-Excerpt from Travelogue Weekly Magazine, May issue
… The Royal Lex is a magnificent ship to behold. The star of LexCorp's Cruise line; it is a whopping 100,000 tones! What is even more impressive is that well over three thousand people can comfortably stay at the floating resort. The ship itself allows for a wide range of activities and houses such diverse features as a nine hole golf course, a two-story library with over 3,000 books, a computer lounge for those who bring their business with them, as well as a regulation sized ice rink that doubles as a TV studio, and even a 200 foot rock climbing wall in the fully stocked exercise room. But most impressive is the fact that the Royal Lex has its own Zip Code!
I spent my first two full days on the ship just touring the facilities. There are so many stores and nightclubs it defies belief. Even after all that time I am sure I missed some things. All the shows in the theaters or events at the nightspots were free for travelers on the ship. Quite a number of somethings to do between ports as the Royal Lex heads down the eastern seaboard and through the Caribbean before making the quick jaunt back with a different group.
I spent some time swimming in one of the expansive swimming pools then dried off and hit the Connoisseur Club, the bar exclusively for cigar aficionados. Then I spent some time admiring the four large aquariums that decorate the Aquarium Bar; weighing in excess of 50 tons and worth over a million dollars the aquariums are filled with rare salt-water tropical fish of unbelievable colors. Hues I cannot even begin to catalogue in entirety.
The cruise ship itself struck me as mammoth but smaller than I had expected. Having seen photos of older great ships of the past, the Royal Lex actual struck me as smaller than some of the previous luxury ocean liners. So I was puzzled with how it could house so many more people. Inquiring to the ever-helpful staff, they explained that modern cruise ships have less exposed deck space on the front and the back - there isn't just a ‘small shoebox’ in the middle that has to house everything. The ships are also much, much taller.
The following night I went bar hopping through the series of drinking holes along the shop filled promenade. The Royal Lex has bars and nightclubs for all sorts of discerning tastes, from high class to sports bars. And for the under twenty-one there is a huge video-arcade, just for the teens. The next morning I…
reprinted with permission of the author, Hugh Dillon, and the publisher.
-Excerpt from the Daily Planet, May 15th Morning Edition
Cruise Liner Goes Missing
The ocean liner cruise ship, the Royal Lex, has gone missing off the East coast of the Caribbean Islands. The ship, heading south near the island chain, had a full compliment of passengers and crew. The ship was due to reach the port city of Cozumel yesterday at 1 pm local time, but has yet to arrive. Radio contact has likewise failed. LexCorp officials and members of the local law enforcement are not yet worried at the lack of contact.
All started routine for the vessel going on its sixtieth trip down to the Caribbean and back. When it left its last port on the twelfth, all seemed well. None of the crew nor passengers reported anything unusual when last docked and witness, as well as departing passengers, said everything happened as the last fifty-nine trips had. Smiling faces were seen on the deck as the passengers exuberantly waved goodbye to the bustling port they had made only a brief stop in. But in a matter of hours the fate of everyone on board would become a mystery that is yet unsolved.
LexCorp spokesperson Scott Anderson, when asked to comment on the missing ship, had this to say: "We at LexCorp are not at liberty to divulge much information regarding the disappearance as of yet, although we do have people looking into the matter. What I can say is that we know for a fact the ship has not sunk or been destroyed. It can be assumed that ship merely experienced some minor mechanical faults and the captain elected to stop and make repairs." Mr. Anderson continued by stating "The lack of radio contact could just be a sign there is no problems, no signals means no calls for help or distress signals.". . .
The ocean liner cruise ship, the Royal Lex, has gone missing off the East coast of the Caribbean Islands. The ship, heading south near the island chain, had a full compliment of passengers and crew. The ship was due to reach the port city of Cozumel yesterday at 1 pm local time, but has yet to arrive. Radio contact has likewise failed. LexCorp officials and members of the local law enforcement are not yet worried at the lack of contact.
All started routine for the vessel going on its sixtieth trip down to the Caribbean and back. When it left its last port on the twelfth, all seemed well. None of the crew nor passengers reported anything unusual when last docked and witness, as well as departing passengers, said everything happened as the last fifty-nine trips had. Smiling faces were seen on the deck as the passengers exuberantly waved goodbye to the bustling port they had made only a brief stop in. But in a matter of hours the fate of everyone on board would become a mystery that is yet unsolved.
LexCorp spokesperson Scott Anderson, when asked to comment on the missing ship, had this to say: "We at LexCorp are not at liberty to divulge much information regarding the disappearance as of yet, although we do have people looking into the matter. What I can say is that we know for a fact the ship has not sunk or been destroyed. It can be assumed that ship merely experienced some minor mechanical faults and the captain elected to stop and make repairs." Mr. Anderson continued by stating "The lack of radio contact could just be a sign there is no problems, no signals means no calls for help or distress signals.". . .
reprinted by permission of the author, Gordie Johnson, and the publisher
-Excerpt from the Daily Planet, May 16th Morning Edition
-Excerpt from the Daily Planet, May 16th Morning Edition
Plane Shot Down While Searching for Lost Boat
Authorities of the Caribbean Islands recently reported the loss of a small twin-engine search plane that was looking for the lost cruise ship, the Royal Lex, in the waters of the tropical island chain. The boat, missing since the fourteenth, was reported as spotted by the pilot of the plane. Moving closer to investigate, the pilot mentioned a brief flash of light from the deck of the vessel before his left engine exploded. Radio contact with the pilot was lost shortly after; he and his co-pilot are missing and presumed dead.
LexCorp officials have yet to comment on the incident, except for a brief statement that they wish to wait until more is learned before voicing an opinion. They did send their condolences out to the families of the pilot and co-pilot lost in the crash. Likewise, the authorities who sent out the plane are hesitant to comment except by expressing a reluctance to send out more planes. "We cannot risk the safety of our people on more reconnaissance flights. Our planes are search and rescue vehicles not built for combat. Nor are our pilots trained for such eventualities," the spokesperson said. He continued by saying that they are "immediately pulling in the search planes we already dispatched along with warnings for all other air travel in the area."
The boat was sighted drifting far off course by at least fifty miles, closer to the Bahama Islands and heading towards the Atlantic Ocean. No activity was reported on the deck by the pilot, who flew a couple of passes around the vessel before he was fired upon. The identity of his assailants is still unknown at this time. Likewise the weapon used, if any, is also a mystery. At the time of this publishing, no terrorist or criminal organizations has claimed responsibility for the hijacking of the boat, nor is it known if the cruise ship has indeed been hijacked . . . .
Authorities of the Caribbean Islands recently reported the loss of a small twin-engine search plane that was looking for the lost cruise ship, the Royal Lex, in the waters of the tropical island chain. The boat, missing since the fourteenth, was reported as spotted by the pilot of the plane. Moving closer to investigate, the pilot mentioned a brief flash of light from the deck of the vessel before his left engine exploded. Radio contact with the pilot was lost shortly after; he and his co-pilot are missing and presumed dead.
LexCorp officials have yet to comment on the incident, except for a brief statement that they wish to wait until more is learned before voicing an opinion. They did send their condolences out to the families of the pilot and co-pilot lost in the crash. Likewise, the authorities who sent out the plane are hesitant to comment except by expressing a reluctance to send out more planes. "We cannot risk the safety of our people on more reconnaissance flights. Our planes are search and rescue vehicles not built for combat. Nor are our pilots trained for such eventualities," the spokesperson said. He continued by saying that they are "immediately pulling in the search planes we already dispatched along with warnings for all other air travel in the area."
The boat was sighted drifting far off course by at least fifty miles, closer to the Bahama Islands and heading towards the Atlantic Ocean. No activity was reported on the deck by the pilot, who flew a couple of passes around the vessel before he was fired upon. The identity of his assailants is still unknown at this time. Likewise the weapon used, if any, is also a mystery. At the time of this publishing, no terrorist or criminal organizations has claimed responsibility for the hijacking of the boat, nor is it known if the cruise ship has indeed been hijacked . . . .
reprinted by permission of the author, Gordie Johnson, and the publisher
-Excerpt from the Daily Planet, May 16th Evening Edition
-Excerpt from the Daily Planet, May 16th Evening Edition
Contact Made With Missing Cruise Ship!
The Planet's sources have confirmed that radio contact has been established with the criminal forces that have seized the cruise ship, the Royal Lex, in the Bahaman Sea. At 12:19pm local time the scientific organization known as the Locus announced its seizure of the ocean vessel. They have threatened to destroy any and all vehicles that approach the stolen boat.
The short radio message was sent across multiple frequencies to ensure the most listeners and was not directed to any particular nation or group. "I am Professor Arckenmy of Locus," the message began. "As the chosen voice for my group I announce that we have taken custody of the boat known as the 'Royal Lex'. All people and property on said vessel now belong to Locus. We will destroy all who approach. Send no more planes or boats. Our sensors will detect any man-made craft from miles away. Accept this small loss of lives with dignity and no more need die."
The group, last heard of three years ago when they raided S.T.A.R. Labs and LexCorp offices, are known for their experiments on human subjects. It is then presumed they plan on using the captured tourists for some manner of scientific testing. Governmental officials stressed that they were immediately contacting the Justice League of America in their bunker base in Detroit for assistance. "We are confident the JLA can handle this menace as they have done repeatedly in the past," the spokesperson said at a hastily called press conference.
Locus first came to the attention of the world when they allied themselves with the alien Appellexians in an attempt to take over the planet. They were thwarted by the Justice League and an alliance of heroes, active and inactive, from across the globe. Since then the group has launched several smaller schemes that have likewise been halted by the actions of costumed heroes. . . .
The Planet's sources have confirmed that radio contact has been established with the criminal forces that have seized the cruise ship, the Royal Lex, in the Bahaman Sea. At 12:19pm local time the scientific organization known as the Locus announced its seizure of the ocean vessel. They have threatened to destroy any and all vehicles that approach the stolen boat.
The short radio message was sent across multiple frequencies to ensure the most listeners and was not directed to any particular nation or group. "I am Professor Arckenmy of Locus," the message began. "As the chosen voice for my group I announce that we have taken custody of the boat known as the 'Royal Lex'. All people and property on said vessel now belong to Locus. We will destroy all who approach. Send no more planes or boats. Our sensors will detect any man-made craft from miles away. Accept this small loss of lives with dignity and no more need die."
The group, last heard of three years ago when they raided S.T.A.R. Labs and LexCorp offices, are known for their experiments on human subjects. It is then presumed they plan on using the captured tourists for some manner of scientific testing. Governmental officials stressed that they were immediately contacting the Justice League of America in their bunker base in Detroit for assistance. "We are confident the JLA can handle this menace as they have done repeatedly in the past," the spokesperson said at a hastily called press conference.
Locus first came to the attention of the world when they allied themselves with the alien Appellexians in an attempt to take over the planet. They were thwarted by the Justice League and an alliance of heroes, active and inactive, from across the globe. Since then the group has launched several smaller schemes that have likewise been halted by the actions of costumed heroes. . . .
reprinted by permission of the author, Raine Maida, and the publisher
-Partial Transcript of Radio Message from Royal Lex, May 16th at 7:30pm
[Static]
"Hello? Is this working? I think… [8 seconds static] …cking piece of… hello? Can anyone hear me? My name is Hugh Dillon. I work for Travelogue Weekly Mag. I'm trapped on the Royal Lex. Can anyone hear me?"
[Pause]
"I need help. The ship has been captured. I'm not sure by whom. I was below deck when they came aboard from subs that attached to the hull. They came through holes ate through the hull with some kind of acid. I hid and don't think I was spotted. Then… [15 seconds static] … anyone getting this signal?"
[Pause]
"Oh [expletive deleted]! C'mon! They've started taking people to this machine they built on the deck. The screams. Maybe if I… [grunts] move this over a bit [grunts] it can pick up the noises of this hellish device…"
[Faint unrecognizable background noise audible]
"Ow! Dammit! My foot! I [expletive deleted] and [expletive deleted] that mother [expletive deleted]! Owie. Listen, if anyone is getting this please respond. I need to know if this is getting out. Someone has to get… [10 seconds static] … horrible here. I managed to jury rig this transmitter from a boom box but I'm not sure it's working. Please someone, anyone, respond."
[Pause]
"[Expletive deleted] this [expletive deleted]! I give up! This stupid piece of… oh [expletive deleted] I think someone is coming. I have to…
[Static]
-Partial Transcript of Radio Message from Royal Lex, May 16th at 7:30pm
[Static]
"Hello? Is this working? I think… [8 seconds static] …cking piece of… hello? Can anyone hear me? My name is Hugh Dillon. I work for Travelogue Weekly Mag. I'm trapped on the Royal Lex. Can anyone hear me?"
[Pause]
"I need help. The ship has been captured. I'm not sure by whom. I was below deck when they came aboard from subs that attached to the hull. They came through holes ate through the hull with some kind of acid. I hid and don't think I was spotted. Then… [15 seconds static] … anyone getting this signal?"
[Pause]
"Oh [expletive deleted]! C'mon! They've started taking people to this machine they built on the deck. The screams. Maybe if I… [grunts] move this over a bit [grunts] it can pick up the noises of this hellish device…"
[Faint unrecognizable background noise audible]
"Ow! Dammit! My foot! I [expletive deleted] and [expletive deleted] that mother [expletive deleted]! Owie. Listen, if anyone is getting this please respond. I need to know if this is getting out. Someone has to get… [10 seconds static] … horrible here. I managed to jury rig this transmitter from a boom box but I'm not sure it's working. Please someone, anyone, respond."
[Pause]
"[Expletive deleted] this [expletive deleted]! I give up! This stupid piece of… oh [expletive deleted] I think someone is coming. I have to…
[Static]
reprinted by permission of the author, Hugh Dillon, and the publisher
-Partial Transcript of Radio Message from Royal Lex, May 17th at 12:45am
[Static]
"Hello? Has anyone heard me yet? I think I'm safe. Was spotted earlier. Been running through the back hallways for hours. I think I was even shot at."
[Pause]
"I'm… I'm really scared now. I'm man enough to admit that. I found a place to hide near the bottom of the boat. Not sure if this signal can get through the hull. Should be above the water line."
"There's just too many of them to do anything. So many guards and people with guns. But I think I'm safe here. I just wish I knew if someone was listening to…"
[Rough voice in background] "Hey! Hold it right there, [expletive deleted] head!"
"Crap! They found me. For the love of God someone help…"
[Sound of gunfire and screams]
[Sound of a small explosion and the rush of water]
[Static]
-Partial Transcript of Radio Message from Royal Lex, May 17th at 12:45am
[Static]
"Hello? Has anyone heard me yet? I think I'm safe. Was spotted earlier. Been running through the back hallways for hours. I think I was even shot at."
[Pause]
"I'm… I'm really scared now. I'm man enough to admit that. I found a place to hide near the bottom of the boat. Not sure if this signal can get through the hull. Should be above the water line."
"There's just too many of them to do anything. So many guards and people with guns. But I think I'm safe here. I just wish I knew if someone was listening to…"
[Rough voice in background] "Hey! Hold it right there, [expletive deleted] head!"
"Crap! They found me. For the love of God someone help…"
[Sound of gunfire and screams]
[Sound of a small explosion and the rush of water]
[Static]
reprinted by permission of the author, Hugh Dillon, and the publisher
-Excerpt from Time Magazine, Late May Edition
-Excerpt from Time Magazine, Late May Edition
Prison On a Boat
...
So there I was, surrounded by armed guards who were firing at me. Doing my best to avoid them, I hid behind several of the thick metal bands that made up the outer hull. All the while I continued to try to make my pirate broadcast despite the fact it would sign my death warrant.
Things took a turn for the worst when I was discovered and thrown to the ground. Huge barrels of black metal guns were pointed at my frame. I was sure I was as good as dead.
Then the entire ship shook violently and the wall beside me exploded inward. Water rushed in and quickly flooded the forward compartment. I was sent flailing around with the surge of water. All my assailants were likewise sent spinning wildly in the new torrent.
Aquaman had arrived. He leapt through the hole he had punched in the hull of the cruise ship and fought against the current towards the exit. Along the way, he grabbed me and dragged me out of the room. Once we reached the exit to the upper deck, he turned around and closed the door behind him. Pushed the metal door closed against all the pressure of the flooding water. He then locked it shut preventing further flooding in the ship.
I looked over my savior. He looked tired, exhausted. His hair had grown longer to just reach his shoulders and his trademark orange shirt seemed worn and damaged.
...
...
So there I was, surrounded by armed guards who were firing at me. Doing my best to avoid them, I hid behind several of the thick metal bands that made up the outer hull. All the while I continued to try to make my pirate broadcast despite the fact it would sign my death warrant.
Things took a turn for the worst when I was discovered and thrown to the ground. Huge barrels of black metal guns were pointed at my frame. I was sure I was as good as dead.
Then the entire ship shook violently and the wall beside me exploded inward. Water rushed in and quickly flooded the forward compartment. I was sent flailing around with the surge of water. All my assailants were likewise sent spinning wildly in the new torrent.
Aquaman had arrived. He leapt through the hole he had punched in the hull of the cruise ship and fought against the current towards the exit. Along the way, he grabbed me and dragged me out of the room. Once we reached the exit to the upper deck, he turned around and closed the door behind him. Pushed the metal door closed against all the pressure of the flooding water. He then locked it shut preventing further flooding in the ship.
I looked over my savior. He looked tired, exhausted. His hair had grown longer to just reach his shoulders and his trademark orange shirt seemed worn and damaged.
...
reprinted by permission of the author, Hugh Dillon, and the publisher
-Excerpt from the Daily Planet, May 20th, Morning Edition
Interview with Aquaman
During my short time alongside the so-called King of the Seven Seas I managed an intermittent interview. These are the highlights of the Q and A.
Time: Thank you for saving my life. Is the rest of the League coming?
Aquaman: I am no longer with the Justice League.
T: But you're the leader! You just disbanded the League after that incident with the destruction of the JLA satellite.
AM: I resigned to deal with other concerns.
T: Right. You are King of Atlantis. I suppose you would be a busy man.
AM: I am no longer King. I abdicated. My advisor Vulko is temporarily acting as regent until King Thesily, my predecessor, is able to return.
T: Why? I mean you were a king! Why would you just quit?
AM: My kingdom became a target for every psycho looking to take my place or every villain looking to get revenge. My staying there put every one of my subjects into danger. I was doing more harm as a king than good.
T: But so does Superman. He puts everyone in Metropolis in danger at times when some rocky double or alien warmonger comes calling. And both of you are full time heroes who don't hide behind a mask or lead double lives. What makes you different from him?
AM: My private life is different from his. I have no secret ide... I mean, no secret hideaway to live in. My home is public. And so is... was... my family.
T: Lets change topics a bit. If you were a fish what kind would you be?
AM: I don't understand the question.
T: It's simple, if you were a fish instead of a man, what kind would you be?
AM: How is that relevant at all?
T: It shows personality.
AM: I'd be a very annoyed and irritated fish.
T: But what type? Tuna? Shark? Dolphin?
AM: Dolphins are mammals. Not fish.
T: Yeah... well, for this, they're fish.
AM: Then I would be a dolphin. I was raised by one and thought I was one for many years. I still prefer then to some humans.
T: Ha ha! That's funny. I never thought you'd have a sense of humor. Dolphins.
AM: Excuse me, but I'm a little busy at the moment.
-Excerpt from the Daily Planet, May 20th, Morning Edition
Interview with Aquaman
During my short time alongside the so-called King of the Seven Seas I managed an intermittent interview. These are the highlights of the Q and A.
Time: Thank you for saving my life. Is the rest of the League coming?
Aquaman: I am no longer with the Justice League.
T: But you're the leader! You just disbanded the League after that incident with the destruction of the JLA satellite.
AM: I resigned to deal with other concerns.
T: Right. You are King of Atlantis. I suppose you would be a busy man.
AM: I am no longer King. I abdicated. My advisor Vulko is temporarily acting as regent until King Thesily, my predecessor, is able to return.
T: Why? I mean you were a king! Why would you just quit?
AM: My kingdom became a target for every psycho looking to take my place or every villain looking to get revenge. My staying there put every one of my subjects into danger. I was doing more harm as a king than good.
T: But so does Superman. He puts everyone in Metropolis in danger at times when some rocky double or alien warmonger comes calling. And both of you are full time heroes who don't hide behind a mask or lead double lives. What makes you different from him?
AM: My private life is different from his. I have no secret ide... I mean, no secret hideaway to live in. My home is public. And so is... was... my family.
T: Lets change topics a bit. If you were a fish what kind would you be?
AM: I don't understand the question.
T: It's simple, if you were a fish instead of a man, what kind would you be?
AM: How is that relevant at all?
T: It shows personality.
AM: I'd be a very annoyed and irritated fish.
T: But what type? Tuna? Shark? Dolphin?
AM: Dolphins are mammals. Not fish.
T: Yeah... well, for this, they're fish.
AM: Then I would be a dolphin. I was raised by one and thought I was one for many years. I still prefer then to some humans.
T: Ha ha! That's funny. I never thought you'd have a sense of humor. Dolphins.
AM: Excuse me, but I'm a little busy at the moment.
reprinted by permission of the author, Hugh Dillon, and the publisher
-Excerpt from Time Magazine, Late May Edition continued...
-Excerpt from Time Magazine, Late May Edition continued...
...
As Aquaman ran through the decks I followed behind, asking questions between small battles. I would duck behind furniture or around corners as he leapt into the fray tackling dozens of men at a time and tossing them around like they were children.
I was surprised by the savagery of the sea king. He dashed into battle as if he had no fear of death. He ignored blows and strikes, caring only about stopping his foes. No quarter was asked for and none was given. I winced many a time as a bone broke or at a painful blow. With a single blow Aquaman could easily shatter a Locus member's entire face, cracking nose and jaw and splintering teeth like glass. I remember walking behind the hurrying hero and feeling my boots grind shattered incisors into the deck of the boat.
Aquaman scattered the Locus agents like they were nothing, dodging their energy blasts and hurling large object at snipers, punching large holes easily through the frame of the monstrous, inhuman device they constructed on the main deck. I still have no idea was it was designed to do, but after Aquaman was done with it, it didn't matter.
Then he found the head of the operation, Professor Arckenmy. I looked up his bio when I returned to the mainland. Fired from S.T.A.R. Labs. Dishonorable discharge from the Military's tech division. I had thought this would be the easiest of fights for the sea king. One super-strong Justice Leaguer against a fifty-year-old balding scientist stereotype. But instead Professor Arckenmy came out in a large mechanical battle suit.
Aquaman dodged the initial volley of rockets as I hid behind an overturned pool table. The explosions tore off the first few decks of the ship. I thought Aquaman was surely dead. Then he appeared off to the side and jumped the suit. Arckenmy was not going down without a fight. He used flamethrowers and machine guns. His grenade launcher reduced the entire forward cabin to smoking rubble.
As tough as Aquaman was, he was just no match for the armor. If he had come with the League I am sure it would have been over in second. The Manhunter, Steel and even Vibe would have helped make short work of it. But they were busy and Aquaman was alone. He was quickly stunned by a blast of ultra sonics that even made my ears bleed from my hiding place meters away. The Arckenmy in the suit punched the former monarch again and again, blasting him through the deck into the lower parts of the ship. I was sure it was the end.
When suddenly the entire ship rocked hard to the side. The pool table fell on me, my hiding place betraying me. Then the boat tipped violently in the opposite direction threatening to capsize. An entire pod of whales were assaulting the cruise ship!
Arckenmy struggled to his feet in the clumsy metal suit when Aquaman emerged; bruised, bloodied and very angry. He tore the frail scientist from the metal shell and hurled him across the deck. Through a hole blasted in the wall, Arckenmy struck the giant aquarium. Aquaman followed and hauled up the helpless man and raised a fist for the killing blow.
Overcome with disbelief, I ran over to watch and cried out. I could see the pain in Aquaman's face although I don't know what he was thinking about. What tragedy was driving him so close to murder?
In the end the Atlantean's face softened and he thrust Arckenmy against the glass and punched the aquarium inches away from the scientist's head. Cracks grew across the glass spreading out and streams of high-pressure water sprayed mist through the room. Aquaman turned and left, dragging me behind. I watched as the entire story high glass tanks shattered in an explosion of water and glass, blasting Arckenmy off the deck and into the sea. Glass shards cut into his skin leaving painful but non-fatal wounds. Aquaman stopped and helped any stray fish not carried out return to the sea.
He dropped the last fish into the water gently then looked directly at me. He spoke quietly, and I quote, "Arckenmy now has been dealt with. Let him face the mercy of the open sea and discover if it is more forgiving and merciful than he is." With that Aquaman dove off the deck and vanished beneath the waves.
...
As Aquaman ran through the decks I followed behind, asking questions between small battles. I would duck behind furniture or around corners as he leapt into the fray tackling dozens of men at a time and tossing them around like they were children.
I was surprised by the savagery of the sea king. He dashed into battle as if he had no fear of death. He ignored blows and strikes, caring only about stopping his foes. No quarter was asked for and none was given. I winced many a time as a bone broke or at a painful blow. With a single blow Aquaman could easily shatter a Locus member's entire face, cracking nose and jaw and splintering teeth like glass. I remember walking behind the hurrying hero and feeling my boots grind shattered incisors into the deck of the boat.
Aquaman scattered the Locus agents like they were nothing, dodging their energy blasts and hurling large object at snipers, punching large holes easily through the frame of the monstrous, inhuman device they constructed on the main deck. I still have no idea was it was designed to do, but after Aquaman was done with it, it didn't matter.
Then he found the head of the operation, Professor Arckenmy. I looked up his bio when I returned to the mainland. Fired from S.T.A.R. Labs. Dishonorable discharge from the Military's tech division. I had thought this would be the easiest of fights for the sea king. One super-strong Justice Leaguer against a fifty-year-old balding scientist stereotype. But instead Professor Arckenmy came out in a large mechanical battle suit.
Aquaman dodged the initial volley of rockets as I hid behind an overturned pool table. The explosions tore off the first few decks of the ship. I thought Aquaman was surely dead. Then he appeared off to the side and jumped the suit. Arckenmy was not going down without a fight. He used flamethrowers and machine guns. His grenade launcher reduced the entire forward cabin to smoking rubble.
As tough as Aquaman was, he was just no match for the armor. If he had come with the League I am sure it would have been over in second. The Manhunter, Steel and even Vibe would have helped make short work of it. But they were busy and Aquaman was alone. He was quickly stunned by a blast of ultra sonics that even made my ears bleed from my hiding place meters away. The Arckenmy in the suit punched the former monarch again and again, blasting him through the deck into the lower parts of the ship. I was sure it was the end.
When suddenly the entire ship rocked hard to the side. The pool table fell on me, my hiding place betraying me. Then the boat tipped violently in the opposite direction threatening to capsize. An entire pod of whales were assaulting the cruise ship!
Arckenmy struggled to his feet in the clumsy metal suit when Aquaman emerged; bruised, bloodied and very angry. He tore the frail scientist from the metal shell and hurled him across the deck. Through a hole blasted in the wall, Arckenmy struck the giant aquarium. Aquaman followed and hauled up the helpless man and raised a fist for the killing blow.
Overcome with disbelief, I ran over to watch and cried out. I could see the pain in Aquaman's face although I don't know what he was thinking about. What tragedy was driving him so close to murder?
In the end the Atlantean's face softened and he thrust Arckenmy against the glass and punched the aquarium inches away from the scientist's head. Cracks grew across the glass spreading out and streams of high-pressure water sprayed mist through the room. Aquaman turned and left, dragging me behind. I watched as the entire story high glass tanks shattered in an explosion of water and glass, blasting Arckenmy off the deck and into the sea. Glass shards cut into his skin leaving painful but non-fatal wounds. Aquaman stopped and helped any stray fish not carried out return to the sea.
He dropped the last fish into the water gently then looked directly at me. He spoke quietly, and I quote, "Arckenmy now has been dealt with. Let him face the mercy of the open sea and discover if it is more forgiving and merciful than he is." With that Aquaman dove off the deck and vanished beneath the waves.
...
reprinted by permission of the author, Hugh Dillon, and the publisher
The End...
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