Presenting ... The All-Star Squadron!

[jla-extras.livejournal.com]

As the chatter dies down, Liberty Belle takes the podium. Even after a couple years of doing this, her breath always catches when she looks out at this assemblage.

"All right, everybody," she says, casting a glance absently at Johnny Quick. "Settle down. According to Black Canary and the JSA. we have a serious problem on our hands. Bulletman, a mystery man from Fawcett City, has been beaten to an inch of his life by Capt. Nazi, who seems to be active on U.S. soil. And to make matters worse, Zatarra's old enemy, The Wizard, stopped Capt. Nazi from finishing the job, and warned us that ... and I'm quoting here ... 'Hell is coming to America.'"

She looks around at their faces ... confusion, concern, uncertainty --- all of that, yes. But also determination, courage. Not a one of them is shaken by this news.

"So the question is," she says. "What do we do?"

Comments

[jla-villains.livejournal.com]

"Miss Firebrand," he says, nodding his invisible head. "I can only say that yes, your good Dr. Fate is in trouble, but he is not the only one of your allies in need this night."

A roll-down map of the world on the side wall unfolds with a sudden snap.

"I'd hurry if I were you," he says, as the map catches flame and then, just as suddenly extinguishes, an X left burnt into a patch of the Pacific ocean. "There are some predators that will even haunt Hawks. As well I know."

And suddenly the lights cut out, and the darkness is filled with a maniacal laughter. There's a flurry of activity as heroes struggle to find the switch, or to break the darkness with their own powers, but when the light returns, the Ghost is gone.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_black_canary_/]

The Canary springs to her feet and hurries to examine the map. "The Pacific...." she murmurs. "Now why am I thinking this isn't an invitation to tour the exotic Sandwich Islands?"

[jsaboss.livejournal.com]

"I don't like this," says Terrific, by her side examing the map. "First of all, we're being led around by our enemies, and that's never a good idea. And worse ..."

He touches his fingers to the map, as though reluctant to give voice to the concern in his head.

"This is contested territory here. And we know what happens if a mystery man with superpowers enters territory where Hitler holds sway."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_black_canary_/]

"So send someone who doesn't," she says impatiently. "Me, for example."

Hey, Dad? Your little girl never became a cop, but she's going to fight for her country. Hope I don't see you too soon.

[jla-extras.livejournal.com]

Libby casts a glance at the newcomer. She doesn't know her at all, and even those vouching for her don't know her well. And wasn't she once a costumed criminal, too?

"We'll send two teams. One to the Pacific, and another to check in on Fate."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_black_canary_/]

The Black Canary stands as tall as she can. "I can't help with magic stuff. But I infiltrated 'Socks' Slade's mansion and retrieved the Kooblin Sapphire after he'd stolen it."

[midnite-md.livejournal.com]

"I have no super powers, either. I will go with the Black Canary."

[jla-extras.livejournal.com]

"Hmmm," says Liberty Belle, tapping her fingers on the podium. "Spear or no spear, we'll probably need a little firepower on that team."

[midnite-md.livejournal.com]

Dr. Mid-Nite shakes his head.

"Stealth first, I would recommend. Our enemies led us to the Pacific, and thus we have to expect a trap. Our best chance is not letting them know WHEN we're coming... and hopefully not letting them know when we get there. Sending someone of power would trigger their alarms too easily."

[jla-extras.livejournal.com]

"I agree, but because it's a trap, we'll definitely need some muscle there. Sir Justin? Why don't you accompany them. I don't think we need to worry about Hitler controlling Winged Victory."

[lanterns-light.livejournal.com]

Having remained silent until now, the Green Lantern speaks up, "Be careful around the spear! We cannot allow ourselves to underestimate it's power and we don't want those Nazi's taking over Flash and forcing him to fight for their hideous, unamerican cause."

[jla-extras.livejournal.com]

"I agree, Lantern," says Liberty Belle, seriously. "But I think it's worth the risk. We have to be careful, but we can't let those Ratzis cowl us, either."

[jla-extras.livejournal.com]

"I'll run out and check on Fate. I'm the fastest gun in the East here. Anyone know WHERE I'd have to check?"

[jla-extras.livejournal.com]

"Well, that's kind of the problem. We know he has a tower in Salem, Massachusetts, but it can't be detected without magic."

[jla-extras.livejournal.com]

His smile grows wide.

"Well, we could always make a little magic ourselves, y'know."

There go the brows again.

[jla-extras.livejournal.com]

"There's a time and a place, Quick," she says, but not as meanly as she could have. "Scout out Salem for clues, but you're gonna have back up behind you."

[jla-extras.livejournal.com]

"The time - after this mess is sorted out. The place? Yours."

The grin is defintiely cocky, but down to business.

"Send the Flash and I up there, and we'll cover a heck of a lot more ground that way."

[jay-garrick.livejournal.com]

"I'd think you could cover the ground just fine," Jay tells Johnny. "But if I can make it to the Pacific... I may be able to provide some assistance there."

[jsaboss.livejournal.com]

"Better be careful, Flash," says Terrific, playfully elbowing his friend. "If the Spear gets ahold of you, someone's going to have to clock you and take you out fast."

He's being lighthearted, but he's not joking.

[jay-garrick.livejournal.com]

Jay nods. "Let's hope it doesn't, but if it does, I'll trust my friends to take me down, and fast."

[midnite-md.livejournal.com]

Dr. Mid-Nite is given pause at this new responsibility.

Defeating the Flash would be no simple feat. I must put my scientific mind to work developing the strategy that would be needed to accomplish such an ominous task!

[jsaboss.livejournal.com]

"Indeed, old friend," he says. Still Smiling. "And if my memory serves..."

Of course his memory serves. He's Mr. Terrific!

"...That's open seas right there, but the Navy has a ship stationed nearby. I wonder if they're the target?"

[jla-goldenage.livejournal.com]

"Maybe, Terrific," says a metallic voice.

Robtoman steps up, looks at the map, and puts his hand on Flash's shoulder.

"But in any case, I'm gonna come with, 'cause I don't have any powers, and if the Flash gets outta hand, they're gonna need some more muscle."