J.L.Avengers #2

[Wonderphoenix]

Justice League Avengers #2

The Skrull Invasion of Earth
Part II – The Gathering

Written By: Kyle Jones (Wonderphoenix)
Co-Plotted By: Luke Nester (Pyrceval)



New York City
The United Nations

Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon sat at a table in the underground bunker looking intently at laptop before him. Video of President Ross streamed across a secure feed relayed from Air Force One. “President Ross….Peter….are we ready for this?”

“There is no choice, Secretary,” President Ross responded. “Already there are reports of looting and rioting in several major cities. I have reports of Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, Denver, Dallas, and others where several officers have been killed as they attempt to restore some sense of order.”

“I’m getting the same reports out of London,” Tony Blair added. “I have alerted Torchwood and Unit. They are doing all they can to help prevent any further violence and to protect the Queen.” Blair sat silently for a moment. “And, I have also received word that Britain is without a Prime Minister as our current PM was killed this morning in an explosion.”

“What about the royal family?” Ki-Moon asked as he turned to his colleague.

“Charles and the boys have been sent by armed escort to Wakanda – where we at least know it will be safe.” Blair replied.

“And Queen Elizabeth?” President Ross added.

“She is with the family,” Blair answered. “We plan to leak information to the media that she is with the family. For her safety, however, she has been taken off-world.”

Knowing that Great Britain has always had a flair for things magical and extraterrestrial – even more so than the US – President Ross knew what Tony Blair told him to be truth. “I assume she is with the one she refers to as her doctor.”

“Yes,” Blair answered. “She was injured slightly in the initial onslaught. However, he is not simply a doctor…he is THE doctor.”

“What is the state of the Wakandan King,” Ki-Moon interjected. “When is King T’Challa scheduled to arrive here?”

“He should be here at any time,” Blair stated as he walked over and poured himself a glass of water. “We need to start gathering the troops.” He returned and looked down at the computer. “What about Superman? Have you heard from him?”

Ross looked at the locater beacon, with its S-shape, sitting on the table next to him. The S blinked red. “This plane can not stay in flight forever, and, with the invasion, it is not safe to do so any more than I have to. I am going to meet with Superman at an undisclosed island location. Superman, I hope, is in route to escort this plane to that location even as we speak.”

“As for us,” Ki-Moon added, “we will wait for T’Challa to arrive and then begin making plans to help stop these riots and then coordinate a counter attack on the aliens.” He paused. “Obviously, their lack of communication with us either signals a lack of ability to communicate . . . . or they simply wish to enslave or eradicate humanity.I sincerely hope that it is not the latter.”

[Wonderphoenix]

Aboard the lead Skrull Warship. . .


“How goes the planetary assault,” Kr’ylln asked as he dismissed two soldiers to return to their posts.

“Many of their monuments have been destroyed and they have begun to attack themselves as if they were savages.” N’Karm replied. “Obviously, their civilization isn’t as advanced as we had thought. Many reports are coming in and they are all in our favor.”

“As should it be,” Kr’ylln stated emphatically. “All glory to all that is Skrull and all that is Emperor Sk’all.” Kr’ylln turned to his first mate. “We will exterminate these animals; leaving only a fourth of the population to be used as slaves in helping to rebuild that which is Skrull.”

“They have no defenders….except for foot soldiers and some air constructs.”

“They can’t even obtain orbit. All they have are primitive beacons floating around their Orb.”

“Are you ready to send in our own foot soldiers to start rummaging through the fodder to find the best fit for slaves?”

“No,” Kr’ylln answered. “Not yet and not soon. If we are able to take this world without a single casualty to our troops, the story of this conquest will grow and be celebrated as an ultimate victory in the future histories. All glory to the Skrull Empire and All glory to Emperor Sk’all."

All glory to the Skrull Empire,” N’Karm joined in unison. “All glory to Emperor Sk’all. May this simple planet become the richest and bravest of all Skrull worlds and may it surpass even the glory and history of our previous Throneworld.”

“Never forget Throneworld!” he exclaimed. “Never forget that which was done by him that came to destroy it.”

“My apologies,” N’Karm pleaded in fear that his words has been too presumptuous. “I only meant to glorify the Empire.”

“And that you did,” Kr’ylln responded; his furor diminished. “Never forget why we are here and what we must do.” He looked out the side window and down at the planet below. “We are here for the survival of our race. Conquest is necessary to the glory of the Empire.”

[Wonderphoenix]

LBC (Luthor Broadcast Company) Headquarters
Los Angeles, California


Janet Van Dyne walked into the studio that would have normally been the set of the early morning chat-fest, The View. As moderator of the show, Janet led the other ladies in topics ranging from national and international politics to the latest fashion in Europe. Today, however, there would be no “Hot Topics”. There would be no View. Today, Janet sits alone at the table and faces the camera.

“I would normally begin by saying something like welcome to the show,” she began. “We at LBC feel that it would be highly inappropriate to host a talk show in the midst of what is going on around the world.” Janet stared intently at the camera. “As we reported yesterday, there are riots in several major cities…..Los Angeles amongst them. The public safety has been put in jeopardy and we urge civilians to stay inside their homes. We also urge local and state police to remain steadfast and not abandon their posts as some did during the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Finally, we ask that you offer a prayer to whatever god you worship in hopes that this invasion will cease and we can once again all be safe.”

She sat there quietly as a video was broadcast to provide the viewers with information on shelters and evacuation routes. After its completion, the image of Janet returned to the screen. “All of you know me and know that I am also a public safety advocate as The Wasp. That is no secret. Yet, today, I wonder what I can do to help? I fear that my abilities wouldn’t make a difference against our attackers.”

She began to lose her composure but quickly regained it. “I suppose the best service I can provide at this point is to do what I am doing now – providing you with the most up-to-date information possible. In the meantime, if you need assistance, please call the national FEMA hotline at 1-888-555-5848. Volunteers are standing by and are ready to assist. If you know of someone who doesn’t have electricity or might not be able to get news information, we ask that you pass their names and locations along to us so that we might send assistance to them.”

Jan looked once more into the camera and was silent for a few seconds. Then, with renewed vigor, she continued. “We will survive. If anything, the human race is a race of survivors.” She looked at the teleprompter as it signaled for her to go to break. “The station will be dark for the next fifteen minutes for an extended break in the broadcast in memoriam for those who have already lost their lives in these attacks. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.”

Jan was no longer able to maintain her composure and began to cry as televisions across the nation faded to black.

[Wonderphoenix]

Meanwhile, at the United Nations . . .


The air seemed to shiver and vibrate as a small aircraft uncloaked and landed on the lawn in frontof the United Nations as armed personnel rushed to greet the plane. The side door slid open and a tall man exited and was followed by several aides ranging from what seemed very young to quite old. Other than the tall man, they all wore traditional African garments. He, instead, wore a skin tight black suit composed of a vibranium weave that protected his body from harm. A golden cord, made of the finest silk, was attached to two lion pendants above each shoulder. These, in turn, helped to hold a mid length cape that draped down half of his body.

“Glad you were able to make if safely, Your Majesty,” one guard stated as they began to walk inside.

“The King is happy to be here,” an elder aide replied. The guard knew immediately that he had overstepped protocol by addressing the King personally. For a quick moment, the guard contemplated apologizing for the misstep but decided against it. Instead, they continued silently down the hall, to the elevators, and finally to the underground bunker. The men seated in the room stood to greet him.

“Please, be seated,” King T’Challa said as he entered. “We are all on common ground and share a most vital common cause. There are no needs for formalities between us.”

“I agree,” Ki-Moon responded. “We, nevertheless, are still happy to see you made it safely.”

“What of the Justice Resolution?” T’Challa asked as he immediately wished to discuss the global situation. “And, for that matter, where is President Ross?”

“Ross is on his way to meet with Superman even as we speak,” Blair answered. “Their location is secret even to us but, according to Ross, was a part of the Resolution.”

T’Challa took a seat. “I am sure you are all wondering what, in the meantime, we can do to safeguard all our people around the world.” One of his aides handed him a report and, after opening and reading it, addressed the others.

“The nation of Wakanda developed the technology for a shield several years ago that would potentially isolate the nation and protect it from hostile invaders. So, over the past five years, my people have worked diligently in order to test and fortify such a shield. Now, we have implemented said shield and it has saved Wakanda.”

“Why not share this shield with other nations?” Ki-Moon questioned. “Why did you keep this to yourself?”

“I have my reasons and they are my own,” T’Challa replied. “Regardless of those, I will tell you this. The fact of economics would have prevented many nations from obtaining it. This would have given some nations an unfair advantage over those who did not have the financial resources to purchase the technology. If I were to release this outside the boarders of my country, I wanted to be sure that all nations would have access. If I were to give it at no fee to one nation, how, then, can I refuse the request of another?” He looked directly at Ki-moon. “So, there is my answer.”

“All is understandable,” Blair added. “We now have to wait on Ross to get back here with Superman so that we can address the nations and start to develop a central form of resistance to protect ourselves from these creatures.”

“You have Superman,” T’Challa commented. “Know as well, for as long as Wakanda is a member of the United Nations, you will have the support not only of the nation but of the Black Panther as well.”

[Wonderphoenix]

Smallville, Kansas
The Luthor Mansion



“I thought you would be here,” Lionel Luther said as he entered his son’s office. “Hiding out from the invasion??”

Lex Luthor, a strikingly handsome man in his early thirties glared up from the desk at his aging father – a man who even today still caused a knot to form in his stomach each time they were together. “That is your way, Dad.” Lex retorted. “Why aren’t you trying to find Clark and see if he can save the world?” He reached for his brandy and took a sip. “Hell, everyone always knew that you would rather have the alien freak as a son than me.”

Lionel came closer to his son and stopped in front of the desk. “Now is not the time, Lex. I simply wanted to see if you were okay and ask that you come with me. I know people who have safe houses and are ready to take both of us. All you have to do is come with me.”

“Dad, your concern touches me,” Lex sarcastically responded. “It might mean something to me if I thought you truly meant it.” He took another sip. “Go on to your safe house. Luthorcorp isn’t going to run itself and, after this invasion is over, someone has to be there to pick up the pieces and I intend to be that someone.”

“You assume that we will survive,” Lionel added.

“Isn’t that something you have always taught me – to survive?”

Lionel didn’t respond but, instead, turned around and left. The conversation was pointless as he knew Lex was not going to change his mind. Lionel shook his head. You are a product of what I raised you to be. How could I expect you to be any different?

[Wonderphoenix]

“Brace yourself, Mr. President,” the pilot announced. “We have reached the coordinates and are about to make our landing.”

President Ross looked outside the window and saw the ground grow larger and more defined as Air Force One began to lose altitude. Suddenly, something flew by the plane so fast that it was almost a blur. Ross smiled.

Within a few seconds, a man dressed in a blue body suit made of unstable molecules with red boots and a large S emblazoned on his chest, flew beside the plane. A flowing red cape wisped in the wind. Their eyes met and nods were exchanged.

Superman had arrived.

The plane landed and Ross emerged along with the two pilots and several secret service agents.

“Mr. President,” the pilot said quietly. “I want you to know that, at this point, we have no idea where we are.”

Ross turned to the pilot. “What do you mean you don’t know where we are?” By this time, Superman stood beside them.

“I mean we have no clue as to where this island came from! It isn’t on any maps and didn’t appear on our radar until we reached the coordinates you provided.”

Ross now turned his attention to Superman. “Do you have any thoughts on the matter?”

“I only arrived from Metropolis to provide escort minutes before you landed and was going solely on the coordinates you provided just like the pilot said.”

Ross reached into his briefcase and pulled out the document that was the Justice Resolution. “Superman and I need a moment alone. If you all would board the plane, I will let you know when we finish.”

The pilots did as they were asked but several secret service agents were hesitant about leaving. “With all due respect, Mr. President,” one timidly said, “we don’t want to leave you unarmed and in danger.”

For the first time in days, President Ross was able to laugh. “I appreciate the sentiment. But, to be blunt, if I am standing with Superman and he can not protect me, then I deserve to be killed.” The agent turned and motioned for the others to follow.

President Ross and Superman stood alone on the beach.

“So, old friend,” Ross said, losing the Presidential stance and acting more like a friend with his old buddy, “what do you think of our world going to hell?”

“It won’t be another Krypton, Pete,” Superman responded. “I love this planet too much to not protect it.”

“Clark,” Ross, knowing that those on the plane couldn’t hear him call Superman by his real name, continued, “I am out of my element here. I mean, we are truly a world at war. What are we supposed to do?”

“I was hoping you could answer that question.”

“The former President gave me this folder on the day I took the Oath of Office.” He held it up and showed it to Superman. “I was told that I would know when I needed to use it and, hopefully, would never have to do so.”

Superman took the document from his friend and looked at it. “It’s very old.”

“It is the original that FDR wrote and used back in the 40’s when he created the Invaders and the Justice Society. It leaves instructions on what to do should a situation become so dire that no mortal military – of any branch or nation –could hold back the tide of war. It even includes an address from FDR to the next President to use it.”

“Do you mind if I take a look?” Superman asked.

“Sure, I was going to ask you to read it anyway.”

[Wonderphoenix]

From the pages of the Justice Resolution . . .


Dear Future President,

I hope and pray that this day finds you well. But, it is my fear that, by your reading this document, an event has occurred that caused this resolution to be used once more. Included in the pages that follow are guidelines on establishing a force that can be used for justice.

I don’t know your year and I don’t know the state of the Union. What I do know is – you think you are alone and you fear, as any man of integrity should, that you are about to fail miserably and not protect the American people. Let me assure you that you are not alone in your feelings. Just as Washington was before Jefferson and he was before Lincoln, we have all been faced with circumstances that seemed insurmountable.

But, you will find, if you are true to yourself, you will hopefully emerge with victory. For, in the end, those who choose to do for their fellow man will reap rewards.

Nevertheless, to the task at hand, you must take those of power – these people we currently call Mystery Men – and enlist their aid to form a Justice Society or Invaders of your own. And, to do so, I first send you to an island not located on any map. You will find the coordinates on the pages that follow. From there, you will then search and enlist those who are virtuous and pure of heart. Only then will you have your Justice and, only then, will the resolution be completed.

I close in wishing you Godspeed. May your trial, whatever it may be, end in peace.

Yours truly,

Franklin D. Roosevelt

[Wonderphoenix]

Superman put the document back into the file and gave it to President Ross. “So, obviously we were supposed to come here as the first step in this Resolution. What is supposed to happen now?”

“That is what I want to know,” Ross replied. “Regardless of why we were asked to come here, we need to decide who we have to enlist into this new society.”

“They are expecting a lot from us, you know. People look at me – at Superman – and see a symbol of freedom. They don’t see the real me – the real Clark Kent. All they see and know is Superman and it is going to take a lot more than just me to halt this invasion.”

“So, I ask you again. Who do you recommend?”

“There is a guy out of Gotham, or at least that is what I hear from my contacts on the street, who scares and intimidates the street gangs and thugs of the city. I don’t know but I am not sure if this is the type of person we want on the team.”

“If only Captain America were still alive and hadn’t been listed MIA after WWII,” Ross added, “You two would have made an excellent figurehead who all the other heroes could rally around.”

“But we don’t have Capt…..” But, before Superman continued, his superhuman hearing caught the sound of horses running in the distance. Ross knew that Superman had heard something and began to look around. Finally, they both looked at the end of the beach and saw dozens of female warriors riding the horses toward their location.

All horses were either black or brown except one. This one horse, white with a matching mane that seems to flow with the wind, carried a woman dressed in white silk robes. Her golden hair partly fell upon her shoulders as the remaining hair was tied into a braid that was intertwined within a golden crown.

The horses halted in front of them.

“Hola!” the woman said. "What mortal man dares set foot on this island?"

“You speak English?” Ross questioned in disbelief.

Another woman, with long red hair instead, spoke up. “Do not question the Queen!” She dismounted and pointed her javelin at him. The agents, seeing what was happening, exited the plane and started to run toward the President. Ross quickly turned and motioned for them to stop.

“We meant no disrespect,” Superman spoke up in hopes of defusing the situation. “We were instructed to come here – wherever here is.”

The woman on the white horse dismounted as well and approached Superman. “So, this is the champion of Patriarch’s World now?" She stepped back to get a better look. "The colors are the same as he who was here before.”

“With all respect,” Ross interjected. “To whom do you refer? Who has been here before?”

“The American Captain,” she answered. “He crashed here many decades ago and was nursed by my daughter.”

“This American Captain,” Superman asked, “was he dressed in a uniform similar to the American flag?”

“I have never seen this American Flag of which you speak,” she replied. “Nonetheless, it was his garments that provided the inspiration for the uniform my daughter used when she briefly ventured out into Patriarch’s World with him.”

It had become clear to both President Ross and Superman of whom she spoke.

“This daughter,” Ross added. “What is she called?”

“To me, she is daughter,” the woman replied. “To my fellow Amazons, she is Princess Diana. To you, however, she was known as Wonder Woman.”



To Be Continued . . .