AMU: Counterstrike

[johnreiter902]

COUNTERSTRIKE
By aarnathx

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

Orbiting far above the Earth, the Moon gazed down in cold disdain at the warm sphere beneath it. On the surface of the dead sphere, nestled deep within a crater, the twin spires of the Crime Syndicate's headquarters stretched towards the frigid depths of space. Within the vast complex, however, tempers heated beyond control.
His face livid with rage, the thickly muscled figure of Ultraman stormed back and forth across the meeting room floor, shards of debris crunching beneath his boots debris thrown there from where the man had driven his fist into the walls in an effort to vent his frustrations. Smoke from destroyed consoles hung in the heavy air. Seated around the central meeting table, three more members of the Crime Syndicate watched in rapt fascination as the enraged juggernaut drove his fist once more into a wall with a snarled curse.
Sighing in exasperation, Owlman rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Ultraman, would you please, please use that ultra brain of yours for something other than a punching bag? If you keep that up, eventually you're going to hit something vital, and then we're all going to be in it up to our necks." Sweeping his hand towards Power Ring, Owlman sighed once more. "I swear, sometimes you make him look like Einstein!"
"Hey!" Power Ring blurted. "Leave me out of this!"
Across the table, her arms crossed under her breasts, Superwoman giggled from behind a raised wineglass.
"Don't push me, Owlman," Ultraman growled, his voice low. Shifting his attention to Superwoman, his eyes briefly flared with crimson energy. "Either one of you. Especially you, bitch."
Straightening, Superwoman's own eyes flashed dangerously. "Why you..."
"Would both of you QUIT IT!" Owlman bellowed. Once the noise had died down, he shook his head in mock sadness. "Look at us, squabbling among ourselves like children! All because we weren't able to gain a decisive victory over our duplicates on the positive matter Earth." Smiling, the cowled vigilante sketched a shallow bow. "Anyone game for a rematch?"
Ultraman's mouth froze open in mid protest. Slowly, his eyes lit with a cruel joy. "You serious?"
Basking in the attention, Owlman nodded. “Want to hear more?”
Sitting on the edge of the table, Ultraman nodded. “You have our undivided attention.”
“All right then, here’s the plan.” Leaning forward, resting his elbows on the table, the masked man motioned to the entire group. “In your opinion, what was it that defeated us on the other world?”
Glancing around at the remaining group, Power Ring hesitantly raised his hand.
Sighing, Owlman shook his head at the younger man. “It was a rhetorical question, Power Ring. We all know the answer to it.”
Crestfallen, the ringed villain sank back into his chair.
Glancing around the table, Owlman nodded. “Aside from the very nature of that universe acting against us, what beat us was teamwork.”
“And numbers,” Ultraman added.
Owlman nodded in agreement. “Right. Numbers, also.” Smiling coldly, Owlman shrugged nonchalantly. “While we might not be able to outright beat the universal nature, we can do something about the greater numbers. And how do you beat that?”
“You pick them off one at a time,” Ultraman answered softly, his eyes alight with anticipation.
“And what’s the easiest way to do that?” Owlman continued.
“We bring them here,” Power Ring chimed in.
Turning to face him, Owlman’s smile widened. “Exactly. We bring them here.” Tapping the table with a steel-shod fingertip, Owlman’s laughter floated around the table. “And that is how we beat the universal nature as well. We bring them here, where we have the advantage. And all we have to do is re-align the machinery in Ultraman’s fortress, correcting Brainiac’s programming of it, and there we have it. We draw them to our Earth one at a time and, before you know it-” Drawing a finger across his throat in a cutting motion, Owlman’s lips curled up into a sneer. “The whole lot of them are dead.” Removing a computer disk from his belt, he carefully placed it on the table in front of him. “It’s all right here- everything we need.”
“Who do we go after first?” Power Ring asked, glancing over to Owlman.
“First thing’s first,” Owlman said, holding up a hand. Tilting his head slightly, the masked man smiled at Ultraman. “Well, Boss? Does this meet your approval?”
As the group waited breathlessly, the massive titan pondered Owlman’s plan. Finally, with a low grunt, he nodded. “Agreed.”
Cracking her knuckles, Superwoman glowered at an unpleasant memory. "I owe that Amazon witch Wonder Woman a beating," she snarled. "Count me in."
"Me too," Power Ring added, absently massaging his arm. "I owe that water logged bastard Aquaman for shish kebabing my arm with that spear of his!"
"What about Johnny Quick?" Owlman asked. “He’s collecting our tribute from the western states. We’ll need to ask him, too.”
Ultraman snorted derisively. "As long as he's got his next fix of speed force, that junkie will do anything. Let's just get on with this."
"You know the rules, Ultraman," Owlman corrected. "Either we all agree on this, or we don't do it."
Ultraman bristled. "Don't quote me the rules, Owlman! I know damn well what they are!"
"Then abide by them," Superwoman sighed in exasperation.
Ultraman whirled to face her, leveling a warning finger at her. "I suggest you back off, woman!"
Smoothing down her black corset with her hands, Superwoman sneered at the irate man. "Or what, dear husband?"
His lips pressed together in a tight line, Ultraman's eyes narrowed dangerously. Finally, after long moments, he seemed to relent slightly. Turning to the ring bearer, Ultraman nodded. "Fine. Power Ring, get in touch with Johnny Quick. Give him the run down on our situation and get his opinion on it." Turning back to Superwoman, Ultraman's eyebrow raised faintly. "Satisfied?" he asked, sarcasm tinting his voice. Without waiting for a reply, the red-caped villain whirled around and stalked off into the depths of the fortress.
"Not in a long time," she muttered under her breath.

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

Strolling down the corridor, his fingers swiftly tapping entries into a hand held computer, Owlman smiled as he watched the computer run through its simulation.
>Perfect, < he thought triumphantly. >It went exactly as I expected! < As the simulation ended, the data results scrolled across the screen before him. One specific bit of information caught his eye.
>Hmm. The power output dipped two points lower than anticipated towards the end. It didn't affect the outcome, but best not to take chances. < Tapping another coded entry into the computer, the vigilante began entering in a command to run yet another simulation.
Rounding the corner, Owlman skidded to a halt. There, standing before him, Ultraman scowled down at the vigilante, his arms folded across his massive chest.
"Can I help you?" Owlman asked, a note of impatience in his voice. Unobtrusively, he slowly shut the palm pilot off.
Ultraman's brow knit in irritation. "Owlman," he growled. "I have an entire room of trophies in my Fortress dedicated to those who've had the mistaken idea that they could take me." Leaning closer, the titan's voice lowered. "If you aren't careful, you just might join them."
"And what, pray tell, brings this on?" Owlman sighed. “Not that you’ve ever actually needed a reason.”
"Don't think I don't know what's going on," Ultraman rumbled.
Owlman froze. "Excuse me?"
"Between you and Superwoman," Ultraman replied. "Don't think I don't see the two of you together."
"Really?" Owlman said, a slight laugh in his voice.
"Yes, really," Ultraman sneered. "Thought you were pretty sneaky, that time in Bangladesh, huh?"
Owlman barked a short, harsh laugh. "I'm certain I have no idea what you're talking about," he deadpanned.
"I'm sure you don't," Ultraman agreed, his voice saying otherwise. "Just like I'm certain that you think you’re the only one she's seeing."
Owlman's smile dropped slightly. "What?"
"Superwoman," Ultraman said, enjoying the vigilante's discomfort. "I'm sure that she's being just as faithful to YOU as she is to ME."
Owlman's smile reestablished itself. "That's also assuming that I even care. If I were seeing Superwoman- and I stress if- do you think that she's the only one I’d be seeing?"
Ultraman shrugged, still reveling in the pain he'd inflicted.
"Since we're talking about 'what if' scenarios, what do you think your ‘loving’ wife might say if she knew about the adult film stars in Hollywood you've been... seeing?" Chuckling, Owlman shook his head. "Granted, I know that, being a 'super' man yourself, you tend to be drawn to women who've had certain... shall we say 'augmentations' made?" Folding his arms across his chest defiantly, Owlman's smile widened. "But even I have to admire your handling of Mary Moons. Even for someone of your abilities, I'm certain that she and her breasts task even you. And not only her, but her friend as well, Jenny Juggernauts."
Ultraman's scowl returned.
"But hey," Owlman quipped. "I'm sure you won't give me any reason to show her those negatives, will you?"
"You think I care what she might do?" Barking a short laugh, Ultraman shook his head. "Go ahead and show her the negatives. Hell, go have that frigid witch talk to them in person! Do whatever you like, Owlman. But know this." With a swift finger jab, Ultraman knocked Owlman back a step. "Be sure to enjoy it while you can, because we both know that would be the LAST thing you do."
"Really?" Owlman responded, doubt clearly in his voice.
Ultraman nodded. "You're smart, I'll give you that. While she might be a stuck up bitch, I'll grant Superwoman IS quite powerful. Together, you'd both probably prove to be pretty tough for even me." Leaning closer to the masked man, Ultraman's smile grew cold. "But we BOTH know who'd ultimately win in an all out fight: me." Tapping his chest, the massive titan chuckled darkly.
"Are you sure of that?" Owlman cautioned softly.
Ultraman smiled cruelly. "Any time you want to find out, just let me know."
“I might just do that,” Owlman replied, his own voice no less dangerous.
Snorting in derision, Ultraman turned and, with a flourish of his cape, strode down the corridor, followed the entire way by Owlman’s cold stare.
>Your time’s coming, big man, < Owlman thought to himself at the retreating man. >And believe me, are you in for a surprise! <

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

As Superwoman passed a small side-corridor, a gauntleted hand shot out and grabbed her upper arm, dragging her into the darkness.
“What-?”
Before she could say another word, a second gauntlet clamped down over her mouth, stifling her words. As her eyes began adjusting to the shadows, she saw a glint of light reflect off a pair of goggles.
“We need to talk,” Owlman whispered.
Leaning back in his chair, his feet kicked up on the console, Power Ring gawked at the nude and semi-nude women in the magazine he was reading. Running a hand back through his short cropped blonde hair, he whistled as he opened the centerfold.
“Power Ring!”
Sighing, the blonde man glanced over his shoulder at the approaching Ultraman. “Yeah, Boss?”
“Have we heard from Johnny yet?”
Leaning forward, the ringed villain tapped several keys on the console, calling up a recorded video message. “Yeah we did. It just came in a couple minutes ago.” Glancing at the massive man beside him, Power Ring chuckled. “He said yes.”
"Good. Where are they?" Ultraman growled. At Power Ring’s blank expression, Ultraman leaned in closer, his anger boiling off him like heat-waves. “Owlman and Superwoman- where are they?”
"No idea, Boss," Power Ring replied with a shrug, his attention returning to the pornographic magazine he held. "Knowing those two, they could be anywhere."
"I want you to call them in."
Power Ring’s brow knit in curiosity. “Might I ask why?”
Staring at the blonde man, Ultraman’s expression resembled that of a human regarding an insect.
"All right,” Power Ring conceded. “But they're not going to like this." Looking up from his magazine, he gazed expectantly at his leader. “And what should I tell them the problem is?”
“Just tell them to meet me on the roof of my fortress,” Ultraman rumbled.
Power Ring’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “That’s it? That’s all you want me to tell them?” At the caped man’s nod, Power Ring shook his head. “They are definitely not going to like this.”
"I don't really care," Ultraman snarled, his voice rising. "Contact them NOW! If they have a problem with it, that’s just too bad!"

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

Superwoman's eyes were dubious. "I don't know, Owlman. It seems awfully risky if you ask me. Granted, I'm not that crazy about the big moron, but what you're suggesting is nearly suicide!"
"Listen to me," Owlman explained. "We use Ultraman's machines again and bring over his counterpart, this 'Superman' guy, but we do it WITHOUT changing the settings on the machine.” Seeing her expression, the masked man chuckled. “Trust me. I can alter the readings on the machine so he won’t know the difference. After Superman gets here and we’ve subdued him, all we have to do is wait twenty-four hours. That'll kick Ultraman out of this world and into the other one. Once the big guy's gone, he can't come back without help."
Superwoman snorted derisively. "Like anyone'd help him."
"Exactly," Owlman agreed. "That’s my whole point. Over in that universe, he'll be separated from the source of his power, the anti kryptonite he keeps in his fortress. Not to mention that he'll also be at the mercy of those 'Justice League' do gooders. They'll think he had something to do with Superman's disappearance and try to catch Ultraman. Even if he escapes them, he'll slowly grow weaker as time goes by. Then, once he's powerless, we can go over to that world and kill him at our leisure."
"Or just leave him there to rot," Superwoman countered. "Either way, we'll be rid of him for good!"
“Exactly,” Owlman agreed.
“And then, with their powerhouse out of the way, then the Justice League will be easy prey,” Superwoman finished, a gleam in her eyes.
Owlman laughed harshly. “Who said anything about attacking them?”
Superwoman scowled at the vigilante. “As a matter of fact, you did.”
“Pure smokescreen,” Owlman admitted. “I needed an effective cover story to get that big idiot to allow me access to his equipment in the Fortress again. Besides, Luthor’s a big enough pain in the butt- why should we invite more by overly antagonizing the Justice League?”
Superwoman’s eyes widened in surprise. “Then this is all a plan-”
“-just to get rid of Ultraman,” Owlman finished. “With the big guy gone, I’d have to say that the world would pretty much be our little oyster.”
“But, much as I hate to admit it, we do kinda need him here,” Superwoman said in a pained voice.
Owlman’s eyes widened behind the lenses of his mask. “I beg your pardon? Did you just say-”
“I said we need him,” Superwoman snapped, looking away, her face flushing slightly.
“Why?” Owlman asked, not believing his ears.
“The Terror Family.”
Owlman blinked. “What about them?”
Superwoman stared at the man. “What about them? How about there’s three of them, they’re powerful as hell, and Ultraman’s our resident powerhouse.” Sweeping her hand to the side, the black-garbed aAmazon shook her mane of hair. “He’s the only thing keeping those three from sweeping up here from Faucet City and wiping us out!”
“Hey!” Owlman retorted. “Don’t be so quick to sell the rest of us short, babe! We ALL do our part!”
“I know,” Superwoman said in a soothing voice. “But you do have to admit that, whenever they attack, Ultraman takes the brunt of the assault.”
“And why do you think the Terror Family is so intent on killing us?” Owlman asked. “I’ll tell you why- it’s because Ultraman’s so intent on wiping THEM out! We just get lumped into the situation by being his teammates.”
“And when he’s gone?”
Owlman smiled wickedly. “Then the lot of us sharebunch of us shares this world between us.” Seeing her shocked expression, Owlman laughed. “Do you think I’d try something like this if I knew Captain Terror wouldn’t just rip my head off as soon as Ultraman was gone? No. I’ve been working out a deal with the Terror Family for weeks now. As soon as Ultraman’s gone, we all agree to a truce- they leave us alone, we leave them alone.”
“And they agreed to this?” The amount of disbelief in herSuperwoman’s voice clearly expressed her opinion of the matter.
“Look, it doesn’t matter if they abide by it or not. As soon as Ultraman’s gone, his fortress is OURS.” His eyes glittering in the shadows, Owlman’s smile widened. “And I know he’s got some things in there that’d definitely be of help to us if the Terror Family decides to get any ideas.”

“I still don’t like the idea of the Crime Syndicate losing its trump card,” Superwoman murmured. “Big and dumb he may be, but Ultraman has his uses. Besides, what if that Justice League come looking for their Superman? What then?”
“Why would they?”
Superwoman sighed in exasperation. “Because as much as we might dislike Ultraman, they may ADORE their Superman.” She glanced askew at the vigilante. “With that enhanced brain of yours, don’t TELL me that never occurred to you.”
Owlman’s own face grew red. “Y’know, actually it hadn’t. I have to admit, when it comes to Ultraman, I’ve got kind of a blind spot.”
“You’d do well to work on that,” Superwoman chastised. “Now, what’ve you got planned?”
“Not to worry, Superwoman,” Owlman replied. “I’ve made some arrangements that should make up for the loss of power quite nicely. And, as an added bonus, he’ll help keep the Terror Family in line should they decide to get any ideas, as well as the Justice League..”
Superwoman’s brow knit in puzzlement. “Who?”
Smiling devilishly, Owlman withdrew his mini-computer from his utility belt and activated it. As he accessed a file, he turned the screen to face Superwoman.
Scanning over the display, Superwoman’s lips curled up into a wicked smile of her own.


Part 8

Superwoman couldn’t believe her eyes. ThThere, on the screen before her, was an image of a young man, perhaps no more than fifteen. His short, coal-black hair was swept straight back and his dark eyes glittered with cruel intelligence. The most arresting feature of the young man, though, was the uniform he wore.
It was nearly identical to Ultraman’s.
“Let me guess,” Superwoman said with a light chuckle. “Ultraboy, right?”
Owlman nodded. “A little something I’ve been working on for a while now.”
“And I also take it that he’s a cloneWhat is he?”
“He’s a clone,” Owlman answered. “I grew him from a cell sample of Ultraman’s.”
“A cell sample? How’d you manage to get THAT?”
“From our last bout with Ultima,” Owlman answered. “Ultraman got pretty beat up that time.”
“Yeah,” Superwoman said in an absent voice as her eyes remained glued to the small screen. “I remember that.”
“I managed to collect a small tissue sample before the big lummox healed up,” Owlman finished. “The rest is… well, it’s pretty self-explanatory.”
“So he’s a clone, huh?”
Once more, Owlman nodded. “Physically, yes. Mentally? Not even close.”
“How tough will it be to control him?” Superwoman asked.
“Not very,” Owlman stated. “As long as he needs kryptonite to keep his powers, he’ll do exactly as he’s told.”
“Are you SURE he’ll do what he’s told?” Superwoman asked, doubt evident in her voice.
“Don’t worry,” Owlman assured her. “He’s been conditioned to accept my orders.”
Running her hands over Owlman's utility belt, Superwoman's smile sparkled in the low light. “And when the Terror Family’s been dealt with? What then?”
Owlman nodded, running a finger down her cheek. Leering suggestively, the cowled man glanced down into her cleavage. "And then, you and I can... get to know each other better."
"Do you think Ultraman knows?" Superwoman asked, her breathing becoming more rapid as she leaned into his body.
"About us?"
"About the plan," she corrected.
Owlman shrugged as he ran his fingers lightly down her spine. "I don't know. Maybe. That’s what makes this so much fun."
Shivering in delight, Superwoman arched her back as her hands moved lower on Owlman's body. "W We should take... precautions against him."
"A Already in the works," Owlman replied in a thick voice. His own rising excitement was making it difficult to concentrate.
Suddenly, an insistent beeping split the silence. Glancing down at her belt, Superwoman felt her blood chill.
“It’s the signal,” she murmured.
“Ignore it,” Owlman muttered, nuzzling her neck.
Sighing in exasperation, Superwoman gently pushed him off her. “Ultraman is calling,” she said, stressing his name.
Owlman snorted. “So?” Grabbing her roughly by the shoulders, he tried to pull her back, but was playfully shoved back against the wall by the dark garbed woman.
“We have to go, Owlman,” Superwoman gently chided.
“And I said to ignore it,” Owlman retorted, gazing down at her chest. As he stepped forward, Superwoman’s hand slammed into his chest, throwing him back into the wall twice as hard as before.
“Now you listen here,” Superwoman hissed, fixing him with a glare. “Maybe this is all some kind of game to you, but let’s get one thing straight- this game is run by MY rules. Got it?”
“YOUR rules?” Owlman repeated, a small chuckle emerging from his mouth. “This little coup is MY-”
“I’m not talking about the coup,” Superwoman interrupted, her voice rising slightly. “I’m talking about US.”
“Yeah, I got it,” Owlman stated. Sneering at her, the vigilante shrugged. “You know, you’re right- we SHOULD go. We wouldn’t want to be late to see one of the OTHER men in your life.”
Stepping closer, her eyes briefly flashed crimson. “We agreed at the beginning that there were going to be no complications between us- no commitments, no emotional attachments, just the two of us having a good time.”
“Right,” Owlman snarled. “Just the two of us!”
Understanding dawned in Superwoman’s eyes. “So that’s it, huh?” As the corner of her mouth drew up into a smirk, she chuckled. “Feeling a little jealous, eh? Upset that you’re not the only focus of my attentions?”
“There shouldn’t have to be-” Owlman began, but a short laugh from the Amazon cut him off.
“Look, Thomas,” she said patronizingly. “I really do enjoy our time together. But understand this- I sleep with whomever I want to, WHENEVER I want to. Whether it’s a man, woman, two men, two women or BOTH a man and a woman at the same time, it’s my choice.” Placing her fingertips against his chest, Superwoman pinned Owlman solidly against the wall. “And realize something else as well- the day you try to change that is the day our little arrangement ends. Is that clear?”
“As crystal,” Owlman bit out from between gritted teeth, fighting to hold his temper.
“Good.” With a nod, Superwoman tossed her mane of black hair over her shoulder. “Now, I believe my ‘darling’ husband is awaiting us. When we get there, I’ll distract him while you do what you need to.”
As she strode away, Owlman’s eyes followed her, burning coldly in the dark.
PART
***************9

Later, as Superwoman and Owlman descended through the air towards the observation deck of Ultraman’s floating fortress, Owlman could feel the muscles of Superwoman’s arms tensing as they neared their destination.
“Easy does it,” he whispered. “Relax.” Though she said nothing in reply, he could feel her arms relaxing slightly. Returning his attention to the structure below, Owlman could see Ultraman’s caped form with several green-skinned figures nearby.
>Must be Brainiac automatons, < he thought to himself. >Now, let’s see if I can pull this off. <
As they landed on the parapet, Owlman took a deep breath to steady his own nerves before briskly walking towards their leader, Superwoman following close behind. As they neared, Ultraman briefly acknowledged them before turning back to his major-domo.
“You have your orders, Brainiac,” he said.
Bowing slightly, the gaunt, jade colored figures turned and disappeared inside the fortress.
“I was thinking-” Ultraman began, but a brief snort of laughter from Superwoman stopped him.
“You? Thinking? That’d be a first,” she chortled.
Unobtrusively, Owlman slowly inched away from the pair, edging towards the doorway.
Meeting her eyes, Ultraman’s own expression grew deadly. “One of these days, Superwoman, I am going to grow tired of you.”
“And?” she replied, a note of challenge in her voice. Out of the corner of her eye, behind Ultraman, the Amazon spotted Owlman slipping through the open door and down the stairs into the darkness.
“And on that day, I will get the fastest divorce in history,” he growled. “And a new trophy in my Fortress.”
The Amazon shook her head, her black mane of hair swishing back and forth. “You and your obsession with these trophies,” she sighed. “Unlike others, I don’t feel the need to measure my success against how much junk I’ve accumulated.”
“It’s not junk,” Ultraman retorted harshly, taking a menacing step closer. “Each of those artifacts areis from BATTLES that I’ve won!”
“Battles?” she sneered. “Is that what you call them? Satan below, Ultraman, you haven’t had a decent fight in months! None of us have!” Sweeping her hand to include the world around them, Superwoman’s voice rose slightly in disbelief. “With the exception of Professor Ivar’s android, Ultima, and the Terror Family, Alexander Luthor’s almost thealmost the closest thing you have- WE have- to an arch nemesis! Speaking of which, what are you going to do about Ultima?”
Ultraman barked a harsh laugh. “You say that as if it’s just so easy to deal with an android with all the Crime Syndicate’s powers!”
“Ignoring him is NOT going to make him go away, you know. But once you decide on a course of action, we’re all behind you,” Superwoman said in a gentle voice, switching tracks. As Ultraman’s eyes widened at her tone, his face clearly demonstrating his confusion, Superwoman smiled inwardly.
>I’ve got you with that one, < she thought triumphantly. >You don’t know what to make of this, do you? You’re not used to me sounding like I care for you. <
“I realize that,” Ultraman said slowly, still trying to puzzle out her change of pace. “And I appreciate it, too. But let’s get back to the matter at hand.”
“Good idea,” a voice said from behind the two of them.
Jerking his head around, Ultraman’s eyes met Owlman’s. Scowling in suspicion, the titan jabbed a finger at him. “And where have you been?” he accused.
Owlman snorted. “Getting out of the way of you two,” he quipped, motioning to the two of them. “It was getting a little intense for my tastes, so I decided to get out of the way before the fur started flying.” Tapping his chest, the vigilante smiled. “Us mere humans have to be careful about getting in the way of people like yourselves.”
“Indeed you do,” Ultraman sneered.
Ignoring Ultraman’s jab, Owlman motioned to the doorway leading into the fortress. “Shall we?”

***************11

As the three villains descended into Ultraman’s hovering fortress, Ultraman smiled cruelly. “I can’t wait to get this underway. Those pathetic cretins won’t stand a chance against us!”
"Pathetic? Last time we were in the other dimension, that green Martian had YOU pinned to the floor," Superwoman sneered. "You must have a pretty weird sense of the word ‘pathetic,’ Ultraman. You're certain you want to be embarrassed like that again?"
“I was in a weakened state,” the massive villain snarled. Then, Ultraman's gaze turned frosty. "Speaking of embarrassment, didn't he turn your advances down?" Chuckling, the human Kryptonian hybrid shook his head. "Well, you've got to hand it to him for his obvious good taste."
Superwoman’s expression darkened.
Behind her, Owlman covered his grin with a raised hand.
Taking a deep breath to cool her temper, Superwoman forcibly reminded herself of what was at stake. “Let’s just get the show on the road, shall we?” she growled.
“By all means,” Ultraman eagerly agreed.
As the trio entered the vast chamber below, Owlman glanced around at the numerous Brainiac androids scurrying around, the row of Ultraman-robots that lined the far wall, and the various other sundry items. From deep within the bowels of the facility, a primal roar of rage and pain assaulted the vigilante’s ears, causing him to wince faintly. Seeing this, Ultraman chuckled.
“What’s the matter, Owlman? Getting squeamish in your old age?”
Making a rude gesture, the masked villain moved ahead of them towards the monstrous bank of computers. Stepping forward to the controls, Owlman began entering in the first set of coordinates, acutely aware of both Ultraman’s and a nearby Brainiac’s scrutiny. Keeping an unconcerned air about himselfhim, Owlman smiled as, slowly, a red-and-blue figure came into focus on the screen before them.
“There he is,” Superwoman whispered.
Ultraman’s head snapped up to face the screen. “Superman,” he rumbled.

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

Arcing across the Metropolis sky, Superman breathed deep, enjoying the crisp morning air. >Slow morning, < he thought to himself. >Maybe I’ll- <
The tingling in his arms was the first sign that something was wrong. Unfortunately, by the time he’d begun trying to puzzle out the problem, the tingling sensation had spread throughout his body.
“What in the world...?” Superman gasped, a wave of vertigo washing over him. Gazing in wonder at his body, the stunned hero faded from sight.

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

Deep underground, Lex Luthor’s day was going from bad to worse. Leaning back in his chair, rubbing a tired hand over his face, the scientist took a moment to relax and let his mind drift.
Since his return from the positive-matter universe, he’d spent most of his time alternating between laughing uproariously at the antics of the Crime Syndicate via the listening devices and computer tap he’d stashed at various locations throughout Ultraman’s Fortress, and pouring over the massive amount of information he’d appropriated from his doppelganger’s computer network- information on everything from that world’s heroes and villains, to special projects that were in the works, to the alternate Luthor’s own private journals. It never ceased to amaze him that he and his double could be so alike, yet so… different.
>I don’t know WHY that should strike me as so odd, < he mused. >After all, just look at the differences between Ultraman and Superman! How could one who’s so noble and good in one world, be so monstrously cruel in this one? <
And it was that very cruelty which was concerning Lex at the moment.
Ontario had been reduced to a smoking crater. Lex had spent the better part of a week trying to repair the damage wrought by Ultraman- damage done apparently on nothing more than a whim.
>There HAS to be more to it than that, < he thought. >Ultraman might not be the brightest individual in creation, but he doesn’t reduce an entire city to ash just because he FEELS like it. Ontario was current on their tribute payments- even ahead of them- so why did he do it? <
Sighing in exasperation, Lex reached over to the console and thumbed the switch to activate the playback of the latest recordings from the Fortress.
>Might as well catch up on what I’ve missed these last few days, starting with what’s currently happening, < he thought resignedly. >If nothing major is happening, I’ll concentrate on… <
As the screen flickered to life, showing the interior of the Fortress, Luthor’s thoughts froze as he witnessed the form of Superman fade into view.
“Oh no,” Lex whispered in horror, reaching for his armor.

2***************

As Superman re-materialized in Ultraman’s Fortress, he only had a brief impression of a blue and red figure lunging at him before pain exploded through his body as Ultraman collided with the hero. Grasping the villain around the waist, Superman tossed his double aside barely a fraction of a second before Superwoman’s fist slammed into his jaw. Superman’s grunt of pain was cut short as Ultraman recovered his footing and pounced once more.
Off to the side, unnoticed by the combatants, Owlman smiled as he watched the battle.
>Perfect, < he thought to himself.
As Superman blocked a powerful kick from Ultraman, Superwoman took the opportunity to viciously drive both fists into Superman’s kidneys, causing the hero to cry out in agony. As Superman’s back arched in pain, Ultraman slammed his fist into Superman’s stomach, doubling him over, then followed the attack up with another blow to the base of Superman’s skull. Superwoman’s eyes blazed crimson as twin beams of energy erupted from her, striking Superman in the back and setting his cape on fire.
With a startled curse, Owlman swiftly retreated from the room.
Ultraman was laughing as he rained blow after blow to the prone form of Superman, each impact shaking the entire Fortress. Superwoman, laughing alongside him, added her own equally powerful attacks to the punishment as well.
“I thought you were supposed to be tough,” Ultraman taunted, striking the hero once more. “Hell, I thought you were supposed to be the Justice League’s BEST!”
“You’re NOTHING!” Superwoman sneered.
“And… you… talk… too… much!” Superman grunted. Rolling over at super-speed, he drove his fist straight up, catching Superwoman on the point of her chin. The force of the blow launched the Amazon warrior like a rocket, sending her up through the roof and out of sight.
“BASTARD!” Ultraman roared. Clasping his hands together above his head, Ultraman slammed them down onto Superman’s upturned face, rendering the hero unconscious.
Straightening to his full height, Ultraman gazed down in contempt at the unconscious form of Superman at his feet. “That wasn’t nearly as hard as I thought it was going to be,” he rumbled, nudging Superman’s still form with his booted foot. “You sure we got the right guy, Owlman?”
Entering the room once more, Owlman nodded. “Trust me, we got the right guy. He was just disoriented by the dimensional-transference, Ultraman.” Patting the computer affectionately, the vigilante smiled. “It also helped that I programmed it to give him a rather rough ride.”
Ultraman smiled as he gave Owlman a mock bow. “Uncommonly kind of you, Owlman. You SURE you aren’t getting sloppy in your old age? Passing up a prime opportunity to allow this pathetic specimen to hand me my head?” Once more, Ultraman nudged Superman’s form.
Owlman shrugged. “It occurred to me. But, after he beat you into oblivion, what’d stop him from doing the same to me?”
“He’d have to catch you first, though.” Seeing Owlman’s puzzled gaze, Ultraman laughed darkly. “I saw you beat feet out of here. Really BRAVE,” he scoffed.
“If this mutual admiration society is done, could we PLEASE get him into some shackles?” Floating down from above, Superwoman rubbed her sore jaw as she eyed Superman’s unconscious form carefully. “Damn, but he hits hard.”
“Why don’t you make yourself useful, Owlman, and get him into those kinetic shackles,” Ultraman scoffed, raising an eyebrow. “Or is that too much to ask of you?”
“Hurry it up,” Superwoman said. “He’s waking up.”
Locking the last shackle into place, Owlman stepped back from Superman with a smile as the hero opened his eyes. “Strain against those shackles all you want, Superman. They use your own kinetic energy against you; the stronger you struggle, the stronger they become. And don’t try your heat-vision, either,” he added, as the hero’s eyes began glowing red. “The shackles are designed to absorb ANY energy directed at them.”
“You seem to have thought of everything,” Superman admitted, tugging experimentally at the bonds.
“Well, I DID design them, after all,” Owlman replied smugly.
“As you never tire of telling us, either,” a new voice added from behind the vigilante.
Stepping around his Syndicate partner, Ultraman stared at the shackled form of Superman, a mixture of contempt and anger painting his face. “So, this is my double, eh?” Shaking his head, the villain snorted. “I’m not impressed. I was expecting better.”
“I’ll try to do better next time,” Superman replied dryly.
“If there IS a next time,” Ultraman added absently, his eyes drifting towards Superwoman.
The Amazon Warrior, straightening her hair in her reflection, chuckled faintly. “Fat chance of THAT occurring.”
“Meaning?” Superman asked, although he knew the answer. Ultraman’s next words confirmed it.
“Meaning that we plan on killing you,” Ultraman stated offhandedly, his attention still focused on Superwoman.
Feeling his eyes on her, Superwoman turned to him. “What?” she asked.
“Are you all right?”
Superwoman hesitated, obviously taken aback by Ultraman’s concern. Finally, after a long pause, she merely nodded her head.
“Good,” Ultraman said, turning back to face his double. Crouching down in front of him, Ultraman smiled. “Welcome to the Fortress, Superman. Oh, that’s right,” he added, snapping his fingers. “You’ve already BEEN here, haven’t you?”
“What do you want, Ultraman? What are you after?” Superman asked, his voice puzzled.
“What do I want?” Leaning closer, Ultraman’s smile was frightening in its cruelty. “Everything.”
“Well,” Owlman said, rubbing his hands together. “If you don’t mind, Ultraman, I’d like to go over a few things with Superwoman.”
“Like what?” Ultraman asked, his eyes remaining fixed on Superman.
“Like preparing for the next phase of this operation,” Owlman replied. “After all, I’d imagine that the Justice League will probably start to get a little suspicious once they realize their top dog is gone. They might even try to find him. And if they do, I for one do NOT want to get caught flat-footed. Plus, we need to start making calculations for who we’re going after next.”
“Fine, fine,” Ultraman said, waving towards the door. “I’m going to stay here and make our… guest feel more comfortable.”
As Superwoman followed Owlman out, Ultraman’s eyes followed the pair as they exited the room. “There they go, off to plot against me. That, and probably grope each other up.”
Superman shook his head. “Your problem is, you think everyone’s out to get you.”
Ultraman sighed as if he were dealing with a child. “Superman, everyone IS out to get me.”

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

As Owlman and Superwoman walked down the hallway, the vigilante glanced around them. Seeing that they were alone, he reached down to his utility belt and pressed a hidden button.
“There,” he said in satisfaction. “The white-noise generator is on-line. For the next few minutes, we’ll be hidden from any listening devices- mechanical or otherwise,” he added, tapping his ear.
Superwoman nodded. Ultraman’s ultra-hearing was renown for its range.
“So far, so good,” Owlman whispered. “I set the dimensional-transference coordinates right in front of him, the computer altered them as specified, and he didn’t bat an eye. That means my masking program is working perfectly.”
“It better be,” Superwoman replied in a soft voice. “If that program’s discovered, and the TRUE settings are revealed, we’re both in pretty deep trouble.”
“Hey, my programs haven’t failed me yet,” Owlman said defensively. “I hid that thing so deep in the command structure, it’d be nothing short of a MIRACLE if anyone found it.”
“YET being the operative word, Thomas,” Superwoman retorted, her voice rising. “Our LIVES are on the line, here, and it depends…”
“Wait a minute,” Owlman said, placing his hands on her shoulders. “Calm down a second, Medea. Something else OTHER than the possibility of my program being discovered is bothering you. What is it?”
Dropping her head down, Superwoman took a deep breath and let it out in a sigh. “It’s Brainiac.”
Owlman’s eyes widened in surprise behind his mask. “Brainiac? What about him?”
“Have you noticed how many of his automatons there are now?” Motioning to the fortress around them, Superwoman’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. “They’re everywhere! You can’t even turn around without seeing at least two or three.”
“So?”
“So why does Ultraman need so many?” Superwoman leaned closer. “Or better yet- does Ultraman even KNOW how many of them there are?”
Owlman glanced around. “So, there’re a lot of Brainiac automatons running around. So what?”
Kneading her lip, Superwoman slowly shook her head. “I don’t know for sure, Owlman. All I know is that it makes me uneasy. He’s up to something, I just KNOW it.”
“Who? Ultraman?”
“No, idiot,” Superwoman said, cuffing him on the shoulder. “Brainiac.”
“What could he possibly be up to?” Owlman asked. “Ultraman lobotomized him after that last incident with the Justice League, remember?”
“Yeah, I know,” Superwoman said. “But, Mr. Computer Expert, when there’s even the possibility of a computer crashing, what do you do?”
“Simple,” Owlman answered. “You make back-up files of everything that’s…” As he realized his words, Owlman’s mouth gaped.
Superwoman smiled victoriously. “You see my point now?”
“He could have transferred duplicate copies of his files into an automaton,” he muttered. For several more seconds, Owlman pondered the possibilities before finally shaking his head. “No, Superwoman. One problem at a time: first, Ultraman, then Brainiac.” Shaking his head once more, Owlman shrugged. “I never liked that green freak anyway.”
“But-”
“Look,” Owlman said, interrupting her. “Don’t you think Ultraman probably thought of that possibility as well?”
As she opened her mouth to object, she stopped. Why WAS she being so concerned about something Ultraman had probably already thought of? “You know, you’re right. I’m probably just being paranoid.”
“Let’s just concentrate on the matter at hand, okay?”
“Sounds good,” Superwoman replied, smiling broadly. Spinning on her heel, the Amazon walked away from Owlman, humming to herself. “If anyone asks, I’m off to collect the tribute from California.”
Behind her, still concealed by the shadows, Owlman smiled to himself. >It’s almost too easy. <

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

Late that evening, Superwoman stepped out of the teleporter tube and into the Panopticon, the strap of a very large leather case in her hand. Tossing the satchel over her shoulder once more, she strolled down the corridor, whistling a jaunty tune.
>Ah, < she thought to herself, hefting the weighty satchel once more. >Nothing’s quite as comforting as the solid weight of a cool million dollars! <
As she rounded the next corner, she ran across Power Ring leaning against the wall outside the room containing the imprisoned Superman.
“Hey, Babe,” Joseph greeted. “How’s things in Los Angeles?”
“Well, they managed to come up with the tribute,” Superwoman chuckled, tossing down the satchel. “So, out of gratitude, I left the San Andreas Fault alone.” Her smile grew colder. “At least until NEXT time. Where’s Ultraman?”
Jerking a thumb at the door, Power Ring shrugged. “Still in there. He’s been in there the ENTIRE day.”
Nodding slowly, Superwoman picked up the satchel once more. “I’m off to the Tribute Vault to deposit this, if anyone asks, Joseph.” Turning her head as she walked, she fixed Power Ring with a cold stare. “And, by the way, if you EVER call me ‘Babe’ again, I’ll kick a field goal with your testicles. Got it?” Without waiting for a reply, the Amazon disappeared around a corner.
“Got it, BABE,” Power Ring whispered under his breath with a grin.

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

Within the room behind Power Ring, the two Kryptonians continued their discussion.
Ultraman leaned back against the wall. “Don’t even bother to tell me it’s never occurred to you to take over your Earth.”
“Actually, it hasn’t,” Superman replied, tensing slightly against his bonds.
“Never?” Ultraman asked.
“Never.”
“Ah,” Ultraman said, a knowing smile on his face.
“Let me ask YOU a question,” Superman said, changing the subject. At Ultraman’s motion to go ahead, Clark motioned to the outside world with his chin. “So, if you’re the version of ME in this world, why don’t you tell me a little bit about yourself?”
“Like what?”
“Like, if you’re a human, then how’d you get those super-powers?”
Ultraman snorted. “What, Luthor didn’t tell you?”
Superman nodded. “Yes, he did. He told me that you’d been found by the Kryptonians, and had been… altered. But I’d like to hear it from you, if you don’t mind?”
Ultraman shrugged. “Sure.”
Pacing back and forth across the room, Ultraman clasped his hands behind his back. “I was on a deep-space exploration mission for our military,” Ultraman explained. “We’d recently been made aware of other alien races inhabiting Earth, so the U.S. military decided to send me on a ‘fact-finding’ mission.” The massive titan chuckled darkly. “Actually, I was sent out there to see if I could secure advanced technology to use against our enemies in Europe.” Ultraman’s eyes dropped slightly. “That’s when my ship was seized by immensely powerful gravitational forces.”
“Your sensors didn’t register anything before that?” Superman asked.
Ultraman shook his head. “No, not a single thing. One minute everything was fine, and the next?” Shrugging once more, the villain looked away. “It was like I’d been turned inside out.”
“Did you ever find out what those gravitational forces were?”
Ultraman nodded. “They were from an artificially created wormhole.”
“Artificial?” Superman’s voice was awestruck. “But the power needed to create one is unbelievable.”
“That’s not the half of it,” Ultraman added. “The wormhole was created from Krypton.”
Superman’s eyes widened.
“Apparently, the wormhole was an experiment that Jor-El was conducting for the Kryptonian military,” Ultraman continued. “What he got, though, was me. The trip through the wormhole shorted out my ship’s instruments. Barely under control, my ship crashed on the surface of Krypton in the polar region where Jor-El found it and… rescued me.” His lip curling in disgust, Ultraman shrugged uncomfortably. “Though I hesitate to define my abduction as a ‘rescue,’ nevertheless Jor-El DID save me from permanent death.” A shudder rippled through Ultraman’s massive frame as he fell silent.
“It was Jor-El, though, that put your life in danger to begin with,” Superman replied. “Can you really define what he did as being a rescue?”
Ultraman waved away the concern with a flip of his hand.
“How bad were you hurt?” Superman asked.
Ultraman snorted a brief laugh.
“Superman, I was dead.” The villain shrugged. “At least by HUMAN standards.”
“Dead?” Superman shook his head, his voice incredulous. “I find that hard to believe.”
“Death to a human and death to a Kryptonian are two entirely DIFFERENT things,” Ultraman corrected. “When I crashed on Krypton, my body was mangled. Jor-El found me but, since he didn’t know anything about human biology, he had to use Kryptonian physiology as his base in my reconstruction.” Flexing his bicep, Ultraman smiled cruelly. “And it’s quite a job he did, don’t you think?”
“What happened after he brought you back to life?”
Another shudder passed through Ultraman’s body as his face grimaced. “I… try not to think that much about it.”
“Why?”
Rubbing a hand through his hair, the villain turned away slightly. “Because of the pain he caused me,” he whispered. “Days of blinding, gut-wrenching agony while he did his… experiments. The only reason he healed me, Superman, was so that he’d have a HEALTHY test subject!”
“I’m sorry, Ultraman,” Superman said.
Whirling to face him, Ultraman’s face twisted into a mask of rage. “Spare me your pity, Superman! Any pain I had to withstand was MORE than compensated for by the power I now have!”
Superman shook his head sadly. “Luthor was right- they DID turn you into a monster.”
Ultraman lunged across the room, his sneering face scant inches from Superman’s. “They turned me into something MORE, Superman! Something a human can only dream of becoming!”
“A cold-blooded killer?” Superman quipped.
Ultraman merely smiled at his double’s rebuke. “I am what nature intended, Superman: Natural Selection at its pinnacle. After all, power is meant to be used- those who have it, use it. Those who don’t have it are dominated by those who do.”
Superman shook his head in bewilderment. Did he truly believe what he was saying?
Ultraman’s harsh laugh rang through the room. “Find that hard to believe, Superman? That’s the creed I’ve lived by my entire life! It’s the ONE thing my father gave me that was worth a damn. At least, until I killed him.”
Superman paled. “Y-You killed your father?”
Ultraman nodded. “General Jonathan Kent, Commander of the Amerikan Military Space Division.” Clasping his hand to his chest, Ultraman’s face took on an artfully hurt expression. “It was truly tragic, Superman. A most unfortunate plane-crash that deprived Amerika of its preeminent war-hero.” Turning his head, the twisted version of Superman spit contemptuously on the floor. “Bastard wanted to keep me out of the space program. Said I was ‘unstable,’ that I was unfit for duty.”
Superman was aghast. “So, you KILLED him because…?”
Ultraman smiled. “Because it made his replacement more… agreeable to my participation in the program.”
Though he was shocked to hear his double had killed his own father, a stray thought wormed its way into Superman’s brain. “So, you killed your father in order to get into the Space Program?”
Ultraman nodded.
“And, because you went into space, you were abducted by Kryptonians?”
Once more, Ultraman nodded.
Superman forced himself to smile. “Then you only have YOURSELF to blame for the pain you suffered.”
His face darkening with fury, Ultraman viciously backhanded Superman, knocking the hero across the room.

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

Checking his watch once more, Owlman rounded the corner and came face-to-face with Superwoman.
“Why’d you call me here, Thomas?” she asked.
“It’s getting VERY close to being time. We need to be there,” Owlman urged. “We need to SEE him, to see his face as he realizes what’s happening to him.”
Placing her hands on her hips, Superwoman’s eyes widened in surprise. “Are you kidding me? Actually be in front of him as he leaves this universe?”
Owlman nodded, his eyes glittering.
“And, realizing what’s happening to him, what if he manages to fry us with his heat-vision before he disappears?”
Scratching his chin in thought, Owlman finally nodded. “Good point. Why don’t we wait here?”
Inside the room, Ultraman advanced menacingly on the captive Superman.
“And now, Superman, it’s time…” His voice dying off, the villain placed a hand to his head as he swayed slightly.
“Ultraman?” Superman asked. “What is it?”
“I… I don’t know. What the heaven...?” Ultraman gasped, a wave of vertigo washing through him. Realizing belatedly what was happening to him, the huge titan’s face twisted into a snarl as he threw his head back. “OWLMAN!” he bellowed. “YOU SON-OF-A--!”
Ultraman’s voice died into silence as the stunned villain faded from sight.
Bursting into the room, Owlman and Superwoman glanced around. From where he lay on the floor, Superman’s own expression turned curious at their entrance.
Smiling triumphantly, Owlman grabbed Superwoman by the arms and roughly pulled her to him. "We did it! Ultraman's GONE!"
Echoing his smile, Superwoman crushed her lips against Owlman's in a fierce kiss.
Straining against his bonds, Superman’s heart grew cold as he realized what’d happened. >Oh my God! He’s in MY universe! <

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

When Ultraman re-materialized, he found himself plummeting down through the air towards the ground far below. Jerking to a halt in mid-air, the villain immediately took stock of his surroundings. Below him, partially obscured by the morning fog, a vast city lay sprawled out. As his eyes identified key landmarks, a smile slowly spread across his lips despite his anger at Owlman’s betrayal.
“Metropolis.”

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

Back in the alternate universe, the co-conspirators in the Crime Syndicate leisurely strolled down the hallways of the Fortress, congratulating themselves.
“Can you feel it, Medea?” Motioning to the fortress around them, Owlman smiled broadly. “Like a giant weight that’s been lifted off our shoulders. No more Ultraman scrutinizing our every move. And better yet,” he added. “All this is OURS!”
“By the way,” Superwoman asked. “What do we tell Power Ring and Johnny Quick about what happened to Ultraman?”
Owlman shrugged nonchalantly. “We’ll tell them the truth. After all, it’s not like either of THEM are going to mourn Ultraman’s departure from this world.”
Nearing the main control room, Owlman bowed to Superwoman, motioning her ahead.
“Shall we?” Owlman asked, ushering Superwoman into the fortress’s main control room. As the duo neared the main computer, several Brainiac automatons turned to stare blankly at them, their ember-red eyes staring dispassionately. Superwoman suppressed a shudder at their scrutiny.
“Brainiac,” Owlman stated, a wide smile on his face. “Access all secured files and display them, please.”
“NEGATIVE.”
Both villains gaped in shock. Recovering somewhat, Owlman leaned closer to the living computer. “Brainiac, I’m certain that you’ve been monitoring the events which recently transpired in the Fortress. I’m also certain that you realize I am now the leader of the Crime Syndicate. As such, I ORDER you to display all secured files.”
“NEGATIVE,” the jade-hued creature stated, its face expressionless. “COMMAND CODE AND VOICE-PRINT VERIFICATION REQUIRED.”
“Oh, GREAT!” Superwoman growled, shooting Owlman an accusing glare. “What now, Einstein?” she sneered.
“Shut up,” Owlman retorted, his attention fixed on Ultraman’s major-domo. “Brainiac, if Ultraman were to order you to display the secured files, would you?”
“What do you mean, ‘shut up?’ What’re you…” Suddenly, a thought struck her. “The clone?” Superwoman whispered.
Silently, Owlman nodded. “I can artificially advance its aging process until it’s physically indistinguishable from Ultraman.”
“AFFIRMATIVE,” Brainiac replied. “IF ULTRAMAN WERE TO ORDER ME TO DISPLAY THE SECURED FILES, I WOULD COMPLY-”
Owlman’s smile returned.
“-PROVIDED THAT THE PROPER COMMAND CODE WAS GIVEN BY ULTRAMAN PRIOR TO THAT ORDER,” Brainiac finished.
Owlman’s stream of curses echoed for a long time through the Fortress.


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

Slowly descending through the sky above Metropolis, Ultraman casually looked around the city.
>So clean, so organized, so… ORDERLY, < he thought to himself, his lips curling up in disgust. >Satan below, I hate it! <
Coming to rest on the roof of the Daily Planet, Ultraman’s eyes narrowed in concentration, his ultra-vision sweeping the city as he mentally ran through his options.
>I’m alone, in enemy territory, and I currently have no way to get home. < Shaking his head, the corner of his mouth lifted into a smile. >This has the possibility of being FUN! First thing to do is gather information about what I’m up against here. And the best place to do that is the Justice League’s headquarters. < Sweeping his vision across the giant metal globe atop the building, the villain smiled.
>And there’s the teleport tube. Right where it is in MY universe. <
Ripping open the access hatch for the globe, Ultraman stepped into the dark interior. Across from him, bolted down on a scaffold, a silver cylinder softly glowed.
Stepping into the teleport tube, Ultraman mentally crossed his fingers as he keyed in the activation sequence. Obediently, a deep, bass hum rumbled through his body as the energy began to build.
With a flash of brilliant white light, the tube was empty.
Moments later, Ultraman stepped out of the corresponding tube in the Justice League Watchtower.
Taking a moment to listen intently, a triumphant smile spread across the villain’s lips. >No alarms, no shouts of warning, no witnesses to my arrival. < As he walked further into the League’s headquarters, its immensity finally registered on him.
“My, oh my,” Ultraman whistled to himself, gazing around in wonder at the immense structure. “Quite the clubhouse they’ve got for themselves.” "Superman's gone," Batman rumbled. “He hasn’t been seen in nearly 48 hours.”
>I need information, < he thought to himself. >Now where-? < Doing a quick scan of the building, Ultraman spotted a small access terminal a few floors down, a short distance from what he believed to be the central computer core. >And there’s my ticket. <
Swiftly making his way through the giant building, Ultraman kept his senses wide-open, alert for even the tiniest indication he’d been discovered. Finally, arriving at the terminal, he looked over its controls.
>Fairly simple layout, < he mused. Spotting a flat, hand-sized panel, his eyebrow raised slightly. >And that must be where the League members identify themselves. Time to see exactly how alike Superman and I really am, < the villain thought to himself.
Holding out his hand, Ultraman barely hesitated before he thrust it onto the analyzer. Multi-colored lights played over his hand as the massive computer scrutinized his DNA. Finally, after a moment that seemed to stretch into infinity, a series of subdued clicks sounded from within the machine.
“IDENTITY CONFIRMED. WELCOME TO THE JUSTICE LEAGUE WATCHTOWER, SUPERMAN,” a soft, computerized female voice announced. “HOW MAY I BE OF SERVICE?”
A slow smile spread across Ultraman’s face as he leaned towards the screen expectantly. “Display the Justice League Personnel data files, as well as a summary of them.”
“THERE ARE CURRENTLY ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN ALL-ACCESS FILES THAT MATCH THAT CRITERIA IN MY DATABASE,” the computer announced after a second. “THESE FILES ARE COMPRISED OF JUSTICE LEAGUE MEMBERS PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE, AS WELL AS THOSE META-HUMANS WITH TIES TO THE LEAGUE. THERE ARE ONE THOUSAND TWENTY NINE FILES IN MY DATABASE REGARDING METAHUMANS THAT THE LEAGUE HAS HAD CONTACT WITH. THERE ARE AN ADDITIONAL TWENTY-FOUR RESTRICTED ACCESS FILES THAT REQUIRE SECURITY AUTHENTICATION. PLEASE SPECIFY WHICH FILES YOU WISH TO VIEW.”
“Computer, what added security measures are required to access the Restricted Access files?”
‘VOICE-PRINT VERIFICATION IS REQUIRED, AS WELL AS RETINAL SCAN,” the computer explained.
Mentally crossing his fingers, Ultraman took a deep breath. “Proceed.”
“VOICE-PRINT VERIFICATION HAS ALREADY BEEN CONDUCTED. STAND BY FOR RETINAL SCAN.”
A flicker of light passed over Ultraman’s eyes. Deep within the computer, the scan was compared against filed images.
“RETINAL SCAN COMPLETE,” the feminine voice stated. “YOU ARE CLEARED FOR ALL ACCESS, SUPERMAN. WHICH FILES WOULD YOU LIKE TO VIEW?”
“All of them,” Ultraman replied, his eyes alight. “Every last one of them.”

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

Despite the recent disappointments, as Superwoman strolled down the fortress’s corridors, she glanced around appreciatively. >It’s difficult to believe that Ultraman created all this, < she thought to herself. >Imagine- an entire alien culture, technology and all, buried within that man’s mind. <
The buzzing of her signal device interrupted her musings.
“Superwoman, report to the meeting room.”
Taking a deep breath to quell her initial anger, Superwoman shook her head.
>I think it’s time I explained a few things to Owlman, < she thought. >Like exactly WHO is running this show, now. <
Approaching the meeting room doors, the Amazon barely slowed her stride as she threw them open. Glancing around the room, Superwoman’s eyebrow rose in expectation. “Well? Where’s the Boy Wonder?”
Owlman barely glanced up. “Excuse me?”
“The clone,” Superwoman patiently explained. “I take it THAT’S the reason you called me here? Called US all here,” she added, motioning to the other two Syndicate members.
His attention riveted to the papers spread out across the table, Owlman’s expression darkened slightly. “There IS no clone.”
Superwoman glanced over to Power Ring and Johnny Quick, who were exchanging horrified looks of their own. “W-What did you just say?” Returning her attention to Owlman, the Amazon strode over to the vigilante, seizing him by the shoulder and jerking him upright to face her. “WHAT DID YOU SAY?”
Slapping her hand away, Owlman’s expression grew even grimmer. “I said, there IS no clone,” he repeated in a cold voice. “That’s what I wanted to tell you. What? You suddenly become deaf in the last few seconds?”
“And WHY is there no clone of Ultraman?” Power Ring asked.
“Yeahyoupromisedusacloneofthebigguyandnowyou’retellingusthatwedon’thaveone?” Tossing an empty beer-can across the room, Johnny Quick’s face twisted into a snarl. “Whatkindofcrapisthat?”
“His cell structure collapsed,” Owlman explained. “The kryptonite radiation necessary to energize his powers also served to cause increased cellular entropy.” Motioning to the papers, Owlman’s voice roughened. “He was dead within four hours.”
“But the image you showed me,” Superwoman asked. “He looked fine!”
“That image was a computer-generated facsimile,” Owlman replied. “It’s what he WOULD have looked like.”
“And none of your tests revealed this little flaw?”
Owlman shook his head.
“Great,” Superwoman snarled, throwing her hands into the air. “NO control over the Fortress, NO advanced weapons, NO clone of Ultraman, and absolutely NO chance of beating the Terror Family!” Her eyes blazing, the Amazon Warrior shook her head as she glared at Owlman. “You’ve really screwed up by the numbers, Owlman!”
“Superwoman,” Owlman said patiently. “You’re NOT helping things.”
“Oh, like YOU’VE helped things?” Holding her head between her hands, the infuriated Amazon clenched her eyes shut. “We’re actually WORSE off than before we got rid of Ultraman, Owlman, and I’ve got a headache the likes of which you wouldn’t believe. So don’t you dare sit there and tell me that ‘I’m not helping things.’ YOU aren’t exactly covering yourself in roses, either.”
“Would you please SHUT THE HEAVEN UP?” Owlman shouted. As Superwoman fell into a shocked silence, Owlman nodded. “Good. Now, I want you to go to-”
“Excuse me,” Superwoman interrupted, raising a hand slightly. “Did I hear you correctly? Did you tell me to shut up? And are you giving me orders, now?” At Owlman’s nod, Superwoman’s eyes glittered coldly. “That’s what I thought.” Slowly, the Amazon turned away and began heading for the exit.
“Wait just a damned minute,” Owlman growled, seizing her arm in his hand. “Don’t think you can just walk away from me, lady! I’m the leader of this little-”
Yanking her arm away from Owlman, Superwoman’s hand lashed out, striking the vigilante across the face, knocking him backwards across the meeting table.
“DON’T EVER TOUCH ME!” Superwoman roared. “DON’T YOU EVER PRESUME TO LAY HANDS ON ME!”
Slowly, Owlman picked himself up off the floor, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth as he glared at her.
“Ultraman was the leader of the Crime Syndicate by strength of arm, Owlman,” Superwoman growled, the muscles along her jaw dancing as she gritted her teeth. “You have NOTHING to back your claim! Your brain might have allowed you to stay in the Syndicate despite Ultraman’s wishes to the contrary, but don’t think for a moment that you were anything but a momentary fling for me! And the day I want leadership of this little Syndicate, it’s MINE!” Glancing expectantly over at the two remaining members, her eyebrow rose fractionally.
“She’s got MY vote,” Power Ring stated calmly, sipping his beer. “Though all this yelling is giving me a headache!”
“Andmyvotetoo,” Johnny added, his eyes never leaving Owlman.
“And so the truth comes out,” Owlman sneered.
“What’s the matter,” the Amazon cooed mockingly. “The truth hurt? Have I upset your delicate feelings?” Flicking an errant strand of hair back from her forehead, Superwoman chuckled. “All my ‘relationships’ have been based off of ONE premise: what can I get out of it? With Ultraman, well…?” Shrugging, she ran her gloved hands down over her hips suggestively. “Well, let’s just say that the ‘ultra’ part of his name is well deserved. I had access to all of this, as well,” she added, motioning to the Fortress surrounding them.
“And me?” Owlman asked in a low voice.
Superwoman barked a short laugh. “You? You’re nothing but a jock who happens to be smart.”
“So why were you with me?” Owlman retorted, his voice rising in anger.
“Honestly? I don’t know,” Superwoman replied, her eyes dancing with cruelty.
Owlman scowled.
“I don’t know about the two of you,” Superwoman stated, her eyes meeting Power Ring’s and Johnny Quick’s. “But I am out of here. And I suggest you two do the same before the Terror Family comes calling. Remember, they’re still not too happy with our last little encounter.” Gazing in ill-concealed loathing at Owlman, Superwoman sneered at him. “As of now, you can consider our… partnership dissolved.”
Spinning on her heel, the Amazon warrior vanished into the darkness of the Panopticon, leaving behind her an uncomfortable silence. The vigilante turned his expectant gaze on the remaining Syndicate members.
“Well?”
“I’m out of here,” Power Ring stated, glancing at Owlman.
“Metoo,” Johnny added. Rubbing a hand on his helmet, the Scarlet Speedster shook his head. “Wishthisblastedheadachewouldgoawaythough.”
As the remaining members of the Syndicate left, Owlman leaned over the table, resting his hands on the cool surface. Long minutes passed with the silence unbroken. Slowly, as if from a great distance, his muscular form began to shake- faintly at first, then becoming more pronounced. Finally, the caped vigilante threw his head back, his triumphant laughter ringing throughout the room.

JUSTICE LEAGUE HEADQUARTERS

Entering the meeting hall, Wonder Woman smiled and nodded in reply to the other League members as they called out in greeting. Meeting Batman’s gaze, Diana’s brow dipped in puzzlement. “Batman? What was so important that it required ALL our immediate attention?” she asked, motioning to the other League members.
"Superman's gone," Batman rumbled. “He hasn’t been seen in over a day. I’ve checked with my sources, both in Metropolis and world-wide, and they concur- Superman hasn’t been sighted anywhere.”
Before Wonder Woman could voice her concern, Flash turned from the monitors. “He’s here in the Watchtower,” he stated.
Batman fixed the Flash with a piercing stare. “No, he isn’t,” he replied. Motioning to the side monitor, the Darknight Detective’s voice turned slightly puzzled. “His status icon is dark. If he WERE here, Superman knows the first thing all Justice League members do on arrival is log into the system.”
Flash motioned to the system status board he was monitoring. “Well, if he isn’t here, then WHO’S accessing the central computer and using HIS identification?”
Striding across the room, Batman swiftly keyed in several commands to the computer. As he waited for the reply, the remaining League members watched him, intent on whatever he might say. As the computer displayed its answers to him, a low snarl issued from his throat.
“It’s not Superman.” Turning to meet their expectant faces, Batman’s lips curled up into a grimace. “It’s Ultraman. And he just left an access terminal near the central computer core.”
With a thunder of feet, the assembled League exited the room.

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

Several floors away, Ultraman looked up, his head canted to the side as he listened intently. Slowly, a smile grew.
>’Bout time they noticed I was here. <

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

“He’s been in the Watchtower for HOURS,” Batman growled, sprinting down the hallway. “There’s any number of things he could have possibly done!”
“Since he left the central core, where do we check first?” Green Lantern asked, but stopped short as a crimson blur darted in front of him.
“He’s in the museum,” Flash said, barely slowing his stride.
“Let’s go,” Batman snarled, barely breaking stride.
As the assembled Justice League converged on the museum, Batman began to split their forces to approach on all sides.
“J’Onn, initiate telepathic link,” Batman said. As a faint pressure grew inside Batman’s head, he knew it’d been done.
>All right, < Batman mentally said. >The museum only has three entrances. Here’s how we’re going to play this- J’Onn, you and Flash come in from the west. Wonder Woman, you and Aquaman enter from the east. Green Lantern and I will come in from the north. On my signal, we all strike. <
While the other two pairs of heroes raced into position, Batman reached into his utility belt and withdrew several small concussion grenades. >Let’s go. <
As the Darknight and Green Lantern slowly entered the room from the north, they caught sight of Ultraman gazing in admiration at the accumulated relics of the Justice League’s career.
“I take it the lot of you are done skulking around out there?” Ultraman asked, his attention never wavering from his examination of the deactivated Amazo android. “You’ve finally decided on a course of action?”
>Now, < Batman commanded.
With unerring accuracy, Batman hurled the grenades square into Ultraman’s face, their detonations making him reflexively blink in surprise. The second his eyes were closed, Flash closed in on him, hammering him with hundreds of blows in the span of a heartbeat. Roaring in annoyance, Ultraman lashed out at the blurred form of the Flash, but found his arm caught by the powerful grip of Wonder Woman, who used his own momentum to toss him across the room and directly at the Martian Manhunter. Stepping into his punch, J’Onn unleashed a powerful right cross to Ultraman’s jaw, the blow made even more devastating by Ultraman’s forward momentum. With a deafening impact, Ultraman was catapulted through the air back the way he came. The stunned villain was fighting to recover his wits when the world around him suddenly turned green.
“Gotcha!” Green Lantern yelled.
“Are you sure that’ll hold him?” Flash asked.
Green Lantern nodded. “This shield’s held Superman before!”
Flash glanced back at Ultraman. “Maybe so, but will it hold HIM?”
"'Justice League of America?'" Ultraman snorted. "Bah! 'Pathetic' League of America is more like it!"
"Now hold on there a minute," Green Lantern growled, stepping forward. Beside him, Batman placed a restraining hand on his arm. "Where do you...?"
"That's enough, Lantern," Wonder Woman said in a soft voice. As the shocked youth met her eyes, Diana shook her head. "We will NOT stoop to his level."
"Yeah, Lantern," Ultraman mocked. "We wouldn't want you to get your butt handed to you, now would we?"
"Keep it up," the infuriated hero snarled, his emerald ring flashing in the low light. "Just keep it up, bright boy."
Ultraman laughed. "Oh, I think I can do better than that. By the way, you said this shield of yours held Superman. Did Superman ever try this?" Then, before the horrified eyes of all assembled, the villain from beyond did what almost no one thought he would:
He pressed a button on a transmitter he’d concealed in his hand.
And laughed.
Across the room, unseen by all, a weapon took aim at Green Lantern and fired.
The sonic blast caught Kyle completely off-guard, disrupting his concentration as he dropped to his knees in agony.
The shield faded from around Ultraman.
“Everyone stand back,” Martian Manhunter stated, his deep voice rumbling through the room. “I’ll handle this.”
As J’Onn approached the freed Ultraman, his brow knitting in concentration, the villainous Ultraman smiled.
“You trying to get in here?” Ultraman asked, tapping his forehead. “I can feel you trying, you know. Too bad it won’t work.”
J’Onn’s eyes widened in shock as he took a step backwards.
“Neuro-inhibitors,” Ultraman clarified. “It’s a formula of my own devising that temporarily blocks any and all telepathic intrusions. Each dose lasts about six hours. My last dose was about four hours ago, so you know what that means?” Cracking his knuckles, Ultraman smiled the Devil’s smile. “That means I have two hours to turn you into about two hundred pounds of guacamole, Martian. And that’s an hour and fifty minutes longer than I’ll need.”
Before J’Onn could move, Ultraman lunged across the room, driving both his fists into the Martian Manhunter’s midsection, sending the jade-hued hero through the far wall in a shower of sparks and debris.
“J’Onn!” Green Lantern cried, his eyes tracking his teammate’s path.
“Don’t worry,” a soft voice hissed in Kyle’s ear. “You’re next, Junior.”
And the world went black for Kyle as a fist rapped him solidly on the back of the head.
Turning away from the unconscious form of Green Lantern, Ultraman’s eyes fixed on the Flash.
“So, you’re the Flash, right?” Ultraman asked, his voice conversational. “The team’s resident speedster?”
“That’s right,” Flash answered.
“Pleased to meet ya,” Ultraman replied, and a blast of heat-vision lanced toward the hero.
Dodging to the right at super-speed, the hero raced around the perimeter of the room, intent on attacking Ultraman from the side. Before he’d gotten even half-way across the floor, Flash’s eyes widened behind his mask as he found Ultraman’s form looming in front of him.
“Y’know, I’m pretty fast myself. SURPRISE!”
A blue fist thudded against the speedster’s jaw, sending his unconscious body sliding across the floor.
Clapping his hands together with a cheery smile, Ultraman chuckled. “All right, who’s next?”
Lunging across the floor, Aquaman slammed his shoulder into the villain’s back, knocking him momentarily off balance. Regaining his footing almost instantly, Ultraman turned to face his attacker.
“Aquaman, right? You talk to fish?” Ultraman asked.
Rather than reply verbally, the King of Atlantis struck instead, his attack rocking Ultraman’s head back slightly.
Rolling his eyes, Ultraman’s arm lashed out in a blue blur. The impact of the blow sent Aquaman flying through the air and into the hole made by J’Onn. Shaking his head in wonder, Ultraman chuckled. “A whole lot of good your ability to communicate with fish did you. Give my regards to Long John Silver, Squid-man.” His eyebrow lifted slightly, Ultraman turned to Batman.
“And that brings us to YOU, Batman.” Smiling cruelly, the villain chuckled lightly. “Oh, I’m going to ENJOY this.”
Batman smiled without humor. “If you learn only one thing from what’s about to happen to you, Ultraman, let it be this: no Justice League member EVER stands alone.”
“And just what the Heaven is THAT supposed to mean?” Ultraman shook his head in mock sadness. “Y’know, you sound JUST like Owlman, Batman. For that ALONE I’m going to wipe the floor up with you.”
Batman remained silent, merely motioning for the enraged villain to proceed.
His eyes glancing to the ceiling, Ultraman lashed the roof with his heat-vision, causing pieces of it to plummet towards Batman. Diving out of the way, the hero’s leg was clipped by a piece of debris, throwing him momentarily off balance. As he recovered his footing, Ultraman’s fist was already in motion.
Batman’s dazed form collided with the wall.
Finally, Ultraman faced the room’s sole remaining defender.
“And that leaves just YOU, Miss,” Ultraman sneered. “Believe me, I’ve been looking forward to THIS little meeting for a long time.”
“You may as well surrender,” Wonder Woman stated, her voice determined and strong. “You must understand that you CANNOT succeed, Ultraman.”
“So,” Ultraman quipped, panting slightly as he wiped the sweat from his brow. “Are you going to fight me, or TALK me to death?”
Dropping into a fighting stance, Wonder Woman’s lips lifted into an icy smile. “A true Amazon knows when to talk, and when to fight.”
With a blur of motion, the Amazon warrior spun around, lashing out with a powerful kick, catching Ultraman in the mid-section with her boot, its impact sounding like thunder.
With a grunt of pain, Ultraman was knocked backwards, plowing through the wall and falling into a vast auditorium beyond.
Rubbing the back of his neck, Green Lantern trotted over to stand beside the Amazon warrior. “I don’t get it,” he said. “Why does it seem like he’s getting tired?”
“Just be glad that he IS getting tired,” Wonder Woman replied, sprinting for the hole. “We must take advantage of this opportunity, Kyle, and subdue him!”
“I couldn’t agree more,” a deep voice said from behind Green Lantern. Racing past the startled hero, J’Onn followed Wonder Woman after the villain.

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

Long, tense minutes of combat later, the Justice League stood gathered around the nearly unconscious figure of Ultraman. Breathing heavily, Wonder Woman flashed a triumphant smile at her teammates.
“Well done, all.”
Kyle turned to look at Batman. “So, would you mind explaining to us WHY Ultraman was getting weaker?”
“He’s away from the source of his powers,” J’Onn replied.
“But I thought Kryptonians got their powers from yellow sunlight?” Kyle said.
“It stood to reason,” Batman explained. “If the anti-matter universe is our opposite in every way, then it made sense that what would be Superman’s weakness in OUR universe would be Ultraman’s strength in his.”
“That’s why he’s weakened?” Green Lantern asked, jerking a thumb at the exhausted, heavily panting form of Ultraman. “’Cause he doesn’t have any of HIS kryptonite with him?”
Batman nodded. “He’ll get weaker and weaker as time passes. Soon, he won’t be any stronger than a normal man.”
“In that case, I think I got here just in time,” a familiar voice interjected from the doorway. Spinning around, batarang held at the ready, Batman’s eyes narrowed behind his cowl. Standing in the entrance, a green and purple armored figure stared at them with a slightly amused expression.
“Luthor.”
“Great,” Ultraman gasped. “Just… what I need!”
“You came here for him, I take it?” Batman asked, jerking his head back at the subdued villain.
Luthor nodded, somewhat reluctantly. “Yes, I did. Much as I might want to see him get what’s coming to him, and as much as I enjoyed watching the group of you pound on him, I’m afraid necessity intrudes.”
“Superman,” Batman stated.
Staggering to his feet, Ultraman stumbled over to his nemesis, grasping Luthor’s chestplate. “Don’t… WANT you here!”
“Oh, and I suppose you WANT to let Owlman get the better of you?” Seeing Ultraman’s face twist in fury at the mention of the vigilante’s name, Luthor smiled. “Face it, Ultraman,” Luthor snarled, seizing Ultraman’s wrists in a grip of steel. “Unless we help you, you aren’t going ANYWHERE!”
“That’s... fine by... me,” Ultraman gasped, his eyes blazing in anger. “I kind of… like it… here!”
“I’m afraid that’s not good enough,” Batman replied. “We need Superman back, and we don’t have the time to stage a full-scale invasion of your universe to get him.”
“So, how DO we get him back?” Green Lantern asked.
“We send him back with Luthor,” Batman explained, pointing to Ultraman. “And, twenty-four hours later, Superman will be ‘ejected’ from that universe and back into ours. And by the way, you can drop the charade, Ultraman,” Batman growled. “It might be convincing to the others, but it just doesn’t cut it with me. I know full well that you’re not as weak as you’re pretending to be.”
Straightening to his full height, Ultraman glowered at the vigilante. “Spoilsport.”
Across the room, as one, the entire League’s eyes widened in shock. Lex merely shook his head, smiling faintly.
“Still playing games, Ultraman?”
“H-He was playing possum,” Green Lantern stammered. “The whole time, he was playing possum!”
“Right the first time, Junior,” Ultraman growled. “I may be able to be beaten, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to be beaten the same way twice.” Spinning suddenly, Ultraman leveled an accusing finger at J’Onn. “And if I wanted you to know how I did it, Martian, I’d tell you! SO, BACK OFF! Quit trying to get inside my head!”
Beside Ultraman, Lex eyed his nemesis closely, one eyebrow lifted in thought.
As the group moved down the corridors towards Luthor’s ship, Ultraman shrugged uncomfortably. “I’m… not too keen on the idea of relying on you, Lex.”
Luthor laughed briefly. “Join the club, Ultraman. The only reason I’m helping you at ALL is so Superman can be rescued without endangering the Justice League. Otherwise, I’d leave you here to rot.”
Whirling around to face his nemesis, Luthor grabbed Ultraman by the front of his uniform. “And remember- NO drawing attention to yourself until Superman is safely back in THIS universe. Understand?”
Slowly, without taking his eyes away from Luthor, Ultraman reached up and placed his hand over Lex’s own, gradually applying more and more pressure until Luthor was forced to let go.
“I may need you to get back to my universe, Luthor,” Ultraman hissed. “But don’t EVER think you can lay your hands on me with impunity. Got it?”
“I’m waiting for an answer, Ultraman,” Luthor returned.
Glaring at his world’s hero, the Syndicate member nodded once. “Agreed. But, rest assured, I will not wait one INSTANT longer than that.”
Luthor shrugged. “Fine by me, Ultraman. The more you Syndicate people tear each other apart, the less I have to worry about.”
"You understand, Luthor," Ultraman said, his words sounding strained. "This is a one time deal between us; once I get back to my home universe, the next time we meet, things go back to the way they SHOULD be. Understand?"
Silently, rubbing his hand, Lex nodded in agreement.
As he turned away, Ultraman paused, gazing levelly at Batman. “For the record, you’re just as irritating as your counterpart in MY universe, Batman. And I’m going to kill HIM as well.”
Batman smiled coldly. “Anytime, Kent. Anytime.”

ULTRAMAN’S FORTRESS- 24 HOURS LATER

Throwing open the auditorium doors, Superwoman strode into the meeting hall. On the far end, gathered around the table, the rest of the Crime Syndicate glanced up from their drinks.
“Why’d you call us here?” Superwoman asked, a note of impatience in her voice. “I really DON’T have time-”
“What’re you talking about?” Owlman retorted. “I didn’t call ANY of you here. I’ve been too busy trying to hack into Ultraman’s computers.”
Superwoman glanced over to Power Ring, who raised his hands in a warding gesture.
“Hey, don’t look at ME, babe- I sure didn’t call you. I was having a blast in Las Vegas.”
“AndIwashavingfuninCentralCity,” Quick added. “Isuredidn’tcallyouhere.”
“Well, I sure as Heaven didn’t call you all here!” Owlman rumbled.
Superwoman’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. “If YOU didn’t call us all here, and I didn’t either, then who…?”
"Hail, hail, the gang’s all here," a voice sang softly from the shadows. Stepping into the light, the hulking figure of Ultraman glared murderously at the group. “Miss me?”
"Oh damn!" Owlman and Superwoman moaned simultaneously. As Ultraman stalked towards the duo, Owlman and Superwoman began backpedaling from the enraged titan.
"So," Ultraman hissed, continuing his pacing towards the retreating pair. "You thought you'd strand me in the other dimension, eh? Keep me there long enough until my powers faded, then kill me?"
"Ultraman, I..." Owlman began.
"SHUT UP!" Ultraman bellowed, slapping his palm onto Owlman's chest. With a thunderous crack, the chestplate of Gotham's caped criminal splintered around the impact site.
Owlman buckled to the floor.
Scowling down at the prone man, Ultraman's face twisted with ill concealed scorn. "I just broke some of your ribs," he sneered. "The legs are next, you pathetic bastard."
Superwoman's gloved fist slammed into Ultraman's jaw, rocking his head back fractionally. Recovering almost instantly, he smiled wickedly at the woman, his eyebrow raised.
"You want some too? Fine by me, BITCH!" Ultraman's swift backhand sent Superwoman flying across the room to collide with the far wall. As the enraged titan stalked over to the fallen woman, a monstrous blast of emerald energy caught him in the back, knocking him over Superwoman’s prone form and through the weakened wall. Climbing to his feet, he caught another blast square in the chest. Fighting to stay on his feet, Ultraman braced himself against the torrential outpouring of energy and slowly began walking upstream against it.
"That's enough, Ultraman!" Power Ring shouted, continuing his attack. "They've had enough!"
"Enough?" Ultraman roared. "Enough? I'LL decide when they've had enough, not YOU!"
Seeing that his attack was getting him nowhere, Power Ring ceased the assault, causing Ultraman to lurch forward. Smiling evilly, the Centropolis Menace began turning his attention back to Owlman and Superwoman. As he neared them, his right hand lashed out to the side, catching the red blur of Johnny Quick by the throat.
"You want some of this, too, pal?"
His arms whirling madly, the speedster landed hundreds of blows on Ultraman in the blink of an eye.
Ultraman's sneer grew. "Give it up, Johnny. Hit me a hundred times or a hundred THOUSAND and it won't make any difference; I'll still kill you." Pulling Johnny Quick closer, Ultraman's eyes glowed incandescent. "Want me to demonstrate?"
Clawing at the fingers constricting around his throat, his feet frantically trying to gain purchase on the floor, Quick gasped for air as he shook his head negative.
Ultraman nodded. "Then you'd better leave, junkie."
As Ultraman released the scarlet speedster, Johnny vanished into the depths of the Fortress in a red streak. Turning his attention back to Power Ring, Ultraman glared fiercely. "Well?"
Raising his hands slightly in a conceding gesture, Power Ring slowly backed away from the cowering duo of Owlman and Superwoman, following Johnny Quick down the corridor.
"Smart move," Ultraman growled. Glaring down at Owlman, Ultraman's hand wrapped around the injured vigilante's throat, hoisting him into the air. As Owlman fought to breathe, Ultraman brought his face close to his opponent's.
“You thought you’d get rid of me THAT easy?” Shaking his head in mock sadness, Ultraman laughed a low, ugly sound. “You neglected to consider the consequences of your plan; namely, that there’d be certain individuals in this universe that would take umbrage to your abducting the premiere hero of another dimension.”
Owlman’s eyes narrowed in understanding. “Luthor,” he choked out.
“Exactly,” Ultraman agreed.
“Y-You made a deal with LUTHOR?” Superwoman stammered in disbelief.
Ultraman fixed her with his burning gaze. “Woman, I’d make a deal with God himself to get back here and gain my revenge!” Returning his attention to his captive, the corner of Ultraman’s lips curled up in a smirk. "I bet you're wondering how I kept my powers in that other universe," Ultraman hissed. Despite the pain he was in, curiosity sparkled in Owlman's eyes as he did his best to nod.
"You see these?" Ultraman asked, glancing at the metal half spheres adorning both his forearms. At Owlman's nod, Ultraman glanced down to the metal half spheres at his abdomen and waist. "And those?"
Once more, Owlman nodded.
"Each of them contains a portion of anti kryptonite," Ultraman explained. "And those portions give me a constant, steady supply of energy. No more relying on my proximity to the Fortress for my power. Oh, I might not be QUITE as powerful as I am near the Fortress, but I’m powerful enough! You see, unlike SOME people I know, I learn from my mistakes."
"S Should have... thought... of that," Owlman choked out.
Ultraman's smile was terrifying. "There's a LOT you should have thought about, Owlman. A whole lot."
“Y-You can’t... kill me,” Owlman gasped.
Ultraman’s laughter was frightening to hear. “Oh, I can’t can I?” Shaking him like a rag-doll, Ultraman laughed harder. “And why not?”
“You... need... me.”
“I need you?” Ultraman’s laughter rang through the building. “I need YOU? I don’t need ANYONE!” Motioning around them, Ultraman’s eyes blazed like twin suns. “This is MY fortress! These,” he stated, waving at the cowering Brainiac automatons. “These are MY servants! I have resources I can draw on, the likes of which you wouldn’t believe! I am the power behind the Crime Syndicate! ME!” His lip curling into a sneer, Ultraman shook his head. “You think I’m stupid, don’t you! You think that I’m a brainless muscle-man! Well, when the Kryptonians augmented me, they augmented my mind as well! I might not be as smart as you, but I’m definitely NOT dumb!”
“T-Then USE that... mind!” Owlman snarled through the crushing grip. “Ask... yourself why... you can’t kill me.”
For long moments, Ultraman glared at his captive. Across the room, nursing a sore jaw, Superwoman stared in sick awe at the scene being played out, painfully aware that her own life may depend on it’sits outcome.
Without warning, Ultraman opened his hand, dropping Owlman to the floor.
Gasping for air, massaging his bruised throat, the Gotham vigilante tried to smile. “I actually thought you were going to do it this time, big guy.”
“Push me again, and I might still,” Ultraman replied in a low voice. Whirling around, the caped titan stalked off into the darkness of his fortress. As he neared the doorway, he shot one last glance over his shoulder at his two teammates. “Get out of my fortress,” he growled. “And out of my city. Don’t EVER come back.”

LUTHOR’S HEADQUARTERS

Securing the door behind him, Lex smiled to himself as he crossed the room towards a massive bank of computers. >Ah, the twenty-four hours is up! Time to check the video playback from the Fortress! I hope the ‘Welcome Home’ party Ultraman sprang on Owlman and Superwoman provides some REALLY entertaining viewing. <
As he neared the computer controls, he noted that the incoming communications relay light was blinking. Flipping both the scrambler and the activation switches, his blood grew cold as the static cleared from the screen to reveal the gaunt face of Brainiac.
“GREETINGS, ALEXANDER LUTHOR,” the figure said. “DUE TO THE NATURE OF OUR LAST ENCOUNTER, I AM AWARE THAT YOU CURRENTLY VIEW ME WITH DISTRUST. I WILL THEREFORE COME TO THE POINT: I HAVE A MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL PROPOSITION FOR YOU, AND I BELIEVE YOU WILL FIND IT TO YOUR LIKING.”
Lex’s eyebrow rose. “Indeed?” Leaning back in his chair, the hero smiled icily. “Let’s hear it.”

ULTRAMAN’S FORTRESS

Standing on the observation deck, watching Owlman and Superwoman stroll down the streets of Centropolis, Ultraman fought down an irrational urge to incinerate the two on the spot.
“BRAINIAC!”
Scurrying into the room, the gaunt figure sketched a bow. “YES, MASTER?”
“Begin implementing Solitude Protocols. I want them in place in no more than twelve hours,” he snarled.
Bowing once more, Brainiac hastily left the room to enact his Master’s wishes, leaving Ultraman alone with his dark thoughts.

“Why?” Superwoman asked. Stopping in the middle of the sidewalk, glancing up at the hovering Fortress high above, Superwoman shook her head. “Why didn’t he kill us?”
For a moment, Owlman merely stared at her, his mask concealing his expression. Finally, he shrugged. “I’ll give you three reasons- Captain Terror, Major Terror, and Bloody Mary.” Owlman smiled. “If you’d like a fourth, that one would be Ultima.” Seeing her uncomprehending look, Owlman gently took her by the arm and led her down the sidewalk, ignoring the frightened gazes of the citizens. “He knows that, as long as they’re around, he needs our help to stop them.”
“So what happens when they’re not around anymore?”
“Then I’d have to say all bets were off,” Owlman replied, a smile growing on his face as he drew her nearer. “Kinda makes things a little more interesting, don’t you think? Kinda reminds me of that ancient Chinese proverb- ‘May you live in interesting times.’ What do YOU think, Superwoman?”
Pulling her arm free, Superwoman glowered at Owlman. “I MEANT what I said earlier, Thomas. As far as I’m concerned, our little ‘partnership’ is OVER.”
“Fine by ME, lady!” Owlman grumbled. “Personally, I’m glad to be rid of you, you frigid-”
Owlman’s next words were drowned out by a high-pitched whine from overhead. Glancing up, the vigilante’s mouth dropped open in shock.
Growing more irritated by the unwanted interruption, Superwoman felt her own expression grow amazed as she followed his gaze upward.
Streaming from the Fortress, the sunlight glinting off the slate-gray metallic skin of their face, nearly a dozen robotic duplicates of Ultraman rocketed over the city, their identical red capes flapping in the breeze of their passage.
“Well,” Owlman quipped. “I’d say that Ultraman DOESN’T need our help after all. Interesting times, indeed.”
“Ultrabots. I don’t know about you,” Superwoman whispered, her voice hoarse. “But I’m getting the Heaven out of here!” And with that, the Amazon warrior shot into the air, disappearing over the rooftops.
“Not a bad idea,” Owlman replied. Ducking down into the closest alley, the masked man vanished into the murky shadows.

ULTRAMAN’S FORTRESS

“MASTER, ALL ULTRABOTS ARE MOVING INTO PLACE. THEY AWAIT YOUR FINAL ORDERS.”
“Place an Ultrabot at each entrance to Centropolis,” Ultraman said. “I want everyone scanned the moment they enter my city.” Turning his head to face Brainiac, Ultraman scowled. “Under NO circumstances are any Crime Syndicate members to be granted access to the city, unless I personally approve it. Understand?”
“UNDERSTOOD, MASTER,” Brainiac intoned, bowing slightly. “AM I TO UNDERSTAND THAT YOU HAVE TERMINATED YOUR ASSOCIATION WITH THE SYNDICATE?”
Ultraman, his eyes fixed on the city below, nodded.
“Have the rest of the Ultrabots spread out evenly over the city,” Ultraman added, his voice dropping to a low hiss. “Let anyone who looks up into the sky know without a doubt whose city this is.” A wicked smile blossomed on his face. “And let anyone who dares intrude into my city BEWARE.”
“MASTER, FOR THE COVERAGE TO BE EFFECTIVE, IT WILL BE REQUIRED FOR SEVERAL MORE ULTRABOTS TO BE CONSTRUCTED.”
Ultraman waved a hand dismissingly. “Just do it, Brainiac. If more are needed, then make them.”
“MASTER,” Brainiac added, almost hesitantly. “OUR AVAILABLE RESOURCES FOR ULTRABOT CONSTRUCTION IS DROPPING DANGEROUSLY LOW. SHOULD ANY ROBOTS BE DAMAGED OR DESTROYED, I FEAR THAT WE WILL NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY-”
“Then secure MORE resources,” Ultraman patiently explained. “Build whatever you have to, steal whatever you must- just get it done!”
“AS YOU WISH, MASTER.” Turning to leave, his face concealed by the shadows, a smile flickered across Brainiac’s face.

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

Rocketing through the sky above Centropolis, Superwoman shook her head in disbelief.
>It’s ALL falling apart, < she thought. >Everything I’ve labored all these years for is slipping away from me! < As her thoughts turned to what Ares’ reaction would be to this latest development, she neglected to see the fast approaching figure from behind her until it was too late.
As Medea’s senses returned to her, she was aware that a substantial amount of time had passed, but she had no idea precisely HOW much time had elapsed. Groggily, Superwoman opened her eyes, but closed them almost immediately against the violently spinning room. Her entire head throbbed with pain, setting her brain on fire with the agony. Even her thoughts came to her sluggishly. Fighting through the mental haze, Medea struggled to make sense of her fragmented memories.
“Please, don’t struggle,” a soft voice said from a distance.
Cracking open one eye, Superwoman concentrated to focus on the speaker. Gradually, a gray blur registered in her sight. Turning her head slightly to bring the object more into direct line, the indistinct shape began to clear, taking a familiar form.
“Owlman… THOMAS?” Superwoman’s voice cracked from disuse. “W-What the Heaven do you think you’re doing? Where am I?”
“Where you are is in my base. As to what I’m doing?” Spreading his hands, the figure of Owlman smiled. “Saving the world.”
From the ringing in her ears, she thought she’d misheard. Superwoman laughed. “Saving the world? Oh, THAT’S rich!”
“What’s so hard to believe about that?”
Superwoman’s instincts flared to life, alerted by the honest confusion in his voice. “Come on, Owlman,” she continued, focusing more intently on the man standing in front of her. “We’re the Crime Syndicate, remember? We’re not in the business of SAVING the world, unless we’re saving it for OURSELVES.” Cautiously shaking her head, she snorted. “You sound like one of those Justice League fools.”
“Ah, THEM.”
As Owlman’s wistful sigh escaped his lips, Superwoman’s eyes narrowed in understanding.
“All right,” she growled. “Exactly WHO am I talking to? ‘Cause one thing’s for certain- you are NOT Owlman.”

ULTRAMAN’S FORTRESS

Sitting alone in the dark, his chin cupped in his hand, Ultraman stared blankly at the inactive viewscreen, his mind focused on other things. A soft shuffling of feet drew his attention to his left.
Stopping beside the chair, the Brainiac automaton bowed as he extended a tray containing several glasses towards Ultraman. “DRINK, MASTER?”
Without deigning to reply, the villain swept up a large stein from off the tray and drank deeply. Wiping his lips on the sleeve of his uniform, Ultraman peered closely at the automaton.
“Where’s Brainiac Unit #23?”
The automaton gazed back impassively. “THAT UNIT IS REGISTERED AS GOING OFF-LINE SEVERAL MINUTES AGO FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, MASTER.”
“Maintenance?” Ultraman’s brow furrowed in thought. “That unit isn’t scheduled for maintenance until tomorrow afternoon. Why did it go in early?”
“UNKNOWN, MASTER.”
“Bull,” Ultraman snorted. “You Brainiac automatons share a hive-mind. All of you are connected to one another, with the REAL Brainiac running the whole lot of you. Now, I ask you again,” he added, leaning forward menacingly. “Why did that unit go in early?”
“UNKNOWN, MASTER,” it replied again. “THAT UNIT IS NO LONGER CONNECTED TO THE HIVE-MIND.”
Ultraman sat back, scratching his chin. “Hmmm. That’s probably why it went in.”
“QUITE POSSIBLE, MASTER.”
For several more moments, the villain pondered this latest puzzle before shrugging it off. Catching sight of the dimensional-displacement computer out of the corner of his eye, a thought struck him.
“Brainiac,” Ultraman said in a low voice. “Re-play all automated security videos, time-code index 82745. Begin from time Superwoman and Owlman arrived at Fortress, and stop when dimensional-transference computer is accessed by myself.”
The huge monitor before Ultraman came to life, its screen splitting into nine different scenes of the Fortress, showing the entire course of events. A brief smile of satisfaction grew on Ultraman’s face as, on the first screen, he witnessed Owlman slip away from the rooftop confrontation and enter the stairwell. That smile, however, faltered as the surveillance video from the lower chamber failed to show Owlman emerging from the stairwell. Moments later, on the first video screen, Owlman emerged once more from the rooftop stairwell entrance and rejoined the conversation.
“That’s impossible,” Ultraman mused to himself. “I know Owlman was responsible for the reprogramming of the dimensional-transference device and sending me to the other Earth! But why is there NO record of him even coming close to the computer before we all came down here? Why?”
As the massive titan watched the screens, their images showed events throughout the Fortress. On one screen, Brainiac automatons carried out a myriad of duties. On another, his production line created Ultrabots- robotic replicas of Ultraman. On even another, the dimensional-interface computer suddenly flashed into activity. His eyes resting on this screen, an idea slowly occurred to him.
“Brainiac,” Ultraman said. “Isolate and enhance screen C-7.”
As the smaller screen enlarged and filled the monitor, Ultraman watched in rapt fascination as the video playback zoomed in on the bank of computers, their lights flickering briefly.
“Pause replay.” Leaning closer to the screen, Ultraman’s eyebrow rose fractionally. “Playback from time index 82736 and pause once more at this index.” With a small squeal, the video reversed with blinding speed before resuming its forward march. Once more, the lights on the computer flickered. “Brainiac, by observing the dimensional-transference computer in this recording, can you extrapolate what’s happening to it?”
“AFFIRMATIVE,” the gaunt, jade-hued creature replied. “THE COMPUTER’S COMMAND PROGRAM IS BEING ACCESSED.”
“I knew it,” Ultraman whispered. “Brainiac, judging by the level of activity, is it right to assume that the computer was NOT activated by remote?”
“AFFIRMATIVE, MASTER. FROM THE LEVEL OF ACTIVITY THE RECORDED IMAGE OF THE COMPUTER IS DISPLAYING, IT INDICATES THAT THE COMPUTER WAS ACTIVATED BY SOMEONE AT THE COMPUTER STATION.”
A slightly demented smirk crossed the villain’s lips. “Brainiac, I want you to isolate and analyze this frame of the footage,” Ultraman said. “Look for any distortion of the visible light spectrum that might be caused by an invisible figure.”
“SCANNING,” Brainiac replied. After several seconds, it nodded. “DISTORTION DETECTED.”
“Superimpose the distortion on the screen.”
A hazy outline of a figure sprang into existence on the monitor. Peering intently at the vague outline, Ultraman judged that the figure must have been close to seven feet in height. From its broad shoulders to its narrow waist, it gave the air of being a heavily muscled being.
>Big sucker, < he thought. >Bigger than Owlman. < Turning to face his servant, Ultraman jerked a thumb at the screen. “Brainiac, when does the distortion first appear?”
“THE DISTORTION FIRST MANIFESTED IN THE FRAME IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE COMPUTER’S ACTIVATION,” Brainiac replied.
“Nothing prior to that?” Ultraman pressed.
“NEGATIVE.”
“Brainiac, analyze ALL remaining footage from all security cameras. Is there any other evidence of a distortion?”
“SCANNING,” Brainiac replied. “NEGATIVE, MASTER. THE ONLY DETECTABLE DISTORTION EFFECT IS WHAT IS BEING DISPLAYED CURRENTLY.”
“Because he had to become solid in order to manipulate the computer’s controls,” Ultraman finished, almost to himself. “By being both invisible AND intangible, he wouldn’t cause a distortion effect; light would be able to pass through him. But, when he became solid, light had to pass AROUND him, thus causing the distortion!”
“THAT WOULD BE AN ACCURATE ASSESSMENT, MASTER,” Brainiac acknowledged.
“And that means it WASN’T Owlman that did it,” Ultraman continued. “He might have stealth capabilities to render himself nearly invisible, but he DOESN’T have the ability to become intangible. So, it had to be someone who was imitating Owlman.” Standing up, Ultraman began pacing, his hands behind his back. “So, we’re talking about someone who possesses the powers of invisibility, intangibility, shape-shifting…”
Ultraman’s face twisted in hatred.
“A Martian,” he hissed.
Several long moments passed.
“Brainiac,” Ultraman stated. “Get the Fortress ready to be moved.”
“WHAT IS OUR DESTINATION, MASTER?”
Ultraman’s eyes narrowed. “Gotham City. Relay the message to all Ultrabots that their orders stand until my return.”
“AS YOU WISH, MASTER.”
Several hours later, as the Fortress approached Owlman’s Aerie in Gotham City, Ultraman couldn’t help but admire the massive structure towering over the Gotham City skyline.
>Though I can’t for the life of me understand why he’d WANT a stationary headquarters, < Ultraman wondered. >It’s too easy to assault. Now, should I do the stealth approach or…? < Shrugging off the thought, the villain launched himself from his fortress’s observation deck and rocketed towards the building.
Crashing through the wall in a shower of rubble and shattered machinery, Ultraman emerged in the Aerie’s central computer room, his eyes scanning for any sign of Owlman. As his eyes swept across a small adjoining room, the villain grunted in irritation.
>Lead-lined, < he thought to himself. > The whole Satan-damned place is lined in lead! < As he continued his scrutiny of the place, his ears picked up a muffled sound from behind a door across the room. >Good of a place as any to start. <
Walking over to the door, Ultraman swiftly ripped the door from out of the frame.
There before him, shackled spread-eagle to the wall of the Aerie, the battered and bloody body of Owlman hung motionless. Stepping closer to the still form, Ultraman felt a momentary twinge of something akin to sympathy.
>Poor bastard, < he thought. >Looks like you’ve been through a meat grinder. <
Ultraman’s lips lifted into a sneer.
>And you deserved it, you arrogant…<
A low moan emerged from the figure before him.
Lifting his head, Owlman peered at Ultraman through blackened and swollen eyes. Slowly, a faint smile lifted the corners of his split lips.
“’Bout time… you got here,” the vigilante muttered through bloody lips. “What… took… you so… long? You… just now… figuring it out?”
“Be glad I’m even bothering to rescue you, Owlman,” Ultraman rumbled. “If I had my way, I’d let you hang here until you died. It’d sure save me some headaches.”
“And… that happy event w-wasn’t… that far… away.” Owlman gave a raspy, wet chuckle. “Lucky for… me you got here… when you did.”
“A Martian was posing as you, huh? You know who it is?” Reaching for the restraints, Ultraman drew up short at a hiss from Owlman.
“Mind doing me a favor, Ultraman?” Owlman nodded towards his uniform laying in a heap by the doorway. “In my utility belt, second compartment from the right.”
Retrieving the belt, Ultraman flipped open the compartment as asked. Inside, nestled in felt, a half-dozen red pills glinted in the low light.
“Give me two… no, make that THREE of the red pills.”
Digging out the pills, Ultraman’s brow knit in confusion as he fed them into Owlman’s mouth. “What are they?”
“Painkillers,” Owlman replied, swallowing the medication. “My own special blend. Give them a couple seconds to take effect, then undo the bindings. And no,” he added. “I don’t have any idea who that Martian is. He never said his name. I do know, though, that it’s a WHITE Martian.”
“A white one, huh? I wonder if he’s any relation to the one I killed a while back?” As Ultraman undid the shackles, his eyes moved over Owlman’s form as his x-ray vision probed into the vigilante’s form. Seeing his partner’s intense scrutiny, Thomas tilted his head to the side inquiringly.
“How bad is it?”
“Bad,” Ultraman confirmed. “Both legs are broken, as are four of your ribs. Your left shoulder is dislocated, both your wrists are fractured, you have a hair-line fracture of the skull, a possible concussion, internal injuries…” Raising his eyebrows, Ultraman smiled faintly. “Want me to go on?”
“Not really,” Owlman replied, grunting in pain as Ultraman hoisted him into his arms.

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

As Ultraman turned to carry Owlman out of the room, the vigilante glanced around.
“Where’s Raven?” Owlman asked.
Sweeping the Aerie with his ultra-vision, Ultraman pointed down and to the left. “It’s tough to tell, thanks to all the blasted lead in this place,” Ultraman said dryly. “Near as I can tell, I think he’s three levels down. It looks like he’s been stripped naked and locked into one of your holding cells.”
“He’s okay?”
Ultraman nodded. “Yeah. Whoever that Martian was, he provided him with food and water.” Cocking his head to the side, a smirk appeared on Ultraman’s lips. “You might want to have a word with him, though. I think what he’s got planned for the Martian is physically impossible, even WITH the Martian’s shape-changing abilities.”
Owlman grunted a laugh. “Can’t fault the kid for trying, though.”
“I suppose not,” Ultraman conceded.
Owlman groaned.
“What’s wrong?”
“Pain… is cutting through… the medication. Before I pass out, you’d better tell me what’s happened.”
Giving Owlman an abbreviated version of recent events, Ultraman was slightly taken aback as the vigilante’s eyes flared with anger.
“That… bastard has as much… as slapped you… in the face,” Owlman gasped out from between clenched teeth. Meeting Ultraman’s gaze, Owlman’s eyes glittered in challenge. “You… gonna let… him get away… with that?”
Even though his pain was nearly unbearable, Ultraman’s smile still sent a shiver of fear through Owlman.
“No, I don’t think I will.”

CENTROPOLIS

Using his armor’s rockets to slowly descend down onto the roof of the Daily Planet building, Alexander Luthor quickly scanned the area for enemies.
“All right, Brainiac,” he called out. “I’m here.”
Stepping out from behind the giant globe, the Brainiac automaton approached Luthor.
“GREETINGS, LUTHOR. I AM PLEASED YOU ACCEPTED MY OFFER.”
Lex held up a warning hand. “I haven’t accepted ANYTHING yet, Brainiac. I’m just here to talk.”
Brainiac smiled faintly. “AND DID I NOT KEEP MY PROMISE?” Motioning to the Ultrabots dotting the sky, Brainiac’s voice turned knowing. “DID I NOT ALSO INSURE NO ULTRABOT IS AWARE OF YOUR PRESENCE?”
“You did,” Luthor agreed. “But I still don’t trust you.”
“YOU SHOULD.” Canting its head to the side, Brainiac nodded. “AND SOON YOU SHALL.”
With a rush of air, an Ultrabot landed on the roof next to Luthor.

GOTHAM CITY

Gently placing Owlman in the seat facing the mammoth computer console, Ultraman stepped back.
“Computer,” Owlman said. “Activate voice recognition parameters.”
“ACKNOWLEDGED,” the computer intoned.
“Computer, deactivate locking mechanisms on holding-cell T38.”
“TASK COMPLETED.”
On a side monitor, the naked form of Raven lunged at the opening door, vanishing into the hallway.
“The kid’ll dress, re-arm himself, then make his way here,” Owlman said absently, his words slurring slightly.
“And those pain-killers are making you into a zombie,” Ultraman added, shaking his head in disgust. “I’ll get you to my fortress,” Ultraman stated. “I’ve got machinery there that can help you. They won’t be able to completely heal you, but they SHOULD be able to at least get you on your feet.”
“Don’t bother,” Owlman replied languidly, waving away Ultraman’s concern. “That can wait until AFTER you’ve dealt with-”
Sweeping Owlman up in his arms, Ultraman chuckled over the sound of Owlman’s grunt of pain.
“That WASN’T a request, Thomas.” Jerking his head back towards the other room, Ultraman’s eyes glowed in anticipation. “Call your kid, Owlman. We’re going.”

ULTRAMAN’S FORTRESS, HOVERING OVER CENTROPOLIS

Shuffling out onto the observation deck, the Brainiac automaton approached Ultraman. Close behind him, the youthful form of Raven scowled deeply.
“MASTER,” Brainiac said. “DURING OUR TRAVEL BACK TO CENTROPOLIS, I HAVE COMPLETED MY EXAMINATION OF OWLMAN. HE HAS BEEN IN CAPTIVITY FOR SOME TIME. HIS BROKEN BONES HAVE ALREADY BEGUN THEIR HEALING PROCESS. UNFORTUNATELY, THEY WERE NOT PROPERLY SET BEFORE THE HEALING BEGAN. IN ORDER FOR OWLMAN’S BONES TO BE SET PROPERLY, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO RE-BREAK THEM.”
Ultraman nodded, his eyes never straying from the scene before him. “I already figured that.” Glancing over to his major-domo, the Syndicate leader shrugged fractionally. “Go ahead, Brainiac. Do what you have to.”
“AND SHOULD I RENDER OWLMAN UNCONSCIOUS FIRST?”
Biting back his instinctive response, Ultraman nodded. “Yeah, you better.” Turning slightly, Ultraman’s eyebrow rose. “And his OTHER injuries?”
“APPARENTLY HIS ATTACKER ROUTINELY ABUSED HIM,” Brainiac added. “MANY OF HIS SOFT TISSUE INJURIES SHOW SIGNS OF BEING INFLICTED REPEATEDLY OVER THE COURSE OF TIME.”
Ultraman nodded.
“Brainiac,” Ultraman said. “I’ll be moving the Fortress again in a few minutes. Since I have NO idea how long I’ll be gone, I want you to place one of your units on the rooftop of the Daily Planet building to coordinate the Ultrabots should anything happen.”
“AS YOU WISH, MASTER.”
“We’re going after the bastard that did this, RIGHT?” Raven’s adolescent voice pierced the afternoon air.
“Soon,” Ultraman replied, pointedly ignoring Raven.
“Right NOW,” Raven insisted, grabbing Ultraman’s arm and attempting to spin the Syndicate Leader around to face him.
Ultraman didn’t budge.
“I realize you’ve been through a trying ordeal,” Ultraman said. “And I understand your desire for revenge, child. But know this- you touch me in that manner again, and I’ll break your back.” Turning his head to face Raven, Ultraman’s eyes narrowed. “Understand?”
Swallowing noisily, Raven nodded.
Turning back to his contemplation of the city below, Ultraman waved Owlman’s sidekick away. “Now make yourself useful and call for Superwoman, Power Ring and Johnny Quick to meet me here NOW.”

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

A short while later, as Ultraman stared into the night sky, a faint green glow lit the skyline to his right. As he watched, a bubble of emerald energy shot across the sky to land on the deck beside him. When the glow faded, Johnny Quick and Power Ring stood there.
“What’cha need, Boss- I mean, Ultraman?” Power Ring asked, hastily correcting himself.
“Yeahwhat’sthebighurrythatitcouldn’twaitforthenextmeeting?” Johnny added. With a sneer on his lips, the speedster snapped his fingers, the sound resembling a gunshot. “Ohyeahthat’srightyouwon’tbethere!”
“The Syndicate’s been attacked,” Ultraman replied, ignoring Johnny’s snide comment. “One of our members has been replaced by a Martian.” A thought suddenly struck him. His brow creasing in irritation, Ultraman glanced around. “Where’s Superwoman?”
“No idea, B- Ultraman,” Power Ring replied with a shrug.
“It’s all right to call me ‘Boss’ again, Joseph,” Ultraman sighed in ill-concealed irritation. “I’m back in charge once more.”
Power Ring smiled. “You got it, Boss!”
“Yeahallrightwhatever,” Johnny said, shrugging. “Aslongasthingsgetbacktonormalaroundhere.”
Scratching his chin in thought, Ultraman slowly shook his head. “Since Superwoman failed to respond to the call, I think we’ll have to assume she’s been captured.” Nodding to his companions, Ultraman motioned to Power Ring. “Have Brainiac activate Superwoman’s signal device, and put it on continuous cycle.”
“And then?”
Ultraman’s eyebrow rose slightly. “And then NOTHING.” Turning away from them, Ultraman leaned against the terrace’s railing, his eyes gazing down at the city below. “I’ll take it from there.”

A REMOTE, HIDDEN BASE

“You heard me,” Superwoman growled. “I said I want to know WHO the Heaven you are!”
The figure of Owlman shrugged. “No-one YOU know, Medea.”
Superwoman’s eyes narrowed in irritation. “DON’T call me that.”
“Why not? It IS your name, isn’t it?”
“My NAME is Lois Lane,” Superwoman stressed. “No-one calls me ‘Medea,’ except Ultraman and the REAL Owlman. And we’ve already shown that YOU aren’t the real Owlman.”
Crouching down in front of the shackled Amazon, Owlman’s features flowed like putty. After a few moments, a heavy-browed, pale bald man gazed back impassively at her.
Superwoman’s breath caught in her throat. “Y-You’re a white Martian.”
The bald man’s eyes glittered faintly. “Good guess, Lois. Mind telling me how you know?”
Superwoman nodded. “You look exactly like J’Onn J’Onzz.”
The Martian smiled coldly. “I’ll TRY not to take that personally, Lois.” Seeing her arms flexing against the bonds that held her, the Martian chuckled, holding up an amulet engraved with a stylized ‘S’ on it. “That won’t do you much good without THIS, Medea.”
“What do you WANT?” Superwoman’s frustrated cry echoed throughout the dark room.
“Just to talk, Medea,” he said. “Medea, do any of the other Syndicate members know why you’re REALLY here in Man’s World?”
“Might I have your name?” Cocking her head to the side, Lois’s lips quirked up into a wry smile. “It’s kind of hard to talk to someone when you don’t have their name.”
“Te’Lar,” he said, placing his hand against his chest. “My name is Te’Lar.”
“Well, Te’Lar,” she began with exaggerated patience. “What I might truly be doing here in this world is no-ones business but my own. As to the other Syndicate members?” She shrugged. “Everyone has there own agenda, Te’Lar. Even YOU, I’d imagine.”
Te’Lar nodded. “Fair enough, Lois. Let’s try something else, shall we? How does it feel, knowing that, deep down inside you, you really DO love Ultraman?” Te’Lar asked, leaning closer. “That wouldn’t sit very well with the rest of your Amazon sisters, would it? Or even Ares, for that matter. Especially if he KNEW that you had no intention of carrying through with his plans.”
Superwoman snorted. “EXCUSE me? ‘Ares’ plan?’ Love Ultraman? What in the name of my ancestors are you TALKING about?”
Te’Lar sighed. “I’m a Martian, remember?” Tapping the side of his head, his smile grew. “Telepathy, remember? You’re an open book to me, Medea.”
Superwoman’s eyes widened in stunned horror.
“I can read your EVERY thought, Superwoman,” Te’Lar said, casually spinning the dangling amulet around his finger as the rest of his body shifted out of the Owlman uniform and into his true form. “Your every secret wish and desire. For example, I know how much it GALLS you to have to masquerade as a ‘mortal’ woman. You resent the limitation of being forced to hide what you truly are.” Waving the amulet, Te’Lar cocked his head to the side and smiled hideously.
Lois snorted.
“You also ENJOY pitting Owlman against Ultraman,” Te’Lar continued, ignoring her outburst. “You secretly HOPE that, someday, Ultraman will tire of the game and simply kill Owlman.”
Superwoman laughed derisively. “Actually, that’s no secret at all.”
Swiftly leaning in closer to her, Te’Lar’s lips hovered just beside Lois’s ear. “I also know that YOU know whom Ultraman has locked away in that secret Arctic vault,” he whispered. “And, rest assured, when I’m done here, I’m heading THERE to set him free.”
Superwoman paled. “You CAN’T,” she urged. “You have NO idea what he’s capable of doing. If Optimus gets free…” Her voice trailing off, the Amazon warrior shook her head. “For what Luthor and Mordru did, Ultraman should have KILLED them both! They had NO right to do what they did!”
“What they were TRYING to do was to create the exact OPPOSITE of Ultraman,” Te’Lar explained. “An ‘anti-Ultraman,’ if you will. Science alone failed to succeed, as did pure magic. But combined together? From what I’ve been able to find out, they succeeded better than either of them could have hoped for.”
“He’s a MONSTER,” Superwoman said, her voice trembling slightly.
“By YOUR standards,” Te’Lar countered. “But, then again, someone who fights AGAINST corruption and decadence WOULD be considered a ‘monster,’ wouldn’t he?” Chuckling faintly, Te’Lar tossed the enchanted amulet into the corner of the room. “And Optimus FRIGHTENS Ultraman, doesn’t he?”
“Ultraman isn’t afraid of ANYTHING,” Superwoman retorted defiantly.
Te’Lar’s grin widened. “He SHOULD be.”
Suddenly, a violent shuddering gripped the facility.
“What in the…?” Glancing towards the surveillance monitors, the white Martian felt his heart skip.
Following her captor’s gaze, Superwoman felt a smile spread across her face.
Through the cameras scattered around the outside of the mountain, the pair watched in awe as the Fortress slowly slid into view, it’s massive bulk dwarfing the craggy mountain below it.
“Somebody’s in trouble,” Superwoman chuckled in a singsong voice.
Te’Lar’s lips curled up into a snarl.
With a shimmer of energy, Ultraman, Power Ring and Johnny Quick materialized on the far side of the chamber. Ultraman, his burning eyes fixed intently on the Martian, flashed a humorless smile. Johnny Quick and Power Ring edged away from their leader, giving him room.
“Naughty, naughty Superwoman,” he chided. “Ignoring your signal device like that. It makes me think you’re trying to avoid me.”
“Sorry, Ultraman,” she replied, deciding to play along. “As you can see, though, I’m a little… tied up right now.”
“So I see. Now who, I wonder, did that to you?” Scratching his chin in thought, the villain snapped his fingers suddenly, his face beaming. “I’ve got it! It must have been YOU!”
With the last word, Ultraman became a blur of motion, rocketing across the room and striking Te’Lar in the stomach. The concussion from the impact shook the mountain to its roots, causing the remaining Syndicate members to cry out in pain as the crack of thunder washed over them. Clutching his abdomen, Te’Lar sank to his knees.
“Sweet mother-‘o-MERCY, Ultraman!” Holding his ears, Power Ring shook his head to clear it. “You want to give a person some warning, maybe, before doing something like that?”
Holding his hands over his own ears, Johnny vigorously nodded in agreement. “YeahBossthatreallyhurtlikeHeaven!”
Gritting her teeth, Lois remained silent.
Standing over the Martian like a towering pillar of living rage, Ultraman glared down at him, the Syndicate leader’s face awash with fury.
“Who in Satan’s name do you think you are, to play with the Crime Syndicate of Amerika like that? You think you can just do whatever you like and not have to face any consequences?”
“His name’s Te’Lar,” Superwoman supplied. “I’m not sure, but I think he MIGHT be related to the first white Martian you killed.”
Ultraman’s face broke into a smile. “Well then, I think history’s about to repeat itself.”
“You killed my brother,” the Martian rumbled, his deep voice vibrating through the room as he straightened back to his full height. “And you killed him for NO reason! We were here on the Earth to escape the green Martians’ persecution of our kind, and you callously murdered my brother!”
“You’re saying he wouldn’t have tried to stop me? That he wouldn’t have opposed me?” Ultraman’s voice clearly carried his disbelief.
Te’Lar fell silent.
Ultraman smiled. “I thought so. Before I kill you, though, I want some answers.” Motioning towards the Martian, Ultraman shook his head. “WHAT did you hope to accomplish by posing as Owlman?”
“To spread distrust and paranoia among the Syndicate,” Te’Lar explained. “The first thing I hoped to accomplish was to alienate YOU from the group. After getting rid of you, if the Syndicate remained together, I planned on posing as other Syndicate members in order to continue driving your group apart.”
Ultraman laughed. “No wonder your plan didn’t work! Distrust and paranoia are every-day occurrences in the Syndicate, Te’Lar.”
The Martian shrugged. “What I failed to accomplish through subterfuge, I will now accomplish through raw physical power. If I can’t collapse the Syndicate from within, I’ll simply have to settle for destroying the Syndicate.”
Ultraman held up his index finger, an answering grin drawing his lips back in a feral snarl. “One problem with that, Chalky- I know what you’re up to and I’m here to stop you now. I have to thank you, Te’Lar,” Ultraman chuckled, his eyes glowing incandescent. “I’ve had a really bad few days, and I’ve been looking for someone to take it out on. You have NO idea how much I’m going to enjoy this!”
“Somehow, I doubt that very much,” Te’Lar retorted. Tilting his head back, the Martian barked a sharp order in his native tongue.
A blast of energy slammed into Ultraman from a hidden weapon, knocking the titan back several paces. As Johnny Quick and Power Ring stepped forward to help their leader, an energy barrier sprang into existence, isolating them from their teammates.
Catching his balance once more, the Syndicate’s leader sneered at Te’Lar. “If that was supposed to stop me, then I think you’re in even MORE trouble than you might believe.”
Superwoman grinned fiercely. They were going to win! Silently, she hoped Ultraman would stretch out the Martian’s death-throes to return at least a portion of the discomfort that he’d visited upon her.
That’s when Te’Lar’s heat-vision slammed into Ultraman’s chest.
In the past, Superwoman had heard Ultraman scream on several occasions- in anger, in frustration, even sometimes in pain. She’d even heard him scream in agony when the green Martian on the other Earth had pinned him to the floor of that monument in Washington D.C. a while ago.
She had NEVER heard him scream as he was doing now.
“W-What’s happening?” Staggering back, clutching a hand to his singed and smoking chest, Ultraman’s eyes grew wide. “What’d you DO to me?”
“The walls of this facility are lined with lead, Ultraman! NO kryptonite radiation can penetrate it! The WHOLE time I’ve been talking to you, you’ve been getting steadily WEAKER!” Jerking a finger back to the wall behind him, Te’Lar’s face began to twist. “That weapon I shot you with,” Te’Lar snarled, his face shifting into a living nightmare. “It emits a very SPECIFIC radiation wavelength! One designed specifically to drive the kryptonite radiation that fuels your powers OUT of your body and preventing you from absorbing more! Those bits of kryptonite you have in your uniform are noting but worthless rock, now!” Cocking his fist back, the white Martian’s inhuman face smiled. “That means you’re MINE!”
Answering Te’Lar’s snarl with one of his own, Ultraman motioned the Martian forward. “Let’s do this, you ugly bas-”
Te’Lar’s heat-vision slammed into Ultraman’s chest once more, driving the villain back against the wall. Smoke billowed up from Ultraman’s body as the Martian’s attack began vaporizing the upper portion of his uniform. Fighting against the flow of energy, Ultraman drew his fist back and, with a roar of pain and fury, struck a mighty blow against the Martian before collapsing to his knees. Grunting in pain, Te’Lar was thrown backwards through the wall above Superwoman’s head. Rolling out of the way of the falling debris, Lois climbed to her feet and ran to Ultraman’s side. As she drew closer, the smell of burnt flesh assaulted her nostrils. Out of the corner of her eye, Lois absently noted that the energy barrier had collapsed.
“Ultraman!” Crouching down beside the kneeling villain, Superwoman nudged him with her shoulder. “Ultraman! Dammit, answer me!”
Slowly lifting his head, his hands clutched against his chest, the Syndicate’s leader stared at her with shocked eyes.
“Snap out of it, Ultraman!” Leaning her face close to his, Superwoman’s gaze held her husband’s. “I need you to snap these ropes Te’Lar put on my wrists!”
Mechanically, Ultraman reached a shaking hand towards her wrists and, with a sharp tug, Lois felt her bonds loosen. Before he covered it once more, Lois caught a brief glimpse of the blackened and charred skin that was once Ultraman’s chest. Carefully wrapping her arm around his waist, Superwoman struggled to lift Ultraman to his feet.
“Johnny! Power Ring! Quit screwing around and get over here! Ultraman’s injured!”
As the Scarlet Speedster rushed to her side, Superwoman reached over and activated his transmitter.
“Owlman,” Superwoman shouted into the transmitter. “WE ARE LEAVING! Activate the teleport sequence! Johnny,” she continued, barely sparing a glance over her shoulder as she struggled under the weight of Ultraman. “Get me my amulet NOW!”
As a brief wind whipped by her, she felt a cold weight settle against her cleavage. Gratefully, she felt her power returning to her.
“AlreadygotitforyouSuperwoman,” a high-pitched voice said from beside her. “Nowcanwepleasegetoutofhere?”
“Teleporting now!” Owlman cried triumphantly.
And, with a shimmer of energy, Te’Lar was alone in the room.
“No,” he hissed from between inhuman lips. “No, you don’t get away THAT easily!”

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

As the group materialized inside Ultraman’s hovering fortress, Superwoman sprang into action.
“Power Ring, bring the Fortress’s defenses online! Johnny, get this thing moving! Owlman, where the Heaven are you?”
“WheretoSuperwoman?”
“I don’t CARE, Johnny!” The words fairly exploded from the Amazon. “Anywhere but HERE!”
“RightI’monit!” Johnny vanished in a whirl of wind, reappearing at the navigational controls.
“Superwoman, we got a problem!” Turning from his console, Power Ring’s voice rose to near hysterical levels. “That albino bastard doesn’t show up on the scanners!”
Before the Amazon warrior could frame a reply, a mental pressure assaulted them all.
>One, two, three, four, the Boogeyman’s knocking on your door. < Te’Lar’s singsong voice knifed through their consciousnesses like a white-hot blade.
Limping into the room, Owlman roughly shouldered the ring-wielder aside, the vigilante’s fingers already dancing across the controls. “Out of my way, you worthless piece of-”
As the screen began displaying the data, Owlman’s eyes widened. “Sweet Antichrist! The bastard’s right on top of us!”
The massive door across the room resounded with something akin to the Thunder of Doom as Te’Lar struck it.
>Knock, knock. <
“The… vault,” Ultraman whispered, his voice a harsh rasp. “Get… to the… vault.”
“Which vault?” Sweeping her hand towards the interior of the Fortress, Superwoman shook her head. “You’ve got DOZENS of vaults, Clark! Which…”
“Heart… of Fortress.”
For a second, Superwoman’s eyes clouded over in puzzlement. Then, in a rush, she understood.
“Johnny!” Her voice rang across the room. “Get Owlman and Raven and retreat to the vault on Level 14! Power Ring! Buy us some time! I’ve got Ultraman,” she finished, hoisting their nearly unconscious leader over her shoulder. As Ultraman’s injured chest came into contact with her back, she heard a faint moan from him, then nothing.
“I’malreadyonmyway,” Johnny said, sweeping up both Raven and Owlman as he raced into the depths of the Fortress. As the remaining Syndicate members followed, Power Ring slowed to a stop after a few moments.
“KEEP GOING!” Power Ring’s command was followed by a tremendous burst of energy from his ring, forming a solid block of emerald energy, completely blocking the corridor behind them. As the sound of his teammate’s running feet faded behind him, a strange quiet fell across the area, broken only by his own heavy breathing.
Faintly, through the green glow, a pale figure came into view.
>You know this won’t stop me, < Te’Lar mentally hissed. >I can become intangible and… <
“Just try it!” Power Ring’s defiant snarl sounded overly loud in the quiet air. “I’ve polarized the energy to match your phase-shift. You try to pass through it, and the energy will rip your molecules apart, scattering them!”
The inhuman face of the Martian smoothed into more human features briefly before returning to their more alien aspect.
>I can’t read your thoughts, Joseph, < Te’Lar mentally growled, his elongated jaws chomping soundlessly. >Why can’t I read your thoughts? Is it because you’ve shielded yourself against me, or is it because you’re THAT afraid of what I’ll do to you? Or is it because you’re lying to me? <
“Phase through the barrier, and let’s find out!” Power Ring retorted.
Glancing at the barrier, the inhuman face flashed a sneer.
>I can go around it just as easily, Joseph, < Te’Lar chuckled in Power Ring’s brain.
Power Ring answered with a sneer of his own. “Not anymore, you can’t!”
Bursting through the floor and roof simultaneously behind Te’Lar, another green barrier sprang into existence, boxing him in.
“Surprise, ugly! I got you!”
Facing Joseph once more, the white Martian bowed mockingly. >Very well. We’ll do this the hard way. <
The sound of Te’Lar’s blows against the green barrier rang through the Fortress like the anvil of the Gods.

LUTHOR’S HEADQUARTERS

Slowly circling the table like a shark, Lex shook his head in puzzlement.
“What do you want me to do with THIS?” Lex asked, motioning to the blue-and-red clad android on the table.
“THAT’S VERY SIMPLE, LEX.” The Brainiac automaton leaned closer. “I WANT YOU TO DOWNLOAD MY CONSCIOUSNESS INTO IT.”
Lex’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You want me to VOLUNTARILY transfer your mind into an Ultrabot?” Lex’s laugh echoed from the confining walls. “Are you crazy? You want me to put THAT kind of power into YOUR hands?”
“IF YOU DO THIS FOR ME,” Brainiac said, its eyes glittering in the semi-dark. “I WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH THE MEANS TO DESTROY THE CRIME SYNDICATE OF AMERIKA ONCE AND FOR ALL.”
Lex gnawed on his lower lip, his conflicting desires warring within him. Finally, he slowly nodded his head. “All right, Brainiac. You’ve got a deal.”

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

Power Ring strained to his utmost, pouring every erg of energy he could into reinforcing the barrier, but in his heart he knew he was losing. Each blow Te’Lar inflicted on the barrier sent icy shards of pain lancing through his mind. Several times, the barrier had flickered, nearly falling. Each time, Joseph reestablished it once more. But it was becoming more difficult. Sweat poured down Joseph’s face as he fought to hold the struggling Martian at bay.
>You know you don’t REALLY want to do this, Joseph. Do you? < Te’Lar’s telepathy rang in Power Ring’s mind as he continued his assault. >You fight the Ring, but it’s getting tougher, isn’t it? <
“Shut up!”
>Really, Joseph, all you have to do is let the barrier down, and I can take away all the pain. <
“Shut UP!”
>Who are you angrier with, Joseph? Alan Scott for giving you the Ring, or yourself for accepting it? <
“SHUT UP! I’M NOT LIKE HIM! I’M NOT!”
Halting his attack, Te’Lar grinned coldly at Power Ring.
>You’re more like him than you know. Now, here it comes, Joseph. <
Pouring his heat-vision onto the emerald obstruction, Te’Lar unleashed an unbelievably powerful blow, shattering the green shield.
Joseph’s scream of agony was mercifully cut short as, clutching his head, he collapsed to the floor.
Slowly walking up to the insensate form of Power Ring, Te’Lar crouched down and placed a hand on his head, his own features returning to their more human countenance.
“Oh, you poor child,” Te’Lar whispered. “Why didn’t you give up sooner? You must have known you didn’t stand a chance against me.” Patting Joseph’s head consolingly, the Martian stood. “Sleep, Joseph. When you awake, this will be over one way or the other. And that ring will someday be your redemption.”

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

Arriving at the vault, Superwoman lowered Ultraman to the floor in front of the massive door. As she straightened, she jerked her head around to look back down the corridor, her head angled to the side.
“Whatisit?” Johnny asked.
“Power Ring,” Superwoman said in a soft voice. Listening intently for a few seconds more, Superwoman’s expression hardened. “He’s coming.”
Johnny didn’t need to ask whom she meant by ‘him.’

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

“Superwoman.”
Turning, the Amazon glanced to the speaker. Struggling to stand, Owlman fought to pull himself up using the wall as a makeshift ladder. Raven, under his mentor’s other arm, helped as well. Grinning at her through a mask of pain, the vigilante motioned to her.
“Help me over to that weapons locker,” he said. “If I can get my hands on some of those energy cannons, I can add them to my armor’s weapons and…”
“N-No.”
All three Syndicate members turned in shock to the author of the voice.
Staggering to his feet, Ultraman braced himself against the vault door behind him. Every movement caused charred bits of his uniform to drift to the floor. Clad from the waist down in the remnants of his uniform, blood oozing from several deep wounds, his entire chest blackened and burnt, Ultraman’s eyes fairly blazed with hatred as he turned to face his teammates.
“N-None… of you… touch… him,” the villain snarled in a grating voice.
“ButBoss…” Johnny began, but was cut short by Ultraman slashing his hand through the air as he shook his head.
“NONE of you,” Ultraman repeated, his eyes burning. Motioning to the injured Owlman, the Syndicate’s leader nodded to Johnny Quick. “Superwoman and I are the ONLY ones who’ll stand a chance against him, and you both know it. Take Owlman and Raven to the Panopticon. Disable the Fortress teleporters once you arrive there. If we survive this,” he added, indicating Superwoman. “We’ll contact you and let you know. Otherwise, notify all the remaining Syndicate members- Triton, Kestrel, Black Arrow and White Canary- notify them ALL. Let them know what’s happening.”
“This isn’t a good idea, Ultraman,” Owlman stated.
“This ISN’T open for debate, Thomas!” Ultraman’s bellow ended with a hacking cough that nearly doubled him over.
For several seconds, the vigilante stared at Ultraman, his eyes clearly expressing the disapproval he dared not voice. Finally, gusting a sigh, Thomas Wayne rubbed a tired hand over his eyes.
“Fine. Johnny, let’s go.”
The words had barely left Owlman’s mouth and they were already gone.
Sagging against the vault door, Ultraman groaned faintly.
Hesitantly, Superwoman placed a hand on his shoulder. “Are you certain of this?”
Ultraman’s head snapped up, an angry retort on his lips until he saw the genuine concern for him on her face. Running a trembling hand through his hair, he paused a moment before shaking his head.
“Not really, no.” His lips curled up in a half smile. “But it’s the best shot we’ve got.”
“I see.” Folding her arms across her chest, Superwoman looked closely at Ultraman’s wounds. “You seem to be healing pretty well.”
Patting a hand on the vault door, Ultraman smiled faintly. “Yeah. Being this close to my kryptonite stockpile is REALLY helping me recover my strength, despite whatever that was Te’Lar shot me with.”
“Are you going to be in good enough shape to take on Te’Lar again?”
Ultraman nodded slowly. “Oh yeah.” Seeing her doubtful expression, Ultraman shrugged. “I don’t have much of a choice, now do I?”
“I suppose not.”
Ultraman glanced at her curiously. “Medea, what happened to us? To you and I?”
Caught off-guard by the question, the Amazon was quiet for a long moment. “W-What do you mean?”
“I mean YOU AND I,” he repeated. “Remember back when we first got married? The two of us taking on the world side-by-side?” He shook his head and smiled. “NOTHING could stand against us!” Slowly, his smile faltered. “What happened?”
“I… don’t know,” she finally admitted, accompanied by a small shrug. “Maybe we should talk about that when all this is over?”
Catching the note of hopefulness in her voice, Ultraman nodded in return. “Yeah, I think we should.” Suddenly, his head snapped around to face down the corridor. “He’s coming.”
As he struggled to pull himself upright, the leader of the Crime Syndicate felt something warm and soft press lightly against his lips.
Pulling away from the kiss, Superwoman’s eyes earnestly met Ultraman’s.
“Don’t you dare die on me, Clark Kent. I’m not through with you.”
Kissing him firmly once more, Superwoman took up a stance beside him as they waited.

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

Slowly rounding the corner, Te’Lar’s eyes met Ultraman’s.
“Well, well, what have we here?” Te’Lar’s voice came out of the inhuman mouth as a gurgling hiss. “The final stand of a desperate man? The last act of defiance?” The Martian’s bellow of laughter thundered through the corridor. “I could have killed you ALL without any of you ever even realizing you were under attack! The only reason I’m giving ANY of you the opportunity to fight back is that I don’t want HIM to die easily!” Te’Lar’s final comment was punctuated by stabbing a finger towards Ultraman.
“You talk big, Casper,” Ultraman sneered. “But, aside from a few lucky shots, I haven’t really seen all that much to be impressed by.”
“Talk all you want, Ultraman,” Te’Lar laughed. “But, in the end, it isn’t ME who’s got his back against the wall, is it?”
“There are walls, Te’Lar… and there are WALLS.” With a low chuckle, Superwoman began dragging the vault door open, casting the entire corridor in an eerie green light that flooded out of the vault. Inside, stacked nearly to the ceiling, hundreds of kryptonite ingots pulsed with radiation.
As the emerald radiance spilled across Ultraman, the villain let out a low hiss as power flooded into his body. His back arched spasmodically as his muscles bulged from the vast energy feeding into them. Stretching his arms out from his sides, the Syndicate leader’s triumphant howl shook the Fortress, drowning out Te’Lar’s own scream of outrage.


LEX LUTHOR’S HEADQUARTERS

Softly knocking on the door, Lex cleared his throat. “D’Allena? May I come in?”
“Yes.” The faint, feminine voice was barely audible.
Entering the semi-darkened room, Lex spotted a slim, chalk-white figure sitting on the edge of the bed. Sitting down next to her, Lex gently placed his hand on her shoulder. “Are you still in contact with Te’Lar?”
“Yes.”
“Is your brother winning?”
“He was. Not anymore.”
“Can he escape?” Lex’s voice held a hopeful note.
Lowering her head, her ghostly-pale hair spilling around her face, D’Allena’s voice was little more than a whisper. “No.”
Carefully choosing his words, Lex’s voice lowered. “Do they intend to… kill him?”
D’Allena’s voice failed her as she merely nodded.
Putting his arm around her shoulders, Lex drew the pale Martian woman to him, her sobs of grief muffled against his chest.


ULTRAMAN’S FORTRESS

Te’Lar was running for his life.
No matter how hard he concentrated, his intangible form refused to slip through the walls or floor of his enemy’s Fortress, forcing him to physically run. To add to the frustration, around every turn, green barriers would spring into life, forcing him to race off in an entirely different direction than before. He’d made so many twists and turns, Te’Lar had long ago lost track of his direction. His mind had retreated to a more primitive state of being: fight or flight.
Te’Lar had chosen ‘flight.’
Unfortunately, he had the distinct feeling he was being herded towards a specific destination.
Rounding a corner at super-speed, Te’Lar jerked to a halt.
The entire room was glowing green.
With a sickening thought, he glanced behind him.
A wall of emerald energy blocked his retreat.
“Going somewhere?”
His lips curled up into a sneer, Owlman stepped out of the shadowed corner and advanced on the Martian. Close behind, Raven’s eyes glittered in the dark. “As you’ve no doubt realized, Power Ring is conscious once more. Y’know, it’s AMAZING what that boy can do with a little helpful direction. Up until now, we’ve played this little game by YOUR rules- we’ve allowed you to run us ragged, keeping us on the defensive, and letting you do whatever you want. You’ve also kept us from thinking straight.” Shaking his head, the vigilante smiled faintly. “That all ends NOW.”
Pulling his hand out from behind his back, Owlman thumbed the flare he held into life, its harsh blue-white light spilling across the room in sharp contrast to the jade glow.
Backing up against the wall, Te’Lar felt the strength swiftly draining from his body. “Killing me won’t help you,” he assured the advancing vigilantes. “If anything, it’ll just make your eventual downfall occur THAT much sooner. I have FRIENDS-”
“I don’t give a damn.”
“They’ll come after you!”
“I don’t give a damn.”
“You’ll be living on borrowed time!”
Reaching his free hand around behind his back, Owlman slowly pulled out a wickedly curved knife. Raven, pulling out his own knife, smiled in anticipation.
“Ultraman said that he wanted you for himself.” Smiling wickedly, the Gotham Crime-Lord shrugged. “Well, if I don’t have much time left, I guess I’d better get started, hadn’t I? I have some questions I’d like answered.” Meeting Te’Lar’s eyes over the knife’s blade, Owlman chuckled. “This is going to hurt. A lot.”


THE PANOPTICON

Hours later, the various Syndicate members gathered in the meeting hall. Entering the room last, casting a withering glare at Owlman, Ultraman carefully lowered himself into his chair. “Well, that’s it. Te’Lar’s body has been disposed of.” Rubbing a hand absently over the bandages covering most of his chest, the Syndicate’s leader continued to scowl at Owlman. ‘You disobeyed me, Owlman. I said that I wanted Te’Lar for myself.”
Owlman shrugged. “You’ll have to forgive me for thinking about eliminating a potentially deadly enemy, rather than your wounded pride.”
Holding Owlman’s gaze a moment longer, Ultraman finally relented. “I’ll let it slide this ONCE. If there’s no other business to attend to, I suggest we adjourn for now.”
As the room emptied, Owlman made his way to Superwoman’s side.
“So,” Owlman asked. “You want to go somewhere and… talk about all this?”
Glancing quickly over her shoulder, Medea shook her head. “No, I… I don’t think that’d be wise.”
Taking a deep breath, Thomas fixed her with a penetrating stare. “Mind if I ask why?”
“Something… happened, Thomas,” she replied, shrugging uncomfortably beneath his gaze. “I don’t know what it is, or why it happened, but I’ve grown… fond of Ultraman.” Twitching her hands helplessly, the Amazon looked away. “I wish I could explain it better.”
“I see,” Owlman said, his tone indicating otherwise.
“I don’t think it’d be wise of us to continue seeing one another,” the Amazon continued. “It’d be best for BOTH of us to just… move on.”
“And if I don’t want to?” Owlman’s question was accompanied by a finger softly stroking down her cheek.
For a second, Superwoman seemed to waver. Then, her eyes flaring in anger, she firmly pushed his hand away. “You haven’t a choice, Owlman. The decision is MINE to make.”
Spinning on her heel, the Amazon stalked out of the room. Watching her leave, Owlman’s eyes narrowed.


ULTRAMAN’S FORTRESS

Later that evening, entering the bedroom suite in the Fortress, Ultraman stopped dead in his tracks at the sight that greeted him.
The terrace’s double doors had been opened wide, allowing the moonlight to wash through the room. Sprawled across the giant bed, her nude form partially draped by the silk sheets, Superwoman smiled back at the villain.
“All Hail the conqueror,” she breathed. “I was beginning to wonder if you’d ever get home to claim your reward.”
“What’s the matter, Owlman not in the mood?” Ultraman snapped.
Superwoman’s smile faltered for a moment before re-asserting itself. “Come on, Clark, do you REALLY want to get into this now?” Sitting up on her haunches, the sheet sliding off her body, Lois raised a coy eyebrow. “Isn’t there SOMETHING else that might be a little more… demanding of your attention?”
Folding his arms, Ultraman merely stared at her, his eyes burning red.
Pouting her lips, Lois ran her hands through her mane of hair as she arched her back, moonlight sparkling off the silver amulet on its chain nestled between her breasts. “What’s the matter? Don’t like what you see?”
“You KNOW I do,” Ultraman muttered, glancing away.
“Then what’s the problem?”
“How do I know I can trust you?” Motioning to her, Ultraman’s scowl returned. “How do I know this isn’t just some ploy of yours to get back in my graces?”
Superwoman’s laughter rang like tiny bells. “Clark, when have you EVER truly trusted me?”
Sitting down on the edge of the bed, eyeing her out of the corner of his eye, Ultraman chuckled softly despite himself. “Point taken.”
Leaning against his shoulder, Lois’s hand slid into his lap. “Just because you don’t trust me, doesn’t mean that we can’t WORK together.” Lightly dragging her lips across his ear, her breath was hot against his skin. “Remember how it was before, when it was just the two of us working together? No-one could stop us, Honey. Remember those nights, after the battles? The two of us all hot and sweaty, hardly being able to wait until we were alone?” Nibbling at his earlobe, she chuckled throatily. “It can be that way again, Clark.”
“Y’know, there’s some days I REALLY hate you,” he growled, trying to ignore what her hand was doing in his lap.
Superwoman chuckled. “Well, MOST of you might hate me. I can think of one part of you that rather likes me, Clark.” Chuckling again, she tossed her hair over her shoulder. “And seems to like me a LOT.”
“Bitch,” he muttered. But there was no anger behind his voice.
“And you wouldn’t have me any other way, Husband,” she whispered hotly, pushing him down onto the bed. “Now, let’s see what we can do about this rather confining uniform of yours.”

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

Basking in the afterglow, softly nuzzling his neck, Superwoman’s finger traced lazy circles on Ultraman’s chest. “So, Honey,” she purred. “Find out anything interesting while you were in the other universe?”
Turning his head to look at her, Ultraman’s eyes narrowed in irritation. “Kinda brassy of you, don’t you think? Asking me about my little ‘trip’ to the other side?” His voice dropping slightly, Ultraman’s eyes glowed faintly. “A trip, I might add, that YOU helped send me on?”
Lois playfully nudged him in the arm. “Oh, come on! You KNOW Te’Lar had a hand in ‘changing’ my mind to help him- Brainiac’s examination proves it. You know damn well I wouldn’t do something like THAT on my own volition.”
Ultraman’s lips curled up into a wicked smile as he rolled over to face her. “I know, Lois,” he chuckled. “You’d rather have a body as proof that I’m dead, right?”
She nodded, planting a kiss on the end of his nose. “Exactly. Seriously, though- what’d you learn?”
Lightly running a finger down her torso, Ultraman shrugged depreciatingly. “Oh, I just accessed and memorized the files of EVERY known meta-human with ties to the Justice League, or even those that have just MET the League. As well as the files of the League members themselves.”
“How many files is that?”
“About twelve-hundred, total.”
Superwoman’s eyes widened. “You’re kidding, right?”
Ultraman shook his head. “Nope.”
“They didn’t try and stop you? Wipe your memory clean?”
Ultraman shook his head once more. “They didn’t even know I did it.”
“T-That’s AMAZING!” Placing her hand on the side of his face, she drew him closer. “You know what that means? That means we know all there is to know about them!”
“It means MORE than that, Lois,” Ultraman corrected. “It means that, should we decide to expand the Syndicate, we now have a very good idea of where to begin. Assuming that the duplication process between worlds holds true, we can go into almost ANY situation against ANY meta-human with at least somewhat of an idea of what we’re up against.” His smile widening, the Tyrant of Steel chuckled darkly. “And that gives us an advantage no-one can touch.”
“Well, well,” she murmured silkily. Rolling him onto his back, Superwoman’s own smile matched her husband’s. “I think that this calls for another reward for you, don’t you think so?”
Ultraman had no argument.



EPILOGUE

Ultraman stood on the mountaintop, his eyes staring into the distance. In front of him, the setting sun cast its final golden rays across his face, illuminating his scowl. As he stared into the sun’s face, his ears picked up the soft sound of wind passing over a flying body.
“You’re late,” Ultraman rumbled.
Landing gently on the rocky ground behind Ultraman, Captain Terror chuckled. “Yeah. So what?”
Slowly, Ultraman turned to face the only man on the planet he considered to be his equal.
“You knew,” Ultraman accused in a soft voice. “The whole time that Te’Lar was posing as a member of my Crime Syndicate, you KNEW.”
Captain Terror nodded.
“And it never occurred to you that, once he was done with us, he might turn on YOU?”
“It occurred to me,” Captain Terror confessed. “But, in all honesty, I wasn’t all THAT concerned. I figured that, once he was finished with the lot of you, he wouldn’t be in all that good of shape. Then, he’d be easy pickings for me.”
Ultraman stared hard at Terror, his eyes smoldering. “Someday, Captain, I’m going to kill you.”
Terror shrugged, a lazy smile spreading across his face. “Maybe, maybe not. That’s what makes this so fun.”
Ultraman was taken aback. “Fun?”
Terror nodded. “Fun.”
The corner of Ultraman’s mouth turned up in a smirk. “You have an awfully perverted sense of the word ‘fun,’ Captain.”
The Captain’s laughter rang across the sky. “I’ve been accused of having a ‘perverted sense’ of a LOT of things, Ultraman. This is just one more for the list!”
Ultraman sighed theatrically.
Seeing the Syndicate member’s exasperation, Terror relented. “Ultraman, we are perhaps the two most singularly powerful beings on this planet,” Terror explained. “Barring injury, we are also perhaps nigh-immortal. Believe me, we NEED each other.”
“Need? I don’t know-”
“How many times can you play your little game with Owlman?” Terror asked suddenly. “How many times can you go through the same motions before you become bored with it and kill him? How many times can he hold that threat of the ‘negatives’ over your head before you just stop caring about them and simply eliminate him?”
Ultraman opened his mouth to reply, but realized he didn’t know the answer.
Captain Terror, seeing Ultraman’s confusion, nodded solemnly. “You’re already becoming bored with it, aren’t you?”
Faintly, Ultraman nodded. Meeting Terror’s gaze, Ultraman’s eyebrow rose slightly. “And YOU aren’t getting bored with Faucett City? All those games Bloody Mary and Major Terror are playing with YOU aren’t getting tired?”
The Captain raised a hand. “I didn’t say that. All I’m saying is that, in the long run, we NEED each other. Besides,” he added. “Admit it- you LIKE the challenge I pose for you. You ENJOY the fact I’m tougher to get rid of than all your OTHER opponents.”
Ultraman shrugged, remaining silent.
As he turned to leave, Captain Terror paused, glancing down from above Ultraman with a thoughtful look on his face.
“You ever thought about what we might be able to accomplish if we teamed up?”
Ultraman laughed. “It’d never work- we’re to much alike.”
“Maybe,” Terror replied, a smile growing on his face. “But it makes for some damn interesting possibilities.”
Rising into the sky, Terror vanished into the distance, leaving Ultraman alone on the mountain peak.

To be continued in THE GATHERING STORM

[dans]

Haven't read these yet, John, but I will. Thanks for publishing them!