Dream Engine: Beta Tester…. D.C. Comics

Chapter 79: Beach Episode!(1/4)

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****Alberta, Canada****

Alpha Rift FOB had grown. The Rift itself was large enough to allow troop transport to roll through it. While a steel and concrete complex surrounded it. Machine shops, armories, barracks, and prison cells were placed around the Rift. Tanks, and armored personal carriers were being built as quickly as possible as speedsters, and technicians worked around the clock. Giant mammoths of metal, and carnage stood ready. Twin tank barrels, on top of towering tank treads. The body of the tank large enough to hold a five man gun crew, and ten soldiers as transport. The APC's with magnetic coils for quick movement over difficult terrain, or even water.

On the other side of the base was the basic construction of an air field. An armored soldier walked the field carefully, and with purpose as green energy fields surrounded their hands. The ground leveled itself out according to the will of the soldier. A terrakinetic. Scattered through out the top layer of the base were energy pylons that distorted perception. Stealth fields that blocked sight, and masked energy readings from surface to satellite.

It was almost time. The Beta Rift FOB had just started its troop arrival and second stage of base construction. Recon teams at the Alpha site had begun to strip the immediate area of anything useful. Flora, fauna, and people. Most of all people. They needed a worker class to help cultivate and rebuild their shattered world. The Alpha site had collected over five thousand slaves already. This reality, Earth-004 had an over abundant of people.

A single tower no taller then three levels contained the operations room. The Rift Commander looked out across the windows looking for mistakes, and ways to improve efficiency. The SAM (Surface to air missile) sites were starting to be installed. The holographic displays received information from the body cams on the recon units outside the stealth field. Above all of the holographic screens, mounted on the wall was a clock. A count down timer. It was almost time.

HR:MIN:SEC

72 : 33 : 12

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“I don't understand you Tora! How can you face down people with guns, bullets flying, and handle the stress that comes with it like water off your back. But when it comes to social interaction, you curl up into a ball and shudder with fear?” Beatriz said to her friend as she ran through their small two bedroom apartment.

“I'd rather go fight the drug cartels than go to this resort and see some rich guy ask us about a job! Is this a social event? Or a sexual conquest!” Tora asked, as she held up a bathing suit. Her underwear had more material that this suit had!

“Well if the man is cute, it could be both!” Beatriz said with a smile, and laughed when Tora her best friend blushed.

Beatriz Bonilla da Costa, 'Bea' to her friends was a 5'8” woman. With vibrant green eyes, and green curly hair that grew just past her shoulders. No, it wasn't a dyed hair color. A months ago she had awoken her dormant Meta-Gene. She came a Pyrokinetic, but from her search on the internet she was a different kind. The flames she called were green in color, and surrounded her whole body. While in her green flame elemental color she could fly! It was an amazing feeling. When her gene activated her whole body went through a transformation. Her eyes, and hair turned green. She could get a fully body work out from a few hours flight and practice of her abilities. No more mid morning cycling classes! She took pride in her tiny waist, bouncing breasts, and plump ass.

Bea had been born in Brazil and moved around a lot. But settled down in Rio where she struggled to become a model and actress but never caught a break. When her meta-gene activated it was the best thing in her life. She moon lighted as a emergency response for the fire department. (And crime fighter) The city had started to pay her under the table. It wasn't much, but it was enough to live on.

She shared a home with her friend Tora. Tora was 5'7”, with fierce blue eyes, and white hair cut at her jaw line that she often combed to one side to reveal her face. Tora loved working out, and often dragged Bea to the gym to lift weights. Bea did small weights, while Tora did large weights. The difference showed. Tora had a strong body, but thanks to Bea didn't over work herself and still kept her figure. Tora, was just like Bea. Her Meta-Gene activated as well, but Tora was a cryokinetic. Best of all! They didn't need AC in their apartment!

Tora moonlighted with Bea on the fire department as well. Its how they had met, and hit it off! Tora was a monster when it came to fighting crime. But was insanely shy when it came to anything not about the job. A little less then an hour ago they had received a package by messenger. They had got a three day get away at a exclusive private resort. All expenses paid! All they had to do was meet a man about a job. A car would be here to pick them up in two hours.

“Isn't this a little to sudden? I mean, why us?” Tora asked, and Bea had to concede that little gnawing bit of information. They were not the only meta-humans in Rio. So, that may mean that it had nothing to do with there powers? Bea wanted to think it was her modeling career finally getting noticed, but.

“OK! I agree that its a little weird. So we'll go, meet the man. If he is not on the up, and up we'll leave. But we have to take a chance, Tora. Please?” Bea came to sit down in front of her friend on the couch in their tiny living room. Bea made a puppy dog face, and Tora groaned.

“Fiiiiiine. We'll go. But I am not wearing that!” Tora threw the string bikini, and thong across the room.

“Fine, I'll wear it!” Bea said with a laugh.

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The resort they had all been invited to was high class, private resort that only the top 3% of the world would come to. For many of the Justice League this was a first! It was off the beaten path, and had its own private beach. White sand, perfectly clear water, large avenues of gardens, in house restaurants, bars, clubs. Giant pool balconies every ten floors. It was built into a mountain side. Oh! The mountain was artificially made. The hotel extended into it! This was a perfect place for a super villain to own. A sizable wall surrounded the resort, cleverly disguised with trees, plants, and very nice security guards that carried sub-machine guns, and body armor. This resort was apparently where dignitaries came to relax while in Brazil. It was not the kind of place you could find on the internet through a search engine.

Sounds great!......You would think. The entire Justice League had been invited to the hotel. Lash was informed that he could park the SHARC on one of the many landing pads the hotel owned. As Lash flew the SHARC over the beaches near Rio. Huge crowds had come out on the beach to cheer for the SHARC, along with the fliers of the League. They were giving them all thanks for cleaning the oil up. It was a nice sight. Most of the passengers in the SHARC were VI Avatars, but a few people were part of the original DC comics. Needless to say it was noisy inside.

“So I think we have run into a problem?” Hal Jordan said, the Green Lantern. Who sat next to Lash. Who also complained that the SHARC didn't have a co-pilot seat.

Hal Jordan was 6'2”, with brown eyes, and brown hair that was cut high and tight. Standard military haircut. Made sense since he was a pilot for the Air Force. Or was? His personal history eluded Lash. He was part of the Green Lantern Corp. now. So, he had a shiny green ring on his hand, and a black, suit, with green highlights, and a green domino mask on. The suit was of course form fitting and showed off his impressive physic. A detail that many of the ladies in the plane took notice of. Hal being a ladies man of course smiled back.

“How does an organizations of champions, heroes, and overall good people keep their identity secret while attending a resort where clothing is mostly optional?” Lash provided the next sentence as Hal was distracted.

Lash had kept his Transformation, and Wraith shroud active. So his animalistic voice made Hal wince. Like nails on a chalk board Hal commented. The shroud's smoke curled and poured off of Lash like a living thing, several sitting near by had their feet swallowed by the smoke. A few people wigged out, a few people watched in fascination.

“Ya! I mean I've spent time in my suit. But as you can see this thing doesn't have a zipper. We'll have to take it off eventually. Any ideas?” Hal asked, as he stood up to admire the view of the hotel as they flew closer.

“I got that covered. At least appearance wise. If people blurt out their names, and birthdays that's on them.” Lash replied, as he flipped a switch and the air operations control tower came over the radio.

“This is SHARC, Zero-One approaching from north by north east, bearing 045 degrees, over” Lash's voice to the radio was almost normal. Making Hal look at him confused, then noticed how Lash massaged his throat. Suggesting that had bothered him to say.

“We read you, SHARC Zero-One. Approach is locked. Welcome to Templo da Luz.” Said the air controller, in a thick accent.

Before Lash could say anything, Hal shouted down through the SHARC's interior for every to sit down and buckle up they would be landing momentarily. Hal clapped Lash on the shoulder and took his own seat. Lash was slightly annoyed but let it go. One would think that a pilot for the Air Force wouldn't do that. But it is what it is. The many different fliers including Kara, Kory, and Megan flew ahead and landed on the port. The SHARC leveled out and landed softly. The engines powered down, and the reach hatch opened up.

“Welcome to the Temple of Light everyone! Before you all run off and get drunk we need to cover a few things first!” Lash said to everyone.

One by one Lash made a basic illusion charm for every member of the League attending the hotel. Vici said they had the right facilities to make additional charms aboard the Watch Tower. Turns out they did have a minor enchanters kit up there. One of the 'Unique' Droids he hadn't met yet could make them. Nifty! The charm was just like the ones he made for Kara, Kory, and Megan. Hair, and eye color changed based on mood. Skin tone alteration, along with defining features. Noticeable scars, tattoos, and soft body features. They came in necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and if you really wanted to go far. Lash could imprint a temporary tattoo!

The hotel staff were standing ready and willing to help everyone settle in. There was apparently no method of paying at the hotel. So no need for a wallet, purse, credit cards, or cash. Everything would be settled on your departure. Since the League was invited here for three days all expenses paid. They didn't need any money!

Superman landed next to the SHARC and looked at the long line of new Justice League falling over themselves to get checked in. Lash was tracing a spell inscription in the shape of a tattoo over a woman's bare neck line. She winked at Superman, who blushed and coughed trying to clear the air. She laughed, and apologized to Lash when he growled at her. He finished up, and her soft features went through a change. She laughed and kissed his cheek and ran off to join her friends. Something Lash noticed, none of the VI Avatars were bothered by his looks. Gamers.

“Go get Lois...” Lash said to Superman once everyone had left. Superman nearly tripped over his own feet. He looked up at Lash with confusion written on his face.

“Wh...I mean... Do you think she would come?” Superman asked, his cheeks flushing red. He asked, unsure of himself.

“Yes, I think she would. Just have Vici drop you off. Then have her pick you both up. She can cover the portal hub with a screen. All Lois will see is room with a glowing floor before she is here. Tell her every one here is off the record unless they specifically say otherwise.” Lash said, then he walked over and put his clawed hand on Superman's shoulder.

“Kal-El. Go...This may be the last chance any of us get a break before it starts.” Lash finished, and Superman nodded. He pressed into his earbud and a moment later spell script coiled around him and he spring jumped away.

“Vici, please inform all members of the League about the resort. I've been told you can use the SHARC as your entry point. If any of your children want to attend they can. Also I'm sorry.” Lash said, as he sighed softly.

“For what, Father? You've done nothing to apologize for.” Vici's said over Connectivity.

“I should have obtained another Droid Service module specifically for you. So you could build your own body.” Lash replied.... There was a long pause as he waited for Vici to think about what he said.

“I.... I hadn't thought about that. Yes, with Parallel Minds I could run the Watch Tower, as well as experience my own life. T...That would be wonderful Father! Please don't apologies! The fact that you had already planned ahead is a gift in itself. Thank you!” Vici's teenage voice sound like she was crying, but tears of joy instead of sadness.

Lash bowed his head in apology anyways. Then he walked to the SHARC and activated its security. Any member of the League could still get in, but activating it took a security access. Any one else may receive a shock to their system. Lash took a moment to visually inspect the rest of the planes, and helicopters on the other landing spots. He paused for a brief moment, one of them had the Lex-Corp logo on it. Interesting.

He began to walk the stone paved path towards the hotel. With in moments an attendant appeared almost out of now where. The man didn't say anything when he showed up. Just became a obedient shadow. Lash stopped and looked at the man, the attendant didn't flinch just stared back. Lash reached out and placed a hand on the mans shoulder.

“You're a dragon-thrall aren't you?” Lash asked, softly. The man nodded, but kept his mouth shut.

Lash didn't say another word, but squeezed the mans shoulder gently. Then continued on. What was a dragon-thrall? Dragon-Thralls are people, mostly humans but not limited to them. That ritually bound themselves to a pure blooded dragon. Anyone who played a ttrpg (Table Top Role Playing Game) Would know the thralls as 'Half-Dragons'. That was a dragon-thrall here in the Supernatural world. They gained an extended life, a major increase in all stats, and became a creature of magic. Sounds amazing, right? But the down side was that you become sterile, you are compelled to be loyal to the Dragon you were bound to. Also, if the Dragon dies, you die.

Dragon-Thrall's were brainwashed slaves. Yes, they chose the path. Didn't mean Lash hated it any less. Along the way Lash noticed every guard, and hotel staff of 'rank' was a Dragon-Thrall. While everyone under a certain staff rank was pseudo-mundane, or supernatural just here for a job. Everyone was perfectly trained in customs, courtesy, and provided perfect service. All the same, both Lash and Saurian were biting their tongue in disgust.

Lash reached one of the hotels entrances. A giant gate made of stone, steel, and glass awaited his inspected pleasure. Hundreds of spells, enchantments, and wards decorated the entire hotel. Dragon-Thralls guarded the doors wearing tailored suits, with body armor sewn into the clothing. Side arms, and hidden blades. They stood perfectly still, while their eyes tracked everyone come in and out. They would only become animated if someone asked them a question. One of the guards stepped from his post and opened the door for Lash when he came close. The every guard near by bowed when he passed. Something the other hotel guests clearly noticed.

Hushed whispers, and clearly surprised gasps rang out. Many of the hotel patrons were mundanes who came for the privacy and excellent service. They had clearly been informed of the 'Justice League International' coming. But Agent Wraith was another thing. Several patrons walked over wearing ten thousand dollar suits, and dresses.

“Agent Wraith? How wonderful to see you. Joseph M. Grant. We met once last year.” A tall, lean man walked up wearing white cotton polo shirt, dress khaki pants, brown leather shoes. He looked mid forties. He had his wife on his arm, who wore a single white piece dress with pearls on her neck. They looked similar in age.

“Mister Grant, Misses Grant. Its a pleasure to see you both. Congratulations on your son getting into Stanford. Along with your daughter obtaining honor roll at her school.” Lash replied, his animalistic voice was hard on the ears. He bowed from his waist, his bladed tail coiled around him. Both of the Grants looked surprised, and a bit pleased that he knew about their family.

“Well thank you very much, Agent Wraith. I hear congratulations are in order. You helped clean up the oil spill just off the coast. As well as work with the Altanteans. But also help organize these... Mercenaries? Into helping?” Misses Grant gestured to the League still in the front lobby.

“It was a team effort. They are the Justice League, International branch. Another name would be Heroes with out borders. But one could also call them Mercenaries. Time will tell, hopefully for the better.” Lash conceded, he didn't really know how to properly describe the League other than a free organization that helped others.

“Some new program the UN is trying to put together?” Mister Grant asked, intrigued by the idea.

“You could say that the UN is keeping an eye on it. However, with the new discovery of the Meta-Gene a new branch of government agency is on the works. CSA, Certified Super Association. Anyone with the Meta-Gene that wishes to put their abilities to work has to become certified to work. Soon we'll start to see SWPAT...Special weapons, powers, and tactics.” Lash explained when the Grants looked confused for a moment.

“Oh! That is a marvelous idea! That is why you are here, to help keep an eye on the League?” Mister Grant continued, as he smiled at Lash. Lash knew that look, it was the look of some one trying to size up, and take advantage of.

“The oil spill was a joint operation by the UN, League, and Atlantis. It was a good opportunity for team work, and public relations.” Lash replied, as he tried to keep irritation from his voice. Misses Grant must have picked up on it as she chimed in.

“I am sure someone of your abilities it was child's play. But, you must be tired. Thank you so much for taking the time to speak to us.” Misses Grant offered, and Mister Grant now understood and smiled as well. Lash bowed his head and excused himself.

Lash wished that was the only conversation he ended up having, but it wasn't. He spoke to several different country dignitaries, envoys, and chairman, and chairwoman of multi millionaire dollar companies. He did enjoy a few conversations. Some of the companies wanted to ask about the tech conference that was suppose to be scheduled for next year. Metropolis was getting a major face lift for the event. More specifically a section of the city was being renovated. He danced around the different technologies that he planned to share, but never confirmed any of it. He practically see the Tech companies drooling with anticipation.

Lash reached the elevator at last, more specifically the private VIP elevator. When a hotel resort that serves only the top 3% of the world has a VIP elevator that says a lot about who you are, and who you are with. The Dragon-Thrall that appeared by his side in the gardens was still with him as the rode up to a private hotel suite. When the doors opened up to reveal a place bigger than his own home in Gotham. It was an open space condo inside of the hotel. One side of the wall was glass that allowed full light and an impressive view. Opened to a balcony with his own pool, bar, and sitting area. To his right, just inside the room was a five star full amenities kitchen. A grand living room with chairs, tables, couches, and another bar! There was an indoor jacuzzi, and a outside one next to the pool. Stairs led up and to the side to a master bedroom, and bath. Where one wall shared the outside wall for the view. While two more rooms, with baths were down a single level, along with another bathroom on the ground floor.

“Its this a hotel room, or a house?” Lash asked as he walked out towards the balcony. His attendant following close behind.

“Our Master wanted you to be comfortable, and capable of hosting any guests necessary for your stay.” The man's voice was like rich honey, it was the first time he had spoken.

The Dragon-Thrall attendant was 5'9”, with rich caramel skin, amber eyes, short kinky black hair, a firm strong body. Wearing a three piece gray tailored suit, with white gloves, and shiny black shoes. He looked the part of a butler. But Lash could feel the magical energy oozing off of him. With primal ferocity ready to fight at a moments notice. This was a predator.

“May I have the privilege of your name? Not your true name obviously.” Lash asked, as he turned to give the attendant his full attention. The Thrall kept a cool exterior but Lash could see a glint in his eyes.

“Meztli.” The man said, short and sweet. Lash bowed from his waist and replied.

“Erik Lash, and my partner Saurian. Though you'll have to call me Wraith while we are in public. Thank you for the honor of your name.” Lash replied, the thrall bowed back. This time Meztli showed a slight tug on his lips.

“You have given my Master a grand child. The honor and privilege is all mine. My Master hopes you will meet with her as soon as she is available. But encourages you to enjoy your stay, she will call for you when she is ready.” Meztli replied, returning to his upright and straight back position.

“I will be delighted to meet your Master. I am of course here at her pleasure.” Lash replied, and bowed once more. Meztli nodded and returned to the elevator.

Once the doors had closed, and the carriage went up not down. Lash turned around and walked the entire house that were his rooms. He looked it all over inspecting for surveillance bugs. Finding none, the looked over the wards, spell inscriptions, charms. All that he found were for defensive measures, and fortified the rooms from destruction. It was a safe house. He walked to the balcony and looked over the resort from his view.

He saw at least three different beaches, all of them with a 'theme'. Normal beach, with full service. Family friendly if any one brought children here. While the next beach was twenty one an older with bars, spa treatment, and full escort service whether you wanted male or female company. The last beach was a full nude, and swingers beach. Full amenities, and staffing as the first and second beach. Just no cloths, and free sex. Lash already saw a few VI Avatars in attendance.

Beep...Beep... Lash opened his holographic phone to see Superman along with Lois Lane walking from the SHARC. Lois had sunglasses on with a giant brim hat, a bag over her shoulder, and hastily packed suit case. While Superman was in full uniform. Lash tilted his head, and realized the boy scout hadn't told Lois who he was yet. Oh that would change! A sinister smile spread across his reptilian features.

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“Kara! Come on!” Kory called from outside Kara's bedroom. She had been waiting for Kara to finish getting dressed for over fifteen minutes.

“I'm coming! I... Do you remember what Lash's favorite color is?” Kara yelled through the door. Kory laughed a light and cheerful sound and came through the door. Kara rolled her eyes and stopped being embarrassed about Kory's antics.

Kory decided to go with the tattoo that Lash offered so it wouldn't be easily lost. So Kory had long curly hair that changed color, along with her eye color. Which were both currently bright green, with dark blue highlights. (Active, Romantic) Her skin was a healthy caramel color which matched her multi string red bikini. The material covered her crotch, and nipples, while mutli strings wrapped around her hips, and neck. She chose a sand stone gauze beach fabric to wrap around her waist. With naked toed sandals.

Kara had selected a high neck bikini with lace, and fabric that became partially see through when the body grew hot. The color was navy blue, which didn't match her orange hair, and eyes. (Unsettled). But it did match a celtic knot color tattoo she had gotten as the charm from Lash. Why she had agreed to wear this was beyond her! She pulled and stretched the fabric of her top a few times until Kory slapped her hand away with a laugh. Kara was nervous and ready to jump back in her uniform.

“I think Lash will love what ever you wear, Kara. Or not wear for that matter!” Kory said with a sweet smile that made Kara want to punch her lights out.

“Come on! Megan has been in the lobby for twenty minutes. She's messaged me three times!” Kory said, and pointed at Kara's own wrist phone. Which had four messages from Megan. Kara gasped, grabbed her phone, and her sandals and hurried after Kory.

The League was in full force at the hotel lobby leading to the beach. While other guest patrons were confused, but pleasantly surprised. Nearly everyone in the League was gorgeous one way or another. A few League members had different skin colors, and body shapes that were not human normal. But those that were not shy, or ashamed. Kara saw a blue skinned woman with long leathery tail with a heart shape point, and small horns above her eye brows. She had a string bikini that wrapped around her tail that invited the eyes to check her out. Another man almost seem to sparkle! Like his body was covered in body glitter! Several people ran their fingers over his rock hard abs 'inspecting' the glitter.

Megan stood at the doors of the lobby to the path towards the beach. She had the same charm on as the rest of them but decided, but her tattoo was a martian symbolic for 'serenity, and purity' the design was very nice looking. Like a combination of kanji and arabic. Her eyes, and hair color were light blue (Relaxed). While her skin color was a light green color, she seemed a little nervous about the color but she could change it with a simple gesture on her charm. Lash showed them how. Megan decided to wear pink boy shorts, and a pink floral pattern scarf that was tight across her chest. She looked great! Her eyes went bright when she saw them walk over.

“What took you so long! I've been invited by at least ten boys to join them on the beach! I had to turn them all down!” Megan sounded upset, but she had a huge smile on her face.

“Have you seen Wraith?” Kory asked, switching between names while they were in public. Megan shook her head.

“No, though he did get in later than us. As soon as he walked into the lobby all the hotel guests came to talk to him. While we were upstairs showering, and getting changed he was still down here talking. That's what one of the team mates said.” Megan said, her shoulders drooped. She felt bad about forgetting about Lash. Kara's expression was mortified.

“No! No! None of that! Wraith specifically told us to head in and start having fun! Because after this we are going to the Amazon training camp! He wants us to enjoy ourselves! So lets go!” Kory grabbed both their hands and dragged them to the beach.

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Over a dozen more spring jump circles appeared near the SHARC. Different League members were showing up to enjoy what may be their last vacation for a long time. Oliver Queen, with Sara Lance walked hand in hand towards the hotel. Each one looking different, their own charms inscribed on them from the enchanter in the Watch Tower. Thea Queen, Roy Harper, Felicity Smoak, John Diggle, and Lyla Michaels. Spring jumped right behind them. Felicity jumped up and down like a kid at a theme park.

“Again! Again! That was amazing!” Felicity all but shouted, then covered her mouth and got quiet. Diggle just gave her one of his big smiles and patted her on shoulder.

“I don't suppose Wraith is planning on sharing that piece of Tech with the government anytime soon?” Lyla asked, as she picked up her suit case before John could. He frowned at her but took it in stride as he walked next to her.

“Oh I'm sure he will at the next tech summit.” Thea commented, and she watched more spring jump rings appear next to the SHARC.

Laurel Lance, Tommy Merlin, and Quentin Lance all landed behind them. Quentin got on his hands and knees to kiss the ground. So thankful to live through that experience. Not everyone enjoyed the pleasures of site to site teleportation. While Walter Steele, and Moira Queen came behind them. The Queen family had discovered Oliver's extra curricular activities a few weeks ago. When the call came out for the vacation they were invited to come along. Thea was all smiles when she hugged her mother, and Walter who returned the embrace.

“So Agent Wraith is suppose to be here?” Moira asked,-->>

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