J.L.Avengers #5

[Wonderphoenix]

Justice League Avengers #5

The Skrull Invasion of Earth
Part V: Justice For All

Written & Edited by: Kyle Jones (Wonderphoenix)
Plot-Assists by: Luke Nester (Pyrceval)

“It’s not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what’s required.”

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Sir Winston Churchill[/center]


Aboard the invisible ship



“You do realize,” The Watcher began, “that you have broken the sacred code.” The Monitor said nothing. “What happens this day will not be undone.” The Monitor said nothing. “We were to only record. Now, this interference could cause others from our races to do the same.” Uatu continued to berate his colleague. “If that were to happen across the infinite, it would be disastrous. It could one day cause . . . a potential crisis.”

Finally, looking out into vastness of space with inhuman eyes, The Watcher saw a greenish hue in the distance. “It is too late to turn back. They come.”

Still, The Monitor said. . . . . . nothing.

[Wonderphoenix]

Metropolis



“We're doing it,” Superman shouted. “They are retreating back to their ships.” Superman glanced down at the assembled heroes below as they continued to press forward. Pride swelled within him for the heroes of his adopted planet but his attention quickly returned to the ascending ships. It would be so easy to blast them out of the sky with my heat vision but I can’t do it. Never would I take a life.
The Wasp flew from the ground level and stopped a few inches from Superman’s face. “The Black Panther wants to know what's next since all of the ground forces have begun to retreat. “

“Ask him to help coordinate relief efforts amongst the heroes and to do what he thinks is best. I trust his judgment.”

“What about you?”

“I have an appointment with at the U.N.”

“Superman, do you think it is over? I mean, with this retreat. Do you think we’ve won?”

Superman floated in the air, looked at the miniature heroine, and shook his head in disagreement. “I don’t think so. While we might have put up a good fight down there, this is too easy. “He turned his gaze upwards and, with telescopic vision, watched the ascended ships return to the motherships. “Something else is happening.”

[Wonderphoenix]

The lead Skrull Warship




“The order to return has gone out to all armada currently on the planet,” N’Karm reported.

“Good,” Kr’ylln responded. “Once all have returned, notify the commanding officers of each mothership and inform them to move into annihilation formation.”

N’Karm almost jumped with anticipation. “Then you’ve received word from Emperor Sk’all! We can destroy this orb that has given us so much trouble.”

“Contain your anticipation, N’Karm. We have much work to do in a very short time.” Kr’ylln turned to another aide. “Inform Emperor Sk’all that we should be ready to depart within another of the planet’s rotation. Find out to where we will travel next.”

The aide, along with N’Karm, hurriedly left the room each almost seething anticipation and excitement for the events to come.

[Wonderphoenix]

Deep Space




They continued to advance toward the Milky Way.

Representative of Sector 1053, a six armed blue skinned humanoid, flew faster until he flew side-by-side with the Representative of Sector 2814. “The scouts have just intercepted a communiqué between the lead ship and the Emperor’s ship.”

“And?” 2814 responded.

“It isn’t good,” 1053 replied. “They are planning to move onward in search of a new planet.”

“What isn’t good about that?”

1053 hesitated. “They plan to destroy the planet.”

2814 took a deep breath before she said anything else. Then, after a brief moment of silence, she brought her white gloved fist close to her mouth and spoke into the green ring on her finger. “Attention all Corps! We’ve gotta put some fire behind us if we are going to get there in time. They’re about to destroy the planet and I can’t let that happen to my home.”

With renewed vigor and speed, the Green Lantern Corps continued toward Earth. Green Lantern 2814, a mask matching her uniform covering her entire face, took another breath. I’m coming home – just still be there by the time I get there.

[Wonderphoenix]

The lead Skrull Warship



N’Karm returned and stood next to Kr’ylln. “We are in annihilation formation. Several of the other ships, however, are concerned about the amount of energy this will take from our reserves. They wonder if you have made the right decision.” N’Karm continued before Kr’ylln could respond. “I told them that you were not to be questioned and that if they continued to do so they would be relieved of command. “

“Are the cannons charged?”

“Yes, and we await your command.”

Kr’ylln looked once again at the planet below. You would have made such a great new Throneworld! He turned to N’Karm. “Tell the others, on my mark, FIRE!”

[Wonderphoenix]

Above the United Nations



Clearly troubled, Superman floated above the United Nations knowing that he had told his friend he would return to meet with him and other world leaders.

Sorry, Pete. He thought. I've got to get back to the others. I've got a bad feeling about this.

[Wonderphoenix]

Metropolis
The gathered heroes



The Wasp stood alongside The Black Panther and her fiancé, the size changing Giant Man as they gazed up into the sky. “I wish Superman was here,” she commented. Wonder Woman and Captain Harkness joined them.

“We stand here in wait unlike warriors,” Wonder Woman questioned. “Why do we wait?” Before anyone could answer a ship flew in from the horizon and the heroes scattered to allow it to land. Wakandan markings adorned each side.

The Black Panther turned to her. “We wait no longer.” He then addressed the assembly. “My fellow defenders, there is obviously not room for all of us on this ship. For those of you who are able to survive in the coldness of space, I ask that you accompany us. For those of you who cannot, I ask that you continue with the relief efforts. I can only take four others with me aboard this ship.” He looked at those standing closest to him. “You four will do.”

Wonder Woman, The Wasp & Giant Man, and Captain Harkness boarded the ship followed by the Panther. Within seconds, the ship silently rose from the ground and ascended rapidly.

“You heard him, people,” Supergirl yelled as she took to flight. “Let’s go!”

Lois grabbed Jimmy by the arm and pointed at the heroes. Jimmy then began clicking away with his camera.

Supergirl was joined by several others – some she recognized and some she didn’t. Who’s the chick in the white leotard, red cape, and blue boots who looks like she came from a Pam Anderson convention? I mean, please, Kal-El says my costume is too revealing! HA! I wonder if he’s seen her!?

The thought quickly passed as she was joined by a woman in a blood red body suit with silver spikes protruding from around the neck and then along the arms and down her legs. Her face was ghostly white with reddish black tattoos spiraling out from her nose. Finally, yellow telekinetic energy crackled around her head and hands. This hero, unlike the other, she knew. This was Marvel Girl. “Ready for this, Rache?”

“As ready as I will ever be!”

“Then let’s do this!!”

Marvel Girl outstretched her arms and the yellow energy began to flow and become even brighter until it covered her entirely. Then, following the ship, both women felt the sudden jolt as they left Earth’s atmosphere. <Don’t worry about me. My telekinetics will shield me.>

Suddenly, a blue blur flew by and stopped directly in front of the ship.

Superman had arrived.

[Wonderphoenix]

Aboard the Wakandan Ship



“There positioning has changed,” Giant Man stated. “When they first arrived they were strategically orbiting the entire planet. Now they are all gathered into one spot.”

“What does that mean?” The Wasp asked.

“It means,” interjected the Panther, “that it isn’t good. They’re planning something.”

Captain Harkness pulled out a gadget from his coat pocket and looked at the readings. He leaned up and showed it to Giant Man. “My scanner shows a massive energy buildup. Are the ship’s sensors showing the same thing?”

The Panther pressed a few buttons and a similar reading appeared on the display. “Oh, hell! I know what they’re doing.”

[Wonderphoenix]

Aboard the Skrull Ship



“READY. AIM. FIRE!”[/size]

[Wonderphoenix]

Earth’s Orbit



All at once the motherships began to hum with energy until a discharge was released from each and the beams seemed to intertwine until they became one. Superman and Supergirl moved to intercept but were both pulled back by Marvel Girl’s telekinetic grasp. <I know my TK can't hold you or Superman but you know you can’t survive that!>

There was nothing to do but watch what were mere seconds that seemed eternal.

Then, without warning just as it had been at the beginning of the invasion, an energy shield of emerald energy encased the planet. On the surface the sky appeared to change from blue to green.

[glow=red,2,300]BZZZAMMM![/glow]

The beam hit the shield and began to disperse.



The heroes in orbit and aboard the ship looked out to see what looked like hundreds – maybe a thousand or so – emerald warriors each wearing a ring releasing green energy.

The Green Lantern Corps had arrived.

After about a minute, one half the formation broke off and focused their shields on the motherships thus preventing them from retreating. The Skrulls began firing upon the shields but to no avail.

Finally, Green Lantern of Sector 2814 flew into view of the heroes. She brought her ring to her face and spoke. A small device, similar to a Bluetooth phone earpiece, appeared on the ear of each hero. “Sorry it took us so long to get here.” She looked at the battered heroes and focused on Superman. “I really am sorry. My training and my duties on Oa have taken me away from this sector for too long. Again, I’m SO sorry.”

Superman addressed the Lantern, along with the rest of the Corps, and smiled a smile of relief. “I think I speak for us all when I say you arrived not a moment too soon. I said when this first started that it was not a job for just Superman.” He tried to make eye contact with as many Green Lantern’s as possible. “But this isn’t over.”

2814 nodded in agreement. “You’re right. We have to do something with our uninvited guests.”

[Wonderphoenix]

Aboard the lead Skrull Warship



Green Lanterns of Sectors 2814, 1258, 2819, 1002 & 2734 materialized along with Superman, Supergirl, Black Panther, Wonder Woman, and – last but not least – Captain Harkness. And, thanks to the Lanterns’ rings, understanding was universal.

Emperor Sk’all and Kr’ylln faced their accusers.

“You have no right to be here!” Kr’ylln exclaimed. “This is the right of all things Skrull!” Superman moved to speak but was stopped by 2814. “It is our right. This planet, once foretold, is ours to do with as we wish – be it destroy or not.”

Superman could not be held any longer. “You dare come to this planet, without any thought of what is already here, and lay waste to the nations. What gives YOU the right?”

“You’re an alien,” Emperor Sk’all accused. “Why feel such for this lowly orb? You can obviously travel via spacebound. I bid the join us and turn on these savages. You need not protect them as we can lead you to glory.”

“My cousin would never join you green freaks,” Supergirl interjected as she pointed her finger into the face of the Emperor. “You disgusting little imps. Why, I have half a nerve to. . .”

“SUPERGIRL!” Superman placed his hand on his cousin’s shoulder, to which she shrugged off, and she moved back in line with the others. The Royal Guard attempted to draw their weapons but was unable to do so thanks to the Lanterns.

“Bickering back and forth is not why we are here,” 1258, with its four eyes and eight orange arms, stated. “This planet is under the protection of the Green Lantern Corps as is any inhabited planet in this system or any other system.” It turned to the Emperor. “And, for you, had you contacted your own Green Lantern of your sector, we would have dispatched an envoy to assist in your recovery and in hopes of finding you a new home.”

“What do you mean recovery?” Wonder Woman inquired.

The Emperor, almost if in shame, held is head low but spoke. “The Great Devourer came to our system and destroyed Throneworld. Our mighty race, decimated. That is why we are here.”

“You came here in search of a new home?” Captain Harkness asked in disbelief. “Why didn’t you just ask for help? Why come, invade, and destroy?” He shook his head and rolled his eyes.

“We are SKRULL!” Kr’ylln answered. “We do NOT beg for help.”

2814, her face covered as always, took a cue from her fellow Corp member by addressing the Emperor yet again. “This is over and this is not open to discussion by you or by any of the Earth heroes. By decree and by authority of the Green Lantern Corps, the Skrull invasion force will be escorted out of this system by one half of the Lanterns present outside. The other Lanterns, me included, will remain on the planet to assist in rebuilding.” Kr’ylln started to protest but was stopped by the Emperor. “Once you are out of the system, you will be escorted back to Oa for trial against the inhabitants of Space Sector 2814.” She looked at everyone in attendance. “Any questions?”

“The nations of Earth will not be this forgiving,” added the Panther.

“Then, we must, together, teach them to be,” Wonder Woman whispered.

The Panther reluctantly agreed. "This won't be over truly until the nations of Earth are addressed and we can start recovering from this disaster." He shook his head. "We've got to head to the UN."

[Wonderphoenix]

“It appears that your plan worked,” The Watcher coldly stated.

“It would appear that way,” The Monitor replied.

“Then, for that, I am pleased.”

The Monitor stood silently as The Watcher left the room. Then, he returned his gaze to the planet below.

Crisis averted, he thought. No Crisis…yet.

The End

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