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Chapter 81 - The Secret Society New
Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories, you can read up to 15 chapters in advance per story on my
Patreon page / patreon.com/Samael61.

To the attention of the readers who enjoy reading an intelligent main character like Miles will definitely like my original story, Arrival : Ruptures. Comments, likes and reviews are appreciated. Here are the links for :
AO3, Spacebattles, Royal Road and Webnovel.



—
​

Gotham

North Hill Subway Station


Batman watched the exit of the subway station. Grodd and his recently formed Secret Society were gathered at the subway station. He had recruited Parasyte, Killer Frost, Sinestro, and a recent player in the scene, a red-haired woman. According to Miles, Grodd had gained telepathic abilities following the accident Flash had caused in their last altercation.

He had also transformed an ape into his devoted follower, Giganta, who could change her size at will.

Grodd had recruited these criminals, while also looking for Shade and Clayface, to counter the Justice League. Shade was under arrest, and Clayface was going through the last round of treatments to return him to being a human.

Permanently removing him from the roster of villains.

"Batman, we are here." The Manhunter's voice came from behind. Superman, Hawkgirl, Green Lantern, and Wonder Woman had arrived to reinforce him.

"I'll go in and scout. You guys wait for my signal."

"I will shield your mind from Grodd," Manhunter said.

Batman nodded, jumping off the ledge with his grappling gun drawn. In the cover of the shadows, he was invisible and didn't have a difficult time locating the Secret Society.

He struck while they were discussing the way forward. His batarang nailed Sinestro at the back of his head, knocking him out. The remaining members turned to face him, surprise evident on their faces.

"Batman," Grodd said, growling. "I don't know how you found us, but coming here alone was a mistake."

He smirked. "Good thing I don't make those kinds of mistakes," he said. The cavalry burst through the wall behind him, standing before the Secret Society.

"Remember what we discussed," Grodd said, swinging his hand. Giganta, Parasyte, and Killer Frost spread out while the gorilla woke Sinestro.

Giganta, true to her name, grew in size, charging like a bulldozer. Parasyte, Frost, and Sinestro used her as a cover, ready to take their targets.

Green Lantern raised his ring, nodding at Wonder Woman and Superman. He waited until Giganta was in the perfect place, firing a bola at her legs. She tripped, head falling close to the powerhouses of the League.

Superman and Wonder Woman flew upwards, fists stretched, and hit. Giganta's head snapped backwards, eyes rolling back. She was out cold by the time her face met the floor.

Hawkgirl, Green Lantern, and Batman moved to meet their targets. Green Lantern went for Sinestro solely because he knew the Yellow Lantern would target him. In his single-minded charge, he didn't see the Manhunter coming through the ceiling. He planted his feet on Sinestro's back, sending him to the floor.

Green Lantern constructed a jack-in-the-box with a boxer's glow instead of a clown's. Sinestro flew up with the hit, joining Giganta.

Batman threw another batarang, this time at Parasyte, blinding him with the flashbang. Hawkgirl closed her eyes, flying blind for a moment. "Now!" Batman said.

She opened her eyes and swung the mace, sending the purple villain away. More batarangs followed, and she didn't let up her assault. Parasyte could not absorb anything from her mace, and Batman constantly interrupted him while she worked the villain over.

Superman's beams met Killer Frost's cryo beam, slowly creating a thick mist around them. She didn't see Wonder Woman's lasso come and snatch her hand. She swung before the lasso could freeze, meeting halfway with Superman.

She too joined her teammates on the floor.

"How is this possible?" Grodd asked, his eyes wide as saucers.

Green Lantern crossed his arms. "Teamwork. That's how you wanted to defeat us, isn't it?"

"And your minds are shielded. Which means you knew about my telepathy. Well played," Grodd said, getting on his knees, raising his hands. Wherever the League had received their intel from, it was spot-on. Their lacking teamwork was also remedied, making their plans useless.

Fighting right now was just asking to be beaten.


—
​

The Secret Society was broken apart before it could become known. The members were arrested and sent to the nearest detention center. Grodd's ambitions were shattered, leaving him stumped as to how.

He would have a long time to think about it in Arkham.


—
​

Arkham

Hours later, the group found themselves in Arkham.

"So much for your superior intellect," Killer Frost sneered from her cell across Grodd's. The power nullifier around her neck itched, and she couldn't do anything about it.

"The League knew everything. My new powers, our gathering place, and plans. They weren't even surprised to see Giganta," Grodd said, scratching his neck.

Sinestro rolled his eyes, getting up from his bed. "So?"

"There is a traitor among us," Grodd said. "Nothing else explains how they could have such accurate intelligence on us." It couldn't be Giganta. The League had nothing to offer Parasyte except for the powers of their members—which they wouldn't. Killer Frost was out as well, but he wasn't certain if Sinestro could put his hatred of Green Lanterns aside long enough or not.

"Seeing as all of us are here, I doubt it," Parasyte said. That is, not unless someone was stupid enough to sell the rest out for no gain.

"I think I know how," Sinestro grunted.

Grodd walked to the left end of the cell door. "Enlighten us."

"When I was still a Green Lantern, Earth's protector brought a human to Oa. He claimed to know something the Guardians would want to know. Whatever he told them, it was enough to send those blue imps into a frenzy," he said. He knew that the Guardians were old, some of the oldest beings in the universe. Nothing fazed them.

Until that day.

"And you believe this person is responsible for our current situation?" Grodd asked. He had seen a pattern in the League's activities. They were acting in a precise manner, as if they knew what to do, when to act, and where to go. A member providing them with intelligence was a plausible thought.

"I never saw the Guardians act so worried before that day. Not only that, he was friendly with the Green Lantern."

"What was this person's name?" Frost asked, baring her teeth. She didn't need a reason to kill, but she would make an exception for this bastard.

"Miles Beckett."


—
​

Metropolis

He read the latest news from Gotham while sipping his drink.

"What happened?" Karen asked.

"Oh, nothing, just Grodd and the members of his new Secret Society were arrested," he said, pocketing his phone again.

"Fedoraman strikes again," she teased, taking his hat from the table and putting it on.

"You are welcome."

"Say, your mom, what happened to her?" she asked. He had confided in her about how his mother had returned. She hadn't asked what he had done with her, though.

He looked away, watching the ongoing traffic. "I erased every memory she had of me, gave her some cash, and sent her on her way."

She chuckled. "That's one way to give the middle finger to higher powers." She had never encountered the Spectre back in her home dimension. Knowing there were beings who would put a price on changing the future was disconcerting.

"I would have done more if it were worth the trouble," he said. The Spectre's human host, Jim Corrigan, would be the obvious target. He couldn't and wouldn't touch him.

Not if it meant unleashing the Spectre's full might.

"What exactly did you do to earn that, though?" she asked. There certainly wasn't any news regarding a great, world-changing event. Unless he had prevented it, of course.

"I told fate to have an intercourse with a rusty spoon."

She rolled her eyes. "You know what, just tell me when you are ready."

"Anyway, gotta go and work. Thanks for the drinks," she said, kissing him on the cheek. She was about to give his hat back as she left.

"Keep it; it suits you," he said, winking. She smiled, leaving the hat.

He paid the tab and left.


—
​

"Aww, look at you," Claire cooed. "You two are like the lovey-dovey couple in a fairy tale."

"Ah yes, one where I am trying to set this planet on a certain course behind the scenes, and she is one of the strongest mortal beings in the universe," he said in a lazy tone.

"Just saying. Seeing the two of you like that makes me want to find a boyfriend too," she said.

"Where to now?" Baraka asked.

"To the lab. I want to see how my mobile base is proceeding along."


—
​

EnviroCorps Robotics Center

"Buying an island was a brilliant idea," Thomas said. "I already sent the androids to start the construction of the underground complex. Material processing, assembly, and the dock are all underwater. We are building an image distorter on the surface, courtesy of your winged friends." All he needed was to transport the raw materials, and the androids would handle everything.

"How long will it take?"

"There is no insignificant number of parts that needs testing first, but with the androids,? Two months for the facilities, six for the carrier itself."

"You have outdone yourself once more, Thomas. Thank you," he said. Just eight months to have his own flying fortress.

He could wait that long.

"My pleasure."

He was given the specifics once the timeline was established. At fifteen hundred feet long, the Overview could fly at ninety miles an hour thanks to its thrusters. The chameleon covering made it invisible to both sight and radar.

Two hundred active androids as crew and maintenance. A computer for Zalika to manage the network. And one thousand androids in reserve to act as an emergency force. It was truly a mobile fortress, allowing him to have a force constantly on the move.

Keeping teleportation exposure to a minimum.


—
​

EnviroCorps Environmental Restoration Research Center

"Clyde, long time no see," he said, shaking the brilliant man's hand. "I was close by and decided to check how your work is going. I hope I didn't come at an unfortunate time." He also wanted to see how the weather control program was proceeding. He had left it alone for some time since it wasn't as vital as Thomas' work.

"Of course not, sir. This way," Clyde said, gesturing towards his office. He was the head researcher, funding was almost unlimited, and the work hours were great. This was everything he dreamt of.

"I don't know where you found the plans for this ionic energy generator, but it was exactly what I needed. Miss Lorein is already negotiating with the Chinese. If it goes well, we will have our first customers in a month or so," he explained. He had received the blueprints for the generator from the energy research center along with personnel to build and operate it.

It was extremely advanced, something he couldn't believe they just had on hand.

He didn't ask for its sources, of course.

"Fabulous work," Miles said. He was one step closer to having another lynchpin to gain the hearts of the people. And some extra funding as well.

Though, the demonstration would have to be delayed for now.

From the moment they left the lab, Clyde was sneaking glances at a coworker. She had bushy brown hair and safety equipment and, of course, was enamored with her work.

"How are things between you and her?" he asked. Those glances were very much the longing type.

"Oh, uhh," Clyde stammered before coughing to gather himself, "good, very professional. Why?"

"Nothing important. You just looked like a man in love; I couldn't help but ask."

Clyde hung his head, sitting. "Is it that obvious?" he asked, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Yes," Claire murmured. It was painfully obvious in fact.

"Have you asked her out?"

"We are coworkers, and I am, well, I've never been popular with the girls," he excused. She was actually in charge of the ionic energy generator, the only person that technically ranked the same as him.

Miles nodded in understanding. "You think it will make things awkward if she says no."

"Back in high school, I had a brilliant chemistry teacher. Mister Verner was much like you. He had such a passion for his field that it burned brighter than phosphorus," he said. Speaking about high school was irritating most of the time. Hormonal teenagers, needless drama, and, of course, the eternal boredom.

There were lessons he had learned, though.

"He was also in love with our mathematics teacher, Miss Thinefield, but like you, he was too shy to say it. One day, a classmate who failed his class wanted to humiliate Mister Verner by writing a secret love letter." He remembered how pale Verner was when he learned about the fake love letter.

More needless drama, but at least it had an amusing moment.

"Long story short, they ended up marrying a month after I graduated."

"So you are saying I should ask her?" Clyde asked, glancing out the window towards the lab.

"I am saying don't stay in this state of indecision. Maybe she will say yes, maybe she will say no. But that doubt in your heart will gnaw at you like a pack of hungry hyenas," he said, patting him on the shoulder. Clyde was an open book, and every little wavering of his eyes pointed at the same thing.

Doubt.

"You're really something," Clyde said, slacking on his chair. He was always talking himself out of asking, and it was really getting to him. Maybe he just needed to brave it.

He got up from his chair. "Let me just give you a tour first."

"No need." He raised a hand, stopping him halfway. "In fact, if she accepts, both of you can take the day off."

"If not?" he asked. It was best to be ready.

"Then you can take the day off." Clyde would need it.

"Thank you, Miles."


—
​

"I guess the machine isn't that important?" Baraka asked, starting the car.

"It is. Keeping Clyde happy is more important though," he said. As always, earning loyalty meant more than immediate gains. That and he liked Clyde.

"Because he is a valuable asset?"

"Because he is a friend," Claire answered for him.

He smiled, taking his coat off and laying it on the seat. "Why can't both be true at the same time?" Just because he is a valuable asset doesn't mean I can't be his friend."


—
​

Gotham

Arkham Asylum


Alarms blared across Arkham. A breakout, massive in scope, allowed every inmate to escape at once. The guards were having a difficult time, and the police wouldn't arrive soon enough to contain the situation. Their only hope, the Justice League, had received the alarm, but it was unknown whether they would make it.

Five inmates, who were imprisoned just yesterday, escaped together. They had one purpose now, to disappear and find out if the Justice League did indeed have a secret member supplying them with intelligence on their moves. They had considered spreading the name to other criminals, but Grodd had decided against it.

The likes of Joker would only get in their way.




—
​

In the next chapter:


"Miles, there is something you have to see," Zalika called from her work room. He turned the TV off, his curiosity piqued.

She was watching a certain group of recently escaped criminals through a laptop's camera. "I found them following a tip-off to the GCPD. They are searching for you on the internet," she said, pulling up their search history.

He narrowed his eyes. "Is that so?" Sinestro must have made the connection.




Curious about the next chapter? Please consider supporting me on Patreon.
 
Last edited:
Arrival : Ruptures Now Released on QuestionableQuesting New
For the dear readers who are interested, I just released 30 chapters of my original story, Arrival : Ruptures, on QuestionableQuesting. Here is the link, where you can be part of deciding the future of this story.

Synopsis : In a world inhabited due to transdimensional ruptures, which also bring calamities every now and then, Thairon just wants to enjoy the possibilities only science can uncover and ensure his brothers don't get themselves killed.Meeting Tomoe was not among his plans.Through fighting monsters that sprang out of the ruptures, politics, and corruption, he feels the bond between them grow stronger with each hurdle.
 
Chapter 82 - The Forgotten Days New
Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories, you can read up to 15 chapters in advance per story on my
Patreon page / patreon.com/Samael61.

To the attention of the readers who enjoy reading an intelligent main character like Miles will definitely like my original story, Arrival : Ruptures. Comments, likes and reviews are appreciated. Here are the links for :
AO3, Spacebattles, Royal Road and Webnovel.



—
​

Metropolis

Beckett Residence


"Miles, there is something you have to see," Zalika called from her work room. He turned the TV off, his curiosity piqued.

She was watching a certain group of recently escaped criminals through a laptop's camera. "I found them following a tip-off to the GCPD. They are searching for you on the internet," she said, pulling up their search history.

He narrowed his eyes. "Is that so?" Sinestro must have made the connection.

"Sinestro seemed to know you. Apparently he suggested you could be the one who revealed their location to the League," she said. Grodd did ask Sinestro for anything that might help them find Miles.

"What did they find?"

"Nothing. I left no mention of you anywhere."

He patted her on the shoulder.

"What are we doing, Miles?" Claire asked, glaring at the screen. That monkey had another thing coming if he thought he could target her boss.

"Seems they need a bit of mental cleaning."

"So we are taking them out?" Baraka asked.

He pulled out his phone and called his most frequent contact these days.

"Good morning. You are a bit early today."

"Good morning. There is an issue. I know you tend to be busy, but could I take you out for an hour or so?"

"Did something happen?"

"Grodd and his goons escaped from Arkham, and they are searching for me. I thought it would be prudent to erase their memories of me."

"If it's for you, I can spare a couple of hours. Though, I do expect to be properly compensated later."

"Dinner at the downtown Italian place then."

"Call me when you're ready," she said, hanging up.

"That's me, Baraka, and Karen then," she said. Miles wasn't exactly a fighter, so it was three to five.

"Count me in too," Raven said, floating inside.

Starfire followed her. "Me as well."

"That's five."

"More than enough for our adversaries," he said.


—
​

Raven and Starfire refused to wear the suits. He didn't see a reason to insist.

"Starfire, you have Killer Frost. She controls ice and has a fetish for murder. Nothing someone of your talents can't handle." He would have to warn her to take it easy and not break something important.

She took the offered tablet, which included videos of Killer Frost's battles. "Very well."

"Raven, Sinestro is all yours. He is like a Green Lantern, except in yellow and a coward."

She nodded, glancing through the file.

"Baraka, you'll deal with Parasyte. Your powers are similar, but you have the armor. Hit him hard and make sure he doesn't get up," he said. Parasyte couldn't drain anything from the armor, and Baraka would return any energy-based attacks back to him.

He turned to the last member of the crew. "The big girl, Giganta, is Karen's. She doesn't pose any threat to you, and you are the only one who can hit in her weight class." Giganta's one and only battle was a short and humiliating one. There wasn't much to include in her file except her origin and size-shifting ability.

"I'll handle Grodd. Afterwards, an associate of mine will wipe their memories clean of me, and we'll hand them to the cops. Any questions?"

Karen raised her hand. "How are you supposed to erase Grodd's memories? He is an extremely strong telepath."

"He gained his telepathic abilities when Flash sabotaged a helmet he was wearing. With access to his medical reports and an injection of nanobots, we will be able to dampen or completely erase his newfound power."

Karen decided to take his word for it.


—
​

Gotham

"This is hopeless," Sinestro said, gritting his teeth.

"He is right. If nobody knows about that person, I doubt he'd just advertise himself on the internet," Frost added. They were searching the name through databases and on the open internet. Nothing had surfaced at all.

"Do you have a better idea? Or do you two just enjoy complaining?" Grodd asked. He too did not enjoy the inefficient method, but Gotham was swarming with superheroes. They couldn't afford to leave this hovel.

"We should capture one of the Leaguers. You can read their minds and we can find out if they actually have a man behind the scenes," Parasyte said, standing up from the corner where he was sitting.

They knew he wanted to feed, but his idea made sense.

"Who?" Giganta asked, rubbing her sore jaw. Definitely not Superman and Wonder Woman.

"Green Lantern. He is the easiest to capture," Sinestro suggested. Superman and Wonder Woman were power houses. Flash would run circles around them. Manhunter was rarely seen. Hawkgirl was the only other candidate, but he didn't have anything personal against her.

"And not Batman?" Frost asked.

"Oh yes." Grodd rolled his eyes. "Brilliant idea. Chase the superhero known for his stealth. That can only end so well."

You did not find Batman; he found you.

"Fine, then we catch the Green Lantern," Sinestro said, unable to resist smiling.

The door to the house opened and a man stepped inside. Dressed in a dark suit with a coat, he strolled inside as if he owned the place. "How about you five be good little piggies and return to your pens in Arkham?" he asked, smirking.

"That's him!" Sinestro said, raising his ring towards Miles. His teammates got into position quickly. Giganta couldn't even grow in size, so she wouldn't go through the ceiling of the slum.

"So it is true. There is a man behind the scenes assisting the League," Grodd said.

Killer Frost stepped forward, her face turning almost deranged. "And you came here all alone."

"Just like Batman, I don't make those kinds of mistakes."

Karen burst through the roof, feet down towards her target. Giganta found herself kissing the floor in an instant. Parasyte was frozen at the sight of the new hero, shining like a star. Sinestro and Killer Frost didn't stop, pouncing on the armored hero.

Having learned their lessons, they were quick to disperse when a black beam and two green bolts came from their flank.

Karen hurled Giganta at Grodd. The gorilla ducked, letting her sail over his head. His attempts to read or control their minds didn't work. Which pointed out they too had come prepared.

She floated towards Grodd, cracking her knuckles.


—
​

Raven didn't bother holding back. Someone on a Green Lantern's level should have no issue tanking her hits. Sinestro's yellow-colored serpent met her magic. Both sides fought for dominance.

Unfortunately for the Yellow Lantern, Miles had brought in reinforcements.

Three androids shed their invisibility, tackling Sinestro out of the air. They didn't offer him a chance to surrender. Their punches rained down on the villain. He couldn't even retaliate.

She would have felt bad if it were someone else.


—
​

Koriand'r had offered her talents for two reasons. One, to help her new friend. Two, to stretch her legs in glorious combat. The Murderous One of Frost also appeared to find great joy in the combat as well, though her smile of the slaying indicated it was for a most different reason.

Per her request, Miles had agreed to withhold aid to her. She wished to relish this battle in a one-on-one as a warrior.

Her flight made it simple to dodge her enemy's ice attacks. Once she was in range, she swung her fist.

Frost created a layer of ice on her face against the punch. She didn't know how strong this new hero was but wasn't about to take chances. She gambled wrong as the ice shattered and she saw stars.

Koriand'r caught her spinning enemy by the leg, raising her to the air. She began to slam her on the ground repeatedly before launching her at the wall. She was advised to stop once her opponent appeared unconscious.

She did exactly that.


—
​

Parasyte groaned as the hit to his liver made his knees go weak. The armored bastard was keeping him from getting to the real prize. He had only seen that kind of energy on one other person until now.

Superman himself.

Whomever she was, she was a Kryptonian or something close enough.

"Argh!" he bellowed, swiping at the hero. His enemy didn't even attempt to dodge, letting the armor take the hit. With nothing to drain from, he was barely stronger than an ordinary human. This fight was not in his favor at all.


—
​


Grodd backed off from the flying heroine. His mind raced to find a way out of this situation. For the second time in the same week, they were caught by surprise. All because of the same man.

Who was nowhere to be seen.

"Nighty night, Grodd," he said from behind, laying his hand on his back. Grodd slowly turned around, seeing the root cause of his troubles with a Cheshire grin.

His muscles seized as electricity began to run through him. His fur singed and smoke rose from his body. The current was high enough; he passed out in seconds, swaying on his feet for a moment before hitting the ground with a thud.


—
​

They dumped the beaten villains together, letting the androids tie them up. Power dampeners were fitted around their necks, rendering them powerless.

"Manchester, you are up," Miles said. The door opened, letting a purple-haired individual inside. She narrowed her eyes, vividly remembering one villain who had given Superman enough grief.

"He is your associate?" she asked. Her cousin had fought Manchester and his gang. He had won but not without taking some hits.

"Yes. Is there a problem?" He was, of course, clueless about who Manchester would be.

"Nothing. He was a villain back in my dimension. A pain in the ass kind of one."

"He works for me. He won't be a problem."

"If you say so."

"The monkey's going to be a problem," Manchester said. The bloody ape, even with the dampener, had strong mental shields due to his telepathy. "Can't guarantee I won't lobotomize him by accident."

Miles reached to his back, pulling out a canister. He pulled Grodd's eyelids open, pressing them over the open eye. The nanobots were programmed to handle the rest.

He had actually prepared them to completely erase Grodd's abilities weeks ago. They had to be modified since he couldn't lobotomize the gorilla right now and draw too much attention. Merely erasing his memories was enough.

The purple-haired telepath felt the monkey's telepathic barriers slowly collapse. Whatever the bossman had done, it was working. He laid his hand on the furry bastard's head, erasing every mention and every sight of Miles Beckett. He had never heard it from Sinestro while incarcerated in Arkham and had never researched the name.

He repeated it on the other villains, making sure to avoid touching Parasyte at all.

When it was Sinestro's turn, he stopped momentarily as he saw the memories.

"Been in space, eh, bossman?" he asked.

"Yes, do erase that part too."

"Got it."

Karen leaned closer to Miles. "How did you get him to work for you?" The telepath was a tough nut to crack from what she had seen. He wouldn't just accept working for anyone so easily.

"Surprisingly, he applied to EnviroCorps' metahuman recruitment drive. I thought it would be better if he worked directly for me."

"Done," Manchester said, letting Sinestro go.

"Well done. You are dismissed for now."

"Alright, see you, boss," Manchester said with a lazy wave. Zalika teleported him out of Gotham, and it was as if he had never been there to begin with.

Miles pressed his League communicator. "Batman, are you available?"

"Busy chasing the leads you gave," he replied. His words were accompanied by the sound of a fight, a yelp of pain as someone met the Caped Crusader's fury.

"I have Grodd and his Secret Society neutralized. I would prefer if my involvement remained clear," he said, winking at Karen.

She crossed her arms, turning her head away, but he could hear the amused huff.

"Send me the address. I'll have GCPD take them."

"Sending it now. Good luck out there."

"Thanks."

They waited long enough to hear the sirens in the short distance before leaving.


—
​

Metropolis

Beckett Residence


"That was really quick," Karen said as her armor melted back into the watch. Not even an hour and five villains were on their way to Arkham.

Miles let Baraka take his coat. "Fighting for the cause is infinitely easier when you know your enemy's every move."

"Indeed." Starfire pumped her fist up. "This battle was most joyous. I am looking forward to challenging Earth's villains in the future."

"I'll arrange something for you," he said. If she wanted to fight, he would give her plenty of targets.

"Right, what's with Starfire?" Karen asked. It was like whenever she saw Miles, he had someone new in his home. Members of the Royal Flush Gang were one thing, but she didn't know how Miles had taken Starfire under his wings.

"She is royalty back on her planet. Got an evil sister who sold her to the Gordonians. She escaped and accidentally made her way to Earth." Of course Karen most likely knew all of that.

"And you are keeping her out of the hands of the government," she said. She already knew Starfire was a capable warrior back in her dimension. She had also seen her smack Killer Frost aside like an amateur. It was exactly the set of powers that would have the government agents salivating to get their hands on.

"Anyway, enough work. I'll pick you up at six."

"Make it seven," she said, giving him a kiss on the cheek before she was teleported away.

He was beginning to truly enjoy that.

With Karen gone, one last part of the plan remained to be implemented. Androids had handled the half of it, creating a chemical hazard in the abandoned part of the slums. Zalika's task was to rewrite police and health department records, showing there indeed was illegal chemical dumping in the slums.

The rest was a simple matter of switching everything on paper, and the perfect alibi for why the Secret Society didn't remember came to be.


—
​

Gotham

Arkham


Grodd woke up with a killer headache.

"What happened?" he grunted out, rubbing his temples. He shook his head to disperse the fog in his mind. He felt as if he were missing something.

He last remembered escaping from Arkham due to the latest breakout. Then it all went dark.

"You don't remember?" one of the guards asked in a drawled delivery. "You idiots got yourselves knocked out while hiding in the slums abandoned due to chemical leaks. You are lucky to be even alive."

"We were?"

"The doctor said the headache and the confusion are normal."

Grodd turned away, trying to focus but truly couldn't remember much. They had reached the slums and had found a decent place to hide, but it all went dark after that.

He slammed his hand on the wall, realizing he had failed again.




—
​

In the next chapter:


"Miles, come in," Superman said. He carried a sharp edge to his voice, more annoyed than angry.

"Superman, how can I help?" he asked. What had happened now?

"You remember Queen Maxima?" Superman asked, breathing the name out with a groan.

"How can I forget an individual such as her?"

"She is still looking for a husband and wants to meet you."

"I am flattered but unavailable," he said. Maxima knew nothing about him, unless she had heard from the Thanagarians or from someone in the League. Given his lack of powers, she wouldn't be interested either way.




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I am curious where this next chapter will go with Maxima looking into Miles. Is she interested in him or does she know of his "info network" and want to ask him to set her up with someone, so to say.
 
MCU - Mortal Considerations : Hela x Original Human Character Story is Out Now New
Chapter 83 - The Court New
Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories, you can read up to 15 chapters in advance per story on my
Patreon page / patreon.com/Samael61.

To the attention of the readers who enjoy reading an intelligent main character like Miles will definitely like my original story, Arrival : Ruptures. Comments, likes and reviews are appreciated. Here are the links for :
AO3, Spacebattles, Royal Road and Webnovel.

What can you expect from Arrival : Ruptures:


  • Thairon the Genius MC with technology far ahead of the planet who does not take anyone's attitude,
  • Skyler, his younger brother who is trying to save humanity from itself,
  • Kael who is a chaos gremlin helbent on causing trouble,
  • Tomoe, the female lead that is not a damsel in distress and knows how to kick ass,
  • Individual and military battles, political intrigue and family issues,
  • Expanding universe that you can be a part of as well.

Today is the day for you to join me in any of the links above.



—
​

Metropolis

Hob's Bay


He watched the Toyman work on his latest creation through the visor of his suit. He wasn't about to allow him to use what he thought was a disintegrator beam to send Superman to the future. He had chosen an abandoned toy factory to further his research.

"Do we just destroy the weapon and call it a day?" Claire asked. This target seemed to have Miles on edge for some reason.

"No. We are taking him off the shelf permanently." It was time to put an end to the twisted, pained mind of Winslow P. Schott Junior.

"Claire, you and I will deal with Toyman. Baraka, go through the back to reach the security room; help your sister take everything of value from the systems and delete everything."

"Understood."

"Got it."


—
​

Toyman had reinforced the rundown factory building. It was not a fortress, but they were not going to stroll inside through a broken wall either. The doors, except the one the Toyman used, were barricaded.

A more direct approach was necessary.

Claire melted a hole in the cargo door, taking position to confront the Toyman. Miles camouflaged himself, disappearing into the shadows. Toyman had sensors everywhere and knew there was an intruder. He didn't want to turn this operation into an open battle but a silent execution.

She walked in the darkness, acting as bait. A hum, childish in a twisted way, wasn't far off. Toyman showed himself, doll-sized robots following him.

"I didn't know we were having a guest. Did you come to play with us?" he asked, not concerned in the slightest. The dolls attacked without a prompt, each one carrying a knife. Miles maneuvered behind Toyman, raising his palm to the back of the villain's head. A single blast of energy popped his head like a fleshy balloon. Toyman fell forward, unaware of anything.

The dolls didn't stop, though, each one letting out childish shrieks that were silenced by flames.

"Burn the body," he ordered, walking inside the workshop. The work of Toyman had to be destroyed entirely.

"Miles, this place is filled with cameras. Why would Toyman need all this?" Baraka asked, a slight interference on the comms affecting his voice.

"His twisted mind doesn't have to make sense to us. Carry out your task and meet me in the production line. We are burning this place down." Toyman's robot, the one he had used against Superman, was halfway constructed.

"I'm already done," he said. Less than a minute later, Baraka's footsteps came from the other end of the assembly line. He whistled at the robot and walked to the nearest fuse panel. He punched through, his suit covering his arm halfway, and drained all the energy he could. His chromatic, multicolored beam carved the robot in half, setting the pieces on fire. Metal melted from the sheer heat, leaving puddles of furious red stains on the floor.

Baraka targeted everything in sight, from the weapons to the raw materials. Claire joined him soon, starting a fire in the energy cells. Toyman was using. They would not be destroyed so easily, but the flames would wear them down into catastrophic explosions after they had left.

The smoke began to cloud his vision, and he knew it was time to leave.


—
​

They stood on the rooftop, camouflaged, watching the firefighters work on the burning factory building. Toyman was dead, his disintegrator beam gone, his life's work taken.

He couldn't appreciate the flames as his League communicator ringed.

"Miles, come in," Superman said. He carried a sharp edge to his voice, more annoyed than angry.

"Superman, how can I help?" he asked. What had happened now?

"You remember Queen Maxima?" Superman asked, breathing the name out with a groan.

"How can I forget an individual such as her?"

"She is still looking for a husband and wants to meet you."

"I am flattered but unavailable," he said. Maxima knew nothing about him, unless she had heard from the Thanagarians or from someone in the League. Given his lack of powers, she wouldn't be interested either way.

"She wants to employ your services for matchmaking," Green Lantern's voice came.

He rubbed his temple. Him, a matchmaker? How did she even know who he was? What made her think asking him to find her a husband was a good idea?

"Is she in the Watchtower?"

"Yes."

"I'll be there in a minute."


—
​

The Watchtower

Maxima was waiting for him in the hangar, escorted by Superman and Green Lantern. The Queen of Almac was a dazzling individual with flowing red hair, a toned body, a lovely face, and form-fitting black armor with a white cape.

"Your Highness, to what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked. She was still inspecting Superman, eyes gliding over his form. Her appreciation ended with a frown.

"I have heard from several sources that you are exceedingly knowledgeable about individuals of great importance. I wish to hire you to find me a husband," she said, gesturing to the chests behind her. She had researched Earth and had gathered gold and jewels as payment.

He considered the heroes of this universe, trying to decide who to throw under the bus. In fact, should he even accept this commission?

Establishing positive relations with the Queen of Almac would be worth the trouble, though.

A name came to his mind. Whether he would be interested in romance remained to be seen.

"There is someone, but he would not look so kindly upon political marriages or being a breeding partner. If you can gain his respect, you might have a chance." Orion had a strong personality, as did Maxima. They would clash, but he could not extrapolate the end result.

"Who?"

"Orion of New Genesis. Beyond his physical strength, Orion has an even greater will. He understands duty but also puts great care into personal choice. You need to look beyond your need for a stallion to give you a child. In that, you might find what you seek and perhaps more," he said. There weren't that many heroes who could match Maxima, and even fewer who could deal with her. Orion's mental strength alone made him a possible candidate.

"Orion? You think that's even possible?" John asked. The New God tended to be strongheaded. He was more likely to butt heads with her than consider romance.

"Anything is possible," he said. Individuals of Superman's caliber didn't grow on trees.

"Then how do you suggest I approach him?" she asked. She knew New Genesis, but Almac did not have any diplomatic relations with the New Gods. This could be an opportunity to change it.

"Challenge him to combat, leave the politics and the genetics aside," he said. Orion would definitely have a strong reaction to that.

"Very well. These trinkets are yours. If there is an issue though…" She left the sentence unfinished.

"I will be here."

"Then excuse me. I need to pay New Genesis a visit."

"Tell him I sent you. You would have a more hospitable time. One last thing, who told you about me?" he asked. The options were limited, but he wanted confirmation.

"I have friends in Thanagar," she said, leaving the Watchtower.

"You sent her after Orion? You think that's a good idea?" Superman asked. He didn't think romance was a consideration for Orion.

"I am sorry, were either of you volunteering to marry her?" Both heroes looked away, knowing the answer.

"I didn't think so. As for Orion, a partner might assist him in combating the rage inside him. Who knows how a woman might change him?" He was making it up as he went. He hoped it wouldn't end on a sour note.

"This officially makes you a matchmaker, by the way," Green Lantern said, gathering the valuables in a bubble to transport them for Miles.

"Could you deliver the chests to Batman? He can add them to the Watchtower's budget. I prefer not to spend money earned from arranging a date."

Lantern nodded and left as well.


—
​

Metropolis

Beckett Residence


"What did she want from you?" Claire asked. Alien royalty did not arrive on Earth every day to visit a human.

"To find her a husband," he said. His flat tone conveyed how absurd the situation was.

"Wow, didn't think you were in that business too, boss. Do we have to worry about dissatisfied customers? Vengeful lovers looking for you?" Baraka asked, chuckling. He had become more assertive these days, joking about situations such as these.

"I hope not. I would rather not commit regicide on an alien world," he said. At most he would give her the gold and the valuables back or just send her after someone else.

"I forwarded the findings from Toyman's system to Thomas. He says he has no idea how that idiot managed to create a Temporal Displacer and confused it for a Disintegrator Ray," Zalika said. The technical parts escaped her, but the general idea remained.

Toyman had struck gold and thought it was pyrite.

"I suppose that will be a mystery for all of us."


—
​

EnviroCorps Headquarters

He watched the crowd.

The group that headed to Zambesi had gathered for one last speech. The most prominent figure was Pamela Isley, whose probation had ended, and she was now a free woman. The Tarmax Security, whose members included the metahumans saved from Cadmus and Victor Fries with his wife, Nora.

The rest were researchers, engineers, and workers that would create the backbone of the group.

"The task ahead of you is a great one. I know you will succeed because you are the very best in your respective fields. Zambesi's development will be an example to the continent and then to the world."

"Your safety is paramount, and as such, Tarmax Security will provide you with professional security forces. All your material needs will be provided, and of course, you will be compensated accordingly."

"Thank you and good luck," he said, keeping it brief. No one enjoyed long-winded speeches. He always found them to be an effort on the side of the speaker to hear their voices. He left the stand amid polite clapping to greet the teams.

"Excited for your new task, Pamela?" he asked the green-skinned former villainess. She swirled the glass of champagne in her hand, looking thoughtful.

"Maybe. It depends on whether they will actually listen to me."

"I assure you, they will. The president is aware of how dire the country's state is. You are their lifeline," he said. Pamela's abilities and knowledge in creating a balance between industrialization and nature would make Zambesi a paradise.

"Never thought I would be playing the hero," she said, her face souring. The word felt wrong on her tongue, to call herself a hero.

"You are Mother Nature's voice. You don't have to be a hero for that, just smart."

"Suppose so."

"Victor, brilliant work on the cure," he said. Just hours ago, they had announced the cure for AIDS. When men like Victor Fries were provided with the resources they needed, the miracles they could achieve could propel the planet forward decades.

EnviroCorps had already received multiple requests within hours for cure samples. They wanted to test its veracity and, if possible, import it.

Of course the first few hundred thousand doses would go to Zambesi, and then millions more to the rest of Africa.

"It was only possible because you gave us the opportunity."

"The heights mankind can reach are without a ceiling. We only need to strive for it. You proved it today," he said, turning to the last group.

"Gentlemen, ladies, Angelica. Ready for your trip?" The five of them were already introduced to the rest of the team and were prepared for the task.

It did not hurt to ask.

"You just keep the money flowing," Monica said, inspecting her new ring. Their signup bonus had fattened their wallets up considerably. All five members had splurged a bit, enjoying amenities that were denied to them for so long.

Miles patted her on the arm.


—
​

Private jets were prepared to take the teams to Zambesi. The country lacked an airport, but it was one of the first projects he invested in. It was small but more than enough for their immediate purposes. Hotel Continental was repurposed to serve as the headquarters of the team.

Victor himself would be the leader of this project. He had the skills and the willingness for it.

This project was looking promising already.


—
​

Beckett Residence

He let himself fall on the couch, rubbing his temples. It was midnight, his head was aching, and he needed a vacation. At least for a couple of days. He pushed himself off the cream-colored chair, walking to the kitchen for a glass of cold iced tea.

He opened the fridge, took the bottle, and filled two glasses along with ice.

"You know," he said, screwing the cap back on. "It is polite to let your host know you intend to visit."

"I need your help. Everyone's help," Batman said, taking the glass. Even he could not hide how exhausted he was.

Miles pulled a seat for the Dark Knight. "I have been hearing things. A group moving in the shadows of Gotham, displeased with the changes the city is undergoing. A group that is losing its grip on the city."

"The Court of Owls," Batman said, finishing his drink.

"Have they targeted you?" he asked. This was too public for him to kill the Court of Owls, but who knew what would happen to them in prison?

"Several operatives. Highly trained but most importantly…"

"They are not alive," he said, interrupting Batman. He hadn't actually checked whether the Court of Owls existed or not on purpose. When the joint project between EnviroCorps and Wayne Enterprises in Gotham began to suffer setbacks, he had tasked Zalika to find the cause.

A group of elite saboteurs, definitely not from the League of Shadows, were targeting his projects.

The owl-masked leader of the saboteurs was a dead giveaway. He had not acted so far to discover their true capabilities and learn more. Locations, numbers, and names were necessary to stomp the Court out.

"Go home and rest; you need it. Tomorrow, we will bring the Court down," he promised. Fifty-six names; billions of dollars worth of assets and bank accounts; the Talon Storages; and, of course, the secret nests where the Court met.

The greatest hackers on the planet would fail to breach their security. Unfortunately for the Court, Zalika was on a whole other level. They were exposed and had no idea of it.

"What have you found out so far?" Batman asked. The Court of Owls was a legend for so long. He guessed they had a hand in ensuring it happened that way.

"We can discuss it tomorrow. Knowing you, you would stay up all night," Miles said. His vacation would be postponed until this matter was dealt with. If the court were worried enough to show their hands, it wouldn't be long before they took a more heavy-handed approach.

They would strike first.




—
​

In the next chapter:

"One more critical matter. They know Batman's identity," Miles said. He wasn't exactly sure of it until today, where the Talon was seen lurking on the edge of Wayne Manor.

"Then they will release it as soon as they know we are after them," Wonder Woman said. It made sense for an organization like the Court of Owls to know Batman's true identity. The important matter was how to stop them.

"True, but there is an angle we could exploit," Miles said, switching the image to a specific Court member. Ginger-haired and green-eyed, his face was scrunched as if he were chewing on a whole lemon.





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