'nuff said.

Power Boy stood admiring a large model of galaxy. It was made of light and hung in the air in the middle of the room.

A red light flashed at the small red sphere that represented ...

"Mars" Helio, one of Power Boy's New God aides said aloud. His wavy blonde hair flipped as he looked to Power Boy.


"Report." Power Boy said to his other trusty aide who browsed the light show of the galaxy in front of him. Information flew in sparks and flashes, which New God eyes were fast enough to decipher.

Xin replied "Multiple casualties. The stargate is down. Fire." The New God eyes widened ever so slightly.


"Despero" He nearly whispered.



Power Boy turned his head with a frown. "A Despero. The real Despero died long ago. I should know."

"Clones of the original occasionally occur, the genes of the original Despero have been weaponized, for sale to the highest bidder, as agents of destruction. Whoever started this, whoever set this Despero loose ... wanted to destroy Mars."


Lolita chimed in from the back of the room. "Or distract us."



Power Boy appeared thoughtful for a moment. "Either way we must act, a Despero could destroy Mars colony in a day." Power Boy grabbed his cloak from his command chair and snapped it across his chest with a golden rope.

"Helio, with me. Xin, man the war room."

"Lolita is my hand while I am away."

He nodded to Lolita and she knew that meant more than was obvious. She would keep an eye on the Office of Security, this 'wedding', and the train wreck to come.


Both New Gods made nearly imperceptible expressions at Xin being super ceded by a mortal but, Power Boy trusted this one very much.


"Call for Jerry, Gear, and Nam'Lor. We will need strength to deal with this."

Power Boy paused. "And contact Ameratsu at Weber's World, we will need aid ships and medical support."

Xin rushed to comply, New God fingers flying at super speed to signal the commands on the touch light screen that would summon the Legionnaires.

"Reporting for duty," Jerry said as he entered. For a moment, he considered adding "Sir" , but decided it was too formal for one so familiar even in these dire circumstances.

Power Boy knocked Jerry on the shoulder, somewhat cheerfully. He needed Jerry's resourcefulness. Desperos could be tricky. The LMBP was short handed with resources being shifted to the Office of Security as it was reestablished. It was a necessity though.

Power Boy marched briskly as the various legionnaires called for joined him on the way to the designated launch pad.

He would use his Boom Tube to teleport them, to save time.

"Mars burns." He said as they gathered. they all understood. This is what the LMBP is for.

Nam'Lor, the muscular yet odd, stalwart of Power Boy's said

"Excelsior!"

Power Boy waved his Mega Rod and

BOOM

a portal opened and the vacuum of space pulled at them. Their transuits wrapped tightly around their fit bodies automatically.

Through the portal they could see the red planet. chaos visible from orbit.

RAHHHHHHHHRRRR!!!!





Power Boy hurled telekinesis and crackling energy at the Despero.

So far, Helio, and Nam'Lor had been able to occupy the Despero, keeping it's attention focused on them instead of further rampaging.

Jerry and Gear struggled to stop the fires on Mars colony.

"arrrrgghhh!" Helio whimpered as he flew across the street into a building with a thud and a crash.

He didn't get up immediately, dust covering his crash.

Despero grinned with his sharp teeth triumphant ... when

BAM!!! the mighty Nam'Lor brought two fists clasped together on the back of Despero's head.

The monstrosity fell to the concrete floor with a thump, his predator eyes dazed.

Nam'Lor stood over him, slumped, his moustache limp, costume covered in Giffen-esque dirt, accompanied by a limp and torn cape.

He looked to Power Boy who moved in. The three of them have been doing this for some time, alternating attacks, and styles, hoping to whittle Despero down.

The red giant was on his knees now, head spinning, eyes wobbling with the signs of a concussion ... Power Boy raised his Mega Rod ... and fired ...

ZZZZZAARRRRKKKK!!!!

Despero plummeted back under the assault of the white hot energy beam. He flew rapidly and far way under the wave of power.


Nam'Lor took a moment "Nam'Lor not think Despero clones usually so tuff? Or so ... *fiery*?"

A frayed Power Boy thought for a moment, and looked around. So much fire. All around them, the flames rose to the height of the burning buildings. Almost like the stories of the original Despero, linked to an external power source of fire.

It took Power Boy a moment to think, then he hailed Jerry.

"Jerry, we are looking for a power source, something that might be giving the Despero this extra energy. Someplace he might be drawing power from."

Jerry replied over the omincom almost instantly. "What am I looking for?" (Jerry was tasked with search and rescue, moving people away from the battle. This would take him away from that but it was necessary. Peebs hoped Ameratsu's reinforcements were quick. Gear should be having some success soon with the automated disaster and fire prevention infrastructure.)


"A ... fire." Power boy said stupidly as he looked around.

Mars was in flames.

"You'll know it when you see it, and Jerry, take care, there may be people stoking the flames."

Helio managed to crawl out of the broken building he was punched into. He looked sheepish and embarrassed. "A lucky shot, my lord." he excused himself to Power Boy.

Peebs grinned. The Despero would be back any second but he and his two companions had heart. His enhanced ears could already hear the monster running back towards them like a wild bull.


"Change of tactics. All together now!"

Nam'Lor, the leader of the LMBP with Mega Rod raised high, and the glowing Helio surged towards the oncoming terror.

Gear worked as fast as he could. This was not the easiest thing to do, but he thought he had it. He took the last two wires and twisted them together.

Above his head, the fire suppression system came to life and started extinguishiung the fire.

He stood up and walked out of the building. One of the main buildings on Mars. He glmnced around and could see that the fire suppression systems in several of the nearby buildings were activating. It would not take care of the problem in and of itself, but it would help.

He had more to do though. He could hear screams coming from various buildings. There was no way to choose...so he ran into the nearest building to find the source of the cries coming from within.

"Hey, all," said Dave Hackett strolling into the HQ situation room.

"A little busy," said Lolita watching the scene unfold on the viewscreen, "What are you doing here anyway?"

"Wedding invitation. Hey, is that a Despero?"

"Yes, Power Boy's team is engaging it on Mars."

"Hmmm, maybe I could help."

"Stargate's down, we'd never get you there in time."

"It's OK, I'll make my own way there."

Despero held Helio by the head, clawed hands wrapped around his neck. The New God struggled.

Power Boy moved to intercede but Nam'Lor struck first with an enormous right hook knocking the Despero clone back, and Helio away from his grasp.

The Despero lunged for Nam'Lor ... with ... a ... CHOMP! latching on to Nam'Lor's muscled arm with sharp teeth.

It held Nam'Lor in its grip, Nam'Lor cried out ... indestructible skin pierced by Despero's sharp teeth.

A back hand from Nam'Lor's other arm sent the feral Despero stumbling ... where it unleashed a laser blast with its third eye ... searing Nam'Lor's eyes!

Nam'Lor was not one to cry out but he fell back under the onslaught, knocked to the ground. He did not get up.

Despero salivated over him.



---------------------------------------------


Power Boy thought 'How the frack is this happening. One sprocking Despero clone.'

'Someone is behind this. Someone more than a petty crime lord. There is more afoot than appears. I am going to find them and put them down.'

"But first ..." He said aloud as he cocked his head to the side, eying the red monster with a predator's eyes.

He flicked his wrist and his Mega Rod changed shape to become long and thin ... like a switch.

".. Its time to punish this Despero. Then I will save its head as a gift for its creator."


As Power Boy coldly walked toward the Despero ... the red fire creature turned ... slobber dripping from its jaws.

An ancient song of power rang in Power Boy's ears ... a warrior's mantra he learned long ago.

He focused, shutting out the world, except for the Despero and where to strike.

He jumped to Despero, knees raised ... and planted a boot in the monsters chest knocking it back. Before the monster could regroup ... he slashed across its third eye with the switch ... a stream of blood flew in the air after the switch.

'Best be rid of that straight away' Peebs thought.

the monster recoiled but Power Boy spun putting all his might into an elbow across the jaw of the beast. Teeth and blood went flying.

The Despero let out a howl of pain.

In quick succession Power Boy kicked ... Knee, Groin, Drop kick to the jaw!


WHAMO!!!!

The Despero FLEW!

It landed with a huge THUMP! and a cloud of dust.


"I'm not finished with you." Power Boy snarled as he stood astride the beast that lay on its back barely conscious.

He struck blow after blow with his switch, beating the Despero senseless.

If he had beat to this Despero until its power source was cut off ... so be it. He could strike faster than the animal's ability to regenerate itself with the power of the fire. He had super speed after all.


All the while, the song kept playing in his ears ... a menacing whisper of ...



Ninja, ninja, ninjA ... NINJA!

A dusty peak outside of Mars Colony where the fires burned brightest




5 robed figures stoked the intense flame that the Despero drew his power from.

Power Boy stood over the dessicated form of the Despero clone. All fire was out of the creature. It lay inert and lifeless.

One of the other legionnaires had finally got to its power source and shut it down.

The UP fleet from Weber's World had arrived and begun clean up and the search and rescue. Gear and Jerry coordinated their efforts.

The golden android Ameratsu stood by Power Boy, they had not talked much since the end of the Dark Oval War. Ameratsu was content to help rebuild the UP within its political system. He still held the spear, that was hard won from the war.

Mars colony would recover, though not quickly, the war had already destabilized the UP, and now the added damage of the fire and Despero made it worse. And with no explanation as to who was behind it.

Jerry told Power Boy the fire cultists working the pyre that gave the Despero its power, fled as soon as they were uncovered.




Just as the small group of Legionnaires began to catch their breath ...

BREEEEPPP!

"Power Boy, this is Lolita. We have another situation on Braal."



Power Boy sighed. This was curious. Two disturbances so close together.

"Lolita, send Xin, and tell him to bring a couple of the Academy students ... Reflecto and Energy Boy."

Lolita replied "Is that wise?"

"It will have to be Lolita. It appears we will need to accelerate their training. and tell the Security Office they have Legion World for now."

Lolita complied and finished with "I am transmitting the report of what's going on on Braal now. Lolita out."

"Power Boy out."


In the quiet after the conversation, Power Boy looked around at his Legionnaires, their costumes were black with soot but otherwise unharmed. They could catch their breath on the way.

"Ameratsu" Power Boy held out a hand "once more for old time's sake".

the robot's oily and mechanical voice said "But of course. My people can handle the repairs of Mars Colony now."

"I'll drive." The android joked, it sounded a bit odd from the formal artificial life form.

Ameratsu directed Nam'Lor, Helio, Power Boy and Jerry to a sleek looking United Planets military raptor. It was made for speed, agility, and fighting. It only sat around a half dozen people. Ameratsu must have chosen this for speed to get to the Legionnaires at Mars Colony as quick as possible. Power Boy was a bit touched.

Power Boy grinned as he ran his fingers over the shiny hull.

Gear followed behind Ameratsu, sensors protruding out of his arms, scanning Ameratsu. The living metal android was obviously a curiosity to Gear. Ameratsu looked at Gear disapproving as the lights from Gear's scanners waved over the golden metallic flesh, but allowed him to continue.






The boarding door of the raptor closed, and it lifted off, spun almost wildly, and rocketed off into space towards Braal.



"No sleep til Braal!!!!" Nam'Lor said as he made a symbol with his hand where he held out his pinky and index finger while keeping the others clenched in a fist. The hand symbol looked like horns.

MISSION TWO

BRAAL: TESTING THE METAL

Roll Call:

(Headed to Braal, En Route From Mars)


Power Boy
Super. Tough. Leader.

Jerry
Shape Changer. Time Traveler. Deputy Leader

Helio
Super. Earth and Fire Control.

Nam'Lor
Super. Super Strong. Own Drummer, Own Beat.

Gear
Cyborg. Curious.

Ameratsu
Super Statistician. UP Administrator. Android.



(En Route From Legion World)

Rond Vidar
Smarter Than You. Wound Tight.

Xin
Super. Telepath. Telekinetic. Ninja.

Reflecto.
Force Field. Plucky.

Energy Boy
Energy Manipulation. So Not Ready.


(Unknown)

Dave Hackett
Shows Up. Does Stuff ... Or Doesn't. Sometimes ... Or All The Time. Unclear.

Power Boy's team aboard the United Planets' raptor.

BREEEEEPPP!!!!

Ameratsu's golden fingers swept across the navigation panel.

"Sir" His oily voice said to Power Boy "Incoming reports from Braal. It appears they are under attack by ... giant metal 'monsters'." Ameratsu's artificial voice was one part inquiry and one part irony.

Power Boy leaned forward in his seat and whispered "giant metal monsters?"

Power Boy might be the only one present who actually remembered them yet, most Legionnaires knew the legend ... ancient Braalians evolved to manipulate magnetism, to fend of the metal monsters of their native planet.

"What of the Braalians." Power Boy's low voice asked. He was puzzled, even if the ancient beasts had somehow returned to Braal, the magnetic wielders should have no problem dealing with them

"No report" The golden android replied cryptically.




"Might I suggest we make, even more, haste." Jerry the Durlan deputy offered.



They all suspected something was starting to seem terribly wrong. First Mars Colony and Now Braal.




"Giant Metal Monsters!" Nam'Lor clapped his hands as if excited.


"Nam'Lor never fight giant mental monsters" and then he promptly went back to sleep in his chair. "zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz."

Dave Hackett picked his way through the smoking debris littered across the surface of the Mars colony. Already the automated repair drones were out in force. Within hours there would be no trace of the events that just took place, other than in the memories of the colonists themselves.

Hackett turned his ring to start the communication function.

"I made it to Mars, looks like I took a wrong turn at Albuquerque."

"What??"

"Never mind, old joke. Just saying I missed the party here after all. Power Boy's gotten pretty efficient. Where'd he head off to now."

"The team's on route to Braal. There's a priority disturbance there."

"Braal, huh? On my way."

The Surafce of Braal

Power Boy's team touched down and surveyed the scene ...

Power Boy, Jerry, Helio, Nam'Lor, Gear, Ameratsu.

What they saw was an ancient Japanese giant monster movie gone mad.

Giant metal monsters that resembled the prehistoric Earth dinosaurs roamed madly, smashing everything in their path.

Power Boy thought to himself that Braal was doing poorly economically before the war, and it had fallen even more after, and now this destruction.


Ameratsu's metallic voice creaked "Where are the Braalians?"

Gear answered "Yes, It s true, they should be able to defeat these metal monsters with their magnetic control."


Power Boy growled. This was starting to make a sick sense:

"These monsters have not been seen on Braal for centuries. The Braalians eliminated all but the most docile forms."

"Too many questions. Gear, Ameratsu, find some Braalians and find out why they have been neutralized."

"Jerry, Helio, Nam'Lor ... take them down."

Power Boy growled and rocketed off ... he flew straight through the open mouth and out the back side of the head of a Tyrannosaurus Rex like metal monster with a ...


KRAKOW!!!!!

The titanic monster floundered but did not fall, it's strange anatomy able to compensate for the back of it's head being blown out.

Jerry, The mighty Nam'Lor and the New God Helio shared a "suck it up" look and both moved to intercept a giant monster.

The newly arrived group from Legion World walked off their shuttle.

Rond's boots crunched on the dust of Braal.

He analyzed the scene as the young Energy Boy stood aghast.


"What do we have here." Rond said coldly.

Braalians screamed in the distance.

"Don't just stand there with your mouths open." Reflecto said even in front of her most admired professor.

She had a battle instinct in her that took over, part her personality, and part her fiery baptism during the Dark Oval War.

She flew off toward the scream, waiting for no one, forcefield shinning amidts the dust and destruction of Braal.

Energy Boy and her were great contrasts, both full of potential but different personalities would get them to fulfill it.

The New God Xin sped off after her, a blur of super speed, short sword and katana in opposite hands ... gleaming with the shine of New God super-technology.

WHABAM

Reflecto pummeled a metal monster ... her back to a crowd of terrified Braalians.

Her force field enhanced strength and invulnerability fought off monster after monster when ...

SSSSSKREEEEEEKKKKKKKKKK a large pterodactyl loomed in the sky over her, it's large metal jaws shinning in the dim dusty light of Braal.

It opened it's maw .. closing in on the young heroine ..

hissssssss


"Energy Ball AWAY!" A yell came from behind Reflecto as a large ball of bright light floated inexorably towards the pterodactyl. It seemed to slowly float towards the beast yet the beast didn't move as if frozen by it's own impending doom.

The large energy ball krackled and glowed and struck the pterodactyl with a ...

SKKKRRATTTTCHH!!!

A blinding flash obscured Reflecto's vision and when the spots cleared she saw, the nearly disintegrated remains of the monster, a random metal arm and a wing burned in the smoke of the aftermath.


Reflecto turned around, surprised to see Energy Boy there. She smiled and gave him a thumbs up! "How many more of those have you got?" She said as a wry joke.


But the young Energy Boy only said "One." sheepishly. She noticed one palm smoked as if it had just released a giant ball of energy and the other hand lay dormant.




Reflecto's breath caught in her throat as the crowd of scared Braalians faces turned white. There was something behind her, right behind her, definitely.


She pivoted on her heal to find ... three metallic velociraptor 's stalking her, drawn by the explosion of Energy Boy's fire ball.

Before she knew what was happening the point velociraptor was on her. Her force field shimmered, protecting her as the monster bit down on her arm.

As she struggled with the first beast she heard Energy Boy shouting "Energy Finger One!" "Energy Finger Two!" ... as flashes of light struck the other velociraptors.

They were in it now, she thought.

Power Boy pointed his Mega Rod and blasted metal monster after metal monster. They were making good progress. But some of these monster were enormous, able to do massive amounts of damage just by stumbling around. and when they fell they took out buildings.

In the din, Power Boy heard someone walk up behind him. He smelled him.

It was Rond Vidar.

Rond Vidar's mouth went dry. He hated being around Power Boy.

Rond's intellect always let him feel at ease and brave, sure he would come up with some solution but Power Boy just stood there amongst the chaos, taller than Rond, massive and tight muscles, glowing eyes ... those eyes ... Rond had heard he was a telepath too as well as being able to manipulate energies.

Rond liked his secrets, his cleverness had been all he had, sometimes it had been all the universe had as Rond saved it from destruction ... yet ... he felt laid bare and small in the presence of Power Boy.

Rond had struggled his whole life and spent his brilliance to discover the mysteries of time. Power Boy had lived it.

This made Rond avoid Power Boy, and whenever he was forced to interact with Power Boy ... he was very irritable.

"Braalians." Rond said with bite. "You need Braalians."

"grrr" Power Boy hated being talked down to, more than anything in this life or any other.

"Rond Vidar."

Power Boy could only glare.

"Of course ..." Power Boy changed his tone, unwilling to let Rond get to him ... he chose coldness rather than anger

"Braalians would be nice. Do you see any?"


Rond Vidar took a step back. "There's a whole planet full, not just this city."


He had a point but Power Boy asked "How do you know the Braalians in the other cities aren't neautralized as well?"


Rond licked his lips ... Power Boy and Rond's brains began working as the metal monsters screamed in the distance. There was a chance the Braalians in the other parts of Braal where unaffected.

Their irritability with each other dropped away as they planned, both speaking rapidly.


Power Boy drew Gear in with a wave, Gear quickly analyzed the air and reported ..."a neurotoxin in the atmosphere, from the monsters breath." He said curiously.

Rond interjected, excitedly, as he did when on to something, speaking over the others ... with passion.


"Someone not only found or resurrected the ancient metal monsters of Braal but ... altered them to produce a neurotoxin that cancels their chief rivals, the Braalians, magnetic powers!" Rond nearly yelled part fascination and part vexation.

Power Boy crossed his well shaped arms, feeling the need to get back to the battle. "So, we need Braalians who haven't been exposed to the monsters ... a nearby city should do .."

"WITH SPACE SUITS!!!" Nam'Lor shouted right before he clocked a tricerotops like metal monster.


"He's right." Rond judged. "Any Braalians we find and bring here to combat the metal monsters will need to be protected from the neurotoxin in the atmosphere."


Power Boy turned his head to Jerry and Gear "We need Braalians from a nearby city, with trans suits or space suits, Sci Police ..."

Jerry held up an elongated finger "Magno Ball players."

Rond agreed, "He's right, Magno Ball players are more adept at wielding metals, and there are many more of them."

Power Boy agreed "Well then, let's get the best." Power Boy said with a rare jovial arch of an eyebrow. He had become much more serious since becoming leader, the remnants of his free loving carefree days where few and far between now.

"Which team is winning the Magno Ball Tournament this year?"



<<silence>>

Super-heroing dosn't leave a lot of time to keep up with sports.

Kinetix scanned the reports. She was bored; ever since they'd taken down The Tyrrian things seemed to be quiet.

"Hmmm... Metal monsters on Braal. Huh. And most of the Braalian population is down."

She quickly scanned the LMB roster. No good, Magnetic Kid and Cobalt Kid were both unavailable. Guess she'd have to do.

Seven minutes and a bowl of Winathian klegworms later later, she was on her way. She didn't even stay to watch Outdoor Miner slurp happily on the worms.

Kinetix popped out on Braal with Kairos and Petty Officer Marvin in tow.

"I just love the Outdoor Miner express!" Marvin said with glee. "I'm just glad the Brood Queen never had access to that technology."

"I'm glad these metal monsters don't, either." Kairos pointed a finger at the one nearest them, and it froze in place. "Let's see how resistant they are to rust..."

Moments later, it was a pile of shavings on the ground. "Not very."

Kinetix flew up and snagged the next monster in her psychokinetic field. In seconds she'd sent it crashing into another monster behind it, and buried the pair neck deep in the ground.

"Elegantly effective, my dear ladies," Marvin smiled. "Unfortunately, we have a less subtle - but no less effective - way." He pressed a bottom, and the ground exploded under another monster. Bits and pieces scattered everywhere.

"Nice one, Marvin!" Kairos cheered.

"But what do you mean, "we"?" Kinetix asked.

The dust cleared to reveal a bipedal rabbit, his clothing in tatters and an angry snarl on his blackened face. "I WASN'T READY YET! YOU KNOW, THIS MEANS WAR!"

Marvin smiled as he pushed another bottom. Petty Officer Bugs - and the metal monster behind him - was engulfed in yet another big roar. "He doesn't really mean that. The explosions are like morning coffee to him - he can't get started without 'em."

A few days later:

The Office of the Legion leader

Power Boy stretched in his chair. His back popped with the sound of an anvil striking metal.

He was still tired from the Braal battle. He had no idea what connected these attacks ... and now his intel and all the news feeds were full of the Anne and Paladin romance ... and some happenings at the Legion Academy.

"I could use a break." He laughed ... thinking of his super metabolism, super speed and source of energy from the virtually endless amounts of cosmic radiation in the universe.


Irony, YET, he was weary.

"Xin" he called.


A beautiful thin man appeared, dressed as usual, in skin tight leather. "yes, my lord."

Power Boy turned with tight eyes and a slight smile. "I am going to bed."


Xin coked his head, long hair shaking, clearly puzzled as Power Boy did not *need* sleep per se, and if he chose to sleep, surely didn't need to announce it.




Power Boy left his fellow New God to figure it out and slowly wandered off to his bed, sleepy, and thinking of an ancient Earth "myth" about an old man named Odin.

Invisible Brainiac hesitated. He knew Power Boy would be one of the LMBers who'd forgive him for sneaking into his bedroom, invisibly, at 2.30am in the morning. He'd make some joke about Blaze frying his ass for not being invited along to play, then ask IB what was on his mind. Risking life and limb together through the most dangerous territories of the Dark Oval had made them brothers-in-arms.

But could he really go to Peebz with what he had now?

He peered through Peebz' window. There were dangerous forces at work here, and he did not dare involve more allies than were necessary.

No, some things he just had to do alone.

He leaped off the window sill and flew into the night. Blaze was waiting for him back home.

Power Boy's bed chamber Late in the night.

A strange female figure steps from the shadows of Power Boy's room.

With a toss of her hand, Power Boy's bed bursts into flames, surrounding his naked body in eerie undying fire.

He appears unharmed but falls deeper and deeper into sleep.

"Finally he sleeps"

Hours later:

*kock**knock*

... Power Boy ... Power Boy.


<Rond turns the corner into Power Boy's sleeping chamber and he sees Power Boy laying in the air horizontal, surrounded by a yellow glowing light. It flickered like flame but it was made of many spherical bubbles of light ...all floating around Power Boy's massive frame>


Oh Dear. <Rond put his hand over his eyes against the stark contrast of the dark room and the light holding Power Boy in the air.>

<Rond fumbled for a tri corder in his pocket. Once found he held it up, flipped it open, and waved it in the air in front of the glowing Power Boy>

<Rond looked over the readings>

Interesting. It is like flame mixed with his own Astro-Force.

<Astro-Force was the name given to the cosmic energies that powered Power Boy>

Is this your doing Power Boy ... a self enforced hibernation ... or something else, something more sinister?


At any rate, I have work to do, my friend.

<Rond got to work, fishing more devices out of his lab coat to analyze the strange energy field holding Power Boy in stasis>

Power Boy slumbered, wrapped in a warm light that felt like sunshine to him, he even felt unfettered by gravity.

He snored very softly like a kitten. so comfortable he thought is there something I should be doing today

no my schedule's clear today

yeah, nothing on today

Power Boy rolled over slightly in mid air, still wrapped in flames ...

His lips made a chewing and smacking sound as he fell deeper and deeper into a welcome sleep.

Harmonia Li strode into Power Boy's War Room, a vast array of screens and displays above a large conference table with work stations around the edges of the room.

Xin and Helio, Power Boy's New God aides were nowhere to be found ... ever since he had been in his coma ... for lack of a better word ... the aides had been very busy with the duties of running Legion World and the LMBP.

"Shame." Harmonia said, she could use their power right now.

Power Boy's living quarters were just off the War Room. He still slept peacefully wrapped in golden flames.

Harmonia knew way more about the nature of those flames than she was letting on.

Harmonia and Power Boy were old "friends", or that is what she told everyone as she admitted herself rather effortlessly to LMBP membership. She had known Power Boy for a very long time, both of them being nigh immortal.

She remembered the day she received an unexpected scroll. An actual scroll written with an important message. Power Boy knew she would appreciate the classic touch.

She saw the words in her mind as if reading it for the first time:


Professor Harmonia Li,

In our long lives we have been rivals, companions, bitter enemies and friends. As you know I now lead the Legion of Message Board Posters after the cataclysm of the war with the Dark Lorde. You refused the ancient call to battle the Dark Lorde. As a result under the timeless laws and our pact of 2014 you owe a life debt to myself. The universe still balances on the edge in the aftermath of the crisis and I try to hold it together. If for any reason I should become incapacitated, I call on you under the rites of Arin'nn Haelar to shepherd the Legion and the galaxy in my absence.

Yours,
Orion Lightray
Power Boy


Harmonia smiled, Power Boy never asked why she refused to join the battle against the Dark Lorde. She had mysterious ways and despite all their conflicts they trusted each other in a wary way only immortals can know.

They won the battle with the Dark Lorde of course she knew they would but she couldn't tell anyone that or how she knew so she sequestered herself, hiding on the sidelines.

So few immortals were left, especially those who vowed ages ago to fight the Dark Lorde when they first saw his coming. She was young then, at the time little did she know how difficult vows were to keep. As the one owed, Power Boy could have ordered her death with a few ancient words, she would crumble and die. He changed the script and said she owed him his life, and she did.

Little did she know how hard it would be to pay him back.


"ah there" she found the file and pressed a button made of light and the words and photos began to roll across the screens.

Reflecto and Energy Boy caught up finally and looked aghast at the information before them.

The trio, an ancient woman and her two young pups read the description in silence:

Power Boy's Logs

THE SYNDICATE OF ULTRA CRIMINALS
---------------------------

Little is known about the S.U.C. based in the dark mirrorverse of Earth 3 called the Qwardian Universe because of the Syndicate of Ultra Criminals making the center of their empire on Qward. Probes and attempts to gain information have all been unsuccessful. It is best to leave this dimension alone as they are evenly matched for our own heroes.

Qward is composed heavily of anti matter particles which created evil counterparts to our own universe's heroes that have come to dominate their galaxies with little opposition.

The Syndicate of Ultra Criminals, Inspired by the Crime Syndicate of America and Ultra Man, have consolidated vast criminal resources in various quadrants of space. They are a collection of the powerful and the ruthless, made so by compromises and choices to go left rather than right as the heroes of our universe had done. They are twisted opposites intoxicated by the Anti Matter foundation of their realm. They have even killed members of their own group as each vies for power, and squashed the little competition that was available.

"yes, we get it ... evil versions of ourselves. As capable as we are but out for our heads." Harmonia scrolls to the descriptions of the members.

"Fortunately it seems they have been killing each other off."

Energy Boy and Reflecto grimaced as Harmonia's own ruthlessness.

Current Members The Syndicate of Ultra Criminals

LEADERS

Saturnyn Queen
A powerful telepath named after her cruelty.

Cosmos King
A mafia master and magnetic manipulator.

Saturnyn Queen and Cosmos King are the members who have most often achieved a hold over leadership. They have one son, a master of the elements, our own Disaster Boy, now dead. Vague intelligence suggests the father may be Cosmos King's brother the Pol Krinn, a hero actually of some repute, now dead, killed by Cosmos King who burned his brother Pol alive.

OTHER MEMBERS

The Lightning Lords: Mekt and Garth Ranzz.
Twin lightning hurlers with sadistic streaks. Their sister a rare lone Winathian is rumored to be at odds with their cruel ways, she stays mostly on Winath, a rare refuge from the S.U.C.s because of it's lack of material wealth as it is an agricultural world. The S.U.C.s do however take most of their product for themselves but the Winathians are a small population and it seems the sister Ayla Ranzz manages to smuggle some food to hungry worlds. The Lightning Lords turn a blind eye to their sister's activities, a rare point of compassion for them. the Lightning Lords barely consider themselves human, often speaking as "a storm" or "the storm demands" "the storm says" as if their lighting powers are alive, a sentient storm. It is unclear if Ayla Ranzz shares their powers.

Echo - Troy Stewart (Tyroc)
Echo took his name and the mask her wears across his face from a murdered rival with sonic powers. Echo is a powerful sonic manipulator, nearly able to bend reality around his screams. Troy Stewart hails from a small nation in Africa that he has conquered with an iron scream. Echo is bizarre and quiet except for when he screams destruction on his enemies. He delights in destruction and chaos.


Sun Woman - Qward's Sandy Anderson.
Sun Woman was an ambitious scientist who didn't like waiting for approval for her experiments. In a freak accident herself and Dirk Morgna were irradiated with Nuclear Energy. Dr Regulus was murdered by the accident and Sandy Anderson gained intense control over flame and light. Dirk Morgna also gained powers but years later Sandy stole them in a fierce battle, adding his fiery power to her own. Dirk was wasted left an invalid from her absorption of his power and energy. She originally took the name Inferno but after defeating and stealing Dirk Morgna or Sun Man's, as he was called, powers she took the name Sun Woman. Sun Woman has a monstrous appetite for burning people alive however, she is timid and not very brave when the odds are against her.

Dire Wolf
A silver haired Man with incredible agility and fighting skills. Very little is known about Dire Wolf because he choses to stay in the shadows and off the grid, coming out of seclusion only when the S.U.C. offers a very good chase and a high pay off.

Bounty
A Native American beauty with powerful tracking and targeting skills. She prefers to follow the lead of the S.U.C. She really cares not for much except for the opportunity to hunt, torture and kill which the S.U.C. provides.

ASSOCIATES

The Hag - A powerful sorceress that chooses to remain secluded on her own world of Sorcery, a last outpost for magic in the universe. The Hag was incredibly power hungry before she consolidated all the magic in the universe on her planet. She has mostly been a recluse since then. Even rumored to provide an asylum for refugees fleeing the S.U.C. She occasionally works with the S.U.C. but requires a high price for her services, usually a large gift of some sort, to grow her power even more.


ADDITIONAL INTELLIGENCE NOTES

It seems that the core members of the S.U.C. have imprisoned their version of Lar Gand in a phantom zone, in order to consolidate their rule and profits. Lar Gand was a threat to their power.

Other groups of criminals have made their base of operations around Orando and Xanthu preferring to enjoy their control of smaller portions of the galaxy than interact with the core S.U.C. members based on Qward.

However, It is estimated that many other villains reside on Qward but intelligence has been hard fought and costly.

A suspicious character named Harm has dominated Asia on Earth 3. Harm is mighty and has a distaste for technology and has reverted the Asia of Earth 3 to feudal times with her as the empress, however, bizarre reports suggest she is no longer human. The S.U.C. prefer to leave Harm to her own devices.


--------------------------------------------------------------


It has been speculated from scraps of intelligence that some allies may be found in the Qwardian universe, those that the S.U.C.s have not been able to kill or imprison.

These names are guessed to be:

The previously mentioned Ayla Ranzz, a food smuggler.

And we have intercepted reports of a group of what the S.U.C. calls thieves, "Robin Hood" type characters.

Led by that world's Rond Vidar, however he appears to excel at magic instead of time. It is of note that the Hag has not acquired him yet.
an Esper Woman, a telepath not nearly as strong as Saturnyn Queen but still able to keep them one step ahead of the S.U.C.
A man called the Neptunian, a clever man slippery as paper.
Atom Orion, an exceptional fighter in his own right.
The Qward version of Sussa Pak, complete with prehensile hair and co leader of these rebels.
... and a shadowy character only called Nemesis

Unrelated a powerful Empress Volthoom also has defended and kept the planet Venegar free of the S.U.C.s control

"HMMM" Harmonia though out loud "It seems that some are not perfect opposites of our characters, Rond seems troublesome in any universe, and Ayla a kind spirit on Qward's Winath as well. We may need them if it comes down to a fight. We will be very evenly matched, any edge could tip the balance."

Fortunately, there is only one Power Boy, he is what we in the study of time call a "Prime" one version across the multiverse, and he is able to traverse it.