As I sat there reeling from what Omni-Man said, Kara still tried to console me. Her hand was warm on my arm, grounding me in the moment even as my mind spun. Even Nightwing and Donna were about to get up and walk over to my side, their expressions full of concern and sympathy.
I leaned back into my chair, resting my face into one hand while the other hand was placed up in a stopping gesture.
"Stop. That's not needed," I said, my voice coming out steadier than I felt.
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't completely put off by the news of having an older half-sibling. It was just intensifying because this older sister, Gaia, was also my enemy. And I had never met her. Never even knew she existed until thirty seconds ago. Why did dad never tell me about her?
The weight of it pressed down on me. Another piece of my father's past. Another secret. Another threat coming for Earth, coming for me specifically.
I sighed, forcing myself to compartmentalize. I could process the emotional fallout later. Right now, we needed information. We needed to know what we were up against.
"Just continue, Nolan," I said, my voice flat. "What are the estimated numbers of the purebloods to hybrids of the Empire's main forces? And their conscripted and allied forces?"
Nolan nodded, seeming almost grateful for the redirect. "Like I said, roughly fifty purebloods. Close to a hundred, maybe two hundred Type Ones. Seven Type Two hybrids. And maybe another two to three hundred Type Threes. So put their main forces at five hundred."
The air in the room went still.
Five hundred.
Five hundred warriors with powers comparable to Superman and Martian Manhunter or Superboy at the lowest. Five hundred beings who could level cities, destroy planets, conquer civilizations, and who had been bred and trained for war across centuries and millennia.
I knew that just one regular Viltrumite was a problem. Even with Superman, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, Supergirl, and Superboy. Hell, even Mark and the other heroes, this might be too much for us to handle.
The heroes of this world were close to their pre-New 52 comic iteration when it came to power, but I didn't know if it would be enough. An army of five hundred that could do close to, if not similar, scales of power was a terrifying thought.
But something didn't add up.
Why were they waiting to do something? With their powers, the Viltrumites should have most of the galaxy in a chokehold. But they chose the diplomatic route and subterfuge instead. There had to be a reason.
That's when Batman spoke, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "Something doesn't make sense. How long ago was this Purge and Scourge Virus?"
Nolan looked to Batman and thought for a moment. "Roughly five hundred years ago."
Batman's lenses narrowed. "That's what I thought. With five hundred years, your people's population should be higher now, especially after you found several different species to procreate with and the hybrid pheromones. So why are your numbers so few? Is it ego, or something else?"
Everyone focused on Nolan, and the tension in the room ratcheted up another notch. This was the question that mattered. This was the weakness we needed to understand.
Nolan looked to his two sons. Oliver's eyes didn't leave his, but Mark didn't look at him. Mark's jaw was clenched, his hands balled into fists on the table. The hurt and anger radiating off him was palpable.
Nolan then said, his voice heavy, "What I'm about to tell you is something the galaxy doesn't know much about. After the alliance with the New God Darkseid, and the Empire became stronger, a discovery was made. Viltrumite fertility with other species became significantly lower. Instead of a high percentage of pregnancy, it dropped to less than fifty percent. And when it came to the hybrid types conceived. Type Ones were fifty percent. Type Twos were twenty percent. Type Threes were seventy percent. Type Fours were sixty-five percent. And after the Scourge Virus, since the remaining number of purebloods to Type Twos was so small, it would be considered inbreeding if we mated with one another."
Wonder Woman leaned forward, her expression sharp. "That still doesn't explain the numbers. Five hundred years is more than enough time to rebuild, even with lower fertility rates."
Nolan nodded slowly. "Some weapons have been considered deadly to even us. Nth metal. A species called the Ragnars. Sinlak Beetles. Weapons that can break down and cut on the molecular level. And two species with powerful technology, a species the Lanterns have heard about also has technology as well. They are called the Reach. When they are not in conflict with the Geldarians, who have similar technology, if not better in some ways. All this made us weary and act smarter and not brasher, that's why we lied about being a divided empire."
John Stewart's eyes widened slightly. "The Guardians said that the Reach are dangerous. But some rumors say they were helping the Viltrumites so they could take down the Geldarians. Is that true?"
Nolan paused, and I could see the weight of the admission in his expression. "Yes. But the alliance is fragile at best. Some in the Empire know the Reach wants to add the Geldarians' technology to theirs."
Hearing that, I paused and looked to Dick, who looked back at me. Dick was monitoring new recruits, and when I saw the footage of Blue Beetle, specifically the teenager version I knew from my old life comics as Jaime Reyes, in El Paso, Texas, I couldn't tell what was worse: a Viltrumite with meta-gene powers or one with Reach technology.
The Reach were bad news. In the comics, they were conquerors who used subterfuge and manipulation to take over worlds. If they were allied with the Viltrumites, even temporarily, that was a nightmare scenario.
Nolan continued, "As for their conscripted forces, that ranges between ten thousand to thirteen thousand. But they do not have powers. Most are from Type Zero civilizations like Earth."
Wally spoke up, his voice uncertain. "What's a Type Zero civilization?"
Kara answered before Nolan could, her voice carrying a note of frustration. "It means Earth is considered in the galaxy what you would call on Earth a third-world country, or the backwater of the universe. By galactic standards, Earth relies on relatively basic technology. Most of your society relies on fossil fuels, early spaceflight which has gone nowhere, and basic weaponry. Due to Earth's technological inferiority but dense concentration of superheroes, your planet is viewed by the rest of the universe as both a highly dangerous 'backwater' and a massive wildcard. Alien empires often underestimate Earth's military or infrastructure, but know it is practically unconquerable because of its defenders. If we were gone, anyone could really just come and conquer it."
Nightwing sighed. "Harsh, but true."
The reality of that statement hung in the air. Earth was only safe because of the heroes who protected it. Without us, the planet would be defenseless against the threats lurking in the cosmos.
Nolan continued, his voice steady. "As for the allies of the Empire..." He looked at John Stewart. "I doubt you've heard of this group yet, but there are other Lantern Corps out there."
John said, "I know. We've come in contact with the Blue, Yellow, and Star Sapphires before."
Nolan nodded. "Well, the Yellow, or the Sinestro Corps, is allied with the Empire. And there is another group as well. The Red Lantern Corps."
John's eyes widened, and so did mine.
I didn't say anything, but my mind went straight to Atrocitus. My god, this shit was bad. The Red Lanterns and Sinestro Corps working with the Empire? This was a match made in hell.
The Red Lanterns were powered by rage, by the purest form of anger and hatred. They were nearly unstoppable when fully powered, and their constructs could burn through almost anything. Combined with the Sinestro Corps' fear-based powers and the Viltrumites' raw strength? That was a combination that could tear through the galaxy.
Nolan continued, "What I said on Mars about Sector 666, I will explain that."
My eyes widened. So he was going to explain that. I didn't think John or any Green Lantern would like what they were about to hear.
Nolan's voice became heavier, more somber. "Sector 666 is also known as the Massacre of Sector 666, one of the most horrifying genocides in galactic history. Long before the Guardians of the Universe created the Green Lantern Corps, they policed the cosmos using a robotic army called the Manhunters. The Guardians covered it up, and one of the five survivors of that genocide is the founder of this group, known as Atrocitus."
John's eyes widened, and then they narrowed. His breath came out sharp and controlled. "Is there any proof of this?"
Hawkwoman spoke next, her voice skeptical. "Right. There is no way the Guardians did something this big, like genociding a massive sector, and then no one knows."
Nolan's expression didn't change. "I can say it's true because I have met Atrocitus myself, and he is very real. And he is very angry. All the rest of my notes on the Empire's weaknesses and allies are in my books."
Batman spoke next, his voice analytical. "So those weren't just stories. They really happened?"
Nolan said, "Yes. More or less, the monsters and species were all true, just different names."
"Did you buy my books?"
"Yes," Batman said flatly. "Stories tend to reflect real life. And if you even had a one percent chance of writing about your adventures, I wanted to know how to use that."
I actually agreed with Batman on that one. Information was power, and if Nolan's books contained even fragments of truth about the Empire's weaknesses, that was invaluable. Especially with everything he was telling us.
Then Nolan said, "I've explained everything I could." He looked to the League. "We don't have much time so I need to begin."
Cecil's voice cut through the room. "What does he mean?"
That's when Superman spoke, " Nolan wants to spend the next month training his sons and Caius."
My eyes widened with white-hot rage. "The hell he is. I have every right to kill him where he stands, and you want me to...."
Then I stopped myself and thought back to what he said. My sister would come to Earth. She was a Viltrumite and Daxamite hybrid.
I exhaled slowly, forcing the rage down. "Nolan, what is the likely chance my sister will want to kill me?"
Nolan's expression became grave. "Very high. Because you never took your coming-of-age rite, she will test you in your father's stead. When Viltrumites become eighteen, they must fight both their parents in a one-on-two fight to see if they are strong enough to be part of the Empire. If you fail she will kill you."
Wonder Woman's voice was sharp with disgust. "That is beyond barbaric. How many have died from this?"
Nolan said, "Hundreds of thousands. Some traditions still occur even to this day."
The room went silent again, the weight of that number pressing down on everyone.
Then he looked to me and Mark. "Listen. I will be training you for a month. It will be under intense conditions. And then I will be leaving."
Mark's eyes widened, and I could see the pain flash across his face. "You're leaving again?"
Even Oliver looked sad, like he already knew.
Nolan nodded slowly. "Yes, son. I am going to have the Martians say I came back to the planet and that I was heading to a distant galaxy adjacent from the path they would take to reach Earth. They will send a group to come retrieve me for abandoning my post and execute me for treason against the Empire."
Mark's eyes widened further, and his voice cracked. "Wait, but why go? Why not stay here and fight with us? I just got to see you again after so long, but now you come back with another kid and say, 'Hey, I'm gonna train you and leave to die.' What the hell is wrong with you?"
Nolan raised a hand out for Mark. "Mark..."
But Mark slapped his hand away, the sound echoing in the silent room. "No... you don't get to do this. I suffered so much for my choices, and I accept that. I will own that. But here you are, living a nice life with another kid, and now you're gonna go off somewhere to die."
"No, Mark," Nolan said, his voice firm but not unkind. "I'm not going to die. I'm going to buy some more time. Jonathan and I are two of the Empire's strongest purebloods. I am going to give you a little bit more time. I know you were told you have six months, but at best, maybe three or four if one comes alone. And I will do my best to make sure that happens. If I'm lucky, I will run into the Coalition's liaison on my way there and share my information with them. That way, we can start looking for the weapons to fight the Empire."
Mark didn't say anything. He just stood there, his chest heaving, his eyes red. Then he turned and walked out of the room, the door sliding shut behind him with a hiss.
The silence that followed was deafening.
Nolan looked to me, his expression unreadable. "Do you have anything else you want to say?"
I stood up slowly, and walked over to Nolan, standing over him by two inches. I looked down at him, and I let all the anger, all the frustration, all the pain I'd been holding back show on my face.
"Yeah," I said, my voice low and dangerous. "Fuck you for hurting Debbie. That woman has been like a mother to me these past few years, and you are a piece of shit. So prepare yourself, because the next month of training, I won't be pulling back my punches or my powers on your or Mark. And when the Empire is dealt with. If the three of us are alive, you, Mark, and I are gonna finish what you both started that day five years ago."
I then walked away, out of the meeting room, leaving Nolan standing there with the weight of my words. I felt Donna chase after me but I said nothing and let her follow.
Superman looked to Kara and Conner, his expression serious. "Conner, Kara, you, me, and Wonder Woman, and Donna will be training as well. I've had Kelex already start on a training simulator room in the Fortress."
The two nodded. "Right."
But they were still worried, especially for Caius.
Sometime later...Unknown Space
Tamaranean Royal Cruiser: The Empire's Fire
Moaning and grunts could be heard echoing through the private quarters.
A naked woman with alluring curves and orange-like skin moved with desperate urgency. Her long, flowing black hair cascaded down her back as her round, large, firm ass bounced up and down ferociously on the large cock beneath her. She moaned louder and louder, her voice rising in pitch with each movement.
Her large breasts bounced up and down over and over as her emerald green eyes looked down at the man underneath her. Her slender fingers clawed at his eight-pack abs, leaving faint red marks on his fair skin. He grunted as she moaned louder, the sound of her soaking wet pussy making sloppy, wet slapping sounds as she devoured his cock over and over again.
She placed her hand on his throat and squeezed, which only made the man smile, showing sharp white canines. His muscular hand reached out and grabbed her throat back, bringing her in close. His other large hand grabbed her fat ass and started forcing it down on his cock hard at his tempo.
She felt his cock hitting the back of her pussy, causing her to moan and scream in pure pleasure, sticking her tongue out. But barely any sound came out because he was squeezing her throat so tight. Her eyes were rolling back as the sound of muffled moans and wet, loud slapping sounds filled the room.
And the man grunted as he felt her pussy squeezing him tight, and they both climaxed at the same time. His white-hot seed shot to the deepest parts of her womb, and she moaned so loud that not even his vice grip could keep the sound down. Her thick thighs shook, and she squirted, mixing her juices with his as his seed as it dripped out of her.
She fell to the side, laying next to the man with fair skin and rippling lean muscles. She smiled at him, her glossy black lips even more seductive after the long session they just finished.
She then spoke, her voice breathless and satisfied. "Now that was just what the doctor ordered after being on a constant journey throughout the galaxy. I'm glad we finally got some alone time. So, wanna go another round after some food, Onaan?"
Onaan sat up, his white hair brushed aside as his yellow eyes with black slits as he looked down at the woman. He spoke, his voice deep and amused. "Well, Komand'r, as much as I would love that, I think we kept my sister waiting long enough."
Then suddenly, the door to his room slid open, and in walked a slim woman with a well-endowed chest and compact muscles. The Viltrumite uniform clung to her body perfectly. She was tall, around 5'7", with fair, flawless fair skin and sharp features. Her yellow eyes with black slits in her irises were cold and analytical. Her hair was white and long, tied into a long ponytail braid that stopped just at her waist.
"Well, brother, if you are done indulging yourself with the princess, I have a message." She then looked to the woman. "Princess Komand'r, the Matriarch expects your presence in the hangar bay for an advance party with her and Gaia to Earth, which was ten minutes ago. So I would hurry if you do not wish to make her wait longer then she already has."
Komand'r smirked and kissed Onaan on the cheek. "Let's finish this when I return." She got off the bed and strutted away, swaying her hips as his cum dripped between her legs. She looked at Ursaal as she left and winked. As she walked, a bodysuit morphed and formed perfectly to her body, covering her in seconds.
Ursaal looked to Onaan, her expression unreadable. "Make yourself decent, brother. We are to in charge of this vessel until Captain Anissa returns."
Onaan smirked and stood, his body still glistening with sweat. "Yes, my dear twin sister, as you wish." Then the white Viltrumite uniform formed around his body, covering him completely. "There. I'm all ready. Anything else?"
Ursaal smiled, a bloodthirsty smile that showed her sharp and large canines on full display. "Yes. Gaia said we received a transmission from HQ. Nolan's been found near our coordinates. General Kregg has ordered us to retrieve and capture him for questioning and execution."
Onaan's toothy grin returned, wider and more feral. "Oh! I get to fight one of the top ten of the pureblood generation. Now that makes my blood boil with excitement ."
Ursaal shared the same look, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Calm yourself, brother. You had your fun. I get the first go. After all, he was my first mentor. But I wonder if he is still worthy of Father's respect? If not, I will kill him myself."
"And if he is?" Onaan asked, his voice curious.
Ursaal's smile widened, becoming something dark and predatory. "I will take his seed and sire the next generation....So either way, I will take his seed and kill him."