Sub Diego

[martian-manhunt.livejournal.com]

The Martian Manhunter teleports to Sub Diego, looking for Aquaman. His assistance has been requested.

And, he hopes, an opportunity will arise to discuss other matters with him.

Comments

[ex-kingofat.livejournal.com]

Arthur swims up to him, all business.

I've got two people missing, J'onn, and they're not within city limits. Is it possible for you to do a telepathic scan for a hundred miles or so? Limiting yourself to the water, and just looking for human minds?

[martian-manhunt.livejournal.com]

J'onn nods. "I'd be happy to look."

He reaches out with his mind, looking for human minds in the water within 100 miles (but at least 50 feet from the shore) that exist outside of the city.

[ex-kingofat.livejournal.com]

Arthur waits and tries not to look impatient.

[martian-manhunt.livejournal.com]

Finally, J'onn opens his eyes.

"Twenty-two scuba divers; three families of Sub Diego residents out for a picnic. No one who had thoughts of being kidnapped or being in hiding."

[ex-kingofat.livejournal.com]

Damn. I'd hoped -

In any case. I need one more favor.

[martian-manhunt.livejournal.com]

J'onn nods his head in acceptance. "Of course."

[ex-kingofat.livejournal.com]

I need you to do a surface scan of my mind - I need to know if I've been controlled or tampered with recently.

[martian-manhunt.livejournal.com]

J'onn regards Arthur for a moment, then closes his eyes. He can feel the Martian moving into his mind, sifting through thoughts. He is careful not to probe deeply into Arthur's personal thoughts -- it is just a surface scan -- but the feeling is still disconcerting.

Finally, J'onn opens his eyes.

"I can sense no gaps in your mind which might be left due to mental tampering. May I ask what you suspect?"

[ex-kingofat.livejournal.com]

The people missing are Sub Diego city councillors - the ones who introduced the secession proposal to council. I found out today those missing people told the council I wrote the secession proposal.

Since there's no evidence of tampering - and since I don't have a history of schizophrenia - that leaves imitation. Which means it could be just about anybody with a basic image inducer who started this.

[martian-manhunt.livejournal.com]

J'onn nods. "Who benefits?"

[ex-kingofat.livejournal.com]

Well, that's two questions, isn't it?

"Who benefits from Sub Diego seceding" - could be anybody, really. Promoting political conflict is something from which any number of villains could gain.

"Who benefits from framing me for it" - not nearly so many. Manta, Ocean Master, certain conservative Atlanteans if we're only looking at personal grudges... if you consider those who might want me without influence in Sub Diego you might add Luthor to the list.

He sighs, irritated.

More questions, as usual. Thanks anyway, J'onn.

[martian-manhunt.livejournal.com]

"You are welcome, Arthur." He turns away, pauses, then turns back.

"Arthur... I would also ask a favor of you."

[ex-kingofat.livejournal.com]

Go ahead.

[martian-manhunt.livejournal.com]

"I understand how deeply upset the recent revelations about the League have made you. You feel betrayed... as I believe we all do." He shakes his head. "But I would ask... please... reserve judgement until all the facts are in and we are debating within the Tribunal."

[ex-kingofat.livejournal.com]

I never planned to do anything else.

But honestly, asking me to reserve judgement when Clark has already and obviously decided for himself that his best friend should be back in the League...?

[martian-manhunt.livejournal.com]

"I am not speaking about Clark. I am speaking about you." He sighs, and his expression softens. "I know you want to see justice done here. We all do. I am merely asking you to remember that."

He turns to go.

"I wish you luck with this situation, Arthur. Please, do not hesitate to ask me if you need any further help."

[ex-kingofat.livejournal.com]

As if I'd ever ask anybody else first, J'onn.