Post by redsycorax on Jan 29, 2022 1:24:26 GMT
The Justice Guild only ever had six members- Tom Turbine, Catman, Black Siren, the Green Guardsman, the Streak and Cassandra. But one day in April 1958, they tried to induct a seventh member- Earth-109's legendary Grey Ghost. So what happened? And why wasn't Grey Ghost with them when the JGA was killed in action in October 1962, sacrificing their lives to save their beloved Seaboard City?
++
APRIL 1958: KEYHOLE CITY:
Aaron West undid his cape from his weary shoulders and peeled off his domino mask. It had been a long and arduous night in Keyhole City, fighting the habitual underworld figures and petty criminals that populated the seamier side of his chosen arena. A tall figure cleared her throat:
"I've taken the liberty of laying out a new suit and drawing a bath for you, Master Aaron. Now, if that will be all for this evening, I will retire."
"As ever, Alice, I appreciate the care that you provide me with."
"It's no trouble, sir. Are there are medical situations that I should contact Doctor Thomas for?"
"Not tonight, Alice. Have a good evening."
"Oh, and Vera Vane called. She's writing a column for the Keyhole Courier on your apprehension of the child trafficking gang and excoriating the KCPD over their alleged negligence."
"Ouch. Thank her and tell her I'll be present for dinner this evening, barring mishaps."
"I've also taken the liberty of transcribing Commissioner Norton's latest complaints about your (ahem) 'violent vigilante tactics', sir. They're on your bed."
As Alice closed the door, Aaron peeled off his jacket and bulletproof vest, as the welcome odour of a scented bath wafted from the adjacent room. Another night over with.
SEABOARD CITY:
"You're kidding, right? The Grey Ghost? He's a violent vigilante, on the ethical borderline. I want to record my strong opposition to this measure." Green Guardsman spoke as the Justice Guild met that winter evening.
"He's also a highly experienced and competent crime fighter who's been protecting Keyhole City for the last twenty years, which is far longer than any of us have been in action." Tom Turbine protested.
"Scott does have a point," Black Siren interjected, "given his strongarm tactics, some criminals have been seriously injured or died in the operating room."
"Yes, except those criminals weren't exactly boy scouts, Donna. I've got to say, I like the cut of his jib insofar as t=his child slavery ring disruption goes. Frankly, vermin like that deserve everything coming to them." Cassandra replied.
"I know, Cassie and I'm not making apologies for them. But there have to be limits and we have responsibilities to the general public." Black Siren added.
"This isn't the forties, though, Cassandra. We need to operate by a strict moral code, whatever happened during the chaos of the Second World War." Green Guardsman admonished.
"Perhaps we can reform Grey Ghost, though?" Catman pondered.
"Good point, Ted. Okay, is there any objection to bringing an approach and membership trial to the Grey Ghost? None noted. Let's vote. Tom Turbine, aye."
"Black Siren, nay."
"Green Guardsman, nay."
"Streak, aye."
"Cassandra, aye."
"Streak, aye."
"Four ayes, two nays. All right, Donna and Scott, will you put aside your objections and serve on the membership assessment subcommittee?"
Donna nodded: "Certainly, Tom."
"Sure thing. And we will preserve the Ghost's secret identity when we approach him."
"Thank you. Right, Scott, Donna and I will travel to Keyhole City to assess the Grey Ghost's compatability with the Justice Guild and offer him membership if he passes our tests."
KEYHOLE CITY:
"Wow. Pinch me, someone. Didn't the Great Depression end under FDR?"
As the Guildplane landed at Keyhole Metropolitan Airport, Tom Turbine nodded:
"Apparently the economy here's been depressed for years, although the city's also fortunate to have a philanthropist, a millionaire named Aaron West."
"Who seems to be the exact build and share facial features with Grey Ghost, has anyone else noticed?" Black Siren commented.
"Yes, but there does seem to be some facial makeup applied to obscure the resemblance. From the FBI intelligence we have about him, he's regarded positively by the local population and their largest newspaper. Ah. Speaking of which..." Across the tarmac strode a determined looking redheaded woman, with a steely no-nonsense stare:
"The Justice Guild of America. To what do we owe the pleasure of your presence in our city?"
"Vera Vane, I assume? We're here on a membership mission, of which we can say little at this time."
The reporter's eyebrow arched: "Am I to take it that you're assessing Grey Ghost for membership? How can you justify that, given the greater crime rate within Keyhole City compared to your own Seaboard City?"
"Miss Vane, your conjectures do you credit, but there'll be more substance to impart in a day or so. Here are our business cards."
"You do realise you're not going to get rid of me that easily, Mr Turbine?"
"Yes, Miss Vane. My own journalist friend, Lyra Lewis, has told me a lot about your diligence, focus and self-discipline. Admirable. We've followed your stories from afar for many years."
"And that I will certainly pursue you for this story?"
"I wouldn't expect it otherwise."
WESTRISE MANOR:
"Master Aaron, it appears we have visitors."
Aaron West nodded as he saw the intruders in the Ghostlair, several yards beneath the floor of their manor:
"Thank you, Alice. I don't think that rifle will be necessary, though. They appear to be solidly on the side of law and order."
"Be careful, Master Aaron. They may not be as benign as they look. What if Commissioner Norton has called them in to arrest you for vigilantism?"
"Vera phoned ahead and told me they were coming."
"A sensible move. I've often wondered why you and Miss Vane don't walk down the aisle at some point."
"Stop matchmaking and keep an eye on the screen if anything does happen untoward." Pulling on his Grey Ghost mask and jacket, Aaron West assumed his heroic persona.
GHOSTLAIR:
"What can I do for you...Black Siren... Green Guardsman...Tom Turbine?"
"It's an honour to finally meet you, Ghost. I've followed your work for many years."
"But you don't necessarily approve of my methods?"
"Let's just say that the Justice Guild hasn't reached unanimity on the matter. However, we'd certainly welcome your addition to our ranks."
"Oh, I see. So Jack Norton didn't call you in?"
Green Guardsman cleared his throat: "We haven't consulted local law enforcement at all. Although from our own SCPD contacts with your officers, we're aware that you've also saved numerous police personnel in the line of duty. For what it's worth, we have no doubt that you're on the side of justice and right."
"So what does this involve?"
"Three tests for aptitude and method, as required in the Justice Guild Charter."
KEYHOLE CITY: HOMICIDE SLUM:
"I've been meaning to ask- what happened to the economy in this city?"
"Keyhole City used to be a major automobile manufacturing centre, but the factories shut down during the late fifties recession and there was nothing that replaced them except minimum wage service sector employment. Added to which, there was always high unemployment in the local black community anyway. Heroin's a serious prob- hey! Hey, you!"
The drug dealer gulped as he saw Black Siren and Grey Ghost heading toward him and ran down a side alley- and then, unexpectedly, he stopped running:
"Down!"
Grey Ghost pulled Black Siren to the ground as a barrage of gunfire soared over the heads, as the drug dealer hammered on the door of his den to be let in to relative safety. He pulled out a corrugated egg shaped object. Black Siren's eyes widened:
"A grenade? No, you can't-"
"It's only gas, Siren. Some of the people in that drug lab might be novices or driven to their current role by desperation and I don't class them with the core of their more depraved colleagues." With that, the Ghost lobbed his gas grenades into a cracked window within the edifice. A minute later, several drug lab operators ran out into the alley way, only to be confronted with two determined crime fighters equipped with infra-red goggles, which their criminal opponents lacked. Black Siren and the Grey Ghost made short work of the miscreants. She smiled as she shook his hand: "Well, that's one vote for your admission from me."
KEYHOLE CITY: ROMAN HILLS:
The next test was at the propertied other end of Keyhole City, in the elite Roman Hills district. In this case, Green Guardsman was accompanying Grey Ghost: "So, what's the situation in this context?"
"As Black Siren may have told you last night, we busted a drug distribution ring in Keyhole City's Homicide Slum yesterday. This is where the trail ends."
"Surely you're not suggesting..?"
"City Hall and KCPD corruption? Yes, Guardsman, I am, and it's long-term, I'm afraid. When the local economy went into a dive and unemployment and crime soared here, the Mafia moved in and old wealth moved out. They run it from here- armed guards, dog patrols, cats eye sensors within their buildings, the works. See for yourself. This is a copy of a shipping manifest, with heroin residue on it. Note the fingerprints. In fact, scan them with your ring."
"I see what you mean. They match the ones that you've taken from this particular mansion on the car and gate. But...even if they are apprehended, won't they be able to buy their way out with crooked lawyers, if local government is as corrupt as you tell us?"
"Ah. You're not the only recipient of my forensic examination. I mailed a parcel full of my findings to KCPD headquarters. Commissioner Norton and I may barely tolerate each other's presence in this city, but at least he's an honest person. Do you accept that this individual has a case to answer?"
'You've proven that. What do you want me to do?"
"If you'd knock out the guards, sedate the dogs, obstruct the cats eye scanners and provide an entry point within the mansion, I'd really be grateful. Ordinarily, I'd do something about that myself, but hey, team work?" In response, Green Guardsman soared high above the mansion, used his power ring to do as his newfound ally suggested and expedited the process of apprehending the irate Mafia kingpin by several minutes. As police sirens drew near, Grey Ghost waved to a familar figure:
"Does Vera Vane ever miss a good crime story?"
"She's a trusted associate, a damned fine professional journalist and I also mailed a copy of my forensic results to her as well."
Green Guardsman gave the thumbs up: "You're a disciplined, professional crime fighter and I think you'll fit in excellently with us, Ghost. You certainly dispelled my doubts."
KEYHOLE CITY: POLICE HEADQUARTERS:
"I have to admit, I'm not particularly sure about this one, although Guardsman told me about your city's problem with police and local government corruption."
"Thank you for understanding, Tom. I know your own Seaboard City isn't like this, but we're facing a quite different situation here."
"Your use of technology in crime-fighting is excellent, by the way. Perhaps we can get together and share a few tips after this is over?"
"I'd like nothing better. Commissioner. You know why I'm here?"
The grey-haired, moustached police chief stared bitterly at the costumed crimefighter:
"Don't rub it in, Ghost. You're skating on thin ice, but I accept your findings. Harry Bellows was one of my best men- at least, that's what I always thought. I knew there was corruption at our city's core but I never dreamed that it had penetrated as deeply as one of my own core officers. You have my full permission to take him into custody, although you may need to transport him beyond city limits to insure that he gets an objective trial and this isn't covered up. You have my word I won't interfere, and I will do my best to obstruct any of my men or women on the take here."
"Thanks, Commissioner. Appreciate it."
As a consequence, Tom Turbine and Grey Ghost descended on the police car carrying Detective Sargant Bellows away from the city at high speed. He had already seriously wounded one of KCPD's more honest officers in comandeering the car, and he was in a hurry to escape from the scene of his impending downfall. But then, fate took an unexpected turn as the car screeched to a halt and Bellows ran away from it. Instead of a gun, he held a device that corresponded roughly to a remote control:
"No, you don't, Turbine. A little bird told me you Justice Guilders were sniffin' around this burg, so I took some precautions."
Before he could stop him, Bellows pressed the device and Tom Turbine abruptly fell from the sky, his powerbelt inoperative, as Grey Ghost swooped to intercept him:
"Hell. So this corruption extends beyond Keyhole City?! So they're working with Cogitator or one of the other criminals associated with the Injustice Guild?!"
"Stay here, Tom. With you out of the way, this is between Bellows and I." And as Grey Ghost swung on a rope toward him, the corrupted official produced a pistol and shot repeatedly at the incoming silhouette in the night as its cape billowed behind it and the moonlight flashed across the Ghost's face. He squarely impacted with Bellows and it would be good to report that there was a good, clean fight but that Bellows was hopelessly outclassed by the Grey Ghost. But that wasn't what happened. Bellows broke free and smiled malevolently:
"If I can't get you out of commission, Ghost, Turbine will do just as well." He reached in his shoulder holster and drew out an electron grenade, which would fuse Tom Turbine's powerbelt and kill him instantly. And at that point, the Grey Ghost ruled himself out of Justice Guild membership contention for the duration of that organisation's existence as he coldly broke Harry Bellows' neck.
EPILOGUE:
And thus, with that unexpected resolution, the Justice Guild took their leave of Keyhole City. It was left to Tom Turbine to break the bad news:
"I'm sorry, Aaron. But given what happened last night on that highway, you may have saved my life, although that doesn't eliminate what I saw. The Justice Guild does not kill. Not even in exceptional circumstances, we always try to save human lives."
:I don't have any problems with that protocol in your context, Tom. Seaboard City is a more innocent place, which isn't to say that I don't respect your perserverance, discipline and commitment to crimefighting. I hope we can work together again, though. Even if we differ on the morality of lethal force when it comes to defending others."
"You can count on it, my friend." And with that, the two men shook hands and Tom Turbine entered the Guildjet. Soon, it was a speck in the sky. Grey Ghost turned from the airfield and strode back to his Ghostmobile. Vera Vane was waiting:
"Too bad. You would have made an asset to their number, Aaron."
"In a way, I'm glad. I guess I was too old school for them."
"Yes, but not for me, mister. Come on. Got any scoops for this ace reporter?"
"For you, red? Any time."
Although the paths of the Grey Ghost and Justice Guild crossed with one another several more times, Grey Ghost never became a member of that august metahuman assembly. And then, in the grim early hours of October 28, 1962, as the Ghost was pursuing another scion of the city mafia across the streets of his beloved but cruel metropolis, a thermonuclear device detonated high above them. Grey Ghost and his quarry were killed instantly, followed by Commissioner Norton, most of the KCPD and City Hall a fraction of a second later, and Alice was killed as phenomenal wind activity caused Westrise Manor to collapse on top of the Ghostlair. In distant Seaboard City, Black Siren looked up from the television with tears in her eyes as a mushroom cloud curled above the burning ruin of the distant city. At the end of that night, they would also join him as Seaboard City met its own fate, targeted by one of the last operational Soviet ICBMs. But to the respective ends of their lives, even given their strong moral differences, there was always a bond of friendship and respect between the Grey Ghost and Justice Guild of America, even if he never did become their seventh member.
THE END.
TO BE CONTINUED
++
APRIL 1958: KEYHOLE CITY:
Aaron West undid his cape from his weary shoulders and peeled off his domino mask. It had been a long and arduous night in Keyhole City, fighting the habitual underworld figures and petty criminals that populated the seamier side of his chosen arena. A tall figure cleared her throat:
"I've taken the liberty of laying out a new suit and drawing a bath for you, Master Aaron. Now, if that will be all for this evening, I will retire."
"As ever, Alice, I appreciate the care that you provide me with."
"It's no trouble, sir. Are there are medical situations that I should contact Doctor Thomas for?"
"Not tonight, Alice. Have a good evening."
"Oh, and Vera Vane called. She's writing a column for the Keyhole Courier on your apprehension of the child trafficking gang and excoriating the KCPD over their alleged negligence."
"Ouch. Thank her and tell her I'll be present for dinner this evening, barring mishaps."
"I've also taken the liberty of transcribing Commissioner Norton's latest complaints about your (ahem) 'violent vigilante tactics', sir. They're on your bed."
As Alice closed the door, Aaron peeled off his jacket and bulletproof vest, as the welcome odour of a scented bath wafted from the adjacent room. Another night over with.
SEABOARD CITY:
"You're kidding, right? The Grey Ghost? He's a violent vigilante, on the ethical borderline. I want to record my strong opposition to this measure." Green Guardsman spoke as the Justice Guild met that winter evening.
"He's also a highly experienced and competent crime fighter who's been protecting Keyhole City for the last twenty years, which is far longer than any of us have been in action." Tom Turbine protested.
"Scott does have a point," Black Siren interjected, "given his strongarm tactics, some criminals have been seriously injured or died in the operating room."
"Yes, except those criminals weren't exactly boy scouts, Donna. I've got to say, I like the cut of his jib insofar as t=his child slavery ring disruption goes. Frankly, vermin like that deserve everything coming to them." Cassandra replied.
"I know, Cassie and I'm not making apologies for them. But there have to be limits and we have responsibilities to the general public." Black Siren added.
"This isn't the forties, though, Cassandra. We need to operate by a strict moral code, whatever happened during the chaos of the Second World War." Green Guardsman admonished.
"Perhaps we can reform Grey Ghost, though?" Catman pondered.
"Good point, Ted. Okay, is there any objection to bringing an approach and membership trial to the Grey Ghost? None noted. Let's vote. Tom Turbine, aye."
"Black Siren, nay."
"Green Guardsman, nay."
"Streak, aye."
"Cassandra, aye."
"Streak, aye."
"Four ayes, two nays. All right, Donna and Scott, will you put aside your objections and serve on the membership assessment subcommittee?"
Donna nodded: "Certainly, Tom."
"Sure thing. And we will preserve the Ghost's secret identity when we approach him."
"Thank you. Right, Scott, Donna and I will travel to Keyhole City to assess the Grey Ghost's compatability with the Justice Guild and offer him membership if he passes our tests."
KEYHOLE CITY:
"Wow. Pinch me, someone. Didn't the Great Depression end under FDR?"
As the Guildplane landed at Keyhole Metropolitan Airport, Tom Turbine nodded:
"Apparently the economy here's been depressed for years, although the city's also fortunate to have a philanthropist, a millionaire named Aaron West."
"Who seems to be the exact build and share facial features with Grey Ghost, has anyone else noticed?" Black Siren commented.
"Yes, but there does seem to be some facial makeup applied to obscure the resemblance. From the FBI intelligence we have about him, he's regarded positively by the local population and their largest newspaper. Ah. Speaking of which..." Across the tarmac strode a determined looking redheaded woman, with a steely no-nonsense stare:
"The Justice Guild of America. To what do we owe the pleasure of your presence in our city?"
"Vera Vane, I assume? We're here on a membership mission, of which we can say little at this time."
The reporter's eyebrow arched: "Am I to take it that you're assessing Grey Ghost for membership? How can you justify that, given the greater crime rate within Keyhole City compared to your own Seaboard City?"
"Miss Vane, your conjectures do you credit, but there'll be more substance to impart in a day or so. Here are our business cards."
"You do realise you're not going to get rid of me that easily, Mr Turbine?"
"Yes, Miss Vane. My own journalist friend, Lyra Lewis, has told me a lot about your diligence, focus and self-discipline. Admirable. We've followed your stories from afar for many years."
"And that I will certainly pursue you for this story?"
"I wouldn't expect it otherwise."
WESTRISE MANOR:
"Master Aaron, it appears we have visitors."
Aaron West nodded as he saw the intruders in the Ghostlair, several yards beneath the floor of their manor:
"Thank you, Alice. I don't think that rifle will be necessary, though. They appear to be solidly on the side of law and order."
"Be careful, Master Aaron. They may not be as benign as they look. What if Commissioner Norton has called them in to arrest you for vigilantism?"
"Vera phoned ahead and told me they were coming."
"A sensible move. I've often wondered why you and Miss Vane don't walk down the aisle at some point."
"Stop matchmaking and keep an eye on the screen if anything does happen untoward." Pulling on his Grey Ghost mask and jacket, Aaron West assumed his heroic persona.
GHOSTLAIR:
"What can I do for you...Black Siren... Green Guardsman...Tom Turbine?"
"It's an honour to finally meet you, Ghost. I've followed your work for many years."
"But you don't necessarily approve of my methods?"
"Let's just say that the Justice Guild hasn't reached unanimity on the matter. However, we'd certainly welcome your addition to our ranks."
"Oh, I see. So Jack Norton didn't call you in?"
Green Guardsman cleared his throat: "We haven't consulted local law enforcement at all. Although from our own SCPD contacts with your officers, we're aware that you've also saved numerous police personnel in the line of duty. For what it's worth, we have no doubt that you're on the side of justice and right."
"So what does this involve?"
"Three tests for aptitude and method, as required in the Justice Guild Charter."
KEYHOLE CITY: HOMICIDE SLUM:
"I've been meaning to ask- what happened to the economy in this city?"
"Keyhole City used to be a major automobile manufacturing centre, but the factories shut down during the late fifties recession and there was nothing that replaced them except minimum wage service sector employment. Added to which, there was always high unemployment in the local black community anyway. Heroin's a serious prob- hey! Hey, you!"
The drug dealer gulped as he saw Black Siren and Grey Ghost heading toward him and ran down a side alley- and then, unexpectedly, he stopped running:
"Down!"
Grey Ghost pulled Black Siren to the ground as a barrage of gunfire soared over the heads, as the drug dealer hammered on the door of his den to be let in to relative safety. He pulled out a corrugated egg shaped object. Black Siren's eyes widened:
"A grenade? No, you can't-"
"It's only gas, Siren. Some of the people in that drug lab might be novices or driven to their current role by desperation and I don't class them with the core of their more depraved colleagues." With that, the Ghost lobbed his gas grenades into a cracked window within the edifice. A minute later, several drug lab operators ran out into the alley way, only to be confronted with two determined crime fighters equipped with infra-red goggles, which their criminal opponents lacked. Black Siren and the Grey Ghost made short work of the miscreants. She smiled as she shook his hand: "Well, that's one vote for your admission from me."
KEYHOLE CITY: ROMAN HILLS:
The next test was at the propertied other end of Keyhole City, in the elite Roman Hills district. In this case, Green Guardsman was accompanying Grey Ghost: "So, what's the situation in this context?"
"As Black Siren may have told you last night, we busted a drug distribution ring in Keyhole City's Homicide Slum yesterday. This is where the trail ends."
"Surely you're not suggesting..?"
"City Hall and KCPD corruption? Yes, Guardsman, I am, and it's long-term, I'm afraid. When the local economy went into a dive and unemployment and crime soared here, the Mafia moved in and old wealth moved out. They run it from here- armed guards, dog patrols, cats eye sensors within their buildings, the works. See for yourself. This is a copy of a shipping manifest, with heroin residue on it. Note the fingerprints. In fact, scan them with your ring."
"I see what you mean. They match the ones that you've taken from this particular mansion on the car and gate. But...even if they are apprehended, won't they be able to buy their way out with crooked lawyers, if local government is as corrupt as you tell us?"
"Ah. You're not the only recipient of my forensic examination. I mailed a parcel full of my findings to KCPD headquarters. Commissioner Norton and I may barely tolerate each other's presence in this city, but at least he's an honest person. Do you accept that this individual has a case to answer?"
'You've proven that. What do you want me to do?"
"If you'd knock out the guards, sedate the dogs, obstruct the cats eye scanners and provide an entry point within the mansion, I'd really be grateful. Ordinarily, I'd do something about that myself, but hey, team work?" In response, Green Guardsman soared high above the mansion, used his power ring to do as his newfound ally suggested and expedited the process of apprehending the irate Mafia kingpin by several minutes. As police sirens drew near, Grey Ghost waved to a familar figure:
"Does Vera Vane ever miss a good crime story?"
"She's a trusted associate, a damned fine professional journalist and I also mailed a copy of my forensic results to her as well."
Green Guardsman gave the thumbs up: "You're a disciplined, professional crime fighter and I think you'll fit in excellently with us, Ghost. You certainly dispelled my doubts."
KEYHOLE CITY: POLICE HEADQUARTERS:
"I have to admit, I'm not particularly sure about this one, although Guardsman told me about your city's problem with police and local government corruption."
"Thank you for understanding, Tom. I know your own Seaboard City isn't like this, but we're facing a quite different situation here."
"Your use of technology in crime-fighting is excellent, by the way. Perhaps we can get together and share a few tips after this is over?"
"I'd like nothing better. Commissioner. You know why I'm here?"
The grey-haired, moustached police chief stared bitterly at the costumed crimefighter:
"Don't rub it in, Ghost. You're skating on thin ice, but I accept your findings. Harry Bellows was one of my best men- at least, that's what I always thought. I knew there was corruption at our city's core but I never dreamed that it had penetrated as deeply as one of my own core officers. You have my full permission to take him into custody, although you may need to transport him beyond city limits to insure that he gets an objective trial and this isn't covered up. You have my word I won't interfere, and I will do my best to obstruct any of my men or women on the take here."
"Thanks, Commissioner. Appreciate it."
As a consequence, Tom Turbine and Grey Ghost descended on the police car carrying Detective Sargant Bellows away from the city at high speed. He had already seriously wounded one of KCPD's more honest officers in comandeering the car, and he was in a hurry to escape from the scene of his impending downfall. But then, fate took an unexpected turn as the car screeched to a halt and Bellows ran away from it. Instead of a gun, he held a device that corresponded roughly to a remote control:
"No, you don't, Turbine. A little bird told me you Justice Guilders were sniffin' around this burg, so I took some precautions."
Before he could stop him, Bellows pressed the device and Tom Turbine abruptly fell from the sky, his powerbelt inoperative, as Grey Ghost swooped to intercept him:
"Hell. So this corruption extends beyond Keyhole City?! So they're working with Cogitator or one of the other criminals associated with the Injustice Guild?!"
"Stay here, Tom. With you out of the way, this is between Bellows and I." And as Grey Ghost swung on a rope toward him, the corrupted official produced a pistol and shot repeatedly at the incoming silhouette in the night as its cape billowed behind it and the moonlight flashed across the Ghost's face. He squarely impacted with Bellows and it would be good to report that there was a good, clean fight but that Bellows was hopelessly outclassed by the Grey Ghost. But that wasn't what happened. Bellows broke free and smiled malevolently:
"If I can't get you out of commission, Ghost, Turbine will do just as well." He reached in his shoulder holster and drew out an electron grenade, which would fuse Tom Turbine's powerbelt and kill him instantly. And at that point, the Grey Ghost ruled himself out of Justice Guild membership contention for the duration of that organisation's existence as he coldly broke Harry Bellows' neck.
EPILOGUE:
And thus, with that unexpected resolution, the Justice Guild took their leave of Keyhole City. It was left to Tom Turbine to break the bad news:
"I'm sorry, Aaron. But given what happened last night on that highway, you may have saved my life, although that doesn't eliminate what I saw. The Justice Guild does not kill. Not even in exceptional circumstances, we always try to save human lives."
:I don't have any problems with that protocol in your context, Tom. Seaboard City is a more innocent place, which isn't to say that I don't respect your perserverance, discipline and commitment to crimefighting. I hope we can work together again, though. Even if we differ on the morality of lethal force when it comes to defending others."
"You can count on it, my friend." And with that, the two men shook hands and Tom Turbine entered the Guildjet. Soon, it was a speck in the sky. Grey Ghost turned from the airfield and strode back to his Ghostmobile. Vera Vane was waiting:
"Too bad. You would have made an asset to their number, Aaron."
"In a way, I'm glad. I guess I was too old school for them."
"Yes, but not for me, mister. Come on. Got any scoops for this ace reporter?"
"For you, red? Any time."
Although the paths of the Grey Ghost and Justice Guild crossed with one another several more times, Grey Ghost never became a member of that august metahuman assembly. And then, in the grim early hours of October 28, 1962, as the Ghost was pursuing another scion of the city mafia across the streets of his beloved but cruel metropolis, a thermonuclear device detonated high above them. Grey Ghost and his quarry were killed instantly, followed by Commissioner Norton, most of the KCPD and City Hall a fraction of a second later, and Alice was killed as phenomenal wind activity caused Westrise Manor to collapse on top of the Ghostlair. In distant Seaboard City, Black Siren looked up from the television with tears in her eyes as a mushroom cloud curled above the burning ruin of the distant city. At the end of that night, they would also join him as Seaboard City met its own fate, targeted by one of the last operational Soviet ICBMs. But to the respective ends of their lives, even given their strong moral differences, there was always a bond of friendship and respect between the Grey Ghost and Justice Guild of America, even if he never did become their seventh member.
THE END.
TO BE CONTINUED