Doomsday Crisis

TWO MONTHS AGO

Metropolis, Lexcorp's office

Cochrane runs into Craven's office. He opens the door and sees Craven standing over the window, watching all the mess. Craven looks at Cochrane and says: "Hello, John. May I know the reason for this visit?"

"I know about the DEO, Craven. Are you doing covert work using Lexcorp's money? I won't..." Craven turns to Cochrane in a menacing tone: "YOU...WILL NOT...DO...ANYTHING! Remember, Cochrane, I put you where you are and I can take you out. And now this new breed of heroes threatens both of our positions. McGovern of WayneCorp is complaining about Batman. Celeris has the Outsiders to worry about. Shauna Fitzgerald and Steel's presences disturb Feron. I thought we would be free of this hero heat, then two Supers come along! Thus, if I have to spend all of Lexcorp's money to destroy these Supers, I will do so! Do I make myself clear?" Scared, Cochrane just nods.

"Good. Now get out of my way." Promptly, he does so. Craven still mumbles.

"Superman, huh? I swear I will bring you down no matter what."

* * * * * *

The hills of Markovia.

There are the Outsiders, the heroes who destroyed the Mecha-troopers of Celeris, king of Markovia. Vectra, Rush, and Chain are arguing about the disappearance of a member, the lovely Tempest. Starjack does nothing and Killstrike ponders. They all go to the Outsiders' lair, where they find Mother, the blind woman who could see the future (at least that's what she says).

They were worried about Tempest more than usual; Killstrike had never seen this side of the team. He thinks, 'I think they transcend the whole concept of team. They are a family. I am the main 'outsider' because I don't feel the same way as them. I mean, it's bad the girl was kidnapped, but they felt bad about it way more than me. And they are about to blame me for losing her because I was the leader and should be taking care of the whole team. I should never have been the leader. I was unemployed for three weeks, for shock's sake! Perhaps when we belong to the high side of town, we see each other with more distant eyes. And they, being more... homeless, for lack of a better term, they learned to unite, they could achieve something better. If not for them, for the kid then. Shock, I hope I can find her. That will redeem me in their eyes."

Meanwhile, a soldier is escorting Gabrielle Scott, aka Tempest, to Celeris' royal castle. She is handcuffed, but her mouth is still free. When they enter the castle, they go to the central office, where Celeris was sitting & drinking whiskey. Killstrike arrives at the castle right at the time Mr. Plato, the Celeris Royal Guard Head Leader, and Tempest were leaving after being questioned by Celeris. Killstrike comes to the central room and presents himself to Celeris.

"Killstrike waiting for further orders, Your Majesty."

"Killstrike, I'm happy you came in. Where have you been?"

"I was with my wife, sir. I visit her every day."

"Lovable gesture, Mr. Bergen. But I am afraid you will have to stay away from her for a few weeks. I have a new task for you, but I won't reveal it right away, because certain arrangements are being done."

"That's fine. I will be awaiting your order."

"Of course you will."

Meanwhile, at the Outsiders' lair, they searched for any evidence of Tempest's disappearance. Vectra sighs, "How could we lose her that way? She was just 19 years old, for shock's sake!!!"

Rush contemplates and says, "I know what you mean. Despite her young age, she was a shine of optimism in our dark and gruesome world of 2099. I hope Killstrike finds something."