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***HR, Watch Tower, Party Hall***

D grade party hall module was a large establishment aboard the Watch Tower Station. It had several floors available to the JLI as a place to unwind, and relax. Each floor catered to a specific style and genre of music. First floor was commonly used for classical ballroom. The second floor would be designed for swing, and salsa. Third floor was more akin to industrial, death metal. While the fourth floor was towards pop, techno, electric music. While the fifth floor was designed towards alien genre's. Once a month they would have a full party hall selection where every floor shared one genre. Tonight was an alien pop culture music festival.

The different floors were connected to a single floor to make an expansive dance floor, a bar that stretched from one end of the station to the other. Tables, chairs, corner booths for people who liked to sit and watch. Across the dance floor were miniature stages for people to dance and make a show of it. A variety of colors flashed across the ceiling and walls. While the music that was played could not only be heard, but felt through ones mind. There was a live band on the stage currently from Mars. Their music was heard, while their voices were felt within ones mind.

The Justice League International was in recovery. There were hundreds of thousands of things to do. But leadership had established the need to rest, and recovery even during the invasion. During the invasion R&R was going to Ethan getting drugged, and passing out for 12 hours in a room. Then doing some training, then back to the shit show. Now? For every five days of back to back labor you were required two days off.

On one of the stages on the dance floor was a fiery red head that had her legs wrapped around a pole and was practicing her extensive sexuality dancing skills to any men, and women watching her. Long red hair that glowed with energy at the tips. Orange, to red to skin tone, glowing green eyes. This was Starfire aka Koriand'r Princess of Tamara. She wore calf high black heeled boots, a short, short black skirt that barely covered anything at all. Anyone willing to peak would discover she had no panties on. She wore a black leather top that exposed her midriff, while the straps on the back went into a cross pattern.

Kory was blowing off some steam. She had come to dance, to enjoy herself and not worry about the little details of Earth. Even with all the attention she was getting, with hundreds of eyes watching her dancing as she wrapped her legs around the pole and dipped upside down. She nearly fell out of her top, not that it would bother her. But through it all? She missed her friends. She missed traveling with Kara, and M'gann. But most of all she missed traveling with Lash.

Not because Lash was handsome, or intelligent, or intriguing. No, Lash had never judged her by her customs or culture. He understood her, and when she didn't get something he would explain it to her. Often through telepathy so not to embarrass her. Kory long ago stop caring what others thought of her. Her skin was thicker than that. But just like one can die from a thousand cuts. The looks of pity, disgust, and shame nicked away at her.

There was a lull in the music time to switch between songs. Kory, along with the whole party hall stopped for a moment to cheer and clap for the very talented Martian band. Their lead singer was the female Martian Z'tok Z'nuk. The next song they played was more of a gradual build up. For the first few minutes it would be a slow dance that would eventually rise up like an inferno. Oddly enough it was considered a death song on Mars. Telling of the horrors of war between the three species of Mars. Green, white, and red. Kory turned down a few dozen offers to dance as she walked back towards the bar to get a drink.

“?Hola Agente Andr! ?Cómo va la vida?” A young man said as he walked up to her. She stopped to look at him for a moment before a small smile stretched across her face.

“Blue Beetle! Good to see you!” Kory said as she walked up to Jaime Reyes.

Blue Beetle aka Jaime Reyes was approximately 5'8”, with brown eyes, short brown stylized hair that was covered in hair gel. He had light chocolate skin, and a charming smile. He had grown a lot during the battles for his home. Gone was the immature child, and a young hero was being made. A synthetic chirp of an insect sounded from his back.

“What? Ya, I'll asked her.... Khaji Da wants to know what is wrong? You are, and this is a quote. 'Not performing at optimal capacity.'” Jaime winced as he finished speaking for his companion.

Kory smiled at Jaime and came to give him a big hug. Koriand'r was 6'4, with her boots on she was 6'6. Just high enough for Jaime to get his face swallowed between her bouncing breasts. He flailed in surprise though he was the envy of many men, and women at the bar. Then Kory came around to his back, pulled his shirt up and kissed the scarabs shell. The thing chirped at her.

“Just missing some friends were not with us today.” Kory said to the scarab, who chirped in response.

“Oh...I'm sorry, any one in particular you lost?” Jaime asked, as Kory put down his shirt and they returned to the bar for a drink. Apparently the legal drinking age on the Watch Tower was 18.

“Oh, Wraith went off to seal a Rift. Supergirl is incredibly busy and our days off never seem to line up. Miss Martian is working with Martian Manhunted in setting up the embassy on Mars, and the Watch Tower.” Kory said with a dreary expression. Jaime blinked at her, and face palmed completely miss reading the situation. While his scarab chirped again.

“ Khaji Da wants to know why Wraith is the only one that doesn't seem required to take a break like the rest of us?” Jaime asked for his partner. Kory's eyes lit up in understanding and she smiled. Her smiled was genuine and made Jaime blush at her. She leaned in and gave him a great big wet kiss.

“You are right! Every one needs time to relax! I should lodg a complaint for him. He's over worked!” Kory said, then hugged Jaime one last time and took off towards the exit.

“Why do I feel like I just made things worse?” Jaime asked, as his partner chirped at him. “What? No, I don't!” Jaime said in frustration as he downed a shot. “No, No I don't!” Jaime continued to argue with his partner.

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***Time Fragment. Kryptonopolis, Military Guild council hearing***

Kemuna Ke-Zod continued to breath in through her nose, out through her mouth. She recited the scripters of Rao in her mind. Something that normally always calmed her. But everytime she would get half way through the scripture she would see Lash grinning face staring back at her. Then the memories of the night they had shared would flood up. Then a blush would cover her face and she would have to cough several times to clear her head. Her father Wym-Zod was next to her in a seat with a knowing grin on his face. He didn't know the intimate details, but she trusted his daughter.

They were both in the Military Guild's preperation chamber. A council had been called when she had declared that Black Zero was back. She had sent the information ahead of time and was now here to describe the events in her own words. The Guild would analyze her response time, blood pressure, and eye movement. Her proof was definitive! But it was the fact that she named the, Back Guard as their co-conspirators made it a serious issue. Officially, the Black Guard was not offliated with the Military Guild. That is what they told everyone. No one believed them however.

More than once Kemuna stood up from her seat and paced the chamber. The first time she had been here was years ago when she was promoted to the primus of sector 68. When her father, and brother had come back from the Kandor rim...Different, broken. Now, her brother was dead. While her father seemed like a new man. Her brother had been burnt to ash, and his name was applied to the house of Zod's memorial. He was granted full honors, despite his dissapointing life in the past 5 years everyone had understood.

Kemuna took a long deep breath and smoothed out her official ceromonial garb. All of her medals, ribbons, and rank were on full display. A red dress uniform with black high lights that were tailored to her body. She walked over to a full length mirror and looked at her self. She had pulled out her braids for the council. Her hair was pulled back into a bun, while a few bangs frame her face. She sucked in her flat stomach and tried to make her chest just a bit bigger. She had always been jelouse of Kursta for her figure.

Her mind wondered towards Kursta. How was she? She was alone now in a medical bed in the barracks under guard. Could Kemuna trust the soldiers watching her? Maybe it would have been better to leave Kursta with Lash-Rao? Oh! The necklace, Kemuna reached into her pocket to pull the symbol of Mordo the god of strength out. She hesitated for a brief moment then slipped the necklace on and put it under her uniform. In a flash energy rolled from the necklace over her body. The nervous tension melted away and she became clear headed. A small smile grew across her face.

“Primus Kemuna Ke-Zod, Wym-Zod, the council will see you now.” A Labor guild official that worked for the Military Guild respectfully bowed their head and called to them.

“Thank you.” Wym-Zod called to them and stood up to meet his daughter. Technically he was the subordinate so he was prepared to open the door for Kemuna, and step aside for her. Kemuna took one last relaxing breath. She wished she had put the necklace on ages ago...

Kemuna, and Wym walked into the main chamber of the military council. The floor was crystal dark blue with golden cracks between the stones. Layer sitting went up for several levels, so that every military house could be represented. Above them were the banners of the current raining houses, beneath them were the auxilary, then the lower houses. But to be displayed in this room was to state to all that you had sway in the council if only a little. One of the primary raining houses was house Zod. That hung in the center of the room just above the main council.

Kemuna, and Wym stood at attention beneath the throne like chairs above them. One by one the council came in. They saluted, they raised their right arm to chest level. Their fist above their heart, and the elbow pointing to the side. Then with a quick jerking motion that almost seem to snap in the air like a whip they moved arm to the right. So their fist went from the left to the right. A standard Kryptonian salute. Their salute was returned by the council.

“Wym, it is good to see you again. In good health, body, mind, and soul.” A distinguished voice called out. This, was Dru-Zod high general of Krypton's armies. He was 6'3” with a shaved head, electic blue eyes, and chocolate black skin. He was built like a body builder but could move like a runner. His smile was genuine when looking onto his branch house.

“You as well, Kemuna. I was sorry to hear about Tak. I'm sorry I couldn't attend the burning but I'll make an effort to visit the memorial. Despite your sons recent issues he was a good soldier, and a good house member.” Dru-Zod said to them with a smile. Then one of the other councilors cleared there throat. Dru narrowed his eyes at the other leaders. Then his face became indifferent.

“Kemuna Ke-Zod, primus of sector 68. We have looked over your report and video reports and we find it...Lacking.” One of the councilors said, and Kemuna's eyes narrowed but she kept her bearing otherwise.

“Would you care to explain why you left out specific detailes about this Priest?” Another councilor said, saying the word Priest as it was a cuss word. That made Kemuna, and Wym boil with rage. Another councilor knocked a stone sphere to get the topic back on task, like a gavel.

“The council is well aware of your devoution to Raoism Kemuna, we are not belittling you for your loyalty. If anything we commend you on being able to balance religion, and state. But we have to ask why you did not give us a full report.” The councilor asked, as they brought up a video of Lash inscribing a ritual circle and the energy coming from the circle fixing the whole temple square in seconds.

“Is that really an issue? We are talking about Black Zero, and the Black Guard.” Wym spoke up, and the entire council glared at him.

“You forget your place, Wym-Zod! You are to speak when spoken too! Not before!” Dru-Zod all but shouted at him. Right now Dru was a Military Guild councilor. Not the head of his house. Wym bit his own tongue and went back to being silent.

“Primus? What say you?” The councilor asked, as they watched her carefully. But before she could speak someone else walked into the councilor chamber. A man with a golden mask, and a midnight black robe. He was followed by several servants who wore white ceromonial garb with golden scriptures on their tunics.

“Because I asked her not too.” The man with a golden mask said, and the entire room stood at attention and turned to greet the voice of Rao in all of Kryptonopolis.

“Voice of Rao we didn't realize you planned to attend the military council. We would have waited for you.” One of the councilors said quickly, while Dru-Zod gave the councilor a look of disgust. No they wouldn't have. In fact they had waited so long to invite Kemuna, and Wym here in hopes that the Voice of Rao would be distracted.

“Rao will always make time for his chosen children. Kemuna Ke-Zod is a devoted followed of Raoism. I personally asked her to not report Lash-Rao's abilities to this council. It was a Religious Guild matter. I find it puzzling that the military council is more concerned with Lash. Then with Black Zero, and the shadow operation of Black Guard. Why is that?” The voice asked them all. His voice was level and soothing to the ear. But the underlying threat was there, 'get back on point.'

“We simply wish to understand why the Black Guard has taken such an interest in Lash-Rao. Voice of Rao. I've ever only known of his reputation at the Kandor rim. We believed that this unique power set could be an asset.” Dru-Zod spoke for the council, The Voice of Rao turned to look at him. No one spoke while the Voice deliberated.

“The War Priest, Lash-Rao will be given the benefit of the doubt. He is one of Rao's chosen, and has served the Religious Guild with integrity, since he joined of his own free will when he completed his term of service as a Ligadian.” The Voice said to the council, several of the councilors flinched at the word. So it was true.

“I would also remind the council that he volunteered to fight at Kandor rim. While a majority of the Military Guild was ordered. He went willingly to spread the light of Rao. He has also volunteered to be in service to the temple in sector 68. Let me be adundantly clear with all of you. If Lash-Rao had any ambition he could have easily been decalred a high chancellor at temple prime and spent the rest of his life worshipped as a saint. Instead he chose to throw himself back into the grinder. I would hope that the Military Guild would respect that.” The Voice said, his tone of voice was taking on an acidic edge. Many with in the room swallowed their arguments.

“Let's get back on topic.” Dru said, a smile on his face as he turned towards Kemuna. Several of the military councilors glared at him.

“We have confirmed reports that Black Zero is indeed in operation here in Kryptonopolis. You are the first to tie them to the Black Guard. Thanks to your combined efforts with War Priest, Lash-Rao. We were able to retrieve valuable intel from their suits data base. As well as the prisoner you brought it. What we are trying to establish is why sector 68?” A councilor jumped at the chance to change the subject. They had stayed silent for most of the discussion.

“Black Zero prays on the disfranchised, the poor, and the misstreated. It is my belief that they are trying to kill Lash-Rao because he brings Raoism back to the masses. He has only been there for ten days but already things have improved for the better for the Labor Guild.” Kemuna reported, she brought up several video's and interviews not only from the citizens living there but her own justicars.

“Wym-Zod what do you think?” Dru asked in a authoritary tone, a small smile on his face. Wym watched a short video of the tribulation ritual that had killed Tak, and saved himself.

“I think they are afraid of him. I think they want him to die, so that the Religious Guild will send their inquistors to judge the sector. It would force everyone in sector 68 to turn to Black Zero. Not only is Lash-Rao giving people hope for a better tomorrow. He is also the instrument for Black Zero's insurrection. But what I fear most is that if they can't kill him, they will try and turn him.” Wym said at last and the entire council leaned back in their chairs thinking over his words. Until a soft chuckled was heard from The Voice.

“That will not happen. Lash-Rao will remain steadfast in his duties. He has been ordered to restore that temple, and to bring the light of Rao to sector 68. He went there because he believes in Raoism, in the truth that it can guide all of Rao's children towards the light. Black Zero are a group of hypocrits, and liars. More than anything, Lash will hunt them down and kill them by his own hand.” The Voice said, another chuckle escapted his lips. The golden mask he wore muffling it, if only slightly.

“But could he be coerced” Dru asked, that made the Voice stop laughing.

“I don't see how. He has no family, he has no house but the house of Rao. Gods, and Goddesses can not be threatend by mortals. Even his...Kin the Ligadian's are not with in the reach of Black Zero. Unless...” The Voice conceded a single point. The councilor looked at him in earnest curiousity.

“The people, his flock. Lash-Rao cares about the people under him. If Black Zero threatens the people of sector 68 he could be convinced to act out in order to protect them.” Kemuna offered, and The Voice nodded towards her.

“It is this councils decesion that Kemuna Ke-Zod, primus of sector 68 be granted additional resources, and pesonnel to route out Black Zero with in their sector. Wym-Zod you are promoted to second of the barracks. Kursta Soll-Vo once she has been properly recovered will be named your third.” The leading councilor said at last. After a brief discussion with the military council.

“You are to find the terrorist cell, or cells with in sector 68. Find, and bring the leaders of Black Zero, dead or alive to the Military Guild. With a secondary objective of ensuring the safety, and well being of War Priest Lash-Rao.” Another councilor commanded.

“If you find any Black Guard, you are to bring them in alive, or dead as well. But your priority is Black Zero, and the temple. Understood!” Dru-Zod finished for everyone. The councilors turned to the Voice of Rao. Who bowed his head, and said nothing.

“You have your orders. Dismissed!” Dru-Zod said to his branch house family with a smile that they returned....

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What is Black Zero? At its creation like any movement it was first an idea. It speaks about the Zero dawn. That light is always darkest before the dawn. The dawn on a new world order? Back in the age of creation when the different guilds were being made. There were dozens of different guilds that represented the people. Over time those guilds collapsed, grew, or merged until the established order taht Krypton has today. But through everything, through all of the ages. The Labor Guild remained, but they were always miss represented.

The simple truth of the matter is. Krypton has a whole relies on the Labor Guild. But the Labor Guild does not rely on them. If the Labor Guild chose to just stop for one day. One whole day? All of Krypton would crash and burn! The mighty machine of Krypton's progress would come screeching to a grinding halt. Darkness would swallow the world, and the night is always darkest before the dawn. But this time the Labor Guild would be the leaders of the new world. That was who Black Zero was. Or who they should have been.

But like any movement, the original idea was lost in translation. They went from none violent means. To violent means after decades of failure. The truth was, the other Guilds knew that they relied on the Labor Guild. That was why they did everything in their power to ensure that the Labor Guild never had a voice on the council, and kept communication between the different guilds between cities, and even sectors to a minimum. The Labor Guild were indetured slaves, or like serfs from old Earth's history. Slaves that were allowed to own property, but still slaves.

If you are born into the Labor Guild either by the gensis chamber, or through natural birth. You can never leave it. While everyone else born into different guilds. If their DNA, and force of will says otherwise. They can leave. But not the Labor Guild. So, in many ways Black Zero are freedome fighters! Fighting agaisnt injustice! Fighting against slavery! But eventually that changed to just fighting anyone that is not them....

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***Time Fragment. Sector 68, Temple Square***

Food! Glorius food! Most fall it was free delicious food! A line had formed around the city block. As they waited for their free food. Thankfully the line moved quickly, and it was also patrolled by undercover Bylock Syndicate enforcers, and justicars. Everyone was civil, and enjoyed the festival energy. The Daylight spell enchanted onto the burning pyre was a hit! The roaring fire climbed ever higher towards the sky. But no smoke billowed out, it was burning clean. The yellow light poured out onto the festival grounds.

Thousands of people were sitting at tables, talking, eating, and drinking. While music played from the temple, and from the speakers at the stage next to the fire pit. A few dozen people had started to dance around the fire pit. People told stories, shared jokes, and reverly was adundant! Moving between the tables, and speaking to who ever needed a quick word was War Priest Lash-Rao the sponsor of the whole event.

Lash was met with smiles, and cheers no matter what table he came to. People had heard about the feast but expected porrige, and stale bread. Not delectiable meats, fresh baked bread, deserts, and golden drink almost have they were made from the very heavens itself. Or magic? Just lots and lots of magic! Lash cast his 'blessings' on every table he visited. Renew, and Immaculate on their clothing. While Sooth, Nature's Supplement, and Nature's Kiss on their bodies, minds, and souls.

“Priest Lash-Rao!” A woman's voice called out, and Lash turned to see Kela Bez-Ol was calling for him. She had shown up wearing a delightful Kryptonian dress. Knee high brown leather boots, thick earth brown skirt, and top, with light leather jacket. Something that looked good, but she could still work if needed to.

“Sister Kela, Welcome! Are you enjoying the feast?” Lash asked, he excused himself from the table he was at. Lash had black boots, black pants on, with a black t-shirt on. Golden calligraphy was inscribed on the skin of his arms, and neck. Gylphs of the 14 major gods, and goddesses, 211 demigods, and 1402 titans.

“I am! I have to say it is a wonderful turn out. I was especially surprised to find the justicars present and being helpful for a change.” Kela said, her voice dripping with sarcasm about the justicars. Bad blood between them. Kela's bright green eyes were tracking the justicars carefully.

“Don't let them bother you and try and have some fun, sister Kela. Oh! I am about to make a speach in a few minutes would you care to join me onstage?” Lash asked, and she smiled at him.

“I would be delighted to!” Kela replied, and was surprised when Lash offered his arm to her. She took the offered arm after a moment of hesitation. A Labor Guild offical walking arm in arm with a Priest of Raoims drew several eyes, and turned many heads.

“Thank you for that...” Kela said to Lash softly as they walked towards the stage.

“Like I said before, I am here to help.” Lash said, and winked at her. Kela rolled her eyes, but her smile at last reached her eyes....

As the last song died down from the music system, Lash and Kela climbed onto the stage. Lash tapped a pin on his collar and he gently cleared his throat. It took a bit for a few thousand people to quiet down, and look towards the stage. Lash politely waited until enough people took notice. He clapped his hands which was amplified by the microphone. That got everyones attention.

“Hello everyone! To those of you who don't know me? I am War Priest Lash-Rao from temple prime. I am the Priest in charge of the temple in sector 68, and I am the sponsor of todays feast.” Lash called out to the crowds, and hundreds of people raised their glasses in a cheer.

“I have only been in the sector for ten days! I understand that there is indeed a lot of bad blood between the guilds, especially in sector 68. I am not asking for anyone to forgive what has happened. Only that you keep an open mind for the future ahead of us all!” Lash said, his words bringing a somber oppression to the feast.

“Yes, a bit of a downer I understand. The Religious Guild is known for that!” Lash said with a grin, and a few people chuckled but most just eyed him wearily.

“It has also come to my attention that sector 68 doesn't have a city park? I mean sure there is a park up there!” Lash pointed to the high rise pedestrian walk ways above them. But they may have well as been in different worlds, let alone different levels.

“So, I have purchased the neighboring lot just across the street!” Lash pointed a the wrecked buildings that was the scene for yesterdays shoot out. “With plans to demolish the buildings, and create a free, public, park!” Lash said, emphasizing the free, and open to the public parts of the sentence. This caught everyones attention especially Kela.

“We will start the demolition tomorrow morning! Anyone that is free and would like to help? Will be paid for their time. We will also provide meals for the day, of course!” Lash said, and let that all sink in with the people in attendance. More than a few nodded.

“Next on the list of things to discuss before you can go back to eating and drinking. The temple's facilities! We have a free clinic here that is open during the day, and will be open at night for emergencies! I do mean free! If any of you have family at home that are injured but you cant afford treatment? Bring them in, Sister Kela Bez-Ol can confirm this.” Lash said, and he turned to Kela. She was given her own microphone pen.

“Hello everyone! Yes, I can confirm he is telling the truth. I would also like to point out that the food you are eating was paid out of pocket by Priest Lash. He is even paying the volunteers that are helping today.” Kela said, and motioned back to Lash. While the crowd digested this bit of information.

“We also have an education center with in the temple. It is open during the day, closed at night. We are providing simple meals for those that come to study. We also have an incentive program! For every lesson you complete you will be paid ten credits. Whether you are an adult, teenager, or child!” Lash called out, and this made Kela look at him in wide eyed surprise.

“The education center has a holgraphic teacher, along with a Virtual Reality interface. If you can complete all one hundred lessons, and pass the last basic education generalization test in the top 20%. You can apply for a Labor Guild job outside of sector 68!” Lash called out, and the whole crowd started talking in rappid succession. Lash waited for them to calm down.

“If...If you can pass in the top 5%, you will be granted a educational scholarship to continue into intermediate education. Paid by the new Temple Prime scholarship program!” Lash called out, and this got a huge uproar from the crowd. While Kela became deathly pale, odd.

“We also have a working gym, with a self defense robot. Some of you have seem him, his designation is Praetor. While the robotic worker unit Epsilon is also my assistant in the medical clinic. Praetor is fully licsenced, and credited to teach basic combat fitness. Same standards as the education center. This way for anyone looking to join the a Labor Guild branch of the military.” Lash said with an open smile that got a lot of attention. Kela was pulling on his sleeve looking at him with trepidtation.

“Something wrong?” Lash said, blocking his microphone pen. “I thought you'd be happy? I mean I can't take anyone out of the Labor Guild. But this is a step in the right direction isn't it?” Lash asked Kela who looked like she wanted to scream, and cry at the same time.

“I...I.... I didn't know all that. I'm just surprised.” Kela said, with a forced smile that confused Lash. No, Lash wasn't confused. He used this moment to cast Insight on her as it just reactivated, thanks Dawn-->>

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