Night Comes Down

Sector 2814, Sol System, The Watchtower

“That’s not a legal word, Guy,” Fire said, frowning.  “Seriously? “Vartox’ is something you just made up!”

“You wish,” Guy Gardner replied, smirking. “Totally a real word – guy’s fought Superman before. Check it out in the League database if you don’t believe me!”

“I believe you, Guy – but Vartox is a proper name, and therefore not a legal play,” Ice said, trying to look supportive.  “Sorry. How about ‘Vex’ instead? That’s legal!”

“Well, yeah, but it won’t be worth as many points,” Guy exclaimed. “And there’s no way Guy Gardner’s losin’ this game! Not today, girls!”

Before the argument could continue, the form of J’onn J’onzz, the Martian Manhunter, phased through a nearby wall into the monitor room where the game was taking place.

Internal artwork from Martian Manhunter #24 (Sep. 2000). © and TM DC. Written by John Ostrander. Art by Doug Mahnke.

 “I wasn’t aware board games were allowed during monitor duty, Guy,” said the Martian. “Was there an update to the League rules while I was away?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Gardner replied. “You’re lucky J’onn showed up, girls.  Ole Guy was on his way to another amazing victory!”

“Not by playing Vartox you weren’t,” J’onn said dryly.  “It’s not a legal word.”

“Et tu, J’onn?” Guy said, frustrated. “Fine, I’m paying 100 percent attention to the – hold up.  You seein’ this?!”  Guy pointed at a nearby monitor displaying a priority alert – at the highest threat level.

“Sector 2261,” J’onn said.  “The planet Mogo, if memory serves.”

“Yeah, and that’s not all,” Guy said.  “Check out the data on hostile forces… you’re not gonna like it, though.”

“Black Lanterns,” Ice said, clearly shaken. “Nekron’s back.”

“Indeed,” said J’onn. “Several of us were Black Lanterns at one point, including myself and Ice. It is not an experience I wish to endure again.”

“Nor I,” said Ice, somber. “Never again.”

“Not gonna happen,” Guy said, determined. “Not on my watch.”

“And for now, your watch is here, Guy,” said J’onn.  “Alert the League – all members, active, reserve, and inactive. We can’t allow another ‘Blackest Night’ to occur.  We mustn’t.”

Sector 2814, Sol System, The Hall of Doom

“Hey, Ives!  Lookit!  The threat monitor’s lit up like a Christmas tree,” Harley Quinn shouted, pointing at a holographic display emanating from a nearby console.  “Somethin’ somethin’ Mogo somethin’ Zombies… what’s a Mogo?”
 
Poison Ivy rolled her eyes and read the holographic alert over Harley’s shoulder.  “Mogo is a sentient planet.  The images I’ve seen are beautiful – a world free of the woes and damage inflicted by humanity.” 

“I dunno, Red… Sinestro sent in some pics from this Mogo, and they look pretty woeful and damaged.  And why’s everything gray?”

“Good question,” Ivy replied, frowning. “Though I bet those Black Lanterns have something to do with it.”

“Wait, zombies have Power Rings now?!  That can’t be good! I don’t want no Black Lantern eatin’ my brains!”

“Hide behind Luthor if it comes down to that,” said a woman’s voice from behind the duo. “They’ll go for him first – bigger brain, bigger meal.”  Cheetah smiled, clearly amused at her own joke.

Cover artwork from Wonder Woman #28 (Jan. 2009). © and TM DC. Art by Aaron Lopresti.

“Hardy har har, Cheetah,” Harley said, irritated. “Stick to slashin’ up Wonder Woman and leave the funny bizness to the professionals!”

“Sure… let me know when they arrive,” Cheetah replied.  “You hit the panic button yet?  You know Luthor’s going to want to hear about this.  Him, Grodd, Sivana and the rest of the Big Brain club.”

“She’s not wrong,” Ivy added.

“Ooh, ooh!  I wanna press the big red candy-like button!” exclaimed Harley.  “Pleeeeeeease?!  Let me press it!”

Cheetah and Ivy exchanged an amused glance.  “Knock yourself out, Harls,” Ivy said. “Alert the Legion of Doom… god help us all.”
 
“Wheeeee!” Harley squealed as she smashed the red button with her ever-present hammer.  “That button is pressed! You’re goin’ down, zombies!”

“Here’s hoping,” Cheetah said with a shrug. “The League’s going to get involved. A lot of the Legion will sit this one out to avoid going back to jail once the dust settles.” 

“Yeah, but if those Black Lanterns turn everyone into zombies, there’ll be no one left for the would-be conquerors to rule,” Harley replied.  “League or not, they’re gonna wanna get involved to make sure they have somethin’ left to conquer!” 

“Just like a broken clock,” Cheetah said. “You’re right twice a day.” 

“I’m gonna take that as a compliment, Spots.” Harley said.  “Now… how the heck does a girl get to Planet Mogo?”