In front of the JSA Brownstone:

[onthecase.livejournal.com]

A taxi squeals to a stop in front of the JSA Brownstone.

A chimp hops out of the back seat, throwing money at the cabbie as he does so.

"Hey, Fate!" he calls, scurrying up towards the front door. "FATE!"

He knocks rapidly at the front door. This is urgent.

*in the reception area of Dr. Rogere's office*

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

"Please can't I see him?" Mar'i begs the receptionist. "I've heard so much about Dr. Rogere--"

"Not without an appointment," says the exasperated receptionist. "Even if we did take walk-ins, he has other patients to see today." She gestures around the waiting room; most of the chairs are occupied.

"But it's urgent." Mar'i hastily pushes her sunglasses back up her nose before they can slide down far enough to reveal her eyes. "Please, I--it's just so important that I see him--I don't know what I'm going to--"

The JSA Brownstone

[jsaboss.livejournal.com]

Short-staffed as they've been, someone's been at the JSA monitor every minute since Fate, Courtney and the others left -- mostly by Michael. The observation deck where Brainiac 5's platform left from has been inspected regularly, and vague life support signals and the odd communication with Oracle have made it clear that they were still alive out there, somewhere.

And then, the signal disappeared entirely for a bit -- as if they were somewhere they couldn't be tracked. That caused a panic, and Hourman, Wildcat, Power Girl, Jesse Quick and Mid-Nite were put on immediate standby, in case a team needed to be sent after them. Michael even begged a favor out of Firebrand, who said she's be there if he needed her.

But then, just now, the signal appeared, and in a crackle of blue electricity, the platform re-appeared -- and it seems they've picked up hitchhikers.

Michael doesn't hesitate -- a flick of a switch summones emergency aid, and he bounds to greet the platform, looking concernedly at its passengers.

"Welcome home," he says, his jocular tone belaying his obvious concern. "I see you brought dinner guests."

The Demon's Head prepares for war

[ibn-al-xuff.livejournal.com]

The Demon's Head does not often get angry. His training and his time in Hell taught him to control his emotions. Mar'i is one of his weak spots. He paces back and forth along the landing strip awaiting the jet.

He had created the perfume as a means of tracking Mar'i long ago. He has two dogs specially trained to follow the scent. Thankfully, he ordered Ubu to continue their training and thus he was familiar with the smell. He knew that there was something wrong with Doctor Rogere, but he expected a personal betrayal. He had not expected an attack upon Mar'i.

The Demon's head touches his talisman around his neck and concentrates upon his vessel. "Hidate Ryumyo, gather your forces. War is upon us. You will be given the honor of leading the fight," He whispers knowing that his servant will hear him.

Ubu lands the jet perfectly, ahead of schedule. The monks bring out Mar'i on a stretcher. Ubu bound many of the wounds, but she obviously has internal bleeding. The Doctor hurt her. She's lost weight, Ibn notes. There are bags under her eyes. "Take her to my laboratory. I have a great deal to do if we are to save her," Ibn orders the monks. He turns to Ubu. "You have done well this day, Ubu. Your clan will be very proud."

He watches the monks in white take Mar'i away from the landing strip and into his fortress. If need be, he would step in front of death to to save her. And then, there would be revenge. Doctor Rogere was obviously an agent of Croutex. Ubu said that he killed him, but such things were often temporary. No matter. He would kill Croutex and all of his minions.

But first, there was one thing to do...

*Phone Call to the Grayson Household*

[ibn-al-xuff.livejournal.com]

"This is Ibn Head. I need to speak to Mr. Grayson."

Later, at Dr. Rogere's office....

[jla-extras.livejournal.com]

The office is crowded with NYPD personnel, frantic patients, a hysterical receptionist, and building security.

Comm transmission, Bat-frequency

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

This is Nightwing. Nightstar is missing. Destination given as New York, specifics unknown. She's likely gone to face down some Croutex supporter alone. Oracle is scanning local 911 bands. I'm open to suggestions that don't involve me tearing the entire state apart with my bare hands.

*comlink transmission, Bat-frequency*

[oracle-watching.livejournal.com]

"Batman, this is Oracle. Come in--I have an update on Catwoman."

San Francisco Jazz

[tempest-swims.livejournal.com]

Garth knocks on Raven's door, dressed for dinner. He wears a pale blue no-collar dress shirt covered in a dark red vest. He feels in his vest pocket for the small package he picked up on a quick trip to the Tritonis marketplace after the morning swim lesson.

*Waking Beauty*

[ibn-al-xuff.livejournal.com]

The Demon's Head has done almost all that he can for Mar'i. Her wounds are severe enough that it may take months to heal. Her back may be damaged for a long, long time. They don't have the time. Croutex will be coming for her as long as she is a threat to him. In this world, she is vulnerable. It is dangerous to wake her, but he needs to ask her permission for the next step.

Gently, he waves the smelling salts under her nose and kisses her upon her cheek. "Awake, Beloved. We have universes to save."

JSA Brownstone

[laughing-mage.livejournal.com]

He wasn't really happy to be here in the home of the JSA but there was some sort of being cleared medically before he left. Normally he'd argue but arguing when his head hurt like this was too much effort so he sat around waiting for the real injured to be taken care of before they let him go.

At any rate the pretty kitty had something of his and he needed to get it back before she took off to wherever she nested when she wasn't trapped in other dimensions fighting for her life. She'd probably stick around till that panther fellow was ok then she'd fade into the background.

As long as he was stuck here not smoking and being fed at every turn without even a decent drink to wash it down with he'd take care of that little chore.