Monitor Duty Part 3

THE MISSION by Hellacre13 Part One The Martian Manhunter looked at the group of Leaguers gathered around the conference table.All regular members were present except for Hawkgirl who had gone to her home world to sort out personal business.Batman sat looking grim opposite a wooden faced Wonder Woman;Green Lantern drummed his fingers impatiently on the table whilst Flash swivelled his chair and chattered  to a tired but resigned looking Superman. Jonn went straight into the briefing. "Thank you for coming so promptly.I am aware some of you were busy......",he nodded specifically at Superman,"but our reserves are already saturated and we need more input.I have some matters that are more urgent than others, nonetheless all require investigation.There are reports of an oil tanker run aground off the North Sea and a potential risk it will sink.Three volcanic eruptions were reported in the Ring of Fire,all indicating to a bigger eruption which may trigger off the inevitable earthquake and tsunami.A series of thefts involving Egyptian artifacts from world famous museums, namingly London,New York,Cairo and Paris,has made the headlines. And lastly there is a situation between Almerac and a neighbouring planet,Syxon,over shipping routes and trade embargos.They are also disputing who has rights over the moon of Gaan,which has a wealth of nobelium and tantalium.There are rumblings of war but the Guardians are hoping for a peaceful solution. A delegation spearheaded by neutral parties are going to have negociations in Almerac and we have been requested to send an Earth delegate." J'onn looked around at the group."Who will take the tanker?" The Flash spoke first."Not me.I just only had this suit made,the last one being burnt off by that parademon.I cannot afford to get oil on this ......" Lantern gave him a scathing look."Now that is a lame excuse if ever I heard one!" Flash retorted,"No it's not!Most of you guys fly.Bats has his fancy vehicles.I have to leg it on the ground everytime!And crude oil is a nightmare to contend with........" Lantern interjected,"Oh,for crying out loud!I'll take it,J'onn!" The Manhunter acknowledged him with a nod;he asked,"The thefts?" Flash queried,"What kind of artifacts?" "A mask of Sekhmet,a staff of Bastet carrying the eye of Ra,a gold disc of Maahes fighting Apep,and a gold statute of Nefertem " Flash looked bewildered."Nefer-what?Somebody speak American please." Wonder Woman said obligingly,"They are Egyptian cat gods and goddess',Wally.Except for Apep.I think that is a snake demon." All eyes turned to the Batman,who scowled when the Flash remarked,"That sounds right up your alley,Bruce!" "How is it up my alley,Flash?",challenged Batman. "Oh,don't be so coy,Bruce.Theft?Cats?Seems our blacksuited villainess is back to her old tricks.How she got  away last time is still a mystery........" Batman said ,goaded,"It's not her,you moron!" Wonder Woman raised her brows at his tone.She said,"You may know something we do not but you need not speak to Wally that way,Batman." "I certainly will if someone is insinuating I let a crime go unpunished......." Flash began,"Seems to me his confidence in Catwoman is......." Superman intervened as one weary,"Quiet,for god's sake."He looked at Batman and said, in a concilatory but calm tone,"Bruce,you have a good relationship with most of the museums as their patron.You can find out more as Bruce Wayne than any of us.You should take this one." There was a pause.J'onn prompted,"Batman?" Batman replied shortly,"Very well." "Thank you.Who will take the volcanoes?" Flash announced,"Fire is not good for the suit........" Green Lantern looked at him crossly and demanded,"Who thinks Flash is talking too much?" All hands went up except Wonder Woman's.Flash stopped swivelling and sat upright."Hey,that's not fair!You are a good soul,Princess,not like these uptight........" Lantern continued over Flash's protests,"Who thinks Flash should go to the Ring of Fire?" The same  hands went up again.The scarlet speedster exclaimed,"Now wait a minute!You are all ganging up on me now!Diana did not vote..." Superman cut him off."Majority rules.Give it a rest,Wally.You are going to the Ring of Fire and that's that!" The Flash sank backwards and grumbled,"Stupid rules." J'onn said,"That just leaves Almerac." Superman raised his hand."I'll take it." Lantern looked abit sombre.He said,"Someone ought to go with you.Diana?" She shrugged."Sure." Superman shook his head."No!" Wonder Woman looked taken aback at his vehemence."No?" "I can handle this on my own,"he declared. J'onn said,"It is a peace mission,Kal.Diplomacy is Diana's forte." "There may the possibility of war." She said proudly,"I am a warrior.....imminently suited on both counts." "It is too far for you to fly......." "We do have a ship that can fly into space,Superman",she reminded him sarcastically. Superman looked dubious.Batman stated impatiently,"We are wasting time here,J'onn." The Manhunter looked at the Man of Steel."Superman?" Flash inquired mockingly,"You want to put it to a vote,farmboy?" Superman stood up and conceded reluctantly,"Alright." J'onn declared,"Briefing over.We will keep in contact via the commlink.Kal,Diana,you two will be too far away for that.You will have to rely on the ship's communications." Lantern said ,as he walked out,"All the more reason you didn't go alone." Flash said,"I could go instead.Diana could go to the Ring of...." Batman said crossly,"Out!",and hustled him from the room. This left Diana to face the Kryptonian."Shall we go?" He put out his hand."After you."                                                                ---------------------------- They took a small sleek looking two seater craft that could manoeuver and travel at great speed.Diana took the helm. Superman punched in the co-ordinates for Almerac as they flew away from the satellite.She looked at him."Ready for the jump to hyperspace?" "Ready." She pushed down on the accelerator and they braced themselves for the swift but jarring jump from one star-system to the next.The ship lurched as they came to the edge of the the galaxy that hosted their destination. Diana looked at the map on the screen."We'll be there in an hour's time." "Fine." "Have you been there before?" "Yes,I have." "Really?So you know the parties involved?" "Empress Maxima,I have met.The leader from Syxon has newly come to the throne." Diana punched into the database and read,"Lord Kronor of Syxon........from all accounts he is a dictator.He got his power via a coup three months ago and exiled the rightful king,Meric,who happened to be his brother and.......... betrothed of the Empress!By Hera,it is getting more complicated.It's not all about trade and shipping routes." Superman commented,"When ever is anything simply about money?Rivalry and feud and vendetta are usually behind most rumblings of war.This is just the excuse for it." "It looks like the Empress, before Kronor seized power, had decided to make Syxon a ward of Almerac once the marriage to Meric had taken place.Hmmm,she's been engaged before........to someone called Ultraa......who is the head of her army.......Looks like this woman has been on the hunt for a consort for some time.......there are records of several failed engagements with some alien princeling or the other........" Superman leaned his head back and closed his eyes."Yeah,she kinda likes to do that." Diana let out a sharp intake of breath.From the Batman's meticulous datafiles she saw the name of one of Maxima's past potentials.She blurted out in amazement,"You!Your name is here!" He did not open his eyes,he said calmly,"If you read on you'll see I was not exactly a willing participant." Diana read on and regarded him curiously."You nearly became Emperor of Almerac?" He said wryly,"I had temporary memory loss.But I was not impressed by her highhanded tactics." Diana began to giggle.The thought of Superman, of all people, abducted and put on the marriage mart made her go into peals of laughter.He opened his eyes and looked at her crossly."It's not funny, you know." "The thought of you wooing....." "I never wooed anyone......" "It says here she is genetically compatible with you.Huh!" "Did he actually put that in?" "You could have been Emperor dangling some superbabies from your lap by now",she teased. "I didn't wish to father despots." "Maybe you were a bit rash." "Maybe you should just fly the ship." "I would be a great godmother,you know",she said pensively, after a moment of silence. "Diana!" She laughed."Sorry,Kal,but it is nice to give you a spoon of your own medicine." He found his own lips twitching.He retorted,"That's a taste of one's own medicine.And I'm not quite sure you are sorry." She grinned."Come on.Even you can see how amusing it sounds!" He chuckled and admitted,"It was like being offered up to a hungry tigress.I can cope with the most insane,cruel of villains.......but a woman scorned..........I was just glad she had some pride herself and let me go....." Wonder Woman asked perplexed,"With such a history,why did you even want to come alone?" "It's different this time.Also it's not myself I am worried about."His intent look made her frown. "What?Me?" "I am not sure you will find her manner to your liking..." "She's royal and an Empress;I had Hippolyta to contend with as my mother." "Maxima is not like your mother." "Well,I am used to the ways of royalty.She and I will have some things in common......." He murmured,"That's what I'm worried about....." "What did you say?" "I said,then we have nothing to worry about." *********************************** Part 2 The craft entered Almerac's atmosphere within the hour as Diana predicted.Two fighters appeared to escort them to one of the many the landing pads of the Imperial Palace.The negociations were being hosted by the Empress herself and as the two Leaguers disembarked,they found a small greeting party awaiting them. It was led by the Empress' cousin,one of her ministers and a member of the peacetalks,the ambassador to Rann.The royal cousin was a tall,striking man,with handsome features and an athletic built.He was not royal but a member of the aristocracy and introduced himself as Baron Jared.He shook Superman's hand and kissed Wonder Woman's with an appreciative glint in his green eyes."I was aware the League would send its best but I never expected its most beautiful. Your beauty pales the suns' own brilliance.Welcome to Almerac." Diana could hear Superman cough behind her;she ignored him and graciously replied,"You are too kind.Superman and myself hope to assist where possible to avoid any war between the planets....." The ambassador to Rann,Kyber bowed."It is a great honour to have you join us.I have heard much about you.We have been in talks for several days with little progress....." The minister said,"We will update you at the next sitting tomorrow,but now you will be shown to your quarters.There is a banquet tonight to celebrate the Empress' birthday.There will be a feast and ball......" Wonder Woman looked at Superman in some doubt."A ball?" Superman said,"We didn't come prepared for any event of that nature." The Baron smiled."Naturally you came to perform your duty but there is no reason you cannot join in the festivities.As for clothing,you will be provided with whatever you need......" The minister gestured to them."Come,it is only two hours before the banquet begins.You will need to get settled and ready." The Baron looked at Diana and bowed,hand over his heart."I look forward to claiming a dance with you later,Princess." They were handed over to a liveried servant who led them to their quarters.Diana looked around her,studying the architecture."Some would say it is beautiful.I find it quite sterile ..." "They are a proud race and everything here is aimed to reflect the pinnacle of power and perfection.The people themselves believe they are "chosen",and in a way they are.They were breeded selectively and some have abilities that you and I have.....Maxima has super-strength,flight,telekenesis and mindcontrol." Diana looked abit concered."A deadly combination." "She's very proud of it.She makes no concessions to those less powerful than she....." "She sounds charming." They were led up to the upper levels via a glass lift and down a long marble-like corridor to two appartments opposite each other.Diana said,"Well,I'll see you in two hours,I guess." He shrugged."Yeah.See you."                                                                      ---------------------------- Diana did not quite expect to be pounced upon by a bevy of servant-girls,all whose duties were for the sole purpose of attending to her needs.They provided refreshment,ran her a bath full of flower-petals,and scented oil,and brought out an array of satin,silk and gauzelike gowns for her to consider. They would have physically undressed,bathed and dressed her if she had let them,but Diana dismissed them all save for one.She helped her with her hair and gown. An hour later,Wonder Woman stood,out of her uniform,in a white silken gown,her hair held back with her tiara, and pearls about her neck and ears.She would not hear of leaving the girdle of Gaea behind;she looped it about her waist from a jewelled belt.The servant said awed,"You look beautiful."Then, at an afterthought, added,"Oh dear." Diana asked,"What?Why do you look so worried?" "Nothing,princess.Nothing at all....." There was a knock on the door.It was Superman's voice."Diana?Are you ready?" "Coming Kal."She turned to the servant."Thank you for all your help.You were very patient." The servant looked nonplussed,as if such a thing was never done before.She stammered,"It...it was..an honour..." Wonder Woman smiled and dismissed her.She opened the door and looked for her friend;he was at the end of the corridor looking up at a shield on the wall.When he heard her come out,he looked over his shoulder and his brows rose. He had seen her mostly in uniform and once in plain,civilian clothes.Never had he seen her looking so soft,so feminine,so beautiful.She blinked also.He was in cobalt-blue flowing robes over a white tunic.His eyes seemed brilliant than ever and he looked dignified and regal. "You look......nice..",he attempted lamely, trying not to blush and stare. She maintained her gravity."So do you." "Shall we?" He did not know whether to offer her his arm or not.He did not want her to feel awkward.This was not  part of their mission;they were working partners,not a courting couple.Diana,however,ended his dilemma by grabbing his arm and linking hers through his. "Come on,Kal,let's go."                                                                ------------------------------- They entered the large banqeting hall and blinked.It was filled with guests,all seated along long tables,whilst servants, carrying trays,pervaded the throng.On the dais was the main royal table,reserved for the Empress and her kin and close courtiers.The Baron hailed them and made some quick introductions to other members of the peace delegation.There were representatives from Thanagar,Tamaran,Rann,New Genesis and a morose looking quartet from Syxon,headed by a fierce looking general,called Hagar.They eventually sat down at the delgate table,and a minute later gongs announced the arrival of the Empress. Queen Maxima entered the hall with her retinue of body-guards,her younger siblings,her betrothed Meric,and her close advisors.All stood as she made her way to the table.Diana whispered ,at the sight of a giant of a red-headed man,bringing up the rear."Who is that?" "Ultraa.He is her general." Maxima was tall and strikingly beautiful.She was attired in ice-green silk and her burnished hair waved in ordered curls down her back.She barely noticed anyone until she walked past the peace-delegate table.Her green eyes fell on Superman and she seemed to start for an instant.Her gaze then went to Diana and narrowed.She tilted her chin and continued on as before.She took her place and gestured graciously for all to sit.There was a long speech by her chief minister,welcoming all the guests and expounding his monarch's qualities of strength,power,and beauty,and listed her achievements since coming to the throne.There was a interlude of music and gifts being presented to her from various wellwishers and guests. Superman said wryly,"Earth will be in the dog-house.....J'onn did not mention anything about gifts......" Diana said slyly,"Oh,I don't know.It will be a very happy birthday for her with you here......" "Ha ha.Very funny." The feast began and for the next hour the tables were laden with all sorts of food and drink.During this time the pair of leaguers chatted with their fellow delegates and got an unofficial report on the peace-talks as well as all the gossip about court.Ultraa it seemed was not happy with Meric,who was in fact a rather spineless individual. Kyber confided,"I think that is why she went for him.She could bend him to her will.But his brother is having none of it." Diana mused,"You cannot blame a man for not wanting his homeland ceded to a foreign state,dictator or not." "So where do we stand at the moment?",asked Superman. "We are trying to work out a best option for the moon.To partition it even......but Maxima is adamant she is not sharing with anyone whom she cannot trust.And Kronor really cannot be trusted.He'd sign a treaty and deliberately break it....he wants war." "Hmm,a very difficult situation." "Maxima really does not need Gaan but it is a matter of pride for her now.She will not back down." "Have we explored having Lantern corps police the moon?They are neutral and can be a peace-keeping force." "For how long though?'' "Maybe war is the only way",said a delegate from Thanagar. "War is never the answer",returned Superman."It's easy for us to expound here and make decisions when we would not be the ones to have to face gunfire and death." Diana looked at him with a sigh.It was one thing she admired about her friend.Despite his awesome powers,he was at heart a dreamer and pacifist.She was made of sterner stuff being raised by a warrior's code,she could see the point  of the delegate of Thanagar.She held her tongue.She would say her piece of mind tomorrow. The feast ended with the tables being removed,the chairs moved back and the doors and windows thrown open.A band of muscians began to play from the upper gallery. Guests could now mingle,dance or meet with the Empress. The Baron came to bear the two leaguers to the dais.The Empress was standing with her betrothed,a slim golden-haired man and talking to her general Ultraa.The Baron cleared his throat. "Your Majesty,I have the representatives from Earth,the Justice League.Superman and Wonder Woman." Maxima turned and faced them.She smiled down at Superman as he bowed."Well,Superman,I am pleased the League could spare you." He straightened up and said politely,"It is our wish to see peace in the galaxy,your Majesty." "But why so formal?We have been through too much to be official.Maxima will do."She looked at Diana."And you must be the famous Amazon princess, Wonder Woman." There was almost an insolence in the way she said it.Diana assented with dignity."I am.How do you do,your Majesty?" "I am as well as any monarch who has had to deal with threats to my sovereignity.I have been very patient because I believe war is a waste of ones resources,ones own people.I learnt that from an old acquaintance."She looked at Superman meaningfully. He said graciously,"I agree with you wholeheartedly." She held out her hand."Will you take a stroll in the gardens with me,Superman?" He looked hesitant,aware that Meric was looking aggrieved and Ultraa displeased.She batted her lashes."Oh come now,don't tell me you have not forgiven me for that mistake years ago?I never knew Superman to hold a grudge." "You're mistaken.If that were so,another would be in my place." "I am so glad to hear it.So shall we?" He flushed."It isn't my intention to be difficult but...." "Not difficult?Must an Empress ask twice?" "Majesty,you must take care for your safety,especially with Syxonians about the planet......",interupted Ultraa. She gave him a hard stare."If the great Superman cannot keep me safe,who can?Well,Superman?" Duty made Superman bow and take her hand on his.They went out through the doors onto the terrace.Diana watched as Maxima led him down the steps to the courtyard below. Meric gave a tiny sniff and stomped off,Ultraa walked to the balcony to watch over them.Diana looked at the Baron.He smiled."She generally always gets her own way.A dance,princess?" ******************* Part three Wonder Woman was led back to her table after the dance with the Baron.She sat in relief as he sauntered away to flirt with a pretty blond.His overfamiliarity was not to her liking and she was just glad that he found someone willing to bat her lashes and giggle at him.She looked at the empty dais.It seemed Superman was still strolling with the Empress.Diana sighed.She was not short on admirers but she was not there to socialise and she set a permanent scowl on her face.It worked a charm as most males looked too apprehensive to approach her. She debated whether to wait for Superman to return,or to go back to her quarters.She stood up and suddenly the whole building appeared to shake as a thundering explosion could be heard from the outside of the palace.There were screams and sirens going off.Guards were running down the corridors.Ultraa was heard shouting."Protect the Empress!" Diana flew up to the high window and let out a gasp of astonishment and dismay.In the night sky was the red and gold lights of hundreds of Syxon ships breaching the space above the Palace and the planet."Oh gods." "Invasion!The Syxonians are invading!" The cries pervaded the palace.The delegates looked bewildered."That cannot be.We are in talks!It goes against all rules of parley." The Ambassador of Rann said grimly,"He has no care for protocol.Kronor has seized his chance whilst we believed him to have some code of honour.We were naive fools........" The Baron gasped,"But how did he breach our security codes and even get pass our satellites?" No one had any answer.The Empress was being ushered in hastily by the General.Superman flew up along side Diana. "Is it true?" She looked sadly at him."It seems war is here whether we want it or not." He ripped off his robes and tunic;beneath was the famous uniform;he flew out to face the Syxon forces."Let's go make our stand." She twirled swiftly and shed her gown.She hitched the lasso to to her uniform and flew after him.They didnot wait for any command by Ultraa.He was struggling to get his army into the air.Syxon ships were firing upon the palace,the hangers and barracks.They had already taken the city from what could be seen. Superman said tightly,"I'll take the airships.....You help the imperial guard keep them out of the palace......" Diana flew towards the battlements of the palace and joined the soldiers as they fired lasers upon the advancing Syxon regiments.Superman meanwhile went  at a hurtling speed towards one of the battle-carriers.He fired heated beams at the fighters that came at him,his fist punched a hole beneath the underbelly of one craft and he swung another like a discus into the stratosphere. Wonder Woman had managed to use her strength to throw the broken blocks of granite and metal girders from the towers upon the first wave of soldiers.She blocked the beams of a laser cannon with her bracelets and looked up to see a battle-carrier catch fire and break into two as it fell from the sky.She breathed,"Kal......" She gasped as a larger warship appeared and she could see Superman flying in and out of speeding fighters to avoid the gun fire of the monster.She felt the tower shake beneath her.She looked down to see a battering ram break the gates of the palace.The men scampered as rockets were fired at them.Wonder Woman punched the first one,then the second, the third she hurled back.The explosion gave them the briefest of time to retreat into the palace.She had no choice now but to pick up injured bodies and fly them to safety.She landed back into the palace. The Empress was pacing and she saw Diana and demanded,"What is happening?" Diana said gravely,"I fear they have breached the palace walls.The city is taken.......There is little we can do...." "Where is the Kryptonian?",asked Ultraa, coming in, wearing armour and carrying a long rifle. "He is trying to weaken the fleet but they are too many........" "Majesty,"said a minister,"we may need to surrender." "Never!I will not concede to that animal." "I am afraid you will have little choice."All eyes turned to see Superman flying in and landing.He looked sombre."He has firepower that can annihilate this planet.You can let him reduce it to ash or think of your people and the other neutrals here......." Her green eyes smouldered."Surrender is not a word for sovereigns,Superman." "Well,death and destruction will be the result.Are you so mule-headed that you would sacrifice innocent people who came with the goodwill to help you?",demanded Wonder Woman. Maxima looked at her scathingly."Who are you to speak to me in that manner?" "Someone who has seen the face of war and knows when it is time to seek terms.Don't let your pride cloud your judgement." "Will someone remove this presumptious woman before me?" "I will break anyone's jaw if they deign to touch me",Diana promised coldly, as sentinels made to move but then backed away at the flash of her blue eyes. Superman intervened swiftly;he said calmly,"Maxima,it's not too late to save lives.What good is it being the chosen people if there is none that survive to carry on the legacy?" He knew the tact to appeal to her;and it was not compassion but  pride and ambition.She seemed to struggle for a moment.He said softly,"Live today to fight another day." She regarded him with appreciative eyes."You are very shrewd,Superman.You were born to rule........pity,you are wasting your talents with the likes of that postulating,half-dressed philanthrope........"She turned away and said to Ultraa,"Let us go and discuss terms......" Diana's face went dark and she would have gone for her,had Superman's arm not shot out and encircled her waist and drawn her back firmly to his chest."Oh no,you don't!" "Let me go,Kal!" "Not a chance.We cannot afford a diplomatic incident as well.Simmer down." She was shaking with rage."She is the rudest,most shallow, selfish female I have ever met......." "Aw,come on,Circe is worse." "Circe is evil.Maxima does not have that excuse.I swear I could box her ears........" "She would have you flogged and there would be nothing anyone could do because you cannot strike an Empress on her own soil........" Diana muttered,"I would not care......" "Of course, you would .......You would have burned in shame at your lack of etiquette and control......." She let out a frustrated sigh and the tension in her muscles slackened."You know me too well......By the gods,Kal,what would I do with out you?" She looked up at him and he smiled down at her."I don't know.What would you do?" She suddenly realised his arm was still curled about her waist and she was leaning into him.She turned a bright red and half laughed,"You can let me go.I promise I won't go thumping any  monarchs..well,not today at least....." He let her go,mainly because the ambassador of Rann was beckoning.. He announced anxiously,"Lord Kronor's shuttle is landing in the main concourse.The Empress is meeting him in the audience-chamber.The general thinks it's wise the peace delegation is present as well." ************************* Part four They waited with the Empress in the audience chamber.She took her place on her throne,and Ultraa and her ministers stood beside her.The doors were thrown open and in trooped a dozen armed Syxon guardsmen.In their midst was a tall broad shouldered man with dark hair and a goatee.He was in gold armour and a puce cape.He looked around with a smug smile and walked straight up to the dais. "Your majesty has been wise to consider surrender.It would have been a pity to destroy such a place as Almerac." Maxima kept her chin up high."You broke the terms of parley,Kronor,it is an act of supreme aggression to invade whilst talks are in progress." "Talk is for the weak.Someone as ambitious as you ought to appreciate my resourcefulness.......to attack when no one is expecting it......." "How you even breached our security is beyond me....." He interrupted,"You mean you cannot imagine?" "My people are loyal till death.....no one would betray me......" He turned to the door and in walked Meric.Kronor smiled."Blood is thicker than water,my dear." Maxima's face turned red with shock.She rose to her feet."You!How could you!?After what he did to you?'' Meric said ,in a petulant tone,"It is no more than what you do to me everyday.How do you think I feel here?I am treated like your lap-dog......waiting for you to throw me scraps from your table.......No,I had enough.Rather to be a patriot than a kept pet........." She shook with rage."You will pay for this outrage!I will have you drawn and whipped." She flung out her arm and he was sent crashing to the wall.She looked to strangle him from where she stood only to have his brother roar,"Enough of your lover's quarrel.One more stunt like that,Maxima,and I will rip the neck off your shoulders.We talk terms.My terms." He walked up to the dais and looked at everyone."Almerac is now part of my territory.Its people and army will be loyal to me.When I call upon you,you will serve me." Maxima sneered,"I would die first." "Oh, believe me that can be arranged and I have no doubt there will many willing to step into your shoes.As a token of my goodwill,I may consider leaving you alive.And I will have an occupying force here to ensure there is no mutiny and my own advisors to form the legislative.I, of course, will be the executive." Maxima fumed,"That is outrageous.You are virtually taking full control...." "Yes,invading forces normally do that.....Also from what I see you have fine specimens here...on my home world we could do with some more slaves." "Slaves!?"Maxima looked horrified. He looked at her with a cruel smile."That angers you the most, doesn't it? "If I refuse?" "Well,I will begin by systematically executing your kin and these diplomats....." The ambassador of Raan spoke up,"Lord Kronor,most of us are neutral bodies here.Our planets have no issue with you." "Your being here makes it an issue.You all ought to have minded your own business.....Well,Maxima?What will it be?" She sank upon the throne in disbelief."Will you give no quarter?" "And why should I?'' Superman spoke up."Surely,my lord,you have control of the moon and the planet; is it necessary to take slaves as well?" Kronor turned and looked at the Kryptonian."Ah,you are that flying pest that ruined one of my best warships.Superman,is it?You think I care what you think?You should all be grateful I did not raze the city to the ground......."He looked at Maxima and drawled,"My patience is running low." She looked at him and gritted,"You may coerce me but my people will never submit.We will survive this and a day will come when....." "Yes,yes,yes.A nice speech worthy of a dethroned monarch,"he said impatiently,"But do you accept?" "I said so,didn't I?" "A simple yes or no would suffice",he smiled. "Yes..."she spat. "Excellent." Meric had now shakily risen to his feet and came to stand expectantly before them.Kronor looked at him with a raised brow."What is it?" "You hinted to make me viceroy of Almerac......" "Did I?" "Yes,wouldn't it be the time to do so now?'' He  stroked his beard."Mmm,yes it would be time to give you your just reward." To the horror of all, he gave Meric a back-handed slap and sneered,"That is what you deserve,cretin!" Meric fell down the steps and landed at Diana's feet.She tried to help him up.He pushed her off and touched his split lip and whined,"You promised!!!!" Kronor said icily,"My promises are like yours.Not worth anything.If you could betray the woman you loved,you could betray me."  He shouted,"Hagar!" His moody looking general appeared at the doorway.He bowed."My lord?" "You are in charge of this planet's security and you will make certain no one leaves without my permission." "As you wish,sire." He folded his arms."Now, I think I will select a few choice slaves for my household." His eyes fell on Diana."You.You will come with me." Superman exclaimed,"You cannot take her!She is a member of the Justice League.....she is part of the peace delegation!" "Did I give you permission to speak?Come here,woman." Diana stood her ground and said coldly,"My name is Diana, Princess of Themysira.I will be no man's slave." He walked down to her,looking at her from head to foot."You should have thought about that before wearing such a fetching outfit.It does your wares credit."He smacked her rump hard. Diana's eyes flashed and she gave him a resounding slap.He let out an audible grunt but recovered to give her a backslap to the cheek that sent her sprawling to the floor. Superman's eyes glowed red and he flew at him.He knocked him flat and had him at the throat.Kronor's eyes seemed to bulge from its sockets.Superman could hear Diana's voice in the distance."Kal!No!" Kronor face was turning blue;Superman heard a dozen clicks around him.Laserguns were pointed at Diana."Stop or we kill her." The red haze cleared from his eyes.He immediately let go of the spluttering warlord.Their weapons were turned on him.He backed away,hands in the air. Kronor sat up,coughing;he rasped, as his men looked to shoot,"Don't kill him!". They obeyed,keeping their guns pointed at the Kryptonian. Kronor scrambled to his feet.He looked at Superman with derision and took the blaster from his holster.He set it to stun and shot at him.Superman fell unconscious to the floor. Wonder Woman cried in dismay,"Kal!" She would have gone to him,but for Kronor grasping her by the arm. "Oh,no you don't,princess.You are mine now.And if you get any stupid ideas to defy me again,I will see to it your friend's flesh is peeled from his bones and you are there to see it!" He ordered to his men." Take the Kryptonian away!" ************************* Part five Superman stirred.He opened his eyes and blinked.He could feel cold,hard metal flooring under his back.Pale light filtered down from wall lamps.He sat up and looked around him.He was in some sort of holding cell.He tried to get up only to realise a collar of some sort was around his neck.He tried to yank it off only to find a surge of electricity jolting his body.He let out a groan of pain. "It is designed to keep you in check",said a voice from the adjoining cell. He looked up and saw, through the forcefield bars that separated each cell, Lord Meric.He was chained the old fashioned way to the wall. Meric added,"It monitors your every movement and if you make any move to leave this space unauthorised it shocks you into obedience.At worst it can explode and if you are lucky, kill you.It, however, maybe more likely to leave you blind or without limbs." Superman looked around.The cell was only big enough for a low pallet and a compartment for waste."Where are we?" "This is the best of the dungeons of Almerac." "How long have we been here?" "About two hours." "Why didn't he kill me?" "Oh,knowing my brother I am sure he has some depraved reason for keeping you alive." Superman looked at the cell.There was no window .He used his x-ray vision and saw that they were  meters under what appeared to be the main palace.He could not see farther than the cellars.A leadlike metal was used to line the groundfloor. He asked,"What happened to my friend?" "Wonder Woman?Oh,I am sure by now he'll have added her to his evergrowing household of  handmaidens.He likes pretty women around him.Your friend is lovely beyond words and I won't be surprised if he covets her for his bed." Superman's eyes darkened."She'll never submit to it." "No.I expect she won't but that has never stopped him." "I'll kill him if he hurts her." "You have to get out of here to do that,Superman."                                                                         ------------------ Diana was being dressed in a white silk by servant girls.Her hair was curled and scented and a large purple flower was tucked behind one ear.Her uniform,with its lasso, and her tiara laid in a pile on a chair.Her bracelets remained on as she innocently showed them that they were bonded and could not be removed.She jumped as the doors to the room was thrown open and in walked the newly triumphant warlord, Kronor.He was out of his armour;he was in a black tunic with a red sash about the waist.He carried a goblet of wine in his hands. He clapped his hands."Out!All of you!" The servants scampered away as ordered.He sank upon cushions on the nearby divan and patted the space next to him. "Come,princess,sit for a while." She stood silent and unmoving.He said smugly,"You can be stubborn of course.But remember,I have Superman somewhere incarcerated and I can easily order his torture and death." Diana coloured and stiffly came to stand near the divan.He yanked her down by the arm and she fell back against the velvet squabs.He studied her rigid profile."Come,my dear,do but smile for me.....You are much too sober....." "I do not feel like it.Will you torture me too for that?" "Hmmm,you are not afraid of me one bit, are you?" "I do not fear cowards." His eyes narrowed."A coward?How have you come to that conclusion?" "Only cowards use force and threats.It is the only way they can be assured of obedience.They cannot risk letting people judge them based on merit and fair play." "You speak as one who seems to know much." "Because it is what I do.It is what the League is all about."She looked at him gravely,"You will never know if someone could ever do something for you out of love and loyalty.......only hate and fear......" "Enough of this preaching",he said crossly,and tossed the rest of his wine down.He put the goblet down and reached out to twist a lock of her hair about his finger."I have no illusions about what I am.You cannot make me feel guilty." "No.One needs a conscience for that",she returned steadily,trying not to flinch when he let a finger trail up her bare arm. Kronor bent and kissed her neck.Diana closed her eyes and murmered a prayer to her gods.He turned her face to his.He reminded her languidly,"Remember,I will kill him if you so much as resist me......Would you have his death on your conscience?" Diana did not resist;she let him lay her down on the divan and as his lips came closer to her,her wrists went up and she slammed her bracelets to the side of his head.He let out an agonizing scream of pain and fell onto the floor,rolling and clutching his ears.Blood was pouring down into his collar. She had shattered his eardrums. She rose and declared,"I won't have my rape on his conscience either!You disgusting brute!" Diana thumped him on the head with a nearby vase and he went unconscious.She took the lasergun he had tucked in his waist and lifted him easily and dumped him on the bed.He would be out for a while.She needed to locate Superman.She went to the window and looked out.There were occupying soldiers everywhere.On towers,in the courtyard,in airpods patrolling the grounds.She looked at herself in the mirror.She was too overdressed to be taken for a servant. She went to the door and poked her head out at the sentinels on duty."Could you two come here for a minute?I don't know what happened to the Overlord...." The men came in,both were in helms and carried tall staffs.Diana pointed to the unconscious figure on the bed."Do you think he drank too much?" One went to look,the other asked,"What happened?" She said innocently,"I don't know.We were..... you... know. " She faked a shy smile and looked down.The guard smiled slyly and nodded.She looked up and batted her lashes."And all I did was this......." Diana's fist went into the man's solar plexus.He let out an "Oof" and fell to his knees.His colleague yelled,"Hey!" Before the staff could be aimed at her,she moved speedily,took it off him and used the butt to his chin.He fell unconscious.The other,on his knees, was still moaning.Diana picked up a chair and broke it over his head.He passed out.She swiftly began to remove his uniform.She took the helm of the other,as that one was dented from the chair.She stripped quickly to don her uniform,then threw on the sentinel's tunic,breastplate,knee,shin and arm guards and visored helm.She prayered no one would notice in the pale night lighting that one sentinel wore heels. She lifted the pair and tossed them in a closet.At a glance noone would suspect anything.She looked at herself in the mirror.It would have to do.Very quietly,she slipped out of the room and braced herself to make her way unsuspected into the main corridors.                                                                     ---------------------------------- Superman paced the narrow confines of the cell.His neighbour said wryly,"You may as well sit down.There is little you can do." He gave him an impatient look."None of this would have happened if it weren't for you!" Meric grumbled."You do not have to remind me......" Superman tried the collar again,only to let out a grunt of pain.Meric tutted,"I told you,it is a waste of time......You need a key for that." He winced."A key?" "Yes,it is probably kept by the warden." Superman searched the entire area of cells and true enough he saw a main station with guards and monitors.The warden sat in a glass booth with a cabinet of keys and collars.It was futile however since he had no way of reaching it.He let out a breath of frustration and sank onto the pallet and held his head.The mere idea of not knowing what was happening was driving him crazy. It was half an hour later when he heard the sound of laser fire.He jumped to his feet and looked around.Meric who could not hear anything,looked over lazily form where he lay."What's wrong with you?" Superman's eyes widened and a smile turned his lips up as he saw through the walls,a sentinel stun the warden and the guards with a staff-weapon.He saw the beautiful face beneath the visor.She was looking at the monitors,scanning to see which cell he was in.She appeared in less than two minutes. Superman looked at her."What took you so long?" Diana replied,her face still concealed,"I had to thump a monarch." He chuckled but said,"We need a key to get the collar of me.If I put one foot out of this cell,we are toast." She flicked the forcefield off and came in to look at the serial number on his collar."I'll be back in a minute." Meric,who was witnessing this exchange,stood up and asked in bewilderment."A sentinel is helping you?" The "sentinel" returned and produced a electronic metal prong that slotted in the back of the collar.It bleeped and clicked and snapped open.Superman threw it to the floor with a breath of relief. Diana raised her visor."We cannot delay.My flight would be discovered soon.'' Meric gasped."You!" She gave him an icy glare and gave her friend a nod to move out.Meric cried,"You are leaving me?Superman,please!" The Kryptonian paused and Diana gestured,"Kal,let's go!" Superman looked at Meric,who had fallen to his knees,and was pleading,"Help me,Superman!" "Kal,you are not going to really........" He looked at the grovelling man and went to the panel outside of his cell.His heat vision burnt the wiring and the beams hissed off.He went into the cell and yanked the chain from the wall.Diana looked at him in bemusement. "You are crazy!He's a self-preserving snake,if ever there was one!" Meric grasped Superman's hand."Thank you.Oh,thank you!" "You had best get going then,before the alarm is raised",Superman advised.Meric did not need telling twice. Superman called after him."And,Meric,remember:whatever you sow in this world,you will reap." Meric did not even wait to hear him.Diana sighed,"What a waste of time,Kal." He replied,"Everyone deserves a second chance......or as in his case,a third and a fourth." "The eternal optimist." "Let's go." Superman smashed his fists into the wall and broke through to the bed rock.He used his heat vision and with a combination of punches and his own powerful momentum, they breached the surface.They emerged from an old well that was used for ornamental purposes.It was right in the middle of the royal gardens.It was dark night and they sank behind a large hedgegrove. Diana began taking off the cumbersome sentinel's uniform. She sighed in relief once clad in her own Wonder Woman suit."That's better." Superman mumured,"We need to make a run for it and steal a craft......" She said grimly,"There are soldiers everywhere...." "We have to take our chances.Once that alarm goes,there will be no way out...." She said softly,"You could go......You can fly into deep space." "You can't.I am not going without you.I've worried about you enough for one day." Wonder Woman impulsively reached out and cradled his cheek."I am glad it is you with me." He seemed to flush in the darkness.He said lightly,"Me too." "Kal,I.........." Sirens wailed and made them jump.Superman said worriedly,"I am afraid our escape had been discovered." ****************** Part Six Superman and Wonder Woman did not have much time to hide.Flood lights from the towers and the airpods were soon everywhere.They had no choice but to take a stand and try to fight their way to the nearest ship.Superman could see it from where they stood,it was Lord Kronor's very own shuttle on the landing pad just on the inner concourse of the palace. "It is two hundred meters away.We have to run a gauntlet of towers and sentinel posts.Together we can take them by surprise.I don't think anyone would expect us to go for his ship." She nodded."Okay.Let's go!" The two superheros took to the air.At once there were shouts and the spotlight searching them out. "There they are!Shoot them!" "Bring them down!" Superman broke a spire and sent it hurtling at a hovering pod.Diana's lasso brought the tail of another crashing ito the facade of a outer wall.They veered in and out of the high battlements and arching colonnades,blocking and avoiding laser cannons and blaster-fire.Diana broke the head of a statue of Maxima and made a bowling motion and sent a group of guards rolling like skittles.Superman used his heat vision,melting the barrels of rifles and short-circuiting the flood lights. He yelled,"Diana,come on!The search lights are down!" She flew to him and together they broke through a wall that led on the grassy concourse.The shuttle was being guarded by three robotic sentinels.At once the machines sensed that their perameters were breached.Their guns took aim and began to fire at any movement.Superman went into a dive and took one out with a powerful punch.The Amazon princess used her bracelets to deflect the blasts of another, and got close enough to use her lasso and send it flying into the air.The third robot fired at her head,she ducked and watched as her colleague took it out with a blast of icy winds from above. She was about to rip the door of the shutle open when they heard the sound of boots on the periphery.Dozens of troops, armed with rifles surrounded them. She ran inside and flicked on the control panel,and shouted,"Kal,get inside!" He flew inside and said urgently,"Get us out of here!" She started the engines and the craft took off.Rifles fires at them,bouncing off the shuttle's sleek hull.Diana bit her lips and lifted off higher.She could see the the palace lights grow small.She was heading for the clouds when the shuttle was hit by something that made the craft lurch and sliced a wing off completely. Superman looked down and swore."Damn.They are using the  ion cannon." She looked at the wing and gasped."We've been hit!" "Put the ship's shield on!" "I can't!There is a code and I.......oh,Hera!" The ship was hit again,this time on the bow.The fuel tank began to leak.Diana let out a groan."We are not going to get out of the atmosphere!...........The engine's on fire!" Superman stood up."I'll see if I can fix ........." The ship shook violently;Diana looked at him in dismay."The tail is gone.We have to abandon ship!" They were plummeting now at a rapid rate.He reached for her hand and they flew out of the craft seconds before it smashed into a hanger below.An explosion and shouts of bewilderment and surprise could be heard as jets and other ships were destroyed and damaged,and soldiers ran for cover into the nearby field. Superman and Wonder Woman had only a moment's breather.They looked up to see a horde of men in armour, with weapons,and shields coming at them.But not from the ground as expected.They were flying out of a transport ship from the air. Superman saw one face he knew.Ultraa.He muttered,"The Almerac elite!" Diana looked eager."We are saved?" He took her arm."No,they are in his service now,remember?" Wonder Woman looked anxious."We are in big trouble then." He said grimly,"If we have to go down,we go down together." She nodded."Together."                                                        ---------------------------------------- Lord Kronor sat with a swollen jaw and perforated eardrum in his appartments;a physician was trying to treat him with painkillers and send nanobots to do some repair to the delicate organ.He was no longer in much pain but he was fuming.He had been out witted by a woman,had lost not only Superman and Meric,but his own shuttle! He recognised that the pair of Leaguers were a force with which to be reckoned and upon his regaining consciousness had ordered for the immediate dispatch of Almerac's elite military unit.He wanted to see what the pair would do now.Ultraa and his men all had been bred to fly and match strengths with the great Superman. He said irritably to the physician,"Just fix me with an artificial earpiece!I have no time for this!" "Yes,sire.Very good." Hagar was also on the communicator elsewhere in the palace, waiting for further instruction if the tactic failed. Kronor said,"I want them both alive.When I am finished with the princess she will wish she had submitted to me.And as for the Kryptonian,he will pay dearly for his interference. Damned do-gooders!"                                                             ------------------------------------------------- Superman and Wonder Woman fought with a ferocity that took the Almerac elite by surprise.They were, however, outnumbered,and the men had the powers of strength,speed and flight.They managed to hold out for an hour only to have Wonder Woman eventually surrounded and captured with the help of an electro-magnetic snare.She fell heavily to the ground below as it weighted her down like a struggling fish caught in a net. Superman had Ultraa by the neck and was about to follow up another fist to the face.The Almerac general rasped,"Your friend is down,Superman." Superman's fist stopped centimeters away from his cheek.He looked down and saw her being prodded with a prong like staff. He cried,"Diana!" He let him go at once and sped towards her.He swooped in,fighting his way to her,only to have several blasts hit him from all angles.He went sprawling to the ground.Ultraa and half of the unit hovered over him."It is over,Superman."                                                            ------------------------------------------ Superman looked up and replied,"Not while I draw breath." He stood up and his eyes glowed red.He seemed to take a second and then a blast of heat vision that was powerful and strong enough to disintegrate  inorganic matter was fired at the Almerac army. Ulltraa saw it coming and bellowed,"Your shields!" Every man turned their shields to divert the blast from their bodies and watched in awe as it took out the flying transport above.The ship exploded and pieces of firery metal began to rain from the sky.Superman in the blink of an eyed had reached his friend and his superbreath sent the half dozen men around her rolling like leaves.He was about to rip the net open,when Ultraa himself came at him with a sword. The Kryptonian picked up a nearby lance and countered the blade.They levitated off the ground,the general pressing him hard.Duelling was not Superman's strength.He never required to with his gifts.Now facing an opponent with a range of powers near his own made matters abit more difficult. He gritted,"Why are you even serving that despot,General?" Ultraa grunted striking high,"If he had the woman you loved at his mercy then you would not be so quick to judge." "Maxima knows you are doing this then?" The look on his face made Superman remark,"Ah,no.She doesn't." "She....we....have no choice." "Everyone has a choice.Maxima's biggest failing is her pride but it is the source of her strength as well.The Almerac army serving Syxon?She would rather die." "She will if I did not do this." "And you deny her that right?" Ultraa let his blade hover for an instant."What?" Superman nodded to Wonder Woman."You see that woman there?She's my friend,my comrade in arms.The thought of any thing happening to her would move me too,but she's strong.She would never forgive me saving her if it meant I went against what we,what the league,believed.She would rather die fighting.Can the same be said of you?" "What are you asking me?To spare you?" "You think that's what motivates me?My own life?I would never have even come to Almerac in the first place if that were so.My last experience there was so bad......" Ultraa put his sword in repose.He looked tired all of a sudden."That is true." Superman threw his lance away."This is a pointless exercise in time-wasting.We are outnumbered by you.You can take us in." ********************** Part Seven Kronor was in topmost chamber of the main tower.Dawn was breaking.This afforded him a full 360 degree angle of Maxima's residence and environs.It also boasted a communications network that allowed  monitoring the planet and communication with the rest of the galaxy.He was informed by a cowering technician that the Almerac unit was flying back to the palace.It appeared that they had been successful in their mission. Kronor, wearing his audio-enhancer and in armour, looked at one of his retinue."Go and alert the executioner." An adviser looked concerned."M-my lord,is that wise?" "They tried to murder me.They succeeded in destroying royal property......They aided a traitor to escape......They have broken my laws!Are you suggesting I leave them unpunished?" "No,sire......never sire." "Because if you had,then that would have been sedition. Punishable by death........."Kronor paced the floor.He saw the approacing unit of flying soldiers on the horizon.He stepped out onto the large circular balcony,and waited. He could see Ultraa and a dozen men flanking the two Leaguers,who were in manacles.They hovered several feet in the air above him. Ultraa alighted before him.He smiled."Well done,General." Ultraa asked,"What punishment have you for them?" "For the Amazon,I have contacted a slaver from Hann.It seems that backwater colony  has a rather thriving bordello.As for the Kryptonian.......only death will do." Ultraa repeated,"Death?" "Death.The executioner awaits below." "I am not too sure about that......" "What?You dare to question me?Have you forgotten one word to Hagar and your Maxima will die?" Ultraa looked grave."That is true." "So,then why do you stand there and gawk at me?Get the prisoners below!" Ultraa replied,"I don't think so........Now!" Superman heard the signal and instantly shouted,"Go!" The manacles snapped off his and Wonder Woman's wrists and ankles and their captors moved back.The Almerac soldiers began to move in formation,ready to do battle.Ultraa unsheated his sword and alarms began to wail as guardsmen began to run to aid the warlord.The two leaguers took on the first wave easily,whilst the Almerac unit faced sentinels from the air and ground. Kronor reached for a his own weapon.Blades clashed and the Syxon general on the link was soon alerted of the mutiny of the Almerac force.                                                              -------------------------------------------- Maxima and her kin and the diplomats sat in  chambers in the west wing of the palace.They were  under heavy guard. Since the invasion, the Empress had been isolated and kept ignorant of the goings on in her palace.The group seemed to have some clue that the new lord of Almerac was struggling to keep order.The sirens having been heard several times in the last sixteen hours. Maxima looked up at the sound.She said with pride,"That is my people.If he thinks this occupation will be easy, he is wrong." The ambassador of Rann said confidentially to his fellow diplomats,"Personally,I think it is the the two Leaguers." "You think they are still alive?" "A greedy dictator is not exactly a novelty to Superman and Wonder Woman." "Let's hope you are right.I don't want to die here." The Baron,who was sitting near the window,peering out to see if he could see what was happening,suddenly rushed over."Majesty,I could see the general from Syxon and some heavily armed soldiers coming into the courtyard." Maxima lifted her shoulders and chin."Let them come.I don't fear them!" It took Hagar ten minutes to reached the chambers.The doors were thrown open and the general headed straight for Maxima.He pointed his weapon at her."You.Come with me!" The Baron tried to push forward,only to be forced back and for soldiers to point  their weapons at Maxima's siblings."Come along,majesty,lest my men fire upon your family." She said coldly,"Keep back,Jared." She was manacled and hustled out towards the main wing.The noise was louder as they drew closer to the ongoing foray at the main tower.She gasped,as she looked around.Casualties of the fighting greeted her in the form of broken towers,destroyed debris from airpods and ships,rubble and twisted metal and men from both Almerac and Syxon running back and forth.She screeched as she saw the headless remains of her statue.                                                            --------------------------------------- Ultraa and Kronor were locked in a swordbattle,when Maxima and her escort arrived. Hagar shouted,"General Ultraa!" Ultraa looked over and saw her;he gave Kronor a dark look."I will not be blackmailed." Maxima looked at him,somewhat impressed.She smiled to Hagar."Now what?You kill me?And what is going on out there?"She nodded to the outside,where a clear battle was taking place between the Almerac elite,the leaguers and the Syxon forces in the palace. Hagar growled,"You are outnumbered.It will take our main army no time to amass from its camp outside the city walls and the rest of the planet."                                                                          ---------------------------------- Superman flew over to Wonder Woman who had just lassoed three men and was dropping them off in an area where there was a score of half comatosed,injured men,some stripped of their armor and weapons,under guard. He said ,"There's a gathering of the Syxon forces outside.I can see scores of fighter-ships coming in.They'll be here in less then five minutes." She looked worried,"Gods,can we hold them off?" "I don't know.We have a batallion of Ultraa's men that we didn't have before and men released from the dungeons.It may not be enough......."He suddenly paused and looked up."I hear something." "What is it,Kal?" He took off,straight-up and disappeared into the stratosphere.She looked back to see in the horizon,the glimpse of incoming craft.She flew back to the tower to find Ultraa.The duel had spilled out onto the balcony. Kronor grinned maniacally as he saw his fleet coming."There,general,there is your fate!This time I will not be so lax with Almerac.This time I will raze her to the ground!" "If you live",he gritted and blocked a blow and hovered off the floor and tried to attack from above.But the Syxon warlord was swift and what he did not have in speed or strength,he made up in agililty and his skill at the sword.He used Ultraa's momentum and tossed him.Ultraa fell to the ground,and Kronor followed up with a stab to the side.It hit his body armour,but managed to slice through to cleave the flesh.Ultraa let out a groan but parried the next attack.Maxima tried to move forward but her manacles prevented her.She lett out a cry of dismay to hear the roar of engines in the distance. Kronor laughed,"Even if I die,my men will wipe you out.Hagar!You might as well kill her now." Hagar unsheated his large axe and he shoved Maxima to her knees.She struggled.He yelled for his men to hold her.Ultraa tried rising,but Kronor had him cornered. The Empress felt the cold metal touch her neck,she closed her eyes and waited for the end. All she heard was sound of metal snapping and a female voice saying,"No,you don't." Maxima opened her eyes to see Wonder Woman hovering with her lasso about Hagar and the axe broken into two at his feet.He was struggling as the girdle of Gaea dragged him to edge of the balcony and suspended him into the air.He wriggled like a worm on a hook.Diana hung him by the collar onto a protruding conduit rod and left him there. Kronor's eyes darkened with rage as he saw the Amazon move to free Maxima of her bonds.He used the butt of his sword and knocked Ultraa on the skull.Ultraa went down and stayed down this time.Kronor looked at Diana and Maxima.He had a dozen or so men at his back still.All were armed and they waited his orders. Maxima hovered with Wonder Woman. "We need to retreat",Diana murmered. "What?We stand and fight!",the Empress commanded. "My bracelets can take so much firepower.I am not Superman you know." "More's the pity." "Look,you do not even have a weapon......." Maxima smiled and concentrated on the monitors and furniture in the room."No.But I can do this." Parts of the stations tore themselves off and came at the men from behind.Chairs knocked into them,fixtures and fittings flew at them. Diana conceded reluctantly,"Not bad.But let's go now." She looked at Kronor taking cover behind a station."I want him....." "Maxima,we need to get Ultraa out." Maxima looked taken aback."Oh." "He fought for you.Will you leave him for Kronor to finish him off?" She looked reluctant but snapped,"Oh very well." They flew to where the injured man lay unconscious on the balcony floor.Diana picked him up.And she gasped as she looked up to see the Syxon fleet over the palace. "Hera,we are in trouble."                                                                   --------------------------------- The Syxon fleet began to fire upon parts of the palace it knew that was under control of the Almerac elite.Several ground forces were also alighting unto the concourse and gliding onto the battlements.Holding Ultraa over her shoulders and flying with Maxima for cover,Diana bit her lips,"Kal,where are you?'' Maxima scowled."Yes,where is he?It is unlike him to flee a scene." "He did not flee.He went to ...to..check out something......." "You and he.....you seem very close",she observed stiffly. They alighted near a tower,where there were Maxima's own men behind an ion cannon.They laid the unconscious general on the floor. Diana said briskly,"We are good friends." "Friends.You are not wanting him for a mate then?" Diana flushed at her blunt question."What?Don't be absurd." "So you have no designs on him.Good.Does he have any designs on you?" "No!" "Even better.On any other earth female?" "I don't know......That's not my business",she said nettled."What is it to you?He refused you." Maxima said pompously,"He may yet relent.He cannot remain without a mate.Most males want an heir,you know." Diana looked at her in amazement and said impatiently,"Now is not the time for us to be discussing Superman's lack of progeny.Your planet is on the brink of being wiped out!" Maxima looked up and her eyes widened."Am I seeing things?" Diana followed her gaze.Above the Syxon fleet,breaking through the clouds was the flutter of the red cape,and behind him a familiar ship that usually sat in the JLA hanger,and hundreds of Lantern Corps. A familiar voice sounded through her comlink."Diana, we are all here." "J'onn!"                                                           ------------------------------------------ Part Eight Kronor's jaw dropped when he realised what was happening.He took the lift to the ground floor,looking for a way to access a  craft to get out.He was on his way to the palace hanger,hacking down anyone in his path when a blur of motion took him from behind.Superman grabbed him and melted the sword in his hand with his heat vision.He gave him an uppercut to the jaw for good measure and knocked him out cold. The Batman, who was following up in an airpod,looked at him oddly and said,"That's not like you taking a sly swipe." Superman said unrepentantly,"I owed him that for a friend." The Lantern Corps had made short work of the battle.They had Rann and Thanagar on hold and that threat made the leaderless Syxon forces surrender.The Guardians were very clear in what they wanted.And John Stewart informed the Empress later when all the parties had gathered on the open concourse. She fumed,"I have the right to execute him." "You are to leave the fate of Kronor to the Guardians and in fact his punishment should be decided by the first party he offended." "What party?" "The party that was also responsible for your rescue." Maxima looked bemused.From the nearby JLA ship emerged J'onn and one Lord Meric. Maxima gasped,and Wonder Woman looked up in surprise as well."Him?" The Manhunter said,"It was the Lord Meric that alerted the League of the situation on Almerac.No one knew what was going on,nor suspected that in less than three hours of the league arriving to Almerac,it would be invaded." Superman said,"Lord Meric deserves to be recognised for his courage.He could have saved himself but he didn't." Meric looked abit abashed."I wanted to but.....my conscience nagged me all the way to Pteron-5 and I had to turn back." Maxima spoke up."Well,I thank you.And you ought to have him executed." "He is my brother.I cannot do that.I submit he should be imprisoned at the guardians' pleasure." The Flash,who was standing near Hawkgirl,said,"And this must be the boring part.Do we have to stay for the handshakes and bowing and stuff?" Shyera hissed,"Shut up,Wally." Maxima looked displeased but had no choice but to relent.She assented."So be it." The ambassador of Rann said,"It will take some time to get your palace and city in order.Rann will be willing to assist." "Thank you."She looked at the Leaguers;she gave Diana a stiff nod of acknowledgement."Thank you for your help." "You are welcome,your majesty." To Superman she smiled her most dazzling of smiles."Again you save Almerac from disaster.I thank you." Superman bowed and replied,"It's what the League does and will do again if you need us." She said softly and looked at him meaningfully,"Are you sure there is no way I can reward you?" He said calmy,"Peace is its own reward." She pouted,"Are you always so good or just deliberately obtuse?" He half smiled,"I don't know what you mean,your majesty." "Shall I be clearer?" Superman looked at Ultraa standing,despite his recent injury, at the back."Sometimes,Maxima,it's what you have nearer to you that's worth more. Too often what we think looks more appealing is only so because we can't have it." Batman announced,"We should go.I have been alerted that all manner of creatures from what appears to be fables are plaguing the eastern seaboard." Wally groaned,"Aw man,not the witch-queen again.Last time I spun gold until my fingers bled!" "Come on then,people",said Lantern."Let's go!" They bade the rest of the parties farewell and boarded the ship.Hawkgirl to the helm,with Lantern as her co-pilot.Superman sat beside Wally and Diana with Batman.The Manhunter sat at the rear.As they took to the air,the Flash began to tease Superman. "I tell you, Clark,that Maxima has the hots for you." "What are you talking about?",he asked innocently "Oh come on,You can't be such a boyscout not to notice!Didn't you see it,Bats?Yes,you did.Nothing goes past  you.And I don't think she liked you too much,Diana." Wonder Woman replied drily,"The feeling was mutual." "Word is that Kronor took a fancy to you." A memory of disgust crossed her face.She said,"He paid for his advances with a shattered ear-drum." "Ouch.Remind me not to get on your bad side." Batman looked sharply at Superman.His friend's uncharacteristic action made sense now.The look on Diana's face spoke volumes.Kronor,it appeared, did more than a little flirting. Lantern ,from infront, added,"And he got himself a shattered jaw.Did you do that too?" Wonder Woman looked up across at Superman questioningly."No,I didn't.Who....?" Superman looked at Batman and said in a rush,"Bruce did it." Diana looked at Batman."You did?Why....." Batman shrugged."I am Batman.I break people's jaws without compunction." She looked unconvinced but looked at the dark knight with a half smile."Well,I'll excuse it this time.He deserved worse. How is your museum mystery shaping up?" Superman gave his friend a tiny nod.It was a tiny lie but it was worth it to cover up a bigger truth.A truth that was beginning to disturb him,more so now that he knew he was caught up in the middle of a triangle of sorts between his two closest friends.He leaned back and looked out the window, trying not to look at the reflection of Diana in the glass as she smiled at Batman.