripped apart and has to get rebuilt" situation, because I have gotten attached to Babbage!

- love Zoe doing the ol' "cutting off your oxygen with a forcefield" trick! Sue Richards would be proud! wink

- I already mentioned Babbage, but the way this fight ended is legitimately really creepy for our Robotican friend - good writing! I hope Babbage pulls through!

- power-switching is an interesting and pretty novel offence! It makes sense that poor Tinya would be so used to being protected by her intangibility that being solid would trip her up, but I'm glad that Cos adjusted so quickly to her power. Still, being turned solid with his foot still in the ground!!!! shocked shocked shocked

(Chakuq is NUTS by the way, I love it :D)

- oooooh interesting that Pig only has one power!

- I hadn't really been keeping track of who was left in the Legion, but the last group is a tough one...and then there's Sussa laugh It's kinda fun actually seeing this version of Jo and M'Onel together, I don't recall them having any particular interactions in the reboot despite being best friends in the OG Legion smile

- Sussa telling Jo they'll find Tinya was nice - I feel like she would have good reason to be snarky if she wanted to be so it's good to see her rise above it. I also laughed at her trying to manifest a milkshake to see if they were in a simulation laugh

- Sussa is showing quite a bit of initiative here actually! And I like Lume using his abilities to recharge M'Onel!

- wow, Pig's one power is a doozy as it turns out! Wait, is Pig this reality's Earth-Man??

I am super excited to see how this all turns out, it's been a wild ride so far IB!

Considering all of these groupings were random I think you've done a great job of writing everyone being realistically defeated, and it has been fun seeing some characters work together that we wouldn't normally see smile
yay, thanks for the R&R raz!

Brawler was already a bit self-aggrandizing, so he didn't need an overly-strong nudge for sure! let's say, if the Zodiac really needed a Cadet, he would have been the first choice by a mile.

I think this is another quartet that needs to appear again wink and glad you are liking Babbage!

Zoe did that trick once before: Legionnaires 50, it was Zoe's telekinetic field that cut off Mordru's oxygen and made him dormant again smile

Tinya being there was the main reason I brought in the power-switching. to have her taken out without it being too easy, if that makes sense smile

I love that you like Chakuq being nuts - she definitely has one of the most selfish motivations!

and yeah, when I got that hand: M'On, Jo, Lume... and Sussa. I was like, well, I'll figure something out for Sussa to do!

I hadn't thought of making Pig = Earth-Man, but that's a good power parallel for sure!

and thanks for the nice compliment, raz, I'm glad these random groupings worked out in the end! Some of them were a challenge for sure tongue

more to come soon... smile
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

**************************************************************************

Zarrox

White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery. Currently the only Active Legionnaire whose whereabouts are known.

Reserve Legionnaire (Not Legion Cadets or Support Staff)

Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Crystal Kid, Bobb Kohan of Earth (Brazil and Peru); crystal generation and manipulation
Rainbow, Dori Aandraison of Xolnar; rainbow-based light powers
Vision, Rhent Ustin of Earth (Egypt and Spain); microscopic, telescopic, heat, freeze, and hypnotic vision

**************************************************************************

Rainbow felt her back press against the cool, smooth crystal dome. How long had they been fighting? It seemed like hours.... she heaved; her muscles ached, and she was out of breath...

"Dori! Get in here!" Crystal Kid tapped on the dome and pointed. Dori followed his finger; the glowing Dragon, flanked by the Rooster and the Tiger, were charging at her!

"I'll cover you, Dori!" Vision's eyes glowed, and pinpoint laser beams blasted
through the three animals.

"Come on," Bobb pulled Dori into the dome through the opening he created. "You look like you need a break."

"I do," she sighed, sitting down. She had been on four missions to Bobb's and Rhent's three, before coming here. "How much longer do you think it will take?"

"I wish I knew," Bobb pointed to the White Witch and her three fellow sorcerers. All had their eyes closed, as they were focusing on their spell.

Suddenly, the White Witch's eyes opened. "I know where they are. I know what magics they are invoking. Crystal Kid, release this dome, please!"

Bobb waved his hands, causing the dome to open up and disappear. The White Witch began to levitate, and twelve tiny glowing balls erupted around her. Bobb and Dori gasped as each one sucked an animal into it. As each did, it collapsed upon itself, leaving no trace anything had existed.

"Is it... is it done?" Traci Thirteen the XIIIth asked, as she pulled herself to her feet.

"It is." The White Witch's voice was icy, as she released the link. Antonio Stefanacci swayed at the sudden shift; it felt like his magical energy had snapped back into him. Both Harlak and Elphaba groaned in equal measure.

Thunder flew down from where she had been wrestling with the Goat and the Monkey, both now disappeared. "Mysa, what's wrong? What did you find?"

Mysa didn't look at Thunder, just stared forward. Her eyes were glistening with unshed tears. "We need to go to Pon, now. Our teammates need us. Someone please call Marla Latham. I need to tell him that he won't be able to find Impulse and Chlorophyll Kid."

Wordlessly, Vision handed Mysa an Omnicom. Dori shivered as she watched Mysa. Why did this not feel like a victory?

**************************************************************************
Legion World

Other Legion Cadets

Healer, Mend'rr of Jaquaa; accelerates natural healing by borrowing strength from others

Other Legion Support Staff

Marla Latham of Earth (Germany and Sweden); Legion adult advisor

**************************************************************************

"And they just disappeared!" Healer's voice trembled as he reported back to Marla. Healer's squad had been setting up a field hospital for the injured on Abaddonus, when Impulse and Chlorophyll Kid had just vanished.

Before Marla could respond, the White Witch opened a new Omnicom channel. She spoke before he could say anything. "Marla, we need to go to Pon. Some of the Legionnaires are there. And they are badly hurt."

Marla wanted to ask how Mysa knew, but thought better of it. "I'll ask Dr. Gym'll and Magnetic Kid to lead a squad there right away. I trust you'll meet them there?"

Mysa nodded, before ending the call.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

**************************************************************************

Pon, the lesser moon of Xanthu

Active Legionnaire

White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery.

Reserve Legionnaires (Not Legion Cadets or Support Staff)

Magnetic Kid, Pol Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis (magno-ball athlete)
Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers

Reserve Legionnaires (also Legion Support Staff)

Tomb, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions (Legion medical staff)

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Comet Queen, Grava of Quaal III; super-speed flight and emission of comet-like gases
Crystal Kid, Bobb Kohan of Earth (Brazil and Peru); crystal generation and manipulation
Dragonwing, Marya Pai of Earth (Singapore and Tibet); breathes fire and secretes acid venom
Flying Fox of H'lven; levitation, enhanced agility and strength, claws
Rainbow, Dori Aandraison of Xolnar; rainbow-based light powers
Veilmist of Khundia and ??; teleportation
Vision, Rhent Ustin of Earth (Egypt and Spain); microscopic, telescopic, heat, freeze, and hypnotic vision

Other Legion Cadets

Healer, Mend'rr of Jaquaa; accelerates natural healing by borrowing strength from others
The Mess, Meyer Qayd of the Sol Asteroid Belt; telekinesis affecting small-diameter objects
Neuron, A'rmie of Gil'd; telepathy, electricity generation
Paragon, Solana Xatu of Korugar; boosts others' confidence
Retro, Deen Toro of Retcon; touch-triggered ability to rewind time, but leaving those affected with a memory of "future" events
Uplift, Cera Kesh of Earth (Antarctica); levitation

Uncanny Amazers of Xanthu - have a cross-Reservist arrangement with the Legion

Atmos, Marak Russen of Xanthu; nuclear energy blasts, flight, enhanced strength and durability

Other Legion Support Staff or residents of Legion World

Cannus of Anthropologia; skilled tracker, canine senses and abilities (Search & Rescue)
Dr. Gym'll of Jaquaa; Legion physician

************************************************************************************

Atmos was the first to reach Pon. He had been helping a distressed freighter near Xanthu, when he got the call. Leaving Night Girl to finish aiding the vessel, Atmos had sped as fast as he could to Pon. He would never forget the pain in the White Witch's voice.

As he swooped down through the air, he saw his old teammate, Star Boy. At least, he thought it was Star Boy; blood was everywhere, and he only recognized Thom Kallor by his costume. Kneeling down swiftly, he checked for a pulse. There was one; it was weak.

A burst of blue energy signaled a teleportation spell. Atmos watched as the White Witch led a group of Reservists through. And yet another bluish-white flash signaled the opening of a Threshold; a Kwai guide, Magnetic Kid and Dr. Gym'll stepped through, leading a small army of cadets and medics.

Crystal Kid turned even paler as he surveyed the scene. Bodies littered the place, all wearing torn costumes, caked in blood. "What happened here? Chameleon, Violet, Calorie Queen, they're all..."

"Later," The White Witch said curtly. "We need to find all the Legionnaires here. I've asked Marla to coordinate; I know who's left."

"Is Rokk one of..." Magnetic Kid stopped as his Omnicom pinged. His eyes widened; Marla had sent a list through. Rokk was indeed one of them. He quickly scanned the list; only about three-fourths of the missing Legionnaires' names were on them.

"Fan out and bring them all here," the White Witch said as she began to cast her magic. "I need to make sure there aren't any trap spells. And I can help with healing."

Dr. Gym'll motioned to Healer. "Come here, boy. Calorie Queen is in the most critical condition. Ration just enough of your energy to stabilize her; if the rest are in this state then you will need to conserve your abilities..."

Comet Queen clutched at her face as she watched. "Nova burn!" she breathed. "Even in our wildest VR dreams have I never seen such... such..."

"Let's go, Grava," Dragonwing sounded grim as she took off. "We've got to save the Legionnaires while we can."

*************************************************************************************

Cannus whimpered as he led a group to the twitching forms of Gear, Saturn Girl and Andromeda. What could do this to a Daxamite? He watched as some medics loaded Saturn Girl into a stretcher; then he moved on. He had caught the trail of Timber Wolf.

*************************************************************************************

"Over here!" Rainbow called as she used her powers to illuminate a dark cave. "I think I see Ultra Boy!" She had always admired the rugged, handsome Legionnaire; but she could barely recognize his face now, it was so beat up. Sprock, what had happened here?

*************************************************************************************

"Lume? Lume, it's me, Thunder." Thunder saw her teammate, huddled up, eyes staring blankly ahead. The being made of light normally floated with such grace... Thunder had never seen it actually sit before. But even as she spoke, all Lume could do was sit, shaking, as if its soul had been torn apart.

*************************************************************************************

"They are here!" Neuron declared as it floated above a pile of rock. "Two of them..." Atmos and Paragon began moving bits and pieces, gently and carefully, not knowing what they would find.

"Oh!" Paragon gasped as she saw a green-clad arm. "Kinetix?! How..."

"And Microbe," Atmos said quietly as he lifted the Somahturian's body up. "Still breathing, thank the stars."

Paragon began pouring on her confidence power as she gently helped Kinetix sit up. There were gashes all over the Alephian's face. "You can make it, come on... come on... you will make it," Paragon whispered as she lifted Kinetix into the air.

*************************************************************************************

Healer wanted to clutch his heart as the latest group of victims arrived. Kid Quantum's leg was dangling at an odd angle; Chemical Kid's dark green costume looked even darker than normal, as it was caked in blood and dirt. And Shikari... he didn't know much about Kwai physiology, but her wings surely didn't look like that normally.

He tried not to shake as he moved on to Apparition. The Bgztlian had been found with Cosmic Boy and Insect Queen; triage had identified Insect Queen as the closest to death, and Healer had at least stabilized her before moving on. But everyone had been terribly hurt.

"It's okay, draw from my strength," Vision said quietly. Healer smiled gratefully at the more experienced Cadet. "And if you need me to cauterize anything..." Vision continued.

"I will be the judge of that," Dr. Gym'll snapped as he examined Live Wire. "Neither of you have the medical knowledge or experience to makes those calls, yet."

Vision pursed his lips. Healer whispered... "He knows you mean well, don't worry. He just wants them to get better..."

"So do we all," Vision said, looking sadly at the sea of injured Legionnaires.

*************************************************************************************

If Element Lass could cry, she would. Candi just sat, broken, as she laid Dreamer on the ground, beside Mentalla. Both her teammates groaned in pain.

"Element Lass!" Magnetic Kid called as he floated down. "Oh, thank grife you're okay!"

"Pol..." Candi began. She choked. "Pol, it was... it was... I hurt them, I..."

"Hey, hey, we'll make them better," Pol said as he hugged Candi tight. "But we need to move fast, okay? Can you transmute the ground under them into something ferromagnetic for me?"

Candi felt herself breathing more harshly as she focused on the ground beneath her friends. She left a soft layer of softer soil on top, and created a lightly curved plate of iron under.

"That's it, that's it," Pol said gently as he lifted the iron sheet up and flew on. Candi followed silently, her tired sobs ringing in the silence.

*************************************************************************************

Retro felt numb as he saw Flying Fox pulling a pallet with Triad on it. One of them, anyway; the purple and orange colors on her costume marked her as Neutral.

"Doc Gym'll says to rewind her as much as possible," Flying Fox said.

"I've already been doing that," Retro said wearily. "I don't know how long they've been here, but it's been long enough that I can't heal anyone completely."

"Doc said you'd say that," Flying Fox said quietly. "He says she's a Carggite though, and if we can get her conscious enough to reintegrate..." Flying Fox gestured. "Her other two selves are on their way."

Retro nodded as he touched Triad on the shoulder. All his life, he'd treated things as a game... But today, he could see that life as a Legionnaire had real, potentially deadly, consequences.

*************************************************************************************

"Hold like this, please." Tomb indicated to Uplift. "She's shaking too much."

Uplift just nodded silently as she tried to hold Spark still with her powers. The redheaded Legionnaire had been so bubbly, so friendly... and to see her like this...

Uplift had never wanted to be a Legionnaire; and more than ever, she was determined to just grow her power as much as she could, and not pursue anything that could hurt her like this.

*************************************************************************************

Timber Wolf sniffed the air around him. Sizzle was huddled in his arms, barely breathing; Brin knew she'd lost a lot of blood. Even with his own accelerated healing, he could still barely stand.

He knew he had to conserve his strength, until... until...

He smelled someone!

Throwing his head back, he yelled. "It's Timber Wolf! I'm here, Sizzle's hurt!"

"We're coming nova fast, starshine!" Comet Queen replied from above.

"is there enough space for my acid?" Dragonwing added. "It's the fastest way to make a hole big enough to reach you."

"Should be..." Brin huffed. "Go ahead..." He didn't care if some splashed on him, and he would shield Sizzle if need be.

Moments later, Dragonwing and Comet Queen were pulling them to safety.

*************************************************************************************

Veilmist gasped as she came across Umbra and Sensor. Both Legionnaires had always been so regal, so confident... and now both were sprawled out like helpless little dolls.

She quickly bent down to check their vital signs. Both were breathing, thank grife.

She thought for a moment that if she died, she'd want to go out in battle, like these two. But they were still alive; and there was so much more they could give the galaxy. She held on to both as she extended her teleportation field, and vanished back to the medical camp.

*************************************************************************************

Dr. Gym'll was uncharacteristically silent as he examined M'Onel. He didn't want to spook the Cadets, but... injuries of this severity on a Daxamite? Unprecedented on a yellow sun world. Something very powerful had attacked him.

Or something magical.

As a man of science, Gym'll willingly admitted he was uncomfortable with magic. Give him a good old servo-droid any day... Although, with technology still glitching on and off, he preferred to rely on the Cadets' powers for now. Even taking the Threshold here had been a risk. But the sorcerers on Legion World were also tiring... and everyone's injuries showed how urgent it had been to get here.

He inspected one of the gaping wounds on M'Onel's chest. "Meyer," he said without looking.

The Mess turned to look up. "Yes?"

"Please use your telekinesis to draw out any soil and debris from this wound. We need it clean."

The Mess blanched a bit. "Won't it hurt M'Onel?"

"He's under enough sedatives to keep a pod of space whales under," Gym'll said, a bit more testily than he liked. He reminded himself that these Cadets were not medical experts. "And any damage you may do will be healed.... but we have to act fast." Without missing a beat, he turned to Crystal Kid. "Bobb, assist Meyer by propping M'Onel's chest up.

Both Cadets complied, with even the normally outspoken Crystal Kid looking very somber. Gym'll could not blame them. Even he had never seen the Legion in a state like this...

Gym'll watched as The Mess slowly drew out soil particles from M'Onel's wound. Confident that things were well in hand, Gym'll quickly turned to Brainiac 5 and examined his head wound. Above all else, if he could heal any ailment of this fine Coluan's, he wanted to protect his intellect. "A'rmie," he motioned to the Gil'dan Cadet. "Help me probe Brainiac 5's brain for damage."

*************************************************************************************

The White Witch descended on the area she had identified. She had asked to come here alone. She had to... had to...

As she had been finalizing the scrying spell, she had felt it. She knew the touch of his magics, the feeling of his forms. She had hoped, she had wished, but...

... but she had seen it all. Glimpses of her teammates, her friends, being battered and falling. She had watched the mischievous Rat, the fierce Tiger, the cruel Pig.

And she had watched the Dragon betray them all. Betray the Legion.

She already knew that she would only see three of the Dragon's victims here. She had seen everything through her spell, though the images had come so fast that she could not articulate them to another. She would need time to process them... process this.

How long had he been lying to her?

XS was already beginning to stir. That was one thing she was grateful for; that despite his betrayal, the Dragon had not killed them. And she could sense the magics cast around here. Her own protection spell; that's why she knew there was a chance they could still save everyone. And more than that... Dragonmage had cast something... she sensed it had been benevolent. But she wasn't sure.

No matter. She would deal with him later. He would not escape justice.

Mysa hovered above XS. "Jenni? Jenni?"

XS' eyes fluttered open. She gasped, and clutched at Mysa. "Mysa, Mysa! It was Dragonmage, he... he..."

"I know, I know," Mysa said gently as she held XS to her. "I know."
Posted By: razsolo Re: The Chinese Zodiac: Saving A Remnant - 04/03/23 11:00 AM
Yay, another update already!

Quote
"I need to tell him that he won't be able to find Impulse and Chlorophyll Kid.

THIS IS OMINOUS! Although I am glad Mysa followed that up with telling Marla that some of the Legion are badly hurt and not "some of the Legion are quite dead" lol

The description of everyone finding the injured Legionnaires is so well done, it really brings home how horrible the scene would look and how difficult it would be for people finding their friends and loved ones in that state.

Poor Candi, she must feel awful...I hope this doesn't break her spirit! I also would not want to be any of the Zodiac when she finds them!

I see what you mean about the Mess getting a chance to be useful! Clever of Dr Gym'll to think of using him to clean wounds, and it was good to see that even though he's as crotchetty as usual he's still thinking about the cadets' wellbeing (eg not letting on how worried he was about M'Onel's wounds and reminding himself that they're not medical experts)

I wonder if Dragonmage is going to be redeemable? Although it sounds very much like Mysa is not thinking about his redemption, which is understandable...

Still loving this IB, can't wait to see more!
wow raz, you read fast!! smile thanks for the quick read and review!

yes, nobody is dead yet, I couldn't quite bear to kill anyone yet wink

and thank you, glad the scene rang true. there's gonna be a lot of thinking from everyone before all this is done.

No, it's all still too fresh and raw for Mysa to even think about redeeming Dragonmage... plus, he has been lying to her, pretending to be on vacation and all smile

more to come soon raz, thanks a ton!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Active Legionnaires

Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Dreamer, Nura Nal of Naltor; precognition
Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan; telepathic control of others' physical functions
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

Reserve Legionnaires (Not Legion Cadets or Support Staff)

Magnetic Kid, Pol Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis (magno-ball athlete)
Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers

****************************************************************

"... and Robotica says they think they can restore Babbage," Magnetic Kid finished. "Barely. Apparently, if Brawler had shredded a few more of his circuits..."

"Then all of us will be okay?" Magno asked tentatively. He still felt... singed... from Dragonmage's attack.

"We'll live, if that's what you mean," Timber Wolf growled. "But okay? Lume is so traumatized, it can't even speak!"

His words hung in the air. Just two days ago, all 49 active members had met here... and now... they were down to 8 combat-ready Actives and two Reservists. Everyone else was in various stages of recovery, and some had not even woken up yet.

"It's just us, isn't it?" Mentalla whispered. "For now, while everyone else recovers, and our Cadets rest..."

"I wish I had seen this..." Dreamer sighed. Even taking time daily to scan for future threats, she had not seen anything that pointed to this. Tears welled in her eyes; she had just been to visit Thom, and...

"You couldn't have," White Witch said gently. "None of us could. They hid themselves well, and it took six of us on Zarrox to begin piercing the veils of their concealment spells."

"What did you learn, Mysa?" Blizzard asked. He still remembered rushing to Zoe on Pon, and seeing her broken like that... "Who were they? What did they want?"

"And where are our friends?" XS demanded. "They took sixteen of us!"

"Would have been seventeen, except Dragonmage betrayed us," Timber Wolf said darkly.

Nobody spoke; though Dragonmage had only been a Reservist, he had still been a Legionnaire, had fought alongside the team many times. And coming on the heels of Brawler's turn...

"We'll deal with him later," Dreamer said quietly. "Let's get everyone else back, first."

"I will show you where they are," Mysa said. She waved her hands, and the air before her shimmered into a magical viewscreen. "I can't keep this up for long, but it should be enough to tell the tale."

Element Lass gasped as she saw their missing friends. All sixteen were floating, unconscious, as if in stasis, surrounded by a reddish glow. They were on a rocky, barren surface, that much was clear.

"I can't make out where they are. That could be nearly any asteroid," Blizzard muttered.

The viewscreen cut to the twelve Zodiac signs, chanting in a circle.

Mysa narrated about how the Pig had sought out twelve individuals who strongly represented the Twelve Signs of the Chinese Zodiac. They had been collecting magical objects to strengthen themselves. The first step of their plan had been to nudge open the slumbering ancient Chinese gods. This had been accomplished by spiriting the Legionnaires away and engaging them in vicious battle; the energies of those battles would have weakened the seals between the earthly realms and the palaces of heaven.

The second step of their plan would be to actually call forth the gods themselves.

"And that is what we see now," Mysa pointed. "They are using our friends' energies, and the energies of their magical objects, to summon the gods." She didn't say that she had learned all about the Chinese Zodiac from Dragonmage. She wasn't yet ready to deal with the uncomfortable question: How much of all this had been his idea, then?

"They are moving fast, now that they have everything they need..." Mysa continued.

"Wait, how are we seeing this?" Dreamer turned to Mysa. "My sight has been blocked all this time, but suddenly it's like a veil has been lifted..."

"They're not hiding anymore," Mysa shook her head. "They have what they need, and they need to move fast. And they're not wasting any energy on concealing themselves, not when they've weakened us so much and are holding some of our friends."

"Those sprockers!" Timber Wolf spat.

"How can we still stop them, then?" Element Lass asked.

"This spell takes time to cast," Mysa said quietly. "We are racing against time, but if we act fast..."

"Then let's get those squajes," Blizzard stood up.

"Wait, let's wait until more of us can go," Thunder cautioned. "We all saw how powerful they were...."

"We don't HAVE time!" XS said. "They still have our friends!"

The room erupted into chaos, with nearly everyone standing and yelling.

"Please!" Mysa conjured up a loud bang. "I know we're all hurt, and exhausted, and worried, but we must not fight each other!"

Everyone sat down, looking ashen-faced and ashamed. Then, Magnetic Kid leaned forward. "How much time DO we have, Mysa?"

"Two days," Mysa said. "With Zarrox's healing magics added to United Planets science, I think most of us can recover in that time. My protection spell helped soften the blows we ook."

Thunder just nodded. Mysa had confided in her; it seemed like Dragonmage had also cast a helpful spell of his own, but she hadn't been sure.

"Okay, that's a bit of time..." Magno leaned back. "And why did they take whom they did?"

Mysa nodded. "The planet Earth still holds a lot of significance in magic. It is the life planet, the origin of many other worlds, and a strong source of energy. Observe: the Legionnaires they took are from Earth, or have Earth origin."

XS scanned the captive Legionnaires quickly. "And I guess Spider-Girl comes from Luna, which is close enough to Earth? But what about Chlorophyll Kid? He's from Mardru..."

"Chinese philosophy posits that there are five phases, or elements," Mysa continued. "Fire, water, metal, wood, and earth... It seems they've taken twelve Earth Legionnaires, and have five others to represent the five phases."

Mentalla scrunched her eyes. "Inferno is for fire, Lamprey is for water, Ferro for metal, and Chlorophyll Kid for wood... But who is Earth?" Then she paused. "Wait, they only took sixteen... we're off by one."

Dreamer gasped, and she stood up rigidly.

"A precog vision?" Magno asked, as he helped steady Nura.

"No, a flash of insight..." she trembled. "Mysa, that's why they're not casting the spell on Earth, right?"

"Or on Zarrox..." Mysa said quietly.

"Huh?" Element Lass asked. "I thought they left Earth or Zarrox alone because they were too strongly defended?"

"No, I think I see now..." Thunder added. "That may be part of the reason, but there is another..."

"A planet even more strongly magical than either Earth or Zarrox..." Mysa finished.

"No, you can't mean..." Blizzard began. "But it was going to get a new life!"

The room turned silent as Blizzard's words sank in.

Numbly, Dreamer called Marla Latham. "Marla... We know where they are. They're on Dryad."

***********************************************************************************

IB's notes:

Read about the reformation of Dryad here, and the foreshadowing of Dryad's role in this here

To recap, here is the list of those taken. Don't say I make things tough to follow wink

1) 12 Earth Legionnaires

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal) and Quothon; controls his body's density
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony (Earth colony: Japan and Myanmar); skilled martial artist
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation, enhanced vision
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings); anti-energy being

Impulse, Kent Shakespeare of Earth (United Kingdom: England); enhanced speed, strength, durability and recuperative abilities (Reserve Legionnaire, also Legion World chief medical doctor)

2) 5 Chinese Elements/Phases

Earth: the living planet Dryad, slowly reforming itself after its destruction by the Earth elemental

Fire: Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis, can see heat signatures

Metal: Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form

Water: Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau) and Neptune; underwater survival; hydrokinesis

Wood: Chlorophyll Kid, Ral Benem of Mardru; accelerated plant growth (Reserve Legionnaire, also Legion Disaster Relief & Development)
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World Medi-bay

List of In-Patients:

Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Calorie Queen, Taryn Loy of Bismoll; consume all forms of matter, and conversion of same into super-strength
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions
Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Insect Queen, Lonna Leing of Xanthu; morphs into various insect forms, gaining the powers of the forms she takes
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion leader.
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
M'Onel, Lar Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy
Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Sizzle, Teela Spuunvil of Abaddonus; absorbs and converts energy
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Star Boy, Thom Kallor of Xanthu; gravity manipulation
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time
Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; darkfield casting
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body

**********************************************************************************

The Legion World medi-bay wasn't normally the most cheerful of places, but today it was especially somber. Word had spread rapidly around the artificial planet of the severity of the Legionnaires' injuries. Some of the medical staff had been skeptical, at first, of having Zarrox's sorcerers aid in the healing process. But after seeing the Legionnaires' wounds... They had put their reservations aside.

Under the guidance of Dr. Gym'll and the White Witch, cadets Healer and Tomb and the sorcerers had brought each of the 27 in-patient Legionnaires to the point of safety. There was a 97.256% chance that nobody would die today. How long it would take them to recover, was not a mathematical certainty... neither was it certain just how perfectly they would.

Visiting hours had just opened, and the staff were busy navigating the stream of guests. They had had to shush a few Vyrgans by Gates' side; on the other hand, the Talokians by Umbra's bed had been impeccably stoic and silent. The Durlans visiting Chameleon were somewhere in the middle; they were saying a hushed prayer, though every so often one of them would shift into a different form and make a loud exclamation. The sheer number of visitors made it sensory overload, though. And the staff were just trying their best to monitor everyone and give them the care they needed.

********************************************************************************

Dr. Ryk'rr, a Titanet adept, and the sorceress Elphaba sat with Lume. The light being had been transfigured into a lamp by the Pig; it was still processing the experience. "Lume had lost all sense of self," Lume said, staring blankly ahead.

"I, Lume, I. You are a sentient being..." Dr. Ryk'rr said gently.

"I have been transfigured before," Elphaba said quietly, beside Lume. "It was difficult, but... I can share my experiences with you, if that will help..."

The Titanet adept, a black-haired man with the sides of his head shaved named Orla Eidoor, waited for Lume to squeeze his hand to indicate consent. Then, he connected Luma with Elphaba.

As Elphaba spoke, Lume's shivering slowed down ever so slightly.

********************************************************************************

Winema Wazzo held Cub Wazzo-Nah as he reached out to his parents. Apparition and Ultra Boy lay in adjacent beds; neither was currently responding to stimuli. Winema had a stray thought that she would have the scars on Tinya's face healed... then she caught herself. Her daughter had died, once.* It had broken Winema's heart. And surely she had learned something from this.

Setting Cub down gently, Winema held Tinya's hand as she slept.

********************************************************************************
"By damn." RJ Brande had only seen Triad badly injured once before**. And even then, her wounds had not seemed so serious. RJ had thanked Retro profusely, after the Cadet had woken her up enough so she could reintegrate; that greatly increased their chances for survival.

He had adopted her nearly as an adult.** Watched her blossom as his personal assistant, then as a Legionnaire. But she looked so broken now, so...

Her eyes fluttered open. "RJ?"

"Luornu, my dear!" RJ clasped her hand. "You'll be fine, you'll be fine..."

"Thank you... dad..." Triad whispered, before falling asleep again.

A tear fell down RJ's face. She had never called him dad before. He kissed her gently on the forehead as he watched her.

********************************************************************************

Blizzard and Tenzil Kem sat silently as they watched Kinetix and Violet. The two young men had insisted that these best friends be placed beside each other.

Even while asleep, the two somehow leaned towards one another, as if checking to make sure her best friend was there too.

"You know, I used to worry that I'd need to win Kinetix over to get a chance with Violet," Tenzil said. "I knew that I had a chance when Vi started telling me things, like how she didn't really care for fashion, but just went along because Zoe loved it so much. But seeing them both here... makes me realize, being with Vi meant having Zoe in my life, too."

"I know what you mean, buddy," Blizzard said softly. "Zoe always talks about how proud she is of Violet becoming more assertive, more confident. The first time she told me that, I knew they'd be inseparable... and that they're so good for each other. Zoe always tells me that she's learned to think twice before saying something... Vi gave her a talking-to once, for upsetting Brainy so much."

"They helped each other grow," Tenzil smiled. "Vi used to feel uncomfortable around Triad Purple, and around Spark. Zoe encouraged her to speak up when she did..."

Tenzil paused for a moment, then he looked at Blizzard. “It’s painful seeing them like this… but at least they’re here, you know? Chuck and the others are there, and… who knows what they’re gonna do with them?”

“We’ll get them back safe…” Brek said quietly. “We’re the Legion. That’s what we do.”

Blizzard reached over to pat Tenzil on the shoulder, as they continued their vigil.

********************************************************************************

Jacques Foccart and his family stood by Chemical Kid's bed. Jacques thought of Lyle Norg as a brother, and his brother's boyfriend was Jacque's brother-in-law.*** Seeing Condo hurt, and Lyle missing...

Jacques' sister Danielle held his hand, as Magno and XS told the Foccarts what they knew. Jacques shook his head. Lyle had always been the bolder of the two; he'd gotten the invisibility first. Jacques got his by accident. But Jacques' invisibility was stronger... he couldn't be detected by anything.

But against magical foes who could do this to even Andromeda and M'Onel... For the first time in a long while, Jacques felt helpless again.

He spared a glance for Condo's sleeping form, as XS and Magno explained what they knew.

********************************************************************************
M'Rissey and Theena worked feverishly in the Monitor Room. Calls were still coming in sporadically, of emergencies on this world or that. Thankfully, they had become far less common and far less severe; enough so that the Reservists could rest more, but still not enough that they could stand down entirely. Working with Dr. Gym'll, M'Rissey had modified the duty rosters to allow everyone enough time to rest.

Theena, meanwhile, was fielding calls by concerned friends and family of the Legionnaires. Word had spread galaxy-wide. Gear and Babbage had rigged some sort of auto-call-forwarding system to Theena's personal console some time ago, allowing personal calls to be forwarded in case a Legionnaire was on-duty and could not answer. Now, Theena was busy forwarding these calls to the Medi-Bay. By her count, most Legionnaire parents had called at least once; M'Rissey and Marla had worked up a schedule for visits, though most lived far away enough that they had agreed to wait until the technological disruptions settled and their children woke up.

Beside her, Marla Latham personally took the calls from family and friends of Legionnaires who were captive. Theena and M'Rissey watched in admiration as Marla deftly soothed Lamprey's parents, Nightwind's grandmother, Density's siblings and Echo's family, all in short order, without breaking a sweat. He maintained a cool balance between confidence and compassion, too. Not even the overprotective, hotheaded Derek Morgna, father of Inferno, made Marla break his stride.

Theena herself was beginning to tire. She normally enjoyed chatting with people, but as she listened to Andromeda's mother sobbing, she wondered how long before her own heart broke.

********************************************************************************

Mekt Ranzz closed his eyes as Jancel Ardeen initiated telepathic contact. They had gotten off to a rocky start, but since their respective siblings got married, Mekt and Jancel now sort of considered each other friends.

"Thanks for being our conduit, Mekt," Jancels telepathic voice sounded in his head. "Hold on, using the Titanet network to link across multiple worlds is tough, but..." Mekt felt four more voices suddenly appear in his hand; his own parents from Winath, and also Imra's parents calling in from Titan.

Keeping his mind blank, Mekt let them all see Garth, Ayla and Imra through his eyes. They had thought Garth and Imra dead before, when they were lost in the Kwai Galaxy... but seeing them like this was somehow even more painful.

********************************************************************************
Dreamer turned away from Star Boy's bed. She had already foreseen that Thom would get better; that was the first thing she had checked. She had slowly been checking each of the other Legionnaires' futures, but this many visions in such a short time left her tired.

She walked over to the food synthesizer to get a drink.

"Nura...?"

Turning, Dreamer saw Insect Queen. The pretty redhead struggled to speak through her puffy face.

"Lonna..." Nura moved closer.

"Jen... Jen... is she..."

Dreamer's breath caught in her throat. Holding Insect Queen's hand, she stroked it gently. "Particon is... with the others. The bad guys have our Earthlings with them. But we'll... we'll get them back..."

Insect Queen fell silent, but the strength of her grip on Dreamer's hand told Nura all she needed to know.

********************************************************************************
Rainbow held her Omnicom up; she had initiated a three-way call with the other former Subs, who had called in from Lallor and Xanthu, respectively. Blizzard had left partway through the call, but Fire Lad and Stone Boy; Night Girl, Spectrum and Porcupine Pete were all still there, watching Microbe.

"I'm more worried about Ral, to be honest," Hotshot said. "Hey, don't hit me, Dag! I mean, Drura's here, and we know she'll get better." Rainbow's heart caught at that; considering all the gashes on her face and arms... "At least she's here. Ral is caught in some magical forcefield somewhere, unconscious, with the monsters who did this to Drura and everyone else!"

Rainbow wanted to say, that everyone knew the risks of becoming a Legionnaire. But seeing it firsthand, like this... she had begun to wonder. Arachno had asked the same thing, as had Retro. Would it be safer to just graduate into becoming a Reservist?

********************************************************************************
Robotican surgeons FN-74 and ZJ-20 studied the instrument panel showing Babbage's systems. As Robotica's Legion representative, Babbage had been fitted with the most advanced self-repairing systems available. Sadly, they had not been advanced enough to keep Babbage whole.

But somehow, Babbage's vital core processors had been preserved.

"It seems that the White Witch's magical protection spell is able to interact with Robotican bodies," ZJ-20 observed. "That's the only explanation I can give for how, somehow, all the circuits containing Babbage's personality are intact."

Both Roboticans pondered this thought as they continued to nudge Babbage's systems together.

********************************************************************************

Mentalla hugged herself tight as she watched her teammates. A few of the newer Cadets were gathered by Gear's side; Mentalla had long ago realized how popular Gear was among the trainees for his sense of humor. But her mind was elsewhere. She chided herself; she had been so wrapped up in becoming the best Legionnaire she could, that she had not really socialized as much as she should.

Echo had been the same, and they had talked about it while sipping banyo-shakes on the roof deck of the Ethnography Museum on Earth. They had teased each other about the calorie surplus they were having from adding one scoop of ice cream to each of their drinks. And they had talked about how... not really disconnected, but slightly aloof they felt around the others.

And what had won Mentalla's heart was when Echo had said: "So, now that we've identified a problem, what should we do about it?"

Remembering his confident, yet shy, smile as he said it, Mentalla had a flash of conviction. She stood up and walked over to Sizzle's bed. Sizzle's parents stood there, both sobbing as they watched their daughter.

"Hi, my name is Mentalla. Delya Castil. Sizzle and I... we were Cadets together," Mentalla said quietly. "She talked about you all the time. She really appreciated the treats you sent over every weekend."

Mentalla smiled as Sizzle's mother held her hand, clutching it. "I promise, we'll stop the ones who did this to her..."

********************************************************************************

Shvaughn Erin held M'Onel's hand. Now that the series of operations performed on him were done, he lay under a yellow sun lamp, just like Andromeda. Shvaughn wondered at how tough Lar's body felt, even as he looked so brittle and broken.

She gently stroked his fingers.

His eyes fluttered open. "Shvaughn?"

"Lar," her eyes filled with tears. "Lar..."

"Please, not fingers..." Lar whispered. "Don't want to twitch and hurt you..."

Shvaughn wanted to smack him! He was lying here with wounds everywhere, and still he thought of her! But she knew him so well. She gently pulled her fingers out from between his, and instead started stroking his hair.

"Thank you..." Lar whispered as he closed his eyes again. "I love you, Shvaughn."

"And I love you, Lar..." she said.

********************************************************************************
At the close of visiting hours, Dr. Gym'll had firmly, but kindly, told all the visitors to clear out and let the Legionnaires rest. He watched as a pair of Kwai reluctantly left Shikari's bed. He stood firm even as King Charlz and Prince Willim of Orando balked at having to leave Sensor's. "Sorry, even calls should be stopped," he said, giving Calorie Queen's uncle and aunt, and Kid Quantum's parents, a few more seconds to say last goodbyes before ending their streams.

"Even you, Pol Krinn," Dr. Gym'll raised a stern eyebrow at Magnetic Kid, who was showing Cosmic Boy to their parents. Pol said his apologies as he told his parents he'd call them later.

Doing a last sweep, Gym'll was satisfied that everyone had left. He grabbed his Omnicom, and once more made the rounds. He would see all of them well again.

********************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Apparition died in Legionnaires Annual 2, fighting the White Triangle Daxamites. She got better in stages, returning as a spirit linked to Ultra Boy in LSH 82, and finally becoming whole by... not making this up... merging with her secret Carggite second body in LSH 100.

2) Legionnaires 24, after Triad was beaten up by some non-Daxamite White Triangle members. RJ Brande invited Triad so she could be free of those Carggite institutions that tried to brainwash Carggites into having exactly the same personality among their selves. Thankfully, in Volume 4, those became voluntary.

3) See Legionnaires 66 and this portion of Volume 4 for more on Jacques and Lyle's history!
Posted By: razsolo Re: The Chinese Zodiac: Casualties of Battle - 04/10/23 03:03 AM
Yay, more!

Again, I am glad nobody died! I was worried when the Zodiac guys stomped all over the Legion, especially with poor Babbage...I wonder if this near-death experience will impact his personality at all?

Hmmm, Mysa is showing some good leadership skills here just in time for a certain election... wink

...and Dryad! That adds a whole new angle to things!

Having visitors at the medi-bay from different homeworlds is a nice touch, I forget that a lot of the reboot Legion were specifically chosen as representatives of their world and not just because Cosmic Boy decided not to bully them at a tryout laugh

All of the individual medi-bay scenes were so well done too, from Lume's existential crisis to Lu calling RJ dad and Tenzil and Brek's thoughts on Zoe and Vi and everything else...it really brings home the tragedy of it more seeing individual reactions.

I think this is my favourite storyline of yours, IB! It shows how much thought you have put into everything with the foreshadowing of Dryad having been reconstituted recently, the individual personalities and motivations of the Zodiac guys and the reason that they chose the Legionnaires they did. I am really looking forward to seeing how this all wraps up and where it leaves certain characters!
thanks for the read and review, raz!

I'm super stoked that you're also happy nobody died. I mean, I know the "kill your darlings" saying but I really like my Legionnaires... tongue tongue tongue

re Babbage, I don't know if he has a personality per se, but maybe it will become more careful or think of some protocols or something wink

Ooh, Mysa is a good left-field choice BUT certainly one of those that could make sense!!

lol at Cos bullying/not bullying folks. yeah, this whole "one rep per world" thing was really a hallmark of the early Boot, which is why Gim was from Mars and all that wink

and thanks for your mega kind words, raz! glad you're liking it, this has been brewing in my mind for the better part of a decade so I've had time to slip bits and pieces in tongue

to be concluded soon... smile thanks for following!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Dryad

**********************************************************************

The Chinese Zodiac

The Rat: Kono, Brita An'nan of Sklar; phases self and others
The Ox: Ferdinand of the Minotaurs; geokinesis and chlorokinesis
The Tiger: Scratch of Wellur; enhanced senses, claws and agility; self-cloaking ability to make her unnoticeable
The Rabbit: Oswald Lepus of Earth-26; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability and senses
The Dragon: Dragonmage, Xao Jin of New Shanghai (Earth colony); sorcery. Former Legion Reservist
The Snake: Slizz of Orando, sensory manipulation
The Horse: Lusyo of Engkanto, self-teleportation
The Goat: "Pikachu" of Korbal, controls lightning and summons storms
The Monkey: Brawler, Brash Knightley of Moxie; super-strength and durability, can mind-mesh with machinery to control it. Former Legion Cadet.
The Rooster: Chakuq of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space. creates vibrations from wings
The Dog: Hachiko of Anthropologia; skilled tracker, canine senses and abilities, pheromone control
The Pig: Unknown of Unknown; copies the abilities of others when in close proximity

**********************************************************************

The Dragon walked past the line of captive Legionnaires. Each was secure in a stasis spell; he had offered to use his dragonforms, but the Pig had shot that idea down very quickly.

The Pig had, however, agreed to the Dragon's suggestion to heal each of the captives enough to ensure they were not in deathly peril. After all, the spell they were casting drew on the Legionnaires' energies. Though they were frozen in time and could not get worse, they also could not get better; and healthier captives made for more magical energy.

It had been a very tense discussion; and the Dragon knew that the Pig had tried and failed to manipulate and brainwash him. Only the Dragon's own magics had kept him from meeting the same fate the Monkey had.

The Dragon paused at the large pile of magical objects they had gathered. Each was placed just so, in a circle, their magics feeding into a swirling vortex in the middle.

Above the vortex hovered a sphere of angry red. The Dragon could sense the violence and heat; this was the collection of magical energies drawn from their battles with the Legionnaires, back on Pon.

And below them... well, they all stood on Dryad, now. The reforming planet had grown since the Legion had helped it along. Big enough that the Zodiac could commandeer it as a base, but much smaller than its true size. And it was far from developed enough to begin developing life on its surface. Now it was chained, so to speak, to the spell they had cast; Dryad's magical energies were also feeding the sphere. Just as the Dragon could see the captive Legionnaires' auras flowing into the sphere, so could he see a thin green line emanating from Dryad.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" The Rabbit chuckled as he watched the sphere slowly grow in size, as it drew more and more magic.

"Mmm. I wish I had some vintage wine to enjoy this sight with," The Horse sighed. "This mudball is so uncomfortable."

"You heard what the Pig said," The Dog snorted. "We need to conserve as much magic into the spell - it takes a huge amount to summon the gods."

"Ay, and we will have all the riches and comfort we could want, once the gods are called forth," gloated The Ox.

"And besides..." the other Zodiac signs shivered a bit as The Pig loomed across the circle. "Celebration is premature; we weren't able to kill any of the Legionnaires. They could still attack us in force." He stopped, looking from left to right, meeting each of the other signs in the Eyes. The Ox looked back confidently, the Rabbit defiantly, and the Dog sincerely. That one was fully in his pocket. The Horse met the Pig's eyes, then looked away. The Rooster forced herself to look. And the Snake looked like she wanted to slink away.

"Be glad that your failures to kill an are explained by the White Witch's protection spell," the Pig noted. "I was surprised myself at how powerful it was." He stopped in front of the Dragon. "It was more effective than I imagined, considering we took her by surprise. She had seconds to cast that spell when her comrades disappeared.

The Dragon met the Pig's eyes. "She is quite powerful, you know. Mordru's daughter, the only survivor of the rebellion that overthrew him."

"Yes, indeed..." The Pig trailed off. "So our collective failure in this regard is excused. Although..." he paused, this time before the Snake. Slizz's tongue shivered hesitantly. "Some of us left our targets nearly whole and uninjured." Slizz opened her mouth to protest, but a bolt of black energy streaked from the sky and into her body. She shook, screaming in pain.

The Dragon turned, but before he could do anything, another bolt struck him too.

"I told you to damage them as much as possible," The Pig said, coldly. "Your targets are still battle-ready, and they don't even have advanced healing factors like Timber Wolf."

The Horse tugged at his color; he had battled Timber Wolf. He steeled his body, waiting for a punishment. But the punishment never came.

"You left some very dangerous Legionnaires almost whole," The Pig turned to The Snake and the Dragon. "If they come, I expect you to clean up your failures."

Finally, mercifully, the energy attack stopped. The Snake slumped to the ground, slithering pitifully. "Yes... Yes, Pig."

The Dragon grunted as he too, collapsed. "Yes... I won't.. fail... next time."

"See that you don't," the Pig said. "We still have twelve hours before our spell finishes."

The Pig walked away as the Dragon struggled to stand up.

The Pig mulled over Xao Jin. He didn't trust any of the other Zodiac Signs fully, of course, but Xao - as a magic wielder himself - was especially difficult. He couldn't manipulate Xao in the same way he did Brawler; and Xao was not as blinded by riches or prestige as the Horse or the Rooster were. He would have to devote more time to seeing if one of the magical objects could bind Xao to his will...

Pausing a few meters away, the Pig tapped his staff on the ground. "And how are you, my sweet little Dryad?"

The answer came weakly. "Why are you doing this to me?"

"Because I need you, little planet," The Pig answered. "I need you to feed my spell."

The living planet's disembodied voice was almost pleading. "I don't want to die.. Please don't make me die..."

"You almost did, once," The Pig smiled. "I thought you'd be more willing to face death by now."

The Pig listened to Dryad's cries for a bit longer, then continued his stroll along its surface.

*************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) The Earth elemental blew Dryad up in Legionnaires 71-74
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

Active Legionnaires

Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Dreamer, Nura Nal of Naltor; precognition
Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion leader.
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan; telepathic control of others' physical functions
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

Reserve Legionnaires (Not Legion Cadets or Support Staff)

Magnetic Kid, Pol Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis (magno-ball athlete)
Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers

Honorary Legionnaire

Rene Jacques Brande of unknown; telepathy of unknown levels; Legion Founder/Financier and United Planets Ambassador to the Second Galaxy

United Planets Leadership and Staff

Rosa Tubman Everett, United Planets Fleet Admiral

****************************************************************

The Legion World hangar was bustling with activity. The UP Fleet was mobilizing, Legion support staff and Science Police officers were scrambling, and a handful of allies were being briefed.

In front of the UP Dreadnought Terra, a small group stood, quietly; the focus and anticipation were palpable.

"Are you sure?" RJ Brande asked the handful collected able-bodied Legionnaires. "Nobody will blame you, lads and lasses, if you wait for the others to recover..."

"Thank you, RJ, but we will be fine." Dreamer smiled. "We are few, but we're still Legion."

"We don't dare wait any longer," White Witch added. "We've discussed, and planned, and..."

"And the rest of us will follow once we can." Kid Quantum II spoke up; she was calling in from the medi-bay. She spoke slowly, with a softer voice than normal, but the conviction in it was clear. "We have to save our teammates, and Dryad, RJ."

"Spoken like a true soldier," Admiral Rosa Everett smiled. "Mr. Brande, when we fought against Mordru, I was thoroughly impressed by my firsthand observations of the Legion during our campaign. Even with smaller numbers, I'm sure the team will prevail."

A smile spread across RJ's face. "I didn't mean to cast doubt at all, team. I've seen the things you can do... I just wanted to let you know that nobody would blame you."

"Thanks, RJ," XS took RJ's hand. She was the most senior Legionnaire present, and had joined close to the very beginning of the team's history, when they were still operating out of RJ's basement. "Your belief in us means a lot."

RJ watched as the team, and Admiral Everett, boarded the UP Dreadnought Terra. Blizzard and Magno turned back to wave, one last time.

Then the hatch closed, and RJ stood back as he watched the ship take off.

******************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legionnaires 48-50! Admiral Everett is one of my favorite minor characters in the Reboot, if it's not yet obvious smile
Posted By: razsolo Re: The Chinese Zodiac: The Final Spell - 04/12/23 10:15 AM
That is one mean Pig!

Man, Xao is playing a dangerous game...he is not gonna be able to walk this line he's walking forever, I am not sure he's gonna come out of this a winner whichever way it goes!

After seeing Dryad talking to Pig, I suddenly have the feeling that Dryad is gonna become your universe's version of Blok out of all this!

That is not a powerful team going after the Zodiac guys! But they do have some good versatile powers and intelligence on their side...I am glad you pointed out that XS is the senior member in this lineup too, that would never have occurred to me! She's such a soldier but you never really see her lead anyone!
wow raz, what a treat, more read and review!

yeah, you got it re Xao, he is in super hot water!

ooh raz, you have a great idea there in Dryad becoming Blok... wink

yeah, this is an interesting team eh! I'm glad there was enough versatility in it... considering the 8 Active Legionnaires there are mainly randomly selected. that is, Mysa was gonna be there because. Brin made it cause he has that healing factor. the other 6 are just lucky they got Xao to fight (he didn't wanna hurt them), or the Snake/illusionist who made them fight each other (so they would not be using lethal force).


Adding Reservists in did mean I got two Braalians to work with…

thinking back on it, XS is the senior member by far... big gap between her (Legionnaires 0) and the next one (Candi, Legionnaires 52 - well ok, the numbering continued with Legionnaires 19 but still tongue ) I think Jenni is happy being one of the troops, too!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Dryad

**********************************************************************

The Chinese Zodiac

The Rat: Kono, Brita An'nan of Sklar; phases self and others
The Ox: Ferdinand of the Minotaurs; geokinesis and chlorokinesis
The Tiger: Scratch of Wellur; enhanced senses, claws and agility; self-cloaking ability to make her unnoticeable
The Rabbit: Oswald Lepus of Earth-26; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability and senses
The Dragon: Dragonmage, Xao Jin of New Shanghai (Earth colony); sorcery. Former Legion Reservist
The Snake: Slizz of Orando, sensory manipulation
The Horse: Lusyo of Engkanto, self-teleportation
The Goat: "Pikachu" of Korbal, summons storms
The Monkey: Brawler, Brash Knightley of Moxie; super-strength and durability, can mind-mesh with machinery to control it. Former Legion Cadet.
The Rooster: Chakuq of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space. creates vibrations from wings
The Dog: Hachiko of Anthropologia; skilled tracker, canine senses and abilities, pheromone control
The Pig: Unknown of Unknown; copies the abilities of others when in close proximity

**********************************************************************

Most of the Zodiac Signs were gathered around the circle of magical objects, conversing with each other, or lounging. They did not have long before the spell was complete. For some, it was pure torture; waiting passively as all the magical energies gathered into a crescendo that would call forth the Chinese gods.

The Rat made a show of idly twirling a stick between her fingers. But in reality, her mind was racing. How should she phrase her request to the Chinese gods? Well, she could think on her feet. She'd make sure someone else went first: probably the Pig would, anyway. Or maybe the Rabbit, considering they had just entered the Year of the Rabbit.

The next part was equally important. Perhaps even more. What was her exit strategy?

Once every member of the Zodiac got what they wanted, they no longer needed each other as a group. With the magical objects all collected in the center, and possibly drained of their power.... Kono could protect herself by ensuring she was phased. And maybe she could hitch a ride with... none of them, really. Only the Horse could teleport, and this seemed limited to his own self. Kono might be too big to carry with him, though if she phased and hid inside his body... Risky, though. Too bad they didn't have a ship...

As she played the next few steps out in her mind, she felt... something. The magical currents flowing through her own body, the bodies of the other Zodiac signs, the magical objects, the captive Legionnaires, and from Dryad itself... they seemed to shiver.

The Rat stood up.

The Pig burst onto the scene in a fury, face like thunder, black energy crackling around him. "Who is breaking the circle? Who?"

"It's none of us!" squeaked the Rooster. "The flows are still going through all of us!"

"it's... it's..." The Dragon turned around, a frown on his face. Somehow, the flows were thinning. Somehow... He saw some movement, at the far edge of the circle. "There!"

Twin dragon-forms from the Dragon, a line of black energy from the Pig, and a bolt of lightning from the Goat all converged at where the Dragon pointed...

... and all the attacks faded away.

"What?!" The Pig roared. "Move, you fools, we cannot let the spell disrupt now!"

The Rat watched, eyes wide open, as the lines of magic began to thin. And then, suddenly... she felt a deep, biting cold. She gasped as a block of ice began to form around the pile of magical objects in the center...

... and the ice was reinforced by some kind of metal...

... and then she felt a pull. Some force was pulling the items up into space!

"You fools! Get them!" The Pig screamed. "Am I the only one thinking here?" The Pig sent another stream of energy at the icy block, but it too, dissipated. Angered, the Pig briefly considered summoning the magical Zodiac avatars that had attacked White Witch on Zarrox; but they required a lot of energy and the use of a magical talisman. If he could avoid doing that now... they were so close. None of this disturbance would matter if their spell were cast.

The Rat snapped her fingers. "Use indirect attacks! Throw something at it!"

The Ox, the Monkey and the Rabbit both bent down, grabbing fistfuls of rock. They slowly lifted a giant boulder, bigger than all twelve Zodiac Signs combined, and hurled it at the rock...

... only to watch it disappear, as if it slowly vanished into the air!

The Pig's frown darkened, and he rounded on the Snake. "The Legionnaires. They must be here. Find them, now!"

But the Snake did not move. Her eyes darted, as if she wanted to speak, but could not.

"Imbeciles!" The Pig knocked the Snake back. "We are so close!"

"I know where our path lies!" The Rooster pointed at a spot to the right of the ice block. Moving quickly, the Dragon summoned a dragon-form. The Dragon flew up, curling. It did not approach the ice block, but instead circled it from a distance. The space inside the dragon-form's path slowly began to shimmer...

... and the Rat's jaw nearly dropped, as Blizzard, Element Lass, Magnetic Kid, Magno, Mentalla and Thunder popped into view.

"Who... who is that?" The Dog asked, pointing to someone in their midst. A dark-skinned man, with black hair streaked in white, dressed in an all-white costume with black outlines.

"I'm Jacques Foccart," the young man said boldly. "And I'm here to free my brother!"

"And the rest of our friends," Blizzard spat, even as he created a storm of icicles around the team.

"You will die before you get close to them!" the Rabbit flew at the Legionnaires. Thunder intercepted him, muscles straining as she held both his fists in hers. Blizzard and Element Lass spread out, flanking Thunder; as the Ox sent some vines at them, Blizzard froze them. Element Lass began to encase the Monkey in intertron. Mentalla flew down, eyes focused on the Snake; so it had been she who had stopped the Snake from acting!

The Dragon began twirling his arms; but Mentalla fixed her eyes on him, on e arm stretched towards the Snake, another towards the Dragon. The strain was evident on her face, but she could control more than one mind at once!

"Let me go!" the Dragon grit his teeth. Mentalla did not reply; she was fully concentrating on fighting the Snake's own mental abilities and preventing the Dragon from finishing any spells he cast.

The Rooster and the Rat started flying towards the Legionnaires. A purplish-white warp opened before them, heralding the arrival of the White Witch. Dreamer and Timber Wolf were with her; Timber Wolf leapt at the Rooster while Dreamer began grappling with the Rat.

Angered, the Pig decided to cast an enchantment. He reached into his pocket, pulling a talisman he had secreted away. But the White Witch aimed a blast at him; it threw the Pig backwards momentarily, and he landed with a grunt.

Magno and Magnetic Kid both remained hovering above their teammates; both were focused on lifting the chunk of ice and iron higher and higher. "It's a good thing cold strengthens magnetism," the Rat heard Magno mutter to his fellow Braalian.

"Wait, the magical energies are still being drained!" the Horse called, fearfully looking around. "Someone else must be here!"

"There! That blue-and-white blur!" The Tiger pointed. Blasts of energy and lightning, and thrown pieces of rock, tried to stop the blur. But it kept dodging...

... and then it collided with the nearest of the captive Legionnaires, Nightwind. As it did, the magical spell keeping her in stasis disappeared, and the yellow-skinned Legionnaire fell with a grunt to the ground.

"No!" The Pig cursed. "Hurry, kill them now!" He unleashed a large blast of energy at the Legion. Element Lass and Blizzard created a massive ice-inertron dome to shield their teammates from it.

"Destroy them now!" The Pig snarled. He began chanting another spell; the White Witch landed in front of him, and began weaving a counter-spell.

"But we need their energies!" protested the Dragon, still fighting against Mentalla.

"If they interfere, we lose everything!" The Pig spat. "Kill them, now!" The Goat followed with its own attack, letting loose a maelstrom of lightning. The Ox sent a stream of earth and rock; the Rooster added the vibrations of its wings, causing a massive shockwave.

The Rat shielded her eyes; the air was filled with debris, and she could hear nothing over the crackling of thunder. Everyone stared, waiting to see if their attack succeeded...

... and a familiar anti-energy signature burst from the damaged dome protecting the Legionnaires.

"You dweeks are going to get it now!" Wildfire burst from the rubble. The Rat froze as over twenty voices shouted out in unison: "Long Live the Legion!"
Posted By: Harbinger Re: The Chinese Zodiac: The Final Spell - 04/17/23 01:03 PM
So, I have an hour and I'm over a month behind - wish me luck!

Thank you for putting in the information about the zodiac signs, that's really helpful.

Interesting that Kono is scheming about her place in the Zodiac gang. So, there are 'ultimate targets' - interesting. Nice group of Legionnaires, old and new. Love Spark's snark. Sinking Drake into the ground is cruel, if he blows his way out he might hurt one of his teammates. What did Kono do to short circuit Ayla?

Ferdinand's people have a history with te Greek gods? Okay, that's a nice twist. Ferro muttering about Mentalla was cute, bless him. Liked the little bit about Cargggite's 'knowing'. Ferdinand is a minotaur - ah, the Ox and association with Greek gods, it now makes sense smile knew it would! Nice seeing Triad in action, though if Ferro can only momentarily stun Ferdinand they didn't stand too much of a chance.

I'm enjoying the individual motivation you give each of the Zodiac gang by the way, Scratch wanting to return Wellur to its former glory is quite poignant. Funny that Scratch, who can go unnoticed, is up against Invisible Kid and Sensor. And nice that she spots that Lyle is the most clever so threatening to her, despite having the most passive power of them all.Glad Umbra got a shot in, even if it wasn't enough to end the fight in their favour.

Funny how Jazmin and Condo think about their partners but Lyle didn't, though still got to see Rokk, perhaps he will. Love it that your rabbit can literally become a rabbit - that made me laugh. An evil Captain Carrot! That is such a great idea, I am very envious as I wish I'd though of it smile

Okay, as time is short I'm skipping over the comments from others so if I repeat things, sorry!

Nice teamwork between XS and Amp - must hurt to see Xao is attacking them.Funny how he ismost saddened by the thought that they will tell Mysa about his betrayal, not the actual betrayal itself. Though his tears make it clear he knows that he's gone too far. Will he end up betraying the Pig? I can see him and Kono cauing havoc if the rest of the Zodiac Gang go too far.

We know that one of Jaka'a people is an illusion caster so I assume Nura, etc., are not fighting their teammates. What a nasty trick to pull! And then creating an illusion that t's Universo, Brainstorm and Charma, that's pretty clever actually. And, Val hurling himself into a tree? Are you stating to channel your inner Giffen, haha. Of course, Candi is crystaline now so none of the others would really be able to knock her out.

Brainy's force field lets in magic - well, that's a design flaw but understandable given his dislike/distrust of the mystical. Nice to see Brin get the chance to be the acrobat, though a nuclear blast to the face has got to hurt!

Imra knowing to expect thunder, and the reason why, were well done. Gear made me smile - creating earmuffs, and the comment "I wish neither of you had said anything," - you're doing a good job of giving your team their own personalities. Andromeda being taken out by lightning? I assume that bolt was magically enhanced, makng her vulnerable. "lit up like a Diwali offering" great phrase, though strange in the usually secular Legion. I kind of feel a bit sorry for the Goat, as she doesn't seem like se really knows whats going on and the Pig is using her just to fill a space in the Zodiac. Still, eagerly hurting the Legionnaires because she had been told to... hmmm I'm not feeling too much sympathy for her.

Out of time, got to dash. This is great IB, take a bow! You are consistantly creative and your team are written so well, take a second bow, go on.

Will be back later in the week for more, more, more!
Thanks Harbi, always nice to get your comments! I’ll respond properly next week after coming back from holiday!
Hey IB!

I'm back for another R&R. i'm hoping as always to get fully caught up. but if not that means i just get more to look forward to.

I'm starting off at with Sandy and Dr. Ryk'rr.
Poor Splinter. But his first rejection was pretty bad. So understandable that he hasn't gotten over it.
btw, you missed the world over. here
Quote
had evolved into a series of discussions about him never having truly gotten ever his first failed Legion application*,

Of course Sandy is being a brat. lol....brat might be an understatement.
be good Mendalla. be good. and she was.
Man, i don't know how any of them didn't deck her. i love me some Inferno/Sandy but man. You've definitely showcased better why she would never be with the Legion no matter how much i want it to be so.

that meeting with Martin and Sandy went better than expected. i half expected her to honestly just make him cry. its sad that Sandy doesn't have memories of her childhood or her family. But i honestly can relate a bit. i know thinking on my own past is hard sometimes, now that there are many who aren't there any more. So were they both orphaned? I'm blanking on what happened to Sandy's parents.
So if i recall right Martin has fire powers too? is it a family power?
I do hope Sandy keeps in touch and that was really quick thinking on her part getting him into the cadet program. she knew there was no way for them to say no once she gave the kid hope. lol.

Takron-Galtos mission:
i loved the banter between Jo and Chuck
Of course Jo is all whiny about Tinya being busy. lol
Sensor really does bring out the best in Cham and helps him calm down.
Yes use those hands!
I had totally forgotten that Magno's brother went to TG for attempted murder. I wonder if he'll ever reform like Mekt did...
I really enjoy Jo and chuck and the friendship forming there.
I love that Jo gave the advice about the ES. the only thing that i think is interesting though is the team knowing whose on the ES squad at all, i'm not 100% on this and it might be one of the other fics but i thought no one knew but the members themselves. It makes sense that Jo and Chuck would know. But its just a food for thought.

wait were off to see Mano? dang that's a blast from the past.
Cham ever the charmer. lol. oh man i enjoyed it so much when Cham revealed he could speak interlac.
So Chuck is just on edge about Lu?

Omar is a complete nass and definitely doesn't deserve to be an SP. I'm glad Magno stands up to him now and he makes great points. I just hope we don't have a new super villain on our hands with that going somewhere else line it makes me worry...

Mano -
Ah yes, there's the thing the Five were after...idk if we ever found out what the thing was...
Cham is a good detective.
Sensor, i like the way you used/explained her abilities. its so easy to make her a fairly standard telepath. I will have to keep this in mind when writing her. lol.
a Riot? seriously? ok that is just way too convenient. especially with the look Mano just gave. lol

IB stop breaking my heart! and this time it was all because of a little red skinned girl and her mom. frown
I was shocked that Omar didn't break out. i thought this would be the moment. But i'm glad he looked out for Magno. Even if it was just for a second.
Chuck, Sensor, and Jo are making short work of these inmates.
Lol Jo not getting to fight anyone was funny.
Love Sensor being a bit more physical. I enjoy when she gets to do that.
Haha. blinding light then total darkness. She's Inferno and Umbra in one lol.
Chuck is really enjoying his powers huh? its super cute.
Sensor checking in...why not they got the this under control...i hope. lol.
Poor Chuck. i feel for him. it must be hard especially when part of Lu does want that type of guy.
I love that Sensor is giving a self acceptance speech. I'm here for it! For she of all people needs to say it loud and proud.
Love all the examples of who else has also learned to accept themselves and she makes great sense. if Chuck doesn't have a problem and there's no health issues then be happy.
haha laugh laugh i laughed pretty hard when Jo came back in.

Mano makes great points and this might be one of those times...
Mano flashing his smile with his glowing all black head is a rather disturbing image. mainly because we can't see any other features.
three hours later? damn that was a big job.
OK Finally! Finally Cham! i'm glad he's seeing that somethings up.

Kono - The rat? Slizz the snake? ...based off the titles i've seen *spolier* we're moving into the Chinese Zodiac arch.
Oooo another Orandian mentalist... and a Kawi! we don't see many of them outside of being guides for the threshold system.
wait...so what the Fatal Five took was mystical? The Serpent's Crown? is that something you made up or a DC Cannon thing?
haha of course Kono has to have a little fun with the Fatal Five.

Ooo is this start of Tryouts?? I love me a good tryout!
its interesting how one can change when they let down their guard and glad Hannah wells is still with us.
The introduction of Devlin O'Ryan huh? Haha. him shaking in his boots was cute.
thank you for making the distinction about these tryouts and that everyone is going into the Cadet program for the most part.
Microbe is doing great and i like that Cham coached her on this too.
Devlin's nervousness is soo cute and well done. Drura makes a great host companion.

The Heroes of Lallor are getting in on the Xanthu deal? that's a great way to strengthen all these worlds and teams. Hotspot must be thrilled.
poor Splitter. man he makes me soo sad! But i'm glad the others were able to help cheer him up a little bit and he's right. Your team has it so much easier with thresholds...although this line makes me worry. lol.

Lamprey i think will do well and it was super nice of Nightwind and Amp to visit. I want to see them work together again.
Jed and Tel was well done and an argument that i think alot of partners have. I hope Jed makes it but he's right. he can find a support staff job and still stay on Legion World to be with Tel. I liked the moment when Tel finally cried and Jed got to hold him and he wanted to laugh at him. very well done and i felt the love.

I'm glad both Sizzle and Tellus understand their limitations and that they aren't in any hurry.
I like that Sizzle is learning a new trick.
i forgot your Tellus isn't as apt with his telepathy just yet.

hahah Gates is an interviewer? Yeah with him being one of them, Orange was the right choice.
Poor Ral. he's so shy. but i like the idea of him being on the support staff and doing relief missions.

I can't wait for a full cadet list. i totally forgot that Yera was on your team.
Brawler is sure in for a rude awakening.

Retro..Retro... :shakes head:
That whole conversation between him and the others just felt uncomfortable. but very realistic.
All three made the right choice to stay with the academy. But Retro idk if he's going to be here much longer.
Retro caught on to the thing Brawler said about his dream and it having to come true? People with time related powers are odd with sensing future events, i mean look at kid Quantum during the Dream Crime and Foundations Arc. Maybe he's senses something coming. I think he should have spoke up.

the potentials:
I find it odd that Andromeda wouldn't be spending more time with the cadets to get better acquainted with those she might fear to help her conquer her xenophobia even more.
/i totally believe Shikari wouldn't thought. she's all about battle. Not training.
Shikari and Wildfire sitting in a tree. <3

Battering Ram - so kind of like Havok from X-men? Can they fine tune the blasts to make them smaller? I'm with Babbage that its great how they haven't hurt anyone and can control the force well. the misfiring was funny.

Healer - that's a new take on healing powers. usually it drains only the actual healer. but health transference is something i don't think i've ever seen before.

Betty Shell - hahaha i chuckled at Wildfire's comment after Shikari and Karate Kid looked at him. X-Bomb Betty...So she can now do more than one explosion? was she experimented on by the Monitor too? lol. Coming with a med kit was really smart.

M'Rissey - great way of showing how useful he could be and i love Vi's line about surviving a conversation with Gates and Zoe. lol.

Uplift - i like that your giving Cera another shot at life in the comics. Andromeda helped come up with a good one and that was a good idea of Amp to do that. it makes sense actually. That way your not wasting so much time trying to find an upper limit. She's on par with Zoe? hmmmm

Calamity - weakness exploitation...hmmm interesting take on his powers.

Glow Worm - lack of empathy is a big one...yeah not gonna make it. besides who wants someone who only blinds people lol.
Hahah, the moment i read the Legion called i was like good job guys. good job!

Fauna - so does she need an animal present to do ask for their abilities? Starhaven? i for a second thought we were getting DawnStar. (which sooooo happy were not. lol)

Neuron - someone seeking redemption is always good. and we don't see enough of the G'ildan on the side of angles.

Survivor - So the WorkForce is getting some help too? lol love it. and agreed they need someone to watch Evolvo. Loved that they put in provisions to actually make the WorkForce less of cooperate stooges. Interesting power set. Retired military...so does that mean she's too old for the Legion? is there an age limit to being a legionnaire now that i think of it? i mean M'Onel is over 1000 years old. so probably not. lol

The Mess - glad Amp did her thing again. its always cool to see the upper limits of these cadets powers. So he attracts any and all particles in the air or just dust? didn't know this was a former reject.

The Question - a 31st century equivalent. Very nice. When she "transforms" its interesting you put it that way. because it almost seemed like a possession. like someone else is giving her the power to make others answer her questions. I think the support roll with the Legion and the SP's is a great option. I also like that as support staff a legionnaire or Erin will be with her.

Gisell and Bogdan in the SPs works for me. i like that Gigi made it clear how often they end up on Legion World after training. That is a good point you've made about a Legionnaire needing to be inventive and not just take orders.

Swallowtail - i love that your brining back all these sentients affected by the Elements of disaster arc and brining alot of that back. i like seeing the ramifications of it and how the Legion is helping to move it all forward. Those wings are mighty powerful. So this might be a power all of her people could have? the cocooning part at least.


Aquamarine - This is a very interesting powerset! i think it could lead to some funny missions. I enjoy seeing those saved by the legion coming out to try and be a cadet but with much better out comes than in the adventure days.

Dream Boy and Dream Girl - not sure how i feel about the names. but interesting powerset. so is it pheromonal based?
I see what you did there with Vi. There's the Reboot confirmation lol.
I'm surprised Wildfire was affected being an energy being and all.

Jackie/Vampire - i like the powerset and hope that they could learn control to be helpful even on the main team. I like the clean-up /disaster relief role they'll have though.

Paragon - i love how you reveled this one's powers. Wildfire's comment was great. "We've all been through Cos' speeches." boy have we. lol

That was a lot of possible cadets. i really enjoyed the learning in the moment part and how that changed their screen process.
Oh Babbage. lol

Poor Retro. But Triad makes a very valid point. They need to be able to trust him. He's lucky they didn't just throw him out right there and then.
Wow, Brawler is totally delusional! Go get help Retro!

I'm a little shocked that they use goggles still for VR and its not the whole room.
Lol love the back and forth between Spark and Lyle.
Good job Jed! i like how they are both approaching this.
Good job Lamprey! i loved the pulling moisture from the air trick.
I like the back and forth between Tel and the others. especially since it lets me know what their looking for too. smile

Wait did Sizzle run into Brawler? So did Retro actually say something? i sure hope so.
Lamprey and Jed were doing really well until the room went out of control...and of course its Brawler and he looked crazed...
wait he's not that powerful? i thought he was. just had a bad attitude?
Great job for Jed and Lamprey. using the water in Brawler's body was inspired.
Quick thinking Sizzle! i thought someone like Inferno has entered the room.
I like that Lamprey and Jed stuck up for Sizzle and Tellus and that they should get voted on too!

i loved all the small moments with each one.
Retro may have done the right thing. but i don't see him becoming a legionnaire.
Brawler's dreams? that's all that helped him?

ahah love it Tenzil in his MEL uniform!
Loved the celebration.
The moment Amp called out Tenzil reminded me of when Monstress did the same thing about not getting a party when she joined. lol good call back!
Kid Q makes a good point and that is something i think i need to look at for my own roster.
Cham being the detective! yes! i'm on board with this and right with him. something isn't adding up!

Alright, well that's all the time i have for today! looking forward to catching up more later. This has been a fun bunch of posts!
Thanks Omni for your r&r and detailed comments, always a treat! I’ll respond properly when I’m back from vacation and behind my laptop again smile
Brawler finally appears. It's a bit unfortunate for the team that Babbage is on the squad he faces as I think this isn't going to go well for them. And, wow! immediately brutal with Brawler tearing off Babbage's arms, that was nasty! Nice that Drura can control her microbes to heal her up after that tumble, and she's at least managed to infect him first. An andry Kinetix is quite a scary prospect - perhaps the team will win this round? I've got a feeling that's just wishful thinking, unfortunately. The bubble around Brawler's head was a good move. Ah, maybe not, she shouldn't have taken her eyes of him. Poor Babbage, hope you won't kill it, I've a sort spot for big, hulking orange robots smile

The Princess Holograms XXXVIII sounds like my idea of hell laugh I think Insect Queen may be the Legion character I dislike the most - her powers are just too creepy for my tastes (I killed her the first chance I got in the Dream Boy fic because of this) and changing only her head - yeuch! Particon and IQ are a couple so it's nice that they don't flaunt it as neither Rokk or Tinya's partners are there - very considerate, especially at a time when you'd probably most want them close by. Rokk's optimism is great to read. Oh the old switch powers trick - funnily enough, I was thinking of tropes I want to include before the end of LW9 and that was one I had considered smile It's always fun. Nice to see the team at least try though there's notgetting away from their lack of experience. And, if only Chaquk had met Kinetix or Monstress before the Pig things would have turned out very differently!

The speech pattern, very Scooby Doo! Gives me a smile every time. Thom's lack of fine motor control isn't a surprise though him admitting it is a good way to show how straight hs character is. And getting the team to fight themselves is always a good way to saveoneself from taking risks, so the Dog's another clever member of the Zodiac gang. And, I'm kind of glad that you didn't show the team fighting each other there.

The Pig! Okay, now we'regetting to the root of this trouble. Very opportunistic of him to see Mordru's reappearance as something he could emulate to a degree to match his own designs. And f course he has kept the nest artifacts for himself. Nice to see Sussa actually be supportiv - she ain't stupid! Though perhaps Jo is... Lume charging up Mon El's daxamite physiology is smart. So the Pig can drain and use other's powers - he's Earth Man! (or maybe the Wesrerner?) That has got to be one of the best reveals as he's been popping up for so long and we knew he was a schemer so it would fit perfectly. And perfect timing for another White Wave to transport them to wherever they are going next.

And I'm out of time. Aaagh! Oh well, nearer to the end at least than I was this morning. Am thoroughly invested in finding out what the Pig's big plan will be, who has survived, and what the free members of the team and support crew will do to hopefully save the day. This has been great fun IB. Looking forward to more, more and more!
As always, thanks a ton Harbi! I look forward to properly replying in a week or so smile
Yay, and here I am again, back for a final puh to catch up with your work.

So, at least the White Witch and Thunder are still free - between them they could probably take out most opponents, but the Zodiac Gang are tough so let's see who they can rustle up to support them. Things are pretty desperate for your main team so they better be quick - unless you plan on killing them all off and starting again laugh Which has given me a great idea for where to take the LW Saga laugh

Good to see Marla taking a role here and helping out. There's a character that could have been great in canon but was woefully underused.

Also great to see your reverists and cadets including your own creations. Am looking forward to seeing how you use them. And you are a tease for not letting Crystal Kid finish his sentence, "they're al..." what? I'm going to assume alive but battered, say 95% sure, though you may throw in a shock or two smile Pol's concern for Rokk was touching. The search for Legionnaires was tough as broken and bashed bodies started to pile up - the team really took a beating here and I imagine the after effects will be pretty tough going too. The little scene between Vision and Healer was touching, and poor Candi! Uplift's decision to not put herself in such a risky situation is understandable, tbh I'd be the same. Bless Brin, of course he'd take an acid burn. Dr Gym'll's worries were well done, and using the Mess to clean wounds - brilliant! Mysa and Xao's showdown is coming, and I reckon it's going to break both their hearts. XS recovering quickly makes sense.

Eight active Legionnaires and two reservists against the Zoc=diac Gang - you don't make things easy, do you? Glad to see Babbage may recover soon, though poor Lume! Nice that Mysa has figured out what's going on and they don't just rush in unprepared. Ah, poor Dryad, being used like that - does this mean we'll be getting a Blok?

That list of those in the medi-bay is daunting! All of these scenes are really well done, very poignant, though a few realy stood out - Nice that the Vyrgan visitors were boisterous while the Talokean's are stoic. Winema is another great character that should have been kept on with the various reboots, and your writing of her is great, nice to see her edges be softened. Bless RJ. Are you going to give your Jacques a chance to shine? Be good to have him on the team. Marla stepping up again to field questions from family - that'd be a tough job! And Mekt being helpful, will you have him join the Legionnaires when they go after the Pig? Mentalla talking to Sizzle's parents to reassure them, very sweet. Be handy to have him onside against the Lightning Beast? Mentalla reassuring Sizzles parents was sweet.

And we're back with the Zodiac gang and when you list them like that we can see just how dangerous they are! Xao appears to be playing both ends against the middle, and the Pig is aware it seems. Interesting which of the gang will meet the Pig's eyes.

Good to see the Fleet has been called in, just in case the team don't win this one. And, yes XS is the most senior Legionnaire here, she joined pretty early on didn't she? Before James died? I'm fairly spotty on re-boot lore, soorry.

Kono planning her exit strategy - clever girl! Attacks fading? Is Mysa hiding them, or (I hope) Jacques invisibilty field? Polar Boy, Element Lass and Magno to the rescue! Nice use of their powers to get the magical talismans (talismen? What is the plural?) out of the way. Yay, it is Jacques! Controversial but I always preferred him to Lyle. Mentalla taking on the Snake and Xao - both would have quite strong wills I reckon so hopefully she hasn't over stretched herself. XS freeing her colleagues - good move! And a well timed "Long live the Legion!" And that's it! I'm up to date and hanging here waiting for the conclusion.

This has been an epic story line IB, well done for keeping it going for so long and you've handled it brilliantly. I'm kind of sorry that it looks like it'll end soon laugh

Looking forward to seeing how you end this arc, and the repercussions.

More, more, more!
wow you catch up fast, Harbi, thanks tons for your kind words! Will reply properly later, heck I’m almost tempted to copy paste the next instalment but will hold off wink I do want to read through and perhaps edit a bit too

Thanks again smile
Just read your last post from 13/04 and yay, the tables are turning!

I like the little focus on Kono to start with, it makes sense that as a thief she'd be thinking about her exit strategy.

I think one of the best parts of the Legion is seeing how their powers can work together to accomplish more than they could alone, and that is on good display here!

While this squad have a couple powerhouses they are overall not the most powerful Legionnaires you could put together, so it's very gratifying seeing how well they can do when they've got a plan!

I am with Harbi, this has been an epic storyline and I have enjoyed every bit of it! I am REALLY intrigued to see how Xao's gonna end up after all this!
Thanks raz, appreciate your read and review and comments, and glad you’re enjoying it!

I really enjoy taking a situation and seeing how every Legionnaire can contribute to it, glad that’s worked out well here with everyone having their own little part wink

Also glad Kono’s characterisation works!

More to come very very soon smile including Xao’s fate, dun dun dun!!
Hey IB,

I'm back for another round of R&R. I'm looking forward to what you have in store for me.

thank you for the updated roster list! its super helpful to see whos who of sorts.
Oh the emojis. lol all very cute.

Starting off this R&R in Brainy's Lab -
Time for some multiversal adventures! and to the U-0 team? nice to see them again. Now the question becomes which Legion is this? Raz's Legion? Harbi's Legion? or the one from the last time we saw them in your fic? oh so many to choose from! lol. (i know which one. but i think it be fun to have cross overs at some point of the fics and other legions.)

A three hour window huh? a lot of damage can happen in that time...
its always interesting to see the differences pointed out.
Yeah Sizzle and Gravity would have been out in the cold for sure with those rules. I do enjoy that your team has no cap on members. it was always a silly rule to me. I understood why, the taxes thing and then from a writers stand point its super hard just to do 25 never mind legions upon legions.
laugh laugh the codenames are always the biggest differences. its the one thing i always see posted everywhere when talking about the Reboot vs well any other version.

How could Phantom Girl not get any satisfaction from shutting up Gates?? ;p
Hahah I'm with Amp and wouldn't have expected that from Gates.
Oh Brin ever the flirt.

hahaah OMG the Jed's and Tel's are sure a randy bunch. but i'm not gonna lie i kept getting confused of which could was saying what and then when i read they were both basically saying the same things i just chuckled. At least one Jed was trying to be somewhat professional. lol laugh laugh laugh

Lamprey's moment with 0-Grava and 0-Myra was well done. Sadly U-0 lamprey really did get the shaft. But maybe some encouraging words from IB-Lamprey will help.
i liked how IB-Lamprey compared these two to her own friends and how all it takes with any Grava is time, practice, and patients. lol.

Lol of course the two Brainy's are happily discussing their projects.

Sun Boy and Inferno - Yeah Sun Boy is for lack of a better word a Manwhore it seems.
Inferno makes a great point but at the same point who else would understand you and your life better than someone whose in the same spot.
Oh Inferno is Bi. that's interesting had no idea. But Sun Boy's response is funny.
Inferno brings up some good points about the father figure stuff. But I think its also you know technically different time periods. different expectations/cultural norms.
Hahah. maybe Sunboy might give it a shot after all lol.

Calorie Queen - lol "they're all just so mega-sexy". haha. i guess. I think its just that their older. its like getting to see the fantasy of the future. But not exactly.
Oh cool she got to meet her counter-part too.

Collassal Boy/ Chameleon Girl/ IB-Chemical Kid -
I loved Chameleon Girl's speech and helped put it into perspective. There truly are so many universes out there that they could have happened upon.
I'm glad that the counter parts want to hear about their counter parts even though things didn't turn out well.
Poor Zoe this must be super awkward.
Seems like Reboot Gim was much more of a ladies man than we ever thought. lol.

Echo and Tyroc - i hate to say this but i totally forgot that Echo was your universe's variant of Tyroc.

Monstress - this broke my heart. Poor Candi. But i loved the resolution and their outlook about what the Progenitor did to her.

And now back to Legion World. Andromeda/M'Onel
I had forgotten about the bracelets that Daxamites are to wear now. It makes sense but at the same time it seems so demeaning to do that to them and now Durlarians are possibly going to face something similar? That's big. but it makes me wonder about all the different planets whose sentients gain powers simply by being on a lower gravity world or a different colored sun. I'm surprised that not more designations haven't been handed out. But i guess it only goes to those that they all fear...

a missing Daxamite?? hmmm

Also i'm slightly surprised with more Daxamites leaving Daxam that some form of Lead vaccine hasn't been developed for them so that they don't have to live in transuites.
the White Triangle really ruined things. its so hard (as we are currently seeing in the world) when that bigoted ideology takes hold in the world and affects everyone. But sadly being a bystander and being empathetic can be just as much of an issue.

The Brawler Mystery - I had totally forgotten that Brawler was a hold over from the old Academy. I wonder if maybe he was compromised back then and they just didn't know it. like maybe he's a sleeper agent of some sort.
I'd love to see who else was in the defunct Legion Academy and where they are now.
Idk Cham i'd call Dragonmage in sooner than later. the delay could make it worse...

Away team - and Officer Erin.
Shvaughn's run down of the team and then corrections with Lume size changing and Shikari defining her abilities was cute and fun interaction. I can just imagine M'Onel's smile at Shvaughn.
I hope Andromeda works through her issues. It will take time and i'm sure she can.
I think we all enjoy how much Shikari's powers vex Brainy.
Lol yes Sizzle we do spend a lot of time talking about Brainy! laugh
Shvaughn is totally right about being strict on time travel studies. We know what that can lead to...
Hahah loved the destructive Brainy trope. Although, i have to say it hasn't happened in a while. I feel like Brainy's gotten better. But i did love how Andromeda explained it using her times joining and leaving the team.
M'Onel has a bracelet on too? Nice. i remember that scene with trying to be intimate and he almost hurt her really bad. So i guess the bracelets really are a good thing.
Thank you for the note about the ages for M'Onel and Shvaughn. Yeah when i saw the who remembering your first time line i couldn't help but raise and eyebrow and laugh a little at the same time and Lead serum issues. I had forgotten that its all keyed to their DNA.

The first days -
That's a really cool training moment for Brek and Tayla.
Brek sticking his tongue out in concertation was super cute. mainly because i remember doing the same thing when i was a kid and writing. lol.
lol Calorie Queen sounds like an old mother hen, you're too thin! eat more! lol.
I do enjoy still hearing the comparisons though. lol.

You definitely get very personal with all of your legionnaires and its nice to see that even super heroes have issues with diets.

I've never really read much of the old comics but i've heard about the different groupings that used to take place like the Mon, Shady, Tinya, Jo quartet. So its interesting to see the groups your pulling together. Most of which i like. Its really fun to see the new Legionnaires with the older ones. even though they aren't that much older there is a clear difference between them. Its kind of like when the Legion met the Teen Titans and Jo and Tinya commented on ever being "that young".

I always find the small cultural tidbits that you throw in interesting. The idea that on Titan they share meal perceptions is kind of wild.
I'm glad Umbra has lightened up so much.

The return of Thunder!
Great reaction times for the team and now its time for some more time travel escapades.
Seven Statues that can give power? Hmm i wonder what that could be. heheh...
A descendant of Silvanna huh? that could lead to bad things...although he doesn't sound like much of a threat as his partner does.

The search for Teena -
I enjoy the exploration of all of their powers and M'Onel is a great one to do it with. Especially when you think about it he might have evolved them to a greater state than the average Daxamite due to his 1000 years in the Stasis Zone.
You know i never noticed it before but yeah Andromeda and M'Onel are never on a mission unless really needed. It was cute to see have them answer in unison.
I'm with Sizzle, to be able to see what they see would be amazing.

Haha we got to check in on Koko! that's great. i always felt like that was such and unresolved plot point. Haha oh Sizzle it was a site to behold.
love it! Brainy was totally the pet!

On to Sataar-- Teena seems to be going on a greatest hits of Legion missions to worlds that aren't super mainstream.
Sizzle and Andromeda i think could make good friends. i'd love to see Laurel expand her inner circle more.
Andromeda is so positive and its true they all provide their own gifts to help.
I like how your letting us into the inner circle more with using Sizzle to see just how normal the Legionnaires are and they are more than their powers/status.
haha M'Onel blushing was cute.
A M'Onel and Shikari training session would be fun to see.

Cham playing detective/ a drunk was interesting. Maybe Cham's got more acting talent that we ever realized. Question though, i thought Cham only could morph but not take on the actual powers or special talents of what/who he morphed into, So how is he able to use a bismollian physiology, because wasn't that the biggest thing between him and the Composite Durlarian?

It's great to see that Lume has figured out how to carry small objects in its light form. They truly needed to. it was too impractical not to, imho.
Hahah.. the Lume and the fart part was funny.
Ahh yeah Cham makes a great point and Lume would be perfect for insight espionage.

This is the hard part with traveling in any reality it seems. you have to be very careful about who you talk to while also trying to have fun and be adventureous. Hopefully this guy isn't real bad news and its a red herring.
I'm glad you're giving Shikari limits in her powers. But idk she sounds more like Dawnstar and i always saw her powers as different, more fine tuned and not just in space. But maybe that's how i see it and i need to go back and reread how its depicted in cannon. But still a good moment with Shikari.

Cham and M'Onel's moment was well done and showed the respect they have for one another really well.
i enjoyed getting to understand Sizzle and Lume's abilities and how they work together.
Oh Shikari that makes sense thats how it worked for her. i don't mind the name + Legion. it makes me think about how people might call them in the upcoming centuries when their time/history becomes lost to the annuals of time.
This was a well done mission with everyone playing their part and i liked that Sizzle remembered that instead of trying to play the hero.
So who is this mad man?
An Android that's super life like?? Hmmm i honestly would think they'd be fairly common place in the future. especially with Robotica running around. i figured there were tones of variations of Robots/AI there.
Glad they were able to save her after all! Maybe Teena should see Dr. Ryk'rr and i hope Andromeda's right about her healing knowing she saved them all.

the return of the Dark Circle? hmmm that could be interesting. But hopefully the AP isn't lying and they aren't fronting the Dark Circle.
Oh snap, were getting the Reboot version of Timber Wolf's dad? Does this mean that Brin is actually from Zunn in this reality as well and not from Rimbor?

To the 90th Century we go -
Thunder makes a point magic users would come in handy.
wait does Jed's ring not have the eco-protect function? i figured most legionnaires didn't wear transuits any more because of this function for the ring...but maybe i'm thinking of another version of the team. I will say it was funny hearing about Jed's time without one thought. lol.
Ahh I was right! its the Seven Deadly Sins!

Looks like Gluttony got Thunder...
Damn the team was taken pretty quick! This doesn't look like it boards well for them. These are some powerful vessels that's for sure.
IB these have been some fun posts and some great character work. I've enjoyed all of this a lot. I can't wait to continue with my R&R. but sadly that's all the time i have for now. Can't wait to finish up some more later!
thanks again Harbi, raz and Omni for your read & reviews! Now here I am to do your comments justice!

Harbi - you made excellent progress catching up!

Originally Posted by Harbinger
Interesting that Kono is scheming about her place in the Zodiac gang. So, there are 'ultimate targets' - interesting. Nice group of Legionnaires, old and new. Love Spark's snark. Sinking Drake into the ground is cruel, if he blows his way out he might hurt one of his teammates. What did Kono do to short circuit Ayla?

Ayla def has a nice sarcastic streak going. Kono short-circuited Ayla the same way Tinya short-circuits machinery (see canon examples LSH 87, LSH 91, Legionnaires 78). She basically disrupts something when she phases smile


Originally Posted by Harbinger
Liked the little bit about Cargggite's 'knowing'.

this bit was alluded to in canon, when Triad fought the Composite Durlan - and he copied her powers smile See LSH 107. I like it too, makes sense that a Carggite would have some sense re their other bodies, kinda like how we sense our appendages.

Originally Posted by Harbinger
I'm enjoying the individual motivation you give each of the Zodiac gang by the way, Scratch wanting to return Wellur to its former glory is quite poignant.

thanks! I always hate it when a writer creates a team and makes them all the same (not counting, say, Hand soldiers or the like, but groups where each member is distinct - like the Zodiac smile so I made sure to flesh each sign out

Originally Posted by Harbinger
Funny how Jazmin and Condo think about their partners but Lyle didn't, though still got to see Rokk, perhaps he will. Love it that your rabbit can literally become a rabbit - that made me laugh. An evil Captain Carrot! That is such a great idea, I am very envious as I wish I'd though of it smile


Each of the Legionnaires did think of their partners and/or friends, for sure. We only really saw it with Jaz and Condo because a) I didn't want it to get repetitive, and b) we see each group at different stages of waking up. Jaz and Condo are just waking up, while Lyle etc. had been awake long enough to put aside their worries smile

evil Captain Carrot is a fast fave of mine too, and I love how he can sneak up on an opponent by pretending to be a normal cuddly bunny...

Originally Posted by Harbinger
Nice teamwork between XS and Amp - must hurt to see Xao is attacking them.Funny how he ismost saddened by the thought that they will tell Mysa about his betrayal, not the actual betrayal itself. Though his tears make it clear he knows that he's gone too far. Will he end up betraying the Pig? I can see him and Kono cauing havoc if the rest of the Zodiac Gang go too far.

Xao feels like he has a good motivation for joining the Zodiac, which is why he thinks this way wink though indeed, he is walking a tight line, trying to help the Zodiac succeed without killing any of the Legionnaires...

Originally Posted by Harbinger
We know that one of Jaka'a people is an illusion caster so I assume Nura, etc., are not fighting their teammates. What a nasty trick to pull! And then creating an illusion that t's Universo, Brainstorm and Charma, that's pretty clever actually. And, Val hurling himself into a tree? Are you stating to channel your inner Giffen, haha. Of course, Candi is crystaline now so none of the others would really be able to knock her out.

very sharp of you to remember the illusion-casting Orandan that has appeared before smile as for Val, he needed to be taken out, so tree he goes. at least he lives wink

Originally Posted by Harbinger
Brainy's force field lets in magic - well, that's a design flaw but understandable given his dislike/distrust of the mystical. Nice to see Brin get the chance to be the acrobat, though a nuclear blast to the face has got to hurt!

Let's say Brainy has tried to make his field impenetrable to magic, but has not quite succeeded. part of why he hates magic so much wink

Originally Posted by Harbinger
Imra knowing to expect thunder, and the reason why, were well done. Gear made me smile - creating earmuffs, and the comment "I wish neither of you had said anything," - you're doing a good job of giving your team their own personalities. Andromeda being taken out by lightning? I assume that bolt was magically enhanced, makng her vulnerable. "lit up like a Diwali offering" great phrase, though strange in the usually secular Legion. I kind of feel a bit sorry for the Goat, as she doesn't seem like se really knows whats going on and the Pig is using her just to fill a space in the Zodiac. Still, eagerly hurting the Legionnaires because she had been told to... hmmm I'm not feeling too much sympathy for her.

Gear was a relative blank slate, so happy he is growing! you are correct that magic is what took Andromeda out.

as for Diwali, I know from talking to friends that some see it as many of us see Christmas - there are some religious roots, but some just celebrate it as a holiday now, time for friends and family and all that. conversely, there is some religion still in the Legion's time - with Valor worship being example #1 smile and you are absolutely right that the Goat isn't fully responsible - the Goat is not fully sentient but more like an animal, so can be akin to a trained pet.

thanks again for your mega kind words Harbi!
thanks for your detailed R&R, Omni! and wow are you fast!

Originally Posted by Omni
btw, you missed the world over. here [quote]had evolved into a series of discussions about him never having truly gotten ever his first failed Legion application*,


nice catch, thanks Omni! I've fixed it smile appreciate it a lot


Originally Posted by Omni
Of course Sandy is being a brat. lol....brat might be an understatement.
be good Mendalla. be good. and she was.
Man, i don't know how any of them didn't deck her. i love me some Inferno/Sandy but man. You've definitely showcased better why she would never be with the Legion no matter how much i want it to be so.


Dr. Ryk'rr and Mandalla definitely wanted to deck Sandy too, they were just doing their best to be professional wink and alas, Sandy just isn't quite Legion material...

Originally Posted by Omni
that meeting with Martin and Sandy went better than expected. i half expected her to honestly just make him cry. its sad that Sandy doesn't have memories of her childhood or her family. But i honestly can relate a bit. i know thinking on my own past is hard sometimes, now that there are many who aren't there any more. So were they both orphaned? I'm blanking on what happened to Sandy's parents.
So if i recall right Martin has fire powers too? is it a family power?
I do hope Sandy keeps in touch and that was really quick thinking on her part getting him into the cadet program. she knew there was no way for them to say no once she gave the kid hope. lol.


Yeah, Sandy's not ALL bad wink like, she doesn't want Martin to go out into the cold. I posit that there is some sort of meta-gene running in their family. I'm not sure canon ever revealed exactly what happened to Sandy's parents to be honest!


Originally Posted by Omni
T
I had totally forgotten that Magno's brother went to TG for attempted murder. I wonder if he'll ever reform like Mekt did...



Magno's bro DID do it in the heat of battle, as the attempted murder was on a criminal. so he's not a complete monster. that said, he doesn't have any mental conditions like Mekt has, either...

Originally Posted by Omni
I love that Jo gave the advice about the ES. the only thing that i think is interesting though is the team knowing whose on the ES squad at all, i'm not 100% on this and it might be one of the other fics but i thought no one knew but the members themselves. It makes sense that Jo and Chuck would know. But its just a food for thought.



The Espionage Squad membership was actually spelled out in the Legion Constitution - see LSH Secret Files 2 smile And the Squad has been fairly public - see Legionnaires 58 for an example of the Squad openly going on a mission together. We also see RJ Brande sitting with Lyle while monitoring the Squad's activities/missions in... one of the Dark Circle issues, I think Legionnaires 62 or 64. So the Squad membership is pretty public, and also it's not too difficult for the rest of the team to figure out whose powers make them best-suited for the Squad.
?


Originally Posted by Omni
Mano -
Ah yes, there's the thing the Five were after...idk if we ever found out what the thing was...


not in canon, nope!


Originally Posted by Omni
Sensor, i like the way you used/explained her abilities. its so easy to make her a fairly standard telepath. I will have to keep this in mind when writing her. lol.

that is quite a compliment, that you would take something I describe as canon smile

Originally Posted by Omni
IB stop breaking my heart! and this time it was all because of a little red skinned girl and her mom. frown

sorry Omni, if it helps, Sensor was able to sense some burst of anger - so the little girl and her mom will learn the truth, that the mom was kinda manipulated.


Originally Posted by Omni
I was shocked that Omar didn't break out. i thought this would be the moment. But i'm glad he looked out for Magno. Even if it was just for a second.

Omar is not a complete monster wink just a big jerk

Originally Posted by Omni
Kono - The rat? Slizz the snake? ...based off the titles i've seen *spolier* we're moving into the Chinese Zodiac arch.
Oooo another Orandian mentalist... and a Kawi! we don't see many of them outside of being guides for the threshold system.
wait...so what the Fatal Five took was mystical? The Serpent's Crown? is that something you made up or a DC Cannon thing?
haha of course Kono has to have a little fun with the Fatal Five.

very sharp of you Omni, indeed the Zodiac smile and the Serpent Crown, I blatantly stole that name from Marvel Comics lol! It was quite an artifact in a lot of stories, I understand


Originally Posted by Omni
The introduction of Devlin O'Ryan huh? Haha. him shaking in his boots was cute.


Devlin has appeared before in passing in my fic, but this is his first real moment. see here for first appearance smile https://www.legionworld.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=872804#Post872804

Originally Posted by Omni
thank you for making the distinction about these tryouts and that everyone is going into the Cadet program for the most part.
Microbe is doing great and i like that Cham coached her on this too.
Devlin's nervousness is soo cute and well done. Drura makes a great host companion.

glad you liked these bits! I always felt that some additional training could be needed before someone becomes a full Legionnaire, even if they control their powers really well. it's one thing to know how to use their powers, and another thing to know what to do in situations!


Originally Posted by Omni
The Heroes of Lallor are getting in on the Xanthu deal? that's a great way to strengthen all these worlds and teams. Hotspot must be thrilled.
poor Splitter. man he makes me soo sad! But i'm glad the others were able to help cheer him up a little bit and he's right. Your team has it so much easier with thresholds...although this line makes me worry. lol.

those Thresholds are SUCH a game-changer! I am both grateful to, and blame, DNA for introducing them lol! it makes things easy, but sometimes too easy...


Originally Posted by Omni
Lamprey i think will do well and it was super nice of Nightwind and Amp to visit. I want to see them work together again.

oh definitely, these three are forming a nice new friendship group!

Originally Posted by Omni
Jed and Tel was well done and an argument that i think alot of partners have. I hope Jed makes it but he's right. he can find a support staff job and still stay on Legion World to be with Tel. I liked the moment when Tel finally cried and Jed got to hold him and he wanted to laugh at him. very well done and i felt the love.

glad this worked! Good communication can sort out a lot of things smile

Originally Posted by Omni
All three made the right choice to stay with the academy. But Retro idk if he's going to be here much longer.

yeah, Retro is far from being Legion material. the other 3 (Crystal Kid, Rainbow, Vision) have some flaws, but they are much more motivated AND level-headed AND willing to work on their weaknesses!


Originally Posted by Omni
Retro caught on to the thing Brawler said about his dream and it having to come true? People with time related powers are odd with sensing future events, i mean look at kid Quantum during the Dream Crime and Foundations Arc. Maybe he's senses something coming. I think he should have spoke up.

that is a good bit re Retro's powers maybe sensing something. I should think about that. To be honest we've only seen his power once in canon, so I've been drawing a lot from how Harbinger writes his powers!

Originally Posted by Omni
the potentials:
I find it odd that Andromeda wouldn't be spending more time with the cadets to get better acquainted with those she might fear to help her conquer her xenophobia even more.
/i totally believe Shikari wouldn't thought. she's all about battle. Not training.

Andromeda has overcome much of her xenophobia, though she does see the use in meeting more races/species (part of how Kid Q and Nightwind talked her into overseeing the tryouts). Andromeda is a bit of an introvert though, which is part of why she doesn't really like sitting in these tongue

Originally Posted by Omni
Battering Ram - so kind of like Havok from X-men? Can they fine tune the blasts to make them smaller? I'm with Babbage that its great how they haven't hurt anyone and can control the force well. the misfiring was funny.

Havok is a good comparison for what Battering Ram does!

Originally Posted by Omni
Healer - that's a new take on healing powers. usually it drains only the actual healer. but health transference is something i don't think i've ever seen before.

I thought this would be a good way to add limits to what Healer can do. the healing process can take a lot out of the patient smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Betty Shell - hahaha i chuckled at Wildfire's comment after Shikari and Karate Kid looked at him. X-Bomb Betty...So she can now do more than one explosion? was she experimented on by the Monitor too? lol. Coming with a med kit was really smart.

could be, could be, it would be easy to just have Betty be one of the Monitor's captives lol! saves time thinking of origins!

Originally Posted by Omni
Uplift - i like that your giving Cera another shot at life in the comics. Andromeda helped come up with a good one and that was a good idea of Amp to do that. it makes sense actually. That way your not wasting so much time trying to find an upper limit. She's on par with Zoe? hmmmm

Cera is definitely not on par with Zoe - Vi's exact line was "not far from Kinetix", so Cera's full potential would be behind - but not super far behind. of course, Cera has to work hard to reach that potential smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Hahah, the moment i read the Legion called i was like good job guys. good job!

yeah! I always thought the Legion should be super more careful in screening candidates, and dealing with ones who cause trouble tongue

Originally Posted by Omni
Fauna - so does she need an animal present to do ask for their abilities? Starhaven? i for a second thought we were getting DawnStar. (which sooooo happy were not. lol)

yeah, Fauna won't be much use if there's no animal nearby - so that gives her a limitation hee hee. Also curious re why you do not like Dawnstar tongue as for me, I do like Dawnstar BUT we have Shikari, so I wanted to include a different Starhavenite... smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Survivor - So the WorkForce is getting some help too? lol love it. and agreed they need someone to watch Evolvo. Loved that they put in provisions to actually make the WorkForce less of cooperate stooges. Interesting power set. Retired military...so does that mean she's too old for the Legion? is there an age limit to being a legionnaire now that i think of it? i mean M'Onel is over 1000 years old. so probably not. lol

Yeah, and I do not recall one in the Constitution (in LSH Secret Files 2). Although I do think the Legionnaires would tend to self-select, someone too much older may not mesh well with the team. besides M'Onel though, Mysa is also at least 100 years old wink

Originally Posted by Omni
The Mess - glad Amp did her thing again. its always cool to see the upper limits of these cadets powers. So he attracts any and all particles in the air or just dust? didn't know this was a former reject.

Yup, Mess can attract any object smaller than a certain diameter, so not limited to dust wink Mess didn't apply before, when I wrote "As with some previous candidates", it meant that Amp has done this for quite a few tryouts.


Originally Posted by Omni
The Question - a 31st century equivalent. Very nice. When she "transforms" its interesting you put it that way. because it almost seemed like a possession. like someone else is giving her the power to make others answer her questions. I think the support roll with the Legion and the SP's is a great option. I also like that as support staff a legionnaire or Erin will be with her.


oooh, I like the possession connection. Maybe I can work with that... smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Swallowtail - i love that your brining back all these sentients affected by the Elements of disaster arc and brining alot of that back. i like seeing the ramifications of it and how the Legion is helping to move it all forward. Those wings are mighty powerful. So this might be a power all of her people could have? the cocooning part at least.
I might explore the cocooning part later on. Have not thought about it before smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Dream Boy and Dream Girl - not sure how i feel about the names. but interesting powerset. so is it pheromonal based?
I see what you did there with Vi. There's the Reboot confirmation lol.
I'm surprised Wildfire was affected being an energy being and all.

not pheromone based, but more mental based - hence Wildfire was affected. those names aren't the best, but I did like the puns behind them tongue

Originally Posted by Omni
I'm a little shocked that they use goggles still for VR and its not the whole room.

There are many canon examples of the goggles: Legionnaires 0, 23, 40 to start with. As for why goggles and not just the whole room, it is also a safety feature in a way - so anyone monitoring the VR sim can see what is really happening and what is virtually happening.

Originally Posted by Omni
i loved all the small moments with each one.
Retro may have done the right thing. but i don't see him becoming a legionnaire.
Brawler's dreams? that's all that helped him?

Nope, I also do not see Retro as a Legionnaire wink as for Brawler...



Originally Posted by Omni
The moment Amp called out Tenzil reminded me of when Monstress did the same thing about not getting a party when she joined. lol good call back!

that is exactly what I was thinking of when I wrote Amp's calling out tongue

Originally Posted by Omni
Kid Q makes a good point and that is something i think i need to look at for my own roster.
Cham being the detective! yes! i'm on board with this and right with him. something isn't adding up!

Alright, well that's all the time i have for today! looking forward to catching up more later. This has been a fun bunch of posts!

thank you! Always nice to hear that something I've wrote makes so much sense, it bears being considered in someone else's work wink and yeah, there's something off here for sure ... smile thanks again Omni!
Originally Posted by Harbinger
Brawler finally appears. It's a bit unfortunate for the team that Babbage is on the squad he faces as I think this isn't going to go well for them.

I have to say, Babbage being matched up with Brawler was one of the most interesting results from my random number generator!!

Originally Posted by Harbinger
The Princess Holograms XXXVIII sounds like my idea of hell laugh I think Insect Queen may be the Legion character I dislike the most - her powers are just too creepy for my tastes (I killed her the first chance I got in the Dream Boy fic because of this) and changing only her head - yeuch!

yeah, the visuals of Insect Queen's powers creep me out a bit too!

Originally Posted by Harbinger
And, if only Chaquk had met Kinetix or Monstress before the Pig things would have turned out very differently!



heh! yeah maybe Chaquk should have just joined their fashion academy... oh well...


Originally Posted by Harbinger
The speech pattern, very Scooby Doo! Gives me a smile every time. Thom's lack of fine motor control isn't a surprise though him admitting it is a good way to show how straight hs character is. And getting the team to fight themselves is always a good way to saveoneself from taking risks, so the Dog's another clever member of the Zodiac gang. And, I'm kind of glad that you didn't show the team fighting each other there.

yeah, it's quite scary just how badly the Legionnaires can actually hurt others with their powers... I did not have the heart to go too far with this scene!


Originally Posted by Harbinger
The Pig! Okay, now we'regetting to the root of this trouble. Very opportunistic of him to see Mordru's reappearance as something he could emulate to a degree to match his own designs. And f course he has kept the nest artifacts for himself. Nice to see Sussa actually be supportiv - she ain't stupid! Though perhaps Jo is... Lume charging up Mon El's daxamite physiology is smart. So the Pig can drain and use other's powers - he's Earth Man! (or maybe the Wesrerner?) That has got to be one of the best reveals as he's been popping up for so long and we knew he was a schemer so it would fit perfectly. And perfect timing for another White Wave to transport them to wherever they are going next.

Jo can be a bit stupid, especially where Tinya is concerned. I think I will develop this positively in volume 5, as DNA really did a big thing with him in Legion Lost, where he went nuts a few times cause he thought Tinya was missing. He should definitely do better!

Originally Posted by Harbinger
And I'm out of time. Aaagh! Oh well, nearer to the end at least than I was this morning. Am thoroughly invested in finding out what the Pig's big plan will be, who has survived, and what the free members of the team and support crew will do to hopefully save the day. This has been great fun IB. Looking forward to more, more and more!


thanks tons Harbi, glad you're liking all of this and that the reveals are working well!
Originally Posted by Harbinger
Things are pretty desperate for your main team so they better be quick - unless you plan on killing them all off and starting again laugh Which has given me a great idea for where to take the LW Saga laugh

I don't think I could ever do that, I'm too invested in them!! but goodness, now I am intrigued to see what you'll do with your LW saga!!

Originally Posted by Harbinger
Good to see Marla taking a role here and helping out. There's a character that could have been great in canon but was woefully underused.


agree, and his stern manner contrasts nicely with RJ Brande's niceness!

Originally Posted by Harbinger
And you are a tease for not letting Crystal Kid finish his sentence, "they're al..." what? I'm going to assume alive but battered, say 95% sure, though you may throw in a shock or two smile

hee hee, I was very deliberate in not letting Crystal Kid finish indeed tongue gotta keep some suspense up!

Originally Posted by Harbinger
Eight active Legionnaires and two reservists against the Zoc=diac Gang - you don't make things easy, do you? Glad to see Babbage may recover soon, though poor Lume! Nice that Mysa has figured out what's going on and they don't just rush in unprepared. Ah, poor Dryad, being used like that - does this mean we'll be getting a Blok?

glad you liked the various bits and scenes here. and indeed, I almost made it too hard for myself, with so many injured and captured! tongue

read on to see Dryad's final fate... smile

Originally Posted by Harbinger
That list of those in the medi-bay is daunting! All of these scenes are really well done, very poignant, though a few realy stood out

glad you liked this bit too! I intentionally gave the full list of injured to add to the weight and drama...

Originally Posted by Harbinger
And we're back with the Zodiac gang and when you list them like that we can see just how dangerous they are! Xao appears to be playing both ends against the middle, and the Pig is aware it seems. Interesting which of the gang will meet the Pig's eyes.

also why I listed the Zodiac gang with powers smile dun dun dun!!

Originally Posted by Harbinger
Good to see the Fleet has been called in, just in case the team don't win this one. And, yes XS is the most senior Legionnaire here, she joined pretty early on didn't she? Before James died? I'm fairly spotty on re-boot lore, soorry.

no sorries needed! and indeed, XS joined at the same time as James, so she was on the mission where he died too!

Originally Posted by Harbinger
Kono planning her exit strategy - clever girl! Attacks fading? Is Mysa hiding them, or (I hope) Jacques invisibilty field? Polar Boy, Element Lass and Magno to the rescue! Nice use of their powers to get the magical talismans (talismen? What is the plural?) out of the way. Yay, it is Jacques! Controversial but I always preferred him to Lyle. Mentalla taking on the Snake and Xao - both would have quite strong wills I reckon so hopefully she hasn't over stretched herself. XS freeing her colleagues - good move! And a well timed "Long live the Legion!" And that's it! I'm up to date and hanging here waiting for the conclusion.

yeah, Mentalla bit off a tough bit! and glad Jacques' appearance made you happy! (it was a last minute idea to work him in TBH, after I had him at the medi-bay - I thought it was too good an opportunity not to have him!

Originally Posted by Harbinger
This has been an epic story line IB, well done for keeping it going for so long and you've handled it brilliantly. I'm kind of sorry that it looks like it'll end soon laugh

Looking forward to seeing how you end this arc, and the repercussions.

More, more, more!

thanks again mucho for your very kind words Harbi!!! and indeed, the end is coming.. dun dun dun!!!
Originally Posted by Omni
Starting off this R&R in Brainy's Lab -
Time for some multiversal adventures! and to the U-0 team? nice to see them again. Now the question becomes which Legion is this? Raz's Legion? Harbi's Legion? or the one from the last time we saw them in your fic? oh so many to choose from! lol. (i know which one. but i think it be fun to have cross overs at some point of the fics and other legions.)

ha ha! imagine if all four of us crossed over... whew! we would need to stick to like 5 Legionnaires each tongue

Originally Posted by Omni
A three hour window huh? a lot of damage can happen in that time...
its always interesting to see the differences pointed out.
Yeah Sizzle and Gravity would have been out in the cold for sure with those rules. I do enjoy that your team has no cap on members. it was always a silly rule to me. I understood why, the taxes thing and then from a writers stand point its super hard just to do 25 never mind legions upon legions.
laugh laugh the codenames are always the biggest differences. its the one thing i always see posted everywhere when talking about the Reboot vs well any other version.

you are so right, a lot can happen in 3 hours! And yes, considering they protect a whole galaxy (or two), having only 25 is silly!

Originally Posted by Omni
hahaah OMG the Jed's and Tel's are sure a randy bunch. but i'm not gonna lie i kept getting confused of which could was saying what and then when i read they were both basically saying the same things i just chuckled. At least one Jed was trying to be somewhat professional. lol laugh laugh laugh

yeah, I should probably label them better lol. thanks for the -IB moniker!

Originally Posted by Omni
Lamprey's moment with 0-Grava and 0-Myra was well done. Sadly U-0 lamprey really did get the shaft. But maybe some encouraging words from IB-Lamprey will help.
i liked how IB-Lamprey compared these two to her own friends and how all it takes with any Grava is time, practice, and patients. lol.

yeah, U-0 Lamprey did pretty well in some of her appearances... I do think she was held back by her powers partially overlapping with Garth/Ayla, but still.

Originally Posted by Omni
Sun Boy and Inferno - Yeah Sun Boy is for lack of a better word a Manwhore it seems.
Inferno makes a great point but at the same point who else would understand you and your life better than someone whose in the same spot.
Oh Inferno is Bi. that's interesting had no idea. But Sun Boy's response is funny.
Inferno brings up some good points about the father figure stuff. But I think its also you know technically different time periods. different expectations/cultural norms.
Hahah. maybe Sunboy might give it a shot after all lol.

this is a good point - maybe if IB-Dirk were in 0-Dirk's shoes, with 0-Dirk's dad, and in 0-Dirk's culture, he would have turned out the same!

Originally Posted by Omni
Seems like Reboot Gim was much more of a ladies man than we ever thought. lol.

He got both Zoe and Vi to like him, without really trying! lol! he must have done something right!


Originally Posted by Omni
Echo and Tyroc - i hate to say this but i totally forgot that Echo was your universe's variant of Tyroc.

understandable, what with code name changes tongue

Originally Posted by Omni
And now back to Legion World. Andromeda/M'Onel
I had forgotten about the bracelets that Daxamites are to wear now. It makes sense but at the same time it seems so demeaning to do that to them and now Durlarians are possibly going to face something similar? That's big. but it makes me wonder about all the different planets whose sentients gain powers simply by being on a lower gravity world or a different colored sun. I'm surprised that not more designations haven't been handed out. But i guess it only goes to those that they all fear...

yeah, it's a good point, lots of the other worlds have powers that could be deadly... Imsk, Tharr, etc. etc. something to think about, and I may develop this idea in volume 5

Originally Posted by Omni
Also i'm slightly surprised with more Daxamites leaving Daxam that some form of Lead vaccine hasn't been developed for them so that they don't have to live in transuites.
the White Triangle really ruined things. its so hard (as we are currently seeing in the world) when that bigoted ideology takes hold in the world and affects everyone. But sadly being a bystander and being empathetic can be just as much of an issue.

I had thought about this, but indeed there's the whole genetic code thing. I did think that Brainiac 5 could have solved it with time, but it would take some effort. and I also thought that not solving it would help keep a bit of balance to check the Daxamites' power too

Originally Posted by Omni
The Brawler Mystery - I had totally forgotten that Brawler was a hold over from the old Academy. I wonder if maybe he was compromised back then and they just didn't know it. like maybe he's a sleeper agent of some sort.
I'd love to see who else was in the defunct Legion Academy and where they are now.
Idk Cham i'd call Dragonmage in sooner than later. the delay could make it worse...

good theory wink that Academy had only 3 characters, Cannus and Tomb being the other two - and both are Legion Support Staff members now smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Hahah loved the destructive Brainy trope. Although, i have to say it hasn't happened in a while. I feel like Brainy's gotten better. But i did love how Andromeda explained it using her times joining and leaving the team.


glad you like. Brainy is more considerate these days, so he is more careful about blowing stuff up tongue
Originally Posted by Omni
Brek sticking his tongue out in concertation was super cute. mainly because i remember doing the same thing when i was a kid and writing. lol.

I still do the same thing these days too tongue


Originally Posted by Omni
You definitely get very personal with all of your legionnaires and its nice to see that even super heroes have issues with diets.

I know I would if I were in their shoes! And I like showing that even heroes have weaknesses and insecurities smile

Originally Posted by Omni
I've never really read much of the old comics but i've heard about the different groupings that used to take place like the Mon, Shady, Tinya, Jo quartet. So its interesting to see the groups your pulling together. Most of which i like. Its really fun to see the new Legionnaires with the older ones. even though they aren't that much older there is a clear difference between them. Its kind of like when the Legion met the Teen Titans and Jo and Tinya commented on ever being "that young".

there are some natural groupings that click in my mind, given the personalities smile and I always liked the Reboot team being basically a big group of friends working for a common goal. so there will be tons more of this!

Originally Posted by Omni
Sizzle and Andromeda i think could make good friends. i'd love to see Laurel expand her inner circle more.

you have given me an idea... smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Cham playing detective/ a drunk was interesting. Maybe Cham's got more acting talent that we ever realized. Question though, i thought Cham only could morph but not take on the actual powers or special talents of what/who he morphed into, So how is he able to use a bismollian physiology, because wasn't that the biggest thing between him and the Composite Durlarian?

Oops! thank you for reminding me of that. I'll fix it so Cham uses a different shapeshifting trick.

Originally Posted by Omni
It's great to see that Lume has figured out how to carry small objects in its light form. They truly needed to. it was too impractical not to, imho.
Hahah.. the Lume and the fart part was funny.
Ahh yeah Cham makes a great point and Lume would be perfect for insight espionage.

Right? Lume needs to be able to carry some of the stuff that Legionnaires have in their utility pouches!

Originally Posted by Omni
This is the hard part with traveling in any reality it seems. you have to be very careful about who you talk to while also trying to have fun and be adventureous. Hopefully this guy isn't real bad news and its a red herring.
I'm glad you're giving Shikari limits in her powers. But idk she sounds more like Dawnstar and i always saw her powers as different, more fine tuned and not just in space. But maybe that's how i see it and i need to go back and reread how its depicted in cannon. But still a good moment with Shikari.

I don't really understand Shikari's powers very well myself tongue but I am drawing from Legion Lost 5, where her powers vaguely led her to the ark housing the Omniphagos, but lacked some precision.

Originally Posted by Omni
This was a well done mission with everyone playing their part and i liked that Sizzle remembered that instead of trying to play the hero.
So who is this mad man?
An Android that's super life like?? Hmmm i honestly would think they'd be fairly common place in the future. especially with Robotica running around. i figured there were tones of variations of Robots/AI there.

glad you liked it! one thing with Robotica is that the robots didn't really attempt to look like humans - see Legion 11-14, and refer to Babbage's look in Legion 25.


Originally Posted by Omni
the return of the Dark Circle? hmmm that could be interesting. But hopefully the AP isn't lying and they aren't fronting the Dark Circle.
Oh snap, were getting the Reboot version of Timber Wolf's dad? Does this mean that Brin is actually from Zunn in this reality as well and not from Rimbor?

We will see about the AP, although it won't be easy for the Dark Circle to take them over again smile and yes, Brin is from Zuun.

Originally Posted by Omni
To the 90th Century we go -
Thunder makes a point magic users would come in handy.
wait does Jed's ring not have the eco-protect function? i figured most legionnaires didn't wear transuits any more because of this function for the ring...but maybe i'm thinking of another version of the team. I will say it was funny hearing about Jed's time without one thought. lol.
Ahh I was right! its the Seven Deadly Sins!

no eco-protect functions here, I think you're thinking of Harbinger's version. there are many canon examples of the Legion needing transuits for eco-protect, which I do like as it gives some limitations tongue (see: Legionnaires 33-34 among others)

thanks again Omni, really appreciate your R&R!!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Dryad

Active Legionnaires

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal) and Quothon; controls his body's density
Dreamer, Nura Nal of Naltor; precognition
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis, can see heat signatures
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony (Earth colony: Japan and Myanmar); skilled martial artist
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau) and Neptune; underwater survival; hydrokinesis
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan; telepathic control of others' physical functions
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation, enhanced vision
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings); anti-energy being
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

Reserve Legionnaires (Not Legion Cadets or Support Staff)

Magnetic Kid, Pol Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis (magno-ball athlete)
Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers

Reserve Legionnaires (also Legion Support Staff)

Chlorophyll Kid, Ral Benem of Mardru; accelerated plant growth (Disaster Relief & Development)
Impulse, Kent Shakespeare of Earth (United Kingdom: England); enhanced speed, strength, durability and recuperative abilities (Legion World chief medical doctor)

Other Legion Support Staff

Vampire, Jackie Idonno of Hermaphrodite; energy draining field (Clean-Up)

Other Legion Allies

Jacques Foccart of Earth (Haiti and Ivory Coast); complete self-cloaking from all conventional senses; usage of his power severely damages his body
Jancel Ardeen of Titan; telepathy, Titanet officer
Lianna Erqol of Titan; Chief Adept of the Titanet
Micah Aven of Titan; extremely skilled telepath and tutor of the most promising adepts

****************************************************************

"Whomever thought of bringing in Vampire AND Jacques Foccart to sneak up on these dweeks and disrupt their spell is a sprocking genius!" Wildfire gloated as he poured his anti-energy at the Zodiac Signs, scattering them.

"Hey now, it was a group effort," XS laughed as she hugged each of her freed teammates, one by one.

"It was tough, I had to keep turning my power on and off," Vampire smiled shyly. The diminutive humanoid brushed their long hair out of their face. "It took perfect timing, whenever I'd turn my power on, Jacques' cloaking would slip, and XS lost her speed..."

"Jacques' power hurts him when he uses it," Invisible Kid asked with concern. "How did he...?"

"A little spell that the sorcerers from Zarrox worked up," Blizzard laughed. "It will wear off soon, but for a while he hid us as well as Sensor would have!"

"They also cast a spell on Vampire," XS smiled at the Support Staffer. "Otherwise, draining all that magic would have burnt her out."

"Wow, you really did it, you really did it!" Density stretched. His body still ached; he could see the pain and injuries on his other freed teammates, too. "So what's our game plan?"

"Allow us." The group suddenly felt themselves connected mentally by some familiar telepathic voices.

"Hi from the Titanet, gang!" Jancel Ardeen said, her voice full of adrenaline. "Chief Adept Erqol and Dr. Aven are gonna feed you a status report right now!"

"We'll keep running interference, dears!" Element Lass said as she and Blizzard kept fending off attacks. XS also ran off with Vampire in her arms, to bring the Legion staff member to safety.

"So will we!" Timber Wolf called from above. He, Dreamer, and White Witch joined Thunder and Mentalla outside.

“Do hurry up,” Dreamer called. “Thunder, Rabbit to left. Mysa, a counter spell for a transmutation effort by the Pig please.” Turning back to the newly-freed Legionnaires, she continued. “sorry, but as you can see the enemy is busy - so please get cracking.”

As the telepaths filled the rescued Legionnaires in, the mood shifted up and down. Everyone gasped as they saw the injured Legionnaires, such as their partners, in the medi-bay; they all looked shocked as they saw the extent of their friends' injuries. Invisible Kid, Particon and Rebound in particular looked concerned about their respective partners. Amp and Spider-Girl glowered as they learned of the Zodiac Signs' plans in kidnapping them. Echo had a questioning look as they were informed of the Zodiac's goals. Chlorophyll Kid gasped as he learned the extent of their plans.

"I should burn that squaj!" Inferno hissed as he learned of Dragonmage's involvement. Lamprey squeezed his arm in support; but she looked only a little less angry.

The group watched through the telepathic network, as Magno and Magnetic Kid pulled the block of ice containing all the magical objects to the Dreadnought Terra, where the sorcerers from Zarrox were waiting. "We will guard these objects," said one. "It will take much time, as we have to sort them to ensure they are handled safely..."

"Don't worry, we'll take care of the bad guys," Magno winked.

"Just like playing magno-ball," Magnetic Kid joked, as he turned to return to battle.

"So basically, we have to stop them from casting their spell," Nightwind concluded.

"Indeed," White Witch replied through the telepathic link. “They don’t have access to their magical talismans, so they only have their own natural powers now - this will make them easier to handle.”

"You heard her, team" Nightwind turned to her teammates. As one, they nodded... and charged to engage the enemy.

Joined at the speed of thought, the Legionnaires quickly broke off to engage their opponents, each choosing the ones their powers could best counter. "Remember, team," Nightwind cautioned. "We have to stop their spell; aim to engage and stall, and don't overstretch trying to beat them outright!"

"No! We're too close to let you thwart us!" The Pig raised his staff and began to chant. He could feel himself drawing in the powers of all those around him.

"We're prepared for you now," White Witch said coldly as she aimed a blast of magical energy at The Pig. It threw him off balance, and the staff flew from his hand. "And you've lost most of your magical objects, too," White Witch continued, smiling in satisfaction. Cursing, the Pig prepared to freeze White Witch in her tracks using the powers he was copying from Blizzard.

"Mentalla, break off from snake "empress" and the traitor here, and go after the Pig!" Inferno called, as he and Blizzard flew above Mentalla and the Snake.

"You got it!" Mentalla traded smiles with Echo even as she ran. Planting her feet firmly, she pushed her consciousness into the Pig's. The White Witch smiled at her, then turned grim as she confronted the Dragon.

"His will is strong..." Mentalla shuddered. "I think I'll need all my focus just for him!" The Pig snarled up at her, eyes starring daggers.

"I got you, Delya." Amp stood beside her teammate, extending her boosting aura. The two young women stood, side-by-side, holding hands and giving each other strength as they stopped the Pig in his tracks.

Blizzard and Inferno, meanwhile, had caught up to a recovering Snake. "I will make you lose all sense of self," she snapped as she stretched her serpentine form to meet her attackers.

"Oh no, I can't see you," Blizzard mocked, exaggerating his worry.

"Whatever shall we do?" Inferno put his hands on his head. "I mean, you're only the cold-blooded villain who helped put our friends in the medi-bay."

"If only we knew where you were standing," Blizzard continued. Nodding at Dirk, he yelled, "now!"

Streams of fire and ice converged where the Snake stood, and the Orandan illusionist began to scream as the temperature extremes played havoc with her body systems.

"Not so tough without your magical trinkets, eh?" Inferno said as they pressed their attack.

********************************************************************************

"You fakes! You won't stop me!" the Monkey screamed as he faced Impulse. "I'll break your glasses and make you eat them, you phony!"

The Monkey charged at Impulse, who sidestepped smoothly; Impulse grabbed the Monkey and spun him around. "You should have paid more attention during combat class, Brawler," Impulse said darkly.

The Monkey landed on his behind with a grunt. Gesturing, he mind-melded with the scrap metal he carried wrapped around his arms and made them stream towards Impulse.

"Ah ah, that's a foul move," Magnetic Kid used his magnetism to divert the path of the Monkey's attack. Giving a powerful yank, he pulled all of the metal off of Brawler's body, crunching it into a ball.

The Monkey stood up, glowering. "You... you..." he stepped forward, stumbling. "What have you done..."

Lamprey stood behind him as he fell to his knees. A tiny sphere of water spun around in her hands; water she had extracted from Brawler's form. "We beat you this way before... You really don't learn from your mistakes, do you, Brawler?"

“I’m still stronger than you thought I was!” The Monkey focused on the nearest piece of machinery: Lamprey’s flight ring. He interfaced with its circuitry, making it shock Lamprey.

“No!” Magnetic Kid yanked the flight ring off Lamprey, being careful not to hurt her. She fell, shaken, to the ground.

“This is going to be tougher than I thought,” Impulse muttered as he punched the Monkey again.

********************************************************************************

Density, his skin a lighter purple than normal, danced and dodged as the Rooster slashed at him.

"Stand still, you...!" the Rooster began.

"I don't think so," Density stuck his tongue out as he leaped high to avoid another attack.

"Then I will take you from afar," the Rooster began to vibrate her wings.

"None of that now," Echo said. Matching the Rooster's vibratory speed, he countered her vibrations, sending them back at her.

"This is for slicing our friends up," Density said as he punched the Rooster in the face. She snarled as she somersaulted in the air, landing warily to face the attacking Legionnaires.

********************************************************************************

"No, wait!" the Horse pleaded as Rebound cannoned at him. The rotund Legionnaire smacked into the Horse's face, then careened off a mound of stone, bouncing back and hitting the Horse in the back as he ran. "Wait, I was a stooge, I was!"

"You expect us to believe that?" Chlorophyll Kid held out his hand, blowing a few feathery seeds at the Horse. The Horse whined as they latched onto his clothing. Using his power, he warped a few meters away.

"No, what are these?" he gasped as he watched the seeds grow tiny creepers that laced around his body.

"Saturnian Spiderweb Sargasso," Chlorophyll Kid said with pride as he watched them envelop the Horse. "You'd need a lot of strength to break out of those."

"We won't give you the chance, though." Before the Horse could move, Rebound battered him point-blank in the nose.

The Horse muttered as he warped away again. "Stupid plants!" he struggled to pull them off him; he couldn't teleport away without them!

While he was distracted, Rebound had spotted the Horse and was careening towards him. "We won't let you get away," Rebound said grimly as he battered the Horse again, slamming him into the ground. Rebound knew they might not be able to beat the Horse, but they could certainly keep him off-balance.

********************************************************************************

Particon closed her eyes as she faced the tempest being summoned by the Goat. The lightning beast threw its head back as it called the winds.

"I feel sorry for this one; it's not even fully sentient," Element Lass said as she transmuted the hydrogen in front of them into an inertron wall. "It can't possibly know what it's doing."

"No, and we shouldn't hurt it," Particon added. "It's an endangered species, after all." She watched in concern as Element Lass' wall began to buckle. "Okay, we're going to see if my energy powers can contain magical lightning..." Particon rolled to the side and began encasing the Goat in a sphere of her energy.

"Even if it can't alone, we're Legionnaires. We never have to do things alone," Element Lass smiled as she reinforced Particon's prison with her powers. "Let's see that poor thing crack through an inertron-veridium-titanium mix!"

“It just might…” Particon whispered as the Goat flailed around, trying to break free with lightning and wind. She fell silent as she focused her power on the Goat; beside her, she could feel Element Lass doing the same.

********************************************************************************

"I will end this fight soon, with my pheromones," The Dog said as she turned on her natural powers.

"No, I don't think so." Nightwind flung her hands out, making the winds spin around the Dog. "Your air-based pheromones won't get far, not while I'm here."

"And let's see how well you fight against someone who doesn't need to breathe," Ferro punched his fist as he landed in front of the Dog. "I saw what you did, how you hurt my friends. Like Violet."

"I did what I had to do!" The Dog protested.

"No, nobody made you choose violence," Nightwind spat. Ferro just cocked his fist and charged through Nightwind's cyclone right at the Dog. The Dog grunted as she was pushed back, though she didn’t fall. Eyeing Ferro warily, she began to circle…

********************************************************************************

The Tiger slashed at Dreamer, who simply smiled and jumped backwards.

"How do you keep avoiding me?!" The Tiger shrieked. "You're not even able to perceive me!"

"You're probably wondering why we know where you are," Dreamer smiled, even as she had trouble hearing the Tiger due to how the Tiger's powers asked. "But my Naltorian precognition is more than enough to figure out what you will say... or do."

Two strong strands of tough, taut hair wrapped themselves around the Tiger's legs. "And with the Titanet linking us, Dreamer can tell me exactly where you're standing..."

The Tiger hissed as she began to struggle. Spider-Girl just laughed as her hair tangled more and more around the Tiger. It was jarring though; she had to force herself to keep looking right at the Tiger, who seemed sort of there and sort of not. It's like her gaze kept sliding away. "I just conditioned it a few days back, you witch."

“I hope for your sake it grows back,” the Tiger hissed as she began slashing at Spider-Girl’s hair.

“Faster than you think,” Spider-Girl began to sweat. Dreamer stood, eyes closed, back straight as she tried to predict the Tiger’s next move. The Tiger was struggling too much for her to safely land a blow...

********************************************************************************

The Rabbit had been grappling with Thunder for the last quarter of an hour. Getting a flash of inspiration, he drove forward, smashing her into the surface of Dryad. Her grip loosened for the shortest of moments...

Enough time for the Rabbit to kick her in the stomach. Thunder winced; even with Atlas' stamina, that hurt.

"Now to finish you off," the Rabbit leaped forward...

... only to be met in the face with Karate Kid's foot. The martial artist landed on both foot, even as the Rabbit fell on his behind.

"You, the one without powers. I'll crush you like a bug," the Rabbit spat.

Karate Kid simply stood his ground, and motioned with his hand for the Rabbit to come.

As the Rabbit charged, Thunder intercepted him, smashing him into a rock pile. "Good teamwork!" she sent telepathically to Karate Kid. Val replied with a mental thumbs up, before leaping up and smashing his knee into the Rabbit's face.

The Rabbit was surprised, but not hurt. He cocked his arm back to punch Val… and Thunder crashed into him again.

“Mopey, he’s strong!” Thunder grappled with him; she could stalemate him, but not much more…

********************************************************************************
The Ox roared as XS ran in circles around him. "Stand still, blast you!" he yelled as he commanded the ground to shake. Weeds and thorny bushes grew, but XS stepped around them nimbly as she ran.

"Has anyone ever actually stood still when you asked them to?" Wildfire said as he flew above the Ox. "Wait, don't answer that, I don't give a sprock." Channeling his anti-energy into a pinpoint beam, Wildfire fired right at the Ox's face.

“This squaj is taking much more of my energy than I expected!” Wildfire called to XS.

“I know, and it’s not easy to dodge all his plants,” XS sent back as she zipped past a growing thicket of thorns.

********************************************************************************

"M... Mysa..." the Dragon stammered as the White Witch levitated herself towards him.

"You have lost the right to call me by my name," she replied coldly as she spun a spell to paralyze the Dragon.

"I have good reasons for doing this!" the Dragon used one of his specialty spells, a draining spell. The White Witch staggered as he started draining the magics from her.

"Stop that." A whirring sound was the Dragon's only warning, as a metal disk flew through the air and hit his right hand. Cursing, the Dragon clutched his bleeding, battered hand in pain. He turned to see Magno, two metallic disks hovering by his head.

Uttering a transmutation smell, the Dragon turned both disks into paper. Then he reached out to send a dragon-form at Magno...

... only to find his arms both pinned to his sides. Then he felt a force pull him into the air, and smash him back into the ground.

"I hate traitors," Gravity hissed as he made the Dragon tumble head over heels across the surface of Dryad.

"So do I," the White Witch sounded like ice, as she began casting a spell to encase the Dragon in a crystal prison.

Concentrating his power, the Dragon burst free - Gravity blocked most of the crystal shards with his power, while Magno propelled his magnetic disks at the Dragon again. Cursing, Xao loosed a half-dozen dragonforms. Mysa knew most of his spells by now… he wondered if he could break through the three Legionnaires around him.

********************************************************************************

"Just let me go!" The Rat said as Timber Wolf pursued her. "You can't hurt me!"

"No, but I can keep you busy so you don't hurt anyone else," Timber Wolf snarled.

"Ugh, men, never know when to take No for an answer," the Rat quipped as she dove into the earth. Surfacing a few meters away, she poked her head out of the ground cautiously to look around. Seeing the other Zodiac Signs and Legionnaires battling in the distance, she rose, turning herself tangible and thinking of her next move...

... and cried out as something smacked into the back of her head. She turned around, only to see nobody.

"Boo," Invisible Kid's voice sounded as another hand chopped into her back.

Gritting her teeth, the Rat sank into the ground again. She chastised herself mentally for not being careful enough; always stay intangible until she needed to touch something! She emerged from the rock a few meters later...

"Thought you could get away?" Timber Wolf smiled as he leaned above her. From far away, Dreamer smiled and waved.

The Rat cursed as she dove once more under the surface. Between Timber Wolf's smell, Dreamer's precognition, and likely the telepaths using the Titanet, they could anticipate where she would surface... She considered her options. Why were the Legionnaires doing so well now? Besides losing the element of surprise, what were the Zodiacs doing wrong...

... well, of course. The Legionnaires were not only better prepared, but they were acting as a team.

The Rat realized she needed to even the playing field. Yes, the Legionnaires could not touch her - not with Mentalla occupied - but this also meant the Rat could not do anything to continue the spell.

She swam through the rock, towards the middle of the circle. She popped her head out again, to see Timber Wolf, Dreamer, Element Lass and Particon all staring at her.

"Stand down, Kono," Timber Wolf snarled.

"No, I don't think so." Reminding herself she was literally untouchable, the Rat ran through the four Legionnaires, and at her target... Thunder. She leaped through the body of the Legionnaire from the future, activating the tiny totem she had palmed from the Pig. It was a very weak magical object, so weak that the Pig had never detected it even while the Rat had hidden it on her person. But it was sufficient to boost her power just enough... just enough to disrupt the magical lightning powering the powerful Legionnaire's body.

"Ugh.... ahhhhh!" Thunder screamed as she reverted back to her normal self, a powerless teenage girl. Kono smiled as she used her phasing powers on Thunder, rendering the Legionnaire intangible.

Karate Kid knew what happened, but his training told him he had to move fast and not let himself get distracted. "I need backup," he thought to his teammates, before mentally removing all distractions and focusing on the Rabbit. Val twisted his body to evade a kick, then slammed his elbow onto the Rabbit's foot. The Rabbit scowled. Val turned his upper body, getting ready to slam his knee into the Rabbit's neck...

... and then Val felt something enter his chest. He looked down, to see the Rat's pale yellow arm sticking through him. He screamed in pain as the Rat squeezed his heart from inside of him.

"No!" Echo cried, sending sonic waves at Kono. She just laughed as the attack passed harmlessly through her. "Go, Rabbit! Go help the Pig!" she urged at her recovering fellow Zodiac Sign.

"Gladly," the Rabbit said as he sped at Amp and Mentalla.

"No!" Timber Wolf and Ferro both leaped in front of the Rabbit; but Oswald Lepus was too strong. He slammed into both of them, sending them flying in opposite directions. And he grinned with glee as he saw the horrified faces of Amp and Mentalla coming closer and closer.

He heard Amp say something about increasing their durability, even as Mentalla tried to enter his mind. But the Rat leaped out of the ground and reached into the blond telepath's form; Mentalla fell with a cry as she felt her stomach get punched from the inside. The Rabbit in turn backhanded Amp, causing the brunette to cry out as she fell, nose bloodied, to the ground.

As Mentalla's hold on him vanished, the Pig swayed. The Rabbit caught him as he fell forward.

"How can we finish the spell?" The Rat demanded, even as the Rabbit sat the Pig down.

The Pig's eyes glowed. "With that Titanian witch out of my mind, I can copy all their powers." With a wave of his hand, he created an inertron wall around them, reinforced by a glowing pink energy wall. Then he pulled out a pendant from around his neck. The Rat kept her face smooth, but the Rabbit sneered. "I thought we were to use ALL the magical objects for the spell?"

The Pig ignored him. "Over the centuries, soldiers have fallen in defense of the great Middle Kingdom," he said. Grabbing a knife and slicing his arm open, the Pig let his blood drop on the pendant. "I call on them now to serve us!"

The Rat and the Rabbit stared, open-mouthed, as the air above them shimmered... and thousands of ghostly forms on horseback, as well as hundreds of glowing Zodiac animal forms, appeared.

"Go! Kill the Legionnaires!" The Pig pointed, and as one, the army charged.

"Keep them off me," the Pig told the Rat and the Rabbit, even as he ran to the glowing red sphere that hovered in the middle of their battlefield.

The Rat and the Rabbit watched as the ghostly army descended on the Legionnaires. Timber Wolf and XS had come to help Mentalla and Amp to their feet; the four were now running away from the charge of the ghostly army.

The Rat just shook her head. "I mean... do we even need to do anything more? I don't see how they're going to live through this."

"Then you lack imagination." The Rat jumped as an image of Micah Aven appeared beside her. "Did you think we were just watching, not doing anything, as this battle raged? The Legion takes care of its own, little girl."

And as if to prove Micah Aven's point, a glowing bluish-white triangle appeared above the battlefield...

... and Shikari, one wing limp and bent, flew through. Kid Quantum, sitting in a floating chair, followed behind her.

"Sprock me," the Rat and Wildfire both said, at the same time.

"We couldn't let you have all the fun," Kid Quantum said; her voice was still faint, but full of conviction. Behind her, more Legionnaires appeared. Andromeda had a bandage on her face; Ultra Boy hobbled on crutches; Violet had one arm in a sling. Most of the others were in floating chairs or even beds. But they were all there. Pain and exhaustion were evident on their faces... but so was conviction and determination.

"Let's finish this, Legionnaires!" Kid Quantum pointed, and the team poured out of the Threshold.
Hey Ib.
back for some more R&R. But before i do that...

As far as the Flight Rings go, i did some research and you were right. as always you're great with your knowledge of Reboot cannon. those functions are both a Harbinger and Threeboot concept. But in my own writing i gave my version of the Reboot the eco-protection function for the flight rings. So there will be a flashback story coming about how this happened i guess lol.

I just figured the Robatican's had many types and a highly advanced human-like android would be part of their world. I understand that they don't attempt to on purpose. But that maybe over the centuries of collecting Robots/AI there happened to be one or a few that's all.

Idk what it is about Dawnstar. But i've never liked her in anything I've read. Cannon and non-cannon. But i've always loved Shikari and saw them very differently. it might be because of the very stereotyped look she has idk. She's just always rubbed me the wrong way. Her aloofness maybe. i can't exactly explain it.

no problem on Cham. its one of those things that's easy to over look with him.

Starting off this R&R I'm picking up with the team in the 90th Century helping Thunder.
Ok, so i was wrong and it wasn't Gluttony that had gotten Thunder.

i had to laugh a little bit when it realized that Calorie Queen and gotten Gluttony. i should have figured with the ability to eat anything that she'd be their perfect choice of hosts.
Live Wire and Lamprey's combo was pretty cool trick. I forgot that Garth can do the lighting eyes thing. he doesn't do it often though because of it hurting right?
i totally forgot that Spark is more powerful now. That's something that i think needs to be focused on!

Ahh that makes sense that they can't access everything within their minds. This is so going to make this easier to fight their teammates. The sins are so much more cerebral than any of us give them credit for when it comes to their battle tactics.

Brin's battle with Calorie Queen was pretty cool. Seeing the two go back and forth and him springing all over the place.
The bus part was my favorite visual for this battle as i could see him easily walking on the bus surface for a short time before running up and off to the pole.

Microbe using the snowball to deliver her microbes was well done and the best way to get to Brek for sure. what is the range she can "shoot" her microbes to affect one person?

Gear is so underrated. The dude can turn into anything his body can think of that is organic tec! like come on Gravity/Envy!
Ok Tel and Jed fighting again about sharing and being sexy is funny. But i hope its not a trope we see too much with them. I understand sexuality and sensuality is a part of everyone but it seems like in a lot of literature its turned up to 11 for gay and bi males and it ends becoming so much of who they are that there isn't room for anything else. I love these two and them together. i think i'd just love to see more of their interest and less sexualization of them. Not that your are doing a bad job or that you are doing this a great deal. its just after the foursome post and then this one its something i think is worth noting to be aware of.

Wow, Mentalla is pretty powerful is she can keep Thunder stopped in her tracks for as long as she did.
Loved how Tinya turned off Wildfire's suit. Even if she didn't affect things on electronic level after her resurrection she could still just solidify different parts to affect the suit. But i do enjoy her "ghostly" powers.
i enjoyed the debate that the team had and how they decided it be best to go back and get help. the fact that they can do that now is a luxury.
Mentalla and Thunder's plan sounds like a good one. but agreed go get the help.

It's interesting that the sins imprisonment made them weaker. But i guess without sentients to fuel those "base desirers" it makes sense. Its more like their a parasite feeding than giving power to its host.
Oh snap, so the team getting taken over was part of the plan! i didn't see that coming. good reveal.
Man i think Kid Quantum is over due for a vacation.
Brainy being extra diligent when it comes to time travel makes sense. i wouldn't want to be arrested again for that. Although it might be the only time he gets to think quietly again. laugh
Good thinking on Thunder's part to let the local authorities know who the legion is and that they might come for a visit. I'm slightly surprised that the Science Police make it to the 90th century.
Mentalla - oo that is a great distinction of how her powers work. the pushing of the levers and buttons great analogy!
And with the Magic words the Sins are down for the count and back in their vessels.

Hhaha "What did i eat!" Love Calorie Queens comments.
i like that this possession wasn't the same as with the Blight and that it was more like an out of body experience.
Haahah Brainy literally running to get out of the future and not see any more future tech so he doesn't create something dangerous was hilarious. i couldn't help but laugh at this moment.
its really nice to see Tinya making an effort with Mysa.
Oh crap this is about to go down for Timber Wolf. He's got a new girl interested in him while also having to deal with his dad. this isn't going to an easy time for Brin that's for sure.
i wonder if Brin even notices Calorie Queen's flirting.
And so we get Zunn, experimented on by his dad, but we also get Karth Arn the android. Timber Wolf's origin is shaping up nicely and you've peeked by curiosity. why did he need to experiment on him? how did it save his life?

Next on to Mysa and the crew checking on Mordru.
This was a well done moment and shows 1. just how much procaution they are taking with Mordru, and 2 that Mysa and Zoe still have quite a bit of work to do on their relationship or rather building one that isn't based on their old one. Maybe Mysa can teach Zoe some magic and Zoe can teach her some stuff about life as a young woman of the 31st century.

Jo keeping Brek out of the argument was funny. Brek just doesn't seem to get when to let things happen. Sometimes these emotions and arguments need to happen in order to really move on.

I will say i'm just glad Mysa's own enchantments didn't wake up Mordru.

On to Lallor -
i really enjoy the bits you bring up about the different worlds of the UP. it makes me wonder just how many worlds out there are thought of as x imitation of Earth and how much of a complex that gives these worlds. We've seen what Xanthu is like and now Lallor. Gates makes some great points about the presentation. Lallor needs better writers to boost its moral and self image. Gates evoking Gim's codename was risky.

all the animals sound really cool and would love images of them.

I felt bad for Tellus through out this who segment. Gates was trying his best to be supportive. But he's so harsh about it. I know he wants to see Tellus succeed but he needs to learn another way to say it.

Having special criteria for different members that require it is a really good idea! you've got a lot of great practical steps for missions and how the Legion is being run. (which is why you need to introduce the eco-protect :P)

Val and Sussa's moment was well done and i like that they are be coming friendlier now that their in the Legion vs the Workforce. loloh they are for sure a family!

Babbage and Tomb - this was an interesting moment. Tomb's speech pattern took a couple rereads to get around. But it works for his character. makes him seem more mysterious.
I like that Babbage tries to enter into a standard conversation and how he uses it to gather even more data. Maybe a post on how hard it can be for Babbage to relate would be nice. We get snippets here and there. But a full on post might be interesting.

I''m glad Babbage doesn't have cameras everywhere but it would make for an interesting story if he did or tapped into the security systems because he was trying to understand something that he couldn't get enough data on through conversation.

So Tomb loves new stimuli but isn't expressive about it in the ways we understand. interesting. i can see why Babbage was confused with him.

Poor Splitter. But at least he's trying to make the best of it.
As mean as Spider-girl's thoughts could be, i don't fully disagree. i like Floyd but he just wouldn't be the best Legionnaire.
Beastmaster is just upset and he really doesn't like the Legion coming to help it seems.
haha i chuckled a little bit at the idea of Gates challenging Beastmaster.
I have a feeling Nightwind and Gates may be coming to blows soon with how short she seems with him.

When animals attack!! Geeze those attacks sound brutal.
That's an interesting aspect of Beastmaster's powers i never considered. That he could actually communicate with the animals he's turned into. The animal instinct taking over is an interesting aspect i hadn't ever considered but i wonder if its based on the animal itself. the more "savage" the animal the harder it is to get back to being human for him? or if it depends on how many transformations he does and it slowly deteriorates his mind. lots to think about.

All the small teams seemed like fun choices to bounce off each other. Maybe next time Hotspot!
Gate! stop bring up things from the 20th century! we get it, you've been twice for extended stays. Stop spilling the secrets. lol

I enjoy how Babbage is always questioned about really needing anyone's help and he always explains it so well as to why he does need the help. he's based in logic. So it makes sense that he wouldn't see nor think of every angel they could look at to determine a cause for the animals going wild.
i enjoyed seeing Staq getting into the detective work.

Great job Tellus he's really trying hard to read these animals.
I liked that Vapor said something to Beastmaster and that she's seeing it too. Maybe whatever is happening to the animals is affecting him too.
Man when Tellus was getting those images it looked like it really took its toll on him.
I really like the idea of being able to recorded psychic images/memories. something i think could be a fun storyline to play with.

Karate Kid trying to hold himself back from yelling at Gates was interesting mainly because i don't think i've ever really noticed Val being annoyed by him. But i guess when someone complains as much as he does, it can get grating on everyone.

Hahah Hotspot getting upset that he was being pulled away from the job he didn't want in the first place was super funny.
I enjoyed seeing Splitter and Spider-girl working together and easily they flowed.

great teamwork with saving the tourist. I liked the Nightwind and Tellus combo.

I'm with Spider-girl and seeing all those animals swarm him, i wouldn't want any of them to touch me.
I always forget about how defensive Gates teleport discs can be. i really gotta remember that.
Ouch! Beastmaster really got it there. Those birds are pretty smart to bring him in like that for a trap.
WOW! Beastmaster really went all in. i half expected that the team wouldn't be able to reach him and they'd have to fight him too. At least none of those birds were killed and can be healed.
That's great that Tellus was able to connect with him. i enjoy their budding friendship. I wonder if part of the reason they can connect is because Tellus is Hykrian and even though his people are the dominate species and are highly intelligent that they are still an animal that Beastmaster can connect with.
Man Gates give it a rest and let Tellus be! i know he's trying to be encouraging. but its just coming off super over barring.

Oh, so the Dark Circle is involved somehow or at least the remnants of it...
And the battle begins. Loved how Stoneboy just dropped in.
Spider-girl they never think about the fact that their harming their own ship. its shoot first ask questions later.
I wish Splitter could recall his limbs or make them move while detached.
haha watching Val take out everyone and then when Floyd tried to warn him and Sussa is like don't bother, he's fine was funny. laugh
Val does seem to be his happiest while taking down the scum.
Nightwind teasing Gates was a nice change of pace. i wish he joked more/they joked more with him.

Ok, i'm slightly confused. So they used the sub-sonic ray on the animals they captured and it sent that signal of fear and anger to the other animals? or they went out a used it on the animals but then captured one of each kind? sorry, just trying to understand how a sub-sonic ray could cause the animals to go wild like that.
Tomb was pretty cool with taking out the Dominators.
Beastmaster is lucky Tellus was with him. he could have gone full feral mode.
tellus really does just need more confidence. i know 30 animal minds is a lot but i know he can do it. The two of them really are forming a very symbiotic relationship.
Ahh so this is new tech that the Dominatoris and Tyrannzzi came up with...Here's hoping they got all the plans.

Awww and so we lose Tellus. it seems Lallor is a much better place for him to learn and grow and knowing how much he will be helping Beastmaster is a great reason to stay.
Gates and Tellus moment was well done. i really liked how Tellus finally stood up for himself but that Gates was only trying to give was congrats was cute. i liked it a lot. Yes, Gates quit while your ahead.
Hmmm wait there ore missing? that's not good...

Ahhh so Lusyo was a plant and can sense magical objects...So then its the Pig. I can't wait to discover who is the Pig!
Thanks for posting the updated three laws in full.

On to Aleph
And now were really brining it back to when you started this series and seeing the Legacy of Zoe and Candi.
Spark was such comic relief for this post. But i'm with her. i wouldn't really care about being there either. free food all the way! lol.
Loved the talk about how the Fashion institute was designed with the old Aleph culture in mind. But did you mean to say that Vi and Zoe weren't surprised instead of Vi and XS? because i would think Zoe shouldn't be surprised about ruins on her home world and ones her mom is working on. tongue
Proty shifting into the different outfits was cute.

hahah omg you brought in Plaid Lad! that's amazing. loving all the little Easter eggs. i also like seeing someone with a power who knows outright that just because they have a power doesn't make them hero material. i like where you've taken Plaid Lad.
Its interesting how you have Lori picking up on the friendships between Zoe, Vi, and Mabuhay. This seems to be a good teaching moment for her about how friendships can work. But i will say it seemed like she was seeing it more like Zoe and Vi were a couple and that Mabuhay was coming in between them. it might also just be her over protectiveness of the team. Lori seems that way alot through these post.
Oh hey, its Yera making another appearance. Does your Yera have hair? for some reason i envision her without it. But wanted to know if i was crazy or that was a description used. lol.

Awww Candi and her dad! is this their first real moment since her return? I love to see how far he's come from when we first learned about him in Legion Lost # 2.
I kind of forgot that Tenzil and Vi were a thing now. its cute but at the same time idk. They don't speak couple to me.
this was a fun beginning to these adventures and i look forward to seeing what comes next! hopefully more r&r soon!
Originally Posted by Omni
Hey Ib.
back for some more R&R. But before i do that...

As far as the Flight Rings go, i did some research and you were right. as always you're great with your knowledge of Reboot cannon. those functions are both a Harbinger and Threeboot concept. But in my own writing i gave my version of the Reboot the eco-protection function for the flight rings. So there will be a flashback story coming about how this happened i guess lol.

Thanks for checking, Omni! Climate shielding IS useful... I did go check Legion of 3 World, because I remembered the Brainiacs talking about climate-shielding in flight rings. Retroboot did, Threeboot did, but Reboot Brainy side-stepped the question... smile looking forward to your flashback giving them climate shielding! It IS more useful than the transuits... sometimes it's so tricky, because Brainy theoretically can solve pretty much any problem or make any enhancement!


Originally Posted by Omni
I just figured the Robatican's had many types and a highly advanced human-like android would be part of their world. I understand that they don't attempt to on purpose. But that maybe over the centuries of collecting Robots/AI there happened to be one or a few that's all.


true, androids that look like humans probably are out there smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Idk what it is about Dawnstar. But i've never liked her in anything I've read. Cannon and non-cannon. But i've always loved Shikari and saw them very differently. it might be because of the very stereotyped look she has idk. She's just always rubbed me the wrong way. Her aloofness maybe. i can't exactly explain it.

fair enough smile

Originally Posted by Omni
no problem on Cham. its one of those things that's easy to over look with him.

thanks smile it's a fine line with Cham!

Originally Posted by Omni
Starting off this R&R I'm picking up with the team in the 90th Century helping Thunder.
Ok, so i was wrong and it wasn't Gluttony that had gotten Thunder.

i had to laugh a little bit when it realized that Calorie Queen and gotten Gluttony. i should have figured with the ability to eat anything that she'd be their perfect choice of hosts.
Live Wire and Lamprey's combo was pretty cool trick. I forgot that Garth can do the lighting eyes thing. he doesn't do it often though because of it hurting right?
i totally forgot that Spark is more powerful now. That's something that i think needs to be focused on!

yup, I remember Garth doing that in... Legionnaires 57 I think, and it hurt his eyes for a bit smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Ahh that makes sense that they can't access everything within their minds. This is so going to make this easier to fight their teammates. The sins are so much more cerebral than any of us give them credit for when it comes to their battle tactics.

yes, thank goodness tongue this would have been a much much longer story if the Sins were fully competent battlers lol

Originally Posted by Omni
Brin's battle with Calorie Queen was pretty cool. Seeing the two go back and forth and him springing all over the place.
The bus part was my favorite visual for this battle as i could see him easily walking on the bus surface for a short time before running up and off to the pole.

glad you like! I also like focusing on Brin's agility to help differentiate him from some of the other physical types!

Originally Posted by Omni
Microbe using the snowball to deliver her microbes was well done and the best way to get to Brek for sure. what is the range she can "shoot" her microbes to affect one person?

I think Microbe's range is about the same range where one can infect someone else with a contagious airborne disease. teammates like Nightwind are her best friends battle-wise smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Gear is so underrated. The dude can turn into anything his body can think of that is organic tec! like come on Gravity/Envy!
Ok Tel and Jed fighting again about sharing and being sexy is funny. But i hope its not a trope we see too much with them. I understand sexuality and sensuality is a part of everyone but it seems like in a lot of literature its turned up to 11 for gay and bi males and it ends becoming so much of who they are that there isn't room for anything else. I love these two and them together. i think i'd just love to see more of their interest and less sexualization of them. Not that your are doing a bad job or that you are doing this a great deal. its just after the foursome post and then this one its something i think is worth noting to be aware of.

right, Gear is so versatile!

and thanks, I had also thought of that, and don't worry - I slipped that sensuality in here because Lust was involved, but will focus on other aspects later. I was worried about that too, as I do not want to play into stereotypes too much. thank you for sharing this, and in such a thoughtful way smile


Originally Posted by Omni
Wow, Mentalla is pretty powerful is she can keep Thunder stopped in her tracks for as long as she did.
Loved how Tinya turned off Wildfire's suit. Even if she didn't affect things on electronic level after her resurrection she could still just solidify different parts to affect the suit. But i do enjoy her "ghostly" powers.
i enjoyed the debate that the team had and how they decided it be best to go back and get help. the fact that they can do that now is a luxury.
Mentalla and Thunder's plan sounds like a good one. but agreed go get the help.

Thanks, Mentalla is a bit underrated too indeed smile I should probably have a scene establishing her limits and abilities more... and yeah, Tinya does not need to destroy things, she can just turn them off tongue

Originally Posted by Omni
It's interesting that the sins imprisonment made them weaker. But i guess without sentients to fuel those "base desirers" it makes sense. Its more like their a parasite feeding than giving power to its host.
Oh snap, so the team getting taken over was part of the plan! i didn't see that coming. good reveal.
Man i think Kid Quantum is over due for a vacation.
Brainy being extra diligent when it comes to time travel makes sense. i wouldn't want to be arrested again for that. Although it might be the only time he gets to think quietly again. laugh
Good thinking on Thunder's part to let the local authorities know who the legion is and that they might come for a visit. I'm slightly surprised that the Science Police make it to the 90th century.
Mentalla - oo that is a great distinction of how her powers work. the pushing of the levers and buttons great analogy!
And with the Magic words the Sins are down for the count and back in their vessels.

glad the reveal worked! and being Legion leader is tough, I wouldn't want it - you're right, poor Kid Q needs a break! LOL at Brainy thinking quietly smile re Science Police, my headcanon is that the name at least makes it that far, but I expect their function has changed a lot since then!

Originally Posted by Omni
Hhaha "What did i eat!" Love Calorie Queens comments.
i like that this possession wasn't the same as with the Blight and that it was more like an out of body experience.

yeah, I didn't want to make it just like the Blight - it's been done, plus a lot of other things are gonna happen so I don't want to deal with the trauma of possession again lol

Originally Posted by Omni
Oh crap this is about to go down for Timber Wolf. He's got a new girl interested in him while also having to deal with his dad. this isn't going to an easy time for Brin that's for sure.
i wonder if Brin even notices Calorie Queen's flirting.
And so we get Zunn, experimented on by his dad, but we also get Karth Arn the android. Timber Wolf's origin is shaping up nicely and you've peeked by curiosity. why did he need to experiment on him? how did it save his life?

heh smile Brin does not notice it yet, not in this scene. but yeah, a lot was needed! More to come on Brin and his dad and Karth Arn in volume 5 smile


Originally Posted by Omni
Next on to Mysa and the crew checking on Mordru.
This was a well done moment and shows 1. just how much procaution they are taking with Mordru, and 2 that Mysa and Zoe still have quite a bit of work to do on their relationship or rather building one that isn't based on their old one. Maybe Mysa can teach Zoe some magic and Zoe can teach her some stuff about life as a young woman of the 31st century.

I think Mysa and Zoe could be good for each other, maybe not as friends friends but as teammates who help each other smile (and Mordru was such a big bad, all the precautions make sense!)

Originally Posted by Omni
Jo keeping Brek out of the argument was funny. Brek just doesn't seem to get when to let things happen. Sometimes these emotions and arguments need to happen in order to really move on.

I will say i'm just glad Mysa's own enchantments didn't wake up Mordru.


totally! Brek can be a bit ... what is a good word. well he needs to learn a bit still. and good point, after all if Mysa used to much magic it could easily wake Mordru!


Originally Posted by Omni
On to Lallor -
i really enjoy the bits you bring up about the different worlds of the UP. it makes me wonder just how many worlds out there are thought of as x imitation of Earth and how much of a complex that gives these worlds. We've seen what Xanthu is like and now Lallor. Gates makes some great points about the presentation. Lallor needs better writers to boost its moral and self image. Gates evoking Gim's codename was risky.

there could certainly be more worlds out there like Lallor and Xanthu! smile and yeah, if Gates had talked like that about Leviathan in front of some other Legionnaires.... whooo boy!


Originally Posted by Omni
all the animals sound really cool and would love images of them.

if I could draw, I would tongue

Originally Posted by Omni
I felt bad for Tellus through out this who segment. Gates was trying his best to be supportive. But he's so harsh about it. I know he wants to see Tellus succeed but he needs to learn another way to say it.

Gates definitely needs to work on the "how"! I have a friend just like that, means well but comes off so overbearing about it...

Originally Posted by Omni
Having special criteria for different members that require it is a really good idea! you've got a lot of great practical steps for missions and how the Legion is being run. (which is why you need to introduce the eco-protect :P)

haha I am tempted, I am tempted... tongue


Originally Posted by Omni
Val and Sussa's moment was well done and i like that they are be coming friendlier now that their in the Legion vs the Workforce. loloh they are for sure a family!

I thought this was needed, poor Sussa has been through a lot actually between leaving the Workforce and joining the Legion smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Babbage and Tomb - this was an interesting moment. Tomb's speech pattern took a couple rereads to get around. But it works for his character. makes him seem more mysterious.
I like that Babbage tries to enter into a standard conversation and how he uses it to gather even more data. Maybe a post on how hard it can be for Babbage to relate would be nice. We get snippets here and there. But a full on post might be interesting.

I''m glad Babbage doesn't have cameras everywhere but it would make for an interesting story if he did or tapped into the security systems because he was trying to understand something that he couldn't get enough data on through conversation.

So Tomb loves new stimuli but isn't expressive about it in the ways we understand. interesting. i can see why Babbage was confused with him.

Glad you liked these! perhaps Babbage could use a bit more time in the spotlight smile nice ideas about Babbage too!

Originally Posted by Omni
Poor Splitter. But at least he's trying to make the best of it.
As mean as Spider-girl's thoughts could be, i don't fully disagree. i like Floyd but he just wouldn't be the best Legionnaire.
Beastmaster is just upset and he really doesn't like the Legion coming to help it seems.
haha i chuckled a little bit at the idea of Gates challenging Beastmaster.
I have a feeling Nightwind and Gates may be coming to blows soon with how short she seems with him.

I can definitely see Gates and Nightwind having a word war wink

Originally Posted by Omni
When animals attack!! Geeze those attacks sound brutal.
That's an interesting aspect of Beastmaster's powers i never considered. That he could actually communicate with the animals he's turned into. The animal instinct taking over is an interesting aspect i hadn't ever considered but i wonder if its based on the animal itself. the more "savage" the animal the harder it is to get back to being human for him? or if it depends on how many transformations he does and it slowly deteriorates his mind. lots to think about.

I certainly would not want to be caught outside of a tourist craft when those animals attack! lots to think about re Beastmaster too, but indeed I see it as him "becoming" the animal, in contrast to Chameleon who just takes their shape.

Originally Posted by Omni
All the small teams seemed like fun choices to bounce off each other. Maybe next time Hotspot!
Gate! stop bring up things from the 20th century! we get it, you've been twice for extended stays. Stop spilling the secrets. lol

I enjoy how Babbage is always questioned about really needing anyone's help and he always explains it so well as to why he does need the help. he's based in logic. So it makes sense that he wouldn't see nor think of every angel they could look at to determine a cause for the animals going wild.
i enjoyed seeing Staq getting into the detective work.

glad these bits work! and Gates needs to be better at discretion indeed haha!

Originally Posted by Omni
Great job Tellus he's really trying hard to read these animals.
I liked that Vapor said something to Beastmaster and that she's seeing it too. Maybe whatever is happening to the animals is affecting him too.
Man when Tellus was getting those images it looked like it really took its toll on him.
I really like the idea of being able to recorded psychic images/memories. something i think could be a fun storyline to play with.

Karate Kid trying to hold himself back from yelling at Gates was interesting mainly because i don't think i've ever really noticed Val being annoyed by him. But i guess when someone complains as much as he does, it can get grating on everyone.


re Karate Kid, indeed. I remember Karate Kid talking badly about Brainy in LSH 111, so I can imagine he would also be irked at Gates' constant complaining.

Originally Posted by Omni
Oh, so the Dark Circle is involved somehow or at least the remnants of it...
And the battle begins. Loved how Stoneboy just dropped in.
Spider-girl they never think about the fact that their harming their own ship. its shoot first ask questions later.
I wish Splitter could recall his limbs or make them move while detached.
haha watching Val take out everyone and then when Floyd tried to warn him and Sussa is like don't bother, he's fine was funny. laugh
Val does seem to be his happiest while taking down the scum.
Nightwind teasing Gates was a nice change of pace. i wish he joked more/they joked more with him.

it is quite a trope isn't it, bad guys attack and damage their own stuff! and yeah, after the Dark Circle collapsed I imagine some remnants got away, there were just so many of them.

Originally Posted by Omni
Ok, i'm slightly confused. So they used the sub-sonic ray on the animals they captured and it sent that signal of fear and anger to the other animals? or they went out a used it on the animals but then captured one of each kind? sorry, just trying to understand how a sub-sonic ray could cause the animals to go wild like that.
Tomb was pretty cool with taking out the Dominators.
Beastmaster is lucky Tellus was with him. he could have gone full feral mode.
tellus really does just need more confidence. i know 30 animal minds is a lot but i know he can do it. The two of them really are forming a very symbiotic relationship.
Ahh so this is new tech that the Dominatoris and Tyrannzzi came up with...Here's hoping they got all the plans.

no sorries needed smile It's a little fuzzy, but they did need to capture a specimen of a certain species to help configure the ray to target that species. and yeah, Tellus needs more confidence. this was my main takeaway from the early days when he was introduced, he always seemed so unsure!

Originally Posted by Omni
Awww and so we lose Tellus. it seems Lallor is a much better place for him to learn and grow and knowing how much he will be helping Beastmaster is a great reason to stay.
Gates and Tellus moment was well done. i really liked how Tellus finally stood up for himself but that Gates was only trying to give was congrats was cute. i liked it a lot. Yes, Gates quit while your ahead.
Hmmm wait there ore missing? that's not good...

Ahhh so Lusyo was a plant and can sense magical objects...So then its the Pig. I can't wait to discover who is the Pig!
Thanks for posting the updated three laws in full.

happy to smile and glad Tellus' staying on Lallor made sense - it's always a relief when someone "leaving" the Legion is seen as a good choice!

Originally Posted by Omni
On to Aleph
And now were really brining it back to when you started this series and seeing the Legacy of Zoe and Candi.
Spark was such comic relief for this post. But i'm with her. i wouldn't really care about being there either. free food all the way! lol.
Loved the talk about how the Fashion institute was designed with the old Aleph culture in mind. But did you mean to say that Vi and Zoe weren't surprised instead of Vi and XS? because i would think Zoe shouldn't be surprised about ruins on her home world and ones her mom is working on. tongue
Proty shifting into the different outfits was cute.


full circle indeed! very first post. I'm with Spark and you too, I'd just be munching on treats while everyone else is gallivanting around lol. and oops, indeed, Zoe was not surprised, I've edited that in. thanks!

Originally Posted by Omni
hahah omg you brought in Plaid Lad! that's amazing. loving all the little Easter eggs. i also like seeing someone with a power who knows outright that just because they have a power doesn't make them hero material. i like where you've taken Plaid Lad.
Its interesting how you have Lori picking up on the friendships between Zoe, Vi, and Mabuhay. This seems to be a good teaching moment for her about how friendships can work. But i will say it seemed like she was seeing it more like Zoe and Vi were a couple and that Mabuhay was coming in between them. it might also just be her over protectiveness of the team. Lori seems that way alot through these post.
Oh hey, its Yera making another appearance. Does your Yera have hair? for some reason i envision her without it. But wanted to know if i was crazy or that was a description used. lol.

thanks! I thought some of these powered people would have a clue, and be practical enough to know when they are not suited for crimefighting. there's lots of other things that can be done with some powers tongue ah interesting take on Lori's thoughts, I was just thinking when I was her age, I (and others) could be possessive of their friends smile

Yera definitely did not have hair in the early Preboot, but did have hair as Chameleon Girl. I figure that my Yera has hair whenever she wants, considering she's an actress smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Awww Candi and her dad! is this their first real moment since her return? I love to see how far he's come from when we first learned about him in Legion Lost # 2.
I kind of forgot that Tenzil and Vi were a thing now. its cute but at the same time idk. They don't speak couple to me.
this was a fun beginning to these adventures and i look forward to seeing what comes next! hopefully more r&r soon!

Candi's dad did appear at the end of Volume 3, to say hi to Candi: https://www.legionworld.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=872183#Post872183

fair enough about Tenzil and Vi, I think among the couples they are the most low-key. more of super best friends actually. I might have to do something about that... thanks again for the comments Omni, really appreciate it!
Hey IB!
I'm back for another round of R&R!

Aleph -
hahah i laughed at Spark being the judge and her reasons. but it makes sense that they might see something that a trained fashionista wouldn't that the average wearer would like. But it also seems like a staple of most judge panels these days. Gotta have that outsider POV.
Nice save there Zoe. doubt it would have gone well had she not. lol.
I hope Vi going to watch for Zoe's mom doesn't lead to trouble!
Loved XS telling Tenzil that good food is worth waiting for. So true! plus its great to hear her say that she's actually willing to be patient. lol tongue
oh Proty let Lori have some fun and a cupcake! lol
haha Proty being a serving spoon and Tenzil saying he had to be sterilized first was funny. I love all these small funny moments. I'm personally not great at them. So i love seeing your team have them.
Spark and Ferro's moment was really well done and i'd love to see the two of them become better friends.
You make Spark so funny.
Loved the story about Spark's mom. honestly i'm with her. i hate shopping and waiting 2 hours just to get in to shop. no way. did that once for a black friday sale here in the US and it was the worst. so tired and crowded.
Yera makes a great point about the contest. the numbers are a good idea but i think that's why this contest should be for armatures and not professionals. Or at the least those whose styles haven't become renown.

Vi found them alright...a scream from reality? hmm that could be so many things....
Damn, so it really was all of reality. i wonder if anyone else like on Legion world felt something like it at the same time. (never mind got my answer! lol)

Loving the team just getting into action. Zoe could make a potential leader one day i think. tongue
Element Lass transmuting the table and choosing people first was great. mainly because she was upset at having to destroy the nice furniture. lol why is Tenzil on a diet? didn't we just learn he needs to gain some more muscle?

I loved seeing Lori the hero and not because of her powers but because of her compassion for the trapped little girl. i wish Lori would learn just how much she can do without being a Legionnaire.
Good job Vi! i was worried Zoe might lose her family there for a second.

So did Azra and Thanot unearth something that caused this? OK well i guess they sort of did. Too much to catalogue at the moment makes sense.
I got my wish! Lori got to see how much she can help. here's hoping she can keep that in mind and find other ways to help.
Also on a side note i want a family dinner with RJ, Lu, and Lori. i think that would be fun to explore now that she's Lu's little sister.
Tenzil always makes me laugh when he describes the "food" he eats. lol

You know i wish our own people had such respect for the past. if they did then maybe we wouldn't still be dealing with stolen artifacts from cultures around the world that end up being sold by crap like Hobby-lobby or pottery barn. or having entire cultures ransacked never to know their stories again. but at least its protected.

Damn great save XS!

oh wow A Wellurian? damn we haven't seen one of them in ages. i actually forgot about them so much so that i gave Catspaw a whole new planet. lol. You know i'm glad you're bringing them back in. i think there is more story there with how much they hate the Legion. Heck i could easily see them joining the Skarlarians and Tyranzzi's as a new dark circle of sorts. I forgot that they actually freed the Wellurians. my memory still has them under the kings rule. lol
I'm surprised the knockout gas didn't work...maybe there's a story there. but great quick thinking XS!
That's horrible, i had forgotten that moment for Spark, clearly.
Something tells me those secrets won't have to wait too long Zoe.

Questions first mission -
Imra did well on making Akiko feel better and welcomed.
She also tried to get the Wellurian to listen. Oh damn! Imra was rebuffed? those are some big time psychic shields.
Agreed the psychic shields must be doing something to her powers as well. But now we no for sure that it is definitely to do with defeating the Legion.

6 spots of the zodiac filled and we only know the id of Kono, Shakuq, Slizz, and Lusyo. So each of these races are the literal animal? well except Kono as far as we know Skarla is only symbolically related rats. I honestly thought it was symbolic and not actually being the animal until we got to these descriptions.

a sword? they stole a mystical sword?

Talok VIII -
I really do love the idea of Umbra communing with her ancestors through the shadows and i like how you explained how it worked a bit.
I find it interesting how it was her mother who tried to connect with her when they barely met. Umbra always seemed like she was closer with the older Shadow champions that the most recent ones.
They have similar treatment to Xanthu for the threshold gates only? Are their other tribe champions? we never really explored Talok VIII in cannon much. outside of them telling Umbra she needs to open up to the UP only for them to recede at the loss of her.
Aren't Science Police headquartered on every world that is part of the UP?

It's easy to forget how much decorum is on Umbra's world when all we ever see much of is the warrior aspect. So great job showcasing something different.
I liked how they were all ready to go into the Cave and Umbra's like nah you'll die. lol yeah i'd stay out too. laugh laugh laugh
Damn i thought the cave just about destroyed Umbra with how much shadows were flying out of that cave.
Wow, Dreamer was lucky with that vision. Those shadow daggers were super close.
Wait...something was thrown into the cave? so that could be the thing that was stolen from Aleph but now the question becomes what did they steal from the Cave? heck what could they steal other than one of the shadow champions? Did they take the first shadow champion?

So another transuit question their activated instead of put on here? or did they already have them on but they need to activate them? i thought they activated once inside. no need to do anything else. I think this might have been why i thought you had the eco-protect, because they activate them instead of putting them on. Which then makes me think that they are like the Daxamites who are in one 24/7.

Honestly, if your legion leader the best person to date is a former leader. only person who knows what your going through and won't complain. But i'm sure the next leader won't have the same problems. lol.
Poor Jazmin. she's running herself ragged it seems.
Brainy, your on the team, you have meetings to do. just deal. lol But glad Jazmin was able to sooth him by messaging his ego. lol
Seeing the meeting selection and what goes into it was interesting. Each one was well chosen.
I had forgotten that Nightwind had stepped down. But yes all of those positions need to be filled! maybe then Jazmin will find some time to relax.

i sure hope its not a cult working to awaken Mordru.
So it wasn't something stolen from Aleph...
I'm loving that how much work you've put into this spot about the meetings. All aspects of the team are represented! love it! Makes sense that Lu and Lyle would do some background checking and that its secret. The newbies especially i could see having issues with him doing so.

Good job Nura and seeing that team moral is a big part and getting everyone time off? that's going to be one tall order.
I would have just gone for the cake in the first place. lol laugh

We need more post with the whole team is what your saying with the meeting and how lively its getting right? tongue

Loved all these little character moments.
Like the fact that getting beaten by Chuck is a team tradition now or everyone gushing about Garth and Imra's honeymoon.
I know we technically got the subs. But i wish we had gotten to see them in action. maybe we need a flash back post from you about them. wink
Haahah! Poor Condo. i guess him and Gates will be spending some more time together. But i'm with Gates. i'd love to see more non-humanoids on the team.

I don't think we've ever see them this excited for a day off in a while. lol
I'm glad the whole team will be working on this though. That's a great chance to see many different team pairings and really check in with everyone at some point.

Troy and Delya are cute. its also funny to have XS of all people commenting on this moment. I'm sure she's had plenty that she wasn't to happy to have witnesses for. lol.
this is probably the most nervous we've seen Troy. lol they are both such dorks its sooo cute. i love that they still want to go out and learn. its always interesting to see what they learn about/ what we learn about them.

I like that Val is leading classes. But i'm slightly surprised they aren't mandatory/ knowing hand to hand combat without powers is mandatory. (achkem, Starboy!)

The boys are having a VR night. that sounds like it could be fun. especially playing a game that has every 20th/21st century hero, even the ones no ones heard of. lol.

So the cadets are off to Colu and some of the girls are going to another fashion show? the Ventura one that was mentioned on Aleph?
Lol love the commentary on Kinetix.

Awww poor Ferro! don't count yourself out yet. But maybe something will change for him...
Alright so we also have a brawler squad.
Drake's reaction to Kari was super cute. Maybe someday he'll say how he feels. Although i'm sure Kari knows.
Oh Brin wasn't too thrilled until he got a date too! lol. Maybe Brin's finally starting to see Calorie Queen's advanced smile

the married couples date was funny. Its nice to see Tel actually bonding with his teammates.
Hahah Imra tapping her temples was super funny. The girls just giving the guys a tough time is funny.

This were all great posts that i had a lot of fun reading and i can't wait to continue to catch up. Sadly that's all the time i have for tonight.
Keep it coming IB!
yay! you read fast Omni, wow!

Originally Posted by Omni
Aleph -
I love all these small funny moments. I'm personally not great at them. So i love seeing your team have them.

Thank you Omni, that is really high praise!

Originally Posted by Omni
Loved the story about Spark's mom. honestly i'm with her. i hate shopping and waiting 2 hours just to get in to shop. no way. did that once for a black friday sale here in the US and it was the worst. so tired and crowded.

Right? My mom-in-law says the same thing, she just cannot understand why people would wait in line so long...

Originally Posted by Omni
Loving the team just getting into action. Zoe could make a potential leader one day i think. tongue

ooh! maybe field leader, but I think she would not have much patience with teammates who are being dense tongue but intriguing idea!

Originally Posted by Omni
Element Lass transmuting the table and choosing people first was great. mainly because she was upset at having to destroy the nice furniture. lol why is Tenzil on a diet? didn't we just learn he needs to gain some more muscle?

he's on a special diet that limits carbs and is heavy on protein wink it won't be much fun sadly!

Originally Posted by Omni
I loved seeing Lori the hero and not because of her powers but because of her compassion for the trapped little girl. i wish Lori would learn just how much she can do without being a Legionnaire.

Hope Lori will indeed wink

Originally Posted by Omni
Also on a side note i want a family dinner with RJ, Lu, and Lori. i think that would be fun to explore now that she's Lu's little sister.
Tenzil always makes me laugh when he describes the "food" he eats. lol

that would be a good scene! I will put that on the to do list, thanks smile


Originally Posted by Omni
You know i wish our own people had such respect for the past. if they did then maybe we wouldn't still be dealing with stolen artifacts from cultures around the world that end up being sold by crap like Hobby-lobby or pottery barn. or having entire cultures ransacked never to know their stories again. but at least its protected.

we could certainly learn a bit from Aleph! smile


Originally Posted by Omni
oh wow A Wellurian? damn we haven't seen one of them in ages. i actually forgot about them so much so that i gave Catspaw a whole new planet. lol. You know i'm glad you're bringing them back in. i think there is more story there with how much they hate the Legion. Heck i could easily see them joining the Skarlarians and Tyranzzi's as a new dark circle of sorts. I forgot that they actually freed the Wellurians. my memory still has them under the kings rule. lol


Catspaw as a Wellurian would have made sense, I am almost sorry I didn't make her one!
Originally Posted by Omni
Questions first mission -
Imra did well on making Akiko feel better and welcomed.
She also tried to get the Wellurian to listen. Oh damn! Imra was rebuffed? those are some big time psychic shields.
Agreed the psychic shields must be doing something to her powers as well. But now we no for sure that it is definitely to do with defeating the Legion.

you picked that part up well smile the shields are to prevent them from inadvertently revealing whatever plan is up...


Originally Posted by Omni
6 spots of the zodiac filled and we only know the id of Kono, Shakuq, Slizz, and Lusyo. So each of these races are the literal animal? well except Kono as far as we know Skarla is only symbolically related rats. I honestly thought it was symbolic and not actually being the animal until we got to these descriptions.

it is a bit of both. the Zodiac Signs have to embody their Zodiac animal, so resembling them physicality does help with that. but on the other hand, why this particular Orandan and not any other? so there's more to it than just physical resemblance.


Originally Posted by Omni
Talok VIII -
I really do love the idea of Umbra communing with her ancestors through the shadows and i like how you explained how it worked a bit.
I find it interesting how it was her mother who tried to connect with her when they barely met. Umbra always seemed like she was closer with the older Shadow champions that the most recent ones.

I always read it as Umbra being about equally connected to each of them, in most scenes with the ancestors we just see a whole bunch of them without names. but you are correct that Tasmia and her mom only saw each other like 4 times, and without speaking too!

Originally Posted by Omni
They have similar treatment to Xanthu for the threshold gates only? Are their other tribe champions? we never really explored Talok VIII in cannon much. outside of them telling Umbra she needs to open up to the UP only for them to recede at the loss of her.
Aren't Science Police headquartered on every world that is part of the UP?

SP's are headquartered on every UP world, it's only the Thresholds - not all have a permanent open one. See Legion 24 for why, it was to help Talok ease in to being open again.

Legends of the Legion 3 established there is only one planetary champion, to help unite the 12 Tribes of Talok. And Legion 24 also showed this continuing. this is part of how the Shadow Cave and Darkfield work.

Originally Posted by Omni
heck what could they steal other than one of the shadow champions? Did they take the first shadow champion?

don't worry, it's not the Shadow Champion.

Originally Posted by Omni
So another transuit question their activated instead of put on here? or did they already have them on but they need to activate them? i thought they activated once inside. no need to do anything else. I think this might have been why i thought you had the eco-protect, because they activate them instead of putting them on. Which then makes me think that they are like the Daxamites who are in one 24/7.

Once a transuit is on, it automatically works unless someone turns it off. so the main thing is putting the transuits on. Insect Queen already had it on to prepare, she just turned it off temporarily to get a "feel" of Talok VIII. It is her first time, after all!

Originally Posted by Omni
I'm loving that how much work you've put into this spot about the meetings. All aspects of the team are represented! love it! Makes sense that Lu and Lyle would do some background checking and that its secret. The newbies especially i could see having issues with him doing so.

thanks! meetings can be boring so I'm glad this came off as interesting!

Originally Posted by Omni
We need more post with the whole team is what your saying with the meeting and how lively its getting right? tongue


you know I love writing all-team scenes wink
Originally Posted by Omni
I know we technically got the subs. But i wish we had gotten to see them in action. maybe we need a flash back post from you about them. wink
Haahah! Poor Condo. i guess him and Gates will be spending some more time together. But i'm with Gates. i'd love to see more non-humanoids on the team.


I would rather do a flash-forward than a flashback, but let's see wink

I would love more non-humanoids too, it's just that there were so many established humanoid minor characters already frown but let's see what we can do about that... though the team is already so big, so I'll have to grow them carefully...

Originally Posted by Omni
Troy and Delya are cute. its also funny to have XS of all people commenting on this moment. I'm sure she's had plenty that she wasn't to happy to have witnesses for. lol.
this is probably the most nervous we've seen Troy. lol they are both such dorks its sooo cute. i love that they still want to go out and learn. its always interesting to see what they learn about/ what we learn about them.

we really need a scene where someone teases XS about her crushes before... and yeah, Troy and Delya normally come off as so self-possessed, but it's funny to have them be all dorky with each other

Originally Posted by Omni
I like that Val is leading classes. But i'm slightly surprised they aren't mandatory/ knowing hand to hand combat without powers is mandatory. (achkem, Starboy!)

there was mandatory combat training that everyone had to go through, but once passing that it becomes more voluntary. there are mandatory refreshers of course, but as with all these things some Legionnaires put more effort into it than others.

Originally Posted by Omni
Oh Brin wasn't too thrilled until he got a date too! lol. Maybe Brin's finally starting to see Calorie Queen's advanced smile

Brin is not completely oblivious wink

Originally Posted by Omni
This were all great posts that i had a lot of fun reading and i can't wait to continue to catch up. Sadly that's all the time i have for tonight.
Keep it coming IB!


glad you liked it Omni and thanks again for your kind words!!
THE BIG FIGHT IS HERE, LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Lyle immediately checking on Jacques's welfare was a nice character bit smile

More fun teamups! I like how everyone compliments one another power-wise and/or tactically, but the winner for me was Candi and Particon being careful not to hurt the lightning beast...Candi is such a sweetheart, I'm glad you kept her around smile

I laughed at Spider-Girl saying she just conditioned her hair last night - gotta love Sussa! laugh

I love how Mysa is getting all cold and witchy in this fight! Mysa is one of those characters where you know it's really hit the fan if you have managed to get her mad!

And although it's a shame she's on the wrong side, love seeing my girl Kono get clever and kick butt!

Quote
The Pig ignored him. "Over the centuries, soldiers have fallen in defense of the great Middle Kingdom," he said. Grabbing a knife and slicing his arm open, the Pig let his blood drop on the pendant. "I call on them now to serve us!"

The Rat and the Rabbit stared, open-mouthed, as the air above them shimmered... and thousands of ghostly forms on horseback, as well as hundreds of glowing Zodiac animal forms, appeared.

This is such a cool image!!

And you just topped it with the injured Legionnaires all coming in to save the day!

I love how epic this has all become! To steal a phrase, more more more!
hiya raz, glad you're digging it!

Lyle still has a lot of residual guilt for Jacques' power nearly killing him smile I'm super glad Candi is here too, and she and Particon have some history fighting Mordru together. And Sussa always has something witty to say wink


yeah, and Mysa can be both cold-angry or blazing-angry too!

glad you liked these bits and the escalation at the end! big ghostly army versus big Legion army, whohoo!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Post ZH Legion: The Final Spell - 04/27/23 10:18 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Dryad

****************************************************************************************

The Pig watched as over two dozen injured Legionnaires joined their comrades on the battlefield. He snorted to himself as he saw a few others; he recognized Atmos and Vapor and most of their teams, and even some Reservists and support staff like Matter-Eater Lad and Mandalla, Rainbow and Flying Fox. He guessed that with magical disruptions being lessened throughout the galaxy, the Legionnaires were able to pull more of their forces here.

Dryad, emboldened, spoke. "I... am weak... but I will aid as best I can..." Slowly, feebly, a ring of stone surrounded the Legionnaires, providing cover. The Legionnaires murmured in appreciation; even with telepathic communications support, it was not easy getting their bearings against Twelve Zodiac Signs, a ghostly army, and magical Zodiac avatars.

The Pig laughed. The Legion thought they had reinforced themselves, but they had given him an advantage. The energies of the newcomers could replace those of the magical objects they had spirited away. With that cursed energy-draining Legion staff member away, everything was his for the taking. And Dryad was simply too weak to provide much aid.

The Pig plunged his hands into the red sphere that was collecting energies for the gods. Reciting the spells he had learned by heart, he nudged the spell to begin taking in energy from all present, whether Earth-born or not. He didn't care where they came from anymore; he just needed a little more to complete the spell... As the caster, only he was immune to its effects. Something the other Zodiac Signs did not know...

The Pig watched as M'Onel, with a face swollen almost beyond recognition, crashed into the Rabbit. Live Wire, scars and gashes ringing his arms, joined hands with Spark to begin absorbing the lightning from the Goat. Sizzle, leaning on Triad for support, also joined in. Chameleon, wincing in pain as he shifted into a winged form, evaded a leaping tiger. Umbra, looking regal even as her face showed her anger, smashed ghostly forms to bits with her darkfield - all while she remained seated. Gear, body sparking and creaking, painfully formed blasters from his wrists. Calorie Queen stood back-to-back with Timber Wolf, smashing at enemies left and right even as one of Calorie Queen's arms remained out of commission. Kinetix, a gaping scar running along her side, was being supported by Blizzard even as she wrapped the Monkey's clothing around his eyes. Chemical Kid leaned on Invisible Kid, even as Condo slowed down the Monkey's mteabolism.

Buoyed by the reinforcements, the Legionnaires drew together in a large stone circle, with their injured in the middle. Gates' green teleport disks and Veilmist's tell-tale purple aura appeared here and there, bringing allies into the natural fortress being formed by Dryad.

Even Thunder said her magic word again, joining the fight. Saturn Girl and Sensor, both sporting scars and bandages, hovered in the middle of their comrades, eyes closed; the Pig knew they were coordinating their allies and beguiling their enemies.

No matter. The Pig forced the spell along; and he threw his head back and laughed as energies began to flow from everyone. Legionnaires, their allies, and Zodiac Signs all fell to their knees; and the ghostly soldiers and Zodiac Sign avatars began fading away. Everyone was feeding into the spell, save the Pig himself.

"No!" The White Witch stood, facing the Pig. "You must not succeed!" She began weaving a counter-spell.

"I'm sorry Mysa, but no." The Dragon enveloped his former teacher in one of his dragon-forms. "We will also feed this spell," he whispered. "We must." The White Witch cried out as her counter-spell failed, and watched in horror as the red glowing sphere began to grow.

"Finally, finally..." The Pig breathed as the sphere grew...

The ground rumbled underneath the Pig. "I will not let you win!" The voice of Dryad sounded both angry and desperate, and the rock under the Pig erupted. But it was a feeble quake; too much of Dryad's energies had been absorbed...

The Pig laughed as he used M'Onel's power to fly. For added safety, he copied Apparition's power and phased most of his body. He watched as the spinning sphere grow bigger and bigger, watched as all those around him were forced to crouch down to the ground, sighing and groaning as they powered the spell...

... and the Pig, confident in his own victory, poured the last of his stolen powers into the same sphere that hung in front of him...

... and the red sphere grew slowly, and it began enveloping the entire surface of Dryad.

"Xao!" Mysa gripped at Dragonmage's arm. With the last of her strength, she pulled him so he faced her. Looking into his eyes, she cried, "What have you done!"

"What I needed to do," Xao said sadly. "I am sorry, Mysa. I thought I could temper the Pig's plan..."

"You did not need to do this!" Mysa began. But before she could finish, the red sphere enveloped them all...

****************************************************************************************

Dragonmage watched, transfixed, as the surface the red sphere washed over Dryad's surface. The bland, formless, rocky ground they were on was replaced slowly by finely woven carpets, decorated in with scenes of fierce battles and meadows of lush flowers.

Familiar pagodas and temples began growing out of the ground; Dragonmage had seen similar buildings when visiting his aunt and uncle in Beijing, on Earth. Red lanterns sprouted from the eaves of buildings, casting a soft light.

In front of the Pig, a giant golden gate appeared. And the gates slowly opened, showing a large altar covered with offerings of food and paper houses; Dragonmage recognized these as the kind his culture would burn, to send to their ancestors in the afterlife.

The middle of the altar held a thick clump of incense. And the incense suddenly began to burn, even though nobody lit it.

Several forms shimmered into view. They were all dressed in rich robes, elaborately embroidered, and wearing colorful crowns on their heads.

Dragonmage's heart leaped. He recognized them from the paintings and the stories... The Jade Emperor, the God of Heaven. Mother of the Great Chariot, the Queen of Heaven. The Queen Mother of the West, and the King Duke of the East.

The Queen Mother stepped forward, carefully lifting her shining white robes so they did not drag on the ground. She clasped her hands together in front of her, the long sleeves flowing together. She eyed the assemblage before her; beings of great power, by mortal standards. But not by hers. Most of them seemed heavily injured, and the stench of violence hung in the air.

"Who summons us, and for what cause?"

"I do, Queen Mother." The Pig knelt forward, his voice unfamiliarly humble. "I seek a boon, please."

"We did it together!" gasped the Ox. "All of us twelve!"

"Using OUR energy!" Thunder prostrated herself before the Chinese gods.

Kid Quantum hushed the rest of the Legionnaires through their telepathic network. "Gang, this is beyond us," she said. "Thunder has the most experience with deities here - let her talk."

If Thunder felt the pressure, she didn't show it. "Please, Queen Mother. These twelve cast a spell using our energies, and the energies of this living planet, to draw you here. But they nearly slew us to do it, and they have caused untold suffering across many worlds..."

"Is this true?" The Jade Emperor, back straight and with eyes blazing like coals, turned to the Pig.

"Yes, your majesty," The Pig kept his eyes down, his body rigid even as he held his bow. His forehead touched the floor. "We had much need of you."

The Queen of Heaven sat down on a couch, reclining as she took a goblet. "Well then, if your need was so great that you would cause such suffering, we would hear what it is you wish."

The Signs began talking one on top of the other. Thunder looked mortified, and Matter-Eater Lad made a face.

The King Duke of the East waved his hand. "One at a time!" Pointing his feathered fan at the Rat, he fixed her with a stare. "You represent the Rat, the first of the Zodiac. For that, you may go first."

The Rat hoped her pose mimicked the Pig's closely enough. "My lords and ladies," she breathed. "An evil wizard destroyed by world, Sklar. I wish for it back." Live Wire closed his eyes; he had been on the away team that had failed to stop Mordru from destroying Sklar.

Holding her breath, the Rat waited as she four deities remained silent.

"You are next," the Jade Emperor pointed at the Ox.

"My kind are scattered across the stars," the Ox stood rigidly. "I wish for a planet for us, where I can rule and guide them into greatness once more." Echo glared in anger, his face showing what he thought of this.

Once more, the deities remained silent, there faces not betraying any emotion.

The Tiger spoke next; she was on one knee. "My people suffered under a terrible tyrant, who slew many of us. I wish that he had never risen to power." Cosmic Boy looked sadly at the Tiger; he had been one of the Legionnaires who had gone to Wellur, and ended the ex-King's deception.

The Rabbit puffed his chest out. "I was nothing in my home universe. I simply wish to remain here." Amp shook her head at that; she was clearly not amused.

Dragonmage followed, and his bow was even deeper than the Pig's. "My actions unleashed a terrible evil that destroyed this world, Dryad; and nearly destroyed another, Gil'd. I wish to undo those events." The White Witch balled her heads into fists; she understood Dragonmage's guilt, but this was not the way to go about it!

The Snake pulled herself up, and she cast a contemptuous glance at Sensor. "My world, Orando, has been ruled by the foolish Wynzorr family for ages! They are not fit to rule, and I would be the new Queen of Orando! Why should they have all the power and prestige?" Sensor's eyes bulged in anger as the Snake spoke.

The Horse smirked as he fantasized about his wish. "I wish for power and riches, to show all those who laughed at me that I have won!" Spark rolled her eyes at this.

"This one cannot speak for herself," the Queen Mother of the West flicked her finger at the Goat. A vision emerged above the Goat's head, of her and her fellow lightning beasts frolicking in a garden paradise, happy and safe. "The Goat is not even fully sentient," Brainiac 5 mused.

Brawler, the Monkey, puffed out his chest. "I only wish for what I deserve: to be a Legionnaire, with the real Legion, so I can get the glory I deserve!" Saturn Girl shivered... Brawler was clearly very far gone.

"I wish for the life of luxury and comfort I deserve," the Rooster said simply, eyes twinkling, wings fluttering, as she thought about the beautiful dresses and the nice house she would have. Shikari looked as if she had been hit; what sort of motivation was this!

"My family died in an accident..." The Dog said quietly. "I wish for them back." Nightwind looked down for a moment; she could understand wanting family back, but...

And finally, the Pig. He lifted his head up, and he looked right at each of the deities. "Your majesties. Humanity has gotten weak and soft, and they no longer have a purpose other than their own comfort. I would bring them to heel under you, so they can all sing your praises and devote themselves to your glory. I would be the ruler of the galaxy, so I can do that."

The Snake and the Ox looked askance at the Pig; and Gates could be heard muttering about "greedy power-hungry fools"; but the Pig ignored them, putting all his attention on the deities.

The four deities looked at one another, and nodded. The Jade Emperor stepped forward. "We have conferred, and pass our judgment."

The Horse looked startled. He had been led to believe that this was a done deal! What...

"Some of you are selfish and immature," sneered the Mother of the Great Chariot. "How dare you ask us for such self-serving boons? Ones that you would use to tread on others?"

"But...!" The Snake began.

"Silence!" The Mother continued. "We have looked into your hearts, and we know. Perhaps some time to reflect will change your hearts for the better... perhaps."

She raised her hand, palm facing upwards, and tiny spheres appeared. They flew outwards, spinning in the air. The first one hit the Rooster, who cried out in fear. Shikari tried to stand, but before she could take a step, the Rooster had shrunk down into a child's doll. Shikari watched as her fellow Kwai fell to the ground, making a squeak as she landed.

Another hit The Snake, who arched her back. She began to spin, faster and faster and faster... and suddenly she stopped. Sensor gasped as she watched her fellow Orandan transform into a painting. It depicted The Snake, a crown on her head, seated on a rich throne.

The Horse already knew he was next. He attempted to run. But before he could take two steps, a sphere crashed into him. His form warped, and in a burst of light he fell to Dryad's surface as a wooden rocking horse.

The Rabbit tried to fly away, but the sphere sped in front of him. He flew into it and screamed. His body seemed to twist and turn... and he hopped to the ground, as a harmless little bunny.

"They will have some time to reflect on their actions," The Mother said, satisfied, as she inspected the four transformed Zodiac Signs. "When they have learned, they shall be restored."

The rest of the Zodiac remained bent, shell-shocked. The Rat phased her form as a precaution, her heart pounding. Only the Pig remained prostrate, his body language not betraying his thoughts.

"But we consider extenuating circumstances." The King Duke of the East turned to the Ox. "You are proud, even arrogant. You believe that you would be a great ruler, but you are too arrogant for that. Yet... your wish shows you care for your people."

"Yes... yes I do, my lord," The Ox said, without the hint of a stammer.

"Do not address us so," the King Duke continued. "We are not your gods. You have your own."

"But they have abandoned us!" The Ox protested.

"That is not what they say." The Queen Mother waved her hands, holding one on top of the other like a mirror. The space between them shimmered, and a strawberry blonde woman appeared.

"My lady Athena!" The Ox gasped. Thunder swayed; as one who took her power from the gods, she knew most of the pantheons. "It's THE Athena!" she whispered to Ferro.

"I am disappointed in you, Ferdinand," Athena said. "When we scattered your kind, we told you this would be a lesson in humility. Yet here you are, attacking the heroes of this time, willing to kill for no reason. You clearly have not learned your lesson yet."

Before the Ox could protest, Athena addressed the heavenly court. "By your leave, may I pass judgment on him?"

"He is one of yours," The Queen Mother answered. "Do as you will with him."

Athena looked at him, and the Ox screamed. His body began to shrivel up, and his fur turned gray. "My power... my strength!" His knees gave way, and he dropped to the ground.

"Time will tell if you will learn," Athena said. "I will check on you in a few decades. Perhaps then, you will deserve to be restored." Giving her thanks to the heavenly court, Athena vanished.

"Now this one," The Jade Emperor pointed to the Monkey, who was staring wildly. "This one is not in possession of his sound mind, anymore."

"He has indeed been damaged," said the Mother of the Great Chariot. "I fear there is nothing to be done."

"Please, if I may!" Saturn Girl spoke up. "We have telepaths, we can try..."

"No, I am sorry," the Mother of the Great Chariot said, pity in her voice. "We have assessed him. Even with all your combined telepathic might, he is beyond help. No..." she waved her hand. "There is only one way forward for this one." A soft white light emanated from her, and slowly swallowed up the Monkey. He thrashed around at first, but soon stopped. As the light vanished from around him, he fell to his knees.

"Where... where am I?" he looked around. "Who are all of you? And... who am I?"

"He receives the gift of starting anew," the Mother said, not unkindly. "We have taken his memories, and returned him to his original level of power."

"Now, as for you..." The Jade Emperor turned to the Goat. "You are not responsible for your actions, and you have been misled. We take away your increased power, and return you to your own kind. It is not for us to ensure your safety, but I believe you will be protected by the authorities of this time." The Goat neighed as a red glow surrounded her; thin red threads representing her increased powers flowed from her. Then, she disappeared back to Korbal.

"Seven have been judged, five remain," the Queen Mother turned to the rest. "Rat, Tiger, Dragon and Dog, stand up."

Slowly, one by one, they stood. All four stared forward, not daring to look away.

"Your wishes were relatively selfless. Or at least, you sought to benefit others, not just yourselves," the Queen Mother said. "However, whatever you have been told, it is not our place to change the past."

"But you have the power to do so, don't you, your majesty?" Kono breathed. Tears welled up in her eyes.

"Even we would not alter the past," the Queen Mother said. "It is not our place to do so. And the future, is your own destiny to pursue."

"But my babies..." The Dog began; she was straining to speak through her tears. "My poor babies did not deserve to die..."

"Our judgment is final," The Queen Mother said firmly. Her voice softened. "And you have committed violence to summon us. That was not our wish. You could have summoned us through benevolent magics, as well."

At this, the Pig slipped a little, his elbow touching the ground. He had not known that... the road here would have been much easier, if he had.

"And as you have committed evil acts, even with good intentions..." The Queen Mother continued. "You must face justice, as administered by those who govern in this time." She turned to the Legionnaires. “One point to consider: The Rat tried not to take any lives, merely to disable. The Dragon as well, and indeed he cast a spell to help prevent any deaths.”

The White Witch looked at Dragonmage with a mixture of emotions. She had been right that the spell he’d cast was benevolent! But this did not excuse everything else he had done...

The Queen Mother waved her hands.

The Rat gasped as she felt her body turn solid. Bonds appeared around her limbs, chaining her feet and hands together. She tried to phase, but could not.

"You still have your individual gifts, no worry," The Queen Mother smiled. "But these bonds will ensure you cannot use them, while they are on." She turned to Kid Quantum. "You are the leader, yes?" At Jazmin's nod, the Queen Mother held her hand out and presented a key. "To unlock their bonds, when you are ready." Jazmin wordlessly took the key, though remembered to bow in thanks.

Dragonmage slumped to the ground, defeated. He had thought... he had thought...

"And finally, you," the Jade Emperor turned to the Pig. The Pig began to tremble.

"You are worst of all. You misled your compatriots, you committed evil acts knowingly, and you only wished for power at the expense of others. You have corrupted our name. You do not deserve anything but oblivion."

"But your majesty!" The Pig only had time to cry that out before his entire body burst into flames. He began screaming, his agonized wails piercing the air... and then, mercifully, he was gone. Only ashes remained where the Pig once knelt.

Only the Dog's sobs echoed through the silence.

The Queen Mother turned to the assembled Legionnaires and their allies. "You have impressed us, young ones. You fought with honor, skill and wisdom. And most importantly, you fought for right and justice. Take this boon: you, we heal you to how you were before you encountered these poor misled wretches."

And a soft greenish-white glow advanced, covering one and all of the Legionnaires. Gasps and exclamations of surprise sounded out as wounds and bone knit themselves. Insect Queen looked in wonder at her arms; Gear touched his head in gratitude.

"And finally, you." The King Duke knelt down, touching Dryad. "You are as well a victim in all of this..." The King Duke looked down, sadly. "I am afraid you are dying, little one."

"What?" Dragonmage looked up.

"But I want to live again..." Dryad said, weakly. A little rumble sounded.

"I am sorry," The King Duke said softly. "I can feel your life forces... too much has been drained. These others, they were greatly weakened, but we arrived in time. But you..."

"The Pig has been draining Dryad for months, hasn't he?" Dragonmage paled. "He said he had left Dryad alone, but..."

"But he lied," The King Duke shook his head. "I can tell that your Pig has been using Dryad to power his own spells for months, indeed."

"Dryad was supposed to be reborn!" Inferno spat. "And now... now... it can't end this way!"

"And would you offer your own life force?" The King Duke said, gently. "Even if you would, it is not enough. Many of you would be needed, to replenish this planet's energy."

"What if..." Kid Quantum looked around. "What if we each gave a little of our life forces? Voluntarily, of course. We don't even need to declare it publicly. No pressure. Just... just take some from anyone who is willing." Murmurs of agreement erupted from the gathered team. Even Atmos looked in pride at his former Amazer teammate.

"Even that would not be enough..." The King Duke looked somber, and for the first time, even a little sad. "Our little planet here has boundless life, and it has been weakened for too much, and for too long."

"Wait..." Dragonmage struggled to sit up. "If I give my own life, and you take a little bit from all those willing. Will that be enough?"

The Queen Mother looked thoughtful. "It would not be enough to restore Dryad to its true glory... but it would be a spark that would fan the flame. Dryad would be much diminished, but it would live."

"Really?" Dryad rumbled again, and with much effort, it created a tiny humanoid figure from its surface. The figure turned to face Dragonmage. "You would sacrifice yourself, for me?"

"I only did this because I wanted to restore you and Gil'd fully..." Dragonmage hung his head. "And I hoped to temper the actions of the Pig, avoid killing anyone if it wasn't absolutely necessary." He ignored the White Witch's unreadable stare. "If I can... if I can do something to alleviate my sins..."

"I accept your gift..." Dryad's little avatar slowly walked to Dragonmage, and touched a rocky hand to his knee.

"Xao..." Mysa began.

"My lady," Dragonmage turned to her. "I hurt you, I hurt everyone, I know. I just... I thought... I thought I could keep you alive, if I joined the Pig. And still soothe my conscience, undo my deeds."

"You selfish fool!" Tears flowed down Mysa's face. "You lied to us, and you put your own pride above our team and our wellbeing!" Apparition and Kinetix silently stepped forward, each putting a comforting hand on Mysa's shoulders. Lamprey silently pulled a tissue from her pouch and stood awkwardly near Mysa, unsure whether to offer it. Rebound also moved forward; Triad placed a gentle hand on his arm, motioning for him to give Mysa some space. Ferro hesitated, then stood where he was, but keeping an eye on Mysa. Element Lass began dabbing at her own tears; and Magno hugged XS from behind.

"My lady..." Dragonmage began.

"No, I am not finished yet!" Mysa choked. "But even with all your selfishness, and stubbornness, and impatience, you are still so infuriatingly noble! That you would give your life..."

A lopsided smile appeared on Dragonmage's face. "I was always too full of pride, wasn't I?"

"You could have come to us..." Mysa sobbed. "We could have thought of a plan... If we had understood what was happening earlier..."

"I should have trusted you and the Legion," Dragonmage closed his eyes. "But it is too late now. I am really sorry for hurting you, my lady Mysa."

Mysa forced herself to look into Dragonmage's face one last time. "Farewell, Xao. May the afterlife be kind to you."

"And may you live a long, happy life, with much more worthy and thoughtful pupils than I..." Dragonmage said. "Farewell, Lady Mysa."

Turning to the deities, Dragonmage bowed his head. "I am ready."

"Then begin, we shall." The Jade Emperor stepped forward. "Any who wish to lend some of their life forces, simply leave your hearts open. And close your eyes."

And as the Jade Emperor opened his hands, each Legionnaire who wanted to partake felt a little bit of themselves flow through their chests. None save Dragonmage and the deities could see who, but each and every Legionnaire present had decided to join in. Over four dozen streams flowed up into the air, melding into one sphere.

"That is all we can take, without harming them forever," The Queen Mother turned to Dragonmage. "Now, it is your turn."

Dragonmage closed his eyes, opening his heart and soul. He felt a tug on the deepest part of himself. Then he felt his life flow out of his body. His eyesight slowly dimmed, even as he slumped to the ground; he could feel Dryad's gratitude as it accepted his soul. And the last thing he saw before he passed was Mysa, surrounded by friends, looking at him, crying.
Posted By: Omni Re: Post ZH Legion: The Final Spell - 04/30/23 05:28 AM
Hi IB,

Its that time of the week again for another read and review. I'm still hoping to catch up. but at this point i think i've accepted that i will forever be behind. lol.

i'm starting off with Jed, Jo, and Garth running from their spouses. That was super funny. especially when we find out the VR gaming session isn't for another half hour. laugh

Another fun moment for some of the couples within the team.
not surprised that Lyle doesn't care about fashion tongue
If i had to do weekly shopping with Candi i wouldn't care about fashion any more either. all i can think about is the little Arthimates after she joined. laugh laugh laugh
Hahah of course Spark does.

Poor Kid Q. she really does need a Deputy. But she has a point maybe its time for leader elections. She's done a great job. but everyone needs a rest.
That was super romantic of Rokk.

glad Sensor is gaining some perspective about her transformation. She still has so much compared to others.
Poor Candi, i didn't realize her transformation caused her to lose that much. i guess i just figured she still had those. just maybe dulled but not lost.

a cute scene with the some of the girls. i chuckled at Lamprey and Sizzle's reactions.
Oh the minds of teenagers.
Loved the call back to "Girls Night Out" I always thought that was a fun issue.
So google still exists? wow i knew they had staying power. lol.
Man they really were so young once upon a time.
Its funny how much the new kids need to be reminded that their teammates who've been there longer are still regular people. it demonstrates the hero worship of the Legion well.

I enjoy how you're trying to flesh out Gear more. Give him a a sense of humor.
A world of living organic tools...so they don't have things like fun? i think at some point Gear's world needs to be explored more.

Magno makes a point. not having to worry about life's needs and being able to be pampered helps make saving the universe a lot easier.

the girls slumber party talking about the boys was funny and cute.
Chuck eating RJ's bday dinner was probably my favorite.
Sussa telling Jo stoires...funny but that could go either way if Apparition comes in. But yeah Jo wasn't the smartest back in the day. But Sussa also didn't seem to take much of a hint that he wasn't interested any more. Although, he should have actually said something to her.

Another good quiet moment. Andromeda wanting to join into the political debates was interesting. I like that each of them was more than happy to have Andromeda join them.
Gates made a good point to Brainy and I'm glad he's taking it. Orin Fex is a tricky one.
I'm glad she's finally dealing with her feelings towards Brainy and what that means.

I like the M'Onel and Shavuagn dynamic. Uhmmm so M'On likes to be dominated a little bit huh? haha. tease

Hmm alluding to the Umbra/M'Onel love of other realities?
I like how he understands what he needs.
Umbra's thinking about why she would want to mate with M'onel was really interesting. but i liked how she wasn't going to be petty and vie for his attention because she views him as the ultimate mate for her.
Haha i love that Mysa saw the look from Umbra.

It's interesting how Mysa is integrating into the team and who she surrounds herself with.
I think this would be the most visually stunning moment to see. just floating out in space and seeing the stars.

Troy is adorable and Mentalla seems smitten too, So i guess Ferro is no longer an option.
Our last moment of cuteness it seems before a blinding white light comes...Oh boy this isn't going to be good...
i know were about to get into some serious stuff but gaming session and Jo being Lobo was funny and of course Garth was Black Lightning. lol.
These were all fun moments that really showed us the other side of the Legionnaires's. its always nice to get to see them on some down time.

Wait what? Mysa's it? so her spell didn't work on the others? But Legion World is still there...so at least it was time being rewritten an the Legion being erased. i can deal with them being captured.

The arrival of the cavalry!
I understand Marla flipping out on M'Rrissey but he had the right idea. They need all hands on deck. I also find it odd that there are no protocols about what to do when the entire active roster disappears. its not like its the first time. lol. tongue
Poor Theena, its clear how hard she's trying. So magic can jam her abilities too?
these were some good character moments for the side characters.

Thanagar -
Loved that Porcupine Pete is doing so well. You made him into a very competent and encouraging field leader.
Seeing Thanagar was pretty cool. But i thought they had natural wings. But Thanagar has been rebooted almost as much as the Legion. So i can totally understand why i would think that. lol.
i enjoyed Aquamarine getting the instructions on what to do and seeing her power work. its handy that she doesn't have to physically have to touch people in order to change them. Seeing how hard Uplift was working to help push those sentients up onto the roof was also well done.
the moment with Vielmist smiling at the child was well done. i could totally see it in my head and i recoiled a little bit too from that sharp toothy grin.
Ahh poor Flying fox. but the kid was scared.
Considering all that was going on this mission went pretty well.

Takron-Galtos -
I never knew that 0-MEL only took on the name as a joke. But makes sense. I'm glad Tenzil is out there and trying. But i'd be right with him and feeling less than comfortable.

Magic does not have the best rep in the galaxy it seems. Maybe Mysa needs to think of ways to do out reach and understanding to make the galaxy a bit more ok with magic. especially with the likes of Mordru around....speaking of which, hopefully his cell on JS-1969 is still working.
X-Betty calling Ral, Mr. was cute. especially since i think she might be older than him. Loved him enjoying his win over only tripping over a few words.

Tenzil in battle is fun. love the quipping. But he does give rise the the question, what would a Bismollian villain be like?
Your description of Catspaw fighting and putting on a show reminded me of how i read that in the old animated x-men series from the 90's Wolverine was never allowed to actually claw his opponents and only use them on inanimate objects. I guess that's the only way for her to really work and be non-lethal.

Question can Dream Boy and Girl not go on separate missions? not thinking they needed to. Just something i was curious about.
It's great getting to see Mandalla let loose along with the other cadets. Swallowtail's powers are interesting to see working on the prisoners. She's able to switch tactics so effortlessly.
Dream Boy and Girl did pretty well. But agreed they definitely need more training before going on a mission again. Hand to hand should be their favorite class!

Colu -
the Sleepnet is down? I wonder if that's how they expel all the access information in their minds and without it they can't get rid of it because even though they are super smart they're still only human.
Poor Pol. But i'm glad Kent talked to him and their able to get him to do more Legiony Stuff. loved the call back to your own series. smile
Good use of Calamity and hopefully Dragonwing's attitude will change a bit after figuring out how to be helpful. Pol did good work encouraging Dragonwing.

Paragon is an interesting one with her powerset. The idea of inspiration being a power to get people motivated wasn't something i was sure how it would work in the Legion's world. But for search and rescue she's a really good person to have around it seems.

You know if you paired healer with someone with an accelerated healing, or super durability he might be able to transfer for a really long time. Glad Kent saw that he was burning himself out and stepped in.

Vyrga -
It's interesting to see just how much Gates' home world reveres the Legion for their aid. But now that you bring up that they are short-lived; do we know how long exactly? Don't want to lose Gates to old age already.

Poor Martin. But i'm slightly surprised he's on a mission. i figured with his state of mind he'd be with Lori and the others on Legion World. i know he's getting help. But i wouldn't think he'd be up for this so soon.

Man Retro is so not gonna make the team. Seriously, why don't you have a transuit on!
its too bad that the Vyrgans haven't developed a way for faster travel so they could help the search. Maybe something for Gate's to think about, especially since he doesn't enjoy walking long distances himself.

Glad Theena is able to go on a mission a help. I'm sure she's beyond thrilled.
Poor Crystal Kid. Being too egger is always a double edged sword.
unknown species? could be fun and scary. lol.
Poor Hotspot he sure didn't get the best team. But at least Mess and Cannus are useful. Cannus is just hard to understand.
Seriously, why is Retro even in the Cadet Program.

i liked how Vapor handled Martin.
Fauna is very useful in this situation.
Crystal Kid oh Crystal Kid, missions are not about glamor. Also Tellus is really capable. But he knows his limitations. Unlike some it seems.

Well that's good that each team found everyone and there wasn't a huge problem.
Lol Oh Theena get used to it. These types of things happen more than you think.

M'Rrissey is doing a great job with all the predictions and tracking of the power outages.
Man, magic never makes it easy or leaves a clear pattern.
Wow this really is super varied and wide spread.
That's an interesting point that Earth and Blgtz were hit twice already.

You know Shavughn makes a great point about Winema and how much she's changed. But she is very shrewd in politics. Placing Cub just so was a great idea.
You did a good job showing how things have changed with so many people changing their views on the Legion. its great to see how far things have come.
I'm with Devil this is such a great coordinated effort and so well organized. IB you did a great job laying this out and their response to the ever growing threat.
Good job Hanna! i'm glad she stood up to her boss and didn't use Cub like that.

Gallan -
checking in with the WorkForce was fun and interesting to see how they've kind of changed.
Seeing Amber's thoughts about Evolvo and the comparisons to McCauley were well done. it makes sense that Evolvo is pragmatic instead of greedy. its the hyper-evolved state. McCauley just never cared for anyone. He was honestly a bit of a psycho when you think about it. He reminds of a certain politician we all love to hate.
You've also done a great job again highlighting life in the UP for the Daxamites.
Amber is more powerful than we know. i mean makes sense when amber sap can last for millions of years and preserve whatever is it in preet dang well.
Dr. Mollie is super cute. its always fun to see people who are still enthralled by the Legion's world.
Also giving us insight to the two different twins who aren't in the same line of work has been interesting. Mainly because it always seemed like the Winathians would die if they weren't always with their twin. i had wondered back in the day if there was some weird separation issue/mental block/or physical symptoms with not being with them. Especially when Spark was having her issues about not being like Garth any more in regards to powers.

Zarrox -
You know i always wondered why there seemed to be so few magic users. it makes sense that Mordru would have taken out all threats. But i didn't think he had brought it all the way down under 20 sentients or the fact that they wouldn't be as strong or as practiced. There's gotta be some out there that hid themselves from him somewhere.
I'm glad Thunder stuck around to make sure they were safe. There is a huge chance this could lead to some trouble.
lol nice glad to see there's still one magical family lineage going.

Oh snap! So Brawler was being influenced by the Pig and Slizz using his dreams? damn. Sounds like the Legion's got another frontier to monitor/combat.
So Brawler is the monkey...kind of makes sense. he sure acts an ape sometimes.
Wow that was super harsh. that poor Wellurian.
So their pretending to be the Legion...i wonder if they're trying to rewrite reality and make themselves the heroes?
Now i really gotta know whose behind the Pig.

Back to Zarrox -
Thunder is under attack by crystal animals that can reform? great. but there's only the 12 right? or can they send multiple of the same ones?
Crystal Kid is starting to get on my nerves. the missions not glam enough. i have to do this. But why. sheesh.
but loved the dome idea and the spikes.
Glad Tracie XVIII is able to fight too!.
Brawler looks sadistic.
Vision and Rainbow are proving themselves well!

Can't wait for more. but that's all the time i have for tonight!
yay! more comments, thanks Omni, always a treat reading your thoughts smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Hi IB,

Its that time of the week again for another read and review. I'm still hoping to catch up. but at this point i think i've accepted that i will forever be behind. lol.

You are doing an excellent job catching up Omni, and I'm slowing down on writing (as we are near the end of Volume 4; and VOlume 5 needs time to germinate in my mind) so my pace will slow down, don't worry wink

Originally Posted by Omni
If i had to do weekly shopping with Candi i wouldn't care about fashion any more either. all i can think about is the little Arthimates after she joined. laugh laugh laugh

Poor Candi out-exhausted the Athramites! tongue

Originally Posted by Omni
Poor Kid Q. she really does need a Deputy. But she has a point maybe its time for leader elections. She's done a great job. but everyone needs a rest.
That was super romantic of Rokk.

Yeah I'll say! Jaz deserves a break. and Rokk does know how to romance wink

Originally Posted by Omni
glad Sensor is gaining some perspective about her transformation. She still has so much compared to others.
Poor Candi, i didn't realize her transformation caused her to lose that much. i guess i just figured she still had those. just maybe dulled but not lost.

I was thinking if she would, but in a crystal form I didn't think Candi would have those senses. maybe she and Ferro should talk more... smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Its funny how much the new kids need to be reminded that their teammates who've been there longer are still regular people. it demonstrates the hero worship of the Legion well.

yeah, especially most (if not all) of the new kids went through the Legion Cadet program. So while they saw some of the Legionnaires up close, they still saw them as THE Legionnaires for a while... smile but the "older" Legionnaires are very much willing to connect to their new teammates on a personal level


Originally Posted by Omni
I enjoy how you're trying to flesh out Gear more. Give him a a sense of humor.
A world of living organic tools...so they don't have things like fun? i think at some point Gear's world needs to be explored more.

oh, definitely! there's so much potential to Gear's world smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Sussa telling Jo stoires...funny but that could go either way if Apparition comes in. But yeah Jo wasn't the smartest back in the day. But Sussa also didn't seem to take much of a hint that he wasn't interested any more. Although, he should have actually said something to her.

yeah, though in this case I think Tinya would have taken it not-negatively: by this time Sussa has clearly shown she has no more interest in Jo. you are correct that Sussa didn't take the hint very well, and even made a move on Jo a little while after Tinya "died". on the other hand, Jo certainly also did string Sussa along for a bit... but they've mostly ironed it out by now smile

Originally Posted by Omni
I like the M'Onel and Shavuagn dynamic. Uhmmm so M'On likes to be dominated a little bit huh? haha. tease

M'On doesn't get that opportunity a lot wink and Shvaughn's maturity and experience are good for him wink

Originally Posted by Omni
Hmm alluding to the Umbra/M'Onel love of other realities?
I like how he understands what he needs.
Umbra's thinking about why she would want to mate with M'onel was really interesting. but i liked how she wasn't going to be petty and vie for his attention because she views him as the ultimate mate for her.
Haha i love that Mysa saw the look from Umbra.

Umbra is too proud to compete for a mate, especially when said potential mate is clearly not interested wink I was also mainly drawing from the few instances in the Reboot where Umbra/M'On "hung out". e.g., Legionnaires 62, LSH 100, 121, and XS panicking and getting jealous about them lol

Originally Posted by Omni
Troy is adorable and Mentalla seems smitten too, So i guess Ferro is no longer an option.
Our last moment of cuteness it seems before a blinding white light comes...Oh boy this isn't going to be good...

no, and Mentalla never really considered poor Ferro an option. personality-wise, she just does not find his personality attractive

Originally Posted by Omni
i know were about to get into some serious stuff but gaming session and Jo being Lobo was funny and of course Garth was Black Lightning. lol.
These were all fun moments that really showed us the other side of the Legionnaires's. its always nice to get to see them on some down time.

glad you liked it smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Wait what? Mysa's it? so her spell didn't work on the others? But Legion World is still there...so at least it was time being rewritten an the Legion being erased. i can deal with them being captured.

Mysa's protection spell worked, in a fashion, but it was not enough to prevent capture smile it may help prevent death though. may smile

Originally Posted by Omni
The arrival of the cavalry!
I understand Marla flipping out on M'Rrissey but he had the right idea. They need all hands on deck. I also find it odd that there are no protocols about what to do when the entire active roster disappears. its not like its the first time. lol. tongue

They have more general protocols for when the entire Active roster would otherwise be unavailable, but Marla was thinking more of: generally, in those situations they would KNOW where everyone is. but you are correct, this isn't the first time the entire active roster would be off somewhere wink



Originally Posted by Omni
Poor Theena, its clear how hard she's trying. So magic can jam her abilities too?
these were some good character moments for the side characters.


glad you liked! and yes, magic can randomly disrupt anything. it's a bit lazy I know, but you know, magic tongue


Originally Posted by Omni
Thanagar -
Loved that Porcupine Pete is doing so well. You made him into a very competent and encouraging field leader.
Seeing Thanagar was pretty cool. But i thought they had natural wings. But Thanagar has been rebooted almost as much as the Legion. So i can totally understand why i would think that. lol.

yeah, Thanagar and its various reboots confuse me lol. glad you liked this outing!

Originally Posted by Omni
Takron-Galtos -
X-Betty calling Ral, Mr. was cute. especially since i think she might be older than him. Loved him enjoying his win over only tripping over a few words.

Tenzil in battle is fun. love the quipping. But he does give rise the the question, what would a Bismollian villain be like?
Question can Dream Boy and Girl not go on separate missions? not thinking they needed to. Just something i was curious about.
Dream Boy and Girl did pretty well. But agreed they definitely need more training before going on a mission again. Hand to hand should be their favorite class!

I can see why you'd think X Bomb Betty is older than Ral! She does carry herself very confidently.

Ooh a Bismollian villain. Raz has one in his fic wink

Dream Boy and Dream Girl can definitely go on separate missions. they just have a limitation that each only affects those attracted to their own biological sex, so they are most effective together. and yes, they should take Val's classes more for sure smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Colu -
the Sleepnet is down? I wonder if that's how they expel all the access information in their minds and without it they can't get rid of it because even though they are super smart they're still only human.
Poor Pol. But i'm glad Kent talked to him and their able to get him to do more Legiony Stuff. loved the call back to your own series. smile
Good use of Calamity and hopefully Dragonwing's attitude will change a bit after figuring out how to be helpful. Pol did good work encouraging Dragonwing.

Paragon is an interesting one with her powerset. The idea of inspiration being a power to get people motivated wasn't something i was sure how it would work in the Legion's world. But for search and rescue she's a really good person to have around it seems.

You know if you paired healer with someone with an accelerated healing, or super durability he might be able to transfer for a really long time. Glad Kent saw that he was burning himself out and stepped in.

good point about the Sleepnet. we only really saw it as an info-sharing tool in the Dark Circle story, and a couple panels in Legionnaires 72 about the Sleepnet's loss making Coluans disoriented. you have a great idea that it expels info, or maybe it can help them process info. because indeed, info overload is a real thing!

glad Pol came out well smile and yeah this series has gotten so long, I'm gonna have self-call-outs a lot lol

ooh that's a good one, having Healer maybe link up with Timber Wolf or M'Onel later on smile

yeah Paragon is an interesting one. I think she'd be more useful in the end as a Support Staff member, and she has the personality for it too!

Originally Posted by Omni
Vyrga -
It's interesting to see just how much Gates' home world reveres the Legion for their aid. But now that you bring up that they are short-lived; do we know how long exactly? Don't want to lose Gates to old age already.

Poor Martin. But i'm slightly surprised he's on a mission. i figured with his state of mind he'd be with Lori and the others on Legion World. i know he's getting help. But i wouldn't think he'd be up for this so soon.

Man Retro is so not gonna make the team. Seriously, why don't you have a transuit on!

Poor Hotspot he sure didn't get the best team. But at least Mess and Cannus are useful. Cannus is just hard to understand.
Seriously, why is Retro even in the Cadet Program.

Crystal Kid oh Crystal Kid, missions are not about glamor. Also Tellus is really capable. But he knows his limitations. Unlike some it seems.


I definitely do not want to lose Gates to old age! I haven't defined how long yet, but don't worry, Gates will be alive for a good long while yet!

you raise a good point re Martin. the team took a chance sending him on a mission so soon - they did make sure it would not be a combat one, but...

yeah, the Vyrgans do have a big limitation eh! we never really saw how they travel around on Vyrga... and nope, Retro ain't Legion material, hee hee . and yeah, Hotshot got Cannus and Mess, so now he has to deal with Retro too!

Tellus is building some much-needed confidence smile

Originally Posted by Omni
M'Rrissey is doing a great job with all the predictions and tracking of the power outages.
Man, magic never makes it easy or leaves a clear pattern.
Wow this really is super varied and wide spread.
That's an interesting point that Earth and Blgtz were hit twice already.

indeed, but the pattern seems to be random... and is, actually wink but Earth just seems like a magnet for these types of things eh tongue

Originally Posted by Omni
You know Shavughn makes a great point about Winema and how much she's changed. But she is very shrewd in politics. Placing Cub just so was a great idea.
You did a good job showing how things have changed with so many people changing their views on the Legion. its great to see how far things have come.
I'm with Devil this is such a great coordinated effort and so well organized. IB you did a great job laying this out and their response to the ever growing threat.
Good job Hanna! i'm glad she stood up to her boss and didn't use Cub like that.

Yeah, I like Winema more as the shrewd politician than the always-angry and screaming one. glad you liked these bits!


Originally Posted by Omni
Gallan -
checking in with the WorkForce was fun and interesting to see how they've kind of changed.
Seeing Amber's thoughts about Evolvo and the comparisons to McCauley were well done. it makes sense that Evolvo is pragmatic instead of greedy. its the hyper-evolved state. McCauley just never cared for anyone. He was honestly a bit of a psycho when you think about it. He reminds of a certain politician we all love to hate.
You've also done a great job again highlighting life in the UP for the Daxamites.
Amber is more powerful than we know. i mean makes sense when amber sap can last for millions of years and preserve whatever is it in preet dang well.
Dr. Mollie is super cute. its always fun to see people who are still enthralled by the Legion's world.
Also giving us insight to the two different twins who aren't in the same line of work has been interesting. Mainly because it always seemed like the Winathians would die if they weren't always with their twin. i had wondered back in the day if there was some weird separation issue/mental block/or physical symptoms with not being with them. Especially when Spark was having her issues about not being like Garth any more in regards to powers.

thank you! glad you liked these bits. yeah, McCauley indeed was like that awful real life man tongue you recall right re Winathians, I drew a lot from Legionnaires 57/LSH 101, where Spark was getting physically ill because her powers didn't synch with Live Wire's. Dr. Gym'lls conclusion was it was all psychological, and causing physical symptoms... but he also did say,if she could deal with it she'd be fine. so it all depends on how the twins in question deal with it smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Zarrox -
You know i always wondered why there seemed to be so few magic users. it makes sense that Mordru would have taken out all threats. But i didn't think he had brought it all the way down under 20 sentients or the fact that they wouldn't be as strong or as practiced. There's gotta be some out there that hid themselves from him somewhere.
I'm glad Thunder stuck around to make sure they were safe. There is a huge chance this could lead to some trouble.
lol nice glad to see there's still one magical family lineage going.

there may be some more lost magic users out there. maybe wink but I kept the number small and untrained on purpose, to add to the danger... and so I would not have too many magic users running around smile


Originally Posted by Omni
Oh snap! So Brawler was being influenced by the Pig and Slizz using his dreams? damn. Sounds like the Legion's got another frontier to monitor/combat.
So Brawler is the monkey...kind of makes sense. he sure acts an ape sometimes.
Wow that was super harsh. that poor Wellurian.
So their pretending to be the Legion...i wonder if they're trying to rewrite reality and make themselves the heroes?
Now i really gotta know whose behind the Pig.

yeah, and the Legion will recognize that they do have to guard against magical influences. they don't want another Brawler on their hands in the future..

rewriting reality would be a good one! and it is kind of what they are planning... smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Back to Zarrox -
Thunder is under attack by crystal animals that can reform? great. but there's only the 12 right? or can they send multiple of the same ones?


nice question, and one of the future posts will reveal the answer re sending multiples wink

Originally Posted by Omni
Crystal Kid is starting to get on my nerves. the missions not glam enough. i have to do this. But why. sheesh.
but loved the dome idea and the spikes.
Glad Tracie XVIII is able to fight too!.
Brawler looks sadistic.
Vision and Rainbow are proving themselves well!


Crystal Kid does have his bad points along with his good points wink will see if he can actually improve enough...

thanks again Omni, really appreciate your R&R smile
Posted By: SaturnGirlLover Re: Post ZH Legion: The Final Spell - 04/30/23 09:55 PM
I just wanted 2 say i love all ur hard work and dedication 2 the Legion. lovin what ive read so far, as i am in the middle of readin this particular Legion. keep it up and we fans will keep readin. long live the Legion!!
hi SaturnGirlLover, what a treat! thank you, I appreciate your message a lot smile thank you for reading my work! and hope you enjoy the rest of the canon Reboot Legion stories! your thoughts and comments are always welcome!
Hey IB,

time for some more R&R.

I'm starting off with the team being captured and finding out what's happened to each.
I'll try and see how i feel about the groups. But you know me i enjoy seeing random pairings.

I'm enjoying the Chinese lore your using for the Zodiacs and sharing it with us.
I've tried to figure out how each of the characters presented embody their Zodiac.

The Rat -
Man Kono's battle with the team was pretty harsh.
So i'm not 100% familiar with her abilities. So she makes herself intangible but also others? there were times reading this that i thought she was a geokinetic. (When Gates gets pulled into the ground when she's not touching him is the part i'm thinking of the most)

i'm glad that she doesn't want to kill anyone really. Well except Live Wire it seems. I'm hoping your right and that Mysa's spell protects them from death. I'm glad she realizes though that Mordru would have destroyed her world either way.
I'm glad she's also not too fond of the Pig and sees just how bad he is. But Kono is definitely an opportunists. I feel like there had to be a better way to get Skarla back. Maybe i'm forgetting something but were they ever tried to be resettled to a new world?

How does Kono know about the spell Mysa cast? Can they detect it?

I know i shouldn't laugh but Spark's snark was really well done and well its how i feel. this thing happens all the time. Not gonna panic. lol
Damn! she short circuited Spark?

So Wildfire's the only one left for this grouping? Hmmm interesting. I would agree that he's the biggest threat.

The OX -
Ferdinand - this is pulling from deep DC lore based off of those comments he had about Wonder Woman and her owing his people.
the Greek Gods really are terrible with their patrons. But that's some interesting mythology that they were cast to the stars.
So Ferdinand is a geo-kinetic/geomancer?
At least he has some honor i guess. So far all of them seem to at least want to fight the Legion and not just kill them.

Putting Echo and Ferro together...i see what you did there. create even more tension with the two members who have a bit of a beef with each other. Well one sided beef as i don't think Echo realized that Ferro had feelings for Mentalla.

this was some good fighting and tactics. I really enjoyed how you showed Triad to continue to fight. The fact that she landed some hits that actually hurt him is great!
You know i'm surprised Garth's lightning didn't set the vegetation Ferdinand was calling forth on fire. The would have at least caused a little distraction for the team.
Garth is getting really good at shooting from his eyes. I like the tactic.

I can't remember or not but did Triad and Ferro fix their issues or have they just agreed to keep their distance? if so, its kind of telling because even though there's only the four of them they don't seem to interact too much.
But another issue i've noticed with each of these little groups, for all their power team work seems to be the last thing their really relying on and keep trying to strike individually.

Ok, another one who doesn't want to kill them but keep them for sport. oh boy.

the Tiger -
Scratch - man if she hadn't fallen in with this crowd can you imagine how get she could be on one of the other teams. She's a little too violent for the Legion. But maybe the work force. She's a very tragic character. But at least she knows the truth and that the Legion was responsible. Unfortunately, she still has way too much pain.

the fact that Umbra can't even sense her ancestors says there's some serious magic at work here.

Sensor makes a great point for a mentalist of any sort they need other minds. Makes even more sense why Saturn Girl feels empty when she's cut off from her powers.

Ok, i know Sensor is tough but that sounds like she got her head bashed in and with her new physiology id if she can take that. i hope she's ok..

Holy Nass! the way Scratch took out Lyle was brutal. All that blood. i don't know how he'll survive that much blood loss.
Umbra too! wow! Nightwind! wow...

Scratch wants to cripple Umbra? shocked
YES! Umbra keep fighting! ... damn. ...wait they stole a ring? a ring that protects against the shadow champion's powers? Hmmmm i want to know more about this ring! was it a mystical object that was stolen from another location or was it in the shadow caves to begin with? so many questions!

The rabbit -
Lepus - This one's interesting because we get no narration from the villain to start off the segment. i like the change up and the reveal that comes with it.

So one thing i've noticed and i could totally be wrong on this. But it always seems like Shikari is partnered up with someone she was in the Second Galaxy with. Not that i don't like it. But there usually seems to be one of them around.

I'm glad Kid Q thought again about trying to help Condo. I don't know how well that would turn out either.

That's right guys be careful guys! Bunnies are evil! ( Buffy anyone?) Wow that is one viscous bunny. went right for Jed's throat!

U-26 inspired for sure! Never would have thought of bringing a character in from there. again this is another one if he hadn't fallen victim to his own ego he could have been a member of the Legion.

so is it that their powers aren't affective right away because of the physics surrounding him and his universe or because of his own powers and that its too fast?

Lepus really is fast and able to pound on the team for sure. Shikari's right thank grief for the flight rings because i don't know if they would have survived that crash landing at the speeds they might be going.

The Dragon -
I don't know much about Chinese culture but i do know Dragons are very revered creatures. so I'm surprised that the Dragon is in the 5th position. Especially after the deeds he performed which made him late.

the dragon seems sad and like they don't want to do this. But i have to wonder what the end goal is as Kono said they all have different desires for this plan.

Its so weird to think of a place that has no metal at all. Even when they do the plastic prisons in X-men metal still some how gets in because its in so much of what we make.

Slightly out of phase with this reality? hmmm. That could be so many people. But out of everyone their the only one not actually trying to fight. they don't want to fight. But then why does everyone else?

wait right some past wrongs and you hope? so you don't even know if this plan will work? wow Dragon's putting a lot of faith in the Pig.

WTF! WHAT THE HECK IB! WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME? WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO BREAK MY HEART!
i can't believe it. i just can't. Xao why? why Xao? why?

The violent mystical energies are being collected? to contact the great Ancestors? so the Chinese gods of old?
You know i was hoping that Dragonmage was going to be really atoning for his actions and would one day find peace with or without the Legion and this is like none of that development happened. That he just wants the easy way to fix things. This makes me so angry.

I find it interesting that the Reboot Era is really the only era where Dragonmage is treated as kind of villainous compared to his counter parts and that's including the fan fics here. I have to wonder why that is. is it because of the big fear that was magic for a long part of the Legion's arch when dealing with the Eye and Mordru?

i don't care how many tears you cry at this point Xao. i don't feel bad for you. You've made your choices.

The Snake -
Slizz
So the teams fighting their teammates? Could Slizz be a stronger mentalist than Sensor?

I'm little confused with the Dreamer parts. is she having a vision of fighting and then fighting or is it just the visions?
Quote
As she watched Thom fall to the ground, Dreamer forced herself to snap back to the present. Her teammates needed her!

Wow, i understand what Element Lass was trying to do. But that could be lethal to someone if not done right, like now in the heat of the moment. i don't care how much she's studied.

Mentalla's thoughts of Echo and Ferro as they attack was interesting. i thought she had an idea that Ferro liked her. But i guess she has no idea how he really feels. dang. Poor Ferro.

Oh so it is just an illusion! damn. i really thought Slizz had like a power boots and could control the team. But i should have known it wasn't as there were team members who we haven't seen defeated yet. But glad they figured it out! The knockout gas is good thinking.

OOoo. damn Slizz that's pretty crafty. a second illusion is something they for sure wouldn't think of. Sensor never does stuff like that usually. But i feel like we've barely explored what Sensor or Slizz for that matter are truly capable of.

Damn, so Candi is it? I guess her new form really is hard to take out.

The Horse -
Lusyo wants fame and fortune? well at least he's got goals. But out of everyone his seem to be the smallest and most self serving so far.

So is Lusyo a mystic or his he using different artifacts that were stolen by this Zodiac coven?
Really liking how Sizzle has learned to take in the ambient energy.
Damn Brainy's temper sure can get out of hand. Are his emotional regulators working?

Oh crap! he took out Brainy!

Oh damn! great dive Sizzle and she makes a great point, energy is energy.
Oh damn! Brin's down for the count.

So Lusyo is a teleporter. ok i wasn't 100% sure on that fact.
Yeah of course he only likes it if its not too dangerous. :shakeshead:

The Goat -
Ok i know i shouldn't be laughing with the situation there in. But Gear complaining about the different everyday devices he has to make is super funny to me.

Its so weird to think that so many of them don't really know what thunder might be or at least how sever it can get without weather control.

Ok, i'm gonna say i am so glad that this one didn't turn out to be who i thought it was. I for a moment thought Mekt was behind this particular scenario. A Lightning Beast thought is pretty cool idea.
Dang. Pig is devious to recruit and animal who doesn't have a real sense of morality.

The Monkey -
Yeah Brawler sure is one. They've really done a job on his mind. He can't even tell that is the real Zoe.
OMG Poor Babbage he's so damaged.
Rebound did a lot of good work. Great job trying Chuck!

Zoe did great but i'm surprised she didn't try to morph the local surroundings more. I also wonder if she could sense the magic acting within Brawler and maybe some how tap into it?

Damn. Poor Babbage...Brawler is going to be brutal.

The Roosters -
Ahhh and so Chakuq wants a life beyond the Kawi way. That makes sense. if i had been exposed to a new life style and technology that inspired a life in me i never even dreamed of why not go for it. I'm sure that Mother Emmket would understand if Chakuq wanted to leave and explore her path in a different way. Why did she need to do it this way?

She brings up a valid point. The Kawi were getting paid in their ability to use the thresholds and travel new paths but is that really a payment of any sort? i know its part of their culture but they must be paid some how. As it does kind of seem like the UP is taking advantage of them and treating the Second Galaxy like a tourist trap.

Apparition and her fear of bus. it must be interesting with Insect Queen on the team. But i am with her. Not a huge fan of insects.

Glad Particon is trying to be sensitive to both Rokk and Tinya

i like how they all try and attack. thank goodness for those discs on Cos's uniform.
Oh a magical talisman to swap powers that's pretty cool and Chakuq makes a great point she's not Shikari. Maybe they don't all have the same weak points. But it might also be the magical stuff helping her.

Dog -
Hachiko - her reasons for doing this are heartbreaking. But its not a good enough reason to cause all of this.

Making them fight each other first is a great way to take out the Legionnaires and damn do they get brutal with each other.
I honestly thought Calorie Queen was down for the count. To see her get back up was great.
Damn Vi. That nose shot was wow.

I hope they find a way to snap out of this and fight off the pheromones' before its too late!

The Pig -
The Pig has no real actual powers? interesting. Still need to know who it is!
So we have a Mordru in the making? someone who wants to be a Lord of Chaos? does he know that part?

So the pig has an alchemy stone or something. Because Jo's ring is gone!

wait so the Pig can steal people powers like Rouge? so he needs to touch them to do it? When he drains it does he drain just powers or life force too? does he cut them off from it permanently or is it a short duration? So many questions i must know!!

the world turns white again? please let this be the White Witche's doing!

Zarrox -
Ok so the White Witch did something!
Poor Dori but at least she's able to keep going and hadn''t complained as much as Bobb. lol.

There on Pon? i should have realized that. That location has come up a couple times.

Wait why wouldn't he be able to find Impulse and Chloraphyl Kid? gasp

Wow The team has arrived just in time. well sort of each of these vignettes were heart breaking to read. Each time it was harsh.
Candi's was so... i'm crying for her.
Brin and Sizzle made it!

Cera i think is making the right choice. train and then never do this again and there's nothing wrong with that.
Dr. Gym'll is really trying but i don't blame him for snapping. He's worried. this is a hard moment for all of them to deal with.

I'm glad XS made it too and poor Mysa. This is a huge betrayal to them.
i love how each of them are doing their part. The Mess and Healer are perfect on this mission!
I hope they can save Brainy and that he doesn't have any brain damage.

Looks like they all have a pretty good opinion about Retro but at least he's trying and seeing that maybe he needs to rethink his choices in life.

There were so many good small emotional moments in this post and i like that you didn't break it up in separate post but just the asterisk running though.

Wow. these have all been great and i'm so pumped to see what comes next. But sadly that's all the time i have for tonight. Keep it coming and hopefully i'll finish soon!
WOW, what an ending! Big applause!!

I had a feeling that the Chinese gods weren't going to be quite so on board with Pig and his assorted psychos, it was very well-earned and cathartic seeing them cast judgement the way they did! Although part of me is sad that the lightning beast never got his paradise hahahahaha

It was a nice touch having Thunder be the only one to really know how to interact with gods too, and the Legion acknowledging that the rest of them were in over their heads.

I felt for the Zodiac members who wanted to turn back time, although obviously the Chinese gods are in the right here. Even if they have the power to do it, it would be crazy.

Athena popping up to take care of Ferdinand's judgement was an unexpected surprise as well! This means the Greek pantheon are out there somewhere too still! I wonder if a one-time goddess of truth is one of them..?

Dragonwing's ending was very fitting and I'm glad that he got to redeem himself somewhat....I think he went way too far for everyone to just take him back with open arms, so it's a good end to his story arc and it highlights that he was well-intentioned but flawed.

I think that last scene with everyone's soul energy going to heal Dryad and the way you described Xao dying was really cinematic, I could see an awesome splash page with all of the energy pouring out of them.

This was an excellent story, IB - I am sad that it's over! Looking forward to seeing where everyone goes from here, and I have got a couple picks ready to go for your leadership nominations as well!
hi Omni, thanks for the R&R! wow, you sure covered a lot in one sitting!!

Originally Posted by Omni
I'm starting off with the team being captured and finding out what's happened to each.
I'll try and see how i feel about the groups. But you know me i enjoy seeing random pairings.

I'm enjoying the Chinese lore your using for the Zodiacs and sharing it with us.
I've tried to figure out how each of the characters presented embody their Zodiac.

thanks Omni smile hope it is a fun thought exercise, rather than too much strain!

Originally Posted by Omni
The Rat -
Man Kono's battle with the team was pretty harsh.
So i'm not 100% familiar with her abilities. So she makes herself intangible but also others? there were times reading this that i thought she was a geokinetic. (When Gates gets pulled into the ground when she's not touching him is the part i'm thinking of the most)

ah yes, she makes others intangible. unfortunately I had to keep the bios for later, so as not to spoil some surprises!

Originally Posted by Omni
i'm glad that she doesn't want to kill anyone really. Well except Live Wire it seems.
I'm glad she's also not too fond of the Pig and sees just how bad he is. But Kono is definitely an opportunists. I feel like there had to be a better way to get Skarla back. Maybe i'm forgetting something but were they ever tried to be resettled to a new world?
How does Kono know about the spell Mysa cast? Can they detect it?

Kono doesn't really want to kill Live Wire actively, though she might think a moment before saving him tongue and the Pig was able to detect Mysa's spell using one of his many talismans. re Sklar, the Sklarian survivors resettled on the Sklar Asteroid Belt (revealed in LSH Secret Files 2), though as far back as Legionnaires 57 it's been mentioned that a world had been offered to them for resettling, but for some reason (not mentioned) they didn't take it.



Originally Posted by Omni
The OX -
Ferdinand - this is pulling from deep DC lore based off of those comments he had about Wonder Woman and her owing his people.
the Greek Gods really are terrible with their patrons. But that's some interesting mythology that they were cast to the stars.

Putting Echo and Ferro together...i see what you did there. create even more tension with the two members who have a bit of a beef with each other. Well one sided beef as i don't think Echo realized that Ferro had feelings for Mentalla.

agree, the Greek gods can be quite terrible. Echo and Ferro, having them in the same team was too good to pass up. and yes, Echo is completely clueless tongue


Originally Posted by Omni
You know i'm surprised Garth's lightning didn't set the vegetation Ferdinand was calling forth on fire. The would have at least caused a little distraction for the team.

re vegetation, it was wet vegetation -- I Googled, and apparently wet vegetation (think plump fleshy vines) is resistant to electricity smile

Originally Posted by Omni
I can't remember or not but did Triad and Ferro fix their issues or have they just agreed to keep their distance? if so, its kind of telling because even though there's only the four of them they don't seem to interact too much.
But another issue i've noticed with each of these little groups, for all their power team work seems to be the last thing their really relying on and keep trying to strike individually.


Triad and Ferro made up in volume 2. re teamwork, they have been taken by surprise and attacked by surprise, so the team does need to get their bearings first smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Scratch wants to cripple Umbra? shocked
YES! Umbra keep fighting! ... damn. ...wait they stole a ring? a ring that protects against the shadow champion's powers? Hmmmm i want to know more about this ring! was it a mystical object that was stolen from another location or was it in the shadow caves to begin with? so many questions!

Shadow Cave wink


Originally Posted by Omni
The rabbit -
Lepus - This one's interesting because we get no narration from the villain to start off the segment. i like the change up and the reveal that comes with it.

So one thing i've noticed and i could totally be wrong on this. But it always seems like Shikari is partnered up with someone she was in the Second Galaxy with. Not that i don't like it. But there usually seems to be one of them around.

they do represent about 1/4 of the team, so the chances of Shikari being with another Lost Legionnaire aren't that small smile

Originally Posted by Omni
U-26 inspired for sure! Never would have thought of bringing a character in from there. again this is another one if he hadn't fallen victim to his own ego he could have been a member of the Legion.

so is it that their powers aren't affective right away because of the physics surrounding him and his universe or because of his own powers and that its too fast?

yeah, he's really powerful eh? ah what could have been. it's mainly that Lepus is just that fast, so he was able to beat them before their powers could take effect.


Originally Posted by Omni
The Dragon -
I don't know much about Chinese culture but i do know Dragons are very revered creatures. so I'm surprised that the Dragon is in the 5th position. Especially after the deeds he performed which made him late.


Maybe one of the ancestors can answer why the Dragon was only fifth tongue


Originally Posted by Omni
Its so weird to think of a place that has no metal at all. Even when they do the plastic prisons in X-men metal still some how gets in because its in so much of what we make.

they are in a very "natural" world without much human intervention wink

Originally Posted by Omni
WTF! WHAT THE HECK IB! WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME? WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO BREAK MY HEART!
i can't believe it. i just can't. Xao why? why Xao? why?

The violent mystical energies are being collected? to contact the great Ancestors? so the Chinese gods of old?
You know i was hoping that Dragonmage was going to be really atoning for his actions and would one day find peace with or without the Legion and this is like none of that development happened. That he just wants the easy way to fix things. This makes me so angry.

I find it interesting that the Reboot Era is really the only era where Dragonmage is treated as kind of villainous compared to his counter parts and that's including the fan fics here. I have to wonder why that is. is it because of the big fear that was magic for a long part of the Legion's arch when dealing with the Eye and Mordru?

i don't care how many tears you cry at this point Xao. i don't feel bad for you. You've made your choices.


at least for me, I'm going off Dragonmage's impatience and pride exhibited in the comics - through Legionnaires 44, 47-50, and Legionnaires 71-74. I have to say that Xao has a bad understanding of atoning as well... I think you and Mysa are having quite the same reactions to this!

Originally Posted by Omni
I'm little confused with the Dreamer parts. is she having a vision of fighting and then fighting or is it just the visions?
Quote
As she watched Thom fall to the ground, Dreamer forced herself to snap back to the present. Her teammates needed her!

Dreamer is switching between her precog-visions and the present. Her first impulse was to use her precognition to see if she could understand why their teammates were fighting them.


Originally Posted by Omni
Wow, i understand what Element Lass was trying to do. But that could be lethal to someone if not done right, like now in the heat of the moment. i don't care how much she's studied.

Element Lass was desperate, and she only transmuted Andromeda's lead serum because she had practiced this very well with Brainy and company. the Legion recognizes that Andromeda or M'Onel could be turned against them at some point, so they have prepared very carefully re non-lethal ways to stop them if so

Originally Posted by Omni
Mentalla's thoughts of Echo and Ferro as they attack was interesting. i thought she had an idea that Ferro liked her. But i guess she has no idea how he really feels. dang. Poor Ferro.

Poor Ferro frown he hasn't actually said anything to Mentalla either, and Mentalla won't pry into his mind.


Originally Posted by Omni
OOoo. damn Slizz that's pretty crafty. a second illusion is something they for sure wouldn't think of. Sensor never does stuff like that usually. But i feel like we've barely explored what Sensor or Slizz for that matter are truly capable of.

I'm trying to think if Sensor ever made a second layered illusion under the first one smile come to think of it, Universo did in Dream Crime!

Originally Posted by Omni
The Horse -
Lusyo wants fame and fortune? well at least he's got goals. But out of everyone his seem to be the smallest and most self serving so far.

So is Lusyo a mystic or his he using different artifacts that were stolen by this Zodiac coven?
Really liking how Sizzle has learned to take in the ambient energy.
Damn Brainy's temper sure can get out of hand. Are his emotional regulators working?

hold that thought re Lusyo having a small, self-serving goal wink Lusyo does have his own power, but mostly using artifacts indeed.

Does Brainy have built-in emotional regulators? that anomaly upgrade always confused me, what exactly did it do? I always thought it made him more emotionally intelligent, without any tech upgrades or whatever. also, Brainy is super stressed because of all the unknown elements in their situation - he's also a bit worried about the others who aren't with them.

Originally Posted by Omni
The Goat -
Ok i know i shouldn't be laughing with the situation there in. But Gear complaining about the different everyday devices he has to make is super funny to me.

Ok, i'm gonna say i am so glad that this one didn't turn out to be who i thought it was. I for a moment thought Mekt was behind this particular scenario. A Lightning Beast thought is pretty cool idea.
Dang. Pig is devious to recruit and animal who doesn't have a real sense of morality.

it's always nice to have SOME humor even when things are super dark tongue nah, Mekt has a totally different arc, so I'm glad you're relieved it's not him smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Zoe did great but i'm surprised she didn't try to morph the local surroundings more. I also wonder if she could sense the magic acting within Brawler and maybe some how tap into it?

Zoe was focused on driving Brawler away to get Babbage and Microbe to safety, hence she exploded the ground first. Sadly, Brawler's attack was too brutal, and put her on the defensive. As for magic, she could sense of course but tapping into it is another thing... Zoe's learned not to play around with things she doesn't understand well smile though you raise great points, and perhaps I should have made Zoe's thinking and tactics clearer. Will do next time - it's a bit tough with someone so powerful and versatile smile

Originally Posted by Omni
The Roosters -
Ahhh and so Chakuq wants a life beyond the Kawi way. That makes sense. if i had been exposed to a new life style and technology that inspired a life in me i never even dreamed of why not go for it. I'm sure that Mother Emmket would understand if Chakuq wanted to leave and explore her path in a different way. Why did she need to do it this way?

She brings up a valid point. The Kawi were getting paid in their ability to use the thresholds and travel new paths but is that really a payment of any sort? i know its part of their culture but they must be paid some how. As it does kind of seem like the UP is taking advantage of them and treating the Second Galaxy like a tourist trap.

yup, this will definitely be explored more later re the Kwai way. As for why Chakuq thought this, it's a bit of her own immaturity, and a bit of the Kwai emphasis on tradition - Chakuq just didn't think to try a different way. silly of her, for sure, but from my own hometown/culture there are sadly many who think like that: well it's tradition so...


Originally Posted by Omni
Oh a magical talisman to swap powers that's pretty cool and Chakuq makes a great point she's not Shikari. Maybe they don't all have the same weak points. But it might also be the magical stuff helping her.

yeah, it's more the magical stuff Chakuq was referring to smile not that Shikari has a different physiology than Chakuq

Originally Posted by Omni
Dog -
Hachiko - her reasons for doing this are heartbreaking. But its not a good enough reason to cause all of this.

completely agree!

Originally Posted by Omni
wait so the Pig can steal people powers like Rouge? so he needs to touch them to do it? When he drains it does he drain just powers or life force too? does he cut them off from it permanently or is it a short duration? So many questions i must know!!


haha smile no need to touch; naturally, he drains only powers. it's not permanent, he sort of synchs with them and copies the powers.


Originally Posted by Omni
Wow The team has arrived just in time. well sort of each of these vignettes were heart breaking to read. Each time it was harsh.
Candi's was so... i'm crying for her.

Cera i think is making the right choice. train and then never do this again and there's nothing wrong with that.

I'm glad XS made it too and poor Mysa. This is a huge betrayal to them.

Looks like they all have a pretty good opinion about Retro but at least he's trying and seeing that maybe he needs to rethink his choices in life.

There were so many good small emotional moments in this post and i like that you didn't break it up in separate post but just the asterisk running though.

Wow. these have all been great and i'm so pumped to see what comes next. But sadly that's all the time i have for tonight. Keep it coming and hopefully i'll finish soon!

glad Cera's choice is coming off as wise and realistic! indeed, being a Legionnaire is tough, so someone has to be fully committed to dealing with the dangers!

re Retro, he's not completely bad. he's not Legion material, but he's shown enough willingness to be better, so he's still a Cadet... for now. glad you liked the many small moments and the format too, I didn't want to drag this part out so I kept it one long post.

thanks tons Omni, appreciate your R&R a lot smile
thanks a ton Raz, glad you liked it!

Originally Posted by razsolo
WOW, what an ending! Big applause!!

I had a feeling that the Chinese gods weren't going to be quite so on board with Pig and his assorted psychos, it was very well-earned and cathartic seeing them cast judgement the way they did! Although part of me is sad that the lightning beast never got his paradise hahahahaha

It was a nice touch having Thunder be the only one to really know how to interact with gods too, and the Legion acknowledging that the rest of them were in over their heads.

I felt for the Zodiac members who wanted to turn back time, although obviously the Chinese gods are in the right here. Even if they have the power to do it, it would be crazy.

Athena popping up to take care of Ferdinand's judgement was an unexpected surprise as well! This means the Greek pantheon are out there somewhere too still! I wonder if a one-time goddess of truth is one of them..?

Dragonwing's ending was very fitting and I'm glad that he got to redeem himself somewhat....I think he went way too far for everyone to just take him back with open arms, so it's a good end to his story arc and it highlights that he was well-intentioned but flawed.

I think that last scene with everyone's soul energy going to heal Dryad and the way you described Xao dying was really cinematic, I could see an awesome splash page with all of the energy pouring out of them.

This was an excellent story, IB - I am sad that it's over! Looking forward to seeing where everyone goes from here, and I have got a couple picks ready to go for your leadership nominations as well!

hee hee! I hate capricious, evil type gods, so I made the Chinese gods have a sense of justice!

don't worry, the lightning beast does live in a nice protected area on Korbal. we might see her again actually wink

yeah, Thunder just popped in as a "hm, you know, she gets powers from the gods so she must have talked to them before!" type!

yeah, a running theme for the Zodiac members involved (Rat, Tiger, Dog, and even Dragon) was that they couldn't let go of the past or move on. so they signed up to this crazy scheme...

oh yes, the Greek pantheon are out there wink haven't thought about whether a certain Diana will be Goddess of Truth still in the 31st century, but I have dabbled with the idea of having Diana appear in another way... tongue

and glad Dragnomage's ending worked for you! I super agree and am glad you found it realistic. it was tough writing him in, balancing the good intentions with the super bad methods, and some little redemption. I actually considered having his arc go a different way, but i didn't want to go the mind-control or manipulation route (that was already for Brawler, and IMO Xao's too magically-talented for that)... and I considered leaving him out entirely, but come on. His whole thing is Dragons, and who better to be the Dragon sign... smile

and thank you! I would love to see some art of my team, and that last scene is a good one, thank you for your kind words!

yeah, it's been a wild ride and I'm a bit sad it's over too! thanks raz, I had fun writing it and I'm glad you enjoyed reading it!

I have the next couple posts drafted, they will be the aftermath/epilogue and also close off Volume 4. then leadership elections will open, plus I will ask for open opinions on the Reservist Cadets too wink I just want to give them a last once-over before I post, but that should hopefully be within the week.

thanks again tons raz, really appreciate your R&R and support !
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Dryad

****************************************************************************************

The Mother of the Chariot stepped forward, and wordlessly closed Dragonmage's eyes. Xao Jin lay, still, as if asleep.

Then she turned to the assembled Legionnaires, and surviving Zodiac Signs.

"It is time for you to go, to safety," she smiled. "But I would wait in your spacecraft; soon, Dryad will be returned to you. In a diminished form, but still alive."

And before any of them could say a word, the entire Legion and the remaining Zodiac Signs vanished, and reappeared in the UP Dreadnought Terra.

Looking around in awe, XS saw Admiral Everett and Shvaughn Erin running towards them.

"What in the blazes did we just witness?" Admiral Everett said.

"Saints preserve us!" Shvaughn exclaimed. "We were listening the whole time through the Titanet, but..."

The outlines of Titanet Chief Adept Erqol's face appeared; she was broadcasting from the Titanet HQ. "I perceived everything in real time, but I can't believe it myself!"

"Neither can I..." Chemical Kid had one arm each around Invisible Kid and Jacques Foccart. "We're all here, we've all been healed..."

"Physically, anyway..." Saturn Girl said quietly. Though she was not prying, she could feel the angst and mixed emotions everyone was broadcasting. The team had come together as one, but all of them had been hurt... and not just physically. She spared a glance for the White Witch, who was in a corner with Apparition. Many of the others, especially many of the Reservists, also seemed a bit shell-shocked. They had encountered some very powerful deities, after all... And she knew many were thinking: what if they had not been benevolent?

Live Wire could tell Saturn Girl was thinking, and squeezed her hand in reassurance. "We're Legion, Imra; we may be stunned now, but we will bounce back." She smiled at him gratefully.

"And look out there!" Blizzard, gently holding the rocking horse which had been The Horse, pointed out the windows. "Dryad is falling apart!"

Kinetix laid Dragonmage's body down with her telekinetic field, and used her powers on his costume to form a veil over his face. "But the gods said that we had saved Dryad?"

"Yeah, how can it be falling apart?" Ultra Boy demanded, even as he hefted the now-emaciated Ox onto his shoulder. "That whole life-energy transfer worked, right?"

"They said Dryad would be diminished, but alive," Gravity opined as he lifted the bound Tiger up with his powers. The Tiger kept silent, looking defeated.

"Indeed," Brainiac 5 stood, transfixed, not even thinking to use his Omnicom to record his observations. "I conjecture that the dead parts of Dryad will fall away, and... and... this is a lot to take in."

"Let's just enjoy it, Brainy," Star Boy said quietly.

"Watch but be careful," KId Quantum said, a tad wearily. "Be ready for anything..."

Before everyone's eyes, pieces of Dryad crumbled and floated away.

One piece appeared to head for the ship.

"I... I can see a face forming on it!" Andromeda gasped, as she used her telescopic vision.

And as the piece reached the window, it slowly molded its form. Two legs sprouted, then two arms. And finally, a head slowly formed, with two eyes and a mouth.

It spoke in a rumbly, gravelly voice. "May I join you?"

Without missing a beat, Gates opened a teleportation disk. "Happy to have you abroad, Dryad."

The stone figure, about as tall as M'Onel, stepped out of Gates' portal and onto the floor. "Thank you, thank you all for giving part of yourselves to me."

Shikari, clutching the doll that had been the Rooster, looked out of the window. Pieces of Dryad's dead husk floated outside. "We saved a world today, didn't we?" she asked Wildfire softly.

Wildfire gently held her hand. "That we did, Kari, that we did."

Everyone watched in awe as Dryad took its first tentative steps on the ship.

"So, what now?" Density looked around, gesturing towards Dryad and the now-amnesiac Brawler.

Nightwind put a hand on Density's shoulder. "Now, we rest. We've been through a lot."

"And that's an order, folks," Kid Quantum stretched her hands above her head. "We have a lot to sort out... but that should wait until tomorrow. Today, we heal."
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

3 days later...

****************************************************************************************

Though the Chinese deities had healed them, the events of the past few days had strained the team. M'Rissey had shuffled the duty rosters, keeping only a skeleton crew of Legionnaires on call at a time. Many of the Legionnaires had gone to visit family or friends, or simply taken time off to travel and otherwise relax.

At the end of the three days, when everyone had come back, Kid Quantum had chaired another meeting of the Active membership. This time, Reservists and key Legion Support Staff were invited to join. Adding in the likes of Magnetic Kid and Thunder, Impulse and Mandalla, and the more experienced Legion Cadets; and with the Uncanny Amazers and Heroes of Lallor, Marla Latham and Shvaughn Erin and others all along, the room was filled to the brim. The mood was not exactly somber, but more quiet. Many of the Legionnaires still felt a mild weariness.

Kid Quantum smiled at the group, thanking everyone for their contributions, and promising to keep the meeting short and to the point.

Triad started by discussing some personnel movements.

Some of the new Cadets had performed so well while the Active Legionnaires had been missing, that they had been promoted to Reserve status. These were also among the ones with sufficient control over their powers to not be a danger to themselves and others, and whose power levels were deemed strong enough to possibly become full Legionnaires. They would still remain in the Cadet program, and were definitely not as far along in their training as the most experienced Cadets; but they would be called on more often to supplement the Active membership on missions. Aquamarine, Battering Ram, Fauna, Healer, Neuron, Paragon, Swallowtail and X-Bomb Betty walked into the room, to much applause from everyone present.

Also, it seemed that Dryad, now in its humanoid form, had inherited some of Dragonmage's and the Legionnaires' training and experience through the life force transfer. Dryad had done extremely well on many of the basic Cadet tests, even displaying great skill with a flight ring. To illustrate, Triad played a training video; the room murmured with approval as Dryad displayed advanced geokinesis, breaking off and manipulating parts of its own body, and even controlling the earth and rock under it. Dryad reacted well in battle, instinctively prioritizing the protection of innocents, and knowing when to duck and cover.

What Dryad lacked was knowledge and memory of the United Planets or the modern-day world. It definitely did not inherit any memories, nor - it seemed - any personality traits.

Lacking a home, Dryad had been invited to join the Legion Cadet program; and considering its skill and abilities, Dryad had been made a Reserve Legionnaire as well. Dryad walked into the room, to thunderous applause. Its stony face broke into a gigantic smile.

Following that, Triad announced that some of the more experienced Reservist Cadets - ones who had been deemed ready to graduate - had decided to move on from the program. Konk! and Kal Bodo both whooped as Arachno moved over to join the Uncanny Amazers; her former fellow Cadets Night Girl, Porcupine Pete and Spectrum also stood up to welcome her. Vapor smiled warmly as Catspaw and Comet Queen moved over to join the Heroes of Lallor. Hotshot, Stone Boy and Tellus likewise hugged their former fellow classmates as they came over.

The Legionnaires likewise applauded. Arachno, Catspaw and Comet Queen had all done well enough on missions and in tests, that they deserved the chance to become full-time members of a super-team. In fact, a similar offer had been extended to many of their contemporaries: but Crystal Kid, Dragonwing, Flying Fox, Rainbow, Veilmist and Vision had insisted on staying in the Legion Cadet program.

Kid Quantum explained that the Uncanny Amazers and the Heroes of Lallor would be taking a growth trajectory over the next few months. The idea was that they would become sister teams to the Legion. She pointed to the leading role they had taken while most of the Legionnaires had disappeared; bringing Cadets on missions and generally filling in. In fact, the Amazers would now be the first point of contact for Affiliated Planets worlds, while Lallor would lead in its United Planets quadrant. This would take some pressure off the Legion. After all, with Threshold technology, there was no reason the teams could not work together more often; but having different jurisdictions would allow for faster responses, especially when multiple emergencies arose.

Next up were some administrative topics. Brainiac 5, Babbage and Gear outlined a plan to further strengthen the Legion's security protocols, including against magic. The White Witch had invited a pair of Zarroxian sorcerers to spend time consulting on magical security. Reservists and Legion Cadets would likewise be accorded more psychological support; the staff under Dr. Ryk'rr and Mandalla would be increased.

Lume stood up to share its experience. Its transformation into a lamp by the Pig had scarred it, but Dr. Ryk'rr and Mandalla had helped it process the experience. Lume encouraged its teammates to make use of their services, as being a Legionnaire was tough and dangerous, and required everyone to be at their best.

Addressing the elephant in the room, Kid Quantum stressed that the team would do their utmost to prevent anyone else being compromised, the same way Brawler and Dragonmage had been. As before, some Legionnaires would be asked to lend their skills or knowledge to a task force led by Nightwind, Chameleon and Brainiac 5, to review and strengthen security. She ended with a plea for team members to reach out and ask for help; she stressed that, had Dragonmage come to the team after being approached by the Zodiac, they would have done their best to keep him safe and work with him to stop them. "We're a Legion, and nobody should have to go off alone," she remarked.

The White Witch then explained that the sorcerers on Zarrox had taken custody of the magical objects retrieved from the Zodiac. They would slowly be cataloguing and returning them from whence they came. Kid Quantum reminded that some Legionnaires may be asked to assist in returning some of these. On the holo display, Kinetix and Blizzard were shown returning some of the objects stolen from Earth; while Umbra had reclaimed the parts of the Shadow Cave and had restored them to Talok VIII.

Switching topics, Gigi Cusimano, as head of the Science Police on Legion World, spoke about the prisoners.

First, the Science Police, assisted by the Espionage Squad, had looked into the origins of the Zodiac members. Not much was known, though they had at least figured out that Slizz the Snake and Chakuq the Kwai had had their natural abilities enhanced or unlocked - presumably by the Pig. Investigations would be ongoing.

Shikari was moved to say something. Chakuq, after all, was one of her people. "The Kwai are deeply ashamed and concerned of what has happened," she said, somewhat shyly. Battle was her thing, not public speaking! "Matriarch Enkenet is considering very carefully the future of our people - clearly, many opportunities are opening up to us now that we have contact between our galaxies. We will be working more closely with the United Planets to see how we can bring those opportunities to us.

Supported by Chameleon, Sensor also felt she should say something. After all, Slizz was one of her people too. "I have been in contact with Orandans who knew Slizz," she began. "They also expressed surprise at her turn. I assure you, however, that my father King Charlz is taking this seriously; for anyone to want the throne of Orando so much that they would resort to this..." She paused, and Chameleon nodded to her. "Orando has already been moving to give a greater voice to our people, and we will be studying the social and governing structures of other UP worlds, to see how we can improve ours."

Murmurs of approval came from different audience members. Gates began to speak; at a quick harrumph from Brainiac 5, he kept it short by saying he, and the team, would doubtless help any initiatives from the Kwai or from Orando.

Moving on through the former Zodiac Signs, Gigi Cusimano showed that the transformed Rabbit was being kept on a highly secure patch of meadow, under 24-hour surveillance. He had not displayed any high intelligence or any of his old powers, but no chances were being taken. The transformed Snake, Horse and Rooster were being kept in a tesseract storage room, also under constant surveillance. Many of the Legionnaires shivered at the thought; the three had, respectively, been transformed into a painting, a rocking horse and a doll. The Chinese deities had implied that they could think in their states; XS in particular shivered at that. Being immobilized was frightening to her; she could not imagine being unable to move or even to speak.

Sensing the discomfort in the room, Saturn Girl shared that it seemed these three signs were in a sort of mind-scape. That is: inside the Horse's mind, he was reliving his past actions in a sort of tableau. Mentalla added that she had tried controlling their motor functions; none of the three had any, at all.

Gigi then displayed the cell of the Ox, which was more of a hospital room. The aged, frail minotaur had been outfitted with an exoskeleton to let him move around the room. The Ox looked defeated, and spent most of his time sitting in contemplation.

The amnesiac Brawler had been horrified at what he had done. He had tried to commit suicide twice while incarcerated, and was now under constant suicide watch. A court hearing was planned in one week, to determine if a reborn amnesiac could be tried for crimes committed in his old self. Saturn Girl and White Witch were expected to testify on the circumstances surrounding the manipulation Brawler had endured as well; the court was expected to consider the personal responsibility that he had exhibited.

Shvaughn Erin, as Legion Liaison for he Science Police, noted that Legionnaires could attend the hearing as spectators. She also expected that Brawler's defense counsel - which was being bankrolled by the Legion, as one of the benefits Cadets received - would send out a call for character witnesses. Most Legionnaires and Cadets reacted with doubt; though Brawler had indeed been brainwashed, Brawler had always been arrogant and hot-headed. Still, Kid Quantum sternly reminded the room that for all his hubris making him a prime target for the Zodiac Signs, magic had been used to influence Brawler. It was up to the courts to decide how much responsibility he actually bore for his actions.

Fauna's heart pumped as she reported on the Goat. Journeying to Korbal with Spark and Chameleon, Fauna had made contact with the lightning beast. The beast had no memories of being a Zodiac Sign, and was - based on all signs - a normal lightning beast once more.

Kono the Rat, the Tiger and the Dog were all currently on Legion World, awaiting trial. Considering their magical nature, Legion World had been deemed a safer prison for them than Takron-Galtos. M'Rissey and Chlorophyll Kid also shared that they would begin exploring ways to help the Sklarian survivors, who had settled on the Sklarian Asteroid Belt; and Wellur, the Tiger's homeworld.

Finally, the White Witch invited any interested to join a memorial for Dragonmage the next day. She acknowledged the pain of his betrayal, but said she wanted to honor his final sacrifice and remember the man he had once been. Several Legionnaires indicated support, and that they would attend. A few made it clear from their body language that they had mixed feelings about this; and some like Timber Wolf, Umbra, Ultra Boy and Gates made as if to say something but were quickly quelled by Kid Quantum moving on to the next topic - and, in Ultra Boy's case, a firm look from Apparition.

Kid Quantum then stated that Legion leader elections would open in a week, and encouraged anyone interested in the job to let it be known. Most of the Legionnaires chuckled; everyone knew how much work it was. A smaller number looked eager, however.

"But before I end my term," she smiled. "We were having a day off and a party when we were so rudely interrupted by the bad guys. So we're going to party again. Let the festivities begin!"

Cheers and chuckles erupted as Kinetix and Blizzard stood up, announcing that they would once more have a fashion show, and a VR game tournament, and all were invited to join - things would start in an hour. Tenzil cheekily shared the menu, and Triad shared that the Gim Allon Exhibition Hall would be the venue.

The team began filing out of the meeting room, mainly in high spirits. Even the White Witch gave a small smile as she exited.

After all, with Dryad as a Cadet, she could be reminded of Dragonmage's last noble deed. It didn't erase his mistakes from before, but it did show he had tried to atone.
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 4: MOVING FORWARD

Legion World

There was much giggling and good cheer as everyone trooped to the Gim Allon Exhibition Hall. The hall had been divided in two, such that one half was for the fashion show and the other for the VR games. A little hallway and entrance had been set up between the two halves, so anyone could easily slip from one to the other.

At one end of the hall, cutting across both halves, was a sumptuous buffet catered by Matter-Eater Lad. Tenzil himself was already sipping a glass of synth-wine. "Hey, I already did all the cooking," he laughed at Violet. "I'm going to enjoy myself!"

"You'd better," Violet winked at Tenzil as she reached over him to grab an empanada. Tenzil grinned as he lowered his sunglasses and peered at her. Behind them, Live Wire and Spark, and Cosmic Boy and Magnetic Kid walked past the VR gaming display; the two pairs of siblings were teasing each other about their bad gaming blunders.

Chlorophyll Kid watched the VR gaming screen as Rebound, Triad Purple, Triad Neutral, Ferro, Chemical Kid, Ultra Boy, Lori Morning (with Proty on her shoulder) and Kal Bodo took on Sizzle, Density, Amp, Gear, Insect Queen, Particon, Konk!, and - surprisingly - Atmos. The normally-taciturn Amazer was awkwardly trying to control his character, but actually seemed relaxed today! Many others were cheering while watching, and Calorie Queen and Timber Wolf were placing bets on which side would win. But Ral sat quietly, munching on some of Tenzil's rolled duck pancakes.

"Not your thing, Ral?" Karate Kid sat beside him.

"I mean, I like VR games," Ral smiled. "But not really competitively, you know? I play them to relax. What about you?"

Val shook his head. "The last week has given me enough fighting for a bit. Most people think my martial arts are about fighting and violence, but they forget the art part. Speaking of..." Val pointed to the other side. "I don't like playing dress-up myself, but I do appreciate the aesthetics of fashion. Would you like to join me?"

Ral looked at the front, where the losing team had to graciously bow out. Rebound and company traded good-natured jeers at Sizzle's team, as the former's team got up. "We really should ban that Doctor Light-Kole combo," Blizzard joked. A new team of Blizzard, Hotshot, Night Girl, Spectrum, Porcupine Pete, Stone Boy, Splitter and Radion moved forward. Hotshot saw Ral and motioned. Ral shook his head with a smile and mouthed, "Catch you later!" Hotshot returned a thumbs-up, then eagerly sat down to choose his character.

As Ral and Val entered the fashion show, they saw a line of Legionnaires and Reservists waiting for Kinetix to conjure up a look based on what they had chosen. Gravity was the next guinea pig. "Is this cut far too low?" the lean Legionnaire asked, as he inspected his mid-section in the mirror.

"Honey, considering all the skin you already show, the only way it'd be too revealing is if you went out in your underwear," Kinetix teased.

XS ran up to Val and Ral. "Nice to see you both! Only five more in front of you!" She gestured to the end of the line, where X-Bomb Betty was encouraging Uplift to try a more flowing fit for her dress. Even Echo was in line; he could be heard telling Triad Orange that he and Mentalla were planning to visit the theater soon, and he wanted to look his best.

"Oh no, we're just here to watch!" Ral stammered.

"Are you sure?" Mabuhay Corazon smiled at them. "It'll be fun, we have some Omnicoms set up where you can pick an outfit based on some parameters, like casual or formal... you can pick the colors..."

"Dreamer made me try it," Star Boy called from nearby. "She says I need a wardrobe upgrade."

"He wears the same three shirts on our dates! Ever since we started!" Dreamer made a show of rolling her eyes. "Now hurry up, I want to see how I'll look in the gown I chose!"

"You guys should try it," Inferno winked. He had on a dashing wine-red suit. "You get a free new outfit, and it's always good to dress for success you know? Or for the sentients." He made a show of checking himself out in one of the holo-mirrors. "Besides, it feels good to look good!"

Val and Ral looked at each other. "Why not?" Ral shrugged.

"It's another art to learn," Val winked as he let Mabuhay grab him by the hand, and pull him to an Omnicom. Ahead of him, Mandalla, Thunder and Element Lass were playfully debating which shade of green would best go with Thunder's shoes.

Towards the back of the room, Umbra, Lume, White Witch, Andromeda, Brainiac 5, Gates. Babbage, Rond Vidar and Dryad sat in a circle. "Our teammates really are very boisterous, aren't they?" Mysa said, sipping her mug of warm Taltaran chocolate. It was an indulgence she'd allowed herself today. She and Andromeda had just spent quite a bit of time planning Dragonmage's service tomorrow; the former Sister of the Eternal Cosmos had made some very meaningful suggestions on how to best remember Xao's life.

"I'm surprised they can hear themselves think over all this noise," Umbra muttered.

"I personally find it fascinating," Babbage intoned. "There is much to observe, and it helps me understand organic-forms better."

"Indeed, it is... good to learn more," Dryad said, its voice rumbling slowly as its very basic features moved. Its face had hardly any of the features that would be found in most humanoid races or species; Dryad had two button-like eyes, and a basic mouth that let it speak. Not even a nose, not that it needed one. And its ears were simply two little holes on the sides of its head.

"Participant observation is a proven method of learning," Rond Vidar began. "But it is subject to the researcher's prejudices, of course."

"Well, that's how I learned when I was a new Legionnaire," Lume smiled encouragingly at Dryad. "I'm sure you will find it very helpful."

"Personally, I find all this frivolous and ridiculous," Gates chirped. "However, I am happy for the chance to socialize - especially with present company."

"I have a question, if I may," Babbage leaned forward. "Many of us nearly died these past few days... Dragonmage has passed..."

"Babbage!" Andromeda hissed.

"I apologize, I did not intend to cause any negative emotions," Babbage quickly interjected.

"It's okay," White Witch smiled. "It is a fact, Dragonmage is gone... please, continue, Babbage."

"Thank you, Mysa. As I said, many of us suffered severe physical damage, and for sure we have to process the events that occurred. But I observe that most of us are acting rather happy today?" Babbage continued.

Dryad looked around. "Indeed, from my observations during the final battle, I would have expected a more somber, sad mood. Everyone seems rather merry."

Umbra, Brainiac 5 and Gates looked at one another. Then Andromeda smiled gently.

"We humans work through events in different ways," Andromeda explained. "We generally need time to process, and sometimes distracting ourselves allows us time to sort things out."

"And though I prefer to socialize with smaller groups," Gates continued. "The healing power of being with friends should not be underestimated!"

"We cannot discount the effects of Dr. Rykrr's team's psychological intervention..." Brainiac 5 added.

"And the healing provided by those Chinese gods may have included some emotional and mental component," Umbra continued. Brainiac 5 made a small face; he really detested the unpredictability of magic!

Gates stood up. "And I think I speak for many, when I say that the whole team coming together for a final charge has lifted my spirits!" He was speaking loudly enough that some of the others turned to look at them. "That feeling of oneness, of us all working through our individual injuries to help each other at the end... We may have faced a threat that could have ended us all, but we did it together!"

The table fell silent, stunned. Then, a mischievous smile formed on Lume's face. "Gates for Legion leader!" Lume quipped.

"If that happens, I resign!" Umbra teased. The table erupted into laughter.

As Gates began to retort, Wildfire and Shikari walked in. "Brainiac! I have a puzzle for you!"

"For the last time, Wildfire," Brainiac 5 replied with a touch of irritation. "I'm not interested in playing VR games."

"But we were discussing, Smart Legion," Shikari's eyes twinkled. "What is the highest possible combo damage that one can think of? We thought you could tell us."

"If anyone can figure it out, it's you," Wildfire pointed out.

Brainiac 5 made a show of throwing up his hands. "Wasting my twelfth level intelligence on this..." But his face held a small smile as he followed Wildfire and Shikari over to the other side of the room.

By the refreshment table, Invisible Kid was chatting with Jacques Foccart. "So Condo and I can definitely come over for dinner tomorrow," Lyle said. He paused. "You're sure your okay? Whenever I use my invisibility to make someone else invisible, I feel like I've run a marathon. You cloaked so many others on Dryad..."

"Lyle, relax," Jacques laughed. "I was protected by magic then. It's all good. I'm still retired, still relaxing... but yes, it was needed. I jumped in to save you, and I would do it again. I know you'd do the same for me, brother."

Lyle smiled as he hugged Jacques. "Fine, but you know you don't get a flight ring if you're not a Reservist..."

"I don't want to be," Jacques laughed.

Nearby, Flying Fox had heard the conversation with his advanced hearing. "Imagine, someone who doesn't want to be a Reservist," he muttered to himself.

"Careful now," Rainbow teased. "You wouldn't want to get a reputation as an eavesdropper and a gossip, would you?"

The Cadets were sitting with some of their recently-graduated peers. Vision turned to Catspaw. "You are absolutely sure you want to leave the Cadet program, April?"

Catspaw bared her teeth a bit. "For the last time, Rhent! I'm a girl with simple wants, I just want to fight bad guys, not deal with mystical mumbo jumbo or politics. Look at what the Legion's been up to recently! I'll be happier on Lallor, where there's a lot of nature and mostly street-level crime to fight!"

Arachno nodded. "I feel the same. Xanthu will be a better fit for me. Most of the Amazers' last missions have been disaster relief. It will be much less stressful."

"And like, starshine, I like helping people, you know?" Comet Queen was bouncing up and down. "That last Zodiac fight was a mega black hole burn of hurt! Give me rescue missions any day! No, I'll be happier on Lallor too! Maybe the rest of you want to come join!"

"Hah!" Dragonwing shook her head. "Come on, Grava. We all know how the Legion ranks us. Crystal Kid, Rainbow, Vision, Veilmist... they're all in the top tier of power potential among us Cadets. They have a much better shot of getting into the Legion than I do, just because of that!"

"So why are you still here, then, if you don't think your chances are good?" Arachno asked. "Don't you want to join on Xanthu?"

"I'm not a quitter," Dragonwing laughed.

"Hey!" Catspaw hissed.

"I don't mean it like that!" Dragonwing shook her head. "With you I get it, you want something else. But I want to be a Legionnaire, so I'm staying!"

"Hear, hear!" Rainbow raised a glass. "We should all follow what we want, right?"

"That's the spirit!" Veilmist smiled.

Crystal Kid stared into his drink. Was this what he wanted? After seeing the beatdowns and injuries the Legionnaires had suffered? He managed a smile, just so he wouldn't have to explain himself. But he did wonder... should he stay, just because he had been told his powers could reasonably get him onto the main team?

Towards the back of the VR room, cheers and groans both erupted as Sizzle's team finally lost. They had defeated four challenging teams in a row, but finally lost to Blizzard's team. They were eagerly replaced by a mixed Staff/Cadet team: M'Rissey, Battering Ram, Dolphin, Paragon, Retro, Vampire, Impulse and Aquamarine.

Other Cadets and staff, such as Swallowtail, Aquamarine, The Mess, Healer, and Question, cheered them on as they took their spots. Andromeda gently pulled Teena Dav along, encouraging her to join in. The young Daxamite was still recovering from being kidnapped and experimented on; but she had decided to join the Cadet program at least long enough to learn basic self-defense. She didn't seem serious about joining the Legion though; she just wanted to explore the galaxy more.

Splitter was beaming; his power may not be the best, but he was surprisingly good at this VR gaming!

Cosmic Boy, Kid Quantum, Live Wire, Saturn Girl, Nightwind and Lamprey sat in a circle. Lamprey, still relatively new as an Active Legionnaire, was shivering a bit. Though she knew all Legionnaires were equal, basically, she was conscious that she was sitting with five current and former Legion leaders! She had been chatting with Nightwind when the other four had approached.

"Hey boss," Nightwind had said teasingly. She could already tell what this was about.

"Not for long," Kid Quantum laughed, shaking her glass to stir it. "Nobody's put their name forward yet for next election, Berta. Have you thought about it?"

"Not eager to step into those shoes again, Jaz," Berta smiled cheekily.

"We all know you can do the job," Tayla smiled. "But if you don't want it..."

"If nobody's interested, you might just get a second term," Cosmic Boy teased Kid Quantum. "Unless you explicitly say you don't want it."

"You are doing a great job," Saturn Girl smiled. Kid Quantum smiled back gratefully.

Kid Quantum took a swig of her drink, and pointed at Rokk. "Maybe I'll put YOUR name forward, mister former first leader!"

Live Wire patted Cosmic Boy on the back. "Show us all how it's done, boss!"

"No, no, no, not funny, guys," Cosmic Boy laughed.

"Hey, everyone, listen!" The six Legionnaires looked up, to see Microbe on stage. "Hey!" she stamped her foot.

"I can tell everyone," XS volunteered. Magno stood beside her, admiring himself in his new gray-and-magenta shirt. "Let me just run around at super-speed..."

"Don't strain," Violet laughed. "Let me get their attention." Growing to giant size, she clapped her hands.

Some glasses and tables shook, but only in the immediate vicinity. Still, the noise continued as Legionnaires and allies whooped and cheered and chatted. Oblivious, Vapor was showing her new dress off to Theena and Apparition; it was very wispy, matching her gaseous hair. Fauna, Beastmaster and Tellus continued chatting in a corner; the three were experimenting with linking telepathically, to see how Fauna's powers would interact with Beastmaster's.

"Allow me," Echo said suavely. "You might want to cover your ears." Letting out a high-pitched whine, Echo made everyone in the hall sit up and take notice. Mentalla giggled as she watched Echo blush a bit at some of the dirty stares thrown his way.

"Thanks, Troy!" Microbe immediately took over. "So Sensor likes to sing, and she suggested we do a karaoke bit! We're setting up in the next room! Who's in?!"

"Oh yeah!" Chameleon and Spark immediately stood up. So did about a dozen others. Density rubbed his hands eagerly, and Konk!'s head zipped around energetically as she flew to the door.

"Oh heck yes!" Particon said. "Where I come from, we always say - if you can't sing well, sing loudly!"

"I'll make you sing really loudly tonight," Insect Queen whispered slyly as she followed Particon.

"This is more my style," Shvaughn Erin stood up, pulling M'Onel with her.

"Oh, this I got to hear," Gigi Cusimano laughed as she followed her friend.

Spark nudged Chemical Kid. "You should go, use your deep bass holo-presenter voice!" she teased. Condo blushed, then stood up.

"Sounds like just the thing," Nightwind smiled, as she watched Mabuhay Corazon ushering Violet and Tenzil over to the karaoke room. "Anyone?"

Lamprey stood up eagerly. The other four shook their heads no. Nightwind and Lamprey waved as they headed over to the karaoke room.

Kid Quantum took another drink. "Every time I look at all this..." she gestured from one end of the room to another. "I just marvel at how large and complex the team has grown."

"You've done a great job steering the team," Cosmic Boy said. "We've all been leaders, but never over this many."

"Being leader was tough when there were only 24 of us," Saturn Girl shook her head. "Now there are 49 Active Legionnaires, and all the Reservists, Cadets, support staff, and our sister teams..."

"Speaking of, want to take bets on who will be number 50?" Live Wire grinned mischievously. "My money's on Dryad. It can control earth... and even in space or in the air, it can use its rock body as a weapon!"

"It needs to learn a lot about the world first," Kid Quantum said. "I think it will get there, but not as number 50. Now, last membership meeting, Rainbow and Vision were the front-runners based on both powers and attitude..."

"But Veilmist has made great progress too," Live Wire pointed out. "She used to be a hotheaded gung-ho type - I recognized a lot of my younger self in her. And now, she's the epitome of teamwork."

"I'm just worried that the extent of our injuries has turned off some of our Cadets," Saturn Girl said quietly. "Comet Queen, Catspaw, Arachno... I wonder if we will lose more."

"But Imra, it might be good if some of those who don't want to continue weed themselves out," Live Wire countered. "Being a Legionnaire is dangerous, and that danger won't ever go away."

"We should, however, keep encouraging everyone to visit Dr. Ryk'rr," Kid Quantum pointed out. "The team will keep growing, but we can't have any Active Legionnaires falling apart during missions. I'd rather we grow slowly and steadily."

"And you all keep telling ME to relax more," Cosmic Boy laughed. "Come on, let's talk about this later. I want to go have some fun." And he began walking towards the VR gaming console.

Kid Quantum, Live Wire and Saturn Girl looked at each other. Then they broke into laughter. Grabbing a drink each, they wandered off into the crowd as well.

The festivities ran way into the night, and it took much gentle nudging from Marla Latham to finally clear the Hall of sentients.

"What a mess!" Lenzslo Philish, the chief Athramite on Legion World, shook his head. "Oh, it will take forever to clean out these carpets!"

"This is not an opportunity for you to redecorate the whole room," Marla said firmly. Then in a more gentle tone, he added. "Let the robo-drones clean it up. After all we've been through in the last couple of weeks, we deserve a break."

Marla spared a small smile as the last of the laggards trailed off. Martin Anderson's hair was on fire, and Nightwind had created a vacuum around it to extinguish it, even as he sang the song from Disney's Frozen XVIII. Ultra Boy just shook his head as he carried the poor Cadet down the hall. This was one who would likely be trained enough to use his powers safely, then placed somewhere else outside the Legion.

Marla chuckled inwardly at the merciless teasing the poor boy would receive tomorrow, though he kept his face stern in case someone saw. After all, he would have to ensure that someone gave Martin a stern talking-to about alcohol use the following day.

"They make a mess and a bit of noise, but they are good kids," he mumbled as he turned off the lights.

***End Volume 4***
ROLL CALL FOR END OF VOLUME 4

Updated Legion Roll Call.


Definitions: quoted from LSH Secret Files 2

1) Active members - must have at least one genuine and intrinsic super-power (which does not need to be unique relative to all other current active members); be able to fully control said power; and be courageous and of good character
2) Reserve members - must be a former active member, an honorary member, or a worthy candidate for active membership not elected to active membership
3) Honorary members - not defined; may be proposed by any Active member

IB's note - for Honorary members, I've also listed the reasons why they were elected to Honorary status

Active Legionnaires

Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion leader.

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Calorie Queen, Taryn Loy of Bismoll; consume all forms of matter, and conversion of same into super-strength
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions
Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal) and Quothon; controls his body's density
Dreamer, Nura Nal of Naltor; precognition
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis, can see heat signatures
Insect Queen, Lonna Leing of Xanthu; morphs into various insect forms, gaining the powers of the forms she takes
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony (Earth colony: Japan and Myanmar); skilled martial artist
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau) and Neptune; underwater survival; hydrokinesis
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Lume, of Silvan; energy being made of light
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan; telepathic control of others' physical functions
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
M'Onel, Lar Gand of 20th century Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation, enhanced vision
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy
Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Sizzle, Teela Spuunvil of Abaddonus; absorbs and converts energy
Spark, Ayla Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Spider-Girl, Sussa Paka of Luna; prehensile hair
Star Boy, Thom Kallor of Xanthu; gravity manipulation
Timber Wolf, Brin Londo of Zuun; enhanced speed, strength, durability, senses and regenerative powers
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time
Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; darkfield casting
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings); anti-energy being
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

Reserve Legionnaires (Not Legion Cadets or Support Staff)

Magnetic Kid, Pol Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis (magno-ball athlete)
Thunder, Cece Beck of 90th century Binderaan; SHAZAM-empowered human with enhanced strength, speed, durability, stamina, wisdom and flight powers

Reserve Legionnaires (also Legion Support Staff)

Chlorophyll Kid, Ral Benem of Mardru; accelerated plant growth (Disaster Relief & Development)
Impulse, Kent Shakespeare of Earth (United Kingdom: England); enhanced speed, strength, durability and recuperative abilities (Legion World chief medical doctor)
Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter (Legion World head chef)
Mandalla, Tari Wahlmunn of Takron-Galtos; projects a thought-sphere that affects the target's mental and physical functions (Legion medical staff)
Tomb, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions (Legion medical staff)

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Aquamarine of Mellorus; induces transformations in self and others to land-based, water-based, or air-based forms
Battering Ram, Louie Lee of Pluto; concussive force blasts
Crystal Kid, Bobb Kohan of Earth (Brazil and Peru); crystal generation and manipulation
Dragonwing, Marya Pai of Earth (Singapore and Tibet); breathes fire and secretes acid venom
Dryad, living remnant of the dead planet of the same name; malleable rock body, geokinesis and terrakinesis
Fauna, Cats-Eye of Starhaven; animal empathy and borrowing of animal attributes
Flying Fox of H'lven; levitation, enhanced agility and strength, claws
Healer, Mend'rr of Jaquaa; accelerates natural healing by borrowing strength from others
Neuron, A'rmie of Gil'd; telepathy, electricity generation
Paragon, Solana Xatu of Korugar; boosts others' confidence
Rainbow, Dori Aandraison of Xolnar; rainbow-based light powers
Swallowtail of Swizzar; flight, scales from wings can refract light and cause effects such as hallucinations, sleep, paralysis
Veilmist of Khundia and ??; teleportation
Vision, Rhent Ustin of Earth (Egypt and Spain); microscopic, telescopic, heat, freeze, and hypnotic vision
X-Bomb Betty, Betty Shell of Ventura; causes small explosions

Deceased Active Legionnaires

Kid Quantum I, James Cullen of Xanthu; weak stasis field casting, augmented by an external device
Leviathan, Gim Allon of Mars; grows own body
Element Lad, Jan Arrah of Trom; transmutation

Deceased Reserve Legionnaires

Dragonmage, Xao Jin of New Shanghai (Earth colony); sorcery

Other Legion Cadets - Partial List

Calamity, Eryk Davis Ester of Touston; disintegrates objects uncontrollably
Dolphin, F'e1lpz of Dili-Tawi; can hold his breath indefinitely
Dream Boy and Dream Girl; Apollo and Artemis Chiang of Eros; charismatic attraction of those attracted to their sex
Martin Anderson of Luna; pyrokinesis
The Mess, Meyer Qayd of the Sol Asteroid Belt; telekinesis affecting small-diameter objects
Polecat, Dafe Meron of Venus; emits a foul stench
Retro, Deen Toro of Retcon; touch-triggered ability to rewind time, but leaving those affected with a memory of "future" events
Teena Dav of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Uplift, Cera Kesh of Earth (Antarctica); levitation

Uncanny Amazers of Xanthu - have a cross-Reservist arrangement with the Legion

Atmos, Marak Russen of Xanthu; nuclear energy blasts, flight, enhanced strength and durability. Current Amazers leader.

Arachno of Arachnidia; enhanced abilities of spiders
Kal Bodo of Xanthu; phrenology and psychometry activated upon touching another's head
Konk!, of Xanthu; detachable floating head, if she fails to reattach her head to her body, a new one with a different personality grows
Night Girl, Lydda Jath of Kathoon; super-strength in darkness
Porcupine Pete, Peter Dursin of Earth (Jamaica and Mexico); ejects quills from his body
Radion, Roy Travich of Earth (Italy and Madagascar); flight and emission of radiation
Spectrum, Ulu Vakk of Lupra; changes the color of people and objects

Heroes of Lallor - have a cross-Reservist arrangement with the Legion

Vapor, Tal Nahii of Lallor; transforms her body into gases. Current Lallor Heroes Leader.

Beastmaster, Ilshu Nor of Lallor; transform into any animal
Catspaw, April Dumaka of Earth (Ghana and Tanzania); enhanced agility, speed and claws, cat-like senses
Comet Queen, Grava of Quaal III; super-speed flight and emission of comet-like gases
Hotshot, Staq Mavlen of Shwar; breathes fire
Splitter, Floyd Belkin of Lallor; ability to detach his limbs from his torso
Stone Boy, Dag Wentim of Zwen; turns self into stone
Tellus, Ganglios of Hykraius; telepathy and telekinesis


Honorary Legionnaires (they get flight rings too!)

Rene Jacques "RJ" Brande of unknown; telepathy of unknown levels (See L* 52!); Legion Founder/Financier and United Planets Ambassador to the Second Galaxy (recognized for founding the Legion! and being their continued supporter all throughout)

Shvaughn Erin of Earth (Ireland and Montenegro); Science police captain and Legion Liaison Officer (recognized for helping the Legion on several missions, such as being stranded in the 20th century (LSH 85-100), resisting the Blight (Legion of the Damned LSH 122), and piercing the Robotican shield (Legion 14)

Superboy, Kon-El of 20th century Earth/Krypton; tactile telekinesis that simulates super-strength, flight and invulnerability (recognized for helping save Valor - now M'Onel - from the Phantom Zone in L* 31)

IB's note: prior to receiving his powers, Rebound (Chuck Taine) was also an Honorary Legionnaire, for helping the Legion vs. the Rift (Widening Rifts, LSH 124-125/L* 81) and as part of the SUBS (Legion Worlds 3, Legion 1-4). A depowered Magno (Dyrk Magz) also kept Honorary status after losing Active status, due to playing key roles in missions such as defeating the Fatal Five (LSH 121) and resisting the Blight/helping against the Rift (Legion of the Damned/Widening Rifts).

Other Legion Support Staff or residents of Legion World (staff also get flight rings as a matter of practicality, but are not honored to the same level as Honorary Legionnaires

Cannus of Anthropologia; skilled tracker, canine senses and abilities (Search & Rescue)
Cub Wazzo-Nah of Bgztl and Rimbor; son of Apparition and Ultra Boy, confirmed phasing abilities
Dr. Gym'll of Jaquaa; Legion physician
Dr. Ryk'rr of Jaquaa; Legion psychiatrist
Dr. Mollie Dennum of Hephaestus; materials scientist
Gigi Cusimano of Mars; Science police lieutenant and commander of the Science Police contingent on Legion World
Lenzslo Philish of Athram; lead of the Legion World Athramite contingent; chief designer
Lori Morning of 20th century Earth (USA); RJ Brande's adopted daughter
Mabuhay Corazon of Aleph; fashion design student and Legion costume consultant; childhood friend of Kinetix
Marla Latham of Earth (Germany and Sweden); Legion adult advisor
M'rissey of Mercury; advanced scenario modelling; manager of the Legion's Disaster Relief and Development arm
Proty of Vyrga; shapeshifting and limited telepathy
Question, Akiko Li of Venus; makes people question their inner motivations; Intelligence and Negotiation
Rond Vidar of Earth (Greece and Iran); scientist specializing in time studies
Theena of unknown; attached to a symbiotic alien able to open "viewscreens" allowing communication across distances (Communications, Search & Rescue)
Vampire, Jackie Idonno of Hermaphrodite; energy draining field (Clean-Up)

United Planets Leadership and Staff

Edvard Hagbard, Science Police Commander
Hector Hol, United Planets Armed Forces General
Rosa Tubman Everett, United Planets Fleet Admiral
Wilhelmina Wasil, Warden of Takron-Galtos
Winema Wazzo of Bgztl; United Planets President
Zarox Lux of Colu; 10th level intelligence (UP Disaster Coordination)

Science Police Officers

Bogdan Tarka of Doopa, invulnerability (Science Police cadet)
Dar Zel of Daxam, enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight (Science Policer officer)
Giselle Smith of Triton, super-charges metabolism to enhance physical attributes (Science Police cadet)
Hegga Hanzo of Winath; Science police officer on Winath; childhood friend of Spark and Live Wire (along with her twin Megga, with the UP Aid Program)
Sybelle Deacon (Science Police officer)

Other Allies

Devlin O'Ryan of Xanthu; reporter
Gilda Gan of Naltor; precognition, Titanet Officer
Hannah Wells of Earth (France and Mali); reporter
Jacques Foccart of Earth (Haiti and Ivory Coast); complete self-cloaking from all conventional senses; usage of his power severely damages his body
Jancel Ardeen of Titan; telepathy, Titanet officer
Lianna Erqol of Titan; Chief Adept of the Titanet
Micah Aven of Titan; extremely skilled telepath and tutor of the most promising adepts
Prats Pradesh, "Plaid Lad" of Dolcegabanna; fashion design student; turns fabric into chequered patterns
Sandy Anderson of Luna (formerly Inferno of the Workforce); pyrokinesis
The Wolfpack of Rimbor; Timber Wolf's former gang (leader Crody; Hubble, Mash, Race, Rn'drr)
Yera Liggle of Durla; shapeshifting (actress)

Sorcerers of Zarrox

Antonio Stefanacci of Earth
Elphaba of unknown
Harlak of Khundia
Traci Thirteen the XIIIth of Earth, specializes in combat magic
Viki of unknown, specializes in teleportation spells


The Workforce of McCauley Industries; may be called upon by the Legion and United Planets in grave emergencies

Amber of Dendron, projects a sap-like gel
Evolvo, Sev Tcheru of Lallor; shifts self between human evolutionary states, including a super-strong ape-man and a telekinetic, hyper-intelligent futuristic human; current CEO of McCauley Industries
Lupine of unknown, wolf-like humanoid form
Sandstorm of Mica, body composed of animate dust particles
Survivor, Oulan Calhoun of Mars; enhanced durability and endurance, UP Navy training; field leader of the Workforce
ok everyone, thanks for coming on this wild ride with me. With Volume 4 now down, I'm going to start plotting ideas for Volume 5.

In the meantime, it's time for reader Legion elections!! And I am also taking opinion polls on Legion membership (non-binding :p) Please send me a Private Message with your picks as follows:

5 points - 1st choice
3 - 2nd choice
1 - 3rd choice

we will get one leader and one deputy from all this!

eligible: any one of the 49 Active Legionnaires as of end Volume 4 smile (please check out the roll call).

*******************************

as for new members, as stated we currently have 49. I won't be able to handle many more, but I am curious: are any of the Reservists particularly appealing, competent or interesting to you? Which ones do you think would make good Active Legionnaires?
Hey IB,

I'm back for another round of R&R and i'm hoping that i'll finally get to finish Vol. 4!

I'm starting off with the team being restored to health. (i'm not 100% sure where i left off and i may cover a section or two that i already commented on. So sorry in advance if i do.)

I'm glad Babbage was able to be restored. It's super lucky that Robotica was able to salvage something and thankfully the White Witches' spell held!
Poor Lume!

This is hard for Nura any time this happens but i'm sure this is probably the worst its been in a while. I wonder if Dreamer is going to have to learn some counter spells to help ensure her sight.

Wow they have 16 captives. that's crazy. But it really drives home how many Earth based or Earth connected Legion members there are.

man Dragonmages turn on the team is really hurting them and they are so right. i feel the same. ( but take it a complement IB! you've gotten me to care about Xao and i was really looking forward to his development.) So yeah me and Mysa share the same sentiments about it.
Damn, Mysa brings up a great point how far back does this plan go? How much does Dragonmage know?

I know they all want to save their friends but its time to just act. There can't be a debate. Go and save them!

Ahh can't forget the elements either. but that explains some of the other choices for sure.
So we have two days to undo and fine the team while letting everyone heal? After all those brutal attacks, even with Mysa and Dragonmage's spells things don't look too good. I know the 30th century can do wonders and magic added. But i feel like the teams oout of commission for a while...

They've involved Dryad? this isn't good at all...

Man the medical bay...it just sounds heart breaking to be there and see so many hurt and those around them hurting.
I'm glad there was someone there who could help Lume. the idea of being transformed into something that completely questions your sense of self is utter unimaginable to me. hopefully this can help Lume really recover.

I don't know if Winema could handle it if Tinya died again. i really don't. But thankfully she doesn't have to worry about that.

OMG! Triad and RJ's moment was so sad. i'm glad she finally called him dad! i really want a family post with her and RJ now when their not imperial.

Tenzil and Brek have good insight into Vi and Zoe and this moment was well done. But i still don't see Vi and Tenzil as more than really good friends. idk why. it's just not a pairing i'm seeing that works for me, i guess. But he's a good guy cares so that's what matters.

good to see Jaques and the family showing up. But i hope he doesn't do anything rash. the rage is very clear from Jaques.

Marla is a hero for sure with all the help he's given to sooth all the parents, family, and friends. Theena and M'Rrissery are also doing great too!
Good thing Gear and Babbage prepared that system. i'm kind of surprised its not over whelmed too.

I don't know how Mekt is keep his mind blank enough to help connect everyone. if it was me i would have been sobbing the moment the connetion started and i could feel the shock, pain and sorrow from those i was connected to.

I think Nura is gonna need a long break after this. But i'm glad she can check all of their futures to make sure that each of the Legionnaires will recover and be safe.

Oh boy, looks like another cadet maybe on the ropes to being a reservist only. its understandable. being a Legionnaire is a tough and deadly job in a lot of ways and it takes a very strong character to be one. not just a strong power.

The moment with the Robotican surgeons has me wording if maybe Robotica will start to take an interest in the studies of the mystic arts. We know magic can affect machines. so why not robtican's being able to conjure and use magic? or at least their own version of it.

Good on Mentalla getting out of her own way and trying. i hope her and Sizzle can become better friends after this and that she and Echo both get a chance to expand their social skills.

Shvaughn Erin and M'Onel's moment was of so sweet. :tears:

Dryad -
Ok, so we learn Dragonmage isn't as far up the food chain as it might have seemed and the Pig is 100% running the show. But at least he was able to convince him to heal the captive Legionnaires.

Oh wow the Pig is not happy with the rest of the Zodiac and he totally suspects Dragonmage of protecting the Legionnaires as well. But Slizz is clearly an example that he can prove as Element Lass was still standing when all was said and done...oh snap i guess he doesn't care and Xao is fried too! :X

The Pig is utterly cruel. it's too bad Dryad isn't strong enough to fight back some how.

I'm glad the team is rallying even with their small numbers and poor RJ, he's so worried but he has to remember this is what they signed up for. to help the galaxy!

Wow XS really has come a long way that i forgot they were living in one of his warehouses before the original "L" shaped headquarters was built.

Dryad -
Well at least Kono is thinking smartly about her wish from the Chinese Gods. lord knows if you don't phrase something just the right way it can be used against you. (see any Genie story out there outside of Disney's Aladdin. lol.) Glad she's think of an exit strategy but I'm also hoping she gets caught. i know she wants Skarla back. But they've had chances to rebuild and refuse to take it, like you said. so i feel less and less sorry for her plight.

Alright! a sneak attack! Great idea get ride of the magical objects first. that way the Zodiac is a bit weaker.
Damn that Rooster!

Alright Jaques getting involved!

Oh nice! Mentalla is taking on some powerful targets here. But now we know why Slizz didn't move. very well done.

Mysa, Dreamer and Timber Wolf! glad to see their coming through.

Why are they all of a sudden worried about someone else being there, (Ie XS lol) if the magic is still being drained. Shouldn't they be taunting the Legion that they can't be stopped?

Ooo and XS got them to hit the captives! Nightwind is free. I'm shocked that the spell keeping them captive was so easily disturbed.

So if violent energies from battle were needed, isn't the Legion's rescue also feeding the spell? even though their not losing/being killed, its still energy that is being expanded and added to the pot. Did the Legion think of that possibility?

Damn, that was a massive assault from the Zodiac! Interon is a life saver!
Haha and here comes the brashest of them all! Wildfire! The Zodiac is down for the count for sure now!

Oh shoot! i had totally forgotten about Vampire! that was a great idea to bring her in for this mission to help depower the Zodiac. i was wondering what was going on.
Nice glad the Sorcerers were able to find away for Jaques do participate safely! oh nice and a spell for Vampire too. good thinking.

Dreamer's calling out what to do was good use of her powers.
Nice that the Titanet is coordinating the team to be as effective as possible! I'm torn on giving them the info update right there and then on their teammates. Yes it fuels their anger and resolve and its done instantly. But I'm also like, no this could distract them just as much.

I was worried for a moment there when Mentalla broke off from Slizz and Xao. thought they might really try to attack.
I'm also surprised that Dragonmage is even still standing and not instantly knocked out by Inferno.

So Slizz mental powers aren't as strong as Senor's without the magical talismans or were they using something else to know where to converge their powers if they couldn't actually see? i know they were playing it up. but its not clear that they weren't actually blinded at least to me...

the battle with Brawler was interesting just because he's tougher than we ever thought or give him credit for even without the magical items. I think we've gotta find a new way to keep the flight rings safe. if that's even possible.

Question, can Shikari do the wing vibration trick too or is that specific to Chakuq?
Glad they were able to lay the smack down on her.

Go chuck Go!
Great choice of plant. i just envision these white spider like vines shooting out and across, growing thicker and longer with small transulent sparking leaves forming along the way and at some spots a budding white lace, almost transparent flower that shoots the "webbing" ensnaring the Horse more and more.

Great job with Candi and Particon and i liked how they resolved it without really having to hurt the Lightning Beast. its true she has no real clue what she's doing.

The Dog, if she had only found the Legion they might have helped her. The pheromoneal power is an interesting one. Especially for a race of Dog people. the possibilities of Cannus' people to be explored is interesting.
Nightwind is right! no one made the Dog choose this!

Loved seeing Spider-girl ensnare the Tiger. But now that they know where she is they need to knock her out. Dreamer shouldn't have waited. I'd kick her swiftly and knock her out cold before trying to figure out her next move.

the Rabbit is the hardest to beat because of that cartoon logic. Thunder has her hands full. But i enjoyed Val stepping in. i think he could take the rabbit for sure!

The Ox is tough. maybe he needs to turn up the energy and mix it with someone else.

Watching Mysa confront Dragomage was so heart breaking.
Gravity did well. But he better keep Xao off his feet. i don't see him going down easy.

Question, when Kono came up from the ground, she was still intangible right? cause Invisible Kid chopped her on the neck...so was she only partially intangible?
this is what i love seeing the team working together to keep the villains down. But what else does the Kono the Rat need to do to complete the spell? i thought it was a waiting game at this point...

Oh snap! i wasn't expecting that! she took out Thunder! wow!
And with Thunder out the Rabbit is free. dang. ... wow... i thought Kono said she'd never put her hand into someone's chest. damn, i hope Val is gonna be ok!
Man Kono is really taking out the team. She shows just how much of a threat Apparition could be.

damn the Rabbit went for Amp and Mentalla. He punched her from the inside? or that's just what it felt like?

The Rabbit should have known that the Pig was holding out on them.
And a ghost army and Zodiac creatures? not making this easy for the Legion one bit!.

Aven to the rescue?! Glad to know now lets see what the teams gonna do...

WOW! i wasn't expecting to see the battered Legionnaires show up in force like that! seeing all of them coming in on crutches, bandaged up, and hover beds was both kind of funny and amazing. But this is what it means to be Legion!

the Pig shouldn't be sneering at anything. If all their forces are now focused here, they are in for a fight!
Glad the other teams showed up to help too!

Keep trying Dryad! hopefully it can help! At least it can provide some cover.

Ok so i was right. All this fighting is just adding to the big ball of energy. That's no good! And now he's taking it from everyone including the rest of the Zodiac? This is really not good. But at least now we know it requires more than just energy to reach the Chinese Gods realm.

wow those descriptions of all the Legionnaires fighting with their wounds was wow. I can't believe there all there. Zoe's was surprising for sure!
Umbra is always regal. lol.

Poor Dryad! its trying so hard.
Damn the energy ball has taken them all! oh my!

Wow the Gods arrival and their accoutrements are very lavish and beautiful. The idea of sending houses to the afterlife is intriguing.

Smart move to let Thunder do all the talking.

Its interesting you use the wording the stench of violence. suggest maybe these Gods don't care for it...
Of course the signs are impatient and would talk over each other.
I agree with each reaction the team had for the Zodiac 12's wishes.

Hahah sorry Horse not a done deal and now you've gotta be careful for what you've wished for i'm sure.
I'm glad the Chinese God's have more honor than those who summoned them and can see what some of these 12 are all about.
Oh wow. the four transformations were interesting, I get the painting one as it depicts what she wanted and the Rabbit being turned itno a harmless bunny makes sense. But the doll and rocking horse seem to just fun images, unless i'm missing some other significances.

Oh snap! Athena comes the party, Looks like old Ferdinand isn't gonna like the answer he gets. And Athena is harsh. But respectful in these proceedings.

I don't know how i feel about Brawler's possible redemption but given that he was basically insane, its better than him coming back at some point as a threat.
the Lightning Beast was also fitting as well and i know the Legion is going to safe guard them for sure.

Because changing the past brings with it a slew of problems. As sorry as i feel for the Dog and Kono the Chinese Gods are right. they can't change the past and they have to move forward.

Ahhh so i was right. they don't care for violence. See Pig this is why you should do as much research as possible before starting any of this.
Glad they saw into each of them and that Dragonmage really did cast a protective spell. But sadly too little too late. But glad they will face the justice they deserve for the violence and danger they caused.

Oh wow! i did not see that ending for the Pig coming and we never even got to learn who he was.

No, that's not fair for Dryad! that poor planet. But that means its been reforming for a lot longer than we thought if the Pig was able to use its magic.

Jazmin's suggestion was very honorable. But the King Duke makes a great point too though. I bet they would need several legions.

IB STOP MAKING ME WANT TO CRY!
Dragonmage is offering himself? Oh my. that is truly the greatest act of redemption that he could offer. i just wish it didn't mean that we had to lose Xao permanently. but at least Dryad will live. :tears:
Mysa's words to Xao never rang truer. Poor Mysa. i had honestly thought maybe they would have been happy together at some point. frown
I'm glad the team is there for her. I think Tinya and Zoe and Mysa could be an interesting friend group to explore.

Dragonmages last moments...OMG! :sobs:

I'm glad the team came through this alright and that the Chinese gods were benevolent. But Saturn Girl raises a lot of points. They all saw just how close they were to being defeated. With all of them hurt it makes sense that many of them are anxious and shell shocked. Mysa must be a mess.

So the punished aren't taken away in their altered forms with the Chinese Gods but left with the Legion? that doesn't sound like a good idea even if they can only be released if they've learned their lesson...

Aww poor Dryad...it must be a sigh and a lot to take in if Brainy isn't taking any readings.
Too bad the Legion can do something more to help, like Mysa cast a spell or Gravity and Star boy working together to at least keep the dead pieces from flying off into space. Maybe make it another moon.

wait so one of the pieces turned into a sentient creature that is now with the Legion? So is he like a magical golem? a piece of its soul? a piece of Dragonmage even? if it grows can it go back and help Dryad grow? so many questions!

But yes the team is in need of a good rest!

Three days later -
Great to see that everyone was able to take time off and that it didn't hurt the galaxy at large.

Yay more Reservist! always down for that. i enjoyed all of them and it makes sense that they are each progressing to the next step. We shall see who moves forward to one day being a Legionnaire!

Ahh so Dryad is a geo-kinetic or geomancer depending on how you look at it. it's interesting that this reality doesn't have a Blok persay but in a sense it does now with Dryad. Just a different powerset and origin lol.

Aww i was hoping that Grava would make the main team someday. But at least she's getting a chance to show the galaxy what she's got.

I like your plans with the other teams and how they will be growing and helping the Legion more as sister teams. The Universe is so big, it makes sense that eventually there would be more teams out there. You've created your own version of Legion Worlds like Harbinger in a sense. But without planetoids. instead sister teams. Like Harbinger you've really created Legions instead of just a Legion and its such a natural progression for the team. Great job!

Glad the team's support staff is bulking up too and that Lume was able to speak. i hope they take its words to heart.
I sure hope the team listens to Jazmin's plea. its so true they are a team, friends, family, and a Legion!
Glad that the security protocols are getting looked over and that a magical resistance will be added to it.

That's great they were able to return them. but i hope they recommend better security of each of the magical items. Although with a cataloged it will be easier to track and make sure their in their proper places.

Ahh the criminals! So Slizz and Chakuq's abilities are natural just enhanced. interesting.

I really look forward to seeing how Shikari's people deal with the new and expanding opportunities they have. I just hope no more Kawi get taken in by these villains. This is the second one i think we've had since Singularity and his forces if i'm correct.
Sensor's people taking a strong and responsible approach to making their people feel more included in their governing.

I'm with XS the idea of being immobilized like that while still thinking sounds horrible. Glad their in tesseracts. At least that way if there is a power failure they won't be getting out that for sure. Well glad Saturn Girl and Mentalla can verify that they aren't a real threat at the moment.

I feel slightly bad for Brawler. But I'm slightly surprised that he was even told about his past. I thought this was a new lease on life for him. that in a sense he was getting to start over. but i guess he does have to be held accountable. Although we shall see if the courts truly think he should be with no memory. But i don't think he's going to be leaving a hospital for a very long time.

At least the Lightning Beast got a good ending and happy to hear she's well and has no memory of this.
Glad their being held on LW. it is the best option.

I feel for Mysa, I do and it must be hard to do this ceremony for Dragonmage. But i think it is needed. Just like with Element Lad. We have to honeor the good parts even if in the end he betrayed them. He made a great sacrifice to try and atone. But i totally also understand how/why the team feels uncomfortable about it all.

All of these are great things and great developments and i can't wait to see who the eager eyes for Legion Leader were!
Awesome that the party got to continue and yeah i'd move everything into one room too after all that happened. idk if i'd ever want to be alone again. :X

Atmos joined in? wow these are strange times.
haha loved the siblings teasing each other.

Hahaha Gravity might as well be in his under ware!
Everyone trying to convince Ral and Val to get an outfit was cute.
Star Boy's comment was funny. love it. laugh laugh

the quieter members was a nice group to see and i'd be interested in seeing this grouping on a mission.
I'm glad Andromeda is helping with the service. it makes sense that she would have some good ideas.
Oh Brainy and his distaste for magic.
its great how Babbage and Dryad bring this up. Greif and death are such complicated concepts to deal with. All the strange ways that it can manifest is so incredible. their explanations were very good.

Hahahaha Gates for Legion Leader! lead the charge Lume. lol
Oh Umbra, maybe you should be his deputy :mischievous grin:
Oh Brainy stop with the fake protest. lol.

You know Flying Fox the Legion life in any form is not for everyone.

i like all the cadets reasons for leaving but i am sad to see them go from the spotlight of the cadet program.

I'm glad Crystal Kid is really thinking it over. i'm surprised that Rainbow Girl wasn't also thinking of leaving...

Lamprey's moment was cute but she shouldn't be too nervous even with five leaders around her.
Hahah oh man imagine if Rokk got pulled back into the leader position.

A cool a karaoke party. sounds like a fun time.
Hahah oh Insect Queen you randy little bug. lol laugh

The leaders make some great points about the cadets. hopefully they won't lose too many. But the ones leaving make sense. They don't feel right for the bigger team and if they don't feel that way they should do what does feel right for them.

Frozen XVIII? hahaha omg! i hope there aren't that many of them.

I'll give my leader elections some thought but at the moment even though it was a joke Gates is a relatively strong contender in my mind. Be interesting to see how he would handle it all.

As for a 50th member. that's tough so many good cadets to choose from.


This has been a great ride and I'm so happy to get a happy ending to this volume. I look forward to vol. 5. But i will say i am super happy to be all caught up!
looks like you just skyrocketed into the lead in terms of what has been read, Omni tongue Raz voted for leader first, but not sure if he read the ending of Volume 4 yet smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Hey IB,

I'm starting off with the team being restored to health. (i'm not 100% sure where i left off and i may cover a section or two that i already commented on. So sorry in advance if i do.)

no worries, always glad to read more thoughts!

Originally Posted by Omni
This is hard for Nura any time this happens but i'm sure this is probably the worst its been in a while. I wonder if Dreamer is going to have to learn some counter spells to help ensure her sight.

Perhaps Mysa or the other sorcerers can help wink


Originally Posted by Omni
man Dragonmages turn on the team is really hurting them and they are so right. i feel the same. ( but take it a complement IB! you've gotten me to care about Xao and i was really looking forward to his development.) So yeah me and Mysa share the same sentiments about it.
Damn, Mysa brings up a great point how far back does this plan go? How much does Dragonmage know?

thanks Omni, I am happy to hear that, so kind of you smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Man the medical bay...it just sounds heart breaking to be there and see so many hurt and those around them hurting.
I'm glad there was someone there who could help Lume. the idea of being transformed into something that completely questions your sense of self is utter unimaginable to me. hopefully this can help Lume really recover.

yeah, it's a bit unimaginable for me too, thankfully there's some help out there!

Originally Posted by Omni
OMG! Triad and RJ's moment was so sad. i'm glad she finally called him dad! i really want a family post with her and RJ now when their not imperial.

And Lori, your wish is my command wink perhaps something like that to start off Volume 5...

Originally Posted by Omni
Tenzil and Brek have good insight into Vi and Zoe and this moment was well done. But i still don't see Vi and Tenzil as more than really good friends. idk why. it's just not a pairing i'm seeing that works for me, i guess. But he's a good guy cares so that's what matters.

to be fair, I don't think I've written anything with Vi and Tenzil that's particularly romantic, so that could be why smile perhaps we should look a bit into their relationship later...

Originally Posted by Omni
I don't know how Mekt is keep his mind blank enough to help connect everyone. if it was me i would have been sobbing the moment the connetion started and i could feel the shock, pain and sorrow from those i was connected to.


I think one reason for Mekt is because he's thought Garth has been dead before (Legion Lost). with this, at least he can see them in front of him, not to say that there is no danger, but at least he knows exactly where Garth and Ayla are

Originally Posted by Omni
Oh boy, looks like another cadet maybe on the ropes to being a reservist only. its understandable. being a Legionnaire is a tough and deadly job in a lot of ways and it takes a very strong character to be one. not just a strong power.

indeed, and one has to be very comfortable with the risks smile

Originally Posted by Omni
The moment with the Robotican surgeons has me wording if maybe Robotica will start to take an interest in the studies of the mystic arts. We know magic can affect machines. so why not robtican's being able to conjure and use magic? or at least their own version of it.

would certainly be interesting to see if a Robotican could harness magic! hmmm!

Originally Posted by Omni
Wow XS really has come a long way that i forgot they were living in one of his warehouses before the original "L" shaped headquarters was built.

yeah, those days seem like so long ago tongue


Originally Posted by Omni
Dryad -
Well at least Kono is thinking smartly about her wish from the Chinese Gods. lord knows if you don't phrase something just the right way it can be used against you. (see any Genie story out there outside of Disney's Aladdin. lol.)

oh yes, indeed smile

Originally Posted by Omni
So if violent energies from battle were needed, isn't the Legion's rescue also feeding the spell? even though their not losing/being killed, its still energy that is being expanded and added to the pot. Did the Legion think of that possibility?

yes they did, so it's a race to disrupt the energies from feeding into said spell smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Oh shoot! i had totally forgotten about Vampire! that was a great idea to bring her in for this mission to help depower the Zodiac. i was wondering what was going on.
Nice glad the Sorcerers were able to find away for Jaques do participate safely! oh nice and a spell for Vampire too. good thinking.

glad your question from earlier was answered almost right away smile


Originally Posted by Omni
I'm also surprised that Dragonmage is even still standing and not instantly knocked out by Inferno.

Dragonmage does have some basic protection spells smile plus he is empowered by his Zodiac sign, just like Brawler and others are


Originally Posted by Omni
So Slizz mental powers aren't as strong as Senor's without the magical talismans or were they using something else to know where to converge their powers if they couldn't actually see? i know they were playing it up. but its not clear that they weren't actually blinded at least to me...

they were blinded, but they knew where Slizz was before hiding, and they knew Slizz could cast illusions. so they just had to aim in Slizz's general area

Originally Posted by Omni
Question, can Shikari do the wing vibration trick too or is that specific to Chakuq?
Glad they were able to lay the smack down on her.

Kari could potentially vibrate her wings, but Chakuq is magically empowered to be stronger than the usual Kwai as well

Originally Posted by Omni
Loved seeing Spider-girl ensnare the Tiger. But now that they know where she is they need to knock her out. Dreamer shouldn't have waited. I'd kick her swiftly and knock her out cold before trying to figure out her next move.

the Tiger was struggling a bit too much to make it that simple. Dreamer can fight but she doesn't have super speed smile maybe if XS or Karate Kid or Thunder had been able to break away from their targets...

Originally Posted by Omni
Question, when Kono came up from the ground, she was still intangible right? cause Invisible Kid chopped her on the neck...so was she only partially intangible?
this is what i love seeing the team working together to keep the villains down. But what else does the Kono the Rat need to do to complete the spell? i thought it was a waiting game at this point...

she turned partially tangible, in anticipation of doing something. I should have made that clearer smile

Originally Posted by Omni
wow... i thought Kono said she'd never put her hand into someone's chest. damn, i hope Val is gonna be ok!

Desperate times call for desperate measures wink


Originally Posted by Omni
Wow the Gods arrival and their accoutrements are very lavish and beautiful. The idea of sending houses to the afterlife is intriguing.

My grandma used to do that. We'd get these bits of paper money and burn them so they would be offered to our ancestors tongue

Originally Posted by Omni
Oh wow. the four transformations were interesting, I get the painting one as it depicts what she wanted and the Rabbit being turned itno a harmless bunny makes sense. But the doll and rocking horse seem to just fun images, unless i'm missing some other significances.

not everything has a strong symbolism tongue but we could say, Chakuq became a doll because she wanted to be fancy and pretty; while Lusyo/Horse became a rocking horse in an ironic twist re his self-teleporting power and trying to escape when things got tough

Originally Posted by Omni
Oh wow! i did not see that ending for the Pig coming and we never even got to learn who he was.

Pig is not an established character anyway wink there's not much more behind him than a very ambitious, cunning and power-hungry man.

Originally Posted by Omni
IB STOP MAKING ME WANT TO CRY!
Dragonmage is offering himself? Oh my. that is truly the greatest act of redemption that he could offer. i just wish it didn't mean that we had to lose Xao permanently. but at least Dryad will live. :tears:
Mysa's words to Xao never rang truer. Poor Mysa. i had honestly thought maybe they would have been happy together at some point. frown
I'm glad the team is there for her. I think Tinya and Zoe and Mysa could be an interesting friend group to explore.

Dragonmages last moments...OMG! :sobs:

yeah, Xao felt that after everything he did, this was the least he could do. and I think it shows his own growth. He didn't want power for himself this time...

I am very glad though that you felt Dragonmage's ending made sense. It was not happy, but...

Originally Posted by Omni
I'm glad the team came through this alright and that the Chinese gods were benevolent. But Saturn Girl raises a lot of points. They all saw just how close they were to being defeated. With all of them hurt it makes sense that many of them are anxious and shell shocked. Mysa must be a mess.

So the punished aren't taken away in their altered forms with the Chinese Gods but left with the Legion? that doesn't sound like a good idea even if they can only be released if they've learned their lesson...

no, but the Chinese gods have a reason for leaving them with the team wink

Originally Posted by Omni
wait so one of the pieces turned into a sentient creature that is now with the Legion? So is he like a magical golem? a piece of its soul? a piece of Dragonmage even? if it grows can it go back and help Dryad grow? so many questions!

the future of Dryad is... open smile



Originally Posted by Omni
Ahh so Dryad is a geo-kinetic or geomancer depending on how you look at it. it's interesting that this reality doesn't have a Blok persay but in a sense it does now with Dryad. Just a different powerset and origin lol.

yeah, and I really wanted someone who controlled earth and rock along. We have wind (Nightwind), fire (Dirk), and water (Lamprey) so earth completes the classic set!

Originally Posted by Omni
Aww i was hoping that Grava would make the main team someday. But at least she's getting a chance to show the galaxy what she's got.

I like your plans with the other teams and how they will be growing and helping the Legion more as sister teams. The Universe is so big, it makes sense that eventually there would be more teams out there. You've created your own version of Legion Worlds like Harbinger in a sense. But without planetoids. instead sister teams. Like Harbinger you've really created Legions instead of just a Legion and its such a natural progression for the team. Great job!


thank you! I felt Grava had a place elsewhere, and also now that we have sister teams, the Amazers and Lallor Heroes need to grow too!

Originally Posted by Omni
That's great they were able to return them. but i hope they recommend better security of each of the magical items. Although with a cataloged it will be easier to track and make sure their in their proper places.

for sure, someone will be keeping track of all of those smile

Originally Posted by Omni
I really look forward to seeing how Shikari's people deal with the new and expanding opportunities they have. I just hope no more Kawi get taken in by these villains. This is the second one i think we've had since Singularity and his forces if i'm correct.
Sensor's people taking a strong and responsible approach to making their people feel more included in their governing.

indeed, the Kwai have a lot to think about!

Originally Posted by Omni
I feel slightly bad for Brawler. But I'm slightly surprised that he was even told about his past. I thought this was a new lease on life for him. that in a sense he was getting to start over. but i guess he does have to be held accountable. Although we shall see if the courts truly think he should be with no memory. But i don't think he's going to be leaving a hospital for a very long time.

Brawler was told because it was better for him to be told in a safe setting, than to find out later. he may be amnesiac, but he's still recognizably him.

Originally Posted by Omni
I feel for Mysa, I do and it must be hard to do this ceremony for Dragonmage. But i think it is needed. Just like with Element Lad. We have to honeor the good parts even if in the end he betrayed them. He made a great sacrifice to try and atone. But i totally also understand how/why the team feels uncomfortable about it all.

yeah, lots of mixed feelings here for sure!

Originally Posted by Omni
Awesome that the party got to continue and yeah i'd move everything into one room too after all that happened. idk if i'd ever want to be alone again. :X

glad you picked up on it - these were some rather shaking events, and that's why even the loners like Mysa, Brainy, Tasmia, etc. were in th ebig room!

Originally Posted by Omni
the quieter members was a nice group to see and i'd be interested in seeing this grouping on a mission.

that is a fun grouping! great idea smile


Originally Posted by Omni
its great how Babbage and Dryad bring this up. Greif and death are such complicated concepts to deal with. All the strange ways that it can manifest is so incredible. their explanations were very good.

thank you! I thought Babbage and Dryad would be the perfect characters to bring all this up out of their own genuine curiosity smile


Originally Posted by Omni
Hahahaha Gates for Legion Leader! lead the charge Lume. lol
Oh Umbra, maybe you should be his deputy :mischievous grin:
Oh Brainy stop with the fake protest. lol.

OMG imagine a Gates/Umbra leadership... lots of room for comedy for sure, just not sure how I would ever justify that in-story haha

Originally Posted by Omni
i like all the cadets reasons for leaving but i am sad to see them go from the spotlight of the cadet program.

no worries, the Amazers and Heroes of Lallor will still appear from time to time smile

Originally Posted by Omni
I'm glad Crystal Kid is really thinking it over. i'm surprised that Rainbow Girl wasn't also thinking of leaving...

Rainbow Girl is a bit more committed than Crystal Kid is smile

Originally Posted by Omni
Frozen XVIII? hahaha omg! i hope there aren't that many of them.

I hope not too - don't see how Disney could continue the story that much! but I do not have a lot of faith in these big companies lol!

Originally Posted by Omni
I'll give my leader elections some thought but at the moment even though it was a joke Gates is a relatively strong contender in my mind. Be interesting to see how he would handle it all.

As for a 50th member. that's tough so many good cadets to choose from.


This has been a great ride and I'm so happy to get a happy ending to this volume. I look forward to vol. 5. But i will say i am super happy to be all caught up!

thank you tons Omni! appreciate your R&R, you raised a lot of good points and made me think of a few. I've also cleaned up/added to the earlier fights with the Tiger / Dreamer / Spider-Girl, and the scene with Kono/Invisible Kid - thanks for pointing that stuff out smile looking forward to getting your vote, I'm curious who you will pick!
Thanks for the heads up IB, I had been wondering where the end of your storyline was, especially as you'd ended the last post on such a great cliffhanger. Anyway, finally, and with apologies for taking so long to get to it, here's a review. Usual caveats, as I'm writing as I read:

Nearly the whole team are here - fantastic! And love Wildfire's enthusiasm and XS hugging her teammates. Dreamer giving orders while welcoming the team - all nicely written. The Titanet getting involved is inspired too. An angry White Witch is a scary prospect! I would feel sorry for the Pig, but he's got it coming. Inferno and Polar Boy taking out the cold-blooded snake was good thinking. Hopefully Mentalla is strong enough to keep the Pig in place, though even with Amp's help I can't see it will too easy for them.

Chlorohyll Kid and Rebound taking on the teleporting Horse was fun! I love the potential that Ral has, and let's be honest - being smacked in the face by a fully inflated Chuck is never going to be fun laugh

Bless Particon and Candi for dealing with the Goat compassionately!

Nightwind and Ferro against the Dog - to be honest., given how tough you showed them to be before I reckon it'll be a toss up to decide. Still the Legionnaires only need to delay the Zodiac.

Nice having Dreamer tackle the inperceivable Tiger, and your Spider Girl is always a delight! "I just conditioned it a few days back..." haha.

The Rabbit being a match with hunder is really quite impressive! Loved Val just standing there signalling him to attack, that's a very Karate Kid move smile He's pretty fearless, isn't he? Would make a good Green Lantern, actually.

Wildfire and S against the Ox - "Has anyone ever actually stood still when you asked them to?" haha good line.

Mysa, Magno and Gravity against Dragonmage - well, what did he really expect? None of them will play too nicely. Tel sending him tumbling along the ground was a great image, and with Magno bustng his hand poor Xao will hurt after that.

"Ugh, men, never know when to take No for an answer,"good line, we do love Kono! And of course she would be the one that's smart enough to figure out why the Legionnaires are geting the better of her teammates and do something about it. Taking out both Thunder and Val 0 in a particularly nasty way! - was very smart of her. Poor Amp and Mentalla. The Pig mimicking the Legionnaires powers gives them a massive opportunity to win, and of course he'd keep a talisman or two to himself. Oh wow, armies of the dead and zodiac animals - the team just go from one bade situation an even worse one! Loving how, even at this stage you are amping up the stakes here IB, this is great! and now you bring EVERYONE in for the final battle - fantastic!

I have to do some work, but will be back later for more, more, more!
hi Harbi, glad you could begin catching up smile yeah, with me once I end on a cliffhanger I'm even more motivated to continue writing tongue

Originally Posted by Harbinger
Hopefully Mentalla is strong enough to keep the Pig in place, though even with Amp's help I can't see it will too easy for them.

you make a really good assessment of how willful the Pig is!

glad you liked all the little bits too! and I'm very proud indeed of the lines you picked out, hee smile

ooh, Val as a Green Lantern, that could be cool. yeah, Val is rightly self-confident, and knows what he can handle smile

Originally Posted by Harbinger
Mysa, Magno and Gravity against Dragonmage - well, what did he really expect? None of them will play too nicely. Tel sending him tumbling along the ground was a great image, and with Magno bustng his hand poor Xao will hurt after that.

totally... Dragonmage should be lucky he didn't get some of the angrier Legionnaires wink

Originally Posted by Harbinger
"Ugh, men, never know when to take No for an answer,"good line, we do love Kono! And of course she would be the one that's smart enough to figure out why the Legionnaires are geting the better of her teammates and do something about it. Taking out both Thunder and Val 0 in a particularly nasty way! - was very smart of her. Poor Amp and Mentalla. The Pig mimicking the Legionnaires powers gives them a massive opportunity to win, and of course he'd keep a talisman or two to himself. Oh wow, armies of the dead and zodiac animals - the team just go from one bade situation an even worse one! Loving how, even at this stage you are amping up the stakes here IB, this is great! and now you bring EVERYONE in for the final battle - fantastic!

I have to do some work, but will be back later for more, more, more!

Kono IS a smart cookie, too bad for the team she's not on the good side!
glad you like the raised stakes! and hope the finale will be a treat for ya smile
And I'm back, yay!

You really have brought in the whole kit and kaboodle! And of course the Pig is using this to his advantage - nice twist when it seems everything is finally coming up roses for the team. And absorbing the strength from his own Zodiac team - he really is determined! And the injured Legionnaires joining in - magnificent! That would make a stunning couple of pages in a comic. Xao stopping Mysa was quite poignant, there's going to be tears before bedtime between those two by the end, isn't there? Oh dear, the Pig's plan has worked! Let's hope the Chinese Gods aren't grateful to him and grant all his wishes... actually, that's a good point, has it been established that firstly it will be the gods he wants and second that they will like it that he's brought them there? They might be lazing in a garden somewhere enjoying their retirement smile

Nice description of the carpets, pagodas and lanterns shining a soft light, the altar and incense - very cinematic! Nice mover getting Thunder to represent the team by Jazmin. Good of Cece to get straight in there telling the gods what the Pig and Zodiac crew had done to summon them. Bit worrying that the gods are listening to him. It's funny reading the Zodiac teams wishes as quite a few are pretty selfless. Maybe I don't want to see them get squished any more - nah, only joking, of course I do laugh

"Some of you are selfish and immature," sneered the Mother of the Great Chariot. "How dare you ask us for such self-serving boons? Ones that you would use to tread on others?" I like these Deities! That was well said. Nice work there, a doll, a painting, a harmless bunny and especially a wooden rocking horse - wow! Take that Zodiac losers! And how nice having the Chinese gods call up the Greek pantheon - Thunder's surprise at seeing Athena was cute. Brawler getting to start over was a surprise, and nice too, the gods aren't malicious so it was good that they recognised how damaged he was. And, aso great that they realised that Kono and Xao actively tried to minimise any hurt caused. Is Xao in chains as well as Kono, that isn't clear. Oh, bye bye Pig, you don't mess with gods! Nice of the gods to heal the team, very kind of them. And I'm really glad you have the gods address Dryad - great! Jazmin volunteering to give up part of her, and the teams, life force to help Dryad is perhaps the single most Legion moment I've read in a while, very nice! Mysa and Xao's conversation was touching, her anger and also love were pretty clear, that was nicely written. That was a well crafted section with the team giving up part of their life energy and Xao sacrificing himself like that.


I expected you to end that chapter there and just go straight into a 'day later' type post, so it's good to see you carry on with the Deities on Dryad. And will Dryad become your Blok? "Physically, anyway..." Saturn Girl said quietly. Yup, this was my next question, great to see you're dealing with the aftereffects of this as it has been pretty monumental. Garth's reassurances to Imra was a nice moment. So, is Dryad your Blok??? Looks like it smile yay, got to love Blok!

Three days later - let's see what you have planned as I think you're going to shake the box...

Nice that the Cadets are given credit and are Reserves now. Also good that they are still being given cadet training, that's smart. Love that you are including your own creations in the team now IB, they're an interesting bunch so I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with them. And I like that dryad is aware through the life force transference of the Lgion's training, I do wonder if it knows more than that though. Ah, it didn't inherit them, haha, should have read the next line. It's good to see some of the students joining other teams too, though wonder how the really feel about missing out on a spot with the Legion? Interesting that some of the students decided to stay atthe academy too. Clever to have the three teams have their own quadrants to look after while working within the greater framework. Bless Lume for standing up to share it's experiences. Nice that the team are invited to help beef up their protection against their extended membership being compromised. The Kwai Matriach and the Orandese royalty both looking at how they can increase their people's contendedness was a surprise, and nicely done. XS being particularly afraid of being imboliside - yup, good characterisation there. Of all the Zodiac gang, I'm really happy that the Goat is okay. Dragonmage's memorial - ummm that'd be interesting. I think if I were in their place I'd wonder what else he had lied about... Leader elections already?

Lots of good admistrative stuff - nice that you've thought it through, the team are pretty big now so these things will need sorting out.

Back to partying - yay, our favourite kind of announcement at work meetings smile

The siblings teasing each other - true to life. Val not enjoying fighting games, that's a good character moment, as is Ral saying he plays to relax not competitively. For Tel to as "Is this cut far too low? boggles the mind laugh Thom wearing the same suits, and Troy wanting to look dapper were good little moments, very telling of their characters. Dryad's description makes me think of the Bendis-boot Blok, was that what you were going for? Good question from Babbage, it is odd that they are all enjoying themselves really, but even better answer from Andromeda - we all need these upbeats when things aren't great don't we. Gates for Legion Leader - well, that would be interesting though I think the UP government might not be impressed smile Give Brainy a challenge, no matter how banal, and he's hooked, it's his fatal flaw isn't it, and nice to see Wildfire and Shikari take advantage of that to get him to join in with the gamers. Catpaws rationale for joining the Lallor team makes perfect sense. Same with Grava too, she suits the rescue mission type of adventure really. Crystal Kid's worries also ring very true, it's understandable that he's close to realising his dream but has now seen just how much it could cost that he has doubts. " if you can't sing well, sing loudly!" oh no, no, please no, I've been to enough school shows were this happens, hahaha! Who will be number 50? I think Dryad, or at least, I hope so smile Disney's Frozen XVIII, haha. Lved how you used Marla at the end, and his resisting smiling so he could keep the cool facade was cute.

That was a great way to end this arc - take a bow IB and accept the applause!

Wow, your team is getting massive! You're opening up for a leadership vote too? Hmmm, will need to think about it but I'll get back to you soon with my votes.

You have excelled with this story IB, genuinely every post was so well done, the overall story arc, from Kono in the cave much much erlier on through to the party at the end, has been an absolute feat! Well done!

Take a well deserved break, let your imagination run riot and come back with more, more, more!
and you're back, mega yay!

Originally Posted by Harbinger
And the injured Legionnaires joining in - magnificent! That would make a stunning couple of pages in a comic.


thank you, that is high praise indeed! maybe I should commission something, though having over 60 characters on a page would cost a pretty penny tongue

Originally Posted by Harbinger
Xao stopping Mysa was quite poignant, there's going to be tears before bedtime between those two by the end, isn't there? Oh dear, the Pig's plan has worked! Let's hope the Chinese Gods aren't grateful to him and grant all his wishes... actually, that's a good point, has it been established that firstly it will be the gods he wants and second that they will like it that he's brought them there? They might be lazing in a garden somewhere enjoying their retirement smile

you are sharp, Harbi! you predicted the gods' reactions quite well wink

Originally Posted by Harbinger
Brawler getting to start over was a surprise, and nice too, the gods aren't malicious so it was good that they recognised how damaged he was. And, aso great that they realised that Kono and Xao actively tried to minimise any hurt caused. Is Xao in chains as well as Kono, that isn't clear. Oh, bye bye Pig, you don't mess with gods! Nice of the gods to heal the team, very kind of them. And I'm really glad you have the gods address Dryad - great! Jazmin volunteering to give up part of her, and the teams, life force to help Dryad is perhaps the single most Legion moment I've read in a while, very nice! Mysa and Xao's conversation was touching, her anger and also love were pretty clear, that was nicely written. That was a well crafted section with the team giving up part of their life energy and Xao sacrificing himself like that.

yeah, I really hate capricious and unjust gods, so I did want the Chinese gods to apply justice smile ah you're right, I should have made it clear Xao was in chains too smile glad the "volunteering life force" bit read well, the team is pretty noble eh! glad you liked this best - Mysa and Xao were really pouring their hearts out in the end for sure!

Originally Posted by Harbinger
I expected you to end that chapter there and just go straight into a 'day later' type post, so it's good to see you carry on with the Deities on Dryad. And will Dryad become your Blok? "Physically, anyway..." Saturn Girl said quietly. Yup, this was my next question, great to see you're dealing with the aftereffects of this as it has been pretty monumental. Garth's reassurances to Imra was a nice moment. So, is Dryad your Blok??? Looks like it smile yay, got to love Blok!

yes indeed, Dryad is my version of Blok - though much expanded, I always thought Blok "only" having strength and toughness was limiting wink

very happy you liked the admin bits, the Cadet movements, and the evolving three-team relationship!


Originally Posted by Harbinger
Dryad's description makes me think of the Bendis-boot Blok, was that what you were going for? Good question from Babbage, it is odd that they are all enjoying themselves really, but even better answer from Andromeda - we all need these upbeats when things aren't great don't we.


not particularly, but I do like the Bendisboot Blok look so let's stick with that wink and yeah, I had that bit with Babbage in there to call things out, as having a big party isn't quite what comes to mind after all the recent events tongue

Originally Posted by Harbinger
Gates for Legion Leader - well, that would be interesting though I think the UP government might not be impressed smile

I think even Winema would have a heart attack if Gates were to become Legion leader tongue tongue and glad you liked the bits in the party!


Originally Posted by Harbinger
That was a great way to end this arc - take a bow IB and accept the applause!

Wow, your team is getting massive! You're opening up for a leadership vote too? Hmmm, will need to think about it but I'll get back to you soon with my votes.

You have excelled with this story IB, genuinely every post was so well done, the overall story arc, from Kono in the cave much much erlier on through to the party at the end, has been an absolute feat! Well done!

Take a well deserved break, let your imagination run riot and come back with more, more, more!

thank you, thank you very much Harbi, what a ringing endorsement! I'm very pleased, thank you tons!
also an update: thanks raz, Omni, and Harbi for sending in your leader votes! it's interesting that we, so far, have zero overlap between your picks - each of you picked a different three!

It will be interesting to see if a 4th voter will break the tie - I've already decided not to vote, as if I do vote now it will be very much open to my own biases. or f I'll need to use a random number generator to break the ties smile

what an exciting ride this is turning out to be, for me as well!
hi all, I was getting ready to use a random number generator to break the tie... and in swoops Set, with a tie-breaking vote laugh whew!

Right now, I am writing bios for each Legionnaire (mainly Active ones, but a few others will get entries too). Once I am done with that, I will begin actually writing Volume 5 smile Bios are in the recap thread:

https://www.legionworld.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1025997#Post1025997

One clue I'll throw out to Volume 5 plans... Volume 4 was fairly heavy on magic, Volume 5 will veer into the realm of science!
Hi IB, I could have sworn I wrote a reply here after Dryad got their humanoid form but I must have forgotten to post it! Also it seems I have missed way more than I thought so this will be a big catch up! smile

Dryad becoming a character is a nice (and honestly, also more versatile) alternative to Blok! I am really intrigued about how they're gonna develop, you don't see a planet become a person too often!

All the personnel movements are logical, but what really grabbed my attention is the idea of ramping up the Heroes of Lallor and the Amazers to be sister teams to the Legion - with the way you have been writing them it totally makes sense, it will be good to see that develop as well!

Aww, poor Brawler frown He was a nasshead, but I still feel sorry for him. I like the realistic reactions though, not everyone is gonna have endless compassion.

Quote
Tenzil grinned as he lowered his sunglasses and peered at her.

Tenzil wearing sunglasses 24/7 might actually be the most important change in status quo that the Legion of Superheroes have ever had...I love how much character it gives him laugh

Ral and Val being friendly was very cute, and I love the fashion interlude - you could probably write a whole mini-series about various Legionnaires shopping and going to fashion shows and I would love it laugh

Quote
the former Sister of the Eternal Cosmos had made some very meaningful suggestions on how to best remember Xao's life.

Nice reminder of Laurel's past! I'm not wild about her whole space nun thing, but I would prefer it be used if it's gonna exist.

Quote
Its face had hardly any of the features that would be found in most humanoid races or species; Dryad had two button-like eyes, and a basic mouth that let it speak. Not even a nose, not that it needed one. And its ears were simply two little holes on the sides of its head.

Wait...is Dryad BendisBlok?? Cool!

Lyle and Jacques are also so cute!

Somehow, Konk! rushing to karaoke is cracking me up laugh

Quote
"I'll make you sing really loudly tonight," Insect Queen whispered slyly as she followed Particon.

LONNA! shocked

IB!! This was such a great ending to the volume! I love the optimism, and Marla being the one to play adult advisor at the end of the party...so much good stuff! I am also dying to know who the next leader is gonna be...to steal a phrase, more more more!
hiya raz thanks for the R&R! hope you didn't have to rewrite a lot of lost comments!

I am also intrigued about Dryad! It's such a new concept for me... but I really like the added versatility of having a rock-and-earth mover on the team wink

glad you like the Amazers and Lallor plans wink I like having a place to put a lot of heroes/characters whose powers have hard limits, that likely can't make the Legion... but there's a place for them anyway wink

Glad you liked the little bits, Tenzil and sunglasses, the realism re poor Brawler's fate, Lonna being naughty tongue So, I didn't quite think of BendisBlok when I was describing Dryad, but I like it!

maybe I should do more with the whole fashion show bit, lol!

I do like Andromeda being a bit nun-ny still, in terms of her compassion and calmness wink but yeah, no way is she going back to being a nun!

thanks tons raz, glad you liked the ending! really appreciate it a lot!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Legion World

Active Legionnaires

Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time

****************************************************************

Jo Nah grunted as he crouched behind a wall. The blasts of energy weapons sounded all around him. He felt the rush of adrenaline, and chided himself.

Too many times, he had been all gung-ho, rushing into battle, and using absolutely the wrong power at the wrong time.* But Tinya had thought him to think, a lesson that had been driven him when he let his guard down once, and Tinya...

Forcing himself to stop thinking about Tinya's burned body, Jo focused on the here and now. Now, he was snug behind a wall, and needed to find where the weapons were coming from. "Stop the threat at its source," he quoted Tinya.

He crouched even lower and turned around. Switching from invulnerability to penetra-vision, he scanned the area where most of the blasts were coming from.

"There," Jo smiled to himself. Peeking his head out from behind the wall, he switched to flash vision and fired.

Yelps of pain and surprise greeted him. He waited a few seconds, to see if more fire would come. Switching back to penetra-vision, he saw soldiers running around in panic.

"Good." Slamming his fist into an open palm, he grinned. "Now it's time to get physical."

****************************************************************

Whistling, Jo took a swig of protein-enhanced coffee as he tapped on the code of the door to the apartment he shared with Tinya and Cub. His wife, and his son. As the door slid open, the smell of freshly cooked eggs and bacon wafted towards him.

"You've been working hard," Tinya wrinkled her nose in mock disgust.

"I really should shower," Jo laughed a she leaned over to kiss her.

"Yup. Just a peck for now," Tinya teased. She was dressed in a robe, her hair still messy. "Thanks for letting me sleep in."

"You were the one who got up last night when Cub woke up," Jo grabbed a plate and spooned some eggs onto it. "And, you have the memorial today."

"I'm glad you're not forcing yourself to come just for me," Tinya smiled.

"Like you said before, we don't actually need to be physically there for each other ALL the time," Jo's eyes twinkled as he took a bite of the bacon. "Mmmm."

"Tel keeps asking me how you can eat all that and not get fat," Tinya laughed.

"Tel thinks too much about having a perfect set of abs," Jo shook his head. He wolfed down the rest of his breakfast. "Now," he stood up and peeled his shirt off. He absent-mindedly touched his own midsection. He was a little heavier around the gut, he acknowledged; but he still had a very respectable four-pack, and certainly quite a bit more upper-body muscle than the leaner Gravity. Jo had to spend less time in the gym and more time taking care of Cub; he sheepishly acknowledged that drinking about the same amount of silverale also contributed.

And, Jo's workouts now focused more on combat skills than on purely building muscle. He was still a bit ashamed of how easily he got taken out fighting the Pig**... M’Onel had given him a talking-to after that. If he kept getting distracted by Tinya and Cub during battle, how could he make sure they were protected? Jo had promised himself that he would do better from now on…

He brushed that thought away as he flexed for Tinya. "If I shower now, will you still have time for a little couples' workout before you have to go?"

Tinya bit her lip in mock shyness as she began pulling her robe off. "Just about, and you won't even need your ultra-speed..."

Jo was already fiddling with his combat boots, when a cry sounded from the nursery. Tinya cursed under her breath as she turned to run to Cub.

"I've got him, angel," Jo sighed as he stepped out of his boots. "You can't be late."

Smiling gratefully, Tinya leaned in to kiss Jo full on the lips. "Tonight, I promise."

"For sure," Jo winked. He waved at Tinya as she phased into their bathroom. Then he sped off to Cub's room.

Thank grife he still had his pants on.

Opening the door and turning on the light, he leaned over his son. "Hey, hey there little man. What's happened?"

"I..." Cub's eyes shot open as tears spilled down his face. "I dreamed that you and mommy and Uncle Brin were all gone again, and I kept running around and couldn't find you..."

"We're right here, kid," Jo pulled Cub upright. "Yeah, your mom and I and Uncle Brin all disappeared for a bit, but we came back, okay?" He held Cub in his hands and looked him deep in the eyes. "We won't ever leave you, not willingly. And if we have to leave for a bit, your Nana Winema and all your other aunties and uncles will watch over you until we can come back, okay?"

"Okay, daddy," Cub said as his breathing slowed to normal. Jo smiled as he tenderly rubbed Cub's arm. Who would ever have thought, that when Jo Nah left Rimbor, he'd eventually settle down as a family man?

He reflected for a moment. His own mother had just kept him fed until he turned old enough to join a gang, and he didn't even know who his father was.*** When he'd found out he had a son of his own...**** He had been scared and surprised at first, but seeing his boy like this... He ruffled Cub's hair as he lay him down. "Now, go back to sleep. When you wake up, daddy will be here."

"Okay, daddy," Cub sighed as he closed his eyes. "But can you shower first? You kinda stink."

"You little scamp," Jo playfully ruffled Cub's hair. "You every try making a crack like that at Nana Winema..."

Cub didn't hear; he was sleeping peacefully.

Chuckling, Jo floated over to the door. Taking a last look at Cub, he turned off the lights.

Maybe he'd get one of those new VR displays to help Cub sleep better... and select a nice wine to set the mood for when Tinya came back tonight...

****************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) This was a common theme earlier in the Reboot: see Legionnaires 26, Legionnaires Annual 2, and even LSH 83. While fighting a Daxamite in Legionnaires Annual 2, Tinya coached Jo in using his powers, and they knocked the Daxamite out briefly... but when Jo and Tinya declared their love for each other, the Daxamite murdered Tinya while an invulnerable Jo was unharmed.

2) End of Volume 4

3) Legion Worlds 6 - Tinya went to Rimbor and sought out Jo's mom. She didn't even know he was a Legionnaire (which I find surprising, as Legion identities are public, but I guess she doesn't watch or read the news)? And admitted she didn't even know WHO his dad was!

4) Tinya found out she was pregnant around the time of the Rift Disaster, she hadn't even told Jo yet when he got swallowed up as part of Legion Lost (revealed Legion Worlds 6). Almost nobody else knew about Cub, except Lyle (who puzzled it out) and of course Winema, Tinya's mom.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Volume 5: What Makes Us Special - 07/03/23 01:00 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

JS-1967

Active Legionnaires

Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis, can see heat signatures
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Dryad, living remnant of the dead planet of the same name; malleable rock body, geokinesis and terrakinesis

******************************************

Apparition stood silently beside the White Witch, as Mysa stood over the grave of Xao Jin, Dragonmage. Most of the other mourners had left for Legion World; around about half of the Legion had shown up. Many of the others were still angry at Dragonmage's actions, or at least ambivalent.*

Mysa had been concerned about burying Xao on Shanghalla, for this reason. And the magicla community on Zarrox had also been split about Xao...

... so Tinya had suggested JS-1967 as a compromise. Here, Xao had helped fight Mordru; and he had helped defeat the Elementals he himself had freed. It seemed fitting.***

"You are very calm, Mysa." Andromeda floated over; she was wearing some sort of ceremonial shawl. Laurel had explained that, though she had officially left the Sisters of the Eternal Cosmos, she was still some sort of lay sister and could perform some of their rites.***** "I'm sure you know you can let all of your emotions out."

"I know," Mysa said. "I would just prefer to do it in private." She looked up and smiled to show her appreciation. "But I really am grateful that you are all spending time here, with me, in memory of Xao."

Element Lass delicately tapped her crystalline face with a hanky, though she didn't need to. "I know most of us are confused about what he did, but I do try to focus on the earlier days!" She clutched the hanky in her hands. "I wouldn't be here, if not for him helping..."*******

"I am grateful that some still decided to come, despite their mixed feelings," Mysa said quietly, her eyes wandering to the burning paper house in front of Dragonmage's tomb. Dirk Morgna had lit it, as an offering to Xao in the afterlife, just like Xao had described his family's practices. She knew that Dirk was one of the Legionnaires who had the most cause to be angry at Xao...

"Would you all join me in one last prayer?" Mysa asked. The other three nodded, and they all closed their eyes.

*****************************************

Dirk Morgna stood beside Dryad, in front of the memorial to the last Dryadian, Brika.

"I remember her," Dryad said softly as it stroked the glass protecting Brika's remains. "She was the only one who dared confront the colonizers who tried to bulldoze my surface, asking them to let my children move their hibernating stone forms."*****

"She was brave, and a hero," Dirk said quietly. "She turned against the Elementals who possessed us, and she saved me from the final explosion... She knew she would likely die..." He thought about placing a hand on Dryad's arm, then stopped. How should one act with the remnant of a living planet?******

"I'm just glad we were able to collect and preserve her physical form," Dirk continued.

"When the Earth Elemental destroyed my original form," Dryad continued, "I felt all my children die." Dryad turned to Dirk. "I never thought I would at least have remains to mourn. Thank you for taking care of Brika in this way."

Blizzard popped up beside Dryad. "I watched the logs of that battle," he said. "Do you want to know more about what happened, Dryad?"

"Of course." As Dryad turned to chat with Brek, Kinetix came up beside Dirk. "Dirk, have a look at this," she motioned with her head.

"What?" Dirk took to the air, flying after Zoe. They flew a few meters on. Sure that they were out of earshot, Zoe turned to Dirk. "You're fine being here? JS-1967 holds some bad memories for you. And I know Dragonmage wasn't your favorite person..."

"No, he wasn't," Dirk muttered. "I tried to forgive him, and then he went and turned on us. But..." Dirk looked at Dryad. "I'm here for Dryad, and Mysa, and to remember Brika.******" His eyes blazed for a moment. "And I guess he did enough good, that he doesn't deserve jus having his body lie in a ditch or something."

"That's... really mature, Dirk," Zoe said softly. She brushed her hair back. "If it helps, I know how you feel. I still feel betrayed, but I came today mainly for Mysa."

Dirk smiled, slowly. "And thanks for having Brek distract Dryad, so you could check on me."

Zoe laughed. "That obvious?"

"Brek isn't subtle," Dirk's eyes twinkled. "And I've done this maneuver before. With Brek as my wingman, even."

Zoe laughed. "He's told me about that. Nothing about after contact is made, thank grife."

He and Zoe laughed, then fell silent for a moment. "Should we go make sure Brek isn't boring Dryad too much?" he said, cheekily.

Zoe laughed, as she gestured at Brek, who was animatedly hopping up and down while Dryad looked on quietly. "I hope he hasn't tried to reenact a blow-by-blow of the Elemental battle yet..."

*****************************************


IB's notes:

1) See the last parts of Volume 4!

2) Mordru - Legionnaires 49-52, Elementals - Legionnaires 71-74

3) Space nun Andromeda! See Legionnaires 46, among others.

4) Element Lass is referring to the final battle against the Monitor in Volume 3!

5) Brika of Dryad was possessed by the Earth Elemental. While in its thrall, she exploded Dryad, killing everyone on it. She redeemed herself by fighting her possession (alongside Dirk Morgna/Inferno, who was possessed by the Fire Elemental). She shielded Dirk from the explosive black hole at the end.

6) For the story of Dryad's return, see Volume 4!

7) Dirk was only possessed by the Fire Elemental because Dragonmage released the Elementals in the first place. Click here for a scene where Dirk talks to Dragonmage!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Legion World

Active Legionnaires

Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body

Reserve Legionnaires (also Legion Support Staff)

Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem of Bismoll; consume and digest all forms of matter (Legion World head chef)

***************************************************************************

Violet's normally well-lit quarters were dimmed, to simulate romantic candlelight. The soft sounds of a bubbling waterfall ran in the background, and the scent of lavender wafted through the air.

In the middle of it was a dining room set for two. Tenzil had cooked; and because he was cooking, Violet had offered her kitchen. She wouldn't be much help with cooking, but she could at least clean up, she had said.

"Oh, Tenzil," Violet gushed as she took a spoonful of the gorgeous pluberry-liqueur souffle that Tenzil had created. "Every bite of this pastry is exploding with flavor! How did you get it so?"

"If I told you, I'd have to kill you," Tenzil's eyes twinkled as he had some of his own - though his was flavored with mercury and copper. As a Bismollian chef, Tenzil always had to make absolutely sure he didn't mix up the plates of the sentients he was serving...

"Fair enough," Violet giggled. "Anyway, most of the cooking terms would fly over my head."

"You have other skills," Tenzil winked. "You can fight like the best, for one."

"Mmmm," Violet coyly looked at Tenzil as she began twirling her hair. "Which of my moves do you like the most?"

"That kick thing you used on Micro in your Legion tryout, that was iconic," Tenzil laughed. "I was there when the holo was transmitted over to Legion HQ, and whooo boy!"*

"Mmmm. You know," Violet stood up and sat on the edge of the table. "Zoe has this one move that she says Brek likes..."

Tenzil gulped. "Oh, yeah? She told you?"

Violet reached out and ran a finger along Tenzil's arm. "Well, she's my best friend, we talk about everything. With Brek's permission, of course, and she won't tell him what I talk about unless I say it's okay. And of course, I'd ask you first if it were okay to tell her anything, and she wouldn't tell Brek either..." She traced her finger up Tenzil's arm. "Is there anything you're thinking of doing, that you don't want me to talk about?" She fixed him in her stare.

Tenzil scratched the back of his head. "I, um... Salu, I think I, uh... do-do you want some of the second dessert I made, it's a chocolate tart with..."

"Oooh!" Violet stood up abruptly and stamped her foot. "Tenzil, we've been dating for months now; I know you're into me, but every time I bring this up you just stammer and change the subject." Tenzil shrank back as Violet loomed over him; she wasn't using her power to grow, but she seemed twice his height now!

"I've asked you about it before, and you brushed it off." Violet slammed her fist down on the table. "Well, I'm done with evading the subject. Tenzil, talk to me! Why are you so skittish about sex?" Seeing Tenzil's face, Violet softened. She sat down and took a deep breath. "Tenz, it's not so much you saying NO that makes me mad. But I want to know WHY you say no. It feels like you don't trust me to understand..."

Tenzil blinked. Then he sighed, and took off his shades and made himself meet Violet's eyes. They were such a pretty shade of violet, and right now they were wide with concern for him. "I'm sorry, Vi, you're right. I'm so used to evading things with humor..." He leaned forward and took Vi's hand. "I... you know that Bismoll has a toxic environment, we're used to keeping covered up to protect ourselves. So we're not generally very used to being casual about nudity.** And..." he gulped. "With foodstuff being so scarce, I mean... we can eat anything, except a lot of the stuff on our homeworld. A lot of that is poisonous to us, right? So..." he looked down. Violet squeezed his hand in support, and kept quiet.

"So... we've always had strict laws on rationing and weight, and... and... when I was a kid, I often came afoul of those laws. That's one reason I left, I hated being so restricted. But I guess it gave me a complex of how I weigh, how I look, and..."

Violet gripped Tenzil's hand. "Thank you for telling me, Tenz."

Tenzil looked up and smiled. "Now you understand why I crack so many jokes."

"We cope in our own ways. I was a shy wallflower, remember?" Violet smiled back.

"It's not easy being around fit, gorgeous types all day," Tenzil shook his head. "That's why I always hit the gym with Chuck. I get intimidated when I'm in the locker rooms with Karate Kid, or Timber Wolf, or Ultra Boy, or Density..."

"I used to feel that way in the early days," Violet chuckled. "Apparition always had the best street clothes, and Saturn Girl never had a hair out of place, XS has that runners' build, and you know how Zoe always had guys fighting for her attention on a night out... and I could go on and on..." She stood up and wrapped Tenzil in a hug.

"You really get me, Salu," Tenzil sighed.

"I do." Salu held Tenzil's face in her hands and stared into his baby blue eyes. "And I want you to know that I find you absolutely gorgeous. And your sense of humor and your vulnerabilities make you even more adorable to me."

"Salu, I..." Tenzil caressed Vi's face. He could feel his heart pounding. He had opened up to her, and she had understood and accepted it all. He was nervous, but he wanted to make her feel like... he wanted to show her...

He stepped back and began taking off his shirt.

"Tenz, we don't need to do it if you're not ready-"

"I want to, Salu," Tenzil smiled. He finished pulling his shirt up off his head and dropped it on his seat. He tried not to look down.

Salu looked at him and smiled. "Tenz, you know you may not be Mister Atlas, but trust me, you're fitter than the average sentient our age."

"Yeah, at least my belly actually disappears when I stand up," Tenzil snickered.

"I mean it," Salu moved closer to him. "You're gorgeous." Closing her eyes, she leaned in for a kiss.

Tenzil could feel Salu unbuttoning her top as he kissed her back. "Go easy on me, okay?"

"Only if you ask nicely," Salu quipped back as she led him to the bedroom.

********************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Way, way, way back in LSH 66! We don't actually SEE Tenzil in that issue, but he was already Legion HQ Chef then so could very well have been!

2) I first touched on Bismollians and covering up here!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Legion World

Active Legionnaires

Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Current Legion leader.

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Calorie Queen, Taryn Loy of Bismoll; consume all forms of matter, and conversion of same into super-strength
Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
Sizzle, Teela Spuunvil of Abaddonus; absorbs and converts energy

***************************************************************************

"And let's just say that Timber Wolf is equally hairy all over," Calorie Queen mischievously took a sip of her drink. Her companions had been grilling her on her last date.

"Oh, I know, I've seen him in the locker rooms," Chemical Kid giggled. Invisible Kid fixed him with a mock angry stare. "Condo!" Lyle playfully hissed. Magno shook his head; Lyle used to be so private and secretive. But ever since being separated from Condo for a while, Lyle had slowly been opening up to the rest of the team.*

"This seat taken?" Kid Quantum asked as she approached the only occupied table in the Legion cafeteria. It was the night-cycle now, so only Legionnaires who had just finished active duty were present. Without waiting for an answer, she plopped down and took a deep breath, then slammed her head into her crossed arms.

"Preparing for the handover?" Invisible Kid remarked sympathetically. "I remember when I had to do that for Imra.* I nearly went crazy thinking of what I had to tell her, and how to organize all the information."

"Right?" Jazmin sighed. "I will be so glad when it's over."

"For what it's worth, you're during a great job," Sizzle smiled encouragingly. "I didn't vote for you only because I know you've been wanting a break."

"Who DID you vote for?" Amp leaned forward with a conspiratorial grin. "Gear, Lamprey and I have been trying to see if we can predict the results beforehand... We're also trying to tease Nightwind that maybe she'll get voted in again, but..."

"She definitely did a good job while she was leader," Chemical Kid offered. "But she's made it clear she doesn't want the job again just yet, so I'm respecting that."

"Well?" Amp looked around at the group. "I voted for Echo myself. I think us new kids could make a good showing."

Sizzle raised an eyebrow. "But he said he wasn't interested in running? I mean, he's responsible and everything but if he's not interested..."

"The best leaders don't want the job!" Calorie Queen laughed. "But I think experience counts, I actually went with Triad. I mean, she and Apparition are the most senior Legionnaires who haven't had the job yet. And while Apparition's a mom now, Triad has been really active with admin stuff."

"I thought about experience too," Sizzle said. "I actually voted for a past leader myself." She slyly smiled at Invisible Kid. "I think you've done great things with the Espionage Squad, Lyle."

Lyle threw his hands up. "But I work best in the shadows!"

"I know, you were always saying that when you first led us," Magno laughed. "I went with White Witch. When there were only a handful of us battle-ready while fighting the Zodiac, she steered us pretty well through it. And hopefully it will help take her mind off Dragonmage..."

"Sorry, Dyrk, but I think that's a terrible reason to make someone leader. Being leader isn't a distraction," Chemical Kid shook his head. "I went for Chameleon, actually."

"We both did," Lyle smiled. "Cham has the people skills to handle this team."

"Keep going, keep going," Gear grinned. "I'm taking notes and adjusting the odds." He made a show of rubbing his hands in glee.

Amp slapped Gear's hand playfully. "You know you can't make a bet now, Gear, you're the bookie!"

Kid Quantum raised her head up. "A lot of good candidates, actually. I've been too sprocking busy to vote, frankly."

"But which of them would YOU want to be your successor?" Calorie Queen asked. "Any preference?"

Before Kid Quantum could answer, Gear's flight ring beeped. "Gear," Theena's voice sounded. "Sorry, I know your shift just ended, but we need you for this one."

"Oh?" Gear playfully replied. "Is Star Boy having trouble programming his holo-array again?"

"I wish," Theena sighed. "Sorry Gear... but it's about Linsnar."

Gear paled at the mention of his homeworld. "Can't Babbage or Brainiac 5 go?"

"They've asked for you, Gear."

Uncharacteristically for him, Gear stood up without a word, face pale. He gave a half-hearted wave to his teammates, and left.

The Legionnaires at the table looked at each other in puzzlement.

"Was it just me..." Invisible Kid mused. "Or did Gear seem... afraid?"

***************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Volume 1-3, when the original/earlier Legionnaires were lost in the multiverse.

2) Invisible Kid handed leadership over to Saturn Girl in Legionnaires 59. He was leader from Legionnaires 45.
Hi IB, I have caught up on your latest tonight and must say very enjoyable!

Some more thoughts:

Jo learning to be a better fighter is a nice bit of development, as is his perfect superhero physique becoming mildly less perfect as he spends more time being a dad.

I liked the bit about Jo & Tinya realising they don't need to be joined at the hip 24/7 as well, and it is nice to see Jo, Tinya and Cub actually being a family unit as opposed to Cub just being a DRAMATIC PLOT DEVICE as he basically was in the comics.

Candi dabbing her eyes even though she doesn't cry anymore is funny and seems very her laugh

Awww Vi and Tenzil's bit was really wholesome and cute! It also really drums home how different they both are from the OG versions (and for Vi, how different she is from how she started in the reboot even! I can't imagine her doing bedroom talk before all the Emerald Eye stuff happened!) I really love how well you handled what could have been a cringey topic, with them both being quite forthright and mature, and it's a nice thematic follow-up from Jo's thoughts earlier about how being a dad is making him less of a Rimborian Calvin Klein model (also, thanks for the link to Tenzil and Brek's previous conversation - I had forgotten about that till I started reading it again!)

OOOH we are gonna get to see Linsnar!! Gear's race is such a fascinating concept to me, but I don't remember ever seeing another Linsnarian in a Legion comic ever and I can't wait to see what you do with them!

Also, I forgot to add this to my notes as I was going but I really like seeing who various people voted for - it's a good quick way to show a bit of characterisation smile
hi raz, thank you for the fast read & review smile appreciate it tons!

glad you like the Jo, Tinya and Cub developments! I didn't like Cub much when he was introduced, but indeed he's there now... and best utilized as a real kid wink I'll conveniently ignore all the weird powers he had, and just keep the phasing!

and re Jo's changes, I personally hate how superhero types tend to be uber duper underwear model fit most of the time. I like a bit of realism, and it makes sense Jo would be like some of the athletic dads I know... like, they still do sports and stuff but their focus changes too.

I love how Candi tends to steal scenes just by being her lol! she's so much fun to write!

glad you liked Vi and Tenz! I figured they were the perfect couple (among mine anyway) to illustrate this point, and I like how they can both relate to the "feeling outclassed" bit. I figure that's what would make them such a great couple, that they help each other through their insecurities and all. and happy to share links to past bits, TBH I also needed to reread that Brek/Tenz moment - I remembered there was one, but forgot exactly how I wrote it lol. I also figure, considering all that Vi (and Tenz for that matter) have gone through, they'd be quite mature and not bicker like idiots about the topic.

yes! I'm both excited and a bit apprehensive at tackling Linsnar, as we've never seen anything about it or seen anyone else from there other than Gear, so we only know secondhand stuff about it!

and a treat for you, you're going to LOVE the away team going to Linsnar wink

oh and there's also another mission coming up soon to Swizzar - and you're gonna love the away team for that too wink

and yeah, I'm pleased at how smoothly the "who voted for who" bits flowed, I thought I'd be struggling to think who voted for who but it just seemed to come naturally based on each character smile
PS, I forgot to add this earlier, but here's a link to a scene where Dirk talks to Dragonmage (from before all the Zodiac shenanigans) and kinda forgives him!

https://www.legionworld.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1020180&#Post1020180
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Whisked off Swizzar! - 07/04/23 05:49 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Swizzar

Swizzar is a quiet world of botanical wonders, with one of the greatest densities of endemic plant species of any United Planets world. Its native race of butterfly-like sentients are botanical experts with a vast wealth of knowledge of plant care, and an almost intuitive ability to learn about new plant species.

When the Elementals were released, the Air Elemental possessed Flutter. They wrought havoc on a small section of Swizzar before departing, killing dozens of locals and offworlder scientists.

Most Swizzarians have been content to spend their lives on their homeworld, but one, Swallowtail, has recently joined the Legion Cadet program. Recently, more and more Swizzarians are also opting to study and work offworld to expand their knowledge of plants - and to encourage other worlds to embrace plant life more.


- The Anthropological Almanac

Active Legionnaires

Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Swallowtail of Swizzar; flight, scales from wings can refract light and cause effects such as hallucinations, sleep, paralysis

***************************************************************************

Swallowtail forced herself to keep her feet on the Legion cruiser's floor as they exited the Threshold. Their Kwai guide saluted, then jumped back to the Threshold to Legion World. And Swizzar hung in the distance.

Beside her, Microbe was making notes. "Our Kwai guide has declined to accompany us to Swizzar. He says he is more interested in navigating the spaceways. I have to note though, Shikari, that more of your people are showing interest in actually exploring the planets they guide us to..."*

Swallowtail didn't really register what was being said. She wasn't sure what was giving her more excitement: that she was returning to her homeworld; or that she was doing so on a real Legion of Super-Heroes mission!

As a Reservist, she'd been on a couple of missions before, but going on one to her own homeworld...!

"Easy there, Swallowtail," Microbe said, not unkindly. She had already set their course, so she could relax. Her small smile showed that she understood. "Your wings are twitching up a storm there."

"Oh!" Swallowtail self-consciously glanced behind her. She could feel the blushing in her cheeks; at least, she knew she had enough control over her abilities that the effect-causing scales weren't shedding!

"Jitters going back home?" Microbe asked. Swallowtail nodded breathlessly. "I remember my first time going back home to Somahtur after becoming a Legionnaire," Microbe continued. "It was... an experience."

"I really don't know HOW they'll react," Swallowtail blurted out. "We've all heard of the Legion, but I don't think the Legion has ever been to our world, and... it's different, seeing everyone on holos, and..." She flushed. "What if they act weird around me?"

"When I went home, some people acted differently, but many did treat me the same." Drura turned to the Cadet and smiled. "Just remember, you probably have changed from their view - but that's because of the experiences you've been through. Deep down, you're still the same, and you can show them that."

"Thanks," Swallowtail smiled.

Beside Microbe, Babbage chimed in. "Apologies for keeping silent. Despite my processing speed, I cannot sustain quite as many processing-tracks as, say, Brainiac 5... Multi-tasking does slow me down, and I appreciate that it will take much of my attention to land properly on Swizzar."

Swallowtail blanched again. "Our government was supposed to improve the spaceports..."

"It was not meant to be a criticism, Swallowtail, I apologize," Babbage intoned. "I do realize that we have to take a cruiser because Swizzar has not yet acceded to the Threshold protocols, because the United Planets is still studying whether our technology will damage the local environment. And by proper landing, I meant doing so without damaging the local flora."

Mollified, Swallowtail leaned back with a gasp of relief.

"We will make planetfall soon," Microbe said gently. "Take a breath, Swallowtail, you'll be fine.

In the back of the cruiser, Kinetix was on a holo-call with Violet. She looked around to make sure nobody could hear: Rebound was in the toilet, and the other three were too far away. She eagerly nodded to her best friend. "Well?!"

Violet giggled. "It... was... amazing!"

"Oh! I wish you could give me all the juicy details now!" Kinetix breathed. "Later. But tell me, did you do that thing I told you Brek likes?"

"I tried, and Tenzil said it was too ticklish!" Violet grinned, eyes flashing mischievously. "But I can say, there was a lot of juiciness...!" Both Kinetix and Violet laughed atr that.

"I'm so happy for you both," Zoe gushed. "It's about time, and I'm glad you just out and asked Tenzil!" Zoe peeked over her Omnicom. "Okay, gotta go, we're entering Swizzar's atmosphere. But! You owe me the full story later!"

"Promise," Violet said, before ending the call.

Zoe tucked her Omnicom away, then folded her legs under her as she used her telekinetic field to levitate. Sitting in a descending cruiser made for great practice; she had to monitor the cruiser's speed to keep herself floating in the exact same position relative to its walls. She concentrated...

"Kinetix?"

Zoe's eyes popped open to find Rebound biting his lip at her.

Sighing inwardly, she stretched her legs out, though remained floating. "Yes, Chuck?"

"Funny isn't it, the four of us..." Chuck gestured. "We're the same four who fought Brawler."

"We talked about it while you were in the toilet," Zoe said flatly. "Apparently, M'Rissey decided to run some simulations on the effectiveness of mission team combinations, and thought to try out the random quartets that fought each Zodiac sign. I'm sure some of the others are going to give him an earful for that."

"Ah, yeah, I can see how it's kind of insensitive, and..." Chuck looked away.

Zoe tried her best not to roll her eyes. "You want to ask me something, Chuck. Go for it."

"Ah, well..." Chuck tapped his fingers together. "Well, Luornu, and XS, and Tenzil, and Vi, they all say you're so worldly, and..."

Zoe sighed. How the sprock had she gotten such a reputation? It was awkward enough when Lori Morning had asked her about getting Rond Vidar's attention,** but now even some of her shyer teammates were coming to her for advice. This was why Zoe was taking greater pains not to gossip about things with Violet where others could hear! "Yes, Chuck? We're about to land, so just spit it out!"

Chuck gulped. "Well, ah, see, Luornu does... um... she kinda wants to try this... um..."

Zoe held her palm out and closed her eyes. "Okay, I don't want to know the details, Chuck!" She muttered under her breath. Gossiping with her best friend Vi was one thing; she didn't want to know all of the torrid details of her other teammates' sexual lives! "Look, you're obviously not comfortable doing whatever she wants you to do. My advice is: talk to her openly. Tell her you're not. Work it out together, you're both adults, and mature ones at that."

Chuck's eyes bulged, and he nodded silently. Zoe continued, "And if it's Lu, make sure you either talk to her un-triplicated, or with all three of her at once. Preferably the latter - just to be sure whatever she wants you to try, is something all of her wants too!"

Chuck pursed his lips and tapped his finger on his chin. "Hey, come to think of it, she seemed reluctant when she asked me. Maybe only Purple wants it!" He suddenly took Zoe's hands in his own and shook them vigorously. "You are a genius! You are THE best person for relationship advice!"

"Please, don't go trumpeting that around," Zoe gingerly pulled her hands from Chuck's grasp. "Enough people have tried asking me for advice as it is..."

"Buckle in, everyone!" Microbe called from the front. "We're about to land!"

"Finally," Zoe said under her breath, as she sat down. "Maybe I should just write an anonymous advice column... not!"

Beside her, Chuck whistled happily as he began thinking of how to talk to Luornu. Maybe over a nice dessert...

Below them, Swizzar loomed closer.

**********************************************************

IB's notes:

1) This bit about the Kwai, stems from the end of Volume 4. The Zodiac's Rooster was a disgruntled Kwai, and Shikari and Kwai Matriarch Enkenent have been talking about giving Kwai more opportunities to do more than just guide people through Thresholds...

2) Legionnaires 39! Lori had a crush on Rond for a while, when Lori was physically aged to 21 (but still had the mind of a 10-year old).
Also, in case you missed it: I've written Bios for every Active Legionnaire, Honorary Legionnaire, and some of the Reserve Legionnaires over here!

https://www.legionworld.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1025308#Post1025308
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Linsnar

The inhabitants of Linsnar are bio-mechanical techno-morphs, able to alter their body structure to generate tools and machinery. When the United Planets first made contact with Linsnar, this native ability generated much alarm. However, it soon became apparent that there was little to fear from Linsnarians. The all-encompassing philosophy is that Linsnarians exist as tools for others; before Linsnar discovered other planets, every Linsnarian toiled in service of their homeworld, under the direction of a coordinating council. Coordinating, not ruling; everything was done in service of society as a whole.

The few Linsnarians who went offworld, did so to gain new experiences and knowledge that they could bring back. They tended to follow orders unquestioningly.

The first documented case of a Linsnarian questioning their philosophy is Gear of the Legion of Super-Heroes, who turned against the wardens and guards of the Blackstar Juvenile Correction Facility upon seeing that they were abusing their prisoners. Recently, a second Linsnarian has been found doing so - S.I.R.I, who joined the criminal operations of Ragulti Agonal on Corvan IV.

It remains to be seen whether other Linsnarians will choose their own paths, and how Linsnarian society will evolve.


- The Anthropological Almanac

Active Legionnaires

Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

Reserve Legionnaires (also Legion Support Staff)

Tomb, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions (Legion medical staff)

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Healer, Mend'rr of Jaquaa; accelerates natural healing by borrowing strength from others

***************************************************************************

still on Legion World...

"Wow..." Healer breathed as their briefing concluded. He wasn't sure what fascinated him more; the Legion World Threshold Chamber with all its hustle and bustle; going on an actual mission as a Reserve Legionnaire; or...

He turned to Gear. "You're actually mentioned in the Almanac entry! This is so cool!"

"Eh, you should see how often Cosmic Boy is mentioned," Gear deflected. "Articles about the Legion, articles about Magno-ball, why if I were his brother Pol..."

Saturn Girl and Andromeda traded looks, abandoning their conversation about M'Rissey's controversial idea to form teams based on the recent Zodiac battles*. Imra nodded, and Andromeda moved forward. "Okay, we're going into a situation with a lot of unknowns, so let's go through our protocols. Healer, what precautions would you take?"

"T-" Gravity began, then bit off. He mentally kicked himself; he had been a Legionnaire for long enough to stop acting like a Cadet still competing with Mentalla and Echo for who could answer first! He watched as Healer began listing down safety protocols such as wearing a transuit, while Andromeda pretended not to have heard Tel. To cover his embarrassment, he turned to Tomb. "You've never been to Linsnar before, have you Tomb?"

"Is our first Legion mission there," Tomb said simply.

"Okay, yeah well I've never thought of going there for tourism either..."

Tomb just looked at him, then slowly blinked. Unnerved, Gravity turned to their Kwai guide. "So... you're Leos, right?"*

"Yes. It is a pleasure to meet you, Tel Vole."

"Ah, you know my name..."

"We Kwai owe the Legion much," Leos smiled.**

"Yeah... so, are you going to explore Linsnar while you are there?"

Leos shook his head with a smile. "While some of my fellow Kwai like Shikari enjoy exploring planetary environments, I am one of those who prefers the stars. Once I bring you there, I will fly back to Legion World the long way."

"Ah, well, that's nice then..."

While Tel was struggling to think of how to keep the conversation going, Saturn Girl had approached Gear. "Gear, a word please?"

"You can have two, if you want," Gear snarked.

"I know you're using humor to distract from your other emotions," Saturn Girl said quietly, with a small smile. "I promise, I'm not using my telepathy to pry..."

"No, I guess I'm just completely readable, eh?" Gear snorted.

Imra took a deep breath. Even without Invisible Kid calling her to tip her off about Gear, she would have seen it. "Gear, everyone deserves the right to privacy. But on the other hand, we are going on a mission, and if you have major issues that would hinder us from completing it..."

Gear looked away for a moment. "I've never talked to anyone about this, Saturn Girl."

"You can call me Imra." She waited for a moment. Gear breathed in deeply.

"I've never returned to Linsnar since leaving," he said quietly, head hung. "It was just so... after I realized that I am my own sentient, and I can judge right from wrong, I began to question our entire philosophy. The one drilled into me since birth." He looked up and met Imra's eyes. "I feel... sprock, I don't know HOW I feel. Betrayed, in a way. Disappointed. Maybe a bit angry."

"It must be a lot to take in," Imra tried to project a sympathetic smile. "I can imagine you need time to sort through things..."

"I'm not even sure how I will react when I see the Council. I mean, that philosophy existed long before any of them were born, but they propagated it, and..." he shook his head. "And to top it all off, the only other Linsnarian I know who questioned the teachings went to work for a bad guy!"***

Gear abruptly sat down, head in his hands. Imra awkwardly hovered for a moment, then sat down beside him.

"I never even talked to S.I.R.I..." Gear whispered.

"Gear... Do you want to sit this mission out?" Imra said. "We can say you were unavailable, call someone else to help..."

Gear sighed deeply. "No, I think I need to do this. I can't keep running away, right?" His eyes twinkled, and he broke into a grin. "I'm no super-speedster, and even XS runs towards danger when she needs to..."

"And we'll be here to support you," Imra smiled. She and Gear walked over to join the others.

Andromeda was helping Healer untangle his transuit.

Gear clapped his hands, a bit theatrically. "Okay gang, one thing to remember. On Linsnar, we used to bow and scrape, like, a lot. Comes with the whole "we are tools for others" thinking," he winked. "Just roll with it; if you don't let them be all obsequious, they're gonna feel bad about themselves. And another thing..."

As Gear rattled off tips about Linsnarian culture, Imra gave Andromeda a nod. "He's generally fine, but let's keep an eye out..." she sent telepathically. She considered saying more for a moment, then decided against. After all, Gear did deserve his privacy.

****************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Check the recap thread for the Zodiac battle lineups... but a shout out to razsolo for commenting that the two quartets in particular were very interesting smile (Andromeda, Gear, Gravity, Saturn Girl; and Babbage, Kinetix, Microbe, Rebound)

2) Leos appeared in Legion 5! to my knowledge, he never appeared on-panel again... Some of the things the Legion did for the Kwai? Save them from being murdered by the Progeny, bring them in contact with the United Planets so they could explore more worlds...'

3) I'm talking about S.I.R.I - check her debut here!
Posted By: razsolo Re: I Left Linsnar and Didn't Look Back! - 07/06/23 07:23 AM
Time for some reading and you were right, IB! I am very excited to see these teams again!

I liked Drura's little chat with Swallowtail about going home again...it IS a weird feeling going back home for the first time after you've moved away and started a new life!

Babbage is always fun to see as well!

Zoe being the team's go to for sex advice is hilarious...I love her reaction to Chuck almost oversharing laugh

But also, it seems like she is good at it! I like that she knows Triad well enough to know that all three of her should be involved in any decision making.

A very Tel moment with him having to remind himself not to be such an overachiever...and I am looking forward to seeing what Linsnarian society is like with the whole living tools thing! I haven't read Gear's early appearances but I get the idea that while he obviously likes being useful he doesn't really see himself as being predetermined to serve others, so it will be interesting to see what the rest of his society looks like!
heya raz, you sure read fast smile thanks as always for the R&R

right! I can so relate to the "going home again" bit!

Yeah, and Zoe is soooo kicking herself for being the go-to lol! but indeed, it's general relationship advice. Zoe does have a bit of a knack for reading and understanding people, though she doesn't quite have the patience to actually apply it in all of her interactions with her friends (unlike, say, Cham, who makes it a point to shift his manner as needed, heh!)

and yeah, Triad has done enough things where only one of her wants to... see, Triad Orange saying she hired Dr. Gym'll (with Purple/Neutral getting surprised - see Legionnaires 38), or Purple flirting with Superboy (while Neutral and Orange were focused on Valor - see LSH 74/Legionnaires 31)

Tel still needs to learn to relax a bit wink

and yeah, I've been thinking hard about how to develop the Linsnar story - aside from the "we're tools to be used" bit, it's such a blank slate!

thanks, more to come soon, though after the weekend - the temp is gonna rise and I won't be able to write while it's that hot lol!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Swizzar

Active Legionnaires

Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Swallowtail of Swizzar; flight, scales from wings can refract light and cause effects such as hallucinations, sleep, paralysis

***************************************************************************

"Elder Birdwing!" Swallowtail 's wings were vibrating with emotion as she flew over to the elderly Swizzaran who was watching the Legionnaires exit their cruiser. Though the hair on his head was white, Elder Birdwing still stood straight-backed, with a merry twinkle in his sharp eyes.

Having been briefed by Swallowtail, the four Legionnaires gave small bows as they were introduced.

"Ah, this is one reason I like you Legionnaires so much," Elder Birdwing grinned. "You know how to show proper respect, not like many of the young larvae these days..." He motioned to the Legionnaires to follow him.

As they flew along, Babbage worked overtime cataloguing and cross-referencing various plant and invertebrate species with the United Planets databases. Microbe let her self open; she could sense many new micro-organisms, and invited them to enter her system. Kinetix marveled at the iridescent rainbow wings of the Swizzarans; she began thinking of how to incorporate such the next time she threw a costume party.

Rebound settled in beside Elder Birdwing and Swallowtail. "You have such a beautiful world," Chuck breathed. "There are every few places on Earth with this much greenery, but here I see plants everywhere!"

Elder Birdwing chuckled. "One reason we're making it difficult for tourists to come here... Our world IS pristine and beautiful, and we intend to keep it that way."

The Elder and Swallowtail regaled Chuck with stories of the various plant and animal species around; Chuck was almost startled to realize they were now coming up on a small hut. Inside, a pair of Swizzarans offered the Legionnaires refreshments. "This juice is made from a very sweet and nutritious berry," Swallowtail helpfully explained as Chuck took a glass. "My mom used to tell me it would make me taller."

Elder Birdwing took a spot at the front of the room and smiled. "Welcome, Legionnaires. Thank you for coming to us in our time of need."

"It is our pleasure to be here, and we hope to be of assistance," Microbe smiled. Kinetix resisted the urge to comment; Microbe was always extremely polite and respectful, but Zoe understood it was because of the stigma and fear surrounding Microbe's people. And besides, it did prove helpful when dealing with authority figures.

"We have reviewed the files you sent," Babbage continued. "Have there been any incidents after you notified us?"

"Thankfully, none," Elder Birdwing's smile slipped a little. "And I hope you can prevent any more from happening. This is what we know so far..."

Rebound laid a comforting hand on Swallowtail's shoulder, as Elder Birdwing went through his presentation. In the past week, three incidents occurred where witnesses reported sudden flashes of light appearing seemingly out of nowhere. Groups of Swizzarans had been caught in them; and some had vanished along with the light, once it faded. And those Swizzarans who were left behind, remained in catatonic states. All of those were now on Swizzar's main hospital.

The Legionnaires quickly conferred, and this time it was Kinetix who approached the Elder. "We will get your people back," Kinetix promised, eyes blazing.

*********************************************************************************************

Microbe kept her face still as she and Swallowtail walked through Swizzar's main hospital. She was pleasantly surprised at how modern and well-equipped it was! She had expected something much more rustic...

"This is our pride and joy," Swallowtail whispered. "We Swizzarans are normally fairly hardy, and rarely get sick. But once offworlder scientists came, we realized we had to keep them safe... and ourselves, too."

"I do sense some non-native micro-organisms here..." Microbe whispered.

"Yes, we all got inoculated upon first contact," Swallowtail continued. "Thankfully, we haven't had any disease outbreaks yet, but..."

She gasped in shock as they entered the ward where the victims were held. A couple dozen Swizzarans were sitting, one to a bed. They were straight-backed, unmoving and with open eyes staring.

"Oh my..." Swallowtail flew to one. "We went to school together..."

Microbe walked up to another. She had consulted with Brainiac 5 and Invisible Kid before arriving, so she had a shortlist of microbes she could safely use. "I'm going to learn what I can, but sadly I will need some of them awake, just to ensure we don't alter anything. In the meantime though..." Microbe cast a glance around the room. "Some of them seem to be in very poor health..."

"We've tried everything," a doctor came up to them. "I can draw up a list of medications we've tried."

"Thank you, doctor," Drura smiled warmly. "And if you could work with Swallowtail, please? I think she can help the ones who have gone without sleep the longest."

"Oh, of course, my sleeping scales!" Swallowtail beamed. She went off with the doctor.

Drura concentrated. She sent her microbes out, eager to see what they could learn...

********************************************************************************************

Babbage's sensors and systems were whirring at full speed as it surveyed the area of the most recent incident. It was confident that with enough data points, it could trace the origin of the mysterious lights.

One running process was trying to compare the residual radiation and marks on the grass with its catalog of types of energy. Another was calculating the circumference and volume of the blast.

"Is there anything I can do to help you, Kinetix?" Rebound asked, even as Kinetix was casting her telekinetic field about to see if she could feel any objects that did not belong there.

Kinetix grimaced as she lifted a piece of rotting fruit. "My field is more sensitive than any normal pair of eyes, Rebound. But maybe you can take a look around?"

"I will," Rebound saluted, then bounced off.

Both Kinetix and Babbage continued scouring the area. Normally, Zoe would have tried to make small talk with her teammates, but... Babbage never felt the need to engage in such. Instead, Zoe absorbed herself in her work. After all, there might be a very small clue lying about...

Rebound ricocheted off a branch and in front of Babbage. "Babbage, I've found something." Babbage turned to look to where Chuck was pointing.

"That branch is hanging at such a weird angle," Chuck continued. "I checked, and there have not been any storms or gusts of wind here in the last few days..."

Babbage flew up to the branch. "Curious," it intoned as it focused its optical sensors. "It appears to be..."

Babbage never finished its sentence. The next moment, a blinding light surrounded it. It heard Kinetix cry out for Rebound to join her in her protective field...

... and then Babbage felt its circuits overload, and everything went dark.
Posted By: Harbinger Re: I Left Linsnar and Didn't Look Back! - 07/10/23 02:05 PM
Hey IB, thank you for your message as I'd totally missed it! Sorry, will review on Wednesday when I have a bit of time, can't wait ti see what you've done smile
Posted By: razsolo Re: I Left Linsnar and Didn't Look Back! - 07/11/23 11:04 AM
Hi IB, some notes on your latest!

Everyone's reaction to Swallowtail's world is some good characterisation - Babbage acting like a walking Encyclopedia Galactica, Drura communing with new lifeforms, and Zoe of course being fashion-forward as usual!

Microbe is very in her element in the hospital and I love it....you have a really holistic view of how she fits in the Legion's world, it gives her a unique way to shine!

ooh, good cliffhanger!! But also, I like that Chuck's skill with spatial geometry came in handy where Zoe's power missed a clue.

This is some really good character work, world-building and a mystery all in one! I am ready for more! smile
Harbi - please take your time, your comments are worth waiting for, and thanks for the note smile

Raz, appreciate the R&R! glad you liked these little bits! and yeah, I really think Drura has more potential than "just" making people sick smile and I'm always a big fan of highlighting Legionnaires' knowledge and skills beyond their powers, hence the bit with Chuck smile

thanks, glad you liked it - more to come soon-ish!
Posted By: Harbinger Re: I Left Linsnar and Didn't Look Back! - 07/12/23 01:15 PM
IB, so happy to see you're writing again, and excited to jump in and find out what you've got planned for this arc.

Great to see you're making Jo grow up a bit - the ang-banger swagger is all fine and dandy but it does lead to mistakes (Tinya's burned body, being the obvious). Protein enhanced coffee sounds awful! Coffee enhanced coffee is more my thing laugh And Jo with a dad-bod? I can think of worse things wink That was nice scene setting, Jo enjoying the family life - I take it something will happen at the memorial that will create a distance (literally) between Jo and Tinya?

Ah, the memorial was for Xao. That's fair enough, though I'm not too surprised that not many of the team turned up. I keep forgetting this Andromeda had the whole Space Nun thing going on, and expect her to act like the 5YL Laurel - whoops! Nice use of her though, her concern for Mysa was sweet. Does Candi need a hanky? Does she cry in her crystalline form? Dryad remembering things from when t was an actual planet kind of surprised me, and it'll be interesting to see what else it can recall. The chat between Zoe and Dirk was great - it's nice to see them as two friends. Brek boring? Never....

Vi and Tenzil make a cute couple so I'm glad to see you keeping it going. And good that they are both contributing - her place but he cooks. Intersting that she needs to explain how the grapevine works between her and Zoe. Tenzil shy? Okay, that is unexpected, he's usually the most outwardly confident team member - and, yeah, I realise this is the reboot team that I don't really know, but this was an unexpected twist. Body shame? Wow, that really was unexpected! The relationship between them was really nicely written IB, with cute jokes and serious subjects mixed into it, like a real conversation. That was handled really well.

And at the other extreme, Taryn's gossiping about Brin is fun. I'd forgotten that you've had a Leadership vote recently - am looking forward to seeing who got the top spots, and how it will affect the team. I think none of the people mentioned will get the leader post - which s a pity as I voted for one of them laugh

Nice team for Swizzar - they were one of the Zodiac's teams, weren't they? Be great to get a back story for Swallowtail too. The Kwai wanting to investigate spaceays rather than planets is a good not to their nomadic back story. Nice support from Drura. Zoe and Vi gossiping, ah yes, so much for discretion... haha. So it was the team that fought Brawler, glad my memory hasn't failed! And Zoe, who you have just shown to be indescrete is the person the team go to for relationship advice? Um, that might not be wise really, but it will be fun. Good advice though, perhaps Chuck didn't make such a bad choice when he spoke to her.

And now onto Linsnar - this will be interesting! I only really know the basics about Gear (that's why my version is so different) so am looking forward to this. More gossip! Gear discussing how pol must feel - your team are all so indescrete! Thankfully Imra and Laurel are around to be mature smile Tel slipping back to academy competition mode was nice. And Tomb is an interesting choice for this mission - going to a planet of technomorphs when he manipulates organics. And another Kwai that doesn't want to go to a planet - is there something brewing there? Imra checking in on Gear was well handled. And it'll be fun to see how he is treated and treats others given his differences. I can only imagine it'll be something like what a formwe religious cult member would feel being amongst the cult again after a time away.

Back to Swizzor - love the "Not like many of the young larvae these days..." haha, even amongst alien species there's inter-generational non-communication. I like how Babbage and Drura take the opportunity to learn more about the new environment in their own unique ways. Wonder what's causing the lights and taking the natives? How considerate, building a state of the art medical facility to accomodate the scientist visitors - and fortunate, given the current situation. Can't be nice for Swallowtail seeing someone they know in the hospital like that. And Drura using her microbes to get information - that's a very novel idea! Am glad you're giving Babbsge screen time, they're such an interesting concept but with virtually nothing in canon to go on it's a great character to let your imagination lose on. Good use of Chuck's spatial geometry awareness - or whatever it's called, being good with angles. And they're gone! Or at least Babbage is! Wow, unexpected ending and a great cliffhanger.

This was fun IB, you covered a lot of ground without making it feel like a trek. Looking forward to more, more, more!
hi Harbi, yay, thanks for the R&R!

Glad you're liking Jo growing up. I loathed Threeboot Jo because he was the worst kind of dumb jock, and I figure after everything they've been through in this reality (such as, indeed, Tinya's burned body!), plus having a son!, this Jo should be growing up.

Candi does not need to cry, but she uses a hanky to make her feel all ladylike tongue and she can't physically cry either smile

stoked that you liked the Vi/Tenzil bit! re the grapevine, it's mainly because Tenzil and Brek aren't buddy-buddy, but they are friends in a way that "well, our girlfriends are best friends, so let's hang out". hence, the need for Vi to explain a bit smile

you might be surprised re the leader results, Harbi smile As soon as I wrap up the Swizzar and Linsnar missions, I'll get to leader announcements wink

Swallowtail's origin was laid out when she first applied as a Cadet, but I'll refer to it in the coming segments smile

I do think Zoe mainly has herself to blame, for her reputation re a go-to for relationship advice tongue

re the Kwai, hee smile it's mainly a way to answer why they're not hanging around on-planet and tagging along on missions, but... wink

thanks Harbi, glad you liked these bits! more to come soon for sure smile
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Linsnar

Active Legionnaires

Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

Reserve Legionnaires (also Legion Support Staff)

Tomb, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions (Legion medical staff)

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Healer, Mend'rr of Jaquaa; accelerates natural healing by borrowing strength from others

***************************************************************************

"Welcome to Linsnar." As the Legionnaires stepped onto the space in Linsnar designated for Thresholds, Gear's voice dripped with irony as he looked around. "Just like I remember it. Looks advanced, but..."

A small round globe floated over towards them. "Greetings, Legionnaires. I am a drone programmed by the Coordinating Council to welcome you to Linsnar."

*Imra, if you would?* Gear sent telepathically. Complying, Saturn Girl set up a private telepathic network among the six.

As we Linsnarians are mere tools, we should not think for ourselves and should just follow the lead of our users." Andromeda was taken aback at how angry Gear sounded, despite his face remaining completely blank. "Therefore, please ask to be taken to the Coordinating Council, as per their request for us to come here."

As Saturn Girl addressed the globe, Gravity mentally nudged Healer. "Healer, try not to let on that we're chatting privately. You're gawking at Gear, now."

The Cadet shook himself visibly. At Gravity's amused grin, Healer bit his lip and pointedly looked around. "I'm sorry, I was just surprised..."

"You won't be the only one," Gear's tone was snarling. "Just wait until you meet actual Linsnarians."

"Gear..." Saturn Girl sent privately. "I know you have strong feelings, but please..."

"Fine, fine," Gear sent back, his face still expressionless. Addressing the whole group, Gear continued. "Apologies, I just have issues with the way most Linsnarians think. I thought I'd never visit again, and being here brings back strong and unpleasant memories. I'll try to behave, though."

"Legionnaires, please follow me. Are you all able to fly on your own?" The globe asked. At Saturn Girl's affirmative reply, the six took to the sky.

"It is remarkably devoid of Linsnarians..." Gravity mused as they flew over the sprawling city. "Where are they, Gear?"

"We mostly stay indoors. To do our tasks," Gear softened his tone, with effort. "Why go outside when we can have things delivered to us? And it's not like we need to shop or choose from a nice menu. We just have the most basic of rations - food isn't meant to be enjoyed, it's meant to keep us alive."

Andromeda shook her head. Even when she was with the Sisters of the Eternal Cosmos, food was simple but tasty, and meals were meant to be enjoyed with company. This... this was something else.

"And yet you have well-developed taste buds and tissues..." Tomb broke the silence.

"Yes, this reminds me of how much we deprived ourselves..." Gear said flatly. Gravity looked uncomfortable for a moment.

The rest of the flight was quiet, with Healer trying his best not to react to Gear's stoic silence.

"Please follow me as we descend," the globe announced. Gravity looked down, and almost frowned. None of the buildings below stood out in any way; there was nothing to indicate which one was the most important. "Probably a sign of their belief that they are all tools to be used..." he thought to himself.

They landed in front of a building that looked like any other, though it was maybe slightly larger. They followed the globe as it floated to the door. A soft red light beamed out, scanning the globe. The door swung open.

Three Linsnarians were kneeling in front of them. "Our typical greeting," Gear announced to the group telepathically. "To show we are ready to be of service. Be warned, they will address you and not me."

"We welcome you to Linsnar, Legionnaires," the Linsnarian in the middle spoke. "I am M.E.T.A., the First Coordinator of Linsnar. With me are the Deputy Coordinators D.E.L.L. and Z.O.O.M. We thank you for coming to our aid."

"It is our job and our pleasure," Saturn Girl intoned, drawing from Gear's suggestions as to what key words to use in her response. "Have you more to share with us about the situation?"

"Of course." A panel opened on M.E.T.A's back, and a holo-screen emerged. "we have prepared a briefing for you."

As the Legionnaires took seats, Andromeda caught a flash of anger on Gear's face. "Gear...?"

"I just noticed their fingers," Gear replied to all of them. "You should know this. On Linsnar, we have developed simple hand signals, usually used by the head servant on any particular job to communicate to the rest so we do not disturb our... masters." Healer made as if to peek at the Linsnarians' fingers, then caught himself.

"What are they saying?" Healer instead asked telepathically, telling himself not to make his mouth move.

"That I'm a broken tool," Gear snapped. He alone did not move to a seat, but remained standing.

"Would... would it be weird for them if I asked you to sit?" Gravity asked.

"I'd rather not... but thanks."

Gravity tried not to make a face as the briefing began.

Linsnarians have been taken ill all across Linsnar. Symptoms begin with a general malaise, and end in a full coma. Even after plotting the locations of the infected Linsnarians on a map, no patterns emerged; none of them had come in contact with each other. Retracing their movements for several days before falling ill, had also not revealed anything. No modern medicine has helped, either.

"We beg your help, Legionnaires," M.E.T.A. ended. "Please help our people."

"We will do our best, M.E.T.A.," Saturn Girl stood up. "Okay, two team split..."

Gear's face remained remarkably calm as he followed Andromeda and Gravity outside.

********************************************************************************************************************************************

in Linsnar's main hospital, Saturn Girl scanned the next patient. She still marveled at how structured Linsnarian minds were. Each was like a control panel; which made sense, considering their techno-organic nature. She imagined herself sitting in front of the Mission Monitor Board, pressing icons for commands. For this patient, she focused on their memories before they got taken ill. But just as with the last dozen, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. This one had been out maintaining transport vehicles when they had first felt a stabbing pain of fatigue....

Sighing, she exited their mind, snapping back to reality. "Still nothing," she addressed Tomb and Healer. "I also can't detect any telepathic interference that could be causing this; I can't find any evidence that their minds have been tampered with."

"I also do not sense anything to fix with their systems," Tomb muttered as he swept a hand over his latest patient. "Everything should be functioning normally... but it's not."

Healer sat down with a sigh. "And there doesn't seem to be anything to heal, at all!" The Cadet looked down glumly. "What use am I here, if there's nothing to fix?"

"Legionnaires are more than just our powers," Saturn Girl said gently. "Think along with me. We've investigated telepathic causes and bodily injuries, and the Linsnarians have checked for mechanical damage. What else could cause the Linsnarians to fall sick?"

Healer shrugged his shoulders. "I mean, they lack energy, right? So maybe.... an energy weapon?"

"That's good thinking," Saturn Girl encouraged. "That's one of the things Andromeda's team is searching for now..."

******************************************************************************************************************************************

In the skies over Linsnar, Andromeda seemed to be staring off in the distance. In reality, she was scanning circling through her vision powers to see if she could detect anything odd. What was different though, was that she was wearing a helmet and visor on her head - one connected to Gear's left hand. On Gear's back, a console similar to an Omnicom was displayed; and Gravity was sat behind it.

Anything Andromeda saw, was being magnified on the Omnicom.

"That's it, keep going at that pace, Andromeda," Gravity said. "We're getting a lot of samples, and we're able to cross-reference them with Linsnarian scans to see if anything odd is in the air..."

"We should check the water later, too," Gear telepathically sounded; even at this distance, Saturn Girl was maintaining their telepathic link.

"Gear, I don't see any other Linsnarians around... why don't you talk verbally again?" Gravity asked, looking around, puzzled.

"You never know if one of those drones will fly by..." Gear sent, sounding resigned. "And I'd rather not get into a word war with any horrified Linsnarians, offended that I'm not being a good tool."

"I'm sorry, Gear," Andromeda thought. "I can somewhat empathize. It's why I've never been back to visit Daxam again, you never know which Daxamites subscribe to the White Triangle's xenophobic beliefs..."

"Yeah.... but at least there are many there who think like you," Gear replied. "The only other independent Linsnarian I know is on Takron-Galtos*. I can't imagine anyone else here thinking that..."

Gear's thought cut off as a hoverbus carrying a dozen or so Linsnarians appeared in the distance. Andromeda scanned it with her telescopic vision; what struck her was that each of the passengers was sitting quietly, hands on lap, eyes straight ahead. Most sentients on most other worlds would be chatting with their seatmate or scrolling through their Omnicom!

"Sometimes I think other Linsnarians are the real drones," Gear telepathically remarked dryly.

Suddenly, the hoverbus swerved.

"Um, the driver didn't hear you, did he?" Gravity asked Gear.

"No, the driver just slumped forward!" Andromeda cried out as she dove after the bus. Before she reached it, a light gray aura surrounded it.

"I've got this!" Gravity called. "You're needed elsewhere, we're getting reports of Linsnarians everywhere falling unconscious!"

Using her telescopic vision, Andromeda's heart leaped. Hoverbuses were falling everywhere! Without another word, she zoomed off.

"Hold it steady!" Gear told Gravity as he clambered onto the bus. He disconnected the driver's systems from the bus, then gently shoved the unconscious driver out of his seat. Taking his place, Gear let wires snake out of his right arm and into the bus controls. "If I can foozle a link to the central transport system, I can try to land everything on the planet gently!"

"Copy that," Andromeda said. "I'll try to prioritize the most urgent ones."

"Affirmative," Gravity agreed. Then he concentrated as he gently lowered the hoverbus down to the ground.

Gear tried to push down his feelings about the Linsnarian philosophy as he interfaced with the central command. At least the signals from each hoverbus were still being relayed; he could track which ones were in danger of crashing. One by one, he guided each of those so they landed safely. No matter how much he hated the teachings they believed, these people didn't deserve to die.

************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Hours later, the Legionnaires regrouped in a room at the hospital. Gravity plopped down into a chair and grabbed an energy drink. "We must have lifted thousands of Linsnarians to the hospital!"

"We've done our best to keep them stable," Healer said quietly. "Some of their circulatory systems were beginning to stop working." Healer sighed as he leaned back in his own seat, and looked grateful as Gravity handed him a drink.

"And again, I cannot tell why," Tomb looked annoyed for the first time since arriving on Linsnar. "Their systems should work, but they just don't."

A chime sounded on the door. "First Coordinator M.E.T.A. would like to ask if she may come in." At Saturn Girl's assent, the door swung open.

M.E.T.A. prostrated herself before the group. "I thank you, Legionnaires, for acting quickly and saving the lives of my brethren. Your quick thinking in instructing I.Z.O.R. saved many lives."

Gravity was about to point out that Gear had acted on his own, but Gear warned him off through the telepathic link. "It's better that they not know," Gear sent.

"But wouldn't it help if they knew?..." Healer began.

"Let's discuss this later; our mission here is to save lives, not to change the Linsnarian way of thinking," Saturn Girl said firmly.

Andromeda sighed as she watched Gear's impassive face, and M.E.T.A.'s obsequiousness. If only they could do both...

************************************************************************************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Said other Linsnarian is S.I.R.I., who was involved in crime on Corvan IV!
Posted By: razsolo Re: I Left Linsnar and Didn't Look Back! - 07/17/23 08:28 AM
Hi IB! I had some time to catch up on your Legion's happenings tonight, let's go!

Poor Gear! It must be so hard coming from a world where everyone thinks their greatest purpose is to be subservient to other people...it also raises some interesting ethical questions; how do you tell if Linsnarians act that way due to peer pressure and social tradition or if it really does make them genuinely happy?

I imagine there has to be some shame and anger to deal with coming from a place like that when you're not that kind of person yourself, and you are doing a good job of showing Gear's reaction to going back there. I don't recall him ever getting any real character depth in any of the comics I read so it is good seeing your take on it all!

Also, Gear and Laurel working together to share what she sees with her enhanced vision is so clever! Love it! And it is a good indication of character that as soon as his people are in danger, Gear puts aside his conflicted feelings to immediately help them.

On another note, your Linsnarian names crack me up laugh

Intrigued to see how this weird malady develops!
hi raz, yay! always a treat reading your R&R!

yeah you raise some great points about Linsnar. the more I think and write, the more questions I ask myself lol smile

glad Gear's reactions are ringing true to you! It was tougher than I expected, though on the other hand I'm also drawing from my own experiences having to be closeted back home smile

hahaha! I'm digging these punny Linsnarian names too, it was fun Googling for four letter tech words wink
Posted By: razsolo Re: I Left Linsnar and Didn't Look Back! - 07/17/23 11:23 AM
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
glad Gear's reactions are ringing true to you! It was tougher than I expected, though on the other hand I'm also drawing from my own experiences having to be closeted back home smile

It's funny, I kind of had the same thing when I wrote Drura going back to Somahtur.....sometimes these stories creep up and do an accidental therapy as you're writing them!
high five! glad we're both getting some little therapy from our stories, raz smile It IS nice!
Posted By: Harbinger Re: I Left Linsnar and Didn't Look Back! - 07/17/23 01:54 PM
Me too, or is that me three laugh I've definitely snuck some ...issues into my stories over the years.
Welcome to the club, Harbi, it's a great club to be part of smile
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Swizzar

Active Legionnaires

Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; control harmful and beneficial microorganisms

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Swallowtail of Swizzar; flight, scales from wings can refract light and cause effects such as hallucinations, sleep, paralysis

***************************************************************************

Swallowtail fell silent as she watched Microbe scan the field where Babbage, Kinetix and Rebound had disappeared from. If the Somahturian Legionnaire were worried, she didn't show it; she was standing still in the center, turning her head left and right.

Swallowtail shivered involuntarily, and hugged herself.

"Are you okay?" Microbe asked from afar. "I know you're not physically cold, you're wearing a transuit."

Swallowtail mentally kicked herself. She wanted to be as professional as possible, but...

Sighing inwardly, she explained. "It's just that... this area. It looks pristine now, but it used to be..." She gulped. "When the... when the Air elemental came...*" Swallowtail began to breathe heavily. "I was here. I was caught up in the tempest of winds, and I thought I would die."

Microbe came up to Swallowtail. "Oh, honey..."

Swallowtail smiled gratefully, though tears welled up in her multi-faceted eyes, making them shine like diamonds. "It's fine, I'm mostly over it... but it did make me nervous about strong winds for a while. I used to enjoy feeling the soft breezes, but sometimes I still have nightmares of floating on a gentle breeze and having it turn into a tornado..."

As she consoled the Cadet, Microbe wondered if she should organize some training sessions between Swallowtail and Nightwind. She made a mental note to follow up on that; but for now...

"Take a moment, dear," Microbe smiled gently. "Every Legionnaire has fears; but we support each other so that these fears don't cripple us."

"Thank you," Swallowtail dabbed at her eyes. "It's really kind of you, and I'm ready now."

"Good," Microbe smiled. "I can't figure out where our friends went, but I think I know how we can find them. If you help me package some soil and water samples, I think Brainiac 5 and the Legion labs will point us in the right direction."

Intrigued, Swallowtail began shuffling in her belt pouches to find some specimen containers. "I suppose you've detected something with your powers?"

"Quite a few things, actually," Microbe's smile grew wider. "Quite a few..."

*****************************************************************

Active Legionnaires

Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form

****************************************************************************

Rebound heard himself moaning. He clutched at his head, trying to remember what had happened.

A blinding flash, then he felt some force hit him...

He let his moan finish, then opened his eyes cautiously, in case he was being watched. Peering through half-opened eyes, he jerked his head to the left as if he were rolling in his sleep; satisfied that nobody was around, he turned to the right. All he saw was Kinetix and Babbage lying prone beside him.

He moved his limbs gently. No bounds, good. He slowly stood up, trying to ignore the pain in his muscles.

He quickly looked around. He was in a room with bars, like a jail cell. It was bare, with only the mattresses they were lying on, and a small toilet in the corner. There was a small pile of junk in the corner; this looked like a storage room which had been fitted into a jail cell hastily, by someone who had not bothered to clean it up. Clearly nothing professional.

He inspected himself. His flight ring was gone, and so was his Legion utility belt. But he could still feel his transuit on him;

He crouched down and tried to rouse Kinetix. She had her hands bound together, and was breathing shallowly. "Zoe?" he whispered. He quickly checked for a pulse and a heartbeat; she was alive, but likely drugged. Too bad he didn't have access to the medicines in his Legion utility belt.

He moved on to Babbage. His Robotican teammate lay completely inert. limbs splayed out like so much scrap metal. He fiddled around Babbage's neck; Babbage had showed its teammates how to reboot it if needed, and the button hidden below Babbage's metallic jaw was keyed to the bio-rhythms of whichever active Legionnaires were on a mission with Babbage at the time. Chuck pressed twice short, and three times long, as Babbage had taught.

Nothing. Chuck frowned; their captors were thorough. He did feel a momentary twinge of annoyance that they hadn't taken any precautions with him; but he reminded himself that this would be a fatal mistake for them.

He glanced up as he heard footfalls in the distance. Chuck gently laid himself on the floor, splaying out in a similar position to when he woke up. He slowed his breathing and closed his eyes, though he made sure to face the bars.

"... what are we gonna do with these Legionnaires?" Chuck recognized a voice strikingly similar to Gates' own. What in the great egg...?

"The bosses can figure that out. I just want to get them off our hands!" This voice was also familiar!

"I'm not worried about the two carbonforms; I can blind them." This one sounded like Lume, and it was very likely from Silvan too - that was a term commonly used on their planet! "But the robot..."

"Zula Hex can take care of him!" The second voice repeated. "Coluans are still smarter than Roboticans. Besides, I've coated Babbage with some rust-causing pollen. Give him some time in this musky damp hold, and... poof!"

Chuck heard the footfalls stop, and he lay very still. "Heh, Tubby is still asleep," said the same voice.

Chuck heard the voices receding, and opened his eyes wider. He caught a glimpse of a familiar greenish disk; a bright glowing light; and familiar purple-and-green boots... He knew who held them, but not why.

Chuck decided to keep lying down. He closed his eyes and began to think. Now that he knew whom he was up against... how could he get out of this situation?

He really wished Kinetix or Babbage were conscious...

***********************************************************************************

The laboratory was a whirr of activity. Zula Hex's slender green fingers tapped incessantly on controls as she her instruments poked and prodded at an unconscious Swizzaran.

Though their buyers' contract said the Swizzarans should come undamaged, Zula Hex was taking great pains to ensure she studied the Swizzarans as much as she could using non-invasive methods. After all, biology and genetics were her specialty.

"Hey, Zula, the prisoners are still locked up," came Pollen's voice over the coms. Zula ignored it; she had told them to report into her, but she was confident they would be fine. She had concealed their tracks well, and the dangerous Legionnaires were sedated and/or disabled. Even if Rebound woke up, what could he do? No amount of bouncing could break through those bars without endangering his two teammates...

Zula was so engrossed in her studies that she failed to notice the swooshing of air behind her. She did, however, feel the nerve pinch on the side of her neck. She was unconscious before she hit the floor.

Invisible Kid picked Zula Hex up gently and placed her to the side. Keeping invisible in case anyone walked into the laboratory, he quickly scanned the captive Swizzarans with his Omnicom. All were seemingly comatose, but none seemed to be in deathly harm. Good. They could wait, then.

He spoke into his flight ring. "Microbe, all yours." Then he turned to Zula Hex's console and began to play around with it. "Let's see if we can fix what you've done to Babbage..."

***************************************************************************

Pollen leaned back in her seat, feet on the table, as she sipped her coffee. She sat at a table on one side of a large banquet room; one that had once been grand, but was now in disrepair. Old, dilapidated furniture was spread out haphazardly through the area.

She looked around at her companions. The super-strong saurian Bronto and the self-multiplying Gangster were the only two from her original gang**. They had picked the rest up after the Monitor's army dispersed, following the return of the original Legionnaires**. They had fought the Legion once, and lost badly badly. Then that arrogant serpent Slizz**** had left them behind... and Zula Hex, that even more arrogant greenhead, had co-opted their group.

But Pollen didn't mind too much. Zula's plans made way more sense than Slizz's constant moaning about taking over the Orandan monarchy, and they were getting paid much better now, too.

Pollen's reverie was interrupted by Disks' screeching. "Stop trying to pet me, you oaf!" The Vyrgan teleporter was waving her arm at Bronto.

"But bug-lady cute!" Bronto protested, hands held out in front of him. "Me just want to pet..."

"I am just as sentient as you are, you idiotic reptile!" Disks screeched.

"Okay, knock it off, you two!" Gangster brandished a gun.

"Or I will make you knock it off." The Undertaker grinned evilly. Pollen felt a chill run down her spine. She was confident she could take any of the others down one-on-one, if needed; but Undertaker was from Sarccus, and had her race's ability to control other's bodily functions. Undertaker relished in doing so; Pollen thought she got off on having control. She was glad there weren't many Sarccans running around off their planet...

"Is this some kind of carbonform ritual?" Licht asked. Pollen didn't pay any attention; the Silvan was always clueless, and Pollen had no patience to explain things to it. Besides, their last teammate would doubtless answer...

"Non, eet ees just ze stupeed macheesmo!" Ze Tongue's tongue swayed as he spoke. Pollen rolled her eyes as she watched some of Ze Tongue's disgusting spit splatter on Licht. The saliva evaporated as it did; but this was why Pollen always wore her transuit. She didn't feel like getting splattered.

Disks rounded on Ze Tongue. "I'm a female, you idiot!"

"Zo?" Ze Tongue snorted. "Even ze female can act like a stupeed male sometimes, non?"

Pollen sighed as she stood up. "I'm going to check on the prisoners again. Just to be sure." Without waiting for anyone to react, she stood up and started for the door.

Before she could reach it, the door fell inwards. Pollen cursed as she saw a familiar tangible darkness reach out towards them.

"Legionnaires!" she called out. Then she began to flood the area with her poisonous pollen.

***************************************************************************

Active Legionnaires

Babbage, I-45ENG/Nth Series of Robotica; combat mechanoid
Invisible Kid, Lyle Norg of Earth (Australia and Israel); invisibility
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication
Umbra, Tasmia Mallor of Talok VIII; darkfield casting

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Swallowtail of Swizzar; flight, scales from wings can refract light and cause effects such as hallucinations, sleep, paralysis

The Bad Weeds

Bronto of unknown; saurian physique with enhanced strength and durability
Disks of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Gangster of unknown; generates unlimited duplicates that vanish if he loses concentration
Licht of Silvan; energy being made of light
Pollen of unknown; plant-based physiology, including production of spores that cause a variety of effects
Undertaker, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions
Ze Tongue of unknown; prehensile, stretchable, shapeshifting tongue
Zula Hex of Colu; 8th level intelligence

***************************************************************************

Dark tendrlls slammed into Bronto and Undertaker, stunning them to the floor.

"It's the darkness lady!" Licht shone its light at the spinning darkfield. "Get away!"

Umbra flew forward, her darkfield swirling around her tightly. "I'll need to concentrate on this one; it's burning really brightly." She commanded her darkfield to encase Licht in a shadowy sphere.

"Go, we'll take care of the rest," Microbe called. Triad had already triplicated; Purple flew towards Bronto, while Orange and Neutral were trying to keep Gangster off-balance. Unfortunately, Gangster had already created six duplicates. Knocking out the original would make all the others vanish, but figuring out which the original was was another problem...

"I wish we had been able to put them all to sleep," Swallowtail said as she flew in after Microbe.

"I wish that too," Microbe said as she assessed the situation. "That would have been easier if they all had the same biologies; but with opponents from eight different worlds, plus our three teammates and your fellow Swizzarans on board, I simply didn't have time to find the right microbes that could work safely on all of them. And we have the same issue with your scales. Now, let's make our way to Undertaker; she's the most dangerous. I've got just the virus for her."

"And that purple girl?" Swallowtail pointed at Pollen, who was still straining to coat them with some paralyzing spores. Before Microbe could answer, Triad Neutral flipped a Gangster body over and into Pollen, knocking both to the floor.

"That takes care of... ohhh!" Swallowtail staggered, stunned, as something smashed into the side of her head. As she bent over, woozy, she felt a long, slimy appendage wrapped around her waist. "Ewww!" she stared in disgust as she realized what had attacked her.

"Hah! Ze Tongue scores one on ze young stoopeed girl!" Ze Tongue gloated from across the room.

"You think so," Microbe said grimly. Thankful that all the Legionnaires had donned transuits in preparation for fighting Pollen, she reached out and touched Ze Tongue's tongue with her fingers. She reminded herself that, though she could sense the warm, wet saliva, she wasn't actually touching it. "I'd retract your tongue if I were you. I've just given you lockjaw. From your homeworld, so nobody else here will get it!"

"No! You stopeed Somahturian!" Ze Tongue's tongue snapped into his mouth so fast, Swallowtail was afraid he would knock his head off.

"Mmmm! Mmmmmfff!" Ze Tongue grabbed at his mouth. Then his body stiffened, and he fell over.

"Full body lockjaw," Microbe noted as she went to check on Swallowtail.

"Hurry up!" Umbra called testily as she dodged a blast from one of the Gangster clones. "It's taking most of my concentration to contain Licht!" She reached out with her free hand and swung a Gangster clone around by the arm, just as it fired at her; the resulting energy blast slammed into a recovering Bronto, who keeled over with a painful roar, joining a still-unconscious Undertaker on the floor.

"Swizzaran, join us!" Disks said as she opened a teleport disk in front of Swallowtail and Microbe. "Shake off the yolk of oppression from these vertebrates!" Microbe pointed at Disks, intending to infect her with Vyrgan Vermincoccus. Too late though; with a snap of her arm, Disks teleported a surprised Microbe away.

"Where did you send her?" Swallowtail demanded.

"Never mind, join us!" Disks stretched her arm out, as if in invitation.

"You kidnap my people, and you think I will join you?" Swallowtail flapped her wings, unleashing a storm of scales. Disk vanished into a teleportation disk.

"That won't help," Swallowtail said darkly, recalling her training sessions with Gates. She kept sending her scales into the disk...

... and watched another disk open across the room. Disks fell through it with a thud, snoring.

"Now to find Microbe," Swallowtail began to check her flight ring, then remembered her training. She scanned the room; Bronto and Undertaker were still out cold on the floor; Umbra was deadlocked with Licht; and Triad was keeping Gangster busy. That left...

"You think I'm a pushover just because you have transuits?" Pollen's voice quivered with pain as she stood up. She grabbed one of the Gangster clone's guns and aimed it at Swallowtail. "You little wre-"

Pollen's next words were drowned out as she was flattened by a familiar round red blur. "Looks like I found the party!" Rebound said cheerfully as he bounced off of Pollen and into a trio of Gangsters, bowling them over.

"Chuck!" Triad Orange said, even as she elbowed another Gangster in the gut.

"Lu! I'll give each of you a kiss later," Rebound called as he landed on the floor, deflating into his humanoid form. "But now, Swallowtail and I have to go get Kinetix and Babbage!" Making sure Swallowtail was following, Chuck flew out the door. "Triad and Umbra are great fighters, but they're still outnumbered," Chuck explained.

"Are they hurt?" Swallowtail asked as she followed Chuck down the hall, and downstairs into a basement. To the right, she saw a room with bars extending about halfway down. Beside the bars was a sparking control panel, with a small metallic disk sticking out of it.

"You were held here and escaped, I guess?" Swallowtail cocked her head.

"They thought I couldn't bounce my way out of there," Chuck smiled as he went over to Kinetix. "But we Legionnaires are more than just our powers. Now..." he turned to Swallowtail. "Some of your scales can wake people up, right?"

"Yes." Swallowtail began to hover above Kinetix.

"Wait, use your Omnicom to check what she has, first," Chuck cautioned. Swallowtail dutifully complied, blushing mildly that she didn't think of it. She waved the Omnicom over Kinetix and checked the report.

"Nightglade pollen," she read out. "Easily remedied by ammonia fumes."

"Pollen's work," Chuck muttered. "I don't want to downplay your powers, Swallowtail, but you do have your Legion utility belt with you..."

"Already on it," Swallowtail smiled, pleased that she had thought of the same thing. She pulled a vial from her belt, opened it, and placed it under Kinetix's nose as Chuck held the sleeping Legionnaire up. Kinetix's eyes fluttered open, and she groaned. "What... Swallowtail?" Then her eyes focused, and she floated up in anger. "Who, and where?"

"Bronto, Gangster, Undertaker, and over there," Chuck pointed upstairs.

Kinetix glowed a bright green as she coated herself in her telekinetic field, and she flew off.

"Let's go -" Rebound began. Then his flight ring buzzed.

"Chuck? Lyle here. I think I've figured out how to reactivate Babbage. I'm in the upstairs lab, but I'll need you to help configure its systems while I fiddle with the signal."

Swallowtail looked at Chuck, who nodded. "Nobody else is here?"

"We checked the installation before we entered," Swallowtail smiled. "Everyone is accounted for."

"Go enjoy the show, then," Chuck smiled.

"I'm actually going to find Microbe, just in case she's in trouble," Swallowtail smiled as she flapped her wings.

"Good thinking!" Chuck watched approvingly as Swallowtail take off, then bent over Babbage. "Okay, Lyle, I'm ready to roll..."

*******************************************************************************************

Triad Neutral recalled her sisters into her just as a Gangster clone fired at where Triad Purple was flying. As soon as she reintegrated, she triplicated again; she had to keep moving, else she would be a sitting elvabird. Purple quickly rammed into the Gangster clone that had tried to shoot her. Orange tsked; Purple was always so vengeful! Instead, Orange went after the Gangster body they thought was the original. They had been keeping an eye on him since the beginning of the fight.

"Can't you hurry up?!" Umbra complained as she wrapped her darkfield tighter and tighter around Licht. "You know I can't create darkfield structures and just leave them! Licht is burning brighter!"

"I'm doing my best!" Purple snapped as she slammed the heads of two more Gangster clones together. "It's three of me against - so far - fifty-six, you know!"

"Plus one more!" Bronto erupted from the floor and leaped at Umbra. "Bronto smash puny Legionnaires!"

"Good, you saved some for me!" Kinetix flew through the door, hair swirling around her. She extended her telekinetic field and slammed Bronto into the far wall with a deafening thud, followed by a volley of pure telekinetic force that knocked the wind out of him. She then wrapped him up tight so he was hanging by his arms, unconscious.

"I could have-" Umbra began, frowning.

"What?!" Kinetix snapped, her tone indicating she was not in the mood.

"... Thank you," Umbra continued, though she didn't smile. "Now, maybe you can help me with this Silvan...?"

"Gladly." Zoe looked around. "Ah, this should do." She pointed at a mirror in the corner of the room. The reflective glass flowed fluidly through the air as Zoe commanded it to surround Umbra's darkfield sphere. "On three, Umbra. One... two... three!"

At the signal, Umbra let her darkfield disappear. A cowering Licht appeared for the briefest of moments, then Zoe encased it in a spherical mirror. She gently fastened her makeshift prison to the wall where it would not be broken.

"Now," Umbra cracked her fingers. "I've been dying to hit something." Leaping into action, Umbra fired her darkfield at a couple of Gangster clones, and knocked a third unconscious with a kick. Kinetix set her sights on another half-dozen, making poles of metal erupt from the floor to hit her targets in the jaw or in the groin.

"Zoe, Tasmia, clear a path for me!" Triad called. "That one hiding in the corner is the original!"

"You witch!" Gangster called out as Kinetix and Umbra looked at him. Both were smiling. The floor came to life, glowing green as the metal flowed and pulled Gangster bodies on the right side of the room away. Mystical tendrils of darkness cleared the left side of the room, felling muscular Gangster bodies even as their weapons were destroyed.

"No!" Gangster watched the three Triads fly at him. In desperation, he generated another ten bodies to shield him.

"Oh, give it a rest!" Triad Neutral said as she tackled the nearest body, slamming it into three more. Orange kicked a fifth in the jaw, then flipped it over to crash into another two.

Purple simply flew over the last three and slammed full-speed into the main Gangster's face with both fists. He was unconscious before he hit the ground, and the dozens of bodies he had created faded into nothingness.

The three Triads high-fived as they surveyed their handiwork. Kinetix's field surrounded Gangster, molding his metallic belt into handcuffs. Kinetix lifted him and laid him beside the other criminals; she had created a blindfold for Disks so she could not see to teleport, and she had wrapped Undertake up tight like a mummy. "Now we have a collection of dolls," Zoe gloated.

"And now we can find Microbe..." Umbra began. Then she gasped in pain as she was forced down, kneeling. "My stomach...!"

"Oh!" Kinetix gasped as she fell to her knees as well. Triad clutched her midsection, groaning.

Undertaker, who had played possum after regaining consciousness. smiled under her bandages. "I don't need to touch or see you to affect you, idiots," she said, muffled through the bandages. "And now you will bow before me! I can control any body! I- AIEEEE!"

Undertake screamed in pain as the blast hit her. She fell, unconscious; the bandages around her stomach charred.

Babbage stood over Undertaker, its arm morphed into a laser cannon. Swallowtail, Microbe and Rebound all rushed in, each rushing to help a different teammate.

"She can command bodies, but I don't have a biological one," Babbage noted.

"You do like stating the obvious, but this time you've earned it," Kinetix chuckled as she raised herself up.

"And you even found Microbe," Triad smiled as she wrapped her arm around Chuck's shoulder.

"And I've called the authorities," Invisible Kid flew in, an unconscious Zula Hex slung over his shoulder, her arms handcuffed. "Also found your flight rings and utility belts," Lyle held his hand out to a grateful Babbage, Kinetix and Rebound. "We just need to wake the Swizzarans, and I'd call this a wrap."

"Wow," Swallowtail sat down with a sigh. "Just... wow."

"I know," Microbe said as she patted dirt off her legs; a souvenir from the nearby swamp that Disks had teleported her too. "It's been quite a day, huh."

Chuck walked over to a refrigerator on the other side of the room. "Let's see if we can get a snack, at least."

"Oh, Chuck," Triad Orange pinched him teasingly in the belly. "You're incorrigible."

***************************************************************************

Back at his hut, Elder Birdwing gasped in amazement as he watched Triad, Rebound and Swallowtail give their report.

After Babbage, Kinetix and Rebound had gone missing, Microbe and Swallowtail had sent some soil and water samples back to Legion World. The Legion World labs had confirmed Microbe's theories: she had detected microorganisms native to Vyrga, Colu, and the homeworlds of Bronto and Ze Tongue. A quick search through the Science Police and Legion databases showed the other members of the gang.

Invisible Kid, Triad and Umbra had come over as reinforcements. It had been a simple matter to trace the missing Legionnaires; as a precaution before splitting up, Swallowtail had scattered some invisible scales on them. And Microbe had also infected them with harmless Venusian Lactobacilli. They had simply followed the trail to where the Legionnaires had been brought.

Invisible Kid had analyzed Zula Hex's equipment, and found a signal she had used to shut Babbage's systems down and prevent it from rebooting. Zula's files showed how they had abducted the Legionnaires and Swizzarans in the first place; Licht would generate a blinding light, giving cover for Disks to teleport in. Pollen and Undertake would immobilize their targets, while leaving other Swizzarans behind in a comatose state. Bronto and Gangster carried the captives back, while Ze Tongue would leave false trails and clues behind to confuse things.

The files didn't show who their buyer was, and of course none of the villains knew. They had been contacted anonymously, and told to meet on a barren planetoid far from any inhabited world.

"But we will find out who they are, and bring them to justice," Triad finished with fire in her eyes. "The Legion won't let anyone who wants to abduct innocent sentients go free."

"This... this is amazing," Elder Birdwing breathed. "I never would have imagined this was happening... and you solved it all in a day!"

"All in a day's work," Rebound smiled as he shifted the channel on the screen. Elder Birdwing gasped again as he saw the main hospital. Babbage, Invisible Kid and Microbe had concocted an antidote for all the Swizzarans, and Kinetix and Umbra were helping transport the awakened ones to treatment. It would take a few hours before they became fully mobile again, but at least they were otherwise healthy and safe. None even remembered a thing beyond the bright initial flash of light.

Elder Birdwing sat down. "This..." he sighed. Someone... paid... these criminals... to kidnap his people and bring them offworld? For what purpose? What did they plan to do with them? He hung his head in his hands. "Do you... do you think that us opening up to the outside world invited this? Maybe we have to close ourselves off for our safety..."

"No!" Swallowtail stood up, causing Elder Birdwing to look at her sharply. "Elder, please! When the Air Elemental came, it was the United Planets that helped us recover." She stepped closer and knelt down, taking his hand in hers. "Evil would have come to us anyway, Elder. But our being in the United Planets has also brought help to us." She clutched his hand tighter. "We have become healthier because of UP medicine; more of our plants survive because of UP knowledge. We must not close ourselves off to all this good, just because of some of the bad things out there..."

Elder Birdwing clutched Swallowtail's hand tight. "You are wise beyond your years, little one."

Rebound and Triad looked at each other, and smiled. They still had a lot to do, but for now they would chalk this up as a victory.

***************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legionnaires 71. For a summary of Swallowtail's origin, see her debut here

2) Bronto, Gangster and Pollen first appeared in the Legion Worlds 5 back-up story. Like many villains and bad guys, they were co-opted into the Monitor's mega-army in Volume 3... smile

3) Yes, that Slizz! The Slizz who was the Snake in the Zodiac gang (Volume 4). See here for this group's first encounter with the Legion!
Posted By: Harbinger Re: I Left Linsnar and Didn't Look Back! - 07/19/23 07:03 AM
IB, hi there, sorry I didn't have enough time to review for you yesterday, but ere goes - better late than never!

I love how competent your Drura is, she's not the goofy Sub anymore.And her compassion towards Swallowtail after she explained why that area was troubling her was really sweet. Arranging training with Nightwind would be smart too, good thinking! And what has Drura found?

Chuck is another character that you write really well, as much as he is a comedy character (like, he inflates and bounces!) you write him as a serious member of the team, smart and strategic.

So, it seems that their captors didn't plan on getting Legionnaires, but are still a threat. A greenish disc, a Silvan, pollen? All seems a litt;e familiar (if memory is working properly at this time of the morning)... "He really wished Kinetix or Babbage were conscious..." yeah, that makes sense, as much as he is decent character, being alone against a group that has defeated you and your teammattes already will never be anyomnes first choice to wake up to.

Great to see (ha) your Invisible Kid in action, he was never a favourite of mine in canon (apart from when he slapped Jo, of course) but I do like how you write him.And his effective dealing with Zula Hex and then getting straight to work helping his colleagues was smart, efficient and well done.

Pollen - oh I do remember her, and Bronto and Gangster - this should be a fun little reunion (as the Legion kick their asses again). Love Bronto trying to pet the Vyrgan, haha. . "Even ze female can act like a stupeed male sometimes, non?" - very true, sadly.

And here comes Umbra - fab!

It shows just how competent your team are that they field Umbra and Triad to take on a larger group of villains, and the Legionnaires just dive right in there. Triad against Gangster seems like a totally unfair faight for starters! Nice logic why Drura didn't just flood the area with Venusian Sleeping Sickness, different biologies and the unconscious natives. Ze Tongue retracting his tongue that quickly gave me laugh. He's really not the most competent of bad guys is he? But then, with his rather gross ability, what else coud he be?

Disks telling Swallowtail to throw off the yolk of oppression - ha, seems there's a common ground between this Vurgan and Gates. Yay! Chuck gets into the action - and takes out Pollen, that'll learn her for calling him tubby earlier on smile Love how he escaped his cell - nice call-out to his spatiel awareness that he could smash the control panel like that. Kin etix getting straight into the action - go Zoe! laugh Swallowtail going to find Drura - sweet!

Nice way to show how different each of Lu's selves are - Purple is vengeful - ouch, you wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of her! Wow, Umbra said thank you! For all his power, Gangster is prettty rubbish really, you'd think three against fifty six would be a no-brainer, no matter how martial artsy the three are. Clever dealing with Licht (great name btw) by encasing it in a mirror. "I've been dying to hit something." Umbra is as scaary as Lu! Oh, Undertaker, you missed your chance, and Babbage is hardcore - morphing an arm into a laser. "You do like stating the obvious, but this time you've earned it," well said Zoe smile Nice conclusion there to the scirmish.

Clever use of Microbes and Swallowtails powers to track each other. And the villains were pretty clever in their plan, until the Legion showed up, of course smile But we're left with a mystery - who wanted the Swizzarians, and why? Swallowtail's reassurance of the elder at the end was perfectly done, the UP might bring problems but also much better solutions.

Nice litte story IB, you've shown how versatile and commited Swallowtail is to the group so I assume she mat be heading for a promotion soon? Great use of Chuck, Lu and Zoe in particular, though all of your team had their moments to shine, which was great.

I'm looking forward to seeing where you take this mystery and, of course, am eager for more, more, more!
Harbi, thank you for the R&R! what a treat, that was fast smile

good memory you have, you caught on that this villain group has appeared before smile

nice Invisible Kid pun smile

yeah, I brought Umbra in because she was the perfect counter to Licht, whom Drura and Swallowtail wouldn't be able to affect. not gonna lie, when I looked at that list of villains I was like, hmm, I'm gonna need some reinforcements lol! Triad vs. Gangster was also a nice paralleling of powers, a bit.

(and yeah, I needed a good reason for why Drura didn't just do her stuff, else we wouldn't have this fight scene lol!)

glad you liked the little bits and the different Legionnaires stepping up smile

I almost feel bad for making Ze Tongue go down so easily, in his one and only canon appearance he KOed Sensor and Magno, and gave Umbra a hard time! but not much he could do against Drura's lockjaw attack tongue

Umbra only said thank you cause Zoe was giving her the big stinkeye tongue and yeah, Gangster is just a whole bunch of warm bodies, but nothing too tough. (still, he did occupy the team long enough for Undertaker to recover, that's his role - cannon fodder lol!)

thanks re Licht, Dutch word for "light" smile

also glad Swallowtail left a good impression! she's still a bit inexperienced, but I can see great things in her future... smile

thanks again Harbi, glad you liked this little outing... and indeed, there will be more to his mystery for sure! smile
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Linsnar

Active Legionnaires

Andromeda, Laurel Gand of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy

Reserve Legionnaires (also Legion Support Staff)

Tomb, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions (Legion medical staff)

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Healer, Mend'rr of Jaquaa; accelerates natural healing by borrowing strength from others

***************************************************************************
In Linsnar's main hospital, the silence was only broken by the murmurs of the Legonnaires, and the rustling of Linsnarian staff eager to follow instructions.

"Please set all beds this high," Tomb muttered as he pushed the button on the hoverbed carrying his latest patient. The bed rose to Tomb's chest, and he pointedly laid his hands over the torso of the Linsnarian woman lying on it. Two Linsnarian doctors bowed and moved on their way.

"These are the most passive doctors I've ever seen," Healer thought over the telepathic link maintained by Saturn Girl. "On every other planet I've been to, the doctors take the lead!"

"When no offworlders are around, they do," Gear thought back from his seat. He wasn't tired, not physically anyway; but he was mentally drained from pretending to only follow instructions without taking initiative. "But because you're here..."

"I understand," Healer said even as he mended the bruises on a Linsnarian teenager who had fallen. Though he didn't really understand. That is, he understood that their presence made the Linsnarians act differently, but he really couldn't understand their philosophy. His own homeworld of Jaquaa was rather meritocratic, and everyone was expected to raise their hands and take charge whenever the situation warranted their expertise. His fellow Jaquaans, Dr. Gym'll and Dr. Ryk'rr, both carried themselves with an authority while attending their patients. Yet here... the normally taciturn Tomb grumbled over the telepathic networks; Tomb preferred to concentrate on his work, but now he had to keep instructing the local staff!

"Keep at it, Tomb, Healer," Saturn Girl encouraged. "These Linsnarians may be sleeping, but at least you're keeping their bodies physically safe."

"I really don't get what we're missing, though," Gravity's frustration was evident as he pored through all their readouts. "We've run so many tests and gathered so much data. Our analysis of the blood and tissue samples - and Tomb's power - can't find any pathogens or viruses or poisons. Your telepathy's found nothing. Our scans of the air and water can't find any unusual particles!" He took an angry swig of his iced coffee. "Should we ask the White Witch if she can find anything magical?!"

"Or maybe Brainiac 5," Andromeda pondered. "He might spot something we're missing. Or maybe Babbage. Or both." She sighed as she munched on a sandwich that the Linsnarians had brought her. She would not ask them again; when she had asked for some food, they had asked what she wanted; she had had to specify the kind of bread, exact fillings, and even how spicy the sauce she wanted should be...

"Wait a minute!" Saturn Girl stood bolt upright. "That's it! Gear... you've tried to interface with both Brainiac 5 and Babbage before, right?"

"Yes," Gear's eyes flashed for a moment as a small grin spread across his face. He instantly smoothed it; he had already received enough sign language insults from the Linsnarians around, who likely thought he would not notice. "My biology allowed me to link with Babbage's systems, and I was able to interface with Brainiac 5's forcefield controls..."

"Because you have both biological and technical components," Gravity finished, his eyes twinkling with eagerness. "Do you mean..."

"The absence of any telepathic tampering could indicate-" Saturn Girl's thought was interrupted by a klaxon of alarms. First Coordinator M.E.T.A. burst through the doors, her face a mask of fright. "I am sorry for disturbing you, Legionnaires, but-"

"We asked you to," Andromeda said firmly, but gently. "We can't waste time." They had admonished M.E.T.A. earlier, saying that if she had news, she should just come in instead of waiting to be buzzed in. "What is it?"

"Our power reactors," M.E.T.A. was shivering. "Like you instructed, we had our technicians begin shutting them down and switching to safer back-up systems. Except our technicians were afflicted at the Northern Station before they could begin the shutdown. One of them crashed a transport and..."

"Andromeda, Tomb, with me," Saturn Girl stood up. "First Coordinator, please brief us on the way. Healer, you stay here and keep helping the victims. Gravity and Gear..."

"We will find the source and end this," Gravity smiled. He waved as Saturn Girl's team flew off, M.E.T.A. in tow.

"Come on, Gear," Gravity sighed inwardly. "At least I won't have to order you around verbally while we're searching, right?"

"As long as we keep talking telepathically," Gear replied, his mental tone carrying his mirth. "Wouldn't want any of my people to faint in shock now, would we?"

***************************************************************************

Andromeda flew through the hallways of the power station, her x-ray vision and super-hearing working overtime. She had already evacuated most of the staff inside, and was making her way to the last four that they could detect. Between her super-senses and Saturn Girl's telepathy, they were fairly confident they had caught everyone.

She landed in front of the door housing the staff kitchen, and tore it off the wall. There was no time to be delicate; but there was time to be careful. She didn't punch through the door because one of the staff was lying just a few meters from it. At super-speed, she flew through the kitchen, collecting all four unconscious Linsnarians, and flew out of the station.

Depositing the staff gently by Saturn Girl and Tomb, she once again scanned the station, just to be sure.

"I can't find anyone either," Saturn Girl told Andromeda. "I think we can shut the station down now; I'm filtering through the technicians' minds to pull the safety protocols."

"Thank you, Imra," Andromeda said privately. "I appreciate how tough it must be to read sleeping minds."

"It is, but it's a lot easier for me than it used to be," Imra smiled*. "And their minds are not so strange for me now that I've had practice with Gear." Imra thought for a moment; she and Andromeda had never been close. Should she say something?

Deciding to take a chance, she did. "You've come a long way too, Laurel."**

"Thank you," Andromeda tried to project her emotions of happiness and pride at how far she herself had come in countering her xenophobia. "I still sometimes find some things strange, but I try not to judge."

"It's not easy to remain impartial," Imra acknowledged. "Though sometimes I think, there should be some ethical absolutes..." Imra fell silent, reflecting upon her experiences with the White Triangle's xenophobia, the Progeny's prejudice***...

"Now's not the time," Imra scolded herself. Re-focusing on the task at hand, she searched through the orderly pathways of the head Linsnarian tech. She was glad that Linsnarian minds were generally so well-organized, unlike, say, fluid Durlan minds. And they were certainly less complex than Coluan minds... almost as if Linsnarian minds were designed to be easy to search. Locating the technical memories, she sifted through the information and sent the correct steps to Andromeda. The Daxamite Legionnaire sent her gratitude, and flew back into the station.

Beside Imra, Tomb was waving his hands over the last batch of rescued Linsnarians. "Mild radiation poisoning, but easily cleansed - we retrieved them in time," Tomb muttered.

"Good," Saturn Girl whispered as she turned her attention to the surroundings. First Coordinator M.E.T.A. had already asked all Linsnarians to evacuate the area, but it was always best to check for stragglers...

"Saturn Girl!" the First Coordinator nearly stumbled as she ran to Imra. "Another emergency, we've asked all Linsnarians to gather outdoors to avoid being trapped, but some were too slow and have remained caught in one of our underground tunnels!"

"Andromeda...?" Saturn Girl asked.

"Three more minutes," came the reply.

"We will travel there in five minutes," Saturn Girl told M.E.T.A. "Could you please ask the hospital staff to bring these technicians to the hospital?"

As M.E.T.A. bowed and scraped, Saturn Girl spared a thought for the rest of the team. Hopefully, they would soon find what they needed.

***************************************************************************

Amp, Ming Sul of Earth (Korea and Taiwan); amplifies the natural abilities of self and others
Apparition, Tinya Wazzo of Bgztl; intangibility
Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Gear, I.Z.O.R. of Linsnar; bio-mechanical techno-morphing
Gravity, Tel Vole of Earth (Cambodia and Thailand); gravity manipulation

****************************************************************************

"Down there," Brainiac 5 pointed.

Gravity looked down; the building that Brainiac 5 indicated looked just like any other Linsnarian building. But he already knew better than to question Brainiac 5's conclusions. Besides, Gear had explained that Linsnar prized functionality over form; based on their overriding philosophy that they were tools to be used, they had no need for beauty.

It was a practical outlook, Gravity mused. But also a bit sad. Looking good made Tel feel good, after all...

"I still can't get over how convenient the Thresholds are for our work," Apparition mused as she landed beside Brainiac 5. "In the old days, we had to call for help and hope someone was close enough to make it; these days, we can just call a Threshold back to Legion World and pick up whomever is needed!"

"How did you even choose mission teams back then?" Amp questioned. "Like, how would you ever anticipate who would be needed?"

"We can discuss that later," Brainiac 5 said firmly. "Saturn Girl's deduction was correct. There is some sort of radio frequency interfering with the Linsnarians, and it originates from here. Apparition...?"

"Way ahead of you, Brainy," Apparition flew towards the building. "Open the door."

"And don't..."

"Don't scout ahead, I know," Apparition called. "Not without getting you all in, as we don't know what we're facing." She vanished through the building walls.

A few moments later, the doors opened.

"This looks like an old storage depot," Gear mused as they walked in. Gravity felt it odd that he could actually hear Gear's physical voice. now that Gear felt confident no Linsnarian could see them. Without being asked, Gear extended his ears and morphed them into small satellite receivers. Amp's hands glowed a tell-tale red, as she extended her boosting aura to Gear.

"I would not try to track it yourself," Brainiac 5 cautioned. "You have thus far not been affected, but we don't know if it is due to some resistance on your part, or by design."

As if in answer to his question, the walls began to open, and energy bolts and metallic projectiles rained down on the Legionnaires.

"Incoming!" Apparition warned as they passed harmlessly through her intangible form.

Brainiac 5's forcefield expanded to envelope him and the rest of his teammates, who watched as a dozen smaller forcefields opened in front of them***, sending the energy bolts back to their sources and destroying some of the energy weapons.

"Nice aim, Brainiac. And I can take the rest," Gravity concentrated on the wall, using his powers to detect the ballistic weapons. Every one he found, he caused to collapse in on itself.

"And I've got this side," Apparition flew along the far side of the room, phasing her hand through each weapon she encountered just so. The disruptive feedback disabled each gun that she passed through.

"That was a clumsy attack," Amp muttered. "Did they really think it would work?"

"Actually, yes." The five Legionnaires turned to watch a viewscreen activate along one side of the wall. A balding, middle-aged man and a silvery Robotican stood side by side on the screen.

And Gear doubled over in pain with a sharp cry.

"What's wrong?" Gravity asked as he knelt beside Gear.

"We will kill your teammate if you do not let us go," the Robotican intoned.

"But how...?" Amp asked, even as her hand's glowed. "I'm heightening Gear's pain resistance, but I'm not certain I can stop any physical damage...!"

"We re-activated the Roboticans' Asimov Circuits after they were freed from COMPUTO,"****** Brainiac 5 posited. "It stands to reason they could be de-activated again. But only by someone technically very capable - which I assume is you," he addressed the man directly.

"I am not some holo-villain who will be flattered into revealing his plans," the Robotican snapped. "Promise me you will let us escape, and I will let your teammate live."

"Gear, are you able to withstand?" Brainiac 5 asked. Amp looked concerned as Gear replied through gritted teeth. "I will bear it for as long as needed..."

Taking his cue, Gravity faced the man. "You know we can't let you go, without you healing the other Linsnarians."

"That will be done once you let us leave," the Robotican continued.

"And what guarantee do we have?" Amp moved in front of Brainiac 5. "How do you know we can trust you?"

"You do not have a choice," the Robotican said. Gear screamed even louder in pain. "I have intensified his pain. Now, you will agree to our demands or..."

Apparition's intangible form phased quickly through the floor, and reached into the Robotican's torso. Remembering her practice runs with Babbage, Apparition found the the internal switch that would provide Brainiac 5 access to the Robotican's inner workings, and flipped it on.

"No!" the Robotican cursed. The old man beside it turned, open-mouthed. Apparition didn't give him the chance to move; a nerve pinch to his neck caused him to squirm in pain as his mouth opened to scream.

"He's not even making a sound," Apparition commented, as she pulled his arms behind his back and handcuffed them together.

"Of course not," Brainiac 5 said matter-of-factly as he tapped on his Omnicom. Gravity and Amp looked at each other; but though both of them were fairly new to the team, they already knew that Brainiac 5's 12th-level intelligence came with 12 thought tracks that allowed him to multi-task to a degree they could only dream of.

"That man is Tarik Ahmadi, also known as Tarik the Mute, a very technologically-skilled mechanic who turned to villainy after a workshop accident severed his vocal cords. I have already studied his work, and now..." Brainiac 5 finished tapping as his Omnicom made contact with the Robotican's Central Processing Unit. "Now, your Asimov Circuits are reinitiated."

"Your are inhibiting my free will!" The Robotican protested, even as it in turn tapped on the console in front of it. Gear groaned as he felt the onslaught on his nerves ease; the signal that was hurting him had cut off! He stood, supported by Gravity and Amp, and glared at the Robotican.

"I have also disabled all weapons in this installation," the Robotican continued. "My Asimov Circuit will not allow me to cause any harm to you... even though it is against my will."

"Free will is not absolute," Gear glared at the Robotican. "I believe in everyone being able to make their own choices, but only if they don't hurt others. Now," Gear's eyes flashed red in anger. "Wake my people up."

"It will take time," the Robotican explained, even as Tarik the Mute's eyes blazed in anger. "Our signal had to be configured to consider differences in the biotechnological patterns that your race has; that is why we were only able to affect individuals at first, and then smaller groups. Which ones shall I prioritize?"

"All of them," Brainiac 5 countered, not looking up from his Omnicom. "I've already determined how to modify your signal to reach all Linsnarians at once. Only..." he frowned, for the first time since arriving on Linsnar. "Only, my method will only be possible if we filter it through Gear's form." Querl looked up from his Omnicom and addressed Gear. "Gear, this will be physically very taxing, and there is a 36.57% chance of serious injury, and a 4.56% chance of death. I recommend tackling smaller groups, the situation is not so urgent that we need to risk your life."

"There is one problem with that," the Robotican uttered. Tarik the Mute glared angrily at it, shaking his head. The Robotican faced Tarik, and its body posture was almost apologetic. "My Asimov Circuit is reactivated, and I cannot cause death to sentients through inaction..."

"Oh, just speak up," Amp rolled her eyes. Apparition firmly pushed Tarik the Mute so he sat down.

"Yes..." the Robotican faced the Legionnaires again. "We have programmed an algorithm into the signal to constantly shift and target different genomic sequences within the Linsnarian population. The only way to cure the Linsnarians affected is to keep the signal on; but it will keep changing. While we cure one group, another group will be affected again."

"Then..." Brainiac 5 tapped on his Omnicom furiously. He looked at his teammates sadly. "I have confirmed it. Indeed, unless we alter the signal to affect all Linsnarians at once, we will fall into an endless loop where one group will be cured, and another will be affected."

Gear pulled himself up defiantly, and gently pulled his arms away from Gravity and Amp. He stood on his own two feet. "I can manage it. If Amp boosts my stamina..."

"Gear," Amp cautioned gently. "You'll be completely exhausted when we're done. I can only temporarily magnify characteristics; there's a whiplash after, you know that."

"Yeah, but you heard the big brain here. We have to do it all at once, or not at all." Gear's tone was light, but his demeanor was deathly serious. "Besides, I honestly can't wait to get off this world again."

"You're really brave, Gear," Gravity whispered. Gear looked at him in gratitude. "Coming back here took the most guts," Gear laughed.

"Very well," Brainiac 5 said. "But let's do it in the control room, where I can maintain the best control over the process."

Guided by Apparition, the four Legionnaires flew into the room she was in. Under Brainiac 5's direction, Gear sat in front of the control panel; Amp sat behind him, her hands glowing as she boosted Gear's stamina. The Robotican, compelled by its Asimov Circuit, helped Brainiac 5 through the controls. Apparition and Gravity kept a watchful eye on Tarik the Mute, with Gravity concentrating his powers on Tarik to keep him immobile.

"Gear, this will be a difficult experience," Brainiac 5 said. "Are you certain?"

"Yes, just do it," Gear replied.

"Very well." That was the last thing Gear heard, before he felt a draining, piercing something enter his body. He groaned with exhaustion. Amp clutched Gear's hand in solidarity, even as she focused her power on Gear.

"You have a lot to answer for," Apparition told Tarik the Mute, as she watched her teammate suffer.

****************************************************************************

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Healer, Mend'rr of Jaquaa; accelerates natural healing by borrowing strength from others

***************************************************************************

Healer looked up with a sigh as he finished mending the punctured lung of his latest patient. Wiping his brow, he scanned the room; this was the last one. So far.

He plopped down on a chair and grabbed an energy drink. He had been drawing on his own strength these past few patients; he had already exhausted most of the hospital staff. He really wished his power didn't require some sort of strength transfer between living beings...

He let his mind wander for a bit. Then he jerked as his Omnicom alarm sounded. Putting his flight ring to his lips, he called Saturn Girl; they had arranged for regular check-in calls every half hour. Healer understood; he was only a Reservist and Cadet, after all. Though the Legionnaires had shown great trust in leaving him alone, he wasn't a full Legionnaire yet.

"Saturn Girl, all well here. I've healed up the last victims, at least enough that none is in critical condition," Healer reported. "I've had to triage though, as the staff and I are running out of strength. I've left some with minor bruises and wounds."

"That's logical, Healer. We don't know what's coming, so best to conserve your strength," came the reply. Healer smiled at the praise.

"How- how are things there?" Healer asked.

The weariness was evident in Saturn Girl's voice. "Some Linsnarians collapsed while constructing a transport tube. We've been trying to be more all-encompassing with our requests to M.E.T.A. to stop unnecessary activities, but we are learning more and more that most Linsnarians interpret instructions very narrowly..."

"I guess they're not used to thinking for themselves," Healer pondered. "I think... Wait, hold on, please." Healer craned his neck. He thought he'd seen...

"What... Where..." called a voice.

Healer jumped up. Was it...

One patient began sitting up, then another. The one closest to him blinked, as if waking up from a dream. She stared at Healer, then sat up and made a bow. "I am here to serve."

"Saturn Girl, they're waking up!" Healer couldn't keep the excitement from his voice.

"I know, they're waking up here too!" was the joyous reply. "I trust you can handle them?"

Healer looked at the sea of faces looking at him expectantly, all with their hands clasped in front of them. "Oh, I think I can manage..."

***************************************************************************

The Legionnaires had gathered at the Coordinating Council's office. Gear was lying, exhausted, in a hover-chair; Tomb had given him a clean bill of health, admonishing him to rest and recover his energy. Amp and Gravity were doting on him, making sure he was comfortable.

Brainiac 5 was debriefing. "Our Robotican is called WIN-97. Tarik sought it out, thinking it would be open to Tarik's way of thinking. Tarik was angry at the loss of his ability to speak, and wanted to enrich himself through crime. WIN-97 always thought COMPUTO was right, and disliked the actions Robotica took to appease the United Planets after being freed from Robotica. They came here to try to understand how to control the Linsnarians, but they only managed to learn how to make Linsnarians comatose. Saturn Girl and Tomb couldn't detect anything because it was done through radio frequencies attuned to the technological part of Linsnarian physiology..."

Saturn Girl took over. "All the comatose Linsnarians are now awake, and we did manage to prevent fatalities through our precautionary measures."

First Coordinator M.E.T.A. bowed deeply. "We thank you, Legionnaires, for your actions in saving us. If Tarik Ahmadi and WIN-97 had learned how to control us, we would have had no choice but to obey."

"You would have obeyed anyway," Gear sent telepathically, where only his teammates could here. The stubborn set to Amp's jaw showed what she thought of the Linsnarian philosophy.

"If I may," Brianiac 5 ventured, his dispassionate face hiding his thoughts, "we could explore methods of preventing you from obeying harmful commands. Commands to harm yourselves or others, for example."

Andromeda tried, and failed, to hide her consternation. What would this mean for the Linsnarians' free will? Although, if they were so keen on serving...

"I... would need to discuss this with the populace," M.E.T.A. stammered. "And consult our constitution. After all, we Linsnarians are tools to be used; we have never needed to judge the motives of our users before."

"It might be wise to start doing so," Saturn Girl noted. "Thus far, your location in the center of the United Planets has protected you. But what if you were to be subjugated by a hostile race, like the Blight?"

"You are very wise, Legionnaires," M.E.T.A. bowed. "As evidenced by your solving this case. And indeed, by your wise guidance of our compatriot, I.Z.O.R..."

"His name is Gear," Amp bit off. She thought about holding her tongue. But a glance at Gear's impassive face... she saw how he had pushed himself for this ungrateful world. She needed to say something. "And he is a valued teammate, an equal to the rest of us."

"We trust him to do what's right," Apparition added.

"And we trust in his competence," Gravity piled on.

"Thanks, guys and gals, but it won't do any good..." Gear telepathically sent.

"Oh, forgive me, Legionnaires," M.E.T.A.'s tone was conciliatory, but her eyes flashed contempt as she looked at Gear. "It's just that... well... I.Z.O.R. here broke his tasks at Blackstar Juvenile Correction Facility*****. To this date, only one other, S.I.R.I., has abandened her post..."

"Don't you dare compare me to her!" Gear snapped. Everyone, Legionnaire and Linsnarian alike, gasped; this was the first time Gear had spoken aloud in front of another Linsnarian.

Pushing himself up, Gear stared defiantly at M.E.T.A., and at all the other Linsnarians in the room. "S.I.R.I. knowingly took part in criminal activity. I rebelled to stop criminals from exploiting youngsters and slowly causing them to die!"

"You disobeyed-" M.E.T.A. began.

"He followed his conscience!" Andromeda stood beside Gear. "S.I.R.I. wanted freedom and used it to do evil; Gear sought to right a wrong, and discovered freedom himself."

"And at least I know right from wrong," Gear's eyes blazed. "At least I'm willing to take responsibility for my own actions. It hasn't happened so far, but imagine if one of us fell into the hands of a conqueror, a mass murderer? Imagine if one of us was formed to commit mass murder? What then?"

M.E.T.A. sank back in her chair. "That has never happened before..."

"But it could." Saturn Girl drew herself up. This flew in the face of all the diplomatic training the Legion undertook; but the conversation had been steered this way, and indeed, the risk was great.

"Indeed," Brainiac 5 stared M.E.T.A. in the eyes. We have faced many beings with the power to co-opt your entire world, First Coordinator. Darkseid, Universo, Mordru, the Blight, the Progenitor, the Emerald Eye, the Monitor... I say this not to scare you, but to strongly consider preventive actions."

"In fact," Apparition continued. "I will recommend to President Wazzo, that the United Planets approach you with a proposal. After all, other UP worlds like Daxam, Bgztl, Titan and Durla are all taking measures to police their own populaces. I think Linsnar could benefit from doing such, too."

Gear let his jaw drop. His teammates had been supporting him telepathically this whole team, but now they were standing up for him out in the open... Apparition was even playing her "My mom is the UP president card", something she hated doing!

Cowed by this display, M.E.T.A. made herself very, very small. "I... thank you, Legionnaires, for your concern."

"And we thank you for yours," Saturn Girl said. "Now, I think it's time we departed. We will send you our formal report soon."

"And please... don't hesitate to call us for anything," Gear quipped as Gravity guided his hover-chair away.

"I can't believe what we just did..." Healer sounded incredulous.

"We discussed this possibility with Kid Quantum before arriving," Brainiac 5 noted. "She shared that the UP had been concerned about Linsnar for a while."

"And I know my mom," Apparition smiled. "She'll be publicly furious, but in private she'll thank us for being the bad cop here, so she can swoop in and play good cop."

"It looks like you may be bringing positive change to Linsnar after all, Gear," Amp patted Gear's hand.

Gear had the biggest smile on his face as they entered the Threshold back to Legion World.

***************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Saturn Girl has come a LONG way in the Reboot! When the Legion first fought the Composite Durlan (way way back in their first year, LSH 69/Legionnaires 25), Imra thought about how scary it is to immerse in the mind of a race/species she had never encountered before. We also later found out that her mentor, Micah Aven of Titan, had placed mental blocks to rein her powers in - these blocks would be destroyed by Doctor Psycho, unleashing Imra's full potential (LSH 90, Legionnaires 58). Imra would have to exert some effort to fully control her powers.

2) Andromeda has also come a long way - she was raised with xenophobic White Triangle beliefs on Daxam, after all (LSH 70). Through time, she came to see that other races were not inferior to hers (Legionnaires Annual 2).

3) The Progeny were in Legion Lost volume 1! They "deleted" anything they deemed deviant.

4) Brainiac 5 first used this trick in Legion 1, to reflect multiple energy blasts back at a bunch of attackers!

5) In Legion 14, COMPUTO's disappearance meant the Roboticans were in control of themselves again. I explain in Volume 4 that the Roboticans had their Asimov Circuits re-activated out of goodwill, to prevent them from harming other sentient life except when necessary to save other sentients - and even then, only non-lethally.

6) Gear was the prison warden at Blackstar, but he rebelled against the prison owners when realizing they were working their inmates to death. He and Sensor freed the prisoners (LSH 107).
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Setting the Town on Fire - 07/20/23 06:18 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Ventura

Sandy Anderson of Luna (formerly Inferno of the Workforce); pyrokinesis

***************************************************************************

Sandy Anderson was having the time of her life.

Despite being stuck in the 20th century for too sprocking long*, she had returned to find the 30th century changed for the better.

For one, her dormant credit account had been easily revived - apparently, the administration of current United Planets President Wazzo had vastly improved consumer protections in the last couple of years, meaning her account had been kept alive despite her not using it. A quick genetic scan had restored her access...

... and the accrued interest on her savings had left her with tens of thousands of credits more than she had remembered!

Say what you will about Leland McCauley as a boss, but he had paid nass-loads of money!

And now, Sandy was living it up on Ventura. She had been enjoying the amenities in one of the fanciest hotels on the planet, getting drunk on Silverale and sleeping her hangovers off in the soft, fancy deity-sized bed.

Ahhh, this was the life.

Okay, she knew her money wouldn't last forever, and she'd need to think about either getting employment or investing, ugh... maybe she could bully that do-gooder Cosmic Boy into helping her with that. After all, he had seemed so guilty about having left her behind in the 20th century, even though she had done so of her own accord...

But that was a problem for future Sandy. She would live it up for a couple of months more, and then figure it out.

She whistled to herself as she plopped down at a booth in the Sky-bar. Tapping idly on the menu, she jabbed at random at the cocktail list.

"Hmm, a Saturnian Sling... nah, I've had this before. Let's see... Pluberry Potion, what am I, a Scout Girl... aha! Jupiterian Julep!" Sandy placed that order, along with three servings of Soystix, and leaned back happily.

An hour or so later, she was sipping her fourth drink, and was tapping through the menu to see which others she hadn't ordered. She had already tried about half of the cocktails, and was determined to try each one at least once during her stay.

Then she felt someone sit behind her. And that person leaned forward. "Sandy Anderson?"

Pretending to be more inebriated than she was - after all, she could hold her alcohol - Sandy faked a hiccup. "Who wants ta know?"

"I have a proposition for you."

Sandy resisted the urge to flare up. "I'm on vacation, here."

"You don't even have to listen to me now," the voice continued. It was a deep, yet female, voice. "But I will leave this device on the table. It is keyed to your genetic signature. Anyone else uses it, it won't work. You use it, it will play a message with instructions."

Sandy began to look around.

"Don't," the voice said, with authority. There was something in it that made Sandy think twice. Then, she turned back to nurse her drink.

"Good girl," the voice said. Then Sandy heard the sound of a chair being pulled bac, and footsteps walking away.

Sandy turned to catch a glimpse of the figure, but all she saw was someone in a dark cloak disappearing into the crowd. She turned to the table beside her, and saw a small gray disk, with a button on it.

Sandy thought for a moment, and picked it up. Shoving it into her pocket, she bit her lip.

Then she ordered four more cocktails. She had to think about what to do with this... and whether she would one day push the button...

But for now, she was going to get sprocking drunk.

**************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) As Inferno of the Workforce, Sandy was stranded in the 20th century alongside some Legionnaires (LSH 85), and she refused to return to the 30th century (LSH 100). I had her return some time in Volume 4
Posted By: razsolo Re: Dreamer - 07/21/23 11:15 AM
Hi IB, I had some time to catch up!

I love your Drura, she really comes into her own - she's so clever with her powers and I like how she's still very sweet and compassionate but also confident.

I also get Chuck's reaction to seeing the others taken out with more precautions than were used on him. On one hand it's annoying being underestimated but on the other hand it's a tactical advantage really...

Ze Tongue! He's so silly and gross, I love him! laugh

ooh, trapping Licht inside a mirror is smart! And seeing the girls put some teamwork into play so Triad could take out Gangster was fun! Babbage taking out Undertaker was a neat use of an inorganic character too smile

Nice that Swallowtail got a chance to shine at the end with her little pep talk to Elder Birdwing. I like the cut of her jib!

Back to Linsnar, yay! Man, I really feel for poor Gear! And Laurel having to instruct the Linsnarians how to carry out every facet of her request....that would get very old very quickly!

Imra and Laurel having a little moment was nice to see...and I like Imra's acknowledgement that Laurel has had a LOT of self-improvement. Laurel's response was good too, as xenophobic as she was when she first came to the Legion, I'd imagine she must second-guess her reactions occasionally when she does come across some weird lifeforms or cultures.

Tarike the Mute! Awesome! What a cool way to introduce him...and to bring up the ethics of the Linsnarians' way of life as well. It's all well and good that they see themselves as tools to be used, but that doesn't absolve them from responsibility for what they allow themselves to be used for.

I am glad everything worked out as well as can be expected for Gear...it's a shame that even after he risked his life to save his people they still miss the point that he chose to do that himself. But it was good to see the Legion fight for him and to see him fight for himself as well.

Inferno is a nice surprise! Of course she's living it up on Ventura...I got a laugh out of the idea of her bullying Cos into helping her with her finances hahahaha

Was that Nura that gave Inferno the disk for Inferno?? Intriguing!

Looking forward to more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 07/21/23 02:55 PM
hiya raz, wow you read fast! thanks as always for the R&R, always a treat to hear from you!

yay, score re Drura! I really like writing her, for me she's a naturally awesome person who strives to do her best cause of the stigma re her race/species. Kinda like Cham. hmmm... maybe these two should hang out as friends more...

glad you liked the bits on Swizzar! Chuck is definitely very satisfied that Pollen and co. regretted underestimating him wink

and yes, go Swallowtail!

Gear definitely had a bit of a win there in the end. maybe not a perfect win, but the door is open for change on Linsnar smile I imagine news will get out, and many other Linsnarians will start thinking the same way he does... smile

glad you liked the bits re Laurel's growth and the ethics around Linsnar!

he he, it wasn't Nura who went to see Sandy-Inferno wink this will pan out soon-ish, stay tuned!
Okay picking back up from sometime in March.... laugh

I had the same thought about Mysa using tech as Cece did smile

The concept of "repopulating Zarrox" is intriguing with Mysa at the center, although I'm sure it's fraught with dangers.

I like the Zodiac team from the "love to hate them" perspective.

It's been so long of a break that I forgot you had M'Rissey and Theena on the team! Question though - would those folks have seen something going on with the prison after the illusion was lifted?

I like how Bobb is working his magic (the use of magic in general here is really great - its something that I don't think we see enough for the Legion). I expected him to be using his dome as a lens or something, but I see he has other plans....

I am very keen on where you're taking Kono. Very creative way of taking out Spark and her team.

Hmmm, are you going to use the Ferro-as-iron-being-invulnerable-to-magic attribute from Superboy's Legion?

Damn, the sequence with Scratch was intense! Looks like Umbra may have met her match here!

Okay I hope I'm not the only one getting Monty Python vibes with the Rabbit sequence. laugh But seriously, I appreciate his efficiency!

Dragonmage!?!? Oh no!!! This will definitely not end well.... frown I wonder what Pig's leverage on him is?

Snakes's attack on Nura's team was a real mind bender - I loved it. Very much has vibes of Dream Crime.

I'm at the Horse chapter and I have a decent idea as to who Pig is.... We'll see if I'm right....

GREAT sequence with Brin.

oooo! - a Super (and sentient) Lightning beast? Not sure if its the Greatest Of All Time though smile

LOL Brawler is the Monkey! Pretty apt...

Wow, poor Babbage... I was hoping that Zoe would put him back together, but she's a fiery one. wink

Hmmm, two teams defeated by avalanche. Brawler's not too creative.

Good for Rokk! His team seems to have it together better!

Opponent Power switching is a neat offensive weapon - of course they wouldn't know how to use the new power effectively!

Ooof! Looks like Vi wasn't too hurt to be able to regrow and hit the ground like that, and Cham was simply VICIOUS. I love it.

Whooo, finally back to Zarrox and Mysa! That was quite the tour!!!!

Mysa knows about Dragonmage.

The aftermath.... Wow, the team is in such bad shape. It's even worse here than I imagined in the earlier chapters. Poor Zoe, and I feel really bad for Candi!!

Interesting choice taking M'Onel out of action. I totally get it from a story perspective.

Oh neat - Dryad! And okay Ferro is there BECAUSE of what he is - interesting take...

The hospital sequence is really nicely done. A lot of stuff in there, but it really shows how reliant the team is on each other, even for healing.

Pig is a bastard and I love it - this is really some epic stuff, Ibby.

Posting this then taking a break for the rest of Vol 4....
hey GL! glad you could begin catching up, and thanks for the R&R!

re Zodiac team, yeah they're mean to be hated, so glad that worked tongue

re the illusion and the prison where Brawler and the Wellurian were... yes, the Snake's illusions would only have worked while she was actively casting them. but, everyone else was super busy anyway, so it would not have mattered much. and Snake was casting her illusions until everyone was off Legion World.

ah nope, no Ferro's-iron-form-as-magic-impervious here! that would have been too easy!


lol at the Rabbit being the Rabbit from Monty Python wink

glad Dragonmage came as a surprise too

Brawler - nope, creativity is not his strong suit wink

yeah, I wanted to get the team into some dire straits to up the stakes, and indeed M'Onel and Andromeda had to be among the most injured. actually, most of this wrote itself based on who got sent where. Dragonmage was never going to hurt the Legionnaires he was fighting too seriously, while Slizz/Snake was limited to casting illusions, and the Legionnaires would have held back when attacking enemies.

glad you're liking it, GL!
BTW, I love how Kono is "The Rat." I wonder if that will have more connotations.

Jacques and Wildfire to the rescue!!!

Has "dweeks" been anywhere before? I like it

Also really getting satisfaction seeing the zodiac getting their comeuppance. Especially Xao.

Using Dreamer to focus on Kono's actions was pretty smart. But damn, that was a nasty tactic to pull on Val.

The ghost army is calling up images of Lord of the Rings, but with the army fighting for the wrong team!

Aha, I was wondering when the rest of the team was going to show up! smile

Looks like we are going into endgame, folks!

Okay, so now we get the "whys". I'm not surprised for Kono, honestly, or even Xao. Ends and means and all that.

Wow, leave it to Imra to try and butt into a conversation of the gods. laugh

Wow, that end was great - it really hones in on the reboot Xao's archetype - the person who wants to do the right thing but for the wrong reason or the wrong way. This is a good ending for him, if bittersweet for both him and Mysa.

I think this whole series of events put Brainy at a loss for words. laugh

So is Dryad going to exist as a person or a planet or both?

3 days later - whenever I see that phrase I *always* think of Twin Peaks laugh

Dryad doesn't seem to have any memories - yet. smile

I really like the idea of the other super teams being sister organizations officially. They basically already are, so its nice to have that codified. THinking about that a little - doesn't it seem that maybe Brande may have stolen the idea from Xanthu or Lallor? laugh

Laurel considers herself human? That's an interesting twist wink

I like downtime episodes and there's a ton here for everyone to do! I literally laughed out loud when Vi grew and clapped her hands to quiet everyone down. laugh

Good lord, 50 characters! Plus supporting staff!!! shocked

Oh god, I don't think society can handle 16 more Frozen sequels! laugh

Congratulations on a great story!!!!
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Dreamer - 07/22/23 11:25 PM
Vol 5!

Had to laugh at the couples moment with Jo & Tinya. It's called parenting - gaining weight and losing time for.... exercise, yeah that's it.

LOL Zoe never does subtle.

That's cool about Tenzil having an image issue - I hadn't thought of it in those terms, so thank you for doing that. He's kind of a reverse Hawkeye from MASH

It's a sweet scene, but I still think they're the wrong couple. wink I actually have the counterpoint to your scene here written (for a long time actually) but haven't gotten to the point in my timeline to tell it yet. And there is the issue of Vi's bisexuality you touched on a while back.


LOL - Zoe becoming the Dr. Drew of the Legion (maybe I should find a better comparison, since he's kind of a dweeb). It totally makes sense, especially with a team that big!!!

Interesting for Gear to be returning to Linsnar.

META DELL and ZOOM? LOL

The feeling I get with the Linsnarian mission with their leaders towards Gear is very similar to the Carggites with Triad. The specific scenario reminds me of Colu in the Threeboot, though.

Kidnapped characters! Zula Hex? Related to Jonah? And a Vyrgran???

Lyle knows the vulcan nerve pinch!!

Man, I say have Ze Tounge as Legion Leader. I should change my vote...

Zoe's kind of take charge here, especially with Umbra. I like it.

Interesting comparison of the White Triangle with the Progeny viz a viz Saturn Girl...

Go Tinya! She apparently knows the nerve pinch, too! laugh

And the salvation for the people comes at a cost to poor Gear.... but at least they told those posers off!!!

And a mystery woman!

This was a nice episode here - a nice breather after the epic of the Zodiac! Kind of like a nice standalone TV episode after a big story arc!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 07/23/23 08:20 AM
wow GL, that is some speed-reading! thanks for catching up in one mega weekend!!! smile

heh, Kono just fits "Rat" to me, so maybe wink let's say I have some ideas in mind for where to take her, she's too good to not ever use again!

I think Wildfire has used "dweeks" a couple of times in the Reboot, trying to remember exactly when though!

pleased that the Zodiac were such villainous villains, that you're enjoying seeing them get justice smile

oh yeah, it ain't the Legion without a big cavalry moment wink and I just couldn't resist having the whole team show up at the end, that's part of what the Legion is about wink

And glad the motivations of everyone - including Xao - seemed realistic! and yay that Xao's ending seemed fitting!

Dryad will just exist as a person, who can potentially grow into a planet - eventually smile so as of now, the planetary mass of Dryad is no more smile

as for Brande's idea, no, the Legion preceded the Amazers and Lallor Heroes (gah, they will really need a team name at some point!)

Laurel's matured now; wink tee-hee!

thanks GL, glad you digged Volume 4! and now v5...

yup, parenting! I have a lot of peers/friends who're parents now, so I drew on their stories to write this bit... tongue

re Tenzil, happy to, I've had image issues before. And I figure, Tenzil is a good way to illustrate it as he's fairly "average" in terms of body type - having him with image issues is a great way to show that a lot of average folk have them too!

re Vi/Tenzil, totally fair enough wink different universes and all that tongue (I wasn't originally going with this, but I do like it - I'm sure most of us know couples in real life where we're like, eh, I don't really see it, but if they say they're a couple...)

oh gosh I don't think my keyboard could survive Ze Tongue as Legion leader. I'll need a new Z key...

Zoe doesn't like being abducted, so she was out for blood, sorta wink so she just went in and (literally) wrapped stuff up!

yeah, I was trying to go for a Carggite-judgment feel for the Linsnar bit.

re Nerve Pinches, they teach that in Legion basic tongue handy maneuver to know!

glad you liked the two "little" missions! I figured we'd need a breather after the Zodiac lol!

and ah no, no Jonah Hex in Zula Hex's Coluan bloodline!

thanks GL, glad you're all caught up!!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 07/23/23 08:32 AM
ok gang, up next:

We take time to revisit / update some of the other points and subplots raised in the Volume 4 ending,

and oh - Legion leader election results too!
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Dreamer - 07/23/23 03:32 PM
Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
wow GL, that is some speed-reading! thanks for catching up in one mega weekend!!! smile

I had to do it - there was a lot and I wanted to get caught up! smile

Quote
as for Brande's idea, no, the Legion preceded the Amazers and Lallor Heroes (gah, they will really need a team name at some point!)

Are you sure? Don't we see the Amazers already formed at the start since they recruit Star Boy?

Quote
yup, parenting! I have a lot of peers/friends who're parents now, so I drew on their stories to write this bit... tongue

I may have lived through this. laugh

Quote
re Tenzil, happy to, I've had image issues before. And I figure, Tenzil is a good way to illustrate it as he's fairly "average" in terms of body type - having him with image issues is a great way to show that a lot of average folk have them too!

re Vi/Tenzil, totally fair enough wink different universes and all that tongue (I wasn't originally going with this, but I do like it - I'm sure most of us know couples in real life where we're like, eh, I don't really see it, but if they say they're a couple...)

Yeah, I mean if you have the story living in your head, you have to get it out. I just wasn't a huge fan of the relationship from back in the SW6 timeframe, although it was a great callback to the Adventure issue where he takes her out on a date after Duplicate Boy stands her up (again!). But you do a fantastic job with it.

Quote
yeah, I was trying to go for a Carggite-judgment feel for the Linsnar bit.

Glad I was tracking there smile

Quote
re Nerve Pinches, they teach that in Legion basic tongue handy maneuver to know!

I've been watching a ton of Star Trek lately..... laugh

Quote
and ah no, no Jonah Hex in Zula Hex's Coluan bloodline!

At first I thought it was Sharn Nux!!

So here's an interesting question for you since you have so many characters from different iterations and some (especially Kinetix) who has had a ton of looks over her time.

How do you "view" them when you write them?
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 07/23/23 04:21 PM
Re the Amazers: in Legionnaires 0, Kid Quantum I is drafted into the Legion. We only see Arnos and Star Boy alongside, and the 3 are competing for the title of Planetary Champion of Xanthu

We do see the Amazers as a team when Star Boy gets drafted, but that is concurrent with LSH 66 - so the Legion could certainly have been formed first, If the Amazers weren’t existing yet as of Legionnaires 0, which is after the Legion’s debut.

Re as to how I see them: I tend to see most of them as of the end of the Reboot canon, except for Kinetix (I prefer her skirt look) and Umbra (I prefer her original reboot look).

As for the newer characters… I tend to see them as having “Rebooted” versions of their canon costumes. (Which is easy as none of my full Active Legionnaires are actually original characters lol!)

Ah parenting smile it’s not easy, so thanks for doing that

And thanks for the kind words re the Vi/Tenzil bit. Yeah, the Duplicate Boy story in adventure was one of my inspirations for this. So was Tenzil sorta flirting with Vi in Legionnaires 66
Posted By: Gaseous Lad Re: Dreamer - 07/23/23 05:02 PM
Yeah I'm probably going to have Zoe morph a new costume that I'll have to describe. Or I may just use what Drake came up with in his comic as its a nice combo of all the good things.

But you're most welcome! Now I need to do the same for raz & Harbi! laugh
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 07/23/23 05:38 PM
In my head canon, Zoe has a slightly different costume every day! I’m just too lazy to actually think of what each looks like lol!

You’re in for a treat - happy reading! smile
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Dreamer - 07/24/23 08:32 AM
Hey IB, you've been busy! (Which is great as it means more fun for me smile )

Tomb being able to influence the Linsnari is a surprise - in my head-canon, they are non-biological, so it kinda surprised me. And as someone with an ex that is a doctor, I can absolutely confirm that they always like to take charge - and now you also know why he's an ex laugh I understand his frustration though, having to micro-manage all the staff while trying to do his own work sounds exhausting! Of course Andromeda wants to bring in Brainy... and nice that she reminded META that she was allowed to interrupt them. The Linsnarian culture is kinda creepy, isn't it? I imagine that actually being there would be something those brutal historic empires that would have slaves with no rights scurrying after the elite.

Saturn Girl and Andromeda together could handle just about any situation, I reckon, so it's great to see them in action together and being as efficient as I'd imagine. Also, it's really clever to have Imra struggle with the minds of alien races - was that ever in canon, other than in the Universo Project when she acknowledged that Reep's mind was weird, I can't think of another example. Her empathy towards Laurel was well handled too, I do like how your team look out for each other. And now underground tunnels are closing off - am desperately trying to thinko fa technological villain that could be behind his, but an coming up blank...I think the bowing and scraping would become annoying very quickly so well done for having your team not let their frustration show.

So, gravity and Gear have called in for some support. Always good to see Brainy in action. The Linsnarians appreciating Brutalist architecture makes sense - function before form, indeed. How impossible would it be to make your way through that city with it having no real landmarks? Haha, I can get lost in my own garden, my sense of direction is so bad, so of course I'm going to think about that. Amp's question about choosing teams is pretty accurate - it's like some of the younger kids I teach asking how we listened to music before streaming. Technology creates gulfs between generations even in the 31st century, it seems. I did like the reboot Brainy using his force fields more effectively. "I am not some holo-villain who will be flattered into revealing his plans," haha, how true, we've seen that too many times. Apparition to the rescue! And another nerve pinch - they really are effective smile Ah, Tarik the Mute - excellent! God call out to him, and having a Robotican at his side is great. Ah, that's a tricky situation, poor Gear, first he has to go back to his own personal hell, then suffer for it. Though it's handy that Amp is there to help get him through it.

Nice scene with Healer, highlighting the cost of using his abilities and his competence. And also shows the trust that Imra has in him. I kind of wihed I'd voted her as leader now, as you do write her as one of the most compassionate Legionnaires, and along with her other skills she would make a great leader in your stories.

Amp and Gravity doting on Gear was sweet! WIN-97, haha, he was pretty rubbish really, wasn't he, haha. The conversation about ethics was tough - I kinda felt sorry for META tbh, as they are doing what they've always done and to her mind Gear is not a hero - it's like that old debate about the difference between a freedon fighter and a terrorist - it depends entirely on which side of the debate you stand. Still, the Linsnari taking more care so they can't be used in a destructive manner would be prudent. Gear's "And please... don't hesitate to call us for anything," almost came across as sarcastic, haha. That was a good ending, and nice that they had already discussed it with KQ before leaving, so it won't come out of the blue.

Inferno! Yay, she's always fun. Sandy living it up on Ventura sounds right, haha, I do think she's follow a live for today motto. Bullying Cosmic Boy - haha, I'd read that quite happily. A problem for Future sandy - haha, we've all done that. And working her way through the cocktail menu - ouch! That's definitely going to impact on Future Sandy! But, again, we've all done it laugh Oh, a new mystery, and who was that giving the disc to Sandy? You've called this section 'Dreamer' so the obvious choice is Nura, but if so then why the cloak and dagger approach. I wonder what the message is?

Oh, that's all, I thought there was more, but what a nice cliffhanger to end on!

This was fun IB, well done for tackling Linsnar, and nice introduction into a new storyline. As usual, I'm left feeling eager for more, more, more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 07/24/23 09:14 AM
Originally Posted by Harbinger
D Oh, a new mystery, and who was that giving the disc to Sandy? You've called this section 'Dreamer' so the obvious choice is Nura, but if so then why the cloak and dagger approach. I wonder what the message is?


oh silly me! now I understand why everyone was thinking of Nura in this segment! I forgot to edit the title! for some reason, I used the title of a much earlier (Volume 1!) segment smile nope, no Nura involved with Sandy, at least not in the Ventura vignette!!

Originally Posted by razsolo
Was that Nura that gave Inferno the disk for Inferno?? Intriguing!
!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 07/24/23 09:40 AM
hi Harbi, thanks for your kind words, glad you are enjoying smile

The Linsnarians are weird, they're techno-organic so there's some machine, some tech. I can't really figure it out either tongue I imagine they have some familiar organs in there that Tomb could tinker with, but there's a lot that Tomb can't affect either smile

re Imra, she had a lot of trouble with "alien" minds in the very early Reboot. See: Tangleweb (LSH 62), and poking in Chameleon's mind too (consistent across two boots!) in Legionnaires 25/LSH 69, as well as the Composite Durlan smile she even thinks that her teammates think, telepathy is just like reading a book - but it's actually immersing yourself in a very alien landscape.

the Legion's camaraderie is one of my fave things about them, so I try to have them live and breathe it!

I've been thinking myself, if I had a flight ring, I could so easily get lost flying home from the office smile

re Imra, yeah I think Imra would generally make a great leader anywhere.

glad you liked the Linsnar bit, and you hit it right on the head when you did say: they've always done it that way. TBH that's why Gear held his tongue so long, he knew he was up against some deep-seated, ingrained beliefs. More to come on that too smile

thanks again for the R&R, Harbi!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Legion World

Roll Call - click here for a refresher

*******************************************************************************

Magno was taking a sip of his iced coffee, when he felt the tell-tale shaking of the table he shared with XS. He pursed his lips; the Legion's meeting room had smaller individual consoles, though there were a few double-seated ones, like the one they shared.

"Jenni..." Magno leaned over to whisper. "You're going to shake this table apart if you continue like that."

"OhgoshsorryDyrk," XS tsked at herself, and forced herself to slow down. "Sorry, I just get so antsy when waiting..."

"I know, and you shouldn't be sorry," Magno smiled. "Go on, let some of your energy out. I'll just be here."

XS shared a grateful smile and dashed off.

Magno smiled as he watched her run around the room and say hi to some of their teammates. He sighed as he sipped his iced coffee again.

After all, they would be getting a new leader today - whomever won was in for quite a ride!

"Oh Jazmin!" XS ran up to Kid Quantum, who was grinning ear-to-ear as she waited at the podium. "I just want you to know that you've done a great job, I just didn't vote for you cause I knew you wanted a break and, well, you're just awesome!" XS went in for a hug, and Kid Quantum smiled as she hugged XS back.

"Thanks, Jenni, that means a lot," Kid Quantum didn't say that at least a third of the team had said the same thing before she even entered the room. What she'd gathered from Cosmic Boy was that the incumbent wasn't usually re-elected, mainly because the incumbent had usually expressed their desire to step down once calling for new elections!

Over in the first row, Nightwind and Microbe were chatting. "Of course I'll reach out to Swallowtail," Nightwind smiled. "She's brave for explaining her fear of the wind. Happy to help her out of it." She touched Drura on the forearm. "How HAVE you been, Drura? Things have been hectic lately, we really should catch up."

Microbe smiled; she and Nightwind had been among the five "original" new Legionnaires, formed after the disappearance of the "original" originals. For some time, it had been just them. Even though they didn't have that much in common outside the Legion, they shared that much, and that counted for something.

"All good! Chemical Kid did say he thought I should space out my media appearances more, to avoid people thinking I was trying too hard to promote Somahtur..." Microbe laughed. "So my next thing will be this charity gala in a month - Chameleon's going too." Drura idly thought that she might get to bring a guest; Chameleon was bringing Spark, of course. Drura wasn't interested in dating now, but maybe one of her closest friends... "I do appreciate that my schedule seems lighter these days! And how have you been?"

"I feel like I have TOO much free time, sometimes," Nightwind laughed. "Not that I miss all the admin that came with being Legion leader... I guess I'm figuring out what else to do. Actually, your suggestion about Swallowtail makes me think, maybe I can give extra flying classes. We have flight rings, but wind currents can be tricky even for the most experienced fliers..."

"That would be great!" Microbe gushed. "Oh, and if you're looking for something to do, we do have a few more missions planned on Corvan IV, to speed up their agricultural development. We could use your help." Microbe laughed. "Gates is thinking of asking the next leader to up the required hours that each Legionnaire should allocate per month..."

Nightwind's voice dropped conspiratorially. "Lamprey tells me quite a few of us voted for Gates! Can you imagine?"

Microbe bit her lip. "Um, I can, I was one of them..."

"No, really?" Nightwind leaned back involuntarily.

"Yes!" Microbe said, with a hint of defiance. "He's not the most diplomatic, but he really does care about development and relief - which I think is even more important than fighting the bad guys. And you have to admit, even though he's blunt he usually has a point..."

"I get that... I've worked with him, he has some great battle tactics, and he's not shy about praising if he feels you deserve it..." Nightwind conceded. "I just can't imagine him actually facing Winema Wazzo or the UP Senate..."

"He did do that before!" Microbe said, a bit more passionately than she intended. "That's how he got this whole relief program started!"

A row behind Microbe and Nightwind, Gear plopped down beside Sensor and Shikari. "So, how are my social change influencers doing?" Gear laughed.

"We can say the same for you," Sensor's eyes twinkled. "Apparition tells me that the UP is set to debate just how they can regulate the Linsnarians. It's a fine line between controlling your people, and simply holding them accountable for the consequences of their actions."

"Hey, that's how it works on most worlds, right?" Gear laughed. "Commit a crime, do the time. It's not like we're going to go around mind-controlling every Linsnarian... But enough about that," he leaned forward. "How goes it with your people?"

"My father is hemming and hawing," Sensor laughed. "But my brother and I keep using the "remember how the Dark Circle fooled you"**, bit, so he's listening. We're continuing to broaden opportunities for citizenship consultations, and are amending the laws to include more topics that can be brought forward for referendums..."

"And I am pleased to see everyone be more considerate of my Kwai brethren," Shikari added. "We are now exploring other trades besides simply navigating the Thresholds... three of us are volunteering to watch the lightning beasts on Korbal, another four are joining some exploratory missions on newly-discovered worlds..."***

Ferro leaned back, arms crossed as he watched a holo of the fabric patterns of the twelve tribes of Talok VIII. He wasn't in the mood for chitchat today; well, he wasn't much in the mood for anything these days. He had purposely chosen a seat in the corner to be alone. He-

He wasn't even focusing on the holo, he scolded himself. He knew it was stupid, but there was one thing on his mind...

Mentalla. Ferro braced himself inwardly as she entered the meeting room with Echo, Sizzle, Density, Element Lass, Chameleon and Spark. Mentalla turned and waved at Ferro with a smile.

Happy that his mask concealed his facial expressions, Ferro waved back. His heart both leaped and sank as he watched Mentalla make her way to him. Bad enough that she was dating Echo; but she had been becoming more social lately, which made trying to avoid her more difficult...

"Ferro! I haven't seen you around the cafeteria as much lately!" Mentalla smiled shyly as she approached him. "How have you been?"

"Oh, just fine, Mentalla, focusing on my sewing..." Ferro looked away. "I'm actually watching a holo now, I'm in the middle and it's getting interesting..."

"Oh, okay, I always admired your skill in making clothes," Mentalla said awkwardly. "Um, a bunch of us are planning a picnic in three cycles, do you want to join? We're keeping it small, around eight of us max, just so we don't have too many of us off Legion World at the same time..." Mentalla beamed. "We'd love it if you could join, though..."

"Ah, I think I'll be on duty then," Ferro said. "Thanks... maybe next time?"

"Oh, okay, well maybe next time, Troy and I are thinking of doing this monthly with a rotating group, so I'll make sure to link you the details for the next one far in advance..." Mentalla said. Ferro grunted a thank you as she went back to join Echo.

"Ferro can't make it," Mentalla told her boyfriend.

"Ah well, I'll mark him as a NO, then I can ask Karate Kid later..." Echo began. He was already tapping on his Omnicom, drawing up the list of invitees.

"Yeah..." Mentalla frowned as she sat in her seat. Something didn't seem quite right with Ferro... she didn't want to pry, but the whole vibe he gave off didn't make it seem like he'd be open for a one-on-one coffee with her...

She looked over at Echo, who was already checking for dietary restrictions for the confirmed picnickers. It was a couple's project, inviting different teammates every time so they could get to know everyone more. But Mentalla had insisted Ferro be on the first picnic; he had been one of the most welcoming to her when the Legion had expanded, after all.

... maybe she should ask Kinetix for advice... everyone raved about how good she was with this sort of thing...

Behind Mentalla and Echo, Impulse had his arms crossed over his chest. Though he was a Reservist rather than an Active Legionnaire, Kid Quantum had asked him here to update the team about some of the enhancements to the medical programs available for the team. Seeing all the active members milling about, Impulse marveled at how large the team had grown since he had stepped down to Reservist status. He did know everyone from treating their injuries and giving medical consults, but he realized he didn't really know how many of them would act in battle...

"This seat taken?" Impulse looked up to see Chemical Kid smiling at him. Impulse paused for a moment, cursing that lovely smile on Condo Arlik's face. Impulse had always found the former reporter very handsome... but he had to keep reminding himself that Condo was happily taken.

"Of course," Impulse motioned for Condo to sit. "Only room for one though, so... is Lyle going to sit on your lap, or something?"

Condo laughed. "Not during a meeting," he winked. "Lyle's there beside Cham and Violet, and he'll probably sit there the whole meeting - some Espionage Squad stuff."

"Your boyfriend should pay more attention to you," Impulse tried to keep his tone light. Almost instantly, he regretted his quip; he and Condo had developed a sort of friendship, while Impulse was tutoring Condo in biology when Condo was still coming to grips with his chemical powers. They had similar senses of humor, but Impulse was often afraid he would go too far...

It didn't help that Impulse didn't particularly like Lyle Norg. Not just because Lyle had Condo's heart, but because Lyle had a reckless, grandstanding streak that irritated Impulse to no end... Like that time*** Lyle had inserted himself into the rescue squad for the Monitor's hostages, and leapt in front of Condo's containment tube despite not being invulnerable, forcing Kent to take the blast...

But despite Impulse's worries, Condo just laughed. "Oh, don't worry, he does," Condo's eyes twinkled. "But what about you, Doctor Shakespeare? You told me you've been on a few dates, has anyone come close to meeting your very high standards?"

"I wish," Impulse rolled his eyes, grateful that Condo hadn't noticed anything. "Half the guys I link with don't even reply; another third immediately ask what I'm into in bed, and most of the rest send me unsolicited nudes. I've only dated three in person, and one of those could barely hold a conversation. While another couldn't decide what to order even after reading the menu thrice, and the third is in an open relationship..." Impulse raised his hands in mock surrender. "All the good ones are already taken, it seems."

"Don't think like that," Condo laughed. "You're a good one, and you're not yet taken." Impulse wanted to punch something, but settled for clenching one of his fists under the table. "Have you thought about dating someone on Legion World?" Condo continued. "Oh, and I do have a couple of friends whom I could set you up with?"

Impulse was saved from replying by Kid Quantum clearing her throat. "Meeting's starting, everyone," Saturn Girl broadcast helpfully. Kid Quantum gave her a thankful smile.

"Okay, sentients and gentlebeings, thank you for making time for this - my last meeting as your leader." Before she even finished introducing, the room erupted in applause.

"Thank you, thank you, now some other poor teammate can drive themselves crazy doing this job," Kid Quantum laughed. "I do want to thank you all for your cooperation; you've made all the admin reports make easier to stomach."

The meeting passed by fairly quickly; the next Legion tryouts were scheduled; the court dates for the Zodiac Signs' trial were announced; Gates shared about some of the upcoming relief missions; and Impulse talked about the enhancements for the medical assistance available to Legionnaires. A few recent missions were discussed, and Chameleon shared some of the things the Espionage Squad was looking at - such as the investigation into who had paid Pollen's gang to kidnap some Swizzarians. Kid Quantum ended by reminding everyone, that although the Espionage Squad had their fixed permanent membership, any Legionnaire could be invited to help out as needed. "We want to keep ahead of potential threats," Kid Quantum stressed.

Cracking her knuckles, she grinned. "And finally, the moment of truth. Are you ready to meet your new Leader and Deputy Leader?"

"Yeah, we've been placing bets!" Wildfire whooped from the back of the room, to much laughter all around.

Kid Quantum was all smiles as she pressed the button to announce the results. "Okay, the second-highest vote getter and our new Deputy Leader is..."

The screen flashed, and there was silence.

Then Star Boy stood up. "Wow, this is awesome!"******

"Are you kidding?" Umbra was incredulous as she looked at Star Boy.

The room erupted into chaos.

"This is a joke, right?" Density asked Gravity, who shrugged as he observed the room.

"I think your odds were off," Amp said dryly to Lamprey, who struggled to come up with a response.

"Come on, everyone, this isn't nice!" XS hissed. "We should be congratulating..."

"This is the most entertaining Legion meeting I've ever been in," Spark shook her head. Ultra Boy just shook his head.

"I think this is wonderful!" Lume beamed.

Kid Quantum clapped her hands to call order. The chaos continued though, with Legionnaires reacting to one another. She sighed. "Saturn Girl, if you would?"

"I will handle it, Kid Quantum!" beamed the new Deputy Leader. "I did win this mandate, after all!" Moving to the front of the meeting room, the Deputy Leader tapped on the console and called up a video of a Kathooni Vampire Bat. Turning up the volume, the new Deputy Leader pressed play.

The high-pitched onslaught stilled the room, making everyone turn towards the front.

"Now that I have your attention," the Deputy Leader faced the team, hands on hips. "Shame on you all, we're all professionals and adults here, this isn't some school for larvae!"

"But-" Timber Wolf began.

"I'm sure Kid Quantum will assure you this is most certainly not a joke," Gates interrupted Timber Wolf.

"Gates IS our new Deputy Leader," Kid Quantum said calmly, eyeing Timber Wolf and a handful of the other more rowdy Legionnaires.

"Our by-laws are clear," Brainiac 5 interrupted, frowning at the disrespect being shown to his best friend on the team. "Election results are final, unless proved fraudulent or the winner declines. I cannot fathom anyone having both the means and motivation to bypass the security protocols for casting votes, and I am completely certain of Gates' integrity, and willingness to take the post."

"You know me very well, Brainiac 5," Gates' eyes twinkled. "And thank you for this endorsement." Gates beamed across the room of faces. Some were eager, some like Microbe had a look of distaste at the chaos and disruption caused by their teammates, and many were still in disbelief. "Now, I would love to know with whom I will be working for my term. Kid Quantum, would you be so kind?"

Kid Quantum kept her face unreadable as she approached the podium once more. Tapping on the screen, she looked at the room. "And our election winner is..."

The screen flashed once more. There was a sharp intake of breath, and Apparition, XS, M'Onel and Chameleon all stood up and began to clap. Kinetix let out a big whoop, and Spark's and Live Wire's hands crackled as they pumped their fists up. Cosmic Boy and Saturn Girl also had approving looks on their faces, and Violet and Invisible Kid applauded more quietly but still happily.

Rebound's face lit up like the moon, and he turned to his seatmate. "Congratulations, this is so great!"

Triad stood up from her chair, visibly shaking. "I'm sorry, everyone, I... oh!" She held up a finger. "Sorry, I'm getting mixed feelings!"

And Triads Orange and Purple burst out from Neutral.

"Oh my grife, oh my grife!" Orange covered her mouth, looking like she might faint.

"Who the sprock thought this was a good idea?!" Purple began glaring at her teammates. "I have enough work already!"

"Sisters!" Neutral snapped, forcibly reintegrating Orange and Purple*****; both only had enough time to look shocked before Neutral stood, hugging herself. Rebound offered his hand in support; he was still beaming, and he didn't want to take away from Triad's big moment.

Triad smiled, squeezing Chuck's hand in gratitude. Then she flew over to stand beside Gates and Kid Quantum. "Thank you for allowing me that display, everyone," she said. "I know that I, as a Carggite, show my mixed emotions more visibly than most races would - but I think this demonstrates just how diverse AND accepting we are, as a team." Approving murmurs sounded across the room, and Triad paused for a moment to look everyone in the eye. "Despite my initial shock, I appreciate this honor, and I'm really grateful for the trust you're already showing me." She turned to her new Deputy. "Congratulations, Gates."

"I look forward to working with you too, Triad," Gates beamed.

"Now, I think we could use some time to get used to the idea," Triad continued. "Unless you had anything else on the agenda, Kid Quantum...?"

Kid Quantum shook her head with a big, relieved smile. Cosmic Boy caught her eye and winked; he knew firsthand how it felt, officially turning over the responsibility of leadership.

"Then I'll schedule some time for us to hand over, and for me and Gates to start planning. For now..." Triad turned to the team. "Refreshments are in the next room. See you all at the next meeting."

Triad forced herself not to triplicate as she watched some of her friends come forward to congratulate her. She tuned out Gates' nagging her for her next available time to meet, and put on her best smile as Kid Quantum congratulated her for winning.

She was so not sure what to feel about this.

********************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) See Volume 1. The "true originals" are the canon team, they disappeared after Titans/Legion and during Infinite Crisis; the Legion was hastily re-formed with some Legion Cadets (Nightwind as leader, Babbage, Blizzard, Impulse, Microbe).

Nightwind stepped down as Legion co-leader earlier in Volume 4.

Chemical Kid used to be a reporter, so he's unofficial media liaison. Chameleon is also active in making public appearances because he's acting as an ambassador of sorts for Durla, similar to what Microbe does for Somahtur.

2) Orando: Sensor's dad, King Charlz, was hoodwinked by the Dark Circle into temporarily leaving the United Planets, to join the puppet group "Affiliated Planets". He thankfully realized his error after the Dark Circle was exposed, and rejoined the UP. Sensor and her brother, Prince Willum, had already been standing up to the King, and protecting the rights of the raccoon species on Orando to help bring them into equality with the snake species. (LSH 106-108, L* 62-65). They are now making Orando more inclusive, in response to the Snake (Slizz)'s turn in Volume 4, where one of her motivations was to overthrow the Orando royal family and take their place.

Kwai: similar, Chakuq the Rooster was a Kwai, and joined the Zodiac gang cause she wanted riches and pretty things and stuff. Working with Matriarch Enkenet, Shikari is looking into ways of letting the Kwai feel like they have options other than just navigating for the Thresholds

3) Impulse saving Invisible Kid from the Monitor's blast: happened in Volume 3. Note, while Impulse only has this to go on, way way back Invisible Kid did disobey Cosmic Boy's direct orders, and sneak out to join the Tangleweb v2 mission (LSH 67-68).

4) re Star Boy and Gates - they joined together (LSH 76), so they developed a sort-of friendship as the two newbies then. Star Boy would often complain to Gates, and Gates would sometimes complain - and share his opinions - with Star Boy

re Umbra and Gates - Umbra often had friction with our outspoken friend (see: Legionnaires 65, she even walked out of the cafeteria because Gates was complaining about something!) But they do have some mutual respect (see Legionnaires 72, in battle with the Fire Elemental) as well as a few scenes from Volume 4, including the big party at the end!

5) See Legionnaires 39 for an instance of Neutral re-integrating Purple and Orange forcibly!
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Legion Leader Election Results

A big big thank you again to all who voted!

As a reminder, I asked all voters to rank their top 3 choices. Points would be given as follows:

1st - 5 points
2nd - 3 points
3rd - 1 point

We had 5 voters cast their ballots (I didn't vote myself, but I can say I'm pleased with the results - you've given me a lot to work with!)

The votes were fairly diverse. Where a character was picked by more than one voter, I give a breakdown of the points.

Total:

10 - Triad (2x 5 points)
8 - Gates (1x 5 points, 1x 3 points)
6 - Invisible Kid (2x 3 points)
5 - White Witch
5 - Ultra Boy
4 - XS (1x 3 points, 1x 1 point, plus a write-in 4th place vote worth 0 points)
3 - Kinetix
2 - Element Lass (2x 1 point)
1 - Sensor
1 - Umbra
0 - Chameleon (a "4th place" vote worth 0 points)

as I said, I'm pretty pleased - it's not too tough writing up a reason for why Triad and Gates won, and there's plenty of potential with Triad's 3 selves and Gates' acerbity too wink (oh, and both DO have leadership qualities, so...)
Hey IB, thanks for the message, I missed this when you posted it.

I keep forgetting Magno and XS are a couple - haha, I was thinking "where's Cosmic Kid?" haha seriously, I need to remember it's not all about me and my version. I love Jenni speaking to Jaz, very sweet. Also, nice that several others had also complimented her before she reached the meeting room. Your team are a really kind bunch.

Microbe and Nightwind make an interesting duo, I can't see them having too much in common which you acknowledged, though you gave them a good reason to chat, and nice that Berta will arrange classes with Swallowtail. Interesting convo regarding Gates and I totally get both POVs though kinda hope he gets a position.

Nice reminder of the recent mission to Linsnar and current situation on Orando. Also, good to see the Kwai are branching out a bit, in canon they were just cosmic bellboys really smile

Ah, Ferro, poor chap, feeling all alone. This is an interesting set-up you have here as Mentalla and Troy are oblivious. The arranging of picnics is sweet. Let's hope Troy doesn't try to speak to Ferro as I don't think that'll go quite as well... Oh, also, nice to see Ferro looking into sewing patterns, that's a really good quirk to his personality. And asking Zoe for advice, again, how funny!

And another unreqited crush - Impulse's dating history - hilarious! Anyone who's gone online will relate to his experiences. I'm surprised he even found three to match with laugh Condo and Lyle seem to be pretty tight, so that at least is nice. Who else on LW could Kent date? I think, as he said, all the good ones are taken, and anyone else would probably be on the DL - yuck!

Nice that the medical team and the Espionage team get a slot in the team meeting. as soon as I saw Umbra's reaction I knew who had the deputy spot, haha. I think you'll do wonders with him IB as your Gates is always well written. And Jenni once again shows her heart - she's absolutely right, the reaction from some of the team was uncalled for a d they should really be congratulating him. It'll certainly add to the dynamics of your stories going forward smile Love how he dealt with the rabble by playing a screeching bat, I would love to do that in some classes laugh

Triad will be a great leader! She is consistently an underrated character so I'm really happy to see she got the top spot. And nice you showed her personalities reactions too - "I have enough work already!" haha.

This was great little section, and I'm really looking forward to where you have Triad and Gates take the team going forward. More, more, more!
I am glad I saw Harbi's comment, I totally missed when you posted this as well IB!

Aww, Nightwind and Microbe's little chat about Swallowtail was endearing smile

Nice to see that Gates has a cheer squad, and thanks for the reminder of him backing up his rhetoric!

Our poor boy Ferro is down bad! Let's hope someone metaphorically and/or literally slaps him upside the head before he strays too far down the incel route tongue

I like your little reminder about how everyone's using Zoe as an agony aunt too hahaha

Wow, Triad and Gates!! Triad will be a natural, I always wanted her to get the role in the post-Legion Lost team in the comics...and I think Gates is a super interesting choice because this will be a great way to explore him in a different way. I don't think the Legion have ever had someone in a position of authority who is so overtly political! (Also, the whole thing was worth it for Umbra's reaction hahahaha)

Thanks for posting the voting results, that is a very broad range of characters! Excited to see what kind of dynamics we get with Triad and Gates in charge now!
thanks for the R&R, Harbi ! appreciate it tons!

re XS and whom she's dating, heh! that's what happens with so many realities tongue

Kind really describes my team, yeah! I'm definitely channeling a lot of the Reboot there, while imprinting some of what I liked best about that team tongue bit of fantasy fulfillment here

ugh yes about the Kwai, "cosmic bellboys" is both hilarious and apt as to what they did in canon!

yeah, for all his smarts, Troy is oblivious, and Mentalla isn't much better tongue

Impulse's dating history is definitely based on real life, my own online dating experience matches his lol! and thank you for the compliment re Gates smile and absolutely, some of the team went too far with their surprise at Gates tongue

very pleased with Triad too, it will give her a chance to shine for sure.
thanks for the R&R too raz, appreciate it tons!!

one of the criticisms Gates had before was him being all-talk (even the Emerald Eye made fun of him doing that lol, see LSH 84), so I made it a point to have him finally walking the walk too!

ah Ferro, I have ideas in mind for him... poor guy, he's in a bad situation but he really should get a bit of a slap!

I can just imagine Zoe having a dramatic breakdown in the middle of the cafeteria one day!

I love how Umbra kind of stole the show with Gates' reveal! and yeah, super pleased at the Triad/Gates duo, this is gonna be FUN to write!

results were interesting for sure, and I love how we got a mix of "yeah that makes sense" and "whoa this is new!" smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Celebrating Triad - 08/07/23 10:26 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

RJ Brande's Estate, Mars

Active Legionnaires

Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication. Current Legion leader
Rebound, Chuck Taine of Earth (Canada and Uzbekistan); inflates into a durable bouncing form

Honorary Legionnaires

Rene Jacques "RJ" Brande of unknown; telepathy of unknown levels (See L* 52!); Legion Founder/Financier and United Planets Ambassador to the Second Galaxy

Other Legion Support Staff or residents of Legion World

Lori Morning of 20th century Earth (USA); RJ Brande's adopted daughter
Marla Latham of Earth (Germany and Sweden); Legion adult advisor

*****************************************************************************************

"By damn!" RJ Brande took a swig of his whiskey and slammed the shotglass down on the table, spilling a few drops. "My daughter, the new Legion leader, I'm so proud!"

"Clearly," Marla Latham muttered as he moved to clean the mess up.

"Oh, sit down, Marla!" RJ guffawed as he piled some more pepper gravy onto his fatty steak. "We started our association decades back as employer and employee, but now you're a guest, you're family! Let the robo-drones clean it up!"

Marla eyed the puddle on the table, and wrinkled his nose at the strong smell.

"Please, Marla, it's okay," Triad smiled quietly. "It's a day of celebration. Some things can wait."

Mollified, Marla sat down and reached for his glass, then thought better of it. His instincts were right; a nanosecond later, RJ slapped Marla on the back. "That's my man! Now take a shot, too!"

Before Marla could retort, Lori leaned forward. "So what's it like being Legion leader, huh, Triad?"

"It's been a whirlwind," Triad laughed. "It's only been a day, but already I've had to debrief with Kid Quantum and Nightwind and Gates before Kid Q left on vacation..." Triad picked at her tiramisu before continuing. "I feel like there's still so much to learn!"

Chuck gently squeezed Triad's forearm in support. "But Lu, you already know most of the Espionage stuff, and you've been doing much of the administrative stuff before. That's a large part of it, isn't it?"

"Yes, but there's the geopolitical stuff, the interpersonal team stuff, the UP contacts, the overall team strategy," Triad held her hand out, raising a finger as she counted off points. "There's a lot more to it. Sometimes I think it's too much for one person!"

"Nonsense!" RJ Brande laughed as he slapped the table. "Take it from your old man, Lu! A CEO brings the vision and ties things together, but without the COO, CFO, CRO and all the other Cs, we can't do anything! I didn't know every little bit about Brande Industries, you know that from working as my executive assistant! And you, my dear, don't have to know every little bit as Legion leader, either!"

"I wouldn't make the point the same way, but you know it's true," Marla offered more calmly. He dabbed at his mouth with a napkin; he had just taken a slice of his filet mignon. "The topmost leader's job is to make sure everyone does theirs. But you can draw on their expertise."

"You're right," Triad leaned back. "It's just, I've been so used to working support, and now I'm in the limelight..."

"We'll all help you, Lu," Chuck smiled.

"Yes, we will!" Lori cheered as she pumped her fist.

"Give it time, Luornu," Marla smiled.

"Indeed!" RJ called as he pressed a button. "And now, we toast! I ordered a special bottle of decades-aged ice whiskey from Pluto just for this! And a special non-alcoholic one for you, Lori!"

Lori wrinkled her nose at that, and winked at Chuck. Chuck winked back; they already had an arrangement. As RJ poured Lori's shot glass, she leaned forward to block RJ's view. Chuck quickly switched Lori's glass with a spare one filled with orangeapple juice.

"And of course, not one but three glasses for my darling!" RJ deftly grabbed three shot glasses and set them in front of Triad.

"Oh, um," Triad blushed a crimson red. "Just one please, RJ."

"Nonsense!" RJ laughed. "You're off-duty tomorrow, aren't you?"

"And even if you're not," Chuck smiled gently. "We can ask Chemical Kid to help you metabolize the alcohol. I checked, he's on-duty for the next twelve hours."

"It's... it's not that," Triad bit her lip. "I, uh, thought I could get ahead of all the work, and so... I'm up here alone."

Triad met the eyes of the four surprised faces looking at her, then looked down. "I'm sorry..."

"Ah, well, you're a hardworking lass," RJ smiled, though his smile didn't reach his eyes.

"I didn't realize you came here without your sisters," Chuck said quietly. He didn't say more. "I, uh, hope they're not too busy."

Marla and Lori both looked quietly at their plates.

"I'm sorry," Triad Neutral hung her head. "Maybe I've been letting my worries get to me. I really am. I'll make it up..."

"This... this is good whiskey, RJ," Marla tried changing the subject.

All five sipped quietly. Then Triad Neutral gulped her shot down and stood up. "I'm really sorry everyone, I am! I should have been honest, and I shouldn't worry too much, and..."

"Hey, hey, it's okay!" Chuck stood up and hugged her. "I - we - know what a big thing this is!"

"Aye, lass," RJ's eyes were moist. "We just want you to know that you can come to us any time."

"Yeah, if you need to complain, or just want someone to drink a milkshake with," Lori said helpfully.

"Whether you need to debate, or just to vent," Marla smiled. "We're here."

"Thank you, thank you all," Triad's eyes welled up. "You're the best family I could ever ask for."
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Getting the Lay of the Land - 08/07/23 11:25 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Legion World

Active Legionnaires

Triad Orange, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication. Current Legion leader

Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting

*****************************************************************************************

Chameleon entered the room where the Legion Espionage Squad kept their back-up records and systems. Though the Squad shared much of their knowledge and data with the rest of the team, they used this room for working out theories and connecting the dots. After all, some suspicions were still too nebulous to share with the rest of the team.

"Credit for your thoughts?" Chameleon said lightly as he saw Triad Orange slumped over a console.

"There's just way too much information here," Orange sat up, shaking her head. "I don't see how anyone except Brainiac 5 could look at all this and not have their brain explode!"

"Have a drink. Or two." Chameleon gestured; he had morphed a total of eight arms, and six of them were carrying either a mug or a plate of snacks. He waved these six hands in front of Orange. "And then you can tell me all about it."

"Oh, where do I begin? We still don't know if Mar Londo was working for anyone when he kidnapped Teena Dav. Then we have Tarik the Mute and a rogue Robotican experimenting on Linsnarians, and a mysterious client trying to purchase sentient specimens from Swizzar... "

"We all agree it's suspicious," Chameleon said gently.

"But no strange activity from the Dominators, nothing that seems to connect all of these..." Orange took a sip from the mug holding some warm mint tea.

"We don't KNOW there's a connection yet," Chameleon smiled.

"But what if there is one?" Orange took a chocolate chip cookie from Chameleon's plate.

"There might be," Chameleon nodded.

"Then we should be on top of it! The Zodiac caught us unaware, and..." Orange protested.

"Triad, listen to me," Chameleon said gently. "I can't imagine how much pressure you feel as our new leader, but I can tell you that not even M'Onel could do everything by himself... or do everything in a day. The team's bigger and stronger than we ever were, use us all."

Orange took a deep breath as she watched Cham's smile and his understanding eyes. "You're right, Cham, you're right. I'll assign this to someone, and ensure resources are available to connect the dots, and I'll get it out of my head for a bit."

"That's the spirit," Chameleon said. "We're all in this together."

"Thank you, Cham..." Orange smiled gratefully as she took another cookie. "And these snacks are delicious, too!"


*****************************************************************************************

Legion World

Active Legionnaires

Triad Purple, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication. Current Legion leader

Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation

*****************************************************************************************

"Nothing?" Triad Purple tapped her foot as she watched Sensor face one of the longest-incarcerated prisoners on Legion World.

"This will go faster if you stop rushing me," Sensor's tone had an edge to it. "You know I can only read sensory data, I'm not a telepath of Saturn Girl's caliber..."

"Well, you're all I have now!" Purple threw up her hands.

Sensor rounded on her. "If it were so important, you could have recalled Saturn Girl or asked a few Titanet staff over!" Sensor jabbed a finger at Purple's chest. "Stop giving me this attitude, you asked for me!"

"Okay, okay!" Purple exploded. "I'm being stupid, I got it!" She crossed her hands over her chest, and breathed deeply. What had Chuck said before? Other people had feelings, too. And she WAS leader now. She couldn't just go around offending people without a care for the consequences. She sighed.

"I'm sorry, Sensor. I wasn't being fair. Or smart."

"It is fine..." Sensor's tone was still icy. Of all the three Triads, it had to be Purple who asked her here! "I can tell you that Ra's al Ghul can see, can hear, can smell and taste; but he cannot feel nor touch." She looked at the pitiful shell of a man sitting in front of them. Ra's al Ghul stared, eyes blank and unblinking, mouth slack and hidden behind a clear oxygen mask. If it were not for the machines hooked up to him, someone would have to wipe the drool off his chin every so often. As it was, all his key bodily functions such as breathing and waste excretion were now running off medical technology. "At least based on my own examinations, Ra's al Ghul appears to be in the same state that the Monitor left him in."

Sensor shuddered involuntarily. She could scarcely imagine... Ra's could see, hear, and think... but now he was stuck in this state, able to perceive the world except through touch, and unable to do anything about it. A living prison, in his own mind. Part of her thought he deserved it, after all the evil acts he had committed over the centuries*, but...

"I'm glad we only hold prisoners before their transport to Takron-Galtos... or, well, those who can't be held or tried normally," Purple whispered. Dr. Mar Londo, for example, had already been shipped off to Takron-Galtos, as had the Zodiac Signs who had been kept whole, like The Rat and The Monkey.

"That brings us to the last of the prisoners," Purple said as she and Sensor walked off. Sensor spared one last glance for the pathetic shell that was Ra's.

"Either Saturn Girl, Mentalla or I check on them daily," Sensor said as they walked past where the remaining Zodiac Signs were held. The Ox, frail and aged, sat quietly in his bed, staring at the holo-screens in front of him.

In the next cell, a seemingly-harmless fluffy gray rabbit was chewing on some leaves. As Triad Purple and Sensor passed, it stiffened, raising its ears and looming around, then it hopped off. The transformed Rabbit.

Across the hall were three objects: a rocking horse, a painting of a snake, and a Kwai doll. The transformed Horse, Snake and Rooster.

"They seem so harmless now," Sensor shook her head. "But they almost killed us."

"And I intend to make sure that doesn't happen again," Purple slammed her first into her palm. "These squajes..."

A loud boom erupted through the hall, and jet-black smoke filled the air. Purple was surprised that her ears had stopped ringing. "Sensor, did you-"

"I'm temporarily blocking our senses, but I can't stop the physical effects!" Sensor was already scrambling to put her transuit on. Purple did the same; she knew that her lungs and her ears would hurt later, but at least she could still act. She looked around for the source of the smoke.

"Don't bother, little one," a booming voice laughed. "These Eastern Zodiac Signs will do my bidding. Don't try to find us."

And the smoke disappeared, just as suddenly as it had appeared.

Purple clenched her jaw as she stared at the three empty cells in front of them. Beside her, Sensor froze.

Purple quickly brought her flight ring to her lips. "Gates, we got a code..."

Purple was interrupted, but this time by a soft golden glow.

"Sisters, I've come for your aid!"

"Only my own sisters call me Sister!" Purple snapped as she flowed into a fighting stance. "Who are yo-" she stopped as the powerful feminine figure in front of her lowered her hood, and smiled. She knew her, from when she had been trapped in the 20th century**.

Purple gasped out the words. "Wonder Woman?"

"It's been a long time, sister," the black-haired woman smiled. "In your time, I am Diana, Goddess of Truth. And I see I was too late to prevent your prisoners from being taken. So now I need your help."

*************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Ra's al Ghul first appeared in the Legion series (after Legion Lost/concurrent with Legion Worlds). His acts included murdering and impersonating United Planets president Leland McCauley; kidnapping and experimenting on citizens from Vyrga, Cargg and Winath to create teleporting hybrids to power transport; trying to force evolution on Earth by creating an extinction level event; trying to kill several Legionnaires, and much more. In Volume 3, I had the Monitor destroy Ra's motor functions so he could continue to study Ra's without risk. The Monitor also stole Ra's knowledge telepathically.

2) Triad was in the 20th century from LSH 92-100. With all the events out there, I'm banking that she's met Wonder Woman once!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac How to be Nice 101 - 08/07/23 12:31 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Legion World

Active Legionnaires

Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks. Current Legion Deputy Leader.

Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Insect Queen, Lonna Leing of Xanthu; morphs into various insect forms, gaining the powers of the forms she takes
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau) and Neptune; underwater survival; hydrokinesis
Microbe, Drura Sehpt of Somahtur; control harmful and beneficial microorganisms
Star Boy, Thom Kallor of Xanthu; gravity manipulation

***************************************************************************************

Fifteen minutes before we looked in on Triad Purple and Sensor...

Gates chirped happily as he watched Star Boy and Insect Queen enter and sit down. "Thank you all for coming! Refreshments are at the back; I'm not very familiar with what you mammalian bipeds eat, but Tenzil assures me these are all very delicious!"

"Oh yes," Lamprey nodded happily as she bit into a puff pastry. "They very much are!"

"And I suppose you are all wondering why I asked you here today," Gates beamed. "Well, I figured that my first step as Deputy Leader should be to get a good understanding of where we are, as a team! And so, I invited you, many of my friends and certainly among those who supported my election!"

Lamprey made hacking sounds as she choked on her pastry.

"Are you okay?" Microbe asked, concerned.

Lamprey nodded and waved as she used her power to bring a flow of drinking water to her lips. As Lamprey got her choking in order, Insect Queen raised her hand. "Gates, what exactly DO you want to know? I have to say I voted for you because of all the good things you've done for Xanthu, but it was only because Star Boy said he would vote for you!"

"And I voted for you because of your relief efforts for Xanthu, but actually it was Brainiac 5 who got me thinking about it," Star Boy confessed, a bit embarrassed.

"Oh, don't worry, I know!" Gates waved his arms. "My ego is not nearly so fragile as most of you verrtebrates! I know I was an unexpected candidate, to say the least!"

"So..." Insect Queen held out her hands.

"So, I want to understand why you did vote for me..." Gates continued. "And how to approach and understand those who DIDN'T vote for me!"

Lamprey nearly gagged on the water she was drinking. She motioned her head no when Star Boy leaned over, concerned.

"Well, for one, you might want to work on your approach," Insect Queen pointed out. "Calling everyone "mammalian bipeds", while technically true, isn't exactly endearing... Nor is implying that all vertebrates have fragile egos."

"A focused conversation does help," Brainiac 5 said gently. "Getting to the point."

"It's also called being nice," Microbe added. "You don't appreciate us constantly reminding you that you are insectoid, do you?"

"Yeah, I remember the first time I called you little bug..." Star Boy muttered. "Or said Vyrgan child-rearing practices were odd. Thought you would verbally chew my head off..."

"This is all wonderful!" Gates said as he tapped on his Omnicom. "I'm taking notes!"

"Um..." Lamprey had been growing more and more uncomfortable by the second. "Gates, I have to confess, I didn't vote for you either..."

"Oh, I know!" Gates didn't even look up from his typing.

"Oh..." Lamprey blushed. "Then... why am I here?"

"I know you asked a lot of the others who they voted for, so I was thinking you could share some of the reasons why people voted - or didn't vote - for me," Gates said happily. "Anonymously, of course. I don't need to know who said what, I just want to address things."

Lamprey looked relieved at that last bit.

"Oh, and because you're so nice and considerate," Gates continued. Lamprey raised an eyebrow. "You're always letting people talk first, and complimenting people and all that, I thought you could help me be more likable!"

"Ah well, happy to..." Lamprey stammered. Nice? Considerate? She supposed...

Triad's voice rang out on the flight ring network. "Gates, Lamprey, please report to the command center!"

"Ah, what timing!" Gates raised his hands. "Sorry all, but you've already given me such useful info... if you're willing to do another...? I'll link you. Now, Lamprey..." Gates opened a teleportation disk.

"Gates, remember what we discussed about asking," Brainiac 5 quietly whispered to his friend.

"Oh yes, yes," Gates nodded. He cleared his throat. "Would you like to teleport with me, Lamprey?" At Lamprey's nod, the two disappeared through Gates' glowing disk.

Brainiac 5, Microbe, Insect Queen and Star Boy looked at each other. Insect Queen sighed as she headed over to the refreshment table.

"He means well," Star Boy shrugged.

"I think most of us will appreciate his good intentions," Microbe said carefully.

Brainiac 5 sat down. His twelfth-level intelligence did let him comprehend social cues; but he didn't always have the patience or desire to follow them. He used to be rude, but not because he didn't understand the impact of his rudeness; he just didn't care. Now, he did though; and he did understand that Gates' earnest openness could make some of his teammates feel awkward.

Perhaps he should spend a bit more time with Gates in social situations...
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Oh My Goddess! - 08/07/23 01:00 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Legion World

Active Legionnaires

Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication. Current Legion Leader.
Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks. Current Legion Deputy Leader.

Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis, can see heat signatures
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau) and Neptune; underwater survival; hydrokinesis
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation, enhanced vision
Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Dryad, living remnant of the dead planet of the same name; malleable rock body, geokinesis and terrakinesis

Allies

Diana, Goddess of Truth (formerly Wonder Woman)

***************************************************************************************

"Wait, wait, wait," Inferno shook his head impatiently. "So our five captive Zodiac Signs were taken by Ares, the Greek God of War?"

Diana nodded her head. "This is a delicate matter, and why Athena sent me."

"I thought Zeus was the leader of the Greek pantheon?" Nightwind rubbed her temples. "This is all so confusing."

"Let's give Wonder- I mean, Diana, a chance to explain," a recombined Triad hushed the group. Thankfully, RJ's dinner party had finished not long before the call came in, though Triad had wondered if she had drunk too much whiskey when she'd heard what had happened. She was also sweating a bit; she had always looked up to Wonder Woman as a great hero, but now she was a full goddess? What did that even mean? How reverent should she be?

She wanted to clutch at the little pendant around her neck. On Cargg, everyone believed in the one Lord Valor, the seeder of worlds. She could just imagine other Carggites would be melting into puddles by now... but at least her time as a Legionnaire had given her experience with other belief systems... and having Lord Valor actually be her teammate M'Onel also made things easier to process.* But even with all that...

"Athena has, after a long competition, earned leadership from Zeus," Diana smiled. "To be fair, Zeus had wanted to step down a bit... he has seen the... wisdom in letting someone more open to things take charge." Diana didn't want to go into details, so she left out that others such as Hera, Poseidon and Hades had been questioning Zeus' decisions more, lately. After all, the 31st century was a time of science; the beliefs in the old gods were waning. And that's why other pantheons, like the Chinese ones who had dealt with the Zodiac Signs, had largely left the mortal world alone. Athena had decreed the same, and now the Greek gods had hidden themselves away from human affairs. Most of them, anyway.

"But Athena is new to the position," Diana continued. "And there are some who don't agree, like Ares." Diana leaned back.

Inferno looked at her. He had met her during his own jaunt into the past, even worked alongside her to rescue Cosmic Boy. She had clearly remembered him, and greeted him warmly. But this was all just so weird. Suddenly she appears in their own time, and...

"Because most of the Zodiac Signs were transformed by the Chinese pantheon," Diana continued. "Ares knows that breaking their enchantment would be akin to a declaration of war."

"The Chinese gods seemed very reasonable when we encountered them, though," Gates pointed out. "Surely they won't attack you if they understand it's one rogue god?"

"It is not that simple," Diana smiled. "There are tensions between the Chinese pantheon, and their culture also demands that they not lose face. Not responding to this insult would be seen as weakness. Athena is in touch with the most level-headed of them, and they are hoping to resolve this cleanly and easily. Sadly, this means I cannot draw on the talents of the other gods, as we are trying to keep this quiet. Therefore, I came to you."

"And we can prove it," Triad said. "I discussed this with Diana..."

"Indeed." Diana reached into her pouch and pulled out a glowing golden lasso. "The Lasso of Truth. You know that it compels all to tell the truth." She wrapped it around her wrist. "I confirm that all I have said is truth. I am the same Diana who used to be Wonder Woman, who met many of you when you rescued Cosmic Boy from the 21st century. I confirm that I need your help to stop Ares from restoring the Zodiac Signs."

"And how did you become a goddess?" Sensor asked, eyes narrowed.

"I was invited to, after I perished in battle," Diana smiled. "It was my greatest triumph, and I thought I could take on another responsibility for a while."

"I'm convinced," Triad continued. "If you all are..." She met eyes with each Legionnaire around the table. One by one, they all nodded. "Good, then we leave in ten. Gates, you're in charge while I'm gone."

"Lovely!" Gates beamed.

"Remember, I haven't agreed to some of your proposals yet," Triad sternly reminded. "Please don't act on those until we've discussed."

"Of course, of course," Gates nodded, a little too eagerly. "I've sent you the minutes," Triad pressed. "That's the full record of what we've agreed and what we've tabled."

"Yes, for sure," Gates nodded. "Don't worry, I'm not some mammal- I mean, I'm not a usurper," Gates reminded himself to rein his opinions in.

"Good," Triad said as she followed Diana out the room.

************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) The Valor beliefs are strong on Cargg and a few other worlds; it was this "fanaticism", as Cosmic Boy put it, that led the Legion to keep Valor's successful return from the Phantom Zone a secret! (LSH 74, Legionnaires 31). Valor took the name M'Onel to hide his identity (Legionnaires 37).
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Oh My Goddess! - 08/08/23 12:18 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Legion World

Active Legionnaires

Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication. Current Legion Leader.
Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis, can see heat signatures
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau) and Neptune; underwater survival; hydrokinesis
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation, enhanced vision

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Dryad, living remnant of the dead planet of the same name; malleable rock body, geokinesis and terrakinesis

Allies

Diana, Goddess of Truth (formerly Wonder Woman)

***************************************************************************************

"Are you sure that we're enough?" Lamprey peered at the small group. Everyone else had departed the room, and they were the only ones left standing in the meeting room. "If Ares is so powerful, shouldn't more of us be going?"

"I am, little sister," Diana soothed. "Your abilities are needed for the obstacles we will encounter; and Triad is your leader. But I know of your deeds, and you are all very capable warriors."

"I am eager to meet this magical land you speak of," Dryad rumbled softly. "A magical island hidden in the cosmos."

"Yeah, and you're the remnant of a magical sentient planet," Inferno chuckled. "Sometimes, I wonder if I'm dreaming."

"If everyone is ready..." Triad coughed. At seeing the four nods from her teammates, Triad gestured towards Diana. "Whenever you wish."

"Close your eyes and link hands," DIana instructed. Then she took out the talisman that Athena had given her...

.... and the group vanished.

****************************************************************************************

Dryad looked in awe at the island floating in front of them. A lush green mountain crowned a small block of land that looked pristine and healthy. Bubbling waterfalls and springs dotted the landmass, and the cries of wildlife echoed from the distance.

And yet...

"It's an island. Floating in space." Nightwind breathed. "How...?"

"Magic, of course," Diana's eyes twinkled.

Lamprey reached out. "The-there's a sea around it. Or at least, saltwater. I can feel the difference from the freshwater flowing down the island. I..."

"And the rock..." Dryad rumbled. "Just like what I would feel on a terrestrial world."

"We can take a holo and marvel at it later, team," Triad said firmly. "I don't understand it either, but we have to hurry."

"Let me introduce ourselves, first," Diana cautioned. "This island is alive, after all."

"And out of politeness, I suggest we refrain from manipulating any of the elements therein," Dryad noted. "I know I would not take it kindly if a first-time visitor were to move my rocks around."

"Living rock etiquette 101..." Inferno whispered to Nightwind, who stifled a giggle.

Lamprey blushed, thinking that she had already reached out mentally to "feel" the water. "I hope I didn't offend..." she mumbled. Then her recent conversation with Gates entered her mind. Gates had invited her because she was considerate and nice... Always letting other people talk first... she...

Lamprey felt a nudge. She turned to see Nightwind pointing at Triad and Diana, who were talking to a... a...

A hologram, it would seem. A vision of a young woman listened attentively as Diana spoke. "We are here to intercept Ares, my dear Aeolia."

"My goddess, I apologize," the young woman prostrated herself. "I may not bar any of the gods from entering, nor may I interfere with their activities..."

"You have done nothing wrong, dear sister," Diana soothed. "Please, stand up. Athena herself has decreed that you bear no responsibility for anything. We will deal with Ares."

"I thank you..." Aeolia still did not look up. Lamprey wanted to hug the poor dear!

"My esteemed Aeolia," Dryad bowed before the vision. "My colleagues and I, we manipulate the natural elements. I would ask for your permission to do so with the rock and earth, water and air, on yourself if we have dire need."

"Of... of course, my liege," Aeolia stammered.

"We'll try not to make a mess," Lamprey whispered. Then she kicked herself mentally. Too nice!

"Indeed," Dryad boomed. "We will do our best to show due respect to you."

"You are most welcome to act as you see fit," Aeolia continued. "I will open the doors for you."

Inferno shook his head. "Doors? What doors?"

"I can feel it," Dryad said. "An invisible barrier has been lifted."

"Ah, well, if you say so..." Inferno muttered as he flew after Diana.

"She has decorated herself well," Dryad marveled as they flew over pristine forests. "She has laid a trail that looks completely natural."

Nightwind shook her head. "Trail? What trail? Is it some kind of invisible magical trail that only you can see?"

"I can see it too," Diana laughed. "And I am only using what I learned hunting and tracking on Themyscira. But I grew up in the fields and forests; all of you, besides Dryad, grew up in large cities, I assume."

"More like a small town for me," Nightwind said. "By 30th century standards, anyway. But I understand what you mean. I never really spent time learning to track things."

"I spent a lot of time underwater on Neptune..." Lamprey added. "Though also in the city, so it's not like I was swimming around a lot. Not until my powers manifested, anyway..."

"We are here," Diana landed in front of a cave. She turned to the Legionnaires. "We will have to pass four barriers before we reach Ares, one for each element. The barriers are meant to be benign, but we cannot assume that Ares hadn't laid traps. Please, follow my lead."

"We can use our lamps?" Triad asked Diana.

"Yes, your technology should work here," Diana smiled.

"Then I don't need to go first. Ladies first, then," Inferno gestured, smiling. Fishing his handheld lamp out of his belt pouch, he followed Diana into the darkness of the cave.

They had been walking about ten minutes, by Inferno's reckoning, when Diana stopped. Inferno looked around; the way forward seemed clear. "Don't tell me: the first invisible obstacle?"

"Indeed," Diana smiled. "Nightwind, the first test is a test of air." Nightwind stepped forward, cracking her knuckles. "Great, what do I have to do?"

Diana gestured to the space before them. "What do you feel with your powers?"

Nightwind reached out, her eyes twinkling in the dark. Her half-Enwan heritage gave her large eyes that could see better in Enwa's long night-cycle, but... "Oh! All I see is empty space, but I feel..." she began sensing the air currents. "An invisible maze?"

"Exactly correct, little sister," Diana nodded.

"And I suppose I have to reach the end of the maze?" At Diana's nod, Nightwind closed her eyes and focused. She made herself sense the air currents, and... a left here, a right there, a bit of a loop...

Behind her, Inferno sat down on a rock. He began to say something to Lamprey, who just nodded quietly. She didn't want to reply lest they make noise, but she didn't want to tell Inferno to cut it out... Triad shook her head at them and put a finger to her lips. "Let Nightwind concentrate," Triad chided. Lamprey's cheeks burned. Perhaps she should have said something to Dirk...

Nightwind was beginning to sweat as she felt around with her powers. By her reckoning, she'd felt along several klicks now... and each time, all she could feel was solid unyielding force. And then... something that budged! She began compressing the air currents, and then gave one final push.

She heard a click, and opened her eyes. Beside her, Triad gasped. A glowing bluish crystal wall suddenly appeared in front of them... and a crack appeared in the middle. The two halves of the wall slid, one to the left, one to the right, clearing the way forward.

"Wow," Nightwind just breathed.

"Great job," Triad smiled as she motioned the group forward. Lamprey patted Nightwind on the shoulder, and Nightwind smiled in gratitude.

A few minutes of walking more, and Diana stopped again. This time, the cavern had widened into a chamber, with a bubbling stream blocking their path. Diana gestured at Lamprey. "Lamprey, this is a test of water. What do you feel?"

Lamprey stepped forward, heart pounding. What if she didn't feel anything? She took a deep breath, and concentrated on the water.

"There is... oh!" she looked at Diana. "I sense something hard underneath. Like a plank, or a bridge...?" Diana nodded encouragingly. Lamprey kept at it. "I think it's long enough to get us across... but I have to raise it." Lamprey thought for a moment. She could try to stem the current, but it would be exhausting - the bridge was heavy. Yet... she pondered a moment. Did they have to cross here? She remembered her training: always look around, scan the environment. She felt along the edges of the water, at the rock, and... "It narrows a bit up ahead. Is... do you think..."

"Go on," Diana smiled.

"Do you think we should cross there?" Lamprey squeaked out.

"I think you should do what you feel is right," Diana's eyes twinkled.

Emboldened, Lamprey worked at dislodging the bridge she felt. She raised it to the surface of the water; but instead of fighting against the current, she let it flow along with it while steadying it... and she felt it slide against the stream's banks and settle into place.

And once it a bit, they watched the other side of the chamber illuminate, clearly showing a path forward.

"Wow," Lamprey breathed.

"Excellent work," Triad smiled. This time, Nightwind patted Lamprey on the shoulder as they walked along.

In a few minutes more, Diana stopped again. "My dear Dryad, it is now time for Earth."

Dryad stepped forward. In front of them was a wide chasm, as far as the eye could see. Dryad let its mind expand. When it had its full mass, it could have closed the chasm by pulling its edges together... but it was not that powerful now. Besides, it would not risk damaging Aeolia's surface. No, there had to be...

Ah! "There are some rocks below, suspended somehow," Dryad rumbled. It focused on one, pulling it up. It coasted to a stop level to where they were standing. Dryad pulled the next one, and again the next. It kept on and on, until it had reached the last one it felt. Dryad cast its mind a bit forward, and knew that the last one was touching the other end of the chasm.

"Well done, my friend," Diana smiled at Dryad.

"Yeah, well done," Inferno said as he peered at the rocks in front of them. They floated steadily, though there were gaps in between. "I guess we play hopscotch now?"

"I'm not the best jumper," Lamprey seemed worried.

"I think I have a solution," Dryad rumbled. Concentrating on the first rock, he extended its shape, commanding its mass to flow forward so it touched the next rock. "I can temporarily connect these rocks together..."

"... and we have a path!" Triad beamed. "Brilliant!" As the group moved forward, Dryad made sure to return the first rock to its original shape.

"Aren't- aren't you tiring yourself out doing that?" Nightwind asked.

"It does not take much additional effort..." Dryad said quietly. "And it is respectful to Aeolia. After all, this is her surface, her form."

"I wouldn't have thought of that..." Lamprey said as she walked over to the next rock.

As the group made their way to the next chamber, Diana stopped again. Inferno stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "It's my turn, isn't it?" Diana simply smiled.

Inferno looked around. A fiery pit hung in front of them, and floating on it was a small, round platform made of what looked like marble. It hung, motionless, in the air above the fire. Inferno reached out with his powers, testing. What if he increased the fire on one side, and decreased it on the other?

As the platform moved forward, he had his answer. "Just like Legend of Zelda: The Blossoms of Fire," Inferno grinned.

"So I have to navigate this platform until..." he felt ahead, until he felt the end of the blaze. "Over there." He turned around. "Okay, everyone on."

"Is it safe in our transuits?" Triad asked.

"I'll control the heat flow, but I can tell you that the platform is well-insulated - at least on the side we're standing on," Inferno gestured. He held out his hand as Triad walked over. She leaned on Inferno's forearm with a grateful smile. Nightwind did the same. Diana simply floated over, though she did mouth a thank you to Inferno. Lamprey thought for a second, and then took Inferno's forearm with a bit of a weird smile. Maybe she was just shy, Inferno thought.

Then Dryad came over, and Inferno laughed. "Sorry, big pal. You're way too heavy for me."

"Yes, I suppose I am at that," Dryad rumbled as it stepped forward gingerly.

Once everyone stood on the platform, Inferno made a show of waving his hands. "Okay, brace yourselves." He gently manipulated the flames, propelling the platform slowly and steadily.

Lamprey hugged herself a little bit as they floated over. Nightwind stood beside her. "You okay, Tayla?"

"Oh, just fine, Berta. All this fire though... It dehydrates, and..."

"I don't mean that," Nightwind said gently. "Come on, I know you. You're thinking about something again."

"Am I that obvious?" Lamprey sighed. Berta shook her head with a smile. "Don't worry, I just know you. You're doing that thing where you bite your lip."

Lamprey sighed. "It's stupid. Before our mission, I was with Gates, and he wanted advice on how to be more likable because I'm so nice, so considerate, I always let people go first, and..." Lamprey swallowed as Nightwind gripped her hands in support. "I remember when we were Cadets, I loved the group simulations, but they always did say I seemed like I hung back..."

Nightwind gripped Lamprey's hand in silent encouragement. "I just... Maybe it's how I was raised, we always were taught to respect our elders, and to treat others like how we'd like to be treated. You know? I just naturally defer when it doesn't cost me much. I mean, tell me Berta, am I a pushover?"

"Tayla, no!" Nightwind said soothingly. "You're nice, but you're hardly a doormat. That time Ultra Boy sat in your seat in the cafeteria, you nicely told him you were sitting there but that you'd pull him another chair. That's finding a solution that works for everyone!"

"Yeah, I guess..."

"And besides, do you think the team would have voted you in if you weren't fierce where it counts?" Nightwind winked. "You're a downright tiger shark in battle. And think about it - if Gates wants to ask you for advice, you must be doing something right!"

"Oh Berta, you always know what to say," Lamprey hugged her friend.

Triad watched quietly as Nightwind and Lamprey spoke. "I think Lamprey will be just fine," she whispered to Diana.

"You are proving yourself to be an able leader," Diana said approvingly. Triad stammered out a thanks; Wonder Woman herself was complimenting her!

"We're docking!" Inferno announced as he guided the platform into a semi-circle shaped alcove. The platform came to a gentle stop.

"Okay, everyone, we must assume Ares is right ahead," Diana pointed at the entrance to the next chamber - a smaller pathway with a soft, gentle glow ahead. "This path is a straight path, so if he's alert he will see us coming. But if he's trying to break the transformation spells on the Zodiac Signs, he will likely be distracted."

"Then we hit him hard and fast," Triad nodded. "Okay, here's what we're going to do..."

**********************************************************************************************

Ares hung in the air, concentrating on the objects before him. Those accursed Chinese gods were not just powerful, they were thorough. He could feel the magics they had used, layers upon layers... unravelling each was taking too much of his concentration.

He idly wondered... some of his more magically adept fellows would have been faster, like Hades or Hestia. But he dared not involve anyone knowingly; he wanted a bloody war, after all. At least the device he had taken from Hephaestus' workshop was speeding up the process - he just had to make sure to replace it before it was missed. He...

A sudden whoosh was his only warning. He opened his eyes to see a huge slab of rock wrench itself from the cave walls and slam into him!

"Who dares!" Ares pulled himself from the rubble, drawing his sword. Twin streams of water pounded his eyes, blinding him. With a scream of rage, Ares commanded his armor to disconnect, sending each piece striking out in a different direction. He heard yelps of surprise as his enemies dodged his attack. Following the sounds, he threw his sword in the direction that he heard them.

He heard the telltale clang of bracelets blocking his sword. "Diana, you dare!" Ares howled as he commanded his shield to strike.

The winds picked up, muffling his hearing. Ares grit his teeth, and teleported to the far end of the room. Regaining his bearings, he called his armor to him as he wiped the water from his eyes. He saw five figures in the distance...

And he felt something loop around his arms, drawing them tighter!

"Diana!" Ares roared as he focused on his attacker.

"You will stop this madness!" Diana pulled on her lasso.

"You cannot command me, Diana," Ares flexed, pulling at his bonds.

He heard the five in the distance. Urchins, they seemed, except for one rocky behemoth. One of the females was giving commands. "Grab the objects!" she was saying.

"It's futile to fight, we've foiled you," Diana pulled her lasso tighter.

Ares just smiled.

"We're missing one!" A yellow-skinned female called out. "Where's the Ox?"

"Oh no!" said the one who had been giving commands. "Everybody get off the ground-"

Her words were drowned out as a series of rocky explosions tore through the chamber. The rocky behemoth raised its arms, calling up earth to shield the group.

Ferdinand the minotaur stepped out of the shadows. "I am the Ox no more! I reclaim my birthright, as Ferdinand!"

"Of course!" the realization hit Diana. "Athena herself transformed Ferdinand, making it easier for you to restore him!"

Ares grinned as he watched Ferdinand commanded vines to grow and wrap around the three females. The red-headed male began calling fire to burn through the vines.

Using his own abilities, Ares commanded his shield to strike the fiery male; the redhead fell with a cry. Ares' gauntlet and sword slammed into the rocky one, allowing Ferdinand to drive it back.

"Surprised, Diana?" Ares taunted.

"Not quite," Diana smiled. The yellow one used the winds to slice at the vines holding them, and the green one pointed at Ferdinand, drawing water from his body. The rock being commanded the earth to swallow Ferdinand, holding him fast.

"We've got him for now!" the pale-skinned female, clearly the leader, commanded. "We'll keep him busy. Get the objects!"

Ares watched, eyes narrowed, as the rocking horse was lifted into the air, followed by the painting, the rabbit in its cage, and the doll. But who... it wasn't the wind-wielder. It was someone... invisible?

"Master Ares!" Ferdinand cried as he watched the objects float. "I'm sorry, I... ugh!" Ferdinand's muscles bulged as he fought with the rocky one over control of the very earth under them.

"You might as well surrender, Ares, it's over." Diana yanked at the lasso, forcing Ares to stand.

"Oh, do you underestimate me that much?" Ares simply laughed. After all, he had learned from his past mistakes. Athena may think she was the master tactician, with Ares focusing on savagery, but Ares had not been a god for this long without honing his battle tactics. He watched as the objects began to spark, and two screams emanated from around them. Reality rippled in front of Ares' eyes as a pink half-serpent and a redheaded woman in white fell to their knees.

"Sensor! Mysa!" the leader flew to them. "What...?"

"A trap!" the one called Mysa tried to stagger to her feet. "I tried to cast a counterspell, but Ares enchanted it to draw on my magics, and..."

"And you've done my work for me," Ares howled in laughter as the four objects began to transform.

The Legionnaires and Diana watched in horror as the Snake, the Horse, the Rooster and the Rabbit stood in front of them, restored.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Oh My Goddess! - 08/08/23 04:40 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Aeolia, a magical floating island in space

Active Legionnaires

Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication. Current Legion Leader.
Inferno, Dirk Morgna of Earth (USA and Russia); pyrokinesis, can see heat signatures
Lamprey, Tayla Skott of Earth (Maldives and Palau) and Neptune; underwater survival; hydrokinesis
Nightwind, Berta Skye Harris of Earth (Iceland) and Enwa; wind and air manipulation, enhanced vision
Sensor, Jeka Wynzorr of Orando; sensory manipulation
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Dryad, living remnant of the dead planet of the same name; malleable rock body, geokinesis and terrakinesis

Allies

Diana, Goddess of Truth (formerly Wonder Woman)

Opponents

Ares, God of War

The Chinese Zodiac

The Ox: Ferdinand of the Minotaurs; geokinesis and chlorokinesis
The Rabbit: Oswald Lepus of Earth-26; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability and senses
The Snake: Slizz of Orando, sensory manipulation
The Horse: Lusyo of Engkanto, self-teleportation
The Rooster: Chakuq of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space. creates vibrations from wings

***************************************************************************************

Diana watched in horror as the reformed Rabbit, Snake, Horse and Rooster faced off against the Legionnaires. Dryad was still stalemated with Ferdinand, both large beings wrestling with each other physically, hand against hand, as each tried to take control of the earth under them. Inferno leaned on Lamprey as they staggered to the others, even as Triad and Nightwind helped Sensor and the White Witch up.

"I think we know who our opponents are, eh?" the Snake laughed. She and the others began to fade from view.

"You will not use your illusions against us, wannabe usurper!" Sensor leaned forward with focus as she entered the Snake's mind.

"I am better than you, spoiled princess!" The Snake tried to fight Sensor's attack off.

"Not if I can help it," the Rooster flew towards Sensor.

"Back off!" Nightwind pointed, sending the Rooster flying backwards. The Horse teleported out of the way as the Rooster flew where he had been.

Reappearing over the Legionnaires, the Horse fell down towards them. "Look out!" Inferno pulled Lamprey out of the way.

"I have outmaneuvered you, Diana," Ares laughed even as he stretched at his bonds.

"Rabbit! Help Ares, he freed us!" Ferdinand called, even as he strained against Dryad. "The god in the armor!"

"The battle is not over yet," Diana was grim as she tied her lasso off, and squared herself to face the Rabbit even as he flew towards her.

"I think it's time for OUR plan B!" Triad called. "Mysa?"

"Yes." The White Witch waved her hands, focusing on the Triad in front of her. The space around them shimmered and glowed, and the spell Mysa had woven came into effect... "Triad, feel your sisters."

Triad opened herself up to the spell, and used her power to draw her other selves to her. She had never done it across such a great distance, but with Mysa's magic boosting her natural Carggite abilities...

A large green glowing disk appeared, and Triad felt her two sisters move closer...

Shikari was the first to emerge from Gates' teleport disk. "We are here!" The disk slowly opened to reveal Gates, Triads Orange and Purple, and about a dozen other Legionnaires.

"No!" Ares forced himself to stand as he watched the tide of battle shift again. "No!"

"Oh yes!" Triad pointed. "Let's go, Legionnaires!"

**************************************************************************************

Additional Active Legionnaires

Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks. Current Legion Deputy Leader.
Calorie Queen, Taryn Loy of Bismoll; consume all forms of matter, and conversion of same into super-strength
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Chemical Kid, Condo Arlik of Phlon; controls chemical reactions
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Insect Queen, Lonna Leing of Xanthu; morphs into various insect forms, gaining the powers of the forms she takes
M'Onel, Lar Gand of 20th century Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Sizzle, Teela Spuunvil of Abaddonus; absorbs and converts energy
Star Boy, Thom Kallor of Xanthu; gravity manipulation
Ultra Boy, Jo Nah of Rimbor; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers and flight, but can only use one power at a time

**************************************************************************************
"So many of them...!" The Horse sounded shocked.

"After all the trouble you gave us last time, we're not taking any chances," Gates snapped.

M'Onel zoomed into the path of the Rabbit, throwing him off-balance. "No!" Ares telekinetically commanded his sword to fly at the flying Daxamite.

"Ah ah, no flying weapons here!" Star Boy focused his gravity power on Ares' sword, causing it to sink to the ground. He cast his gravity powers wider, pinning Ares' left gauntlet to the ground as well. Ares grunted as he felt for the rest of his armor. His shield was still free...

"I've got this one," Element Lass pointed at the shield as it flew through the air. She focused on the nitrogen, turning it into gooey mercury.

Enraged, Ares screamed. "I don't need my weapons to defeat you!" He kicked against Diana, who staggered briefly; it was enough. Ares shrugged the lasso off, faced Diana, and charged.

"Diana!" M'Onel called. "Ultra Boy, Calorie Queen, someone - help her!"

"No need," Diana said through gritted teeth as she considered her options. Ares was enraged now, and he wasn't thinking. Luckily he wasn't; otherwise he would realize that he could overcome Star Boy's gravity and Element Lass' transmutations if he focused his powers enough. And now to use his rage to her advantage... Diana flipped backwards, using her momentum to throw Ares above her head and into the wall. Momentarily stunned, Ares collected himself; but this gave Diana enough time to retrieve her lasso. She jumped at Ares and tried to pin his arms around his sides.

"Looks like Diana has a handle on it. Do you need some help, Sensor?" Calorie Queen flew towards her teammate, who was still locked in a battle of wills with the Snake.

"Please," was all Sensor said. It was taking all her concentration to stop the Snake from casting her own illusions. On the plus side, the Snake was equally unable to overpower Sensor.

"With pleasure." Calorie Queen circled around to gain momentum, and turned in mid-air to smack her feet into the back of the Snake's head. The Snake barely had time to cry out before she fell, unconscious.

"Thanks. And now to help M'Onel." Sensor focused her power on the Rabbit, blinding him. "He can't see or hear, but he can feel," Sensor called. M'Onel headbutted the Rabbit, forcing him back.

"And now he can't breathe, either!" Nightwind commanded the air around the Rabbit to flow away.

"He's still putting up a fight, but we've got him covered," M'Onel slowly forced the Rabbit to the ground.

"Leave him alone!" The Rooster began vibrating her wings, sending deadly shockwaves across the chamber.

"We're prepared for that," Echo pointed at the Rooster, concentrating on the shockwaves, and sending them back at her. The Rooster staggered back, angered. "Stop it!"

"No, you stop it!" Shikari flew at the Rooster, armored up. She attacked from behind, slashing at her fellow Kwai. "You shame our people with your crimes!"

"I just wanted a comfortable life!" screeched the Rooster.

"At the expense of killing us?" Shikari snarled as she fought back.

"Shikari, back off, I have an idea!" Sizzle called. Shikari complied, pivoting in mid-air so that she could kick off the Rooster's chest. Shikari used the momentum to propel herself away.

"She's making a lot of sound energy, and you've helped gather it up," Sizzle addressed Echo. "Now let's see how she likes pure anti-energy?" Sizzle let the sound flow through her body, and turned it into a mega-blast aimed at the Rooster. The Rooster screamed as the blast hit, and she fell to the floor, twitching.

"No!" Ferdinand screamed as he pushed Dryad back. He slammed into the ground, sending a wave of boulders flying at the Legionnaires.

"Behind me!" Ultra Boy called, using super-speed to get in front of Triad and the others. Switching to invulnerability, he let the rocks crash harmlessly into his chest.

"Smart thinking, Jo," Element Lass beamed as she waved her hands. "It's given me time to set up an inertron shield."

"And Ferdinand's plants are under control, too!" Chemical Kid called. Beside him, Insect Queen had taken the form of a Bismollian Aphid. "This species wiped out almost all plant life on Bismoll once," Insect Queen laughed. "It secretes a poisonous substance... it does take time, though."

"Which is why I'm accelerating the plants' rate of decay," Chemical Kid laughed as he spread his power wide, causing vines to wither and wilt.

"I am sorry, I am weakening..." Dryad called. "I have been blocking Ferdinand's control of the earth, but..."

"We're a team, Dryad, and you've done your part," Triad called. "Gang?"

"This should help. Dryad, break off," M'Onel called. Dryad used its flight ring to jump backwards, even as M'Onel threw the Rabbit into Ferdinand. The Minotaur roared in pain as the invulnerable body of its comrade crashed into him, and Ferdinand finally fell, unconscious.

The Rabbit staggered to his feet. "You stupid illusionist! I can't see or hear, but I can still fight, and..."

"Let's end this, team," Triad called. "One mega blast, he can take it!"

"With pleasure," Inferno charged up his fists.

"On three?" Lamprey smiled.

"Three!" And with that, The Rabbit was hit by Inferno's fire, Lamprey's water, Ultra Boy's flash vision, M'Onel's heat vision, and Echo's sound waves. The Rabbit screamed, took one step forward... and fell flat on his face.

"And Diana's got Ares under control," Triad pointed. Diana has managed to wrestle Ares onto his knees, and she had bound him in the lasso again. "That just leaves the Horse," Triad called. "Cham?"

"Keeping him busy!" Chameleon's voice called from up above. Chameleon had taken the form of a Neptunian Man of War. "Everywhere he teleports, he brings me along!"

"Get off me!" The Horse squealed as he vanished again.

"Let me end this," the White Witch called. Focusing on Chameleon's flight ring, she let herself concentrate on the Horse's form. "A simple spell of sleep, and..."

The Horse solidified again, and staggered. "What... happen..." And he fell to the floor, snoring.

"Let's add him to the collection," Gates opened a teleport disk under the Horse, depositing him with the other unconscious Zodiac signs.

"No! You cowards!" Ares howled as he struggled against Diana's lasso. "You're too afraid to reclaim our glory as Olympian gods!"

"No, we are simply taking the side of wisdom." A voice called from the entrance to the chamber.

"Athena!" Diana bowed as the leader of the Olympians entered.

"And we have a guest," Athena motioned behind her.

The Mother of the Great Chariot, the Queen of Heaven, walked in. "I thank you for inviting me here," she gazed calmly around the room. "Indeed, there are hotheaded ones among my pantheon as well, who would have seen this attempt to undo our spell as an affront."

"But cooler heads prevailed," Athena laughed. "And we have come to an agreement."

"No! I want war!" Ares howled.

Diana looked at Athena, who nodded. "Very well," Diana loosened her lasso's grip around Ares. The crazed god turned on Diana. "I will beat you to a pulp even without my weapons!" He charged at her.

Diana side-stepped the first punch, and used Ares' momentum to pivot him into a wall. "You will not, not when you are in such a rage," Diana said quietly. Ares turned around and swung at her with his fists; she parried the blow with her bracelets, then kicked him in the stomach. Twisting around, she pivoted and forced him into a kneeling position.

Athena stepped forward, watching her half-brother struggle. "You have been weakened, Ares. We loosed you just so you could see for yourself. It's over."

"And even if you had beaten me," Diana continued. "You could not beat all these Legionnaires behind me..."

"Nor my added power. Athena has gladly given me permission to intervene," the Queen of Heaven added. "Not that it is needed," she smiled at the Legionnaires. "I am impressed, young mortals."

Triad blushed slightly, and was grateful that this was not the first time she had encountered gods and goddesses. She would have stammered, otherwise. "Teamwork and tactics, my goddess."

"Indeed, even we gods can learn much from you," Athena's eyes twinkled. She and the Queen of Heaven moved towards the five fallen Zodiac Signs. Each of the five slowly lifted off the ground, and were roused by the gods' combined power. They hung in the air; the Ox was defiant, and the other four looked mildly frightened.

"I don't want to be a doll again..." the Rooster whispered.

"When we laid judgment on you," the Queen of Heaven began. "We thought that your time spent in transformation would also be spent in contemplation. But clearly, your rage at your imprisonment has only been building."

"And that might be due to the nature of your punishment," Athena continued. "After all, how can you think about your paths if you are not yourselves?"

"So we will no longer transform you..." the Queen of Heaven continued.

"Instead, you will retain your forms, but we will bind your powers away..." Athena finished. "Until you show you are worthy of them."

A brilliant glow enveloped each of the five... and then they fall, to the ground.

The Rabbit was first to stand. He stomped on the ground. "Hah! I still have my strength!" The Rabbit flew towards M'Onel. "Take this- What?" And the Rabbit fell to the ground, stunned. "My power..."

"You are bound," The Queen of Heaven smiled. "The moment you think of using your powers for violence or evil, they will fade... until your thoughts are pure again."

"I... I'm trying to hide us, but I can't!" the Snake gasped.

"I can see a path..." The Rooster began to hover. "But as soon as I think of escaping, my sight is gone!"

The Queen of Heaven nodded Triad. "We leave them with you, for mortal justice, just like the other Zodiac Signs."

"And do not think you can unravel this spell," Athena addressed Ares. "For now, goddesses of two pantheons have laid it. And as for you..."

Athena and the Queen of Heaven both approached Ares. "We cannot make you forget..."

"... but we can ensure you do not act on this knowledge." Both goddesses waved their hands, and Ares screamed.

Athena stepped back. "Sadly, I cannot inhibit you any more than this, but... you are bound, brother. Bound not to interfere in mortal affairs, not while this combined spell is on you."

Diana released her hold on Ares, and he slumped to the ground, on all fours. Diana walked away, and over to Triad. "You all acted brilliantly," Diana smiled.

"It was a group effort," Triad said. "With your experience, we were able to come up with two great contingency plans."

"I am impressed indeed," Athena addressed the gathered Legion. "Having two of your number hiding in illusion the whole time, to surprise Ares... and devising a way to use your own triplication abilities to teleport your teammates to your location, just in case. Truly, a hallmark of battle strategy."

"Necessity is the mother of invention," Triad laughed. "Our Threshold technology could not reach this magical place, but good old-fashioned magic could..."

"Why have you forsaken me, great Athena?" Ferdinand cried, as he sat on the ground. "All I desired was a return to glory..." He clutched at the ground... he could still make pebbles dance, but once he thought of using them to bombard the Legionnaires, his control faded.

Diana looked at him sadly. "You are not at all like the Ferdinand I knew, a millennium ago... He would have been disappointed to call you his descendant." Diana addressed the assembled team. "I thank you, all of you, for your aid. And this I leave you," she handed a bracelet to Triad. "We have bound ourselves not to interfere in the mortal world, but should you need counsel, you may reach me there."

Triad clutched at the bracelet, and said her thanks.

"Farewell, young heroes," Athena waved. Then the Legionnaires disappeared, back to Legion World.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Vacation - 08/08/23 06:09 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

On an island on Summer World, just a normal beach island

Active Legionnaires

Cosmic Boy, Rokk Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis
Kid Quantum II, Jazmin Cullen of Xanthu; time manipulation. Former Legion leader.

*****************************************************

The sun shone brightly on Summer World, the year-round beach planet. With weather control* maintaining a comfortable tropical climate, Summer World was the best destination for those who wanted a comfortable, lazy holiday.

Kid Quantum playfully beaned Cosmic Boy on the head with the nearest pillow. "Rokk Krinn, did you really just dial us into the latest Legion meeting?"

"Jazmin! Quit it!" Rokk laughed as he beat off the pillow. "Imra told me we'd be discussing whether any of the Cadets were ready for another VR test, and I wanted to put a good word in for Dryad!"

Jazmin drew herself up in mock anger. "I'm sure the others can argue for or against Dryad. Just because you're one of the founders, doesn't mean you need to butt in while we're on vacation!"

"Okay, okay," Rokk raised his hands. "You win, I'm sorry."

"Good, now you can apologize by fetching me brunch," Jazmin sighed as she stretched her hands behind her head. "Ah, this is the life... Omnicom off... warm tropical weather with a cooling breeze... mimosas and berries..." A falling leaf from the tree above caught her eye. She launched a quantum-sphere at it, aging it to dust before it fell on her face. "Mmmm..."

As Rokk came back with a tray full of coffee, mimosas and waffles, Jazmin opened her eyes. "So, what happened at the meeting?"

"And why do you want to know?" Rokk teased. Jazmin made as if to throw another pillow. "Okay, okay," Rokk laughed. "Well, Triad and Gates actually had sat down with Dryad, and it said it didn't feel ready. It acknowledged it has been doing well in combat, but it feels like it still doesn't understand the modern world enough. Not yet."

"Shikari became an Active Legionnaire* when she was fresh out of the Kwai Galaxy," Jazmin pointed out. "Ferro became an Active member back in the 20th century, and we just put him through a futuristic orientation."

"They said exactly that," Rokk winked. "Dryad countered that Chemical Kid and Inferno were on probationary status for a bit while going through combat training, and they graduated from that only after passing a VR test."**

Jazmin craned her neck. "Well, Dryad's been studying our history."

"That's what Triad said... and Triad reminded it, that its combat skills are excellent. Triad also reminded it that it has done well in virtually every group VR simulation its been in, including those involving crowd control, disaster relief, fighting villains..." Rokk enumerated. "But the answer was still no, Dryad wants to be very sure of itself."

"Eh, it's not like Dryad is going anywhere," Jazmin countered. "Better to raise someone up too late, than too early."

"That's exactly what the membership concluded," Rokk's eyes twinkled. "They're going to VR test Dryad along with our senior Cadets soon."

"Okay, that's all I wanted to know," Jazmin grinned as she sat up. She grabbed two glasses off the tray, and handed one to Rokk. "Now... let's have brunch, and then you are going to show me a good mag-surfing time." Rokk grinned back as the couple clinked their glasses in a toast.

********************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Summer World first appeared in Legionnaires 77!

2) Shikari became honorary in Legion Lost, and gained full Active status in Legion 3 - shortly after the Lost Legionnaires return from the Kwai Galaxy to United Planets space. Ferro becomes a full Legionnaire in LSH 93, while the team is still stranded in the 20th century.

3) Chemical Kid and Inferno got probationary Active status at the end of Volume 3, but only probationary - they could use their powers well, but didn't have relevant combat training. They agreed to the VR test to see if they were ready for full Active status.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac A Second Option - 08/08/23 06:27 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Earth

**********************************************************************************

Matahari van Dam, Earthgov's spymaster, leaned back as she read the reports from her agents. Sandy Anderson had been contacted, but had not yet opened the message left for her.

Well, even if Sandy never did read the message, they had many other willing candidates. Perhaps not truly willing, but capable.

She pored through her files. Mano; with Leland McCauley, the object of his revenge dead**, perhaps Mano could be considered. He had turned on Tharok when Tharok threatened genocide on Braal and Titan. And with the magical object stolen by the Fatal Five gone, Mano had no real reason to stay loyal to the other Five members.

The only other Five member worth considering was Validus; who was more like an angry, wild animal than a true villain. But Validus was too powerful, too uncontrollable.

Matahari pored over her other files. There were four more candidates that she could consider... four very strong ones, who were feeling very guilty about some of their recent acts.

Those were the easiest to manipulate, she thought. She leaned back in her seat, twiddling with her Omnicom. It was time to activate these four.

*********************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Matahari van Dam first appeared in Volume 4, when Invisible Kid and friends obtained information about Jacques Foccart!

2) Mano targeted Leland McCauley, because McCauley sold weapons to both sides of the civil war on Mano's homeworld Angtu - which wiped out everyone on Angtu except Mano himself (Legionnaires 19-20, LSH 63). Tharok was supposed to launch Braalian missiles at Titan to incite a new Braal-Titan war, but when Mano realized this, he stopped Tharok (LSH 80). Mano misses the Fatal Five's next appearance (LSH 121-122), but rejoins in Legion 15-16 to retrieve a mysterious object that can only be accessed by all of the Five together. In Volume 4, I reveal that the object is the magical Serpent Crown, and Chameleon and Sensor deduce that Mano had been intending to keep the object from the rest of the Five.
Posted By: Set Re: Vacation - 08/09/23 12:15 AM
I've fallen behind again, but I've got some days off to catch up with this and the first five eps of this season of Harley Quinn. smile

Just wanted to say, gosh, I love that you spelled 'pored' correctly in the above post about Matahari. So many times I see someone type that a character 'poured over' some documents and it just makes the English major pedant in my think 'What do they 'pour' over the documents? Coffee? Whiskey? Fruit juice? Argh!' smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Vacation - 08/09/23 07:30 AM
thank you, Set! it's the little things tongue maybe they poured whiteout to get rid of all the typos tongue

happy viewing re Harley Quinn!
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Vacation - 08/09/23 08:55 AM
IB, hey there, you've been busy!

Loving your focus on Triad. And, of course she's want to spend some time with RJ. It was sweet of Chuck to remind her how competent she really is. And RJ enjoying a decent whisky, and why not, he deserves it. Switching glasses for Lori so she had a drink she enjoys was cute. And using poor Condo as a hangover neutraliser - bet he must be busy quite a lot laugh

Lu keeping up to date with the espionage Squad missions is smart. That's the sort of oversight that I imagine team leaders could easily miss and it leads to problems. And, again, it was nice to see her being reminded of facts by Chameleon - they're never going to now everything and deal with it at once.

Triad Purple - oh dear, never the most patient of Legionnaires. And, I suppose, as royalty Jeka wouldn't have a problem speaking back. Ra's al Ghul's punishment was really brutal, but I guess no-one will complain too much about it after eveything he put the team and the rest of the UP through. Interesting that the team send Saturn Girl, Mentalla or Sensor to TG every day to check on the Zodiac team - you'd think the SP's hsve telepathic staff that could do that? Ah, things never go smoothly, do they? And Diana, Goddess of Truth? Fantastic!

Gates asking for advice on being more sociable with the mammalian bipeds is hilarious and awesome! Sounds like Brainy used a bit of nudge techniques to get his friend into a leadership position - shades of the WAK Brainy there! I really love Gates happiness at the team reminding him when he was quick to critisize them, his ego really isn't fragile laugh And inviting Lamprey as she didn't vote for him but is nice, haha, that was great. Brainy calling Gates personality "earnest openness" - yeah, that's as good a polite description as I've ever heard smile

Interesting team you've got together - the four old elements? Was that intentional? And Ares has the former Zodiac crew? Another war with gods? You like your ancient divinity, don't you smile I'd forgotten that in the reboot Valor was seen as a Christ-type figure, nice little reminder with Triad wondering how reverent she should be in the presence of an actual Goddess. Zeus wanting a break and letting Athena lead? Let's be honest, he's off chaasing exotic alien tail, isn't he? Gates and Triad having that little push n' pull at the end of this section rang true - Lu doesn't want him to run rampant while she's on a mission and he wants to show he's a good deputy - that is bound to flair up, but for now it's working.

The floating island would be a sight! Dryad reminding the team that it would be impolite to manipulate the elements there is clever. "Living rock etiquette 101..." indeed! Funny how Aeolia calls Dryad 'myliege' as if he's one of the Greek Pantheon. A challenge to get to Ares, of course, there was always some test of worth before you could get your god-given reward, you had to earn it. I love the air maze for Berta to find her way through - that was clever. Lamprey's doubts are understandable, her abilities are a relatively recent thing aren't they? Very clever the way she floated the bridge to the narrowest point in the river! Dryad is an interesting one, how they remember being a planet and the power they had, it does make me wonder if iy might do something stupid further down the line when it's a bit more confident if it's offered the opportunity to return to its former size. The fire trial was the most fun to imagine, as the risks were horrible! Dirks confidence is intact whichever Boot he's in smile And it's nice how you contrast that with Tayla's behaviour. Nice of Berta to big up Tayla, reminding her that she can be resourceful and get her own way without offending people - good call!

Nice that Ares struggles with different magics from another pantheon. And using his armour as a weapon is smart! Ferdinand being bound by Athena makes it eaaier for Ares to free - good call. Ah, the old keep a team hidden until they are needed trick! Good choice having Sensor and the White Witch - though Ares isn't as stupid as they think, eh? He is a god afterall and you'd think he would ace tactical thiking really.

Ah, I'm out of time now. I'll try to get back to this later on today IB. Loving it so far and looking forward to more, more, more!
Posted By: razsolo Re: Vacation - 08/09/23 10:08 AM
Hi IB! I had some time tonight to catch up, so let's go!

LOL @ RJ and Marla acting like an old married couple laugh

Aww, poor Lu being overwhelmed...it makes sense, she's always been in a support role before this but I think she'll surprise herself! If Neutral is feeling like this though, I wonder what it's like for the other two?

Oh, and I suspect we are about to find out! Nice touch that Purple deals with it by putting up a hard front and lashing out, that fits! And WONDER WOMAN!!?? Wow!!

Gates trying to win hearts and minds is actually really cute, and I am sure will lead to a lot of laughs as it has already laugh

Triad being a bit awed by Diana is also a nice touch! I remember her being weird about M'Onel!

The elemental tests were all clever and a nice excuse to have some individual focus on characters - Lamprey's concern about being a pushover was nicely handled, it must be tough being understated in a group of boisterous personalities!

And of course, some patented Legion teamwork to get the reinforcements there! Love Triad, Gates, Mysa and Shikari working together like that!

That was a nice little adventure, IB! A good first outing for Triad and Gates!

Also, I still love the name Matahari Van Dam for a spymaster, and am curious about who her other potential recruits could be! Reboot Mano is by FAR the best Mano, so I wouldn't object to seeing him pop up again in some capacity!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Vacation - 08/09/23 11:02 AM
oh wow, that was fast, thanks tons for the comments, Harbi and raz!

Harbi:

re telepathic staff to check on prisoners, you are absolutely correct that they do have that smile the team just likes having an additional layer of security by having one of Imra, Mentalla or Sensor do the checks. just to be mega sure smile although, they don't go to Takron-Galtos daily; they only do this for prisoners left on Legion World.

tee-hee re Brainy! Yes, he's more canny than most give him credit for wink and Brainy knew that Gates would be over the moon with winning, plus he believes that Gates can do a good job.

four elements was definitely intentional, and I do like the divinity - TBH it was an excuse to have Wonder Woman around. plus, I was thinking it was a waste to have 5 of the Zodiac Signs just lying around doing nothing, and I wanted to draw on them again tongue

Ra's is definitely in a living hell. TBH I was pleased to do that to him, he was always so smug and nasty.

re Aeolia and Dryad, I was struggling with a gender-neutral term - Dryad is neither he nor she, but it. Liege is the first thing that popped into mind lol!

glad you liked the tests, and the character bits esp. with Tayla and Berta smile Tayla's worries are definitely drawn from my own!

TBH Ares was a tough write! he definitely knows some tactics for sure! so indeed, I thought it would be too easy if Sensor/White Witch succeeded right away -- and besides, it wouldn't have been as fun if the rest of the Zodiacs just lay around doing nothing wink

raz:

I knew you'd dig having Wonder Woman show up smile

glad you liked all these little character bits! Lamprey's struggle is a personal one for me too, lol, I used to worry that I was too nice!

I love how Gates is always well-meaning but a bit "off" in how he does things!

re reinforcements, thanks! And having so many Legionnaires, I just love using as many of them as possible in a given adventure, especially when there are a lot of the enemy too!

agree that Reboot Mano is the best, and there's a lot more to him - so look out for more re him smile and yay Matahari, we'll see a more of her in the future too!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Different Poles - 08/09/23 04:37 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Braal

Active Legionnaires

Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal) and Quothon; controls his body's density

Reserve Legionnaires

Magnetic Kid, Pol Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis (magno-ball athlete)

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Rainbow, Dori Aandraison of Xolnar; rainbow-based light powers
Veilmist of Khundia and ??; teleportation

***********************************************************

"This is going to be meteor-rad!" Blizzard was practically bouncing up and down in excitement as he stepped onto the VIP guest box on the magno-ball court.

"I know, right?" Rainbow was shivering with excitement. "Here! On Braal! With some of the galaxy's best magno-ball players! I could nova-burn-scream!"

"It's almost like Comet Queen is still here with us," Density whispered to Chameleon and Veilmist.

"I still do not understand why we are here," Veilmist shook her head. "I understand now that some of our missions are humanitarian, but this..." She waved her arm at the field behind them, which was festooned with colors and flags from different United Planets worlds. "What does entertainment have to do with the Legion?"

"This is for a charitable cause, Veilmist," Chameleon explained patiently*. "I dislike pageantry as much as you do, but the Legion also stands for diversity, cooperation and acceptance. We are trying to accomplish two things today: raise money for charitable funds, and show that beings of different worlds can come together for a common cause."

"And we get to have fun doing it!" Density grinned. "This is important work, Veilmist. Even if you're not into magno-ball, you can enjoy it. Besides," Density lowered his voice and gave an exaggerated wink, "we can enjoy gawking at all the sexy athletes!"

"I suppose..." Veilmist said doubtfully. She cast an unimpressed look around. Even though she herself was only half-Khund, she was easily more muscular and larger of frame than even the largest males on the field!

"Aw, Jed, peeping at other men again?" Blizzard laughed. "Do you ever stop thinking about that, you horndog?"

"Hey, I was just joking!" Density protested. "I'm not oversexed himbo, you know!"

"Whoa there!" Blizzard held his hands up. "Sorry, Jed, I was just teasing! I promise, I don't really think that!" Brek studied his friend - usually, he and Jed were in the thick of this kind of "trash talking", along with some of the others. But well, everyone does have their berserk buttons. He'd remember to ease off on Jed next time.

"Well, okay, then," Density mumbled. He knew that he and Gravity joked a lot about it, but he was concerned about getting THAT kind of reputation among the team... Well, Gravity was more concerned about it, but Jed always believed that a happy spouse, made for a happy life...

… and besides, even when Jed had been single, he hadn’t been THAT easy…

"Ah, look who's here!" Chameleon gestured to the opening of the VIP box, happy for the distraction. Stretching an arm out, he high-fived Pol Krinn. "Our very own Magnetic Kid!"

"Cham, please!" Pol laughed. "Magnetic Kid is my Legion code name, but the fans and the media have adopted it as my name period! I really should have chosen a better name!"

"To be fair, Magnetic Kid DOES say more about your powers than, say, Cosmic Boy!" Rainbow said, somewhat cheekily.

"Hah, yes, well, my brother and I have taken different paths,"* Pol laughed. But something about his tone made Rainbow wish she hadn't made that joke. "But even though I've followed him into both magno-ball and the Legion, I'm carving a niche for myself. Too bad Rokk is on vacation with his lady love..."

"You're more than enough," Rainbow stammered, trying to salvage the situation.

"Yes, the crowd is here for US today," Blizzard boasted. "Let's give them a great show!"

"And that's our cue," Chameleon shifted his ear into a Kathooni Moonbat's, to listen to the announcers. "They've given the floor to us."

The Legionnaires flew out into the middle of the stadium, to great applause. As the senior Legionnaire present, and the one most used to public speaking, Chameleon introduced the charitable missions they were supporting. He then reminded the audience that each Legionnaire present was from a different world, and that their main purpose was to be a living, breathing example of the amazing things that could be accomplished when diverse worlds pooled their best together.

"But enough of that," Chameleon ended. "Let's get this show started!"

Pol Krinn stood in the middle of the field, eyes closed. Seven magno-balls lay on the ground in front of him. Then Pol opened his eyes and smiled right at the camera. There was one thing that Pol had cultivated, where he thought he could do better than his brother - showmanship. And he was living it up for all it was worth, waving his arms wider than they needed to be. Pol flowed into a wide stance, one leg bent so he almost kneeled. At the touch of his magnetic powers, the seven magno-balls levitated and rotated around him...

... and with a twitch, he sent them flying off towards Density.

Density heard the announcer explaining Jed's own powers. He paid no heed; though he could toughen himself up by increasing his density, he still wanted to ensure that nothing particularly sensitive was hit. He trusted Pol's aim, but...

Jed watched as each ball bounced off his massive chest. Flexing a bit, Jed winked at the stands.

Each magno-ball then arced towards Veilmist, who stood, trying in vain to hide her boredom and annoyance.

"Just think of it as a training session," she muttered to herself. She still couldn't help but think it was a frivolous waste of time! Well, she would do her best. As each ball zipped towards her, Veilmist triggered her teleportation field. Light-colored purple smoke surrounded each ball...

... and Veilmist teleported each one high up into the sky!

Blizzard floated high above the stadiums. He waved at the cameras broadcasting him. "Keep it cool, everyone," he winked. As each ball appeared above him, he coated it in a small, translucent sphere of thin ice. "All yours, Chameleon!"

Chameleon, flying below Blizzard, morphed his body into a Jovian Septopod. He kept his head normal, though. "The Jovian Septopod has evolved to deal with cold temperatures, so I can hold onto these balls safely - don't try to touch pure ice with your bare appendages, kids!" Catching each icy ball in one tentacle, Chameleon fanned them out in a circle.

Finally, Rainbow flew over to Chameleon. "I hope you like colors, everyone," she grinned. She couldn't actually change color, not like Spectrum, but she could do the next best thing for their purposes. Casting a wide rainbow beam, Rainbow scattered the wavelengths so each hit a different ball. The audience below oohed and aahed as each magno-ball lit up in a different rainbow color.

"The Legion of Super-Heroes, everyone!" the announcer called out, and the stadium quickly erupted in cheers.

"This is nice, isn't it, Veilmist?" Density whispered as they - and Pol - flew up to join the others.

"I suppose..." Veilmist sighed.

But before they could reach the field, a blast erupted on the stadium below!

Instinctively, Veilmist extended her teleportation field to cover her two fellows, and blinked high up above the crowd near where Chameleon, Blizzard and Rainbow were floating.

"What the sprock?!" Rainbow pointed below. "This isn't part of the program?"

"We have to assume we're under attack," Chameleon said, grimly. "Bomb blast, it seems. Density, you're with me - we need to check the scene. Pol, I suspect that bomb was plastic, so Braalians wouldn't be able to detect it. You coordinate with the Science Police and Legion World, do a sweep of the stadium to see if there are more bombs. Blizzard, take Veilmist and Rainbow and evacuate the place."

As the Legionnaires fanned out, Blizzard looked at a stunned Rainbow and a grim Veilmist. "Guess we're going to fight bad guys, after all, eh?" he said, trying to cheer the two Reservists up. He didn't feel very much like smiling, though.

*****************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Chameleon's canon motivation for remaining with the Legion was partly this - to be an ambassador for Durla, and have people learn to trust Durlans and treat them as normal sentients. He resisted calls to return to Durla and take up the Spiritual Leader post after his father died, for this very reason (Legionnaires 46, among others).

2) Magnetic Kid (Pol) was a full Legionnaire in Volume 1-3, at the time his big brother Cosmic Boy (Rokk) was lost in the multiverse. Pol wanted to honor Rokk's legacy. But when Rokk and the rest of the Legion returned, Pol also realized being a hero wasn't his true passion - and decided to return to magno-ball, a sport he had taken up in canon.

As a reminder, Cosmic Boy himself was a magno-ball champion before he founded the Legion!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Out of the Rubble - 08/09/23 05:31 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

The Sklarian Asteroid Belt

Sklar used to be a non-aligned world, but had thriving trade ties with the United Planets. Tragically, the planet was destroyed by the resurgent sorcerer Mordru, killing all on it - except for the Legion away team that tried to stop him. After Mordru's defeat, the surviving Sklarians resettled on the asteroids that once formed their homeworld.

Sklar's pre-destruction economy was mainly focused on trade and services, and Sklar had little industry otherwise. Therefore, Sklar's destruction has not affected their economy much. However, criminality has increased; Sklar has always had a history of banditry, piracy and raiding, and - because these pirates were always female and tended to operate offworld,a large percentage of surviving Sklarians are female.

- Encyclopedia Galactica


Active Legionnaires

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings); anti-energy being

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Battering Ram, Louie Lee of Pluto; concussive force blasts
Crystal Kid, Bobb Kohan of Earth (Brazil and Peru); crystal generation and manipulation
X-Bomb Betty, Betty Shell of Ventura; causes small explosions

***********************************************************

"Score one for Wildfire, yeah!" Wildfire cheered as he blasted another meteor to smithereens. "Sprock, it's nice to have a simple mission for once!"

"Yes, the highlight of my career," Crystal Kid snarked. "Protecting the Sklarian asteroid belt from a meteor shower!"

"You should see this as a way to practice your abilities, Bobb," Violet chided, even as she grew a few more meters. She reached out with both hands to grab fistfuls of meteors heading her way and crushed them in her fists.

Wildfire flew up close to Crystal Kid and lowered his voice modulator. "And besides, you're the senior Cadet here," Wildfire reminded Crystal Kid. "You don't see Battering Ram or X-Bomb Betty complaining now, do you?"

Crystal Kid bit his lip and glowered. But he wisely held his tongue, and instead concentrated on generating the largest crystal bowl he could, and using it to collect meteors that passed by the others.

"Your control is improving, Betty," Violet complimented the statuesque Cadet. X-Bomb Betty smiled bashfully as she focused her power on another approaching meteor. It exploded from the inside; Betty had generated a charge just large enough to split it into rubble harmlessly. "You've all been so generous with your efforts in helping me practice," Betty said.

Violet smiled; many of the Legionnaires had dismissed Betty as a ditzy pretty girl, at first. But Betty had proven herself to be a very diligent and serious Cadet.

"Yours too, Battering Ram," Wildfire waved at the non-binary Cadet. Battering Ram grinned and brushed at their hair, cut short in a very modern style. Perhaps second only to Kinetix, Battering Ram had changed costumes the most times since being involved with the Legion. Having grown up on conservative Pluto, Louie relished their newfound freedom to express themselves to the fullest.

Crystal Kid tried not to seethe as he kicked himself for complaining so openly.

"Guys, a little help here?" Ferro called out. He was floating on the edges of the group. "I can deal with the smaller ones, but this one..." He pointed at a meteor that was about half the size of the old Legion headquarters on Earth.*

"I've got it," Violet smiled as she flew to Ferro. "After all, in this case, size matters." Growing even larger, Violet used her flight ring to brace herself. She caught the meteor in both hands, and let her flight ring carry her backwards until she could slow to a stop.

"Nice catch, Vi!" Wildfire whooped even as he blasted a few more meteors into pebbles.

Violet glanced over at Ferro. She had hoped that this mission would give them a chance to talk... Mentalla had come to Kinetix about her concerns over Ferro's recent behavior. Kinetix had promised Mentalla she'd keep an eye out for Ferro; and warned Mentalla that Ferro HAD had a crush on her, and she and Echo should probably be sensitive about that in front of Ferro. Mentalla had appeared surprised at this.

"But I just thought he was a really nice guy!" Kinetix had parroted Mentalla's reply to Violet as they were getting drinks in Kinetix's rooms. Kinetix had come to Violet because it wasn't a big enough issue yet tfor, say, Triad or Legion psychiatrist Dr. Ryk'rr with, but it was slightly worrying. "We all know he had a crush on YOU first, Vi," Kinetix had reminded.**

"He never actually SAID so," Violet had countered.

"It was obvious," Kinetix had rolled her eyes.

"I've always thought of him as just a friend..." Violet had protested.

"And that's why you're the perfect person to talk to him!" Kinetix had prodded. "When was the last time you actually had a nice 1-1 and caught up with him?"

And so Violet had promised to talk to Ferro.

"That's a real good punch, Ferro," Violet said as Ferro pulverized another meteor.

"Thanks," Ferro just grunted.

Violet sighed as she grabbed another meteor out of the sky, crushing it between her palms. "So... what did you think about going with me, Zoe, Candi and Mabuhay to that Ventura Fashion Week*** gig? She has room for one more..."

"Why don't you ask Blizzard? Or Tenzil?" was Ferro's curt reply.

Violet kept her face smooth; it wouldn't do to argue in front of the Cadets. For that matter, they were on a mission. She snatched another meteor in her hand. "Battering Ram, you want this?" she called to the Cadet closest to her. Battering Ram eagerly signaled yes, and Violet tossed the meteor to him.

"We want to ask you, Ferro." Violet waited for a reply.

Ferro sighed. "Thanks, but I'll pass..."

Violet decided to let the matter lie, for now. "Okay, well if you change your mind," she said. Then she turned towards the meteor shower. But this wouldn't be the last word. If something was bothering Ferro, she wouldn't leave him to suffer like that.

************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) The Legion maintained an Earth HQ until the Blight came (LSH 79). Concurrently, their was the old Legion Outpost (inaugurated LSH 100, destroyed as part of the Blight invasion). Now, everyone is headquartered on Legion World (first shown Legion 3).

2) Ferro's crushes. Gosh, Ferro had a bad time. He had a crush on the Sandy Anderson Inferno in LSH 94, but that plotline was dropped quickly. Ferro transferred his crush to Violet, but never acted on it (Legionnaires 59, 77). That was the last canon mention of his crush, and I decided to have Ferro move on... Ferro first starts crushing on Mentalla at the beginning of Volume 4. And we know recently that Mentalla and Echo started dating (end of Volume 4).

3) Mabuhay Corazon is Kinetix's childhood friend, and a budding fashion designer. She also consults with the Legion on practical and fashionable costume designs!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Out of the Rubble - 08/10/23 09:24 AM
Taking a little intermission now from the two ongoing story threads, to write a Roll Call for Pollen's gang! As we've seen them as a group twice now (and many of their members also appeared in Volume 3, individually). And they're too much fun NOT to use again wink Roll call only, not bios tongue


appearance 1: https://www.legionworld.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1001365#Post1001365

appearance 2: https://www.legionworld.net/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1027813#Post1027813

I call them...

The Bad Weeds

Bronto of unknown; saurian physique with enhanced strength and durability
Disks of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks
Gangster of unknown; generates unlimited duplicates that vanish if he loses concentration
Licht of Silvan; energy being made of light
Pollen of unknown; plant-based physiology, including production of spores that cause a variety of effects
Undertaker, unpronounceable of Sarccus; controls others' bodily functions
Ze Tongue of unknown; prehensile, stretchable, shapeshifting tongue
Zula Hex of Colu; 8th level intelligence
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Different Poles - 08/11/23 03:32 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Braal

Active Legionnaires

Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal) and Quothon; controls his body's density

Reserve Legionnaires

Magnetic Kid, Pol Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis (magno-ball athlete)

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Rainbow, Dori Aandraison of Xolnar; rainbow-based light powers
Veilmist of Khundia and ??; teleportation

***********************************************************
Rainbow closed her eyes as Veilmist's telltale power signature washed over her. She always felt a bit tingly when teleporting; Doctor Impulse had said it was due to her Xolnarian physiology, but was harmless.

As they appeared in front of the area of the stands most affected by the blast, Rainbow gasped. Seats were strewn around, and she saw many injured - most moaning, but a few motionless. Veilmist was already flying towards the stands. Rainbow looked at Blizzard. "Do we...?"

"We wait, Veilmist!" Blizzard smiled encouragingly at Rainbow. "Emergency Response 101. Find the coordinating officer."

"I got your coordinating chump right here!" A squat, orange-skinned male Science Police officer with a crewcut and an eyepatch walked over. "Officer Vin Kolkin." Rainbow raised her hand tentatively to greet the man, but Officer Kolkin continued. "I need your help to triage the wounded - paramedics are on their way. And anyone who can walk, guide them to that exit there." Kolkin pointed up front. Satisfied that the Legionnaires knew where to go, he continued. "Any questions?"

"Where do we bring the wounded?" Blizzard asked.

"Right here," Kolkin waved, to indicate the area around them. "Pol Krinn's been in touch. This area's clear. We're scanning the outside of the stadium for bombs now."

Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away.

"He wasn't being rude, just efficient," Blizzard patted Rainbow on the shoulder.

"That's right, ma'am," Kolkin called over his shoulder. "This is an emergency!"

Mollified, Rainbow smiled gratefully at Blizzard. "Okay, Veilmist," Blizzard instructed. "You triage the injured, prioritize the unconscious and bring them here. I'll try to clear a path for those who can walk. Rainbow, fly up ahead and make sure people can exit smoothly." The three took off.

Veilmist had already teleported above the first row of seats. She surveyed the area in anger; thank grife the United Planets prized civilians! Her Khundian mother had told horror stories of how the Khunds prized fighters; in an attack such as this, the warriors and leaders would be prioritized, the civilians left to fend for themselves. Thankfully, her father was from Earth, and she and her mother were now Earth citizens - this had kept them safe from the Khunds.

Acting quickly, Veilmist flew over the crowd. She wished she could just teleport everyone, but the tangle of debris...

A crying young woman reached out to her. "I can't walk! Help me!"

"I'll be there in a moment, sentient, I promise," Veilmist called out. "There's someone unconscious here..." She reached down to feel for a pulse. Grife, thankfully there was one. She quickly teleported that one to the field, and handed him over to a waiting paramedic. Then she teleported back to the woman. Clutching her hand, she smiled. "I'm Veilmist. Your name?"

"Mirisa," smiled the woman faintly through tears.

"Okay, Mirisa, I'm just going to check you for injuries, so I don't make anything worse, okay?"

Up above, Blizzard's heart wrenched as he watched sentients clamber over debris. All Braalians had some measure of magnetic ability, which is why buildings were typically constructed of non-ferrous material - so no Braalian could willfully damage them. Only doors and windows were ferrous. He spoke into his flight ring, set to loudspeaker mode. "Sentients! The Science Police and the Legion of Super-Heroes are here. I am Blizzard. We have checked that there is no danger in the immediate area. Please, stand to the side, and I will clear a path for you!"

The crowd gratefully, if nervously, stepped back behind Blizzard. Concentrating, he created two ice walls, one on each side of the aisle, and pushed them as far back as he could. After satisfactorily clearing the aisle of debris, he motioned to the crowd. "Okay, walk in single file, please, this way everyone can get out..."

Near the exit, Rainbow was hovering, her rainbow aura turned on. Not enough to be blinding, but enough to get attention. "This way, please," she called as she motioned at escaping spectators. "Just file to the exit in an orderly manner..." She really wished her powers could be better put to use here!

She watched as a young woman came running up, clutching a young child with her left arm, and pulling another with her right. The second child was holding on to yet another, smaller child. Mother and three children rushed up to Rainbow.

"You're a Legionnaire, right? My husband..." The mother choked back tears, even as her youngest began to bawl. "Daddy, daddy!"

"It's okay, it's okay," Rainbow shushed the children. "My name is Rainbow, and I'll help you. Where is he?"

"Daddy's leg got broke, and he told us to run," bawled the oldest child.

"Okay, I'll go find him," Rainbow said. "But you have to keep going, okay? I promise, I'll come find you and either bring your Daddy, or tell you where to find him - depending on how badly he's hurt, I might need to bring him to the doctors. But they'll fix him right up, okay?"

The youngest child began to sob again.

"Hey, hey, here..." Rainbow addressed the mother. "I have an idea. My powers can interact with this powder to give your kids a rainbow glow. It's harmless, just cosmetic, and it will help me find you in the crowd. Will that work for you?"

The mother smiled gratefully. Rainbow pulled a small pouch from her utility belt, and told the children to hold out one arm each. She swiftly sprinkled some fine powder on each, then used her powers to light them up. The three children momentarily forgot their fear, and began clapping and cheering.

Rainbow quickly got the father's description and holo from the mother, gave her a way to contact the Legion's Monitor Board in case Rainbow couldn't find them in the crowd, and sent them off.

Satisfied, Rainbow turned to find the father, then thought better of it. After all, Blizzard HAD given her a job to do... She called Blizzard on the flight ring, and relayed the situation.

"You did good, Dori. I'll pass this on to Veilmist, and tell her to let you know what happens."

Rainbow smiled at that, and began to shepherd more civilians out of the stadium.

************************************************************************************

Over in the middle of the stadium grounds, Chameleon and Density examined ground zero of the blast.

"Plastic fragments, just as I thought," Chameleon mused. "To ensure that the Braalians wouldn't have detected anything with their powers."

"Some metal too," Density crouched down. "Non-metallic, I assume." He looked up, and frowned. There was something...

"Reep..." Density began. "Wouldn't it be weird if someone were all bundled up in this weather... and seems to be a civilian, but is acting very calm while heading to the exit?"

Following his teammate's gaze, Chameleon discreetly morphed his eyes into those of a Lythylian Telescope-Bird while keeping the rest of his face the same. "Yes, suspicious indeed..."

"Do we go after..." Density began. But they were interrupted by Pol Krinn's voice on the flight ring array,

"Gang, I'm with the SPs. They've found another explosive on the far side of the field."

"Sprock," Chameleon muttered.

"Shall we rush that civilian, or..." Density trailed off. "This bomb takes precedent..."

"And we don't want to cause a panic, either," Chameleon noted. He took his Omnicom out, as if consulting it for something. He quietly took a shot of the civilian that Density had spotted, and sent the holo over to the Mission Monitor Board with a note to work with Braal Science Police. "I've asked for Gear or Babbage to get hooked into securi-cams. Hopefully they can track that mysterious sentient," Chameleon said. "Come on, let's go."

Taking off into the air, Density and Chameleon flew over to Pol Krinn and Officer Kolkin. Both looked grim.

"They've found it," Officer Kolkin pointed to a non-descript wooden container on the edge of the stadium. "But scans show we only have three minutes..."

"Then we'd best detonate it safely," Chameleon said. "But do we know how strong it is?"

"Negative," Officer Kolkin muttered.

"I can shield it with my body, but..." Density offered. "Or we can call a Threshold to dump it in space, or..."

"Or!" Pol Krinn's eyes lit up. "You're right about moving it, Jed! It may be non-magnetic, but..." He reached out with his hand and pulled some magno-balls towards him. Molding their form, he surrounded the bomb, sealing it into a metallic sphere!

"Brilliant, Pol!" Chameleon said. "Now we can try to carry it away - up into the air!"

"Officer, can you clear the airspace above the stadium?" Density asked.

"Already on it!" Officer Kolkin began barking into his comms. "And tell everyone to cover their ears!"

The quartet watched with bated breath as Pol Krinn pushed the sphere into the air magnetically; their silence was broken only by Chameleon updating the other Legionnaires, and Kolkin telling rescue services to prepare the crowd. Blizzard responded that he was going to create an icy shield above the wounded in the stadium, as a precaution.

And then, a minute later, Pol staggered as his metallic sphere shook.

"Hm, about as strong as the first blast," Chameleon whispered under his breath.

"Thank grife it was only so," Pol muttered. "I was worried that my little shield would blow up in a dozen different directions!"

"Good news," Officer Kolkin called. "Scans show the stadium, and the area around, are clear. No more bombs."

"Good..." Chameleon said. "Then we can do some detective work and catch the squajes who did this."

Chameleon, Density and Officer Kolkin began walking away. Pol took one last look at the sky, and followed them.

************************************************************************************

The Legionnaires and Officer Kolkin huddled in a room at the Science Police Headquarters in Braal. The Captain, a stern-faced woman with a white streak in her reddish-brown hair*, had told the officers to give the investigating team everything they needed.

Shortly after the explosions, an anonymous message had been broadcast to Braal's largest news network. Taking responsibility for the bombing, the message had said that more would unless a ransom were paid tomorrow.

Chameleon and Density had briefed the rest on what they had found - the civilian acting oddly in the stadium - and now they were waiting for their Robotican teammate Babbage - through remote link - to filter through the Science Police databases to find a match.

Officer Kolkin came up to Rainbow with a mug of coffee. "Want some?"

"Oh, thanks!" Rainbow said.

"Yeah, sorry for being so gruff out there on the field," Kolkin said. "Emergency, you know. I thought I'd introduce myself properly this time."

"It's my pleasure to meet you, Officer," Rainbow smiled, taking his hand.

Chameleon sidled up to them. "Magno told us we meet see you here, Officer."

Kolkin barked. "Hah! I've told Dyrk Magz time and again that he should visit, now that he's been fully pardoned and everything! He did technically help a fugitive escape, even if it was Cosmic Boy!"**

Pol Krinn walked up with a laugh. "Yeah, at that time my folks had no idea where my brother was... turns out, he'd been working as a secret Legionnaire, even though the team had been officially disbanded then!"

"Bleak times," Density laughed. "I am so glad things are better now."

"Yeah, well," Kolkin scratched his head in discomfort. "I gotta admit, I was one of the SPs who thought that an organized police force was better. But I gotta say, we couldn't have done some of the things you Legionnaires did..."

"Both the Legion and the Science Police have our roles to play, officer," Chameleon smiled. "We're both needed." Chameleon jerked as he heard a ping. Grabbing his Omnicom, he thumbed through the readouts, and began to smile. "Babbage got a hit, and it's a pretty big hit at that."

Pol Krinn's eyes widened as he saw Babbage's message. "Seriously?"

"You know this sentient?" Veilmist asked.

"Oh yes..." Pol said grimly. "Very, very well."

"You'll get a chance to say hi soon," Blizzard called. "We got the Kwai working on it, and we've just found their location."

"Let's get to it, then," Veilmist's eyes glowed. Officer Kolkin hurriedly made arrangements. And once the coordinates were beamed to Veilmist's flight ring, she enveloped the group in her purple mist and vanished.

****************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Warning: big info dump!! Officer Vin Kolkin and our unnamed captain first appeared in Legion Worlds 3! A then-depowered Dyrk Magz, formerly Magno, was a Science Police officer on Braal - partnered with Kolkin. At that time, superheroics and vigilantes were outlawed thanks to Ra's al Ghul (masquerading as UP President Leland McCauley). Dyrk caught a vigilante who turned out to be Cosmic Boy in disguise... he was working with Invisible Kid, Violet and Chuck Taine to get close to, and steal, a "footstep drive" ship that could warp long distances (the Stargates were then un-operational because of the Blight invasion, and the Thresholds had not been discovered yet).
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Out of the Rubble - 08/11/23 04:32 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Braal

Active Legionnaires

Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Density, Jed Rikane of Earth (Mongolia and Nepal) and Quothon; controls his body's density

Reserve Legionnaires

Magnetic Kid, Pol Krinn of Braal; magnetokinesis (magno-ball athlete)

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Rainbow, Dori Aandraison of Xolnar; rainbow-based light powers
Veilmist of Khundia and ??; teleportation

***********************************************************

Ensconced quietly in a corner of the warehouse on the edge of Braal's capital city, Chameleon watched as the older man with the cane screamed at his companion. "You idiot!" The older man's red hair accentuated his angry features as he waved his cane. "I can't believe you actually went to the stadium to watch the bombs go off?"

"I needed to," his companion said. She was a middle-aged woman, with long black hair falling to her waist. She stood, back straight, muscles tensed. "You don't know how I've missed being on the field..."

"I've trained magno-ball athletes before, seen many end their careers!" The man thundered. "Many go to the field to relive their best days! But none of them were stupid enough to do so, while trying to extort money from the government!"

A third figure in the room spoke up. This one was younger, with green skin and androgynous features. Chameleon, in his guise as a Braalian Burrowing Beetle, discreetly morphed his antennae - the organs that Durlans, in their humanoid form, used to scan new beings and copy their forms. As he suspected; this sentient was from Hermaphrodite, the homeworld of Legion Support Staff member Vampire. Except Vampire had pale yellow skin; it seemed that Hermaphroditeans had a true rainbow of skin colors. Hmmm.

Chameleon filed that thought away, as the Hermaphroditean continued. "I used to work with the Science Police here, and I hid a backdoor in their systems when I was. They have footage of our amazing athlete over here. It's just a matter of time before they find us."

The first man slammed his cane on a table in frustration. "Then we go! Now!"

The woman glared angrily at him, then began gathering her belongings.

Satisfied that the three were working alone, Chameleon used his flight ring to signal Veilmist. And in seconds, a purple mist filled the room.

"Sprock!" The Hermaphroditean cursed, and began tapping away on their keyboard. "Gotta arm the guns..." Guns made of non-ferrous material emerged from the walls, and began firing at Veilmist.

"Uh uh," Blizzard said, creating a dome of ice. "Sorry, you're not going to shoot any Legionnaires today."

"Or anyone, for that matter." Chameleon morphed into the shape of an Alephian Anaconda and curled around the Hermaphroditean. Below him, Rainbow raised her arms and fired at the guns, shredding them to bits.

"I've got daddy over there," Density pointed to the older man, who was running towards the exit.

"And this one's mine!" Magnetic Kid called as he bounded after the woman. She snarled, and used her magnetic powers to send a flurry of knives flying at Pol. Pol countered by calling a sheet of metal, using it as a shield. "Tonya Dinns! I used to look up to you!" he shouted. "You were a sports hero!"

"Until I got in that hovercar accident!" Tonya spat. "Nobody had any use for me then!" She ripped the floor out from under Pol; he steadied himself with his flight ring.

"Hah, cheating with your Legion gear," Tonya laughed.

"Fine." Pol took his ring off his finger and tucked it in his pocket. "Braalian to Braalian, just our magnetism."

"I can still beat you," Tonya commanded a flurry of tiny ball bearings to swarm at Pol. Pol used his magnetism against the metallic sheet of metal to propel himself upwards and above the bearings; and he sent another sheet of metal flying in front of them, preventing them from hitting Chameleon and Rainbow. "You won't hurt my friends, Tonya." Pol shaped one of the ball bearings into an arrowhead, and sent it flying above Tonya. It sliced through some cables holding a non-ferrous chandelier aloft, and crashed beside her. As Tonya dove to the side, Veilmist appeared beside her in a puff of smoke. "I hope you don't mind my aid, Magnetic Kid?" Veilmist called.

"No, I'm not like her," Pol spat. "I can rely on my friends."

"And that is why we're a Legion," Veilmist said with satisfaction as she kicked Tonya in the face. The Braalian woman fell unconscious with a thud.

"Looks like that's a wrap, then," Density called, smiling, as he walked in the door. The older man was slung over his shoulder; and Density had his cane in another hand. Though he kicked and squirmed and bit, Density's toughened hide was too much for him. Reaching the others, Density plopped the man on the ground, his hands handcuffed together.

Chameleon elongated his neck and stared at the man. "I see you're still up to no good, Alux Cuspin."

"You again! You stopped me from having Cosmic Boy killed, and sent me to jail AGAIN!" Cuspin spat.*

"And you showed today that you belong there," Chameleon said darkly, pulling Cuspin to his feet roughly. "Putting innocents in danger, how many people did you hurt?"

"We... we can cut a deal! It was all their idea!" Cuspin pointed to the unconscious Tonya, and the squirming Hemaphroditean. "I just..."

"Don't you throw me under the bus!" The Hermaphroditean screamed. "It was all YOUR idea!"

Density sighed as he watched the two. "Guess there's no honor among thieves, eh?"

*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Back in Braal Science Police headquarters, Chameleon finished debriefing the Captain. "Tonya Dinns' inability to let things go made it so easy," he continued. "Once we saw her in the stands, it was only a matter of time before we identified her."

"Although, Babbage's scan also alerted us to the Hermaphroditean's system hacks," Blizzard continued. "So we had another way of tracing them."

"This was extremely amateurish," the Captain shook her head. "What WERE they thinking?"

"This isn't Cuspin's first harebrained scheme," Chameleon offered. "He was first jailed for embezzling Cosmic Boy's earnings when he was still a magno-ball star; and he sent an assassin after him too, getting sent to jail again."

"I think he's going to be in for a long while, this time..." Density muttered.

"We will make sure we do a thorough check of all their devices, to be sure they weren't planning something bigger," Chameleon continued.

Outside the room, Rainbow watched Pol Krinn as he looked out the window. Veilmist was chatting with Officer Kolkin. Rainbow walked over to Pol.

"Hey, Pol, you seem lost in thought..." Rainbow began.

"Hmmm?" Pol looked up. "Oh, it's nothing. I was just wondering..." he sighed. "I have no sympathy for Tonya, but... I do understand, somewhat. When she got injured some years ago, her career came to a scratching halt." He shook his head. "A lot of former athletes become trainers, or motivational speakers, or find something else. She couldn't."

"There were many things she could have done..." Rainbow offered.

"Yeah, exactly. Instead, she chose crime," Pol muttered. "I mean, I've thought about what I would do when the time comes to retire. There are so many options! I just don't understand why she didn't put her fame to good use..."

"Some people just can't let go, Pol," Rainbow said quietly. "Maybe one day, she'll be able to."

"Maybe..." Pol said as he looked out the window, watching the soft rain outside.

***************************************

IB's notes:

1) Alux Cuspin was Cosmic Boy's manager and trainer; Saturn Girl detected Cuspin's lewd thoughts and realized he was embezzling Cos' earnings to pay off gambling debts. Cos fired him and had him arrested (LSH 0). Seeking revenge, Cuspin hired the assassin Domain to murder Cos. Domain failed, though let slip that Cuspin was his client (Legionnaires 70). Chameleon, impersonating Domain, extracted a confession from Cuspin and arrested him again (Legionnaires 71).
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Digging Deeper - 08/12/23 09:39 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

The Sklarian Asteroid Belt

Active Legionnaires

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings); anti-energy being

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Battering Ram, Louie Lee of Pluto; concussive force blasts
Crystal Kid, Bobb Kohan of Earth (Brazil and Peru); crystal generation and manipulation
X-Bomb Betty, Betty Shell of Ventura; causes small explosions

***********************************************************

Wildfire watched as Ferro slammed into another meteor. Before embarking on this mission, Violet had asked him if he had noticed Ferro acting more aggressively lately...

Wildfire hadn't, but then he and Ferro - and more recently, Timber Wolf - had been using the VR room regularly to work off anger and frustration. Wildfire, as a sentient ball of energy, could empathize with Ferro's plight - neither could taste, touch, or smell anymore.

Although... Wildfire could feel, somewhat. He and Shikari had discovered that if Shikari vibrated her wings a certain way, she could generate soundwaves that made his energy form feel GOOD. Even better than the times he had slept with someone while still fully human. In return, Wildfire had had his gloves modified so he could touch Shikari properly.

Wildfire mused that maybe he should not have shared that good news with Ferro...

Now wasn't the time, but Wildfire determined he would chat Ferro up after this mission. He...

"Hey, we've got incoming!" X-Bomb Betty pointed. Wildfire looked to see a Sklarian ship flying towards them. "They're veering quite close!"

"And they haven't hailed us yet," Violet said cautiously, as she grew larger. "Be wary, but don't make any sudden moves... Let's try to communicate."

"No, we hit them first!" Ferro flew as fast as his flight ring could carry him.

"Ferro, what are you doing!?" Wildfire chased after his friend. But Ferro was closer; Ferro smashed into the ship's wing, causing it to explode! The ship began tumbling in space.

"No!" Violet reached out and caught the ship gently in her palm. Crystal Kid sealed the hole in its wing with his crystal powers, while X-Bomb Betty and Battering Ram flew towards the cockpit.

"Is everyone inside okay?" Battering Ram asked.

"My crew are injured!" The Captain of the ship raged over the commlinks. "How dare you attack us?"

"I-" X-Bomb Betty looked helplessly at Violet. "I'm sorry, ma'am, we..."

"We apologize for this grievous error," Violet took over. "We were mistaken, and realized our error too late. Please, allow us to assist you."

By this time, Wildfire had caught up to Ferro. "What are you doing, Andy?"

"They were probably Sklarian raiders!" Ferro began.

"No!" Ferro and Wildfire both turned, surprised, to see an enraged Crystal Kid flying towards them. "We just got a call from Legion World, asking us why we attacked a Sklarian government ship sent to relieve us!"

"But-" Ferro began.

Crystal Kid stuck his finger in Ferro's face. "I don't care if you're the Active Legionnaire and I'm the Cadet, you just caused a major diplomatic incident! One of the first things we learn in training, is not to use force unless we're certain of hostility!"

"He's right, Ferro," Wildfire shook his head. "I think you need to go back to Legion World now."

"But..." Ferro began.

"No, Andy, I'm sorry." Wildfire called Legion World before Ferro could say anything more. A Threshold opened, and a Kwai came to collect a dejected-looking Ferro.

Wildfire and Crystal Kid silently watched Ferro leave. Wildfire turned to his companion. "Kudos for telling it like it is, Bobb."

Crystal Kid blushed. "I can use my big mouth for good stuff, occasionally..."

"You have a good power, and great control over it," Wildfire noted. "Just keep working on being a good teammate, like you did just now. Now come on, let's see if we can salvage the situation..."

"I will..." Crystal Kid said as he followed Wildfire over to the Sklarian ship.

***********************************************************************************

Legion World

Active Legionnaires

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form
Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication. Current Legion leader.

***********************************************************************************

Ferro looked up as the door to the meeting room opened. Triad stood there, her face thunderous.

Ferro lowered his eyes. "Triad, I'm sorry, I overreacted..."

"It's good that you know that," Triad said sternly. "I've just spent the last hour placating the Sklarians, and promising to keep them updated on remedial action on your part."

Ferro sat quietly, head down.

"Ferro... Andy..." Triad kept her tone even as she sat down. "You're usually more level-headed. What were you thinking?"

Ferro shook his head. "I don't know, I..."

Triad stretched a hand out. "Maybe we haven't been supporting you enough, Andy. But if something is going on, we'd like to help you. And I'm not just talking about helping you work well as a Legionnaire... But helping you be well."

Ferro shook his head. "I... I just... I don't know. I feel..."

Triad sat quietly, as Ferro struggled to finish his sentence. Then he stood up. "I don't know what I feel!" He hung his head, his arms shaking."

"You don't need to know right now," Triad said softly. "But please, you need to get help." She stood up. "Andy, I'm sorry, but I have to take you off active duty. And I need you to talk to Dr. Ryk'rr as soon as possible. She'll be in touch to set an appointment."

"I understand..."

"And... and if you want to talk before..." Triad said quietly. "Wildfire, Violet... they've both offered to talk to you. I know others are willing too, if you're comfortable..."

"I.... thanks." Ferro said. "I just need to be alone first."

"Okay..." Triad lightly touched Ferro's forearm. "But you know where to find us."

Ferro didn't even look up as Triad left the room.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Digging Deeper - 08/12/23 09:40 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Legion World

Active Legionnaires

Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form (currently suspended)
Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony (Earth colony: Japan and Myanmar); skilled martial artist
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Mentalla, Delya Castil of Titan; telepathic control of others' physical functions
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body

Other Legion Cadets (Not Reservists)

Teena Dav of Daxam; enhanced speed, strength, invulnerability, vision powers, flight

Other Legion Support Staff

Dr. Ryk'rr of Jaquaa; Legion psychiatrist

***********************************************************

Echo sat quietly and attentively in Mentalla's room, as Mentalla told him everything. She had wanted to talk somewhere private. She spoke about how Ferro had suddenly turned cold; how Kinetix had helped her realize Ferro had a crush on her; and how Violet had come to her with news of Ferro cutting loose on their last mission. And how Triad had suspended him and ordered him to visit the Legion's psychiatrist, and how many of his Legionnaire friends, acting together, had convinced him to see it as a way to get help instead of a purely punitive measure.

Echo could tell this was tough for Mentalla, so he made sure to squeeze her hand and keep quiet.

"Violet told me it was clear that Ferro was struggling," Mentalla continued. "And I've always thought of him as a friend... And so I reached out, asking if he wants any of my support before he talks to Dr. Ryk'rr. And he said yes..."

"I feel awful," Echo said. "I never realized... He did make a weird comment when we were fighting the Ox, but I didn't think much of it... Now I think of all the times we sat together in front of Ferro..."

"I don't think we did anything wrong, exactly," Mentalla said quietly. "Ferro never confessed his feelings, or anything... I mean, I thought a few times he was really, really nice, but I didn't want to assume..."

Echo patted her on the back gently. "You have reached out to him, several times. And if you hadn't spoken to Kinetix about it, this may not have surfaced."

"I know..." Mentalla took Echo's hand and smiled. "Thank you." She gave him a quick smack on the lips. "A few of are supporting him - we thought it best to keep it small." She sighed.

"I can take a hint," Echo laughed. "Yeah, I don't think it's a good idea for me to be there. But... let me know if he's in a good space for me to reach out to him." Echo hugged Mentalla, then sat down as she turned to leave.

"Wish I had seen this coming..." Echo muttered to himself as Mentalla turned the corner. "Poor Ferro... stuck in his iron form, and now watching both his crushes date other guys..."

********************************************************************

Ferro sat, forlorn, in Dr. Ryk'rr's waiting room on Legion World. Karate Kid and Element Lass were with him. Dr. Ryk'rr's office, in which she actually saw her patients, was in an adjoining room - one that sat behind an opaque wall, so the doctor and her patients would have privacy. Calm ambient music and soft lighting filled the waiting room.

Element Lass had been filling the silence with small talk. She and Karate Kid were here to keep Ferro company while he waited for his appointment with the doctor. It was slightly worrisome that Ferro had chosen to come so early; he had arrived a full hour early for his appointment, saying he preferred to sit in silence.

"Ferro... Andrew... dear..." Element Lass spoke tentatively. "Are you sure you're okay with Violet and Mentalla both coming over here?"

"They care, at least..." Ferro said glumly, staring straight ahead.

"We all do, dear," Element Lass said quietly.

Karate Kid just sat silently, offering quiet comfort. He and Ferro* had become close on Steeple, a planet of Halpashar monks. Karate Kid had learned how best to help his friend work through things. "Indeed, and I think you know that, Andy," Karate Kid said quietly. "I know you'll talk when you're ready," he said, more as a hint to Element Lass than anything.

To her credit, Element Lass got the hint. She and Ferro had bonded over society's reactions to their looks**, and she had seen Ferro slowly get over that. She had given him a lot of platitudes and reminders about how strong he was... now she was content to just be here.

Mentalla and Violet both walked into the waiting room, each looking a little awkward. The two had met - with Kinetix - for a coffee before coming here, and had both confessed that both had suspected Ferro had a crush on them before; but neither had really been sure; and both had been content to treat Ferro as a friend.*** They had both wondered aloud if they should have done anything differently... but neither had ever discussed their own dating lives with Ferro...

In her typical blunt manner, Kinetix had told them both to stop feeling guilty, as this was about Ferro now. "You can't change the past, so just think about how to help him better from now on!" Kinetix had urged. "Now shoo, before you become late!"

As soon as Mentalla saw Ferro, she realized why Kinetix hadn't come. Ferro looked so forlorn... he needed something other than Kinetix's brand of bluntness and tough love.

"Are you ready, Ferro?" Violet asked.

"Do I have a choice?" Ferro shook his head. "I'm suspended from Active duty, after all."

"We just want you to be well, Ferro," Mentalla said quietly.

"I guess..." Ferro buried his face in his hands.

The door to Dr. Rky'rr's inner office opened, and a young female with short-cropped brown hair peeked through. "Oh, I just finished," she whispered. "Dr. Ryk'rr says she'll call you in a few minutes."

Element Lass waved and smiled, and the young female smiled back. "Take care, Teena!" Element Lass called as Teena exited. The Daxamite had suffered quite an ordeal at the hands of Dr. Mar Londo; since being rescued, Teena had received the best psychiatric care right here on Legion World. She had decided to join the Legion Cadet program, though the Active membership as a whole felt that she was only doing it to learn to use her powers for self-defense. Nobody really expected Teena to want to join the team full-time; she was too bent on exploring the universe.

Maybe seeing the universe was something Ferro could explore, to feel better... Element Lass gently laid a hand on Ferro's shoulder. He didn't even twitch.

The door to Dr. Ryk'rrs office opened again, and Dr. Ryk'rr peeked out. "Ferro? I'm ready for you, if you are."

Ferro stood up without a word, and followed Dr. Ryk'rr in. He spared one glance for his four teammates, then entered without a word. The door to the office closed, and the four Legionnaires remaining in the waiting room looked around, awkwardly.

Violet puffed her cheeks out as she sat down beside Element Lass. Mentalla quietly took a spot beside Karate Kid, hugging herself. The waiting room suddenly felt very small.

"So..." Violet began. "I guess we wait."

"Yes," was all Karate Kid said. "And we be here for our friend."

The four turned to watch Dr. Ryk'rr's door.

"I'm sure she'll be able to help him..." Mentalla said quietly, as they all settled in to wait.

******************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Karate Kid invited Ferro along to travel and "find themselves", and they both ended up on Steeple (Legion Worlds 5). This was where Ferro finally became comfortable enough to take off his mask and show his disfigured face (note: disfigured by 20th century standards; it was implied in Legionnaires 58 that by 30th century standards, Ferro looked perfectly normal to people - after all, with so many alien species out there...!). This was also where Ferro got severely injured in his iron form, meaning he had to stay iron - if he switched back, he'd bleed to death. In his iron form, Ferro has very little sense of touch, and no sense of taste or smell.

2) Element Lass (as Monstress) and Ferro talked about their looks in LSH Secret Files 2! Ferro tried to hide his face from Monstress, and she told him that even though people stare, nobody should be ashamed of how they look.

3) Recap of Ferro's crushes: Gosh, Ferro had a bad time. He had a crush on the Sandy Anderson Inferno in LSH 94, but that plotline was dropped quickly. Ferro transferred his crush to Violet, but never acted on it (Legionnaires 59, 77). That was the last canon mention of his crush, and I decided to have Ferro move on... Ferro first starts crushing on Mentalla at the beginning of Volume 4. And we know recently that Mentalla and Echo started dating (end of Volume 4).
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Digging Deeper - 08/14/23 10:47 AM
Hey IB,

I'm having to do this on my phone as my laptop is not playing - it is over 10 years old so in tech terms it is ancient! After two hours of fighting with it thus morning ive decided to leave for my partner to look at when he gets back from work tonight, the lucky guy laugh So, anyway, this will need to be quick review instead of the usual stream of consciousness that you get smile

Was good seeing the Zodiac crew again, and nice that Jeka got to face off against the Snake. Dryad and Ferdinand fighting on a small island could have been disastrous so I'm glad that didn't get out of hand too quickly.

The teams Plan B was very clever. I always wondered if the was a limit of how apart Cargggites bodies could get, so your having one Lu back on their base while another is in another dimension was interesting.

Good to see the team in action, its always great when there's a mob of them working together. I think my favourite part was Triads shyness around the gods, its good to think that even the Legion leader, a strong, intelligent and competent hero, would be aware that they are dealing with something on another level entirely.

I really like the scene with Rokk and Jaz. She's got him right under her thumb, and he knows it. I agree that Dryad shouldn't be a full member until they've had a lot more training.

The Braal goodwill mission got of to a nice start, though there's always someone who wants to ruin a good deed, isn't there, haha. Thankfully, or our stories would be pretty mundane. Like your description of Vielmist, not the usual slinky barbie doll then, good-oh!

Rainbow feeling like her powers are useless even though she's being very useful was a good moment - we've all felt like that when there are others more skillful around us. I'm sure she'll get her moment to impress.

Pol was useful. He's another character that I never thought quite get anywhere, I mean he only joined because Rokk was his brother, not because he particularly wanted to be a hero. So, nice to see him in action and you've written him well explaining his motivations.

Ferro being more of a hot head than Wildfire - oh dear, that's not going to end well. Crystal Kid getting in his face was great though, unexpected but totally get why he did it. And, Wildfire being the peacemaker - you knows things are going wrong if Drake's taking that role on.

Of course, teammates will talk when one of them is out of character, and your team are sweet that they didn't bitch about it but spoke compassionately. That was good. I like the love/lust triangle you've created there.

I didn't u derstand the last scene - was Ferro in the counsellors office with the others? It didn't flow for me, sorry if I missed something obvious there.

I love your character work IB, your team are brilliantly written, with everyone being nuanced and believable. Well done, that's tricky to get right.

Can't wait to see what you have for us next, more, more, more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Digging Deeper - 08/14/23 10:57 AM
hi Harbi, what a treat! lots of nice detailed comments - and on your phone too!

My personal laptop died on me a few years back... it gave up and I just gave up too. good luck with yours!

yeah, Jeka vs. Snake was a treat to right. I do think there should be limits re the Carggite reintegration distance, so this was only possible through magic tongue

I wonder if Rokk is happy to be under Jazmin's thumb, so he can relax a bit from time to time. after all, he's had to be the responsible one for so long!

glad you agree re Dryad, I also thought it would be too fast to make it a member this soon!

hee hee! Veilmist's description is a nod to Khundian females in the series, actually I can only really think of one - Amilia Crugg. But I do like the Reboot idea of having Khundian women also be big and formidable, I imagine Veilmist is more petite than, say, Element Lass/Monstress, but she's still a big athletic type!

glad Rainbow's and Pol's moments went true, and I did have Wildfire and Crystal Kid taking on unusual roles because of Ferro's bit.

thanks for your note re Ferro's scene, I'll firm it up. Ferro and company were together in the waiting room, but only Ferro actually went into the psychiatrist's office. I'll go back and make it clearer smile

and thank you for your very kind words re my team, appreciate it a lot!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Sisterly Love - 08/15/23 11:14 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Dagosk

Active Legionnaires

Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks. Current Legion Deputy Leader.
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Dragonwing, Marya Pai of Earth (Singapore and Tibet); breathes fire and secretes acid venom
Flying Fox of H'lven; levitation, enhanced agility and strength, claws
Vision, Rhent Ustin of Earth (Egypt and Spain); microscopic, telescopic, heat, freeze, and hypnotic vision

***********************************************************

Dagosk and Dabron are sister worlds in a remote area of the Milky Way Galaxy. Both were invited to join the United Planets a few years back, but only Dagosk accepted. After a series of murders, which were solved by the Legion*, Dagosk realized that tensions with Dabron would escalate if only one world joined. Both worlds have since made a pact to only join together... and disagreements on the timing of UP accession have intensified unrest in recent months.

- excerpt from Legion liaison (Captain Shvaughn Erin of the Science Police)'s communication to Legion Leader, Triad

***********************************************************
"You okay, XS?" Particon asked her teammate, as they watched the stars zoom by. As neither Dagosk nor Dabron were United Planets worlds, the Threshold protocols stated that any approach to them from UP space should be by cruiser. So, the Legionnaires had taken a Threshold to a point outside the sister worlds' territorial space, and were now covering the last parsecs by cruiser. Live Wire was piloting and Gates was navigating; the two were also having a rather animated discussion about the merits and disadvantages of Live Wire's homeworld of Winath remaining in the Affiliated Planets, rather than joining the United Planets.* Not eager to join in that debate, XS and Particon were sitting off to the side.

"Yeah, thanks, Particon," XS smiled as she forced herself to stop twitching. "This just brings back memories. Last time we were here, Leviathan was still with us*..."

"I understand," Particon offered a smile of support. Though Leviathan had died** before she herself had even encountered the Legion, she really did understand. Dragonmage's recent death had made her feel a lot of conflicting emotions; and he had only been a Reservist, and part of a much bigger team than when Leviathan was still on it. There had been, what, fewer than 20 Legionnaires at that time? Not to mention, Leviathan hadn't had the baggage that Dragonmage did, joining the enemy, no matter what his reasons had been...

In fact, considering the villains they had faced, sometimes Particon wondered that more of them hadn't died...

Almost as if she were telepathic, XS turned to Particon. "I remember my very first mission... the first Kid Quantum died then, and I panicked too***," she whispered. "I haven't panicked in the face of danger since, but it can be tough...."

"I know..." Particon said quietly. "It took me a while, too. Remember when Element Lass first asked to join, after we fought Mordru?**** I thought about asking to join too, but after seeing all the death and injury during the battle..." she faced away. "I couldn't join yet, not then."

"But you did, eventually," XS smiled. "And I'm glad you're here. It's not easy, but at least we can face danger together."

"Yeah..." Particon smiled back. "Strength in numbers, and all that..."

Over at the back of the cruiser, Legion Cadets Vision, Dragonwing and Flying Fox were chatting. Gates had told them to read up on Dagosk and Dabron; Vision was still diligently doing so; Flying Fox had skimmed through various articles; and Dragonwing was simply planning to ask Vision for a summary after he was done.

"Finally, another real mission," Flying Fox looked eager. "This one seems a bit more diplomatic, but maybe we'll get some action too!"

"There had better be," Dragonwing winked. "Yeah, I know these more boring goodwill missions are needed too, but come on... I joined the Legion to fight bad guys, you know?"

"I'm still surprised they brought so many of us Reservist Cadets," Vision idly wondered. "You'd think something like this would be left to the Active members."

Dragonwing rolled her eyes. "Of course they brought us, Vision! Duh!"

"Vision lowered his Omnicom, and peered at Dragonwing. "What do you mean?"

"Rhent, for someone so book smart, you can be so people dumb sometimes!" Dragonwing's exasperation was evident. "Think! Besides the three of us, Crystal Kid, Rainbow and Veilmist are the only other Cadets who were there when the Monitor took over Legion World*****. Well, okay, Polecat and Retro too, but they haven't made Reservist status. So anyway, the six of us are the "Senior" Cadets. Plus Dryad, who's new but really competent. And guess what, everyone has been going on missions lately!"

Vision blinked his four eyes, trying to drink in everything Dragonwing had said. Flying Fox tilted his head. "So then... this mission is a test?"

"Of course it's a test!" Dragonwing hissed. "Crystal Kid, Rainbow, Veilmist and Dryad all just came back from missions recently!"

"But in a way, aren't all missions tests?" Vision stammered. "As Cadets, everyone knows we aspire to be full Active Legionnaires one day..."

Dragonwing slapped her thigh in frustration. "But the symmetry! We're all getting the same number of missions, if that makes sense, and they're giving us mission types that we're not used to! Diplomacy for us, some charitable stuff for Rainbow and Veilmist, an offensive-type space mission for Crystal Kid where they put him with some junior Cadets..."

"Isn't Rainbow used to doing charity, though?" Vision asked. "she used to be a model. right?" Dragonwing glared at him, and began to stand.

Flying Fox leaped in between his two classmates. "Let's just put it this way," he kept his tone soothing and calm. "I've heard them talking of assessing whether we're ready, soon. After all, we've been here long enough. All our peers have moved on, either into the Legion, or to the Amazers, or the Lallor Heroes, or into the support staff... but basically, everyone else who joined along with us has graduated, pretty much."

"Yes, exactly!" Dragonwing spread her arms wide, shaking them at Vision. "It takes resources to train Cadets. We can't, and shouldn't, be Cadets forever," she went on.

Flying Fox thought for a moment, that some other long-studying Cadets, like Retro and Polecat, would probably be leaving the program soon... Polecat's stink powers made him a very unlikely Legionnaire, and Retro had only just managed to pull himself up from the brink of being thrown out, due to his lying and cowardice. If Flying Fox had to bet, Retro would never make it as a Legionnaire, either.

The three Cadets were interrupted by XS running over. "We're making planetfall!" The super-speedster barked. "Buckle up! Are you all ready?"

"Well, I am!" Dragonwing crossed her arms. Flying Fox nodded in the affirmative. "I still have three paragraphs of this article to finish," Vision mumbled.

"You can read while we land," XS smiled. Then she dashed off.

"How much are you reading, Rhent?!" Dragonwing hissed. "I was going to ask you for a summary!"

Vision blinked and stammered. Flying Fox shook his head as he watched the two bicker. He could see either one being a Legionnaire, in time. But he really couldn't imagine BOTH of them on the team at once!

************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Dagosk and its sister world Dabron appeared in Showcase '96 #8. Gates, XS and now-deceased Leviathan fought Quicksand and Holdur, who were murdering officials on Dagosk. Turns out, both worlds were invited to join the United Planets, but only Dagosk accepted. N'cia, an official who was half-Dagoskian and half-Dabronian, hired Quicksand and Holdur to murder officials and stop Dagosk from joining the UP without Dabron, fearful that Dagosk would prosper alone and cause tensions - and eventually war - with Dabron. High Chancellor Pen'ta and fellow ruling council member D'ned realized that, though N'cia's methods were wrong, her concers were valid - and Dagosk declined to join the UP without Dabron.

2) Winath left the UP to join the Affiliated Planets during the Dark Circle storyline. After the Dark Circle was exposed, Winath elected to stay with the AP - which aimed to continue on as a legitimate body.

3) Leviathan died fighting Dr. Regulus in LSH 83; Particon would only try out for the Legion in Legionnaires 43, and ultimately joined in Volume 1!

4) LSH 62! XS panicked when Tangleweb attacked, though she recovered and ran back to join the battle. Cosmic Boy talked to her privately, and the very next issue XS saved everyone from a bomb (Legionnaires 19)

5) Monstress asked to join in Legionnaires 51-52! The bits about Particon not joining are my own addition; Particon was last seen being put in the care of Winema Wazzo's staff along with Radion, but that's it. No motivations were explored.

6) In Volume 3! All the other Cadets joined the program later!
Posted By: Harbinger Re: Sisterly Love - 08/17/23 06:21 AM
Hey IB, thakns for the PM.

The updated last post above is much clearer now, thanks. Your team are all nice folk aren't they? Echo and Mentalla are surprisingly concerned for Ferro. It's not as if Ferro was dating Mentalla when she started seeing Echo, or had even expressed his feelings, so he's acting really poorly by throwing a hissy fit over her dating Echo. Oh teenagers are such irrational beasts laugh Being a little bit more serious now, while it's nice that his teammates are trying to be supportive, I find it weird that Vi and Mentallla are going to support Ferro at the psychiatrists - it does read as if they are feeling guilty and I don't know what for. It is a bit icky to me, almost as if they are subservient here and they should have known what he was after and acted to acquiesce to his desires. Nah, sorry I'm not a fan of that. There's a fine line between being supportive and being... I don't know, pandering to his irrational moods? I'm with Kinetix here, some tough love would work best here as he's acting like a baby. Hope you follow this up soon as I'm interested to see how the team reacts and how Ferro processes the realisation about just how childish he is being.

Nice to see Particon get some of the spotlight - I know nothing about her so am always interested to read more. XS remembering Leviathon was quite poignant, and her rememering that she had panicked at a difficult time. Particon seems a little uncertain... that's interesting as we're so used to the team being super-confident and even gung-ho at times. I love how the different cadets deal with the request to learn about where they are going. That's nice characterisation in a single line. Their discussion about why so many of them are getting onto missions at present, and I wonder if you have definite plans to have a couple join the big team, or are just teasing us smile And, the bickering between the very different Dragonwing and Vision is fun, hopefully you'll expand on this as they wouuld make a great comedy duo.

Oh, that's it, I thought there was more frown Looking forward to where you take this, you've a great mix of interesting characters so it's going to be fun!

More, more, more!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Sisterly Love - 08/17/23 06:43 AM
hi Harbi, thanks for your R&R! appreciate your comment and glad the edits worked!

re Vi and Mentalla, don't worry we're not done with them yet - there have been some unseen conversations between Vi/Ferro and Mentalla/Ferro, that we will get around to in a bit. (in hindsight, perhaps it would have been better to write those scenes earlier, but they will come - Ferro has a lot of unpacking to do, and his friends also don't quite know how to help him).

I do appreciate your comment though, I'd already been planning to touch on Vi/Mentalla, but your comment will help me ensure I touch on it from the right angle.

Particon's uncertainty is a part of her character arc, she's realized she had an in to the Legion much earlier, and is still a bit conflicted. on one hand, if she'd joined right after fighting Mordru, she'd have been around for things like the Rift and maybe even Legion Lost. on the other hand, she worked up the courage to join later, and got sucked into a whole bunch of things anyway. smile I thought it would also be good to have a few Legionnaires who're not quite always so gung-ho, although still being perfectly courageous and capable.

glad you liked the Cadets bit wink let's just say things are percolating re the team's next members, it's a bit early days yet to say for certainty but this mission to Dagosk and Dabron will move things forward for sure wink

thanks as always, Harbi!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: The Chinese Zodiac: The Goat - 08/17/23 09:17 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Legion World

Active Legionnaires

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form (currently suspended)

Other Legion Support Staff

Dr. Ryk'rr of Jaquaa; Legion psychiatrist

Reserve Legionnaires (also Legion Support Staff)

Mandalla, Tari Wahlmunn of Takron-Galtos; projects a thought-sphere that affects the target's mental and physical functions (Legion medical staff)

***********************************************************

As soon as the door to Dr. Ryk'rr's inner office closed, Ferro exhaled. He didn't need to; he didn't even breathe in his iron form. But the simple act of doing so helped relax him.

He tried not to think of his four friends waiting for him outside. One part of him wished there were more... he knew he had alienated some of his friends, recently. Part of him was grateful that he had at least been able to smooth things out with some others, including Violet and Mentalla - at least, enough that they had offered to sit with him in the waiting room.

"Please, have a seat, Andy," Dr. Ryk'rr smiled at him, purposely using his real first name. She indicated several floating chairs. Each chair would mold itself to the user's form, but Dr. Ryk'rr knew that being able to select one helped put most of her patients at ease. It gave them some feeling of agency, after all.

Ferro plopped onto one. "Comfy," he muttered.

Dr. Ryk'rr leaned forward, calmly. "Andy... do you actually feel the chair?"

Ferro's eyes widened. Dr. Ryk'rr waited; she had read his file, and he should know that. After all, she had consulted with him what seemed like ages ago.

"No... no, I don't," Ferro said, softly.

"I still remember our first consult," Dr. Ryk'rr kept a small smile, though she didn't smile too widely - she didn't want to seem like she was making light of it. "You had a big decision to make then, didn't you?"

Ferro laughed bitterly. "Yeah... have my face sculpted to resemble anyone I wanted and look good, but stay in iron form or risk bleeding to death."

Dr. Ryk'rr sat back and waited. She didn't want to press too hard... but she already had a hunch where this was going. After all, Ferro had decided to forego the face-sculpting, as he didn't want to lose his senses of touch, taste and smell. And that conscious decision to do so, may be key to his inner conflicts today.

A minute had passed; Ferro was still looking down, not making eye contact. Dr. Ryk'rr tried another tack.

"Andy, you've come to me voluntarily before. I know you've been mandated to do so this time, but I believe we had a very good session when you came to me the first time. I'd like to think we can use this session in the same way."

Ferro peeked a bit, and nodded.

"Could you tell me what you were thinking and feeling, when you hit that Sklarian cruiser?"

"They were coming fast... X-Bomb Betty saw it. And I just thought... I just thought I should get the jump on them first."

"Why did you think that?"

Ferro could feel the heat rising in his cheeks. "It's not because I wanted to impress Violet! Or Betty!" he spat.

"Did somebody think that?" Dr. Ryk'rr asked quietly.

Ferro's mind flashed back. He had returned to Legion World, and Wildfire had followed moments after to shepherd the less-experienced Cadets back, too. Upon thresholding back, Battering Ram and X-Bomb Betty had looked at him with a mix of shock, sadness and pity, and had gone on their way. Ferro knew that neither was a big gossip, but the Cadets still talked... the other Cadets would be asking them about their mission, and soon everyone on Legion World would know about his actions.

Wildfire had rounded on Ferro, taking him off to the side so nobody else in the crowded Threshold chamber would hear. "Andy, what the sprock? Violet and Crystal Kid are back there, getting their ears chewed off by an angry Sklarian captain! What were you thinking?"

"I didn't want us to be sitting ducks!" Ferro protested.

"They weren't attacking us!" Wildfire countered. "Sure they were coming in fast, but they hadn't done anything yet! We weren't in actual danger!"

Ferro had clenched his fists. "Haven't we been victims long enough? Those Zodiac sprockers took us by surprise and nearly killed us all!"

"We can't just go acting half-cocked like that!" Wildfire blurted out. "We shouldn't start fights unless we know we have to defend ourselves!"

"Easy for you to say!" Ferro had began. "You don't have a physical body, you can't get hurt anymore!"

Wildfire had jerked back; as if slapped. "I can't believe you just said that, Andy."

"Yeah, well, it's true, isn't it?" Ferro waved his right hand in front of Wildfire's visor. "If your suit gets ripped, we get you a new one. If my iron body gets damaged, the more I can't switch back to flesh."

"Andy, I can still die..."

"But I guess we're not the same, you're right," Ferro talked over Wildfire. "Now you have that vibrating thing going on with Shikari," Ferro had pressed on without thinking. "What was that you said? When she moves her wings a certain way, you feel as if you were fully human again? It tingles your energy ball form just so?" Without realizing it, Ferro had moved closer to Wildfire.

Wildfire's own gloves clenched, and he visibly stilled himself. "I thought you'd be happy for me, Andy. You, me, Element Lass, we're all in the same boat."

"Not anymore, not with your little breakthrough," Ferro countered.

Wildfire had shaken his head, clearly with disappointment. "I would have been happy for you, if you'd figured something out, Andy. Maybe a bit jealous, but I wouldn't have taken it out on you." Wildfire had turned his back and flown to the Threshold without another word.

Dr. Ryk'rr had been sitting quietly, listening to Ferro narrate all this. She was grateful that in this day and age, sessions were pre-recorded or transcribed with patient's consent - she could not imagine how psychiatrists had managed to concentrate on their patients centuries ago, when they still had to take notes themselves! She leaned forward now, but not too far, so as not to threaten Ferro's personal space. He clearly seemed disappointed - perhaps in himself. "How did you feel after that interaction?"

Ferro sighed. "I know I wasn't fair to him, Doctor. I know. I just... in the heat of the moment, I..." Ferro hung his head.

"Have you spoken to him since?"

"I... I've been drafting a message for him. But I've been struggling to finish it..."

"Give yourself time; it will be difficult to reach out properly when you're not yet in a good space" Dr. Ryk'rr said kindly. This incident had already bolstered her theory, but as a trained psychiatrist, she knew that one incident was often not enough to make a patient see patterns. And so she altered her line of questioning. "Have you had similar encounters with other teammates and friends, Andy?"

Ferro breathed again. Then he talked about his meeting with Triad. "At the end, she seemed concerned too," Ferro muttered. "But I wasn't ready to talk to her more, then."

"It can be difficult, if one's not in the right space," Dr. Ryk'rr said gently.

"I know... I just wish..." Ferro turned his head, looking to the side. "Sometimes, timing sucks."

Dr. Ryk'rr sat quietly. Ferro turned to look back at Dr. Ryk'rr. "It was then that Violet caught me in the hall..." Ferro remembered that encounter vividly.

"Ferro." Violet had said.

"Vi, I already know how stupid I was," Ferro had said curtly, and turned away.

"You should," Violet said, quietly. "Wildfire told me what you said to him. You hurt him real bad."

Ferro thought of saying something, but didn't.

"Ferro.... Andy..." Violet had continued. "You know this isn't okay. Drake shouldn't have to stop living his life..." Violet paused, and as Ferro had said nothing, she continued. "And neither should I."

Ferro had jerked his head up then, staring open-mouthed at Violet.

"What do you mean?" Ferro had asked.

"Andy, you're my friend," Violet had said. "And it hurts that you're avoiding me because I'm dating Tenzil. I know now you had a crush on me back then**. But Ferro, you never said anything, never acted on it!"

"Wait, wait, wait!" Ferro had began.

"No, Ferro, you wait," Violet had said calmly but firmly. "I still think of you as a friend, and I wish we could have talked about this, instead of you avoiding me without me really knowing why!"

"Vi, it's not like that!" Ferro couldn't stop himself. "Don't you understand what it does to me, seeing other people act all touchy-feely, when I can't even feel anything?" Without realizing it, Ferro had raised his voice. Violet had stepped back, eyes wide. "It's not you per se, it's not just you and Tenzil. It's everyone!" Ferro had wanted to cry then, but he couldn't. Not in his iron form. "Do you think I would have gone with you and Tenzil to that fashion school, if I'd had a problem with you both?!"

Violet's mouth opened, but she struggled with the words. Ferro continued; it felt liberating, somehow, to finally speak about his feelings. "It was better somehow, comforting even, to know that Wildfire couldn't feel anything either... but now he can, with Shikari! And what about me?" Ferro wanted to punch something; but he was in enough trouble now. He settled for stamping on the floor really hard. "The last time I felt someone touch me, was that sprocking thug who beat me up and left me in this iron state!"***

"Oh, Andy," Violet covered her mouth in shock. All along she and the others had thought it was about an unrequited crush, but this clearly struck deeper. Ferro had always been upset that he couldn't turn back into flesh, but she had never seen just how upset he was. "I'm so sorry, I didn't realize..."

"Nobody did," Ferro said bitterly. He wanted to say that he was more self-aware than he felt everyone gave him credit for, but he decided he'd said enough. "I need to go, Vi," Ferro had turned and ran. If he were still human, he knew he would be blubbering right now.

As Ferro finished narrating this to Dr. Ryk'rr, he covered his mouth with his hands, and closed his eyes.

Dr. Ryk'rr let him compose himself for a moment. "Andy..." she whispered. "Crying releases hormones in humans, and these hormones can improve our moods. I can ask Mandalla to project her thought-sphere, to induce the effects of crying on you. Would you like that?"

Ferro nodded, quietly, even as he made sobbing noises. Dr. Ryk'rr pressed the button on her console that signaled Mandalla; Mandalla was sat in her own private office, working on her own projects, but Mandalla knew that the button meant she had to act immediately. Her telltale translucent sphere appeared around Ferro's head, and she set it to stimulate the effects of crying.

And Ferro sat, head down, as he felt a wave wash over him... even if his eyes shed no real tears.

*****************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legionnaires 58!

2) Back then = way back in canon, last appearance was Legionnaires 77.

3) Legion Worlds 5 - a literally big fellow called Nadir, from a high-gravity world - so he was tough and strong! He damaged Ferro's iron form so much, that if Ferro were to switch back to flesh and blood he would bleed to death!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Digging Deeper - 08/17/23 12:47 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Legion World

Active Legionnaires

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form (currently suspended)

Other Legion Support Staff

Dr. Ryk'rr of Jaquaa; Legion psychiatrist

Reserve Legionnaires (also Legion Support Staff)

Mandalla, Tari Wahlmunn of Takron-Galtos; projects a thought-sphere that affects the target's mental and physical functions (Legion medical staff)

***********************************************************

As Ferro sat and cried in Dr. Ryk'rr's inner office, Mandalla's thought-sphere did its work. Though he could no longer shed real tears, Ferro could feel the soothing effect on his emotions. Out of habit, he groped around for a tissue.

Dr. Ryk'rr silently handed him one.

Also out of habit, Ferro gingerly took it, careful not to tear its flimsy form into shreds. He had been stuck in his iron form for so long...

Dr. Ryk'rr waited for Ferro to compose himself.

"Grife, I'm acting stupid in another way..." Ferro crumpled the tissue up. "I didn't even need that tissue."

"I think you needed that cry, though," Dr. Ryk'rr said gently. Ferro nodded. "I guess..."

"Andy, are there any other conversations you want to tell me about?" Dr. Ryk'rr prodded. Ferro sighed. "Yeah, I went to my room for a while... When I used to get upset, back when I could turn normal, I... I'd get some ice cream, or take a nap... now all I can do is draw. I've tried listening to music, but it doesn't do much for me..." Ferro looked at his hands. "It's just... I have to be so careful when I draw. I've broken so many pencils and brushes.... I can draw on my fortified Omnicom... it's a model that high-gravity worlds use... but... it's not the same, you know? I miss feeling paper. I miss feeling the crayon wax, and how they make my hands all colorful..."

"And what did you do to try and calm down?" Dr. Ryk'rr gently steered the conversation back. She didn't want Ferro to dwell too much on the loss of three of his senses; this wasn't a problem she could solve in this session, though she already made a note to explore longer-term solutions for that. No, this session should be focused on Ferro's expression of his feelings, and its impact on his relationships.

Ferro seemed to shrink in his chair, a sign of his shame. "I decided to go for a walk, to one of the nature reserves. I thought a change of scenery would be good, some real ambient noise..." he turned away. "I was flying hurriedly, I didn't want to see anyone... I forgot that I would pass the gym."

He had remembered just as he flew past the gym entrance, and a familiar voice had called out to him. "Ferro?"

Mentalla. Ferro had wanted to pretend that he didn't hear her, but she called again. "Ferro... please. I spoke to Violet and Kinetix. And… and Wildfire.”

That had stopped Ferro in his tracks, and he violently landed. "You've been talking about me?!"

Mentalla had held her hands up in a calming gesture. Ferro could see the anxiety in her eyes. "We're concerned, Ferro... Andy. Violet told me all about your conversation, and I... I..." Ferro could see Mentalla struggling with her words.

"So you know all about it," Ferro whispered.

Mentalla nodded her head. "I know you hav- had- a crush on me. But Violet told me about what you said..."

Ferro sighed. But he had already opened up to Violet - and even though it had been unplanned, he might as well run with it. "Mentalla... Delya... I want you to know, I'm not angry at you and Echo per se. I didn't do anything, I didn't say anything, and I can't expect anyone to love a hunk of metal. I wouldn't wish that punishment on anyone. I'm just... I'm just angry at what happened to me, to trap me in this form."

Mentalla looked at him with compassion. "I shouldn't have invited you to a picnic, of all things."

Ferro laughed, a bit bitterly. "Yeah... I've been avoiding the cafeteria too, because of that. Seeing everyone enjoying their food... just reminds me I can't enjoy it anymore." He hung his head, thinking about his earlier outburst at Wildfire. "Delya... it's not you and Echo alone that triggers me to feel this way. It's everyone, really. If you ask around, you'll see... I haven't been hanging out with anyone recently."

Ferro watched Mentalla studying him intently, as if trying to decide if she believed him. "I... I haven't noticed, I'm sorry," she began. If... if you still want to hang out after this," Mentalla's eyes showed that she believed him. "We could... go to a museum... or a concert... some places focusing on sight and hearing..."

Ferro looked up. "Why? Why do you still want to be friends with me?"

"Because as long as I've known you, you've always been kind and considerate," Mentalla said. "Yes, you've been a bit cold to me lately, but you've never been nasty, or violent. Because, even though I don't know myself what it's like, I feel..."

"Pity?" Ferro spat.

"Compassion," Mentalla continued. "Ferro, I hope we can make you understand that we do care for you. You're our friend," Mentalla stressed that last word; Ferro heard, and he didn't mind. Unlike what some may think, he had not been acting out because he pined for Mentalla, or for Violet. He just felt hopeless he could ever be with anyone.

He buried the pang of resentment. Nobody, besides Wildfire and Element Lass, had really asked him in ages how he was doing. How he really was doing.

Mentalla continued, "Maybe we don't completely understand how hard it is to be stuck in your iron form..."

"No, nobody does," Ferro muttered. "I thought Wildfire did, but..."

"But we want to understand, and to be there for you," Mentalla pressed on. "If you'll let us. It doesn't give you a pass to lash out, like what you did with Wildfire, but..."

"Yeah... I know that wasn't right, and..." Ferro hung his head, avoiding Mentalla's eyes. This was becoming too much, and he wasn't ready to deal with it. "I... I have to go, Delya. Let's... let's talk another time."

"Okay, Andy," Mentalla said quietly as Ferro flew on without another word.

As Ferro finished his story, Dr. Ryk'rr gave him a moment to collect himself. Then she asked, "Have you told anyone about all this before?"

"Only Karate Kid..." Ferro said. "Not really everything, even. But we were stuck together on Steeple for so long... he's the only one on the team who's seen my face under my mask.* So he's the one I'm most comfortable talking to. But I asked him not to tell anyone..."

"Is there a reason why you didn't share all this with, say, Wildfire or Element Lass?" Dr. Ryk'rr prodded. "After all, they share similar challenges as you do."

"I mean, sometimes we'd get together and do things to work our frustrations off," Ferro muttered. "Sometimes we'd talk about the scents we missed smelling most, or our favorite flavors of ice cream... But I never shared this much."

"Why do you think that is, Andy?"

"I... I didn't want to burden either of them. They're also going through so much."

"Is this also why you haven't talked to anyone else?"

Ferro looked away again. "Yes... I could have bugged Brainiac 5 or the White Witch to find a way to cure me, but I know they're busy. They have other priorities for the team. And as for talking about it to the others... I don't want to be that guy who brings a dark cloud along when everyone is having fun."

"You've been bottling it up, haven't you, Andy?" Ferro nodded at that statement.

"It is understandable that these feelings churned inside you, and exploded at a certain moment," Dr. Ryk'rr continued. "What you can improve is how you express them."

Ferro nodded again. "I know, Doctor. I know I could have acted better. I just feel trapped. I live in the 31st century, I can synth up anything I want from the autochef, I could go to the wellness center and get a massage, I could ask my room to spray any of a million scents. But I can't enjoy any of them." He shook his head, but decided to keep talking. "Like, sometimes I think, what if I just switch back? Just let myself bleed out, maybe I could get one last ice cream before all the blood rushes out of me... Or sometimes I wonder, would it be so bad if I just flew into a star? Would I even feel anything as my form melts into nothingness?"

Dr. Ryk'rr began to formulate a response. Was Ferro having suicidal thoughts? "Have you concluded anything about that thought?"

Ferro shook his head. "The one thing that keeps me going is hope. I still hope that one day, someone will come up with a solution to turn me back..." he sighed. Dr. Ryk'rr nodded, making a mental note to discreetly monitor Ferro for suicidal thoughts and actions.

Moving on, Dr. Ryk'rr began to weave some threads together for Ferro. "Andy, when you consulted with me before**, you told me about your childhood." Ferro nodded again. It had seemed so long ago. "We determined then, that your feelings of rejection from your mother, were what drove you to believe that having good looks was the key to being loved." Ferro nodded again. It had been long ago, before he'd even met the Legion. He still remembered how he had helped rescue his mother from a collapsing roof... and she had pretended not to recognize him.

Even after he had saved her life.

It still stung a bit, but time had helped heal that wound... or so Ferro thought. Apparently, his mother was still shaping his behavior...

"And you came away realizing that you deserved love, no matter how you looked," Dr. Ryk'rr continued. Ferro nodded again, then laughed bitterly. "ironic, isn't it? When I was on Steeple, I finally came to terms with how I look... and now I have to come to terms with something entirely new..."

"And I will help you with that," Dr. Ryk'rr leaned forward. "Something you said to Mentalla struck me. You told her you could not expect anyone to love a hunk of metal?"

Ferro looked up. "Of course! It would be like loving a statue!" Ferro sighed. "I'm not naive, Doctor. I know my teammates, most of them, have sex and kiss and stuff like that. Even if I found someone celibate, what would we do? Go to a restaurant, and I pretend to eat while they're enjoying their food?" He looked down at his hands. "I can't even touch them without fearing I'll hurt them!"

"Wildfire is in somewhat of a similar situation," Dr. Ryk'rr began.

"But not exactly the same," Ferro shook his head. "I mean, Wildfire spent some time as a disembodied ball of energy*** that couldn't interact with the outside world! And Element Lass... she was the same!****" Ferro leaned forward. "They've both had these experiences that made them think they were really dead... you should hear them. They always say that it sprocks, not being able to touch or taste, but at least they're still alive!"

Dr. Ryk'rr nodded; she had treated both Wildfire and Element Lass, and knew this from their sessions. But it would not be proper to share this with Ferro - though she was happy that he reached this insight himself.

"Did you tell them that your situation is a bit different?"

Ferro thought back to the last time the three of them had sat together. Element Lass had invited him and Wildfire to try out the VR room. Except even here in the 31st century, VR couldn't simulate his lost senses. Not completely.

Oh, they had tried. VR could let some people with nerve damage touch, smell, or taste. But without working organs, the VR room couldn't help any of the three of them.

They had set the VR room to simulate a quiet, grassy hilltop, with a soft wind blowing. Ferro could only feel it was soft by judging the amount of pressure his iron body felt; it wasn't pushing him back, so it must be gentle. Relatively.

And he definitely couldn't smell the scents from the flowers.

"This is nice," Element Lass had cooed. "When I was... stuck... after Jan transmuted my body, I never thought I would see a pretty sunset again."

"I know what you mean," Wildfire had whispered. "Before the team put me in this containment suit, I wasn't sure I would ever speak again."

Ferro had wanted to say: Well, I was blessedly in a coma after that sprocker Nadir beat me up on Steeple, so I wasn't even aware of anything. I just woke up one day all beaten up, with Karate Kid urgently telling me not to iron down!

But he hadn't. Now he wished he had.

"Andy..." Dr. Ryk'rr coaxed Ferro back to the present. "What do you think your teammates would have done if you'd, as you say, brought a dark cloud by talking about your real experiences and thoughts?"

Ferro shrugged. "I don't know. I worried that they'd think I was moaning too much, and..."

"And?" Dr. Ryk'rr prodded.

"And... avoid me."

"But instead, you began to avoid them," Dr. Ryk'rr said gently.

Ferro nodded. "It just got too much, you know. Bottling it all up, and not saying anything, and pretending to be okay..."

Dr. Ryk'rr leaned forward, watching carefully for Ferro's reaction. He didn't lean backwards. "Andy, beings who've been rejected before sometimes pre-emptively reject others, for fear of being hurt again. Do you think you've been doing that? Have you been afraid that your friends would reject you if they felt you were being too negative?"

"I... I think you're right," Ferro's eyes were still downcast. "I think that's what I've been doing."

"Andy, I think you've been building up resentment because you felt that nobody truly understood how you feel," Dr. Ryk'rr continued. "And your resentment was compounded because you felt like you couldn't be honest about how you feel, either." Ferro began to nod; this all made sense. He could recognize himself in that.

"And Andy, you referred to your encounter with Nadir on Steeple; and again to the attacks by the Zodiac Signs," Dr. Ryk'rr waited for Ferro to nod. "That incident with the Sklarian cruiser, when you preemptively attacked it; is it perhaps your way of trying to take control, to avoid being a victim again?"

Ferro nodded again; he was now rubbing his left thumb between his right thumb and finger. It was comforting, somehow. "Sometimes, I still think... if I had acted differently on Steeple... I could have avoided this." He looked down at his iron form. “And… and i can’t help it… sometimes I think back to the other times I could have acted faster… like… like… like when Dougie died…”

Ferro’s mind flashed back to when his twin brother, angry that Ferro was being favoured over him, lashed out at their captors… and was sliced apart for his efforts. Ferro didn’t even get to say goodbye…

But he had made his peace with Doug’s death… hadn’t he?*****

Then he looked up and into Dr. Ryk'rr's encouraging face. "But I can't change the past..." He sighed. "I haven't been dealing with this in a healthy way, have I?"

Dr. Ryk'rr smiled. "Many beings don't, not without help. That's what I'm here for; and I'm sure your friends will help you with that, if you will let them."

Ferro nodded, with a small smile. "I should probably make sure I have friends left, after what I've been doing."

Discreetly checking the time, Dr. Ryk'rr changed tracks. "Andy, we're almost out of time, but I want to see you again in two days. Your condition is a long-term one, but we should explore some long-term coping actions for that. In the meantime, here's what I want you to do - I want you to begin opening up to some of your friends. You've already started speaking to Violet and Mentalla; I want you to follow up with Wildfire, but don't push him. If he's not ready, don't force yourself to have a conversation." Ferro nodded in understanding.

"And I'll see you in two days," Dr. Ryk'rr smiled. "You're a strong fellow, Andy. Please, don't be afraid to ask for help."

Dr. Ryk'rr smiled as Ferro stood up and gave a small bow of gratitude. She watched the door close behind him.

Then she made a note to call Saturn Girl. Seeing the effects of Mandalla's thought-sphere, she had an idea.

Outside, Ferro saw the concerned and relieved faces of his waiting friends. He knew that all of them were here only because he had already shared with them some of his innermost thoughts and feelings... because he had given them a glimpse of the pain he was holding in. He took a deep breath - though he didn't need to. Talking to Dr. Ryk'rr had helped him clear things up for himself, and he now began to see the underlying, twisted logic in his actions. He stumbled a bit as he walked to them; he was feeling a bit shaky. "Guys... thank you... thank you for waiting for me. I have something to say..."

Ferro was grateful that Element Lass, Karate Kid, Mentalla and Violet sat quietly, without interrupting, as he poured his heart out to them.

**************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Karate Kid and Ferro's time on Steeple is shown in Legion Worlds 5, and again in Legion 22!

2) Ferro first sat down with Dr. Ryk'rr in Legionnaires 58! Short history of Ferro: he and his twin Douglas were born in the 20th century to theatre actress Nancy Nolan. Both twins had disfigured faces from birth. Nancy couldn't bear the sight of them, and gave them away to an abusive foster home (Legionnaires 93). Ferro broke out of the home, believing his mother couldn't take care of them and unwillingly gave them up; his illusion was shattered when he saved Nancy's life; she recognized him but pretended not to (Adventures of Superman 540). Ferro later returned for Douglas, who had stayed behind because he already knew their mother didn't want them. Douglas was hoping his loyalty at staying behind would be rewarded by the home's owner, that he could join the security/enforcement team. But the owner respected Ferro's guts more, and offered Ferro a place on the team - this caused Douglas to lash out angrily, and Douglas was killed in the fight (Legionnaires 93).

3) Wildfire's physical body "died" in Legionnaires 49-50. In Legionnaires 76, it was revealed that Wildfire had survived as a ball of energy, the Legionnaires and Dr. Mollie Dennum helped gather his being and build a containment suit that would allow him to see, speak and hear.

4) Element Lass (formerly Monstress) was killed by the Progenitor in Legion Lost 11. In Volume 3, I have her return (albeit in a crystalline body), explaining that she was actually transmuted into a disembodied consciousness!
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Digging Deeper - 08/17/23 06:31 PM
ok gang, after this I'm going to run with Gates' team's mission to Dagosk, then I'll follow up Dr. Ryk'rr's idea with Saturn Girl and the fallout re Ferro's realizations... this should take the next couple of weeks. then I'll take a break for a while.

The way my mind works is, once I formulate an idea well enough to execute it, I need to write it out. So I need to get these two plotlines written out "on paper" (for my own peace of mind lol), then I need to give myself a break. Now's a good stopping point, as I have a few bullet points for the coming stuff, but nothing too developed yet.

The Ferro one in particular is taking a lot out of me, as I've had to write out the twists coming from his sessions with Dr. Ryk'rr (which included flashbacks!!), and I've had to take Ferro in quite a few directions by placing myself in his (unenviable) shoes.

But I'll admit that having such a large cast also generates so many ideas, and while I find it fun to come up with different groups to rotate the focus on, it can also be tiring. Especially as my writing style involves getting into the heads of my characters, and with so many... tongue I will also add that I've been trying hard to not only maintain, but expand on, the camaraderie and team unity that I loved so much about the Reboot team... and takes some effort to get right!

Not to mention, we're in Volume 5 now - there's a lot of continuity to build on (the Reboot did last for about 10 years!) plus my own writings, so Volume 5 takes more effort than Volume 1 used to!

I figure I'll pause for September; I'll be away much of October and November; and will probably continue in December. Post-hiatus, we'll be seeing more of what Matahari van Dam has planned; I'm planning to look in on Brawler /the Monkey (last left as an amnesiac; as a matter of both mercy and practicality, he's been filled on in on his actions as the Monkey, so he's having to deal with that too); I have a couple of ideas on revisiting or progressing some plot elements from both canon and my own writings (no hints yet, as I've a jumble of ideas but nothing concrete); and a few (more) hints on what the core idea and arc of Volume 5 will be.

And of course, more on the most senior Cadets - since Volume 1 a core them of mine has been helping folks become the best they can be, as well as finding a place where they're best suited. As a reminder, Dragonwing made some observations about the "Senior Seven" here (Crystal Kid, Rainbow, Veilmist, Dryad, Dragonwing, Flying Fox, Vision).
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Digging Deeper - 08/17/23 07:09 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Dagosk

Active Legionnaires

Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks. Current Legion Deputy Leader.
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Dragonwing, Marya Pai of Earth (Singapore and Tibet); breathes fire and secretes acid venom
Flying Fox of H'lven; levitation, enhanced agility and strength, claws
Vision, Rhent Ustin of Earth (Egypt and Spain); microscopic, telescopic, heat, freeze, and hypnotic vision

***********************************************************
With much self-control, Gates refrained from saying anything as XS regaled their companions with stories of their first mission to Dagosk. What he couldn't understand was how XS kept talking about Leviathan in such a glowing way! But this did seem to be a bipedal mammal thing; he found that mammals tended to either remember the departed as saints or demons, no in-between.

Take Leviathan. When Gates had been new**, his first memory of meeting Leviathan had been of the then-Deputy Leader dismissing himself and Gates as "an outpatient and a revolutionary"... while Leviathan had been trading blows with Cosmic Boy! That had already cemented Gates' opinion of Leviathan as a violent buffoon.

When Leviathan had led a team to Star Boy's homeworld of Xanthu, Leviathan had spent the entire cruiser flight perpetuating hateful stereotypes about Xanthu as a rural, uncultured world. When they had first fought the Fatal Five, Leviathan and Star Boy had been trapped alone with Mano and Validus; when Gates had teleported down to join them, Leviathan's first utterance had been "Gates? They sent you?! We're dead!"

"Thanks for the encouragement, nasshead!" had been Gates' reply, before he and Star Boy had stopped Validus. Leviathan had only grudgingly congratulated them.

Gates had also seen Leviathan snap at others on the team before, such as Chameleon***, without even so much as an apology for losing his temper.

So when Leviathan died fighting Doctor Regulus, Gates had not been happy, but neither had he been particularly sad. He certainly didn’t thinner Leviathan had deserved to die, nothing like that. But he didn’t miss him, either. There was no love lost between him and Leviathan, after all. Gates understood that Leviathan had made a heroic sacrifice... but he always found it odd how most of his teammates had treated Gim Allon like a perfect saint.

But, Gates had also learned that his opinion on the matter served no good purpose today. Recalling the advice his teammates had given him, he resisted the urge to speak up, and let XS continue. After all, how would his opinion affect their mission? And as Leviathan was deceased, was there really any harm in letting his teammates have their rosy view of him? If anyone displayed any unsavory behaviors, Gates would just call them out then and there.

He shook himself out of his reverie as the Legionnaires approached the council chambers. Sternly reminding himself about tact, Gates spoke up. "Sorry to interrupt, XS, but we're here."

XS, who had been recalling the food that the Dagoskians had served them so long ago, snapped to attention. "Aye aye, Gates!"

The staff smiled as she punched them in, and the doors swung open.

"Welcome, Legionnaires." High Chancellor Pen'ta approached them with a smile. "Thank you for coming to our world; and it is good to see two among you who have been here before."

"Happy to be at your service," Gates bowed. Live Wire resisted the urge to react; he wasn't used to the normally-acerbic Gates acting so... respectful! Perhaps becoming Deputy Leader would be good for Gates' social skills...

The team took seats around the briefing table, as staff walked in carrying trays of refreshments. Everyone politely took a snack and a drink. Gates was pleased to see that the Dagoskians had clearly done their research; there were some juicy grubs suitable for a Vyrgan palate. Flying Fox eagerly grabbed a bowl of nuts. "Just like what we have on H'lven!" he grinned.

"Yes, even though we haven't joined the United Planets, we've already been improving our trade ties with the UP worlds," Chancellor Pen'ta's eyes twinkled.

"I understand you and your sister world Dabron have been vigorously debating UP membership," Live Wire began cautiously.

"Indeed," the Chancellor affirmed. "We have a public consultation set up in two days, and we've asked you here - as a body linked to the United Planets, but that also serves non-UP worlds - to advise on, and provide, security. Whatever you recommend, all resources on Dagosk and Dabron will be at your disposal." His eyes twinkled. "In this, we are able to decide and move fast." Gates was nodding vigorously, and Live Wire smiled at the Chancellor's self-referential humor regarding his planet's long road to UP membership.

"That makes sense," Particon nodded. "The Science Police is a United Planets body, so you couldn't reach out to them. But the Legion has members from both United Planets and Affiliated Planets*** worlds, and even some worlds that don't belong to either group."

"And we serve any planet that calls for our aid," Gates said proudly. "Chancellor, before we speak about security, do you mind... how do you assess the mood on Dagosk and Dabron, regarding UP membership?" As the Chancellor considered Gates' question, Live Wire shot Gates a look. Gates nodded, and continued. "It will be helpful if we get a sense of the climate... then we can consider it in our security recommendations."

"That sounds wise," the Chanceller conceded. He motioned to his staff. "Please switch to the briefing that we shared with the Council yesterday."

Everyone turned to the screens in front, as the Chancellor shared some developments and statistics. "Public opinion on joining the United Planets has steadily grown after the advent of Threshold technology," the Chancellor began. "However, while 73% of Dagoskians are in favor, only 34% of Dabronians are. As our planets have many economic and social ties..."

XS, having already read everything displayed on the screen, eyed the Cadets discreetly.

Gates leaned forward in interest, as did Vision. Live Wire, Particon and Flying Fox were a bit more restrained, but polite. Dragonwing was covering her mouth, trying very hard not to visibly yawn. XS caught her eye, and Dragonwing had the grace to appear embarrassed. XS simply gave her a wink; as a speedster, she got bored easily. As long as someone was trying not to be rude, XS would give them a pass. She did discreetly motion her head towards the others as a signal; Dragonwing smiled and nodded. Dragonwing placed her hands on the table in front of her, doing her best to at least maintain the appearance of interest.

XS did the same, looking straight ahead... though she did allow herself to tap her finger on her leg.

After all, she needed to model good behavior for the Cadets... and being a Legionnaire was about more than just leaping into action.

After the Chancellor's briefing, Gates had taken charge. The team were to start at 09.00 Terran hours the next morning; they would review the current security protocols and draft improvement recommendations; and they would present to the Chancellor at 15.00 Terran hours. The Chancellor personally showed the team around the guest wing of the building, where they would have their rooms; Dragonwing was pleased to see that each of them had their own private room! Particon was already planning to use the gym, and Flying Fox cooed as he saw the gardens; lots of nice trees to climb on!

At 20:00 Terran hours, the team had a nice dinner with the Chancellor and others of the Council. Gates had reminded everyone to be sure to mingle, and to observe the Council Members carefully; after all, it was a Council Member who had masterminded the murders on their first mission*, so many years ago. Live Wire had had to gently advise Vision to act casually while doing so; "We don't want them to get the impression that we don't trust them," Live Wire had whispered. "We can tell you're using your X-ray vision, Rhent." Vision had stammered, and Dragonwing had done her best not to snigger.

And at 22.00 Terran hours, the team had retired to their individual rooms.

Dragonwing sighed as she jumped into her bed. This had, so far, been completely boring... it didn't look like they would get to crack any heads on this mission. Once more, she wondered whether there would be enough brawls and battles to keep her engaged as an Active Legionnaire, if she chose. She drifted off to sleep soon after, her dreams filled with pleasant street fights on Rimbor and on Khundia.

***********************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Gates, Leviathan (now deceased) and XS first visited Dagosk in Showcase '96 #8. N'cia, an official who was half-Dagoskian and half-Dabronian, hired Quicksand and Holdur to murder officials and stop Dagosk from joining the UP without Dabron, fearful that Dagosk would prosper alone and cause tensions - and eventually war - with Dabron.

2) On Gates and Leviathan. Gates is being a mildly unreliable narrator here - at least, Gates is factually recalling his interactions with Leviathan, BUT he's not taking Leviathan's viewpoint into account (well, how could he, he's not a telepath smile )

Gates and Star Boy reported for Legion duty in LSH 76. For context, Cosmic Boy had just followed then-President Chu's orders not to let Ultra Boy and Element Lad join, but to accept Gates and Star Boy: Leviathan was upset at Cosmic Boy not standing up for the team. Star Boy was then recovering from an accident, with both arms in casts; Gates was a reluctant draftee, constantly referring to the Legion as a "Teenage Death Squad" and refusing to attend training sessions.

The mission to Xanthu was in LSH 82. Leviathan was asked by RJ Brande to get Xanthu to let Star Boy stay in the Legion; Xanthu had been wanting to recall Star Boy, to raise their own prestige. Leviathan was upset, as he saw Star Boy as a destructive, irresponsible shmuck. Key scenes: Star Boy wrecks part of the gym floor in training (Legionnaires 33); in Star Boy's defense, Leviathan told him to use his powers... which are... to make things heavy! Star Boy also broke through and destroyed the Legion HQ facade (LSH 81), which set the repairs back by a lot, and Star Boy didn't even apologize! This explains Leviathan's annoyance with Star Boy.

Leviathan snapped at Chameleon while trapped on the very hot Planet Hall (Legionnaires 22), and in the aforementioned LSH 76 scene, he angrily shoved Chameleon while walking away from Cosmic Boy et. al.

The Fatal Five battle took place in LSH 79.

Leviathan sacrificed himself to stop Dr. Regulus in LSH 83.

3) The Affiliated Planets was initially created by the Dark Circle; after the Circle was exposed, some of the AP member worlds decided to stay together as a bloc outside the United Planets.
Posted By: Set Re: Digging Deeper - 08/17/23 08:03 PM
Nice use of Gates. I love how he tends to go against the grain. Others say nice things about Gim, he remembers the less fun times. Others expect him to be all ascerbic and poor at diplomacy, he's the picture of respectful and attentive! It amuses me, and is totally in-character for him, to defy expectations and leave the tall walkers confused. smile
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Digging Deeper - 08/17/23 08:09 PM
Thanks, Set, glad this bit with Gates rang true smile he’s very single minded, I’d actually hate to debate him because his opinions are so deep seated wink

With the diplomacy, he’s committed to being the best Deputy Leader he can be… with a lot of effort wink
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Sisterly Love - 08/18/23 09:55 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Dagosk

Active Legionnaires

Gates, Ti'julk Mr'asz of Vyrga; opens teleportation disks. Current Legion Deputy Leader.
Live Wire, Garth Ranzz of Winath; electricity generation and manipulation
Particon, Jennifer Sanchez of Earth (India and Philippines); "hard light" energy casting and manipulation
XS, Jenni Ognats of Aarok; super-speed

Reserve Legionnaires (Still in the Legion Cadet program)

Dragonwing, Marya Pai of Earth (Singapore and Tibet); breathes fire and secretes acid venom
Flying Fox of H'lven; levitation, enhanced agility and strength, claws
Vision, Rhent Ustin of Earth (Egypt and Spain); microscopic, telescopic, heat, freeze, and hypnotic vision

***********************************************************

Two days after first arriving on Dagosk, the Legionnaires were slightly tired from the effort of shoring up the security at the public consultations on United Planets membership. But they were energized by the Dagoskians enthusiasm and willingness in implementing their recommended improvements.

One hour before the consultations were scheduled, Gates had paired each full Legionnaire up with a Cadet and stationed them around the perimeter. He himself stayed beside the Chancellor; both as mission leader, but also so he could teleport the Chancellor away in case of danger.

At the entrance to the Council compound, Vision and XS supported security staff in checking anyone who wanted to enter. Between Vision's microscopic and telescopic sights, and XS' super-speed, they should be able to detect most potential threats and act on them.

Particon and Dragonwing were stationed at the entrance to the inner building, which was separated from where Vision and XS were by extensive gardens. Both had powers that worked very well in wide open spaces, such as said gardens. And if need be, they could help seal off the inner building.

Live Wire and Flying Fox took up their spots just outside the inner chamber, where the consultations proper would be. If a threat revealed itself this close to the consultations, these two were the best options for close-range fighting.

Any citizen of both Dagosk and Dabron could attend; and any who had signed up a week prior could deliver statements to the assembled Council. For higher security, some Council members would only be calling in remotely; but the Chancellor himself, and two members each from Dagosk and from Dabron, would attend in person, given the weight of the topic. The role of the Council was to ask questions and clarify the positions of those addressing them; they were to probe and understand, but not to debate.

Gates reminded himself that their main goal today was to keep the peace, though he wished he could take part in the discussions. Then again, as the Council had agreed to stop short of open debate, and focus on listening, Gates thought it might be for the best. He had had to hold his tongue so many times in the last two days, he had nearly bitten it off. But, he understood that they were here to represent the Legion, and indirectly, to represent the United Planets - even if the Legion wasn't beholden to the UP. He understood that all Dagoskians and Dabronians today would be judging their behavior, and he determined that he had to present himself at his best.

As civilians surged in, Vision scanned each one, looking for hidden weapons. XS, happy that she didn't have to sit still, sped around the outer entrance, constantly looking for threats.

For their part, Particon and Dragonwing stood vigilantly. Neither of them used their powers, though both remained on high alert should they need to. Dragonwing hissed and sighed "This is boring," even as she scanned the crowd. Particon kept quiet; as long as Dragonwing wasn't ruining either of their concentration, she could moan as much as she wanted.

Inside, Live Wire was a bit envious of Flying Fox's enhanced senses. At least the tiny H'lven could sniff the air; all Live Wire could do was watch and wait.

"So, smell any weird pheromones or poison gas attacks yet?" Live Wire whispered, even as he scanned the crowd for odd movements.

"Nah... all I smell is furry sweat," Flying Fox whispered back, wary of offending the hairy - by humanoid standards - Dagoskians and Dabronians.

"Ewww," Live Wire wrinkled his nose.

"Not to me, actually," Flying Fox said, even as he kept alert. "Remember, my world is full of furry creatures," Flying Fox pulled at his fur in emphasis. "It actually smells quite pleasan-hey!"

Flying Fox looked up in consternation as a young child lifted him up. "Mommy, what a cute rat!"

"I'm a H'lven, a sentient being," Flying Fox said calmly, his cheeks burning. Ugh! He hated that youngsters of other worlds so often mistook him for a pet! He resisted struggling though, unwilling to actually hurt the child. Though he wouldn't mind if the parents gave him a little smack or two.

"Oh my, N'Gin, stop that!" The child's embarrassed mother lifted her child up. "Put the nice man down, and apologize!"

Flying Fox wanted to snarl; now the mother was lifting the child AND him! He knew he was light, by humanoid standards, but this was appalling!

Live Wire looked away tactfully; from various earlier missions, he already knew of Flying Fox's "weakness". But he also knew that the Cadet could take care of himself, and this was a good opportunity to observe how the Cadet would act in a humiliating situation...

"Thank you," Flying Fox addressed mother and child, as the child reluctantly let him go. "I appreciate you showing respect for a fellow sentient." The mother apologized profusely, and Flying Fox magnanimously accepted as she dragged her child away. "Bye, Mister..." the child waved.

Before Live Wire could say anything, Flying Fox hissed. "We will never speak of this!"

Keeping his face serious, Live Wire agreed silently.

The first sign of trouble came at the outer gates.

"Hey, no shoving!" a visitor in the crowd clutched her coat to her chest as a man beside her began to push forward.

"What in the-" she continued, as half a dozen more men began to shove at the crowd!

"Halt!" said a security officer, pointing his rifle. "Or I'll shoot!"

"No, not in this packed crowd!" XS cautioned. "Vision, your hypnosis vision!"

Vision trained his eyes on the first man. "Oh, it's not working!" Thinking quickly, he switched to freeze vision, aiming it at the first man's boots. "I hope those boots are thick enough to stop him getting frostbite," Vision muttered.

In the time it had taken him to do that, XS had surged forward and removed the next three men.

"Good job, Legionnaire," said a security officer. "But there are more! We have to close the gates!" XS turned and stared. A seething mass of people in the crowd were moving forward; screams rang in between as unaffected people tried to get out.

"Officer, let's discuss quickly - I'm worried that closing the gate will cause a human wall," XS cautioned. "Vision, call Gates and tell him what's happening. I'm going to start getting the unaffected people out." And XS ran into the crowd, nimbly dodging and weaving through the mass of bodies, searching for those cowering or struggling in the opposite direction.

Vision had called the rest. "XS was right," Gates said. "We don't want a crowd crush. Particon, Dragonwing, there's more space in the gardens - tell the security staff to join you, hold the line there. Live Wire, Flying Fox, guard the inner building but be ready to reinforce Particon and Dragonwing if needed. Vision, something is causing this; fly up and look for it - inform us once you spot something. And I'll update the Council."

"You heard the boss," XS told the security staff. The security officers began running towards where Dragonwing and Particon were.

"Whatever it is, it's already here!" Particon yelled into her flight ring, as a couple dozen angry Dagoskians began to mob them. Manifesting her energy powers into a lance - the first thing she learned to do after getting empowered* - and swung it at the first attacker's feet, pulling them out from under him. She quickly twirled her lance, catching another in the stomach.

Dragonwing began inhaling, ready to use her fire breath. Particon shouted at her, "Don't kill them!"

"I know, I know! Legion code!" Dragonwing said, annoyed. "I haven't been training in the VR for nothing!" She limited the heat of her flame and cast it wide, above the heads of the attackers, driving them back. The security staff took advantage of Dragonwing's distraction to disable the attackers, firing at them on a low-intensity stun setting. "So what's the plan? Are you gonna cast an energy wall or something?"

"If you can clear a space and keep them off my back!" Particon shoved another attacker back, then took to the sky with her flight ring. She began casting her power, creating a barrier around the innermost council building. "And make sure you're on my side of the shield!"

"That's no fun!" Dragonwing thought to herself as she kicked an approaching attacker in the shin. Then she looked up, and saw the massive crowd surging through the outer gates. "Er, on second thought, this is too much even for me!" Raising her voice, she motioned to the security staff. "Okay, this way!" She reached down to grab one injured, moaning officer and slung her onto her shoulders, and led them through Particon's shield.

"Whatever it is, it's also reached inside!" Live Wire called out. Crackling electricity surrounded his fists; but in close quarters like this, he didn't dare shoot out bolts of lightning. Instead, he tried to remember the hand-to-hand training he received from his wife Saturn Girl. Crouching low to avoid a punch from an attacking man, Live Wire reached his hand out, touching the man's leg, and shocking him into unconsciousness. "Give me long range attacks any day," he muttered.

Over to the right, Flying Fox leaped at a civilian who was lunging at him. Using his agility, the Cadet kicked the man in the chin, knocking him over. Then he felt a pair of hands closing around him.

"Stupid rodent!" the man snarled at Flying Fox. "I'll squeeze the life out of you!"

"Um, Live Wire, little help here?" Flying Fox called, struggling and squirming.

"Hold on, I'm coming!" Live Wire tried to get airborne, but the ceiling was too low. He had to fight his way through! He began zapping the men between him and Flying Fox. "Hold on, hold on!"

Flying Fox felt his ribs begin to crack. Sprock it! He did have one secret power... he hated using it, but it was either that or... He felt the oxygen escaping from his lungs. Concentrating, he fixed his attacker with a disarming stare, widening his eyes, and looking into the attacker's own.

The man began to tremble. "Oh, so cute!" Flying Fox felt the man's grip loosen, and he flew forward, headbutting the man and knocking him out.

"Are you okay?" Live Wire finally made his way to the Cadet. As Flying Fox nodded, Live Wire pressed. "What did you just do?! Are you a secret telepath or something?"

Flying Fox sighed. "I wish it were that cool. No, I... I have this..." He saw something over Live Wire's shoulder. "Wait, incoming!" Live Wire turned and zapped at the floor, driving the attackers back. Bracing himself, he said, "Explain to me what you did. If it can help us, I need to know."

Flying Fox sighed. "Okay, I have this disarming stare. If I look into someone's eyes, I can will them to think I'm cute and adorable and give them the warm fuzzies."

"This isn't in your file!" Live Wire said as he threw a few more bolts to scare the crowd back. Too many to zap one by one...

"It's embarrassing, that's why I've been keeping it secret!" Flying Fox spat. "You saw what that kid did earlier, grabbing me like a toy!"

"We'll talk about this later," Live Wire said. "We have to keep them from reaching the inner chamber!"

"You'll soon be able to break off!" Gates responded over the flight ring network. "With Particon shielding the building, and XS evacuating all the uninfected outside, I'm taking care of those insiide!" Gates teleported beside the last raging attacker inside the chamber, knocking the man out from behind. "Okay, everyone gather around!" he commanded. "Keep your limbs still; my gates have sharp edges." Gates watched as the Councilors and unaffected civilians formed into a tight ring around him. He formed a large teleport disk and teleported everyone to safety.

As they reemerged on the rooftop of a nearby government building, Chancellor Pen'ta sat down. "What in heaven's name was that?"

"We don't know, but we'll find out," Gates said grimly. Seeing the building security staff already securing the rescuees, Gates reached out over the flight ring network. "Okay, team, the inner chamber is cleared. XS?"

"Doing a last sweep of the grounds!" XS replied.

"Vision, anything yet?"

"Not yet..." Vision called.

"Dragonwing, are the security staff all with you and Particon?"

"Affirmative!" Dragonwing replied. She had been bantering with the staff as they held off any attackers trying to scale Particon's energy barrier.

"Okay, coming to pick you up. Once we're clear, everyone, gather at my location in the building over," Gates commanded.

Minutes later, Gates had teleported Dragonwing's group over to the Chancellor. A few minutes more, and Particon, Live Wire, Flying Fox and Vision flew over to join them, and XS raced up the building side. "I've brought all the unaffected civilians to the hospital," she reported.

"Good work, all. Now what do we know?" Gates asked. "I'll start - from the timing, whatever it is spread from the outside, to the inside."

"And for some reason, only men were affected," XS pointed out.

"Except us, the Councilors, and the staff..." Vision said.

"is it because we're wearing transuits?" Particon offered.

Vision's eyes opened in recognition. "Oh! Could it be Charma? She has pheromone powers that allow her to control only males!**"

"Yes! Invisible KId beat her once by wearing a transuit**, and so did Cosmic Boy's team!***"

"I didn't smell anything," Flying Fox pointed out. "I guess her pheromones are odorless..."

Particon looked up from her Omnicom. "Seems correct. I'm looking up her file now..."

"You nerd you, your nerdiness is paying off!" Dragonwing affectionately punched Vision on the shoulder. He winced, rubbing it - Marya was strong!

"Great thinking, Vision. Now you know who to look for - you know what she looks like?" Live Wire asked. Vision nodded yes, earning him another affectionate punch from Dragonwing.

"If she uses pheromones, I can help clear the air," XS dashed out and began running around the Council building, hoping to draw the pheromones away and up into the atmosphere where they couldn't affect anyone.

"Flying Fox, go with her," Gates said. "Keep an eye on the building grounds, and warn XS if it looks like people are running out of oxygen." With a mock salute, Flying Fox flew off to help.

"Particon..." Gates began.

"Way ahead of you." Particon began forming an energy shield on the building rooftop. "This should keep the pheromones away, long enough for us to get down." The security staff were already ushering everyone inside.

"And I've found her with my telescopic vision," Vision said with satisfaction. This time, he sidestepped in time to avoid a last Dragonwing punch. Vision pointed to the east.

The rest was easy. With Vision guiding Gates, they teleported to Charma's location with Live Wire and Dragonwing. Charma, seeing their transuits, began to run. Dragonwing gleefully tackled her to the ground.

As she had taken the job for money, Charma refused to give up her employer. Putting Charma in custody, the team helped the Council assess the situation and clean up. Thankfully, nobody had been injured badly, though many of the men Charma had controlled would have slight bruises.

"Well, that's one bad guy down at least," Flying Fox said, a little disappointed.

"Maybe we can make it two," Gates mused. He had been reviewing security footage. "Look at this. This is a picture of the Council from last night."

Particon's eyes widened, as she saw what Gates saw. The team wasted no time in bringing their findings to Chancellor Pen'ta. It didn't take very long to put the evidence together - a search of Charma's lodgings found the assumed identity she had traveled to Dagosk in, and a search of the suspect's bank records found a transfer to an account in the name of said identity.

And so it was, that Council member D'ceet was arrested for hiring Charma to sabotage the consultations.

"How... how did..." D'ceet stammered as he was led away. He had broken down and confessed fairly quickly.

"He was the only one wearing a transuit the day before the consultations," Gates explained gleefully, as they watched him be taken away. "We only warned the Council to wear their transuits today, just in case."

"I thank you all," Chancellor Pen'ta bowed. "I find it sad that someone would seek to sabotage such an event... It seems that D'ceet was afraid that UP membership would ruin some of his business holdings." He shook his head. "Perhaps we should strengthen our anti-corruption measures... But this incident has steeled our wills. We will hold another, using what we've learned from you."

"And we are happy to provide assistance with that, too," Gates chirped. "Just let us know, and the Legion will be there."

As they flew back to Legion World, the three Cadets had different moods. Vision was elated that he realized it was Charma; Dragonwing was happy that a boring mission turned out exciting; and Flying Fox...

Flying Fox was having an uncomfortable discussion with Live Wire and Particon.

"Are you keeping any other powers secret?" Live Wire asked.

"No, no, just this," Flying Fox sighed. "It's just so embarrassing!"

"Your disarming stare is an advantage," Particon pointed out. "I understand why you don't want to broadcast it... but we, your teammates, need to know what you're fully capable of in battle."

"It's one thing to discover a new power, it's another to knowingly keep this secret," Live Wire scolded. "We'll have to share this with the active membership."

"I know, I know, I'm sorry..." Flying Fox looked downcast. Live Wire and Particon didn't need to say anything, to know that the Cadet was thinking of the damage this could do to his chances of becoming a full Legionnaire.

To soften the blow, Particon did add: "Although, keeping it a secret from the outside world is wise. After all, it's a good last-resort power. We don't want people to prepare for it."

Flying Fox gave a small smile of gratitude at that. At least he could avoid being a public laughing stock...

As they piloted the cruiser, XS sighed. "At least our second Dagosk mission is ending better! Nobody died this time!""***

Gates couldn't resist grinning from ear to ear. "And my first mission leading as Deputy Leader, too!"

"Is that why you've been so diplomatic, Gates?" XS teased. "Last time, you couldn't stop complaining about the weather, the food..."

"Do you really want to her all my unfiltered opinions, XS?" Gates grinned.

XS laughed. "Do you really think asking that way will get you a YES?"

The two chuckled as the Legion cruiser flew onwards, back home.

*************************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) See Legionnaires 50, during the battle versus Mordru, Particon mainly used her energy lance to pierce Mordru's magical barrier, slash at him, and fire it at him as a beam.


2) This is the Reboot interpretation of Charma: male mind control. Invisible Kid took her down in Legionnaires 66, and Brainiac 5, Cosmic Boy, and Magnetic Kid take her out in Volume 3.

3) The first mission to Dagosk was in Showcase '96 #8, several officials and guards were murdered by someone trying to stop Dagosk from acceding to the United Planets without its sister world Dabron.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Digging Deeper - 08/18/23 12:31 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Legion World

Active Legionnaires

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form (currently suspended)

Triad, Luornu Durgo of Cargg; triplication. Current Legion leader.
Blizzard, Brek Bannin of Tharr; cold projection
Brainiac 5, Querl Dox of Colu; 12th level intelligence and force field powers
Chameleon, Reep Daggle of Durla; shapeshifting
Echo, Troy Stewart of Earth (South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago); sound manipulation
Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Karate Kid, Val Armorr of Omega Colony (Earth colony: Japan and Myanmar); skilled martial artist
Kinetix, Zoe Saugin of Aleph; telekinesis and animation of objects; affinity for magic
Magno, Dyrk Magz of Braal; magnetokinesis
Shikari Lonestar of the Kwai; pathfinding, armored skin and claws allowing for flight and survival in space
Violet, Salu Digby of Imsk; shrinks and grows own body
White Witch, Mysa of Zarrox; sorcery
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings); anti-energy being

Reserve Legionnaires (also Legion Support Staff)

Impulse, Kent Shakespeare of Earth (United Kingdom: England); enhanced speed, strength, durability and recuperative abilities (Legion World chief medical doctor)

***********************************************************

In the two days since his last appointment with Dr. Ryk'rr,, Ferro had had plenty of time to think, and to act.

As soon as he had exited Dr. Ryk'rr's office, he had poured his heart out to Element Lass, Karate Kid, Mentalla and Violet. Karate Kid was not at all surprised; he had been Ferro's only confidante through this all. Mentalla and Violet, through their conversations with Ferro between his being suspended and his appointment with the doctor, had already gotten hints and glimpses of his issues. Still, hearing it all at once made all three tear up as they listened to Ferro.

He had started with a big thank you, and an apology to Mentalla and Violet for acting cold towards them. He ended by thanking them for not giving up on him, and both gave him warm, understanding smiles. Mentalla had explained what they had been thinking: they knew it wasn't easy, being stuck in his iron form. But they didn't realize just HOW difficult it had been for Ferro all this time.

Element Lass wasn't surprised at Ferro's struggles with losing his three senses, as she herself had too. But she was surprised at Ferro's feeling alone and isolated, even from her and Wildfire. "Oh, you poor dear," she said. "I had no idea...! Have Wildfire and I been too cheerful about all this?"

Ferro had looked up. "Candi, please, don't apologize for your different perspectives... as I discussed with the doctor, we three had different experiences in getting where we are now. So it makes sense we'd view this differently..."

Karate Kid spoke up; ever since Ferro’s actions with the Sklarian cruiser, he had been wondering if he should have said something to someone about Ferro’s struggles. "Andy... I know I don't talk much about myself, but then I'm not going through this. I've kept silence on your behalf, but maybe you shouldn't hold this in any longer..."

"I know, Val," Ferro said. "That's what the doctor advised."

Ferro once again thanked everyone: Karate Kid, for his trust; Element Lass, for her compassion; and Mentalla and Violet, for choosing to continue being his friends. The four had hugged him before he left.

Ferro had gone to his room to collect his thoughts. Now that he knew he could share his feelings without being judged or rejected - as long as he did so calmly and respectfully - he resolved to go the whole hog, and make things right. After all, the Legion was his family - his only family. They had taken him in, brought him to their time... Without them, he'd still be an orphan in the 20th century, with nowhere else to go. He owed everything to them.

Armed with hand-drown portraits of each of his friends, Ferro made the rounds. He reminded himself that only he was responsible for his own emotions, and his reactions to them - and he braced himself for some deep conversations.

His first visit was to Triad. After all, as Legion leader, she had to deal with the fallout of his actions near the Sklarian Asteroid belt. But more than that, he did consider Triad a friend, too.

Triad Neutral had listened calmly. Orange gave Ferro a hug, and even Purple had empathized. "I get it, buckethead," Purple said. "I'm the last one who should judge someone else for lashing out in anger."

"I would have been more sensitive if I'd known," Neutral continued. "I mean, I knew it wasn't easy for you, being stuck like that, but... I didn't know how tough it was. Have you been eating yourself up inside, every time we've had a party with food and drinks?"

"A little," Ferro admitted. "But none of you should have to stop eating just because it makes me feel bad. And listen... I want to make things right on Sklar."

"We've explained to them it's a miscommunication," Triad Neutral said. "We've also offered restitution: paying for the damage to their ship, with extra for the trouble. And we'll be sending a team to help make the asteroids fertile."

"Ferro, trust me, choose your battles," Purple said, to everyone's surprise. "Let us handle Sklar. You handle yourself, and our teammates."

Orange had finished the session by asking Ferro if he wanted to return to Active duty after his mandatory suspension. Ferro had decided to extend that with a leave of absence, until he felt ready. He'd stay on Legion World, anyway; but now was a good time to explore everything their artificial home had to offer.

Ferro's next stop had been Echo. With Echo dating Mentalla, he wanted to clear the air. Mentalla had already told Echo of all her conversations with Ferro, so Echo had guessed what the trouble was. And Ferro hadn't had any run-ins with him, other than one comment in battle. So Echo was in a position to be very sympathetic.

"Ferro, Andy, I can't imagine what it must be like, dealing with this daily," Echo's eyes watered. He was thinking of how he himself would react if he lost his sense of touch or taste.

"It's not easy," Ferro admitted. "Not at all... Look, I just want you to know, I think you're a great guy, and I'm happy you're seeing Mentalla. She's great, she deserves it, and you don't have to worry about me."

Echo had tapped Ferro on the shoulder, marveling indeed at how hard Ferro's iron body was. No wonder he couldn't feel anything. "Let's think of some fun stuff for us to do. A museum, a play..."

"That's what Mentalla suggested," Ferro had laughed.

Tenzil Kem, who was dating Violet, was next. As with Echo, Ferro hadn't had any run-ins with Tenzil. Tenzil had also been one of the first ones, long ago, whom Ferro had consulted when debating whether to sculpt his iron face into a handsome one, and lose his senses*. So Tenzil already knew of the impact.

"Sprock Ferro, now that you put it that way..." Tenzil muttered. Come to think of it, he couldn't recall the last time he'd seen Ferro socializing in the cafeteria. "You chose to keep your senses way back then, and now you've gone and lost them anyway..."

"Yeah, the irony isn't lost on me," Ferro had quipped.

"And here I am, always raving about cooking when you're around," Tenzil looked at Ferro. "Me and my big mouth, literally."

"I admit, I used to get upset," Ferro confessed. "But nobody was doing it intentionally. Dr. Ryk'rr helped me realize that. If I don't say anything, how will you know?"

After wishing Tenzil well, and thanking him for being a good partner to Violet, Ferro had invited the three Cadets on the Sklarian mission over to the cafeteria. Crystal Kid looked defiant, while Battering Ram and X-Bomb Betty seemed awkward as they sipped the drinks Ferro had bought for them. Ferro had started with an apology, and thanked a surprised Crystal Kid for the harsh talking-to.

"Oh, uh, I'm glad I wasn't too bad," Crystal Kid muttered. He wasn't used to people thanking him for being so blunt!"

"You stuck to the facts, without making any personal judgments against me," Ferro smiled in gratitude. "I appreciate that you focused on my actions, instead of calling me names. It upsets me when people say I'm stupid, rather than that I did something stupid."

"Of... of course," Crystal Kid continued.

"It must be tough," X-Bomb Betty said sympathetically. "Is there anything we can do different?"

"You're not doing anything wrong," Ferro smiled. "And I thank you all for your sensitivity."

"Of course," Battering Ram said quietly, thinking. Naturally, some of the other Cadets had asked them about their mission... he thought that after this, he'd get started spreading the word about Ferro's struggles. Though Ferro was wrong for acting hotheaded, it seemed only fair that everyone understood the inner turmoil that had led him to it... and knew that he was working on it.

Magno was next. Ferro hadn't had any run-ins with him recently, but he still remembered an incident from long, long ago... One that Ferro had recalled while thinking, and one that he realized had been very insensitive.**

"Dyrk?" Ferro had asked Magno, approaching him as he sat, alone.

"Oh, Ferro..." Magno had put his drink down. "What do you want?"

"I... Do you remember that time I asked you... whether you would trade faces with me, if it meant you could get your magnetism back?"

"How could I forget," Magno had said drily.

"It was dumb and insensitive of me," Ferro continued. "I never apologized, and I should have back then. I was too stupid not to see how that question must have hurt you."

"Oh, well, apology accepted..." Magno had been caught off-guard. "It's not that I actively think about it daily, you know."

"I didn't think so," Ferro said quickly. "But I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for that. I'll be more thoughtful in the future."

"I appreciate it," Magno said awkwardly. "Um, but can I ask, why apologize now? It's been years..."

Ferro had given Magno the cliff's notes version, and his teammate reacted in sympathy and understanding.

Next up was Kinetix. She and Blizzard had been lunching together when Ferro sat with them. "Zoe, thank you for talking to Delya and Vi about... about me."

"Hey," Kinetix had replied in her usual flippant way "Sometimes, gossip is good, right?" Turning serious, she had reached her hand out to Ferro. "Look, I will admit we were on the wrong track when we noticed something was wrong... but let's all learn from this. We're your friends, Andy. You shouldn't have to suffer in silence."

"Like, totally," Blizzard affirmed. "None of us can read minds... Let's not assume, let's talk."

"And Andy," Kinetix continued. "We've all been through different things, but we can understand losing something that's part of you. Grife, you should have seen me when I first lost my powers, Vi had to make sure I didn't freeze to death..."*****

"Yeah, I'm not sure what we can do, but we'll be here for you," Blizzard said quietly. "And if we're doing something stupid or insensitive, please, let us know..." Ferro had gripped both their hands in thanks.

Ferro had spoken to nearly all of his original teammates; they were his family, after all. And he had time.

Umbra had been surprisingly passionate in her empathy. "I've lashed out before, myself," she said, with a hint of shame.*** "As long as you try to make amends..."

Spark and Chameleon had simply hugged him, and invited him to watch a movie.

Calorie Queen hugged him too, even as she clutched at Timber Wolf; she was aghast at the thought of losing her sense of touch. Timber Wolf comforted Calorie Queen, as he told Ferro that howling in anger sometimes helped him cope. Both offered their company in working off frustrations in the VR room.

Apparition, with Ultra Boy's arm around her shoulder, shared about her own feelings of hopelessness, when she was an intangible wraith. Ultra Boy told Ferro to keep hanging in there - he confided that when he first lost Apparition, he never thought he'd get her back. Sometimes, unexpected things happen, and Ferro was right to hold onto hope. *****

Dreamer, with Star Boy clasping her hand, had apologized for not being able to foresee him turning human again; Ferro had smiled and thanked her for trying to check. Star Boy had admitted that he didn't know what to say, other than that he would try to be there for Ferro.

Invisible Kid and Chemical Kid vowed to work with Brainiac 5 to find a solution for Ferro's condition; they both thought that maybe adding Chemical Kid's catalyst powers to the mix might do some good. XS gripped Ferro tight, not caring that he was of hard iron. Andromeda said a short prayer with Ferro, for strength. Gear distracted Ferro with funny holos of cute pets.

Gates had said something similar to Umbra; "Life is too short for regrets; just make the future better!"

Sensor had told Ferro that he was quite strong; she herself had only changed her appearance and form*****, but at least she still had her senses. Ferro had countered that they were both strong, for weathering their changes.

M'Onel, with quiet seriousness, had told Ferro that he knew how he felt, having been imprisoned for a millennium in the Phantom Zone.****** Ferro had commiserated, and M'Onel had said that he hoped it would take far less time to restore Ferro. Shvaughn Erin, holding both their hands, said she would keep an eye out for any reports of technology that might help.

Saturn Girl and Live Wire had held hands, both determined not to tell Ferro about Dr. Ryk'rr's idea. Not until Saturn Girl could properly test it. They both shared their own experience, when Live Wire was thought dead. And how Live Wire had struggled too, with being trapped in a crystalline body for a while. Live Wire expressed his regret that they had not been able to restore Ferro's form at the same time Live Wire had regained his body; Ferro smiled and said he understood, as they had been it he heat of battle then.***** There simply hadn't been the time.

Ferro even approached the relatively newer Legionnaires. They were part of his family now, and he reminded himself that he should start opening up to them more, too.

Density, a self-proclaimed hedonist, was horrified at what Ferro was going through. Inferno, even more hedonistic, was even more horrified. All of them had sympathized, of course, and Gravity made a mental note to be less touchy-feely with his husband Density in front of Ferro.

Lamprey had tears in her eyes as Ferro spoke, and Nightwind tried to comfort them both. Microbe offered silent company, while Spider-Girl and Sizzle thought of activities to do to help distract Ferro from his troubles.

Insect Queen and Particon asked Ferro to join them for a nice walk in the Rainbow Falls of Xolnar, reasoning that it was a visual and auditory experience. Lume asked Ferro if he wanted to watch a nebula form, some time.

Amp offered to boost Ferro's sense of touch; they had experimented with it, but all he could feel were textures. It still helped, and Ferro thanked Amp profusely.

Babbage had quietly said that, based on its studies of humans, Ferro's earlier behavior seemed logical, in a human way. Or if not logical, understandable, based on how humans tended to act. Ferro thanked it for this comforting observation.

Although Ferro didn't approach the Cadets one by one, the word had indeed spread. Several Cadets gave Ferro words of encouragement as he made the rounds of Legion World. Veilmist expressed how impressed she was; most Khundian males would have committed suicide rather than bear life with the loss of a limb, for example. Rainbow chatted with Ferro about their favorite shades of each color in the rainbow. Flying Fox and Dragonwing distracted him with a training session. Vision sent Ferro a link to a story about accident survivors who learned to deal with various losses. Dryad spent some time talking to Ferro about the feeling of loss, and how to process it. Swallowtail and Neuron both offered to accompany Ferro on tours to their individual homeworlds. Uplift sat quietly with Ferro in one of Legion World's forests, watching some of the squirrels play.

Healer had come up to Ferro, apologizing that his healing abilities would only work once Ferro actually switched back to flesh, and that Impulse had told him the risk was too great. Ferro had thanks the Cadet, saying he understood.

Brainiac 5, the White Witch and Impulse had all come to Ferro together. He had already spoken them, but they sought him out again. "Ferro, I'm sorry, we still haven't figured out a way to heal you," Impulse was somber.

"We've experimented with using Kid Quantum's stasis fields," Brainiac 5 explained. "Our theory was that you could switch back, and she'd place a time bubble on you to prevent your wounds from bleeding out. Then, we could operate."

"Unfortunately, her fields also affect the tools we would use to operate on you," Impulse continued. "And your injuries are too severe to risk being unable to operate with 100% precision. Until we can control for that... " Impulse's head hung low. "It's the same reason Healer's power won't work. While Kid Quantum's field is active, his healing simply won't work."

"And my spells won't help either," White Witch said softly. "I don't have the right one for your condition... Iron is not well-researched in the tomes... And I don't have one that will work fast enough for your flesh form... but I will keep looking."

"It's okay," Ferro smiled at the three. "Thank you for continuing to try." Ferro invited them all to sit and chat for a bit about other things, while he bought them drinks as a thank you. He made a mental note to buy Kid Quantum and Cosmic Boy a drink after they came back from vacation, too.

It had been a long day, and Ferro was working his way up to two last teammates... he snuck up to the Mission Monitor Board, and saw their locations.

Creeping up to the VR room, Ferro waited. He didn't want to interrupt, and so he sat, and waited.

Half an hour later, the VR room opened. "That was masterful, Kari, and- oh. Ferro." Wildfire stopped in his tracks, and Shikari looked away from Ferro.

"Drake. I'm sorry, I was stupid..." Ferro began.

"Hey, hey, it's okay," Wildfire held out his hand. "I should have been more sensitive, about being able to feel something with Kari, and..."

"No, you shouldn't have to keep your good news to yourself," Ferro gripped Wildfire's gauntlet. "Despite me feeling sorry for myself, I should have been happy for you." He turned to Shikari and held out his other hand. "For both of you. I'm happy you two have found each other. Two of my best friends, happy together."

Shikari hesitated, then took Ferro's hand. "Thank you, Ir-" she stopped herself from using her Legion nicknames. "Thank you... Andy." The three had walked to the nearest garden, Ferro explaining his realizations on the way. Wildfire cursed his own obliviousness, for not realizing that Ferro had had a different experience. Ferro had told him, in no uncertain terms, that he wasn't responsible for reading Ferro's mind. The three had agreed to schedule a VR training session two days from now.

At the end of it, Ferro had returned to his room, tired but happy. It had been a long couple of days, tracking everyone down and sharing. "I could tell my whole story in an elevator pitch," he muttered to himself, jokingly.

He reflected; he had been met with a surprising amount of empathy. But then again, was it so surprising? Many of his teammates had lost things in their lives, and otherwise suffered. Perhaps they could understand, and relate to, his own feeling of loss. Maybe they hadn't experienced an exactly similar loss, but... they could stil empathize.

He opened the door, and stood dumbfounded.

In the center of his room was a box with art supplies. And a note - handwritten, rare for this day and age.

"Ferro... we're here for you. Your soul shines bright, and we see the person behind the mask. You're an artist, and our friend."

It was signed by all his teammates - even Kid Quantum and Cosmic Boy, who probably signed it through Threshold.

Ferro clutched the card to his chest for a moment. And with a smile, he began peering through the box. This was a great key to distract himself from his condition.

Bringing the supplies to his desk, he began to sketch a group portrait of his friends.

After all, he had a lot of time these days.

*************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) Legionnaires 58! Ferro had the option to sculpt his iron face into a copy of Superman's, but he'd have to stay in his iron form forever - losing his touch, taste and smell. He chose not to go through with it.

2) I don't think we need a list of references for Triad Purple's temperament, but here we go: storms out of a Legion meeting (LSH 67), tells RJ Brande bluntly that his United Planets idea won't work unless he understands the typical citizen (LSH Secret Files 1), and even calls Ferro stupid (LSH 112).

2) Also in Legionnaires 58! Magno had been depowered then, working as Legion support staff. Ferro called him, randomly asking "would you trade faces with me if you could get your powers back?" Naturally, Magno was very upset by that, as his power loss still stung.

3) Umbra used to be rather temperamental - walking away from Saturn Girl, even after Imra complimented her on facing her fears (Legionnaires 76); and in Legion Lost 6-8, she became a tad irrational (she did have the excuse of Imra removing her doubts and fears), getting into blows with Ultra Boy and Monstress, and even calling Monstress a freak. I did have Umbra apologize to Monstress in Volume 3.

4) Apparition "died" in Legionnaires Annual 2. She existed as an intangible wraith that only Ultra Boy and her mother Winema could see, from LSH 82-85. Saturn Girl allowed everyone to see and hear her through her telepathy in LSH 85, though without Imra's telepathy nobody else could detect her. Apparition became visible and audible to everyone in LSH 87, and finally regained her tangibility in LSH 100. It wasn't easy for her, she was often insecure and frustrated that she couldn't touch Ultra Boy, and that he could touch other women (though Ultra Boy remained faithful): see LSH 85, 94 and 95 for examples.

5) Sensor was transformed from her original snake form, to a hybrid humanoid/snake form, in Legion 18.

6) LSH Annual 6, Kinetix lost her powers on an archaeological dig with Violet

7) M'Onel's Phantom Zone imprisonment is still in Reboot canon; same reason, to protect him from lead poisoning. Key issues: is imprisoned (Superboy vol. 3 #19), and is freed (Legionnaires 31).

8) Live Wire "died" in Legion Lost 12 fighting the Progenitor-Omniphagos. He returned in a crystalline body resembling Element Lad's (Legion 25). in Legion of 3 Worlds, Live Wire was restored to his human form by the wand containing Bart Allen's essence. The implication was that the wand could have restored others, but there hadn't been any time on-panel for that to happen.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Digging Deeper - 08/18/23 12:56 PM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Legion World

Active Legionnaires

Ferro, Andrew Nolan of 20th century Earth (USA); previously could turn his body into durable iron, but now stuck in his iron form (currently suspended)
Element Lass, Candi "Princess" Pyponte-LeParc III of Xanthu; transmutation
Saturn Girl, Imra Ardeen of Titan; telepathy
Wildfire, Drake Burroughs (energy gestalt of two beings); anti-energy being

Other Legion Support Staff

Dr. Ryk'rr of Jaquaa; Legion psychiatrist

***********************************************************

Dr. Ryk'rr marveled at how Ferro was so much more relaxed now in their follow-up session. Where before, he had been sitting rigidly; now he was letting himself slip into his soft seat.

She also marveled at how diligently he had taken his "homework"; he had spoken to every single one of his teammates, and they had responded in kind. Truly, the Legion was more than just a team. Ferro was also more animated now; he spoke about all the outpouring of support he received.

"What I also like, is they're all empathic, but they're not pitying me," Ferro continued. "I still feel equal to them, if that makes sense." Dr. Ryk'rr nodded; that was a positive aspect, indeed. The Legion were helping Ferro focus on his strengths.

"I think you won't need my help as much anymore," Dr. Ryk'rr smiled. "Though of course, you're still welcome to come sit with me any time. And I think we should have a standing monthly in the agenda, just to be sure."

"If you don't mind spending the time, doctor, it would be my pleasure," Ferro smiled back. "We can just chat."

"Oh, but there is one more thing," Dr. Ryk'rr said, the excitement visible in her eyes. "Saturn Girl and I have been thinking of something... If you're okay with her being here..."

Ferro, stunned, nodded silently. And Saturn Girl came in with a wide smile.

"Ferro, I've been working with the Titanet*," she began. "You know that the Titanet allows senders and receivers to communicate to each other, as if in real time. Well..."

Ferro could feel his heart catch in his throat, as Saturn Girl continued. Though stuck in his iron form, Ferro still had a brain, a mind. One that could be affected by telepathy. Which meant...

"Do you really mean...?" Ferro asked.

"It's not permanent," Saturn Girl said quietly. "It only works as long as you are connected to the Titanent. And it costs a lot of energy."

"And because it does not actually reverse your condition," Dr. Ryk'rr cautioned. "I would limit your daily usage, we don't want to create an addiction. But..." She smiled. "We've been testing this therapy, and an hour a day has shown promise for patients who've lost various senses."

Ferro stood up. "We've got to tell Candi! And Drake!"

"Ferro, who do you think tested this treatment?" Saturn Girl smiled. "They'll be happy you thought of them, though. Do you want to try it now?"

"Are you kidding?" Ferro couldn't hide his excitement. "Of course!" He eagerly snatched up the receiver** Saturn Girl held out, a small saturn-shaped disk, and put it on his temple. Saturn Girl reached out to Ferro's mind through the disk, and connected him to the Titanet network.

"It works on memories," Saturn Girl said. "So close your eyes, and think of a favorite memory."

Ferro thought of one of the foods he missed the most: a root beer float. He focused on the sweet notes of the vanilla ice cream, the fizzing of the root beer...

... and he gasped. He could feel the telepathic energy pulse in his mind... and he could "feel" the taste.

Ferro sank to his knees, imagining that he was petting a dog. A big fluffy dog. And he could feel the soft, warm, fur; feel the dog's sloppy tongue licking his face.

"This... this is... the best thing ever!" Ferro rushed to hug both Saturn Girl and Dr. Ryk'rr. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

The two smiled, as they watched Ferro inhale deeply, as he drew on his recollections. At least he wouldn't feel so trapped, now.

****************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) First shown in Legion Worlds 3, the Titanet is a structure that concentrates the combined telepathic energy of Titanet "Adepts". The Titanians can use this to enable interstellar telepathic communication... and it affects all senses.

2) This receiver is fully intended to be the precursor of the memory disk that appears in my 50 years' flash-forward - the one Imra and Garth use to experience friends' memories of their wedding.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Digging Deeper - 08/18/23 12:59 PM
heh... I said here it would take a week, but it only took a day. Well, now that that's out of my head, it's time to take a break. I'm tired. thanks all for reading, and be back in a few months.

Originally Posted by Invisible Brainiac
ok gang, after this I'm going to run with Gates' team's mission to Dagosk, then I'll follow up Dr. Ryk'rr's idea with Saturn Girl and the fallout re Ferro's realizations... this should take the next couple of weeks. then I'll take a break for a while.

The way my mind works is, once I formulate an idea well enough to execute it, I need to write it out. So I need to get these two plotlines written out "on paper" (for my own peace of mind lol), then I need to give myself a break. Now's a good stopping point, as I have a few bullet points for the coming stuff, but nothing too developed yet.

The Ferro one in particular is taking a lot out of me, as I've had to write out the twists coming from his sessions with Dr. Ryk'rr (which included flashbacks!!), and I've had to take Ferro in quite a few directions by placing myself in his (unenviable) shoes.

But I'll admit that having such a large cast also generates so many ideas, and while I find it fun to come up with different groups to rotate the focus on, it can also be tiring. Especially as my writing style involves getting into the heads of my characters, and with so many... tongue I will also add that I've been trying hard to not only maintain, but expand on, the camaraderie and team unity that I loved so much about the Reboot team... and takes some effort to get right!

Not to mention, we're in Volume 5 now - there's a lot of continuity to build on (the Reboot did last for about 10 years!) plus my own writings, so Volume 5 takes more effort than Volume 1 used to!

I figure I'll pause for September; I'll be away much of October and November; and will probably continue in December. Post-hiatus, we'll be seeing more of what Matahari van Dam has planned; I'm planning to look in on Brawler /the Monkey (last left as an amnesiac; as a matter of both mercy and practicality, he's been filled on in on his actions as the Monkey, so he's having to deal with that too); I have a couple of ideas on revisiting or progressing some plot elements from both canon and my own writings (no hints yet, as I've a jumble of ideas but nothing concrete); and a few (more) hints on what the core idea and arc of Volume 5 will be.

And of course, more on the most senior Cadets - since Volume 1 a core them of mine has been helping folks become the best they can be, as well as finding a place where they're best suited. As a reminder, Dragonwing made some observations about the "Senior Seven" here (Crystal Kid, Rainbow, Veilmist, Dryad, Dragonwing, Flying Fox, Vision).
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Searching - 08/26/23 11:04 AM
Feel daunted by the length of this thread? You can also check out the Recap Thread to catch up!

VOLUME 5: What Makes Us Special

Winath

Mekt Ranzz, the older brother of Legionnaire twins Live Wire and Spark, tipped his cat to his mother and waved. He whistled to himself as he walked out the door, to tend the farm.

Mekt watched from a distance as their neighbors, the Garggs, drove past in their hover-truck. Mekt waved; the Garggs didn't wave back. Mekt paid them no heed; he was used to it. The Garggs waved back whenever his parents or siblings were there, but not him. And he couldn't say he didn't deserve it.

Mekt reflected; when he had been the villainous Lightning Lord, he would have blamed the Garggs' rudeness and coldness on him being a singleton. On Winath, it was not only rare, but also seen as a lifelong disability. Spark had told him of the bullying she had suffered, as a temporary singleton on Winath, when Live Wire had been off looking for Mekt.* Mekt had suffered similar. But no, after Spark had revealed her lightning powers, saved Winath's presidents and a huge crowd, her singleton status hadn't mattered anymore. Winath had changed since then, slowly but surely. Many Winathians were still awkward around singletons, but not all; and there were more legal protections for them now.

No, Mekt knew that the Garggs ignored him out of fear. Fear that he would revert to his Lightning Lord days, and hurt or kill them. And again, Mekt didn't blame them.

He remembered his brother's wedding. How the daughter of one of his victims had threatened him, and how he had begged for forgiveness.

His siblings had urged him to consider moving to Legion World, out of fear that this kind of thing would happen again. But Mekt had so far refused. His parents did need his help on their farm. And he didn't want to leave them alone - even with his powers inhibited by restraining technology, he could generate enough of a current to defend themselves, if needed. And he also knew how much bureaucracy would be needed to get him moved to Legion World; it had taken long enough to get him released under house arrest here on Winath!**

Mekt shook himself out of his thoughts. Those darned medications he was taking... they slowed him down. But then, they also helped keep him calm. That was worth it.

He sighed as he began hoeing again...

"Mekt Ranzz?" Mekt looked up to see a familiar man waving at him - his case worker. "Hey, Mister Artz!" Mekt tilted his head. Mister Artz was accompanied by an unfamiliar woman. And where Mister Artz was dressed comfortably, with a collared shirt and working boots, the woman was... well, she was also dressed similarly, but there was something about her. Cold. Calculating.

"I see you brought a friend," Mekt said.

"Colleague, actually," Mister Artz smiled, but Mekt could sense a slight wariness. "This is Miss Lanzz."

"Pleasure," Mekt reached his hand out. Miss Lanzz simply smiled, though it didn't touch their eyes.

"Miss Lanzz is here to observe," Mister Artz noted.

Ah, that explains it, Mekt thought. Maybe Mister Artz is up for a performance review or something. Well, he'd an excellent case worker. But Mekt determined to help him out to his best. Mekt made sure to talk openly as Mister Artz asked him questions, and to slip in all of the things Mister Artz said and did to help Mekt - including helping to arrange for Mekt to send assistance, with whatever meager credits he could scrape together, to the most needy families of his victims. He could never bring back the people he killed, but he could try to atone.

After all, Mekt was a changed man now.

******************************************************************************

About half an hour later, Miss Lanzz and Mister Artz were back at the Winathian spaceport.

"Did... did you get what you needed?" Mister Artz asked.

"Yes, yes I did." Miss Lanzz broke into a careful smile, making sure to make eye contact. "I was very impressed by how you handled Mekt Ranzz. He's a difficult case, for sure."

"Oh! Oh, that's really good to hear!" Mister Artz was clearly relieved. "I do my best..."

"You will get a glowing review, for sure," Miss Lanzz smiled as she shook Mister Artz's hand. She glanced back as she boarded her flight, watching him wave her off in glee. Now that was done; she would file her review tomorrow, to close the loop and keep anyone from getting suspicious.

Nobody who had met Miss Lanzz today would ever realize, that she was working for Matahari van Dam. And she had just ensured that Mekt Ranzz, Lightning Lord, would be out of consideration for Matahari's little project. After all, his medicines were needed to keep him stable; they dare not reduce the dosage to make him useful, and risk unleashing a monster.

No, few would be chosen, and Mekt Ranzz would not be one of them.

*******************************************************************************

IB's notes:

1) See Legends of the Legion 2

2) A long time indeed; Mekt was initialy arrested in Legionnaires 30 (October 1995), and he showed up on Winath in Legion Worlds 2 (July 2001).
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Dreamer - 08/26/23 04:21 PM
Adding a quick-and-easy scene to move things along. I started writing another scene, but it was too taxing - I'm not ready for more yet. Will be back in a bit.
Posted By: razsolo Re: Digging Deeper - 08/27/23 12:47 PM
IB, I started reading your updates but haven't had a chance to get to the end!

Some thoughts so far though:

I like that your Veilmist is buff...given that Khund males are all built like Hercules, it's weird and a bit sketchy that Veilmist in the comics just happened to be very slight and sexy.

Also, I am still enjoying your rehabilitation of X-Bomb Betty! Even if I like using her as comedy relief myself, I love seeing Z-Grade characters get some respect!

Poor Ferro, I feel for him! His struggle is very relatable...
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Digging Deeper - 08/27/23 01:22 PM
raz, thanks tons, I appreciate your comments and kind words!

yeah, one of the things I liked most about Amilia Crugg back then, was that she had musculature that could rival Khund men! in my mind, Veilmist is built slighter due to her half-human heritage, but still rather buff.

X-Bomb Betty has turned into a fave of mine, too! I like the whole under-estimated beauty shtick she has, with people tending to think badly of her until they get to know her!

And Ferro definitely appreciates your empathy, raz smile poor guy has been through a lot! abeing stuck in his iron form... yeah frown every time I try to put myself in his shoes, I feel it bad.
Posted By: Invisible Brainiac Re: Digging Deeper - 08/28/23 07:58 AM
Now that the Ferro plot has been closed off, I'm also taking the opportunity to clear this part up. From this scene:

Quote
"I feel awful," Echo said. "I never realized... He did make a weird comment when we were fighting the Ox, but I didn't think much of it... Now I think of all the times we sat together in front of Ferro..."

"I don't think we did anything wrong, exactly," Mentalla said quietly. "Ferro never confessed his feelings, or anything... I mean, I thought a few times he was really, really nice, but I didn't want to assume..."

Quote
Mentalla and Violet both walked into the waiting room, each looking a little awkward. The two had met - with Kinetix - for a coffee before coming here, and had both confessed that both had suspected Ferro had a crush on them before; but neither had really been sure; and both had been content to treat Ferro as a friend.*** They had both wondered aloud if they should have done anything differently... but neither had ever discussed their own dating lives with Ferro...

In her typical blunt manner, Kinetix had told them both to stop feeling guilty, as this was about Ferro now. "You can't change the past, so just think about how to help him better from now on!" Kinetix had urged. "Now shoo, before you become late!"

As soon as Mentalla saw Ferro, she realized why Kinetix hadn't come. Ferro looked so forlorn... he needed something other than Kinetix's brand of bluntness and tough love.

if you've read this far, you already know that I set things up so that




Everyone would assume Ferro was acting out because of unrequited crushes. His real underlying issue was that he cannot feel, touch or taste. He's been avoiding not only his past crushes Violet and Mentalla, but everyone really, because he can't stand being reminded of his lost senses.

Ferro may have had some jealousy earlier, but that jealousy has since been transformed into envy of everyone.


In the above, Mentalla (and Violet) are feeling awkward/guilty because they wondered if they should have directly addressed Ferro's crushes on them, instead of ignoring. And everyone is now coming from the point of view of



realizing that Ferro was feeling bad seeing others enjoy taste, touch and smell - knowing that he himself could not ever get those senses back


I intentionally wrote these bits vaguely, because I wanted the realizations to come out during Ferro's session with Dr. Ryk'rr.
Hi IB! I got some time to read up a bit more tonight and still have a ways to go (I got up to Ferro heading into his counselling appointment) but wanted to expand a bit more on what I have read so far!

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"This is going to be meteor-rad!" Blizzard was practically bouncing up and down in excitement as he stepped onto the VIP guest box on the magno-ball court.

"I know, right?" Rainbow was shivering with excitement. "Here! On Braal! With some of the galaxy's best magno-ball players! I could nova-burn-scream!"

"It's almost like Comet Queen is still here with us," Density whispered to Chameleon and Veilmist.

Haha this was a cute exchange laugh

I like the little power display from everyone too, and Veilmist struggling with the idea of just having fun for the sake of it.

X-Bomb Betty is coming along nicely as well, I am liking your version of her more as she grows into herself a bit!

Ferro's ongoing descent into becoming the team incel is sad but also pretty realistic for guys who aren't all that emotionally mature...I have a feeling he's gonna get to the stage soon where his friends will stop feeling bad for him and start being annoyed, but maybe that's what he needs to get over himself!

Rainbow cheering up the traumatised kids was a nice bit smile

Also a nice little bit of cleaning up on Braal - it's fun seeing Pol in action again!

...and back to Ferro again! I will admit I was expecting him to blow up, but not so drastically...hopefully this will get him the help he needs though!
hiya raz, thanks for the read and review! Glad you liked the little bits on Braal! and while I've let Comet Queen join a different team, she's just too much fun to not invoke from time to time wink

re Ferro, I couldn't bear to leave him like that too long. there are definitely a lot of realizations coming out during his therapy session smile

thanks again, raz!
Okay, back for more and first up - Flying Fox! Yay, I love that little guy!

I also really appreciate your use of Rhent Ustin - I have a soft spot for Visi-Lad as a weird little nerd with odd powers, but I haven't ever really found a way to include him in any of my stuff so I'm glad that you're using him!

Quote
Dragonwing was simply planning to ask Vision for a summary after he was done.

Haha classic Marya laugh

OOOH okay Ferro's therapy session! This is sure to be an emotional rollercoaster! *gets popcorn*

Honestly, I am with Andy on not wanting to think about his friends outside...I like that the Legion care enough about him to want to be there for him when he gets out of his session, but I would be mortified to have to face people I love after I've just been baring my soul about some of them...

I like the little touch of Dr Ryk'rr calling Andy by his real name and letting him choose his own seat - back in the 80s there was a Fantastic Four comic where Reed Richards got Dr Octopus on side by appealing to him as Otto and that has always stuck with me as a nice shorthand way of showing someone talking to the "real" person inside the super-identity.

Quote
She was grateful that in this day and age, sessions were pre-recorded or transcribed with patient's consent - she could not imagine how psychiatrists had managed to concentrate on their patients centuries ago, when they still had to take notes themselves!

This is actually a really good observation! It never occurred to me before that it's actually a skill to be able to be taking notes while you're still showing someone that you're paying attention to them! I am thinking back to good therapists that I have had in the past and I never felt like they were distracted or not paying attention! It does make me wonder how different things would be if therapists had the opportunity to be able to go back and watch their sessions afterward and view it more objectively!

I am SO glad that Vi threw down some truth bombs..."tough love" is usually just a euphemism for being an asshole, but sometimes it really is better to just be blunt with someone about how their actions have hurt others around them. And while I think I realised that there was something underlying Ferro's recent behaviour aside from just not having a girlfriend, I think this is the first time I really thought about just how distanced from human experience he is. I think it's easier to get that with Wildfire because he's a bag of energy, but because Ferro looks human and is generally so easy-going, it's easy to forget that it must actually be really awful for him to have to live in iron form. Even just pointing out how crying is a legitimate healing mechanism and he can't do that now. This is some awesome character work IB, much kudos!!

AAARGH IB this whole session was so good! I legit got choked up reading Andy's experience at points...you have done so well with this, I am very invested in Andy's mental health journey!

Continuing the theme of good character work, Gates actually has a good point about Gim! He was actually kind of a nasshead a lot of the time when he was alive, and I like that you make Gates sound really quite reasonable in his assessment while he still recognises that there's a time and a place for blunt analysis and this might not be either the time or place. I really like that Gates is making such an effort to make the most of his new position of authority, it makes him so much more than just "the rebellious one".

I dig the different types of food for everyone, a nice reminder of how alien some of them are.

Flying Fox being treated like a stuffed toy is weirdly relatable...kind of reminds me of every hen's night that ever turned up to a gay bar tongue

And poor little guy, I can't believe his secret power is being the thing he hates being seen as the most laugh

Quote
"You nerd you, your nerdiness is paying off!" Dragonwing affectionately punched Vision on the shoulder. He winced, rubbing it - Marya was strong!

This is also more classic Marya...I love how she's so rough as guts compared to all the other Legion women smile

That is enough for tonight, but I'm glad Gates's first expedition into (deputy) leading went so well, and looking forward to more more more!
hiya raz, thanks for reading along, appreciate it tons!

I'm pleased you're digging a lot of these relatively minor Cadets like X-Bomb Betty, Flying Fox and Rhent!


and a lot of my Dragonwing comes from your own Marya, so thank YOU for that!

re therapists, I can listen and take notes, but find it hard to appear to listen while doing so. I need to look at what I'm writing smile

glad you liked Andy's bit, raz! I was really intending on having the whole "Ferro has a cruuuuuush on Vi and Mentalla" be a small red herring; or at least, I wanted it to appear to be the big problem, while actually distracting from the REAL big problem re Ferro's humanity smile And I needed that scene with Vi to push Andy along too, he really needed to realize that his "keeping things in" was turning his friends away smile (I did make sure that Vi's phrasing focused on Andy's actions, so she wouldn't be the tough love asshole tongue )

you make a great point re Ferro vs. Wildfire. Another point is that, Wildfire is always very outspoken. Ferro is more used to keeping to himself. So Wildfire can kind of let things out in little doses, and everyone expects that. while Ferro just tends to hold it in until he blows up (I'm similar to Ferro there, or used to be - kind of like a volcano. I get it from my mom tongue )

re Gates, thanks! Gates has proven time and again that, while he's blunt and opinionated, he is also willing to learn and to take a balanced view of things. as for Leviathan, I don't dislike Reboot Gim, and he had his good points - but he really was a nasshead a lot of times, and I don't recall him ever really being called out on it. I thought having Gates think about him, would be a good way to highlight this without causing too much drama.

I was really struggling with a power for Flying Fox. I wanted to give him something to differentiate him from, say, Timber Wolf... and I thought, having an "embarrassing" power that played into the whole "mistaken as a cute cuddly toy" thing would be hilarious!
OKAY I am done!

Some of these comments may be retreads, I backtracked a bit to make sure I hadn't missed anything, but let's gooooo!

- Gates becoming deputy leader has been great for him, I think! I love how you can see he's really trying his best to rein in his most extreme traits for the greater good.

- I loved Ferro touching base with all the Legionnaires separately...and of course M'Onel knows what it's like to be without most of your senses!! That never even occurred to me, good connection there IB!

- aww Shikari stopping herself from calling Andy Iron Legion cry cry

- I really love how all of this has turned around for Andy so quickly, he's such a nice kid and I thought things were going to get a lot darker to be honest! Even when Imra and Dr Ryk'rr told him about the Titanet idea and his first thought was to tell Wildfire and Candi, it shows how he's just a pure little soul...omg I love that one of the first things he goes for is patting a big doggo smile

Quote
Mekt Ranzz, the older brother of Legionnaire twins Live Wire and Spark, tipped his cat to his mother and waved.


I am guessing that was Mekt's cap he tipped, but it makes for funny image laugh

On one hand I was getting excited about Mekt being dragged into action, but ultimately I am glad that he gets to have a happy ending in your continuity...reformed Mekt was unexpectedly one of my favourite things about the 5YL Legion!

Also, something tells me King Canary and Flying Fox would get along well with the whole "looks cute but wants to be taken seriously" thing hahaha

Enjoy your break, I look forward to seeing more when you are ready to come back!
Hey IB, I've finally got three quarters of an hour to myself so will try to get through as much as possible.

I find it odd that Ferro has his friends with him when he visits his psychiatrist - I'm not sure it would be something that anyone would want, especially as he must know he'll be talking about them. But still - teenagers, and your legionnaires are the nicest kids so perhaps... I should hold of until I've read it first really, shouldn't I? laugh

Dr Ryk'rr is smooth... reminding Ferro that they had a successful meeting before, then asking about specifics. Wldfire and Shikari, nice that they can, ummm interact. Though, I've got to ask, what does she get from it, haha. Nice that Andy is working on contacting Drake, as he was pretty awful to him. Ah, that conversation with Vi was intense!

Mandalla using a thought-sphere to let Andy feel the relief of crying was inspired, bless him. Metalla's conversation with Ferro was well done: Compassion, indeed. His reasonoong, not wanting to burden others, rings so true and unfortunately it often leads to blow ups like he's been having. I don't see why he can't turn back and have Kid Q ready with stasis bubbles and a crack medical team to patch him up, though haven't read the story where he was stuck so have to ask just how badly damaged was he? Surely 31st century science, or even magic, would fix him up? Ah, mothers, we're to blame for all you boys problems, of course laugh my son would agree! Hahaha.

And, given the state of him at the end of the session, perhaps it wasn't a bad thing that his friends were waiting for him. I wonder if he will regret opening up so much to them?

And I'm out of time... boo! That was pretty emotional, and you showed how much Andy had been bottling up his problems. I'm still in the Zoe camp of he deserves some tough love, though do appreciate how kind your team are in supporting his needs.

Looking forward to finding out how Gates deals with leading a mission. Looking forward to more, more, more!
yay! always nice to read comments smile

raz, thanks for catching up!

Gates is really determined to do a good job, and he has enough people skills (and faith in the advice of friends like Brainy and Drura) to know that he has to control himself wink

Andy's always been a pure soul, I was thinking hard on how dark and serious to take his turn, but looking back on all his history it didn't feel "right" to make him go too far. And given how close the team is as a whole, I didn't think it'd be realistic if his turn went too far without intervention smile

LOL omg maybe I'll write a flexible Winathian cat in, it can be a bendy cat LOL! nice catch, I think I'll keep the typo wink

re Mekt, I always got annoyed at characters with endless ping-pong-ing between good and bad. Mekt gets to stay where he is, he's not the devious double agent kind wink

hah I would love King Canary and Flying Fox to be best friends... in some reality wink

and thanks for your kind words! It won't be too long before I'm back!
hi Harbi, thanks for your comments!

this Legion has been thrown out of reality a couple of times, and stranded in all sorts of nasty universes. they're kind of a tight bunch wink

Shikari definitely gets something, though not from her wings... without going into too much detail, let's just say that Wildfire's containment suit is made of some pretty good material wink

glad you liked these little elements. For Mentalla, I wanted her to show compassion while still being firm and setting boundaries. And Ferro's bottling in and blowing up, I've been there myself before smile sadly, it does happen in real life!

I'll just add that sometimes, fathers are the cause of boy's problems tongue tongue tongue

I was ahead of you on the Kid Q/magic solution, so watch out for a later installment explaining just why it doesn't work wink (I thought of it, but I also thought that there was much to be explored from Ferro's state before turning him back)

Ferro definitely benefited from some firmness - without Triad/Vi telling him off, and him sitting down with Dr. Ryk'rr, he probably wouldn't have gotten to where he is now!
Hey IB, I've finally managed to get a bit of time to myself so will dive in...

The group on Dagosk are interesting- a good mix of old snd new. And, I was really impressed by how you wrote Gates as I don't find it easy but you were flawless. The way the team was split into duos, with an intern alongside an established Legionnaire.

Dragonwing being annoying is almost a stereotype in itself but it always gives me a laugh, so please don't stop.

Flying Fox having a secret ability - haha, he can turn into Puss In Boots from Shrek! That is brilliant!

Vision quickly changing from hypnosis to freeze vision when he realised it wasn't working shows how much he's grown.

You did your interns well. Nice characterisation given to them all there without taking too much away from the main team.

Charma disrupting the meeting - she's one of those villains that I kinds hate as she's such a product of 70s misogyny but I always like her... And feel guilty about it. D'ceev... yeah, he was always going to be a sneaky so-and-so, haha. I do love the bsmes you give to your characters.

And XS and Gate's conversation at the end was perfect.

Ferro annoys me. I'm so sorry to say that. You've done a really thorough and decent job to get him where he is. His openness is refreshing, and sweet. The way the team supported him was sweet, especially as quite a few could relate and empathise. M'Onel was really well done, as it isn't something he would usually discuss. And, still I didn't have sympathy for Ferro, though perhaps that says a lot about me as you dod write each encounter well.

Mekt, ah Mekt. In the reboot, I remember him at the end being a bit weird wearing Garths outfit under his own. Still, I am glad that he's no longer a psychopath and is instead helping his parents on their farm.

Loving the ongoing mystery of Matahari van Dam, and looking forward to wherever you have planned to take that storyline.

Great stuff IB, as ever I'm waiting with baited breath for more, more, more!
hi Harbi, thanks for the R&R! appreciate it tons!

that is very high praise from you re Gates, thank you! and also glad you dig annoying Dragonwing, and Flying Fox's embarrassing secret power - Puss in Boots was indeed one of my inspirations for this, nice guess wink



re Charma, yeah, TBH original version Charma was rather icky.

no need to be sorry, if Ferro annoys you, it's just how it is. your comments are fair in any case, as you do cite some good points about him, and thank you for appreciating the openness and the encounters smile

DNA did some weird things with Mekt, and TBH I wasn't very comfortable bringing in a lot of the "I just want to be like Garth" bits. I'm happy to leave Mekt where he is, under medication and slowly getting better smile

thnaks Harbi, for your kind words, appreciate it tons!
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