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***HR. Sol System, Watch Tower Station.***

Another day, another month, another briefing. Contained with in the headquarters module or as it is called by the junior members. The room with the big table. It was filled to the brim with the senior members of the Justice League: International. Along with Warden, and Supernatural Community members. Once a month they would gather up and discuss the issues they were facing. Though not everyone could attend each meeting due to scheduling. The HQ module was built like a modern day amphitheater. Descending stairway, and seating. Focused around a stage and or podium for the current speaker. The current HQ module could hold about 500 people easily enough. Though only about 50 or so showed up.

“Alright, hello everyone! Thank you for coming. I understand we all have a lot going on so we'll try to keep this short.” Superman addressed the whole room as he stood at the podium addressing the senior staff of the JLI.

“The Bat-Family will not be attending the meeting. They are dealing with a family issue. Wraith also not be attending, he is helping the Bat-Family with their issue.” Superman said to the room. A few people mumbled questions but had no real intention of voicing their concerns.

“The King, and Queen of Atlantis regret they can not come to the meeting. Their is a political disagreement happening between some of the high borne.” Former Queen Atlanna said from her position, a few people in the room understood the issue.

“I'm not entirely sure I should even be here!” Fire aka Beatriz da Costa said from her spot on the table. She was representing the JLI branch in Rio de Janeiro. Fire, and her team mate Ice had been recruited by Wraith. (Chapter 79)

“You, and Ice have seniority in your part of the world. Ice nominated you so she could stay and help with the city. Next meeting she'll come, and you can stay behind.” Superman said with a genuine smile and Fire blushed just a bit.

“No te preocupes, te ayudaré.” A man said next to Fire who smiled at him. (Don't worry, I'll help you out.)

The man who spoke was the superhero named Iman (Magnet) aka Diego Irigoyen. He was a Tech-Genius who worked with super powered armor and worked out of Mexico City. Diego stood at approximately 5'10” (177.8 cm) with blue eyes, and short blond hair. With a strong athletic figure. He was born and raised in Mexico and obtained a scholarship through Wayne Tech to an Ivy League. He graduated with robotic engineering. He returned to Mexico to fight crime after his mother was killed during the invasion. (Gang War)

“Oie! I really don't understand why I'm here! Most of you wankers can't stand the sight of me!” Constantine said from his side of the table. He sat close to the supernatural community reps who rolled their eyes at him.

“You are pretty attractive, John. So I can say that I do enjoy looking at you. But the moment you open your mouth and speak is when I want you gone.” Rush aka Monika Celeritas said. (VI Avatar) She flipped him the bird, and John winked at her. But kept his mouth shut.

“If we could please continue? I'm due back in Tokyo in a few hours.” Onna-Bugeisha aka Isha said to the room. (VI Avatar, Chapter 82)

“So a bit of good news. Gotham City has been fully repaired. So all of its construction material will be moved across the globe to cities that need it. The UN has given a list to Wraith of cities that have requested his time to be rebuilt. Here is the list.” Superman said, and pushed the list towards everyone attending.

“Will Wraith even have time to get to these places? The man is a bad luck magnet!” Nightrunner aka Bilal Asselah said from his spot on the table.

Nightrunner was a mundane street vigilante type that worked out of Paris, France. He was well trained in Acrobatics, and Parkour. He stood approximately at 5'10” (177.8 cm) with an athletic figure. He had been discovered by Batman, and Nightwing while they were traveling through Paris during a mission. Since then he had been one of the heroes of the JLI in that part of the world. He was focused, well trained, and understood what it took to be a leader. Though he did have a it of a mouth on him.

“We don't know. We all have a lot on our plate. Just like he does. So if he shows up in your city, try and be helpful. But don't hold your breath expecting him to show up.” Superman continued, and Nightrunner sighed heavily and went back to reviewing the information.

“Actually he may show up in Paris. He has two pack members who live there.” The Warden Councilor said to the room. That was news to a lot of people.

“Oh? Do we know who they are?” Nightrunner asked, suddenly curious.

“They are part of the Wardens. I can't tell you more than that.” The Warden Councilor said.

“The Kingdoms of Atlantis, Xebel, Fishermen, and Brine are providing resources to every coastal city in the world. However, several cities in the more disfranchised sections of the world have asked to come under Atlantean rule. King Arthur has accepted them as vassal states. They are getting a lot of flak from the political portions of that part of the world. Specifically Africa.” Superman said next.

“Most of them are fishing towns, villages, and a few cities that were under corrupt ruler ship. Our King has declared that once they are stable enough to rule themselves they will be released under the guardianship of Atlantis. He assured the United Nations of his actions.” Atlanna said next, and many people frowned at that.

“Are they being attacked?” Supergirl said from her spot. She focused on Atlanna who nodded, yes.

“Can the JLI even show up? Or would that cause more problems? Some of the UN wants Atlantis to leave and return the towns back to their original leadership.” The Flash aka Barry Allen asked.

“It would be safer if the JLI stayed out of it. The towns are attacked by mercenaries, people not officially affiliated with home countries. Deniability, and politics. No one has declared war, because everyone involved isn't a member of the country.” Atlanna said with a grimace.

“We do have other resources.” A gender neutral voice spoke from the far side of the room. Hex, the security manager of the station and current leader of the Shadow Operations of the JLI.

“That may work, but I believe this is not the right setting to discuss it.” Atlanna replied.

“Alright moving on.” Superman said in slightly bitter tone. He didn't approve of the alternate resources that Hex provided. “Watch Tower Station is 30% complete with its current upgrade. Malleus believes as long as we hold this pace we'll be done with in two weeks.” Superman finished, and pushed the information for everyone to look over.

“When are we doing the Lunar operation?” Hawkman asked.

“Once the station has gone through the upgrade we'll start to deploy FOB's on the surface and start the operation.” Hex replied.

“Any word on the possible invasion from Zod?” Hawkwoman asked, as she zeroed in on Superman, and glanced at Supergirl who both looked frustrated.

“With the time table that Wraith's Patron gave us. Zod should be here in a few weeks, or another few months. That is why we are focusing on the stations upgrade.” Superman replied. Martian Manhunter raised his hand and he stood up when called.

“The people of Ma'aleca'andra (Mars) will join in the defense of the Sol System. We have over a thousand star fighters ready to deploy and help.” J'onn said to the room and he was greeted with smiles, and a cheer from Constantine.

“How is Mars doing by the way?” Superman asked, there was no information on them in the brief.

“We are doing well, the atmospheric tower given to us has been repaired, and is under heavy guard. It has not only stopped the rate of decay, it is slowly restoring it.” J'onn replied with a satisfied smile on his face.

“Do we know why the cult is attacking the towers?” Supergirl asked. J'onn shook his head in a clear, no.

“Speaking of our neighbors. Do we know what is going on with the Thanagarian delegation?” Wonder Woman asked.

“A none-aggression pact, with a trade agreement. We are hammering the details out.” Hex replied, much to the surprise of Hawkman, and Hawkwoman who didn't know that. The room glanced at the Hawks in worry.

“I think it is safe to assume that the Thanagarian government doesn't trust Hawkman, and Hawkwoman.” Hex replied softly.

“Then I guess it's a good thing that we do trust them then.” Svadeni aka Dia Nyx said from her spot. (VI Avatar, Chapter 49) Svadeni smiled at them, they both returned the smile.

“On the note of Thanagar.” John Stewart aka Blue Lantern said. “Several Green Lantern Thanagarian's are showing up in the coming weeks to recharge their rings. A few have already arrived. They are good people who just want to help. But... Apparently there was a call for Green Lanterns from the Guardians a for weeks ago. The Guardians are reorganizing, and one of their first missions is arresting Wraith. Then 'correcting' the Sol System.” John finished, and the pin drop silence in the room was deafening.

“Fucking Christ!” Constantine said from his seat.

“John, what do they mean by correcting?” Superman asked.

“They'll bring it to heel. The Guardians have declared the Sol System a rogue or hostile state that needs martial law.” John said in a bitter tone. “We are all under the influence of a corrupting force. They will come to help, organize, and if need be establish rule until we are stable.”

“It's a power play.” Starfire said. The room looked at her. She stuck her chin up and spoke confidently.

“The Sol System made the Guardians of Oa look bad. They have to destroy us in order to reestablish their rule. They will fabricate the proof to get the universe to believe them. Then an army of justice will wash over the system believing themselves in the right. They will lie, they will cheat, and they act the part of benevolent overseers. I've seen it all before.” Starfire said in fury, as green energy danced up and down her body. Supergirl came over and hugged her, attempting to calm her down.

“John can they do that? Isn't there a galactic senate or something we can appeal to?” Superman asked.

“No, the Sol System is too young. We have no political clout, no influence, and no real military power. The Galactic Sheriff's are giving us basic protection. But we are too new. On top of it, Earth is divided. Anyone who has any interest in the Sol System knows that Earth is a pre-FTL civilization without a unified government.” Hawkwoman said next, and jumped ahead of John. But he gestured for her to continue.

“It would be easy to send spies to Earth, then have those spies convince the leaders of different nations to not only declare the JLI enemies of Earth. But declare Wraith a corrupting force. Then the Guardians could use this cry for help as a reason to invade. As for a galactic senate? There is no such thing. You want a voice in the galaxy you have to back it up with military might.” Hawkwoman continued, and finished in a bitter tone.

“Wraith is an alien spy that has come to corrupt, and subvert the natural evolution of the Sol System. He is planting seeds, and preparing for his peoples arrival to enslave the system. The Guardians will move into to free, and protect the innocent people from the invading force.” Hawkman said next.

“That's a lie though!” Supergirl shouted.

“Doesn't matter, that is what the galactic public will believe.” John said at last.

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***HR. Alpha Centauri System***

Dru-Zod general of the people of the military guild of the last surviving people of Krypton had a smile on his face. Dru currently floated in the vacuum of space wearing nothing but his polymer under armor suit. He held his breath of course, there was no air in space. But he grinned as he soaked in the solar radiation from the sun in the system. He like the rest of his kin had experienced a euphoria since entering the system. The yellow sun radiation of the system bathed his people in power! Power, that could reshape the face of any planet they visited.

Dru glanced behind him and saw dozens of his people pushing asteroids the size of ships, and even cities towards their awaiting armada. This system had been a boon to them. Rich in resources, and in aid. The aid in the form of a peculiar individual. They called themselves a Green Lantern! They had arrived only a few weeks ago. But they had been invaluable in repairing Dru's fleet. As well as giving them information about the...Sol System.

Dru took a moment to glance back at the sun, then flew back to the main command ship. The airlock scanned him and opened up. He floated in and allowed the rush of air, and warmth brush against his skin. He took his first breath of fresh air in hours. A smile grew across his face as he saw his friend, and comrade Non waiting for him. The effects of the radiation in this system not only made them strong. But they healed Non, he had returned to the brilliant, and fiercely loyal soldier Dru had known him to be.

“Welcome back General.” Non said, and saluted him. Dru returned the salute and floated into the corridor.

“Nearly every ship has finished being retrofitted for the jump to the Sol System. Fuel has been provided by our ally the Green Lantern. However, food is still being transported. We should be ready to leave in approximately a month. However, the Lantern believes they can speed that up. But they'd have to leave the system to get the resources.” Non said as he handed a data pad to Dru who accepted it.

Despite the fact that their ship was now fully repaired and provided gravity. They both floated through the ship under their own power. They relished the feeling of being in complete control of their bodies. Especially Non who had lived many years, or months with out that feeling. (Phantom Zone time is odd) They flew by a few soldiers who saluted Dru, and Non. Each one floating threw the ship as well.

“Good, tell our ally to head out and recover the supplies. The sooner we leave, the sooner we recover our people.” Dru said, and handed the data pad back to Non.

“Some of the captains are upset about the arrangement.” Non said softly, as they entered a gravity lift and went through the ship.

“They help us, while we help them. These people...The Justice League hold our people prisoner. The Guardians of Oa will use us, as much as we use them.” Dru replied, but he had to agree he didn't like taking orders from anyone.

Non frowned but kept what ever comment he had to himself. Dru noticed it but didn't prod his companion any more. Dru appreciated Non, but he missed Ursa's discipline, and companionship. He also hoped their child was alive and well. The Lantern didn't provide any information on that. All they knew was that Fort Rozz had ejected its prisoners onto the planet, Earth. Ursa alone with her immediate unite escaped and were eventually captured after several weeks on the planet. It filled Dru with pride that his people evaded capture for so long.

Dru, and Non stepped onto the bridge of their command ship and saw the Lantern on the command deck speaking to one of the bridge officers. The man turned to look that them when they entered. The Green Lantern was a tall individual. He was easily 6'7” (200.6 cm) with vibrant red skin, short but slicked back black hair. He had elongated limbs that didn't fit his body. Though he was covered in dense athletic muscles. He also had a trimmed black mustache. His people were called Korugaran. The man had a form fitting green, and black suit on.

“Sinestro.” Dru said to the Green Lantern.

“General, I assume your adjutant has briefed you.” Sinestro asked as he looked at Non.

“He has, please move to gather the food we need. The sooner we are ready, the sooner we can complete our deal with the Guardians.” Dru said with a smile on his face.

“Wonderful! I'll leave right away. I'll be back in two weeks, maybe less.” Sinestro said, and performed a bow from his waist that was genuine.

Sinestro soon left the bridge and after a few minutes an officer reported that he had left the ship. Dru watched in fascination as Sinestro created a ship out of energy and jumped to another star system while still in their system. Obviously the Guardians of Oa were an advanced species to have an entire corp. of individuals who policed the whole universe. But, with this new power his people had discovered. He wasn't as impressed as he was before.....

____________________________________________

***A dozen or so light years away***

Sinestro popped out from FTL and flew into a vacant system. Well vacant enough as he came to what looked like an old abandoned green lantern hub. He soon landed on docking port and walked into the hub. When the airlock sealed behind him and the front doors opened he was bathed in yellow light. He outstretched his hand and a yellow ring flew towards him. He pulled off an old green lantern ring with disgust and replaced it with his yellow.

“How far they have fallen, if the rings don't even resist former users anymore.” Sinestro said as he retrieved a box on a shelf and placed his old green lantern ring in it. He placed it back on the shelf and secured the lock.

Sinestro strode through the station and came to the central hub where a sub-green lantern battery core was in the process of being converted into yellow. Several yellow lanterns were in place pouring their energy of fear into the core. While several others stood off to the side chatting, and taking a break. A humanoid male floated over to Sinestro. They came to stop before him and bowed his head in respect, and fear towards Sinestro's power.

“How did it go?” The creature asked in a garble of clicks, and growls.

Sinestro smiled at his companion....

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***HR. Gotham City, Bat Cave.***

“Oh fuck!” Lash said...

Lash pulled his Transformation off and returned to his default look while in his daemonic/Warden tech armor. He came to stand in the middle of the cave along with Vyllith who retracted her helmet. Her expression was schooled to indifferent. But her eyes looked everyone carefully. Jason stood in the middle of everyone and was trying to not hyperventilate.

“I didn't notice... When I picked you up in the tent there was so much going on. I didn't notice the smell. When the joker gang tortured you did you ingest anything? A liquid perhaps? Maybe a pill?” Lash asked.

“Yes... I think I nearly died. Then some people came in and fed me a dark liquid. I thought it was blood. But after I felt great! Then the jokers continued. Once I got to far, the people came back in and fed me. Over, and over.” Jason tried to keep his voice level, but it cracked several times.

“Lash, what is he?” Bruce asked softly. His fists were clenched and he was trying his best not to kill someone.

“Blood-Kindred, new born. He's a vampire.” Lash replied.

“Can you reverse it!?” Jason shouted at Lash.

“....Technically I can.... I'm not allowed to though.” Lash replied, and before he knew it Bruce was in front of him.

“Explain.” Bruce said in a deadly serious voice. Then Selina came up behind him and pulled him back.

“Bruce, he's here to help.” Selina said softly and Bruce let her pull him away.

“Jason is a supernatural entity at this point. He is protected under Warden Law. It would be illegal for me to reverse the transformation with out Jason's sire's permission.” Lash replied, then held up a hand to prevent questions.

“It is clear that Jason did not give his consent to being transformed. To be perfectly honest Jason, you should be dead. The transformation from mortal to Blood-Kindred is incredibly dangerous. I don't believe the Kindred expected you to survive.” Lash said, as he reached out through Connectivity and accessed the Warden information page.

“Since you were transformed against your will it would be incredibly easy to petition to have it reversed. Which can be done in the first year of transformation. But we would need your sire's permission. This isn't about signing a document. There is magic infused into the transformation. However, your sire is clearly one of the Blood-Kindred involved in the Dark Venom trade and will not come forward to declare you theirs.” Lash said to Jason, then to everyone as well.

“So, we have one year to find who your master is. Then get them to rescind their binding on you. Once that is done it's a relatively easy process to turn you back. But if we don't find them and have you imbibe your sires, or another masters blood it will kill you.” Lash said.

“Wait, I thought if Blood-Kindred didn't drink their masters blood they became Blood-Mutts.” Selina said next in clear confusion.

“After the first year, yes. That is why the first year is so important. Because it is the deciding factor. Do they turn the new born back into a human? Or do they allow the transformation to continue. However, we can find him a different master. That is allowed.” Lash replied.

“I don't want another master! I want this gone!” Jason screamed at Lash.

“Lash do you need the masters permission to change him back? Or can you just do it? Not the Warden's, or the Supernatural Community. Can you do it?” Selina asked, coming right up to him and staring him in the eye.

“I...don't know. I've never done it before. It could kill him, permanently.” Lash replied.

“Last resort.” Batwoman said from the side.

“Can we track down his master?” Nightwing said next.

“I don't know. The blood with in Jason is to thin so I can't track the scent. We would need an item of the master to use Clairvoyance. And....hmmm..” Lash said, then stopped midway through his words. The whole room turned towards him.

“Can I use your family graveyard? I just need the energy of death that's all.” Lash said, and quickly followed up before Bruce would punch him.

----

The Wayne family plot was pretty big. Every generation of Wayne was buried in the plot since the first Wayne family came to the new world. Lash could feel the history oozing from the plot. The first few graves were very simple. It was essentially a stone. Then as the family gained influence, power, and most of all money. They gained mausoleums, some of them were simple. Some of them extravagant. The family plot was also well maintained, and even consecrated! Alfred admitted to coming out once a month and using a simple cleanse that he had learned in seminary years ago for blessing a ground. Lash applauded him! He did an excellent job.

“Alright, how many of you want to come talk to the guardian?” Lash asked as he turned around. Vyllith would stay out of it to protect them while they discussed the issue.

“I am.” Bruce said resolutely, he hand his hand on Jason's shoulder. Jason was of course going to talk the guardian.

“Of course I'm going.” Selina said next and stood next to Jason who smiled weakly at her.

“Me too” “Ya, I'm not missing this.” “I'm not going anywhere.” Nightwing, Batgirl, and Batwoman said next.

“I'll stay with Vyllith and ensure your not disturbed.” Alfred said, he looked at his family with a resolute expression. Then cocked his shotgun, he strode over to Vyllith who nodded at him.

“Alright, I am about to call a Grim Reaper. They have an incredibly busy schedule so they are pressed for time. Please be respectful, I will remind you that they are capable of reaping your life with a thought. Understood?” Lash said as he made a point to look at them all.

Everyone nodded in understanding. So Lash raised his arms up towards the sky and created a ritual circle to empower the spell he was about to cast. An eerie hollow call rolled through the family plot. The night sky above pushed the clouds away in their immediate area and the crescent moon came out. Ribbons of silver light bathed the whole area. A complex spell circle grew into being. Dozens of circles, geometric shapes, and ancient writing inscribed into the air. Lash used Spiritual Guardian.

Lash felt his heart beat slow down. The whole world slowed down. But despite that he was fully aware of the world around him. Inside the circle was the Bat-family excluding Alfred. Then time stopped and the sound of fabric being pulled across a stone surface was heard above them. Lash glanced above and saw a grim reaper standing on one of the Wayne family graves. Specifically Thomas Wayne, Bruce's father.

The Grim Reaper was easily 10' (304.8 cm) tall. Wrapped in a black tattered robe, that billowed around their form. All they could see were its skeleton feet, skeleton hands, and nothing else. The hood completely covered their face, a void was all their was. The reaper wore a belt, with a lantern attached to it. The lantern was old gothic style with a blue light emanating from it. The reaper held the typical reapers scythe in hand. It let out an eerie wail that was piercing to hear.

“EEEEeeeeeeeee.....Gah! Gah! Bleh! Excuse me!” The reaper said softly as he clapped his chest with his bony hand to clear his throat.

“Warden Lash, how can I help you?” Skippy the reaper said. (Chapter 28) Despite Skippy's appearance his voice that of a young man of maybe early twenties. His voice was warm, and welcoming.

“Respectful greetings unto you Grim Reaper, Skippy.” Lash said, as he paid his Warden etiquette to full. He dropped to his knees, and bowed his head. Adjusting his hands into a complicated position for symbolism.

“See...That...That is important. To many people forget common courtesy these days. You tell them to relax once and they assume they should be that way every time after. But you...No, you always give courtesy every time.” Skippy said in delight then pulled back his hood to reveal....A skeleton face.

“Eh, I don't know why but I was expecting something more terrifying.” Nightwing said as he watched Skippy pull his hood back.

“Oh its the magic on the robe. Most people fear death so we inscribe it onto the cloth.” Skippy said in delight. Despite his skeleton features the Bat-Family could tell he was smiling. Skippy turned to look at Bruce.

“Ohhhhh.... Batman, I have to say you've evaded our people several times. There is a betting pool on when you'll die.” Skippy said with a grin.

“Hopefully not for many more years.” Selina said, and a divine spark grew in her eyes.

“Of course! Of course! Bast's chosen, we would never cheat the system.” Skippy said as he bowed towards Selina.

“Can you please get off my father's grave.” Bruce asked as politely as possible. Skippy obliged by simply shifting out of existence then reappearing in front of them all.

“Master Skippy, this is Jason Todd. He is a newly transformed Blood-Kindred. However, he was changed against his will.” Lash said, as he bowed once more and gestured towards Jason who looked at Skippy in fascination.

“Ya, that's to bad.” Skippy said simply.

“We are looking for his Master. Is there a way you can trace his lineage?” Lash asked next, everyone held their breath.

“Yep!”

“Can you tell us?”

“Nope!”

“Do we need to bring an offering, or complete a task for you to tell us?” Lash asked as he held up a hand to prevent them from shouting at him.

“Nope! I'm sorry to say Warden Lash. But this was suppose to happen.” Skippy said, as he pointed at Jason.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT WAS SUPPOSE TO HAPPEN!?” Jason shouted at Skippy, and broke from Bruce's arms the immediately dropped to the ground clutching his chest.

“Jason!” Selina shouted as she rushed to grab him.

“Watch your tone, child.” Skippy said, and his warm boyish voice dipped into a sinister old as time voice.

“Please stop.” Bruce asked as he came to kneel next to Jason. Then with out moving a single digit Skippy removed what ever he had done, which left Jason gasping for air, but he wasn't struggling anymore.

“I can reap Jason right now. I can tell you that if I do. Jason will go to a relatively nice place for his afterlife. Or, he can continue on this path that was set for him.” Skippy said as he pulled up his hood and looked at Lash.

“Thank you for taking the time to speak with us.” Lash replied, and bowed once more.

“Nothing but a moment between heartbeats. But I like how you are polite about it. Keep up the good work.” Skippy said, then with the sound of flapping wings he was gone. The moment was over, and the world continued to move.

“Master Bruce! What happened!?” Alfred rushed over to them to provide aid. They'd been gone for exactly 3.5 seconds.

----

They had returned to Wayne Manor and Lash was sitting in the library. He liked the feel of the books. The gift of knowledge was normally a pleasant thing to feel. Lash had received a large amount of experience for using Spiritual Guardian. So much so that it had evolved. So he decided to take this moment to look through his long overdue evolut-->>

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