Infinite Justice: Beyond (Marvel,DC,DBZ X/Over, IC, Open)

[New Neros]

Caught by a pleasant surprise, Val gave Lisa a goofy smile and threw her arms around the android as she appeared randomly. "Yes! And I'm glad to be back! I missed you." She said, pulling her head away and showing the android a look of sincerity. To Val, the fact that Lisa was a robot changed nothing about their friendship. "Are you okay, though?" She asked, once again showing that even at her own expense, Val had more concern for others than herself.

Mad Max nodded silently and left the two to themselves, making a mental note to find ways to limit intrusions by Lisa, how even in the sweetest of moments, he was still thinking tactically and planning ahead. "We'll be in Ur soon." He stated as he walked away from the duo, a slow descent into the atmosphere taking place as the ship re-entered the Earths atmosphere.

"I'm... fine." Her first lie, and likely not a very convincing one. She was shaken by the events of Namek, She was introduced to some of the more unpleasant aspects of being and there was something forming within her. But that wasn't a problem for Lisa currently, who was just glad at the moment to have her friend back. "I missed you too... Im so sorry Val... it was all my fault." She directed the next part at both her and Max. She sighed. "I'm an Android."

"I think... I was made to protect humans. And I failed" She said simply. It made sense to her, considering how much she valued life and here powers. "I should have taken the blast instead of you. After all your life is worth more than mine." She said, years of seeing other robots and androids and computers serving mankind has instilled in her a inferiority complex. "I'm just a computer after all."

Max remained stoic, the bastard all-knowing and wise beyond his years as he heard the android admit her creation. It interested him immensely, though, as most androids are concerned with their protocols, not their humanity. Val gave Lisa a look of genuine concern though, and hugged her friend tightly, not caring if she was a robot or a person - to Val, she had a soul, and was very much alive. "Oh Lisa..." Val said quietly, "That doesn't change a thing." She said with a comforting smile. Her face soured a bit however, as Lisa seemed to be lacking in self-esteem. "To me, you're more than just a computer. You're my friend."

The boisterous, baritone voice of Maxwell spoke suddenly, startling Val slightly. "She's right. You are more than a computer." He said, perhaps invading the girls' privacy bubble and grabbing her hand, examining it like a piece of, well, sophisticated technology. "I understand you've been hanging around Prince Augustin, no?" He continued, lightly touching her skull and actually making Lisa turn her head side to side, up and down, "He may think he's smarter than me in everything, but there are a few subjects that I soundly beat him in."

"Max!" Val protested, motioning for him to stop examining Lisa, especially since Val was trying to cheer her up and make her not feel like a computer.

"Right." He said, backing off from the girl, but not the slightest bit sorry or embarrassed at his intrusive actions. The ship began to make it's automatic landing protocols in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, accessing Max's secret bunker miles below the water and the seafloor, their descent taking little if any time at all as the windows shifted from a cloudy sky to a clear oceanic blue. "One of the things the White Prince could never get better than me," He began, walking away from the girls to oversee his control center, "...Is robotics."

[New Neros]

Max remained stoic, the bastard all-knowing and wise beyond his years as he heard the android admit her creation. It interested him immensely, though, as most androids are concerned with their protocols, not their humanity. Val gave Lisa a look of genuine concern though, and hugged her friend tightly, not caring if she was a robot or a person - to Val, she had a soul, and was very much alive. "Oh Lisa..." Val said quietly, "That doesn't change a thing." She said with a comforting smile. Her face soured a bit however, as Lisa seemed to be lacking in self-esteem. "To me, you're more than just a computer. You're my friend."

The boisterous, baritone voice of Maxwell spoke suddenly, startling Val slightly. "She's right. You are more than a computer." He said, perhaps invading the girls' privacy bubble and grabbing her hand, examining it like a piece of, well, sophisticated technology. "I understand you've been hanging around Prince Augustin, no?" He continued, lightly touching her skull and actually making Lisa turn her head side to side, up and down, "He may think he's smarter than me in everything, but there are a few subjects that I soundly beat him in."

"Max!" Val protested, motioning for him to stop examining Lisa, especially since Val was trying to cheer her up and make her not feel like a computer.

"Right." He said, backing off from the girl, but not the slightest bit sorry or embarrassed at his intrusive actions. The ship began to make it's automatic landing protocols in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, accessing Max's secret bunker miles below the water and the seafloor, their descent taking little if any time at all as the windows shifted from a cloudy sky to a clear oceanic blue. "One of the things the White Prince could never get better than me," He began, walking away from the girls to oversee his control center, "...Is robotics."

Lisa returned the hug, as such was appropriate. Val was right, she was Lisa’s friend, and she wouldn’t wish all the grief and sorrow she had felt on Val. Still… she could help but feel the who regrettable series of events could have been stopped had she intervened in some way. She felt worthless and weak for not being able to save her friend, which is why she asked what she did of Augustin. She also might have to keep in mind the posibility of asking Max for help now that he revealed his own expertise in robotics, though at the moment she trusted Augustin more, After all the two of them had know each other for a bit and Lisa was smart enough to protect her systems.

"It's okay. I'm used to being examined." She remarked when Max had . People tended to find her strange, especially with the wings, so they tended to stare. She was used to closer observation from Augustin, and she never really found it too invasive.

She turned to Val. "I may have to go back to Augustin soon. I did sort of leave abruptly." She said. Then paused, her ever curious nature coming back. "What was it like being dead?"

Val became quiet suddenly, but not out of offense, she was trying to remember. She hadn't been gone for long, but all she could remember was just...not existing. Like a sleep without a dream. "It was like I closed my eyes for a second, then just woke up again on Max's ship." She said with a shrug, "I don't think I was dead long enough to know what comes after...Or..." She continued, trailing off.

"Or that's what really happens when you die." She said solemnly.

"It was nice having you visit." Max declared, "Come and see me anytime you desire. Ensure Augustin doesn't sodder your circuits together, either." He said with a chuckle. "My door will always be open for a friend of Val's. Whoever is her friend, is my own as well." He finished, placing his large hand on her shoulder for a moment, removing it with a quick smile.

[New Neros]

Val became quiet suddenly, but not out of offense, she was trying to remember. She hadn't been gone for long, but all she could remember was just...not existing. Like a sleep without a dream. "It was like I closed my eyes for a second, then just woke up again on Max's ship." She said with a shrug, "I don't think I was dead long enough to know what comes after...Or..." She continued, trailing off.

"Or that's what really happens when you die." She said solemnly.

"It was nice having you visit." Max declared, "Come and see me anytime you desire. Ensure Augustin doesn't sodder your circuits together, either." He said with a chuckle. "My door will always be open for a friend of Val's. Whoever is her friend, is my own as well." He finished, placing his large hand on her shoulder for a moment, removing it with a quick smile.

"I will have to see if I can find out one day... Though I hope to be able to report back my findings... somehow." Lisa was fairly curious about that. "That would be a project for later though." Does something happen to humans once they die? She always they were just on permanent shutdown. After Max's joke, she briefly wondered why Augustin would do that to her circuits, then realized he was joking, though she didn't really get the joke. She would mimic human laughter, but she wasn't sure she was suppose to do that if she didn't understand it.

She wondered where Augustin was, and so attempted to contact his cell phone. She could process both the conversation with Augustin and talking with Val with ease. She might be mentally lacking in some areas, but her brain was incredibly powerful. Kind of like giving a nasa supercomputer to a kid.

"Thanks. Though I'll probably try informing you before I teleport in." She said. Then she paused. "I asked Augustin the same question, but would you have any idea who might have made me? Or if there are any others like me out there?"

The Mad King and his lady walked down the ramp of his ship, numerous technicians swarming around it and doing their own little odd jobs and tests, allowing Maxwell, Val, and their companion to walk right them. Max thought for a second on Lisa's question, however, and his impressive memorization was key to aiding her, if only just a little snippet of information. "To be honest, Lisa, I don't know who created you." He said flatly, but quickly continued. "But, I have met android models similar to your own. You see, every roboticist has a special flavor to them, like a fingerprint if you will, and it shows in their designs. Through that, many android models can be traced back to one man, or even a group of them. We don't exactly number in the millions, but still, I can at least guide you to...well..."

"Her sister?" Val said positively, interjecting and trying to stay relevant to the conversation.

"More or less. She's probably an older model than what Lisa is. But..." He said, a look of seriousness taking his face, "She is not the friendliest person. They, Green Lanterns usually, call her the Star Locust. She goes planet to planet and simply eradicates the life from them. In my many travels throughout the cosmos, I've managed to study her at length - thought that was because I was getting paid by the Guardians to do so. I keep her on file, but her history and motives beyond exterminating life is anyones' guess." He said, the trio standing in front of a large computer, Mad Max typing quickly and pulling the android up on screen. "Here, take a hard copy." He quickly stated, snatching some papers he had printed, entrusting them to Lisa.

"If you get any more information on her, send it to me." He dictated, "I do not have any need to use it against her or others, but knowing something is better than not knowing anything." He rose, beginning to leave the room. "I do apologize, but my presence is requested at the United Nations. I trust you two can stay out of trouble long enough for me to get back, right?" He asked, knowing full well that nothing could compare to what had just happened on Namek. "Lisa, you should go make sure Augustin is doing fine. Perhaps he misses you, or in the worst case, believes me to have kidnapped you." He further said with a smirk, waving quickly to the two girls as he finally left the room.

[New Neros]

"You're... Not wrong. But if you read any human history, you know that it's not unexpected that something like this happened. They have a habit of making weapons o mass destruction only to regret it 10 minutes later. But considering there are aliens races like Saiyans and Kryptonians who not only look exactly like humans, but are superior in most if not all aspects, I can understand their want for a weapon that makes them on par with everyone else. Fear is a powerful motivator." He said and sat down in the captain's chair with Puff in his lap teething on Alex's hand. "You little scamp... That tickles." Had his hand been human, it would have been bitten clean through.

"You know what they say. Hindsight is 20 20. I know of one who might help... But I'm going to be honest. Out of the trillions of people in the universe, he is one of the two people who genuinely scares me. Victor Von Doom. I've heard some horror stories about him. I've even spoken to him. The things he told me... He wasn't lying. Doom never lies." He says and shudders. "But I might not have any other choice in the matter. This is a suicide mission no matter which way we spin it. Either Doom throws us in stasis forever, or he helps us in exchange for something. And God only knows what someone like him would want."

"True. I can understand making things like that to deal with threats... But I just feel this keeps escalating. Like an arms race..." She explained. "Eh, not my job to deal with earth politics. I come in and deal with the baddies like any other GL." She then heard Dooms name and raised an eyebrow, laughing nervously. "Doom? Are you serious?" She then realised he wasn't kidding. People don't tend to joke about Doom. "Oh god you're serious." She said out loud, eyes widening. "If you want to go to Doom... I'll come... I guess..."

The Mad King and his lady walked down the ramp of his ship, numerous technicians swarming around it and doing their own little odd jobs and tests, allowing Maxwell, Val, and their companion to walk right them. Max thought for a second on Lisa's question, however, and his impressive memorization was key to aiding her, if only just a little snippet of information. "To be honest, Lisa, I don't know who created you." He said flatly, but quickly continued. "But, I have met android models similar to your own. You see, every roboticist has a special flavor to them, like a fingerprint if you will, and it shows in their designs. Through that, many android models can be traced back to one man, or even a group of them. We don't exactly number in the millions, but still, I can at least guide you to...well..."

"Her sister?" Val said positively, interjecting and trying to stay relevant to the conversation.

"More or less. She's probably an older model than what Lisa is. But..." He said, a look of seriousness taking his face, "She is not the friendliest person. They, Green Lanterns usually, call her the Star Locust. She goes planet to planet and simply eradicates the life from them. In my many travels throughout the cosmos, I've managed to study her at length - thought that was because I was getting paid by the Guardians to do so. I keep her on file, but her history and motives beyond exterminating life is anyones' guess." He said, the trio standing in front of a large computer, Mad Max typing quickly and pulling the android up on screen. "Here, take a hard copy." He quickly stated, snatching some papers he had printed, entrusting them to Lisa.

"If you get any more information on her, send it to me." He dictated, "I do not have any need to use it against her or others, but knowing something is better than not knowing anything." He rose, beginning to leave the room. "I do apologize, but my presence is requested at the United Nations. I trust you two can stay out of trouble long enough for me to get back, right?" He asked, knowing full well that nothing could compare to what had just happened on Namek. "Lisa, you should go make sure Augustin is doing fine. Perhaps he misses you, or in the worst case, believes me to have kidnapped you." He further said with a smirk, waving quickly to the two girls as he finally left the room.

Lisa was shocked, looking at the file. She instantly memorized all of it, copying it on her own memory banks. She was surprised to learn of her "Sister" assuming no one had any knowledge about her creation. If what he said was true, then this gave her more questions than answers. Why would her creator make her to protect humans and this Star Locust to annihilate them. Honestly, it was a little shameful, to have such a violent and homicidal realtive, and somewhat concerning. Surely if she was going around killing people, then Lisa could also end up doing the same thing. Could it be true? Lisa knew it had to be. Just looking at this Androids she could tell they were products of the same creator.

"What does this mean... Was she made for what I was... or am I made to do what she's doing...?" She muttered, looking through the paper like it wasn't on her hard drive already. "I... contacted Augustin, but he hasn't responded. I'll trying to break my habit of popping up behind people randomly."

She turned to Val. Somewhat embarassed. Like if someone's crazy uncle came home or their grandfather said something racist. "A sister..." She muttered. "Did you ever have a sister...? A sister like this one...?" She asked, nervously.

Val placed her finger tip to her lips, deep in thought and thinking back to her earliest memories, but found them clouded, yet was able to make sense of them regardless. "No, I can't say that I remember being any siblings." She said with a frown, "I never knew my real parents." Despite that sad fact, Val seemed to move closer to Lisa, a strange bond of friendship firmly locked on to both of them for as long as they both are alive, and even beyond.

"Val, I need you to accompany me in New York. I would prefer that Lisa remain at the complex, sadly. Maybe next time." A voice spoke over the intercom, belonging to Mad Max by the sound of it. Val looked at her friend rather concerned, but hugged Lisa tightly anyways. She didn't want to break the embrace, but reluctantly pulled away.

"It's always fun having you around, Lisa. We should have some fun some time." Val said with a smile. "I'll be going, though. You can stay here our check on the White Prince, Maxwell would be alright with either."

[New Neros]

Mad Max Morningstar

The hostile streets of New York City were hardly a place for a King, but one as dastardly and as much of a pariah like Maxwell was, well, it meant he had to get to where he needed to go and get out as quickly as possible. People wanted to see him fall off a bridge somehow, catch a random snipers' bullet between the teeth, or some other "terrible tragedy". He was no fool, never was in fact, and despite the stressful situation, he did not let it show on his face. He rode in the back of a Rolls Royce Phantom, the vehicle explosion and bulletproof, a literal tank on the road. He glanced casually outside of the window, finding a skyscraper just a little bit away.

He sighed, knowing exactly what he had seen even if the driver or the other man did not. That other man being a sniper - hopefully one sent for protection, but the Mad King had enemies even within the United States government, and knew that they were not above such petty ruthlessness. Still, the situation was bleak, and he was in the lion's den. Rolling up upon the immense circular drive of the United Nations Complex on Turtle Bay, the flags of over 180 members flying so valiantly in the air, Mad Max's eyes stopping on one particular flag - the standard uses by the Kingdom of Ur. In other words, his own countries' flag. A point of pride swelled within himself, and he felt ready to take on the world at the General Assembly. Stepping out of the back of his parked Phantom, he was greeted by representatives and media affiliates, but he merely exchanged a cordial greeting, heading for the buildings' doors as the session was about to begin.

This emergency special meeting of the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Security Council was the first of it's kind, paramount to global security, and watched by millions of prying eyes around the world as diplomacy was called upon, before the use of force was called upon. The subject was plastered across every major newspaper and media outlet that would put their own spin on the story, and even on those boring C-SPAN channels, numerous people sat glued as the issue was addressed at length: The Kingdom of Ur and it's weaponization of the Super Soldier Serum.

Those words struck quite the chord with several members of the anti-superhuman camp of the UN, but not with the reaction you would think. Anti-Superhumans and Anti-Mutant representatives actually backed His Majesty, Maxwell Morningstar, under the idea that introducing such a weapon to their own armed forces would 'level the playing field' with superpowered heroes and villains alike. The issue divided several members, trade blocs, voting groups, and even the Security Council became stagnant, with Russia and China declaring their intent to oppose and veto any hostile action to the Kingdom of Ur, with the United States, United Kingdom, and France promising to veto any legislation that lets Mad Max walk. Finally, the moment the entire assembly had been waiting for, Maxwell Morningstar took the podium. His clean-cut, well-dressed suit giving him quite the presence, but when faced with the rest of the world, even he seemed a bit small.

"Your Majesty, Maxwell Morningstar, you have been called before this emergency special session of the United Nations, and will speak before the Security Council and the General Assembly." The voice of Sam Kutesa of Uganda, President of the UN General Assembly, spoke with clear distinction and without traces of bias, yet anyways. "The Security Council will lodge their questions to you and your regime, followed by the General Assembly. Compliance is not mandatory, and questions may be abstained. Do you understand?"

The Mad King nodded, narrowing his eyes as he looked across the crowded hall. "Yes, I do." He affirmed, the man suddenly seeming so immensely powerful before this gaggle of humans, a superhuman himself, he was like a God among men. How simple it was to go from being small to larger than life is all about attitude, and Mad Max had the right amount to stare down cosmic beings, much less the United Nations on Earth. "I will comply to the best of my knowledge and ability."

"The proceeding will now begin."

---

The man was placed on the spot right off of the bat, question after question from each member of the Security Council submitted at random. Where did he acquire the serum? Abstain. How did he synthesize it on a massive scale? Abstain. Does he even possess the serum? No. He was playing a careful and delicate game of denial, the members having trouble proving he even had the ability to weaponize the Super Soldier Serum, as Maxwell Morningstar refused to allow UN Inspectors to investigate his kingdom. A wrench in his plans, however, was brought up by the United States' intelligence gathering sources. Shorthand for spies, but that still did not deter the Mad King.

"How was this information obtained?" Maxwell asked as the reveal of his secret laboratories and chemical production extent was exposed with documentation and stark detail.

"That is classif-"

"Then it is irrelevant to our discussion. Next question." Maxwell commanded, brushing the American delegate off with an interruption.

"Now wait a moment, you cannot just dismiss this document. You have to state whether yo-"

Following through once more, he cut the US representation off and directly addressed the Security Council. "Contain your member or you will lose my cooperation. He has brought in information that was obtained through illegal means, and as sovereign of the Kingdom of Ur, demand that it be investigated at a later date by your own agencies. I will repeat myself once more." He said, locking eyes with the delegate, who returned the glare for a moment, but looked down at his paperwork cowardly. "Next question."

Back and forth, Mad Max played cat and mouse with the organization, eventually moving from the Security Council to the General Assembly, who had a stark difference in their questions than the UNSC. While the big-dogs asked about it's military value and how it could affect their countries, the UNGA seemed to be more inline with actual, human-like concerns. Does the serum have health benefits? Quoted from the American developer that it induces peak-human conditioning and longevity - it does have exceptional health benefits. Would these "super soldiers" be used in peacekeeping roles within the UN? Abstain - there is no super soldier program in Ur. Could the serum be used in police work? Possibly - it would require extensive mental conditioning if it were to be done correctly. Is Ur party to the Biological Weapons Convention, and if so, does the serum apply to the treaty? Yes, Ur is a member, and no, theoretical super soldiers created from the serum would be agents of peace with protection in mind.

The questions droned on and on, but Maxwell complied, answered where he could, and provided commentary and factual evidence to the table. However, a tangent developed as his various companies came under scrutiny. "Does your corporation, Morningstar Technologies, have a hand in developing the Ur-version of the Super Soldier Serum?"

"No, Morningstar Tech does not possess a biological department."

"But M-Tech is one of the largest investors and suppliers in Ur's military defenses, correct?"

"That is correct, but it is one of the largest suppliers in the Indian, Israeli, and Nigerian defense equipment as well. Multiple other companies as well, Vertigo, Renault, Lockheed, Hamersfeld, SourceCodex, De Ampsfere, Urelle - to name of a few."

"Some of which are also tied to yourself personally and do have biological departments, no?"

"Abstain. This has gotten off track, let's return to the issue at hand. Next question."

As the questions began to pander out, Maxwell looked out over the General Assembly and the Security Council, their members exhausted while he still stood, confident, unopposed by any below him from his podium. He was politely informed that all members had asked their questions and was thanked for his time and cooperation, and that he may stay for the vote and provide a closing speech to the emergency special meeting. He agreed, never intending to miss an opportunity to ham up the conversation with his own superior linguistic skill and charisma. He needed the representatives to know that despite the hours of questions and answers, he was still going without an ounce of fatigue anywhere near him.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the United Nations, I understand the cause for concern and the very real threat that such weaponization can pose to international security. That is why I, Maxwell Morningstar, have agreed without much ado to attend this special emergency session. The spread of these "super soldiers" is not one to be taken lightly, especially with the implication that other countries have their own super soldier programs in development as well. This, coupled with the uneasy feeling many nations feel toward superpowered individuals, does not make for a steady environment in which to reach a harmonious diplomatic process. No, it breeds hatred and suspicion, and infects others like miasma."

"Look not toward the Kingdom of Ur - by no means a rogue state - as the first propagator of a super soldier program. Ur is a nation built on innovation, dream, and desire. We contribute the most as a percentage of our GDP toward the UN Budget than any other country, and participate in the UN Peacekeeping Missions in Kosovo, Mali, Haiti and beyond. By no means is Ur not participating in the United Nations, and the rejection of UN Inspectors is not based on a personal point of contention, but not recognizing the Special Commissions' authority to inspect Ur when no formal complaint has been lodged calling for Biological, Chemical, or Nuclear weapon proliferation and the lack of a United Nations Resolution on the matter."

"Do not be swayed and have your opinions twisted around by the government who would benefit the most from the weaponization of the Super Soldier Serum. This body serves the world, not one country or government in particular. Start acting like it - I understand wealth and personal luxury can be alluring, but at what cost to your nation? To your people? How can you go back to them and explain that you have become corrupted by a military-industrial complex that thrives on painting other nations bad-guys and themselves as good-guys like Cowboys and Indians. It is simple - you don't tell them, or you don't become corrupted. Know this, though, that any country, no matter how small, large, powerful, or weak, can be beat."

"Protection and security is what drives us all forward. It is with great sincerity that I deny the existence of the a weaponization program within Ur specifically for the Super Soldier Serum, yet, it is was accusative demeanor that I indict the United States for conducting it's own research in that field. I do not lobby such a complaint as a form of, 'If they can, so can I', no, it is brought forth on the same charge as the Kingdom of Ur received. It is with that that I warn you, as an organization, practice what you preach or lose international face and legitimacy. No other body has accomplished so much for world peace and stability, and to see it tank under the undermining of just one nation would be perhaps the greatest tragedy in all of mankind. Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for you time, patience, and questions, and await your decision."

At it's conclusion, thunderous applause broke out amongst several members of the General Assembly and the Security Council, yet the American representative gave only a few select, polite claps instead. Mad Max left the podium and managed to find a chair and table to sit at, his legal advisory and secretaries quietly whispering to himself and themselves, a small discussion taking place as the members of the UN voted on a new resolution, in which the Kingdom of Ur would either be forced to open its borders to inspectors or not, and begin the process of forced disarmament. Maxwell Morningstar waited anxiously, like how one would wait for a prison sentence, for the entire world to finish judging him and his nation.

[New Neros]

-Craig Thomsen

Mad Max Morningstar
Hours After UNSC Resolution 2180

The Mad King of Ur stepped back into his Phantom, his own state car, as it drove away from the United Nations Headquarters. Before it exited international territory, however, he and his drive noticed a small barricade being formed by National Guard soldiers of the State of New York, and more specifically, under the orders of the United States Government no doubt. The ever-brave and ever-daring King of Ur ordered the vehicle to drive close to the barrier. Doing so, the suit-clad Mad Max exited against the wishes of his driver, being greeting with a man who was seemingly in charge of the operation.

"Maxwell Morningstar, I presume." The man said, his tinted sunglasses, flag pin, wireless communicator, and business suit showing the signs of working for the Secret Service of the President. "I'm Lee Johnson, we'd like you to come with us." He said, making a motion to grab onto Max's shoulder. The leader stepped back, eyeing the man defiantly, Mr. Johnson a bit upset at the motion. "Let's make this easy, shall we? No need to cause a scene." He further said, stepping onto the driveway of the UN headquarters and grabbing onto Mad Max's coat sleeve.

"Unhand me. You are attempting to arrest a sovereign of a foreign nation on International soil." Maxwell stated, "Remove those barriers as well or I shall do it for you. Restricting access to International territory is dignified as a breach of Security Council Resolution 167. I will see your government at the Hague, Mr. Johnson, and you rotting there as a war criminal for attempting to undermine international relations by so much as daring to arrest me." Max began to turn from the man, getting back in his car, but still talking at the fellow. "I am no longer a citizen of your United States and as such, your laws do not apply to myself. It is called diplomatic immunity, and whoever told you to put on this circus will be hearing a formal complaint, as well as legal action in the International Court of Justice."

The Mad King swung himself into the back of his automobile and locked the door, placing a single hand forward and swiping it to the left, watching the scene unfold through the windshield as the barrier was flung to the left by a sudden burst of energy. "Now, drive." He commanded to his chauffer, not to be authoritarian, but to get to their next appointment sooner rather than later. Plus, he'd rather not break the arms of a Secret Service operative right after the United Nations gave him six months to peacefully research the Super Soldier Serum under their direction for it's supposed health benefits to humanity. "Mr. Adler, where to now?" He asked, the UN Headquarters now a distant building in the background, waiting for his driver to answer.

"We have been asked to attend a meeting with Mr. Craig Thomsen of Thomsen Technologies in Virginia, Your Majesty."

Mad Max was a bit displeased that his return home would be delayed, but he had heard many things, all of them positive, of Mr. Thomsen and his inventions. The man was a gifted genius, no doubt, yet was in contrast to the towering intellects of Morningstar and Augustin in that he stayed far, far away from weaponry and militarization schemes. An interesting path to take, and because of it, Thomsen could focus on the environment and other things to benefit humanity in the long run. Perhaps he would make a good ally in technological squabbles between himself and White Prince, and the opportunities to better the world was well-within their collective grasp. As he delved into his thoughts, the car made a gentle stop, the trip being fairly quick, and the car being before the gates of Thomsen Tech HQ in Northern Virginia.

"We're here, sir." Adler stated, Mad Max nodding in affirmation, looking out of his windows at the exquisite headquarters.

[New Neros]

Craig Thomsen
Thomsen Tech HQ, Northern Virginia

Craig, being informed that Mr. Morningstar was hear, spun out of his chair, and pressed the elevator's down button, stepping in, and waiting as the elevator took him to ground floor. Stepping out, and opening the door, he welcomed Max to Thomsen Tech. This would be interesting indeed. "Hello, and welcome, Mr. Morningstar, to Thomsen Tech. Thanks for taking time out of your schedule," Craig said, stepping up to the leader of Ur and shaking his hand which totally dwarfed his. Craig was 6 feet tall, but Max was on another level, being around 7 feet.

As they walked in, Craig holding the door for him, he commented, "Quite a show you put on for the U.N. today," he said. "But we're not here to talk politics, are we?" Craig commented, pressing the button for the elevator once again. As they went up, Craig continued, "I asked to speak with you today because I believe that we share a common vision: to make this world a better place, both for today, and our posterity. Together, we can advance that goal, Ur is an emerging global power, and Thomsen Technologies is one of the leaders in its field.

As the elevator stopped and the doors rolled open, they stepped out to employees innovating. One was working on a 3-D printer for prosthetic arms and legs, another was working on a model of the Thomsen laptop, and others still were working on water filters and wells in Africa. "Together," Craig said, waving his hand to the employees, "we can change the world."

"But instead of walking and talking, or sitting at desks and talking, let's do something different, shall we?"
Leading Max to another door, he opened it, showing several game consoles, couches, and several large screen TVs. "Tell me, Mr. Morningstar, do you play Fifa?" Craig asked with a small smile. We've got it for the Xbox, Playstation, and Thomsen Tech's very own Virtual Reality consoles. I took the liberty of programming the national Ur soccer team into each one, along with our respective persons, you into the Ur national team, and I into a custom Thomsen Tech team. And while we play, we can talk. So, what do you say?" he asked with a growing smile.

Impressed with the technological base he was seeing at Thomsen Tech, Mad Max made mental notes on the various inventions and objects he was seeing. Not to copy them, but to know just how far behind or ahead a potential rival was. Despite his friendly demeanor, Maxwell was always planning for a scenario, a tangent of some sort, where he would have to face even the most unlikely of foes. But, the change of pace for a discussion seemed rather...unorthodox, but the King of Ur had no qualms on playing a game as they chatted.

"I'm very pleased at what I see, Mt. Thomsen. Let's strap up with this console of yours, I'm not the best player, mind you, but my physical condition should give me enough room to keep up. If only for a moment." He said with a sensible chuckle. You are correct, we share a similar goal, and to be honest, it is a blessing to work with someone of...comparable intellects instead of against them as my relationship with White Prince has become. I look forward to the fruits of our shared labors." He said, patiently waiting for Craig to reveal the VR Console.

[New Neros]

-Corinna Erastos

For many moons now, the powerful King of Ur had sought a soul that would grant him a specialty in combat like no other, a life-force to be absorbed to sate an ever-present, yet unrevealed hunger for power and energy. Within those ruins of Ancient Sparta, home of the greatest warriors mankind had ever known, the Mad King watched patiently, knowing the fight was one of valor and necessity to the aged Spartan, and knowing that her patron God had ordained it. Perhaps Ares knew Mad Max was watching as well, and had seen the Spartan woman in her pheonix form, and to that end, he most likely did not care. The ever-strategizing mind of Maxwell Morningstar was that great - he could predict the movements, motives, and thoughts of Gods themselves.

He was no stranger to humility, though, and as the dark gray skies gave way to small droplets of rainfall in the aftermath of the titanic battle, Maxwell moved from his position as witness to the center stage, the very battlefield, crossing away from the defeated corpse of the Hydra, and making his path toward the ancient Spartan woman. His clothing seemed rather relaxed, loose and only slightly fitting. Max wore only a plain white tee-shirt and white sweat pants - almost akin to lounge wear for him, and to an armor-clad warrior like Corinna, almost non-threatening.

Almost.

"Hello, mighty warrior." Maxwell bellowed as he walked closer, coming between Corinna and the Hydra's corpse. "I care not of your deeds or motives, they are greater than myself, but I humble you with a request." He said, stopping and standing at a respectable distance from the woman, his face stern and his body rigid, as if he were made of stone. That rock-hard demeanor slowly chipped, though, as he almost forced himself to one knee and made his request known. "I ask for training in your ways of ancient combat. I am Maxwell Morningstar, King of Ur, and I will give you whatever you desire in return."

"Should you desire fortune, I will grant it. Nations, I will bring them to your feet. Freedom, and your wings will soar beyond the clouds themselves. Power, and you will share my throne." He said, rising from his kneeling position, the subtle comment of Maxwell being more powerful than Corinna being thrown in at the last minute, but not without purpose. "Perhaps I can be of use to Ares alongside yourself, but history speaks of no greater warrior than yourself, Corinna. Not the history of mortals, mind you, but the ones present to the Gods themselves."

[New Neros]

-Corinna Erastos

Mad Max Morningstar

The tall, mighty King of Ur stood idle, looking down the bridge of his nose at Corinna, the Last Spartan, warrior of world-renown, as he described her thoughts and feelings on the subject. Perhaps it was more of mental examination, his physical prowess be damned, but still, he listened intently and with purpose, nodding along as she spoke of the Spartan way of life and combat doctrine. It was not a skill, but a code, not to be taught, to be instilled, indoctrinated, inherited even. Mad Max knew exactly what he was driving headfirst into with this woman, the immortal Corinna.

He lowered his face and narrowed his eyes, looking directly at the Spartan as he pieced together his response. "A purpose, or a meaningful death." He repeated, perhaps to ensure he had heard correctly, or maybe seeing if she would change her mind. "After being so long removed from history, I would have thought that you would know by now that man must make his own purpose. However, I understand that your case and cause is much different than my own, and anyone elses' in particular."

"It is glory and honor for your people, no? Or maybe it is to aid others, feed the hungry, care for the sick. Ares can gift you vast swaths of lands, the very kingdoms and empires you have seen rise and fall, Corinna, millions of people to do your bidding and to lord over, but what he cannot grant you is compassion. The ability to care for and love another being so much that you feel physical pain. Perhaps you've felt that anguish once or twice before in your longevity, but by now, that feeling must have eroded into nothing but a distant, nostalgic memory from ages long past, and for people long dead. I say this not to entice you or to belittle you, far from it, I say this to inspire you."

"I will give you purpose, and if I fail to do so, I swear upon the blood of my ancestors and future kin, that I will shatter the very skies themselves in battle against you. To die and to be remembered for all ages, to be taken in and accept the greatest honor a Spartan can ever hold, death in battle. Perhaps that is your purpose, no? Earth shall tremble and Heaven shall weep when we come to blows, and at it's glorious climax, I will plunge my sword deep into your very being and give you one final purpose in life: To die." He stood proud, his speech reverberating and making him appear larger than life,

"Therefore, Ms. Erastos, you are understood with the utmost sincerity. No matter what, I will give you purpose!"

[New Neros]

-Corinna

The Mad King preformed his signature pose, standing tall and proud, feet spread shoulder-width apart, and his arms crossed before his chest. As Ares came and went, Maxwell felt no sense of astonishment or even so much of a thought - the ability to absorb energy giving him the ability to feel energy as well, and when a God speaks to someone in particular, well, it's not that hard to tell. Still though, it was a private conversation, and Mad Max could not peer into minds. He was left with guesses and assumptions until Corinna informed him of what was said. Now, the option was to take it at face value or investigate the likelihood of an underlying trick, gimmick or double-cross waiting to happen. What was the motive here, telling the King of Ur about a potential invasion. He treaded lightly, but unmoved at the changing events.

He brushed Valka off, not even so much as acknowledging the Asgardian as he continued his conversation with Corinna. "War upon my land is not a fruitful endeavor, but that is the will of Ares regardless. I shall not boast of my land's defenses, offenses, or power - I am here for a singular purpose and that is to train with you, however, another goal is in my sights, given to me by you, and that is for you to have purpose." He stated, reaffirming the oral contract outlined between to two. "Now then, Valka, is it?" He said, motioning to the Asgardian woman, turning his massive frame to face her fully.

"Let us all continue this conversation in a more pleasant environment. A town, perhaps somewhere nearby?" However, he quickly answered for the Norse woman on the topic of her country of origin. "Asgard, though? A small planetary body that another dimensional plane - home to the 'Norse Gods'." He stated with finger-quotation marks. "I know much of the realm, actually. I have been...erm..studying the nexus portals that connect Asgard to it's other Nine Worlds." Maxwell continued, ensuring he did not incriminate himself as a thief of their technology. "And in relation to you, Corinna, Asgard shares a portal with Olympus - the dimensional plane where the Greek Gods inhabit."

[New Neros]

-Valka

Mad Max Morningstar

The Mad King listened with some interest, but was rather not in the mood to deal with the Asgardian and instead focused his attention toward the Spartan. "My study of your portals is my own endeavor, and the Great Convergence is not an absolute law that all must abide by." He stated flatly, "And I'll just leave it at that." Mad Max continued on, though, pressing some questions into Valka in the meantime. "So then, what business do you have with Corinna? I seek training, and I did not seek an Asgardian. I will respect your position and title, Goddess, but do not look for me at your feet groveling before you."

Though Mad Max sounded fairly harsh, he expected the Asgardian to either get offended or laugh in his face, both options he did not particularly care for. But, something was clear though through his mannerism and way of speaking - this was not the first nor last time Maxwell Morningstar has dealt with a God or Goddess.

-Craig

Maxbot #7013-C

Maxwell graciously took the helmet from Craig and looked it over a few times, nodding in appreciation of the device as Mr. Thomsen explained how to work the device and Mad Max memorized it so that he wouldn't be asking needless questions halfway through the game. Soon though, Craig began to explain and expand on his intellect, and for that reason alone, Maxwell Morningstar was able to uncover so much about the man. Maxwell doesn't need to boast of his mind, his vast intellect, no, he lets it speak for itself - let his accomplishments, deeds, thoughts, words, and actions lead any who cares about a measly intelligence quotient to declare that he is smart. He cracked a smile at the young man's noble ambitions, however.

Placing the visor over his head and face, he began to respond. "A very admirable ideal, no doubt. However, there is vast differences in how you and I must use our brains, Mr. Thomsen. You can think of humanitarian plans, inventions, aid to the starving people, but that is from safety. In Ur, I must ensure the nation is afloat, protected, that each citizen goes without want. They are my priority, but that does not mean the world will suffer because of it. While you may invent a genetic seed that produces bountiful crops without water for Africa, I will be stopping the true cause of food shortages by eliminating the corruption and warlordism prevalent there." He cracked his neck, knowing that Craig and himself were working toward the same goal with different mindsets, "But I am more willing to dirty my hands and soul."

"Me and Gedimind have much history against one another. I shall not talk ill of him, but be weary, beneath his exterior lies a heart colder than my own. I am willing to get blood on my hands, but that man actively seeks it. Royalty is out as a name, it is all about power and wealth in politics, Mr. Thomsen. If not a King, than an Oligarch, if not that, then tyranny, and still no to that, then well, it is anarchy." He calmly said, as if it were everyday knowledge, "Anyways, enough politics. I had enough of that at the United Nations. Let's play."

"FIFA 15." He stated soon after, finding the Ur National Team, and finally declaring "Ready." as well.

[New Neros]

Corinna Erastos-2,187 Yrs-Spartan Ruins

The presence of the Asgardian did not last long as she left once trading words with Max. I kept out of it, while I found her interesting, I did have an accord with the King. After she was away I turned to the king. "Well, we should get started then." I stated as I gripped my spear in hand, the Hydra's blood still clinging to it. However, the rain still falling and no signs of it letting up I began to wonder if we should relocate before we began. I then voiced the opinion to the King. "Of course, there must be a more suitable place to start your training. Someplace secluded where you will be free of distractions." I recommended, but not for the cause of the poor weather. Every time I glance around these ruins, I see the destruction as if it was yesterday. I would not have come back here today had Ares not commanded it. As I awaited a response I did my best to block out the memories of that day. The burning fires, the screaming families and the rivers of blood down the streets. I then turned to Max. "So, do you have a place that fits the description?" I asked eager to escape this place.

The Mad King watched as the Asgardian left like a hawk, his eyes never leaving her as the Goddess rode away, going to the point of physically turning himself to watch her depart. The words were rude and abrasive, but this was not a time for letting his guard down. Maxwell had not only tangled with Gods previously, he had fought them, and despite their major advantages in physical power and ability, many have a favored tactic of attacking when their opponents back is drawn. No matter, though, he did not feel like Valka was too much of a threat, and more importantly, Mad Max believed he most likely offended her and made the Asgardian feel bad.

Sighing and shaking his head, knowing he could have chosen a more tactile approach, he listened to Corinna speak. "Oh yes," He began, turning his attention to the Spartan but flashing his eyes upwards as he thought briefly. "Usually when I train, I do it inside of my head in the form of meditation. The pure amount of concentration and willpower allows me to push my body beyond human limits and lets me think and plan more concisely." However, the glaring issue being that Corinna would not be able to join him inside of his own mind, so another option must be considered.

"Since we can't share a mind-space, the next best thing would be my meditation chamber in Ur. It is large and suitable for training for days and even weeks at a time, and with the most advanced technologies at my disposal, there is no chance of disturbance from the outside world." He stated flatly, rummaging through his pockets and finding a circular device, approaching Corinna and towering over her. "This is a teleporter...and it may be the kind I copied from the Asgardians...but it will take us to my castle beneath Ur. Just grab ahold of me and we'll be off." He dictated, awaiting the Spartan.

[New Neros]

Maxbot 43-F
The Conquest of Subterranea
Part One

One of the many stand-ins for the Mad King of Ur, his robot legions knowing no equal on Earth and beyond - save for the Celestial Army, but that was only at later classes, this particular Maxbot was charged with overseeing the running of the Kingdom in Maxwell's absences, first to Namek, and then to Greece. Like all Maxbots after the C-classification, he retained a synthetic copy of Max Morningstar's brain built from the quark on up, and biologically, it was identical to the Mad King - though some major adjustments were kept as safeguards that were lessened as the alphabet series continued on. This Maxbot served with distinct purpose and had a clean track record - all of his advisors and foreign dignitaries not realising for a second that they discussed the smaller things in life with a robot.

But, with such responsibility, came the ability to make decisions, and sometimes, his hand must be forced. This is one of the times his hands are plunged into action by forces far above his finite, minute control, and without aid from the real Mad Max, Maxbot 43-F must face these trials alone. For deep below in the cellars of the Kingdom of Ur, even below the massive tunnels, caverns, and fortresses built into solid rock that the Mad King called home, the forces of an angry, vengeful kingdom were staging their attack. You see, these tunnels were not built by Mad Max, oh no, that would take decades of work even with superpowered laborers. The fortress below the sea was taken, by force, from the Kingdom of Subterrania after Maxwell discovered it as an outpost to eavesdrop on the nation.

A brief scuffle and an uneasy peace followed as Maxwell renovated the caverns into a modern-looking facility fit for a King, and holding enough space to almost fit all of Ur within it should the need ever arise. Despite the tense peace, revanchism for the stolen land by the Subterraneans was reaching a boiling point, and their own King, a nuclear engineer turned blind who goes by the name Mole Man as well as Mole-King, sought to capitalize on this outrage and re-assert his kingdom's dominance over the realms of the underworld. As each Maxbot possessed a synthetic version of Mad Max's power of Energy Absorption, the stand-in felt and tracked the energies of an underground army as it amassed below his glorious kingdom.

The false Mad King bided his time and used it to think, rather than meet the forces immediately to keep his element of surprise as a ready option, but as the Subterranean Army grew larger, he found that not having an immediate force to contain their advance as soon as they breach through the walls would be a folly. The Subterraneans would be at Ur's doorsteps within the hour if no sizable force could meet them if they advance, so reluctantly, the Mad King stand-in ordered partial mobilization of the citizenry and activation of several A-series Maxbots, sending them below to the expected breach points.

Maxbot 43-F was enjoying a cold glass of ice tea with a British emissary, much to the said diplomat's shock and horror, when a slight tremor was felt, followed by another, and another. Setting the glass on a nearby table, the sophisticated robot ushered the man out, the next tremor knocking over his ice tea and causing him to stumble for a second. The Subterraneans have made their move, and deep below the surface, miles and miles separating them, a small, dwarfish man hopped forth from an explosion hole and gently set foot on the metallic floor, visibly disgusted at the sensation. "That bastard ruined the beautiful caverns. Minions, bring me his hide so that I may encase him in metal and see if he enjoys the sensation."

The Mole Man swung his head side to side, as if he was looking around despite his blindness, and cracked a smile. "Looks like we have some company." He stated, gripping harder on his staff and lowering his protective glasses just briefly - revealing his eyes to not be the blank stares characteristic of the Mole-King, but were replaced with a colorful, changing iris and light speckles swirling around his eye ball. It seems like the King of the Underground had found a new power deep in the vast caverns that criss-crossed the Earth's crust, lost to time and to humanity for centuries.

[New Neros]

-Craig Thomsen

This particular Maxbot was almost indistinguishable from the true Mad King, and like any good stand-in, is determined to make his creator look his optimum. Of course, the robots did not think they there robots at all, in fact, when not directly in the presence of Mad Max himself, they thought they were the Mad King of Ur. To that end, he began to play with a defense in depth as Craig took the charge. The two center backs quickly swept up alongside Craig and aimed for the ball, the sweeper anticipating whatever move Craig was willing to play by charging in.

Behind all of them, watchful and absolutely massive, to the point of absurdity, was Maxwell Morningstar as the goalie. He towers at over seven foot, with close to fifty inches of chest encased in pure muscle. He bounced up and down, stretching himself in anticipation of Craig arriving. Despite his size, he appeared to move just fine and without any apparent signs of being slowed by his incredible figure. Already, just from watching the game unfold, he was still learning about Craig Thomsen. What actions he would take in the game and in real life were perhaps connected, and the Mad King would exploit that end in whatever way he could.

-Corinna Erastos

The Mad King looked around his own technology room, one of many more around the complex, but this particular one more like a workshop than anything. However, his eyes trailed over the Spartan woman. Seeing her in this sort of light was rather...strange though. Something was tugging at Mad Max's physical and mental well-being, something primal and instinctive as well. He looked down. almost ashamed of himself - he was attracted to Corinna. Something about her admiration and appreciation of his inventions and devices, his nation, and even himself. He was conflicted, though, as this feeling was much the same he had for Valerie. However, he brushed them aside completely, and piped up as Corrina spoke to him.

"Ah, yes." He said, "Right around the corner." He said, gesturing for Corinna to follow as he left the room. True to his word, Mad Max rounded a corner and walked directly to a door - it sliding out of the way as he approached in a glorious fashion. Within the door was yet another series of doors, but these seemed more intricate and filled with technological buttons, lights, and such. The entire room was just those two doors, and he turned back to Corinna. "My Meditation Chamber. In here, I can simulate the effects of days passing by in mere minutes, even seconds if needed, as well increase and decrease gravity. It contains stores of my own energy reserves as well, meaning I can visualize past opponents and even conjure ones up for physical exercise."

Maxwell moved over the wall and placed his hand on it firmly, a control screen flipping around as he did so. "Three days, correct? We can be provided with all we need, or absolutely nothing should we choose." He further declared, pressing some more buttons briefly. "There we go. All set up and ready." He approached the twin doors and they too slid open, a bright white light and some fog emerging from within. "After you, my teacher."

[New Neros]

-Corinna

A smile found it's way to Maxwell as he realized that Corinna understood the look he had given her and more or less, his feelings for her suddenly, and she was rather correct that it would best to be professional in this endeavor. Besides, what would Val think. He cursed himself for even having the thought, but oh, the minds of powerful men are too much the same. He nodded as she explained her combat style and manner of teaching, though, noticing that she was not very, well, good at being a teacher, yet anyways.

"Eternity means nothing if you find something you enjoy." He said quickly, before realizing all too late that the training had indeed begun, and his flight or fight response kicked in as a spear was thrust toward him. He ducked and stepped back, materializing a short-sword in his right hand and dropping his Absorption Shield completely - how else would he learn without the true pain associated with Spartan combat. However, it was not enough to dodge out of the spear's attack completely, but instead of a fatal wound, Mad Max was dealt a burning, stinging stab right below his shoulder, feeling the sharp point sink in just below his clavicle and dig in to his deep pectoral muscles. Still, with the momentum he had, the jab was brief but painful.

As he gained just a small amount of distance, the Mad King glanced slightly at his short sword and at his opponent, his mind working quickly and thinking of things within fractions of seconds. He now understood that a sword was useless with reach like a spear, even if Maxwell was built like a mountain and could slice trees in half with a single swing. It was pointless if he couldn't even reach the damn tree in the first place. Instantly, he flung his sword to the white ground and thought of a new weapon, which quickly materialized in his hand due to their training room. A spear, much like a boar spear but more similar to a Zulu Assegai, for some reason, perhaps for it's ability to be used in close combat as well as range. He raised it defensively before Corinna, though.

"I may not carry a shield into battle, but I might not forget a spear next time." He said with a smile, hiding the painful grimace of the spear wound in his shoulder as it began to drip with blood. It was his turn, or more likely, he took his opening and charged forward, moving at fairly decent speed for a man of his size and caliber, swinging and slashing his weapon as he came upon Corinna, driving it forward in one mighty step though, intent on death, just as she had promised.

[New Neros]

Mad Max Morningstar
What Lies Below

The battle rages onward as the war comes to not exactly a climax, but a turning point. The Mad King has deployed his ever-loyal legions and his robotic forces into deep chasms below Ur as the realm of science and magic slowly become blurred. Subterranea is a land like no other on the surface, and down here, only the strong survive and flourish, while the weak are oppressed and made to do the strong's bidding. However, none are aiding the weak as the Mole King and the Mad King come to blows in a chess game with the lives of innocents as pieces. Perhaps Maxwell could claim a higher moral ground by using robot soldiers, but they are unthinking and without purpose other than destruction. War machines, nothing more. Still, Maxwell has established several forward operating bases below Ur as he prepares to press for more underground territory against the Mole King.

"Grace, they are collapsing tunnels in an effort to divert our forces down singular paths - most likely traps or ambushes." An officer would report, his crude map full of marks, circles, lines and the like to denote what was what.

"Collapse the tunnels they plan on us going down, dig out the ones they collapsed. Make new excavations here, here and here." Maxwell said with distinction, marking the areas he wanted new tunnels in. "They will be able to hear the construction, but our speed will be our advantage. They cannot mobilize enough materials and men in time to counter our advance." He further declared, the combat-ready officer nodding in agreement, swiftly moving off to execute the orders of the sovereign of Ur and continue the war effort. However, the actual advancement in the war came through in the form of a telepathic response from an agent deep in the caverns.

"Master Morningstar, I have located Mr. Elder's throne room of sorts." A distant echo within the mind of the Maxbot stated in a raspy voice. The true heroes of the Subterranean War - spies, scouts, and undercover operatives. Like in any war, it was the secrets, the lies, the espionage and underhanded tactics that took home victories. The time of honor, valor, and the like was far dead by centuries even, and Mad Max was no fool. Plus, he'd jump at the opportunity to quickly and effectively end this war by taking out it's progenitor - Mole Man.

"Send me the visual and the coordinates for it." Maxwell replied, "I'll send a team down. Then..."

"...Then I'll go in on my own."

[New Neros]

Maxwell Morningstar
The All-Seeing Eyes

"Common recourse would state that I expected your arrival," The short man said, his words echoed throughout the chamber as he faced away from our observer. "However it is plain wrong in that regard." He continued on, a small hand waving his way out to the side, as if brushing away from bothersome gnat or fly. "Not wrong in that your arrival is unexpected, mind you, no, it is wrong in that I didn't just expect you, I saw you coming. From miles away, in fact. Perhaps across dimensions and time itself, who knows." The man turned his chair around abruptly, the figure of the Mole King very distinct in it's shape, yet his face was obscured by an eerie shadow. "I know, of course, but you don't."

"And that's how it will stay." He declared, making another motion with his hand, and in an instant, the room became alive with snarls and growls of all sorts of inhabitants and creatures unknown within the ever-present darkness that envelopes each and every one of them. "Your presence in my domain is to be ended. Each and everyone of your moves has been planned and accounted for, believe me, Mad King, you stand not in the presence of an equal but in one who is vastly beyond. You may thank Doctor Strange and his magical world for your defeat, and you may curse my name to all sorts of infinity, but know that you have lost." The Mole Man further declared, the massive wall of muscle that ruled over the Kingdom of Ur emerging from the darkest shadows and into a small glimmer of ambient light.

"Lost?" Maxwell repeated, questioning the final judgement of the King of Subterrania, and positioning himself in a defensive stance, "How can I lose if I have yet to even fight?" A smile formed on the face of the Mole Man, then a cackle of epic proportions emanated from the deepest parts of his belly and engulfed the room in it's vile, sinister origin and purpose. The stomach-curling laughter did not phase Mad Max in the slightest, who simply began to calculate his many routes, options, and pathways to actual victory, not to mention his odds in each scenario and the numerous cannon-fodder of minions to face before Mole Man. Or...how he can end Mole Man before having to deal with them in the first place.

"Ahaha!!" Mole Man bellowed, his giggles finally subsiding as he further explained to Mad Max, "You mean to tell me that you've lost before you have even began?! How sad you must be, King of Ur, to believe you had any chance of victory as soon as you set foot below ground. You see, below the surface is my home, and it much different from yours. Maxwell, things do not work the same as they do up there. It is pure survival, primal in a sense, this world we live in miles below the crust. You are so used to luxury and take too much for granted. Down here, the title of King must be earned."

"You're implying I didn't earn my own title, and that I am of noble birth?" Maxwell asked, amused by this slight against him. "You have incredibly inaccurate intelligence on who I am exactly, or, you are too convoluted that you have a warped sense of just who I am exactly. Tell me, Mister Elder, do you truly believe that I am your polar opposite? A man to be feared and eradicated to save your precious Subterrania? Whatever sense of entitlement you have grown accustomed to ends here and now." The Mad King declared, raising his massive fist up against the Mole King, "I hereby challenge you for the throne of Subterrania."

A calm quiet took over the chamber as the Mole King was taken aback by the issue of a challenge, and even the creatures under his command turned to look at their ruler, scanning him for any sign of weakness or willingness to back down. He stuttered a bit, but finally managed to spit out exactly what he needed to say. "You...I...well, erm...Fine!" He rose from his seat, his head moving into the ambient light to reveal his glossed over eyes, full of random colors and stars for some reason. "You have no hope of beating me, not with these eyes, Morningstar."

"These eyes, dear boy, are the All-Seeing Eyes of Providence, God, if you will. A very real artefact of immense power - Doctor Strange believed himself clever by hiding it down below the ground where no human instruments could ever detect its presence. Believe me, I've searched countless dimensions and pockets for these very eyes, and nearly slapped myself silly at how close they had been the entire time." Max needed no explanation on what the All-Seeing Eyes did, in fact, it merely changed the flow of the battle slightly in his mind. "These eyes can see the countless timelines approaching infinity. I will tell you now, not a single one involves you winning."

Mad Max gave the Mole King a confident smirk, realizing he had, like many others who have used the Eyes before him, become corrupted by them and now only see what he wanted to see. They granted precognition with added benefits, but when you have an infinite amount of timelines to choose from, you tend to focus on the ones where you have succeeded and not on the possibility of failure. This made the fight ever more so easy, and the fact that the Mole King had no idea that the King of Ur possessed the ability to absorb energy endlessly made it almost trivial.

"Then it's settled." Mad Max began, "Here and now is an appropriate battlefield for me, what say you, Harvey?" He said, walking closer to the Mole King, the giant of a man intimidating beyond measure to one without such powerful eyes - his power suit glowing with implied energy and stored power from battles long before. "I'll even let you take the first shot, or rather, I shall, so you can see it coming. Both seem to be an advantage to you, no doubt." He further stated, clouding the vision of the Mole King even more and making it almost impossible to see what exactly Mad Max was doing. Mole Man's arrogance was to be his immediate downfall, and Maxwell Morningstar was playing him like a fiddle.

"It is agreed, then." Mole Man stated, slamming his staff on the ground, hard, and raising multiple rocks into the air, "Let the battle commence!" He yelled, flinging the massive boulders at Mad Max all at once, the Mad King rushing in quickly. In a single blow, he tore threw a rock like nothing and was within striking range of the Mole King, preparing to follow up with his offensive. Mole Man had seen this coming with his All-Seeing Eyes, though, and had his staff perfectly angled to strike Maxwell as soon as he went through the rocky outcropping. Feeling the force of thousands of kilovolts following into his body, the Mad King put on a performance of being electrocuted, seizing up in place and following directly onto his hands and knees, pretending to gasp for breath and reach for his heart, as if the shock didn't grant him even more energy.

"Fools rush in, Maxwell." Mole King declared with a sick hint of satisfaction, "In battles for the throne, it always life and death." He further ordained, lifting his staff in the air and preparing to drop it's weighted end on the nape of Max's neck, a killing blow to any normal human, but in a slow motion, the Mole King found it harder and harder to bring his stick down on the would-be usurper, cursing as he pressed further with all of his might. "What in God's name have you done!" He asked, the Mole King tightening his teeth as he felt fatigue building rapidly, cramping his muscles as they were seemingly drained.

Mad Max arose from where he had pretended to lay down, a wicked smile slapped across his face as the Mole King struggled to even remain standing. "Your eyes made you even more blind." He declared in a grandiose fashion, standing before the Mole Man as he was forced to take a knee, his breathing becoming erratic and heavily labored. "You see Harvey, we are not the same. I possess powers far beyond whatever you managed to acquire. I am not a mutant, no, I am but a man, but a man with a gift. That divine present is the ability to absorb any and all energy in one fell swoop without end and to store it indefinitely." Mad Max moved his hand to where his palm was facing the room's ceiling, and slowly raised it up.

"Imagine, Harvey, the amount of kinetic energy that flows in your bloodstream as your red blood cells race around you body. That is now my own energy. Once I absorb it, I can use the energy in whatever way I please, just like how I'm causing you to float right now. I'm charging your particles and making them repel from the very floor we're standing on. You'll find your body without ATP, the particle that produces energy and causes muscle contraction as well." The Mad King eloquently explained as the Mole King grabbed at his throat and gasped for air. Maxwell dropped him from about ten feet in the air, the man landing with a dull thud as he wheezed and coughed, swallowing in dust and air and further tiring himself out. "You lost before we even began." Maxwell said, kneeling down over the defeated man, echoing the Mole King's words prior to the start of this match.

"I.....I'll never...yield." The Mole Man declared, the frail old man forcing himself from his position against the screaming pain of every single muscle and tendon in his body. He clutched his side, signs of broken ribs apparent from the fall, "Our...duel..." He further said, barely able to even get himself to his knees, the Mole Man running on sheer willpower at this point, "For Subterrania..." He continued, breathing in an out, rocking back and forth as he slipped from consciousness, "Is to...death."

The Mad King brooded over Mole Man, his massive frame towering above his opponent like a skyscraper to a brick house. In a quick motion, Mad Max grabbed each side of the Mole King's head and jerked up to stare at him, face to face, as he whispered, "I shall abide." The Mole Man's body limply hung in the air, Max's massive hands holding Mole Man up as he stared into those lifeless, dying eyes of Providence. Suddenly, Maxwell began to apply pressure, a fearsome glow surrounding his hands as he pressed harder and harder on the Mole King's skull as if it were a firm coconut or watermelon, Mole Man offering a blood-curdling scream of agony in his last moments, until finally.

POP

Both going at once, the eyes of Mole Man popped out of their respective sockets, the noise almost like someone ripping off a stretch of wet velcro, Mad Max watching the entire thing as he continued to slowly, almost sadistically, drain the very life force out of Mole Man. The man himself was now dead, his life force in Max's body, but the eyes remained. The Mad King grabbed both of them, ripping them in a jerking motion, removing them from Mole Man's body completely. He held both of them, bloody and slippery, in his hands. The hands dazzled like diamonds, but showed what looked to be cracks forming and fading away randomly throughout the iris. Maxwell held them high, the same energizing hum being heard as he absorbed the All-Seeing Eyes of Providence into his very being.

Gone entirely from his hand, Mad Max clutched down hard on his palm and raised it before his face, casting one wayward glance at Mole Man, before looking back at his own fist. The creatures of the underground gathered around him, and the Mad King prepared to end them all in one large activation of the Ragnarok Sanction, but ceased as he noticed them press themselves against the rocky floor below. They were bowing, in respect to their new King, the Usurper-King of Subterrania. He had kept his eyes clamped shut the entire time, but slowly he peeled away his eyelids, revealing that he too had eyes that shined and glittered like a diamond, the cracks buzzing in and out of his iris as well. He laughed a sensible chuckle, turning into a maniacal howl.

"Rise!" He ordered the Subterraneans, his eyes suddenly becoming fierce and throwing his open palmed-hand up in the air quickly, the creatures obeying without question, much to the satisfaction of Maxwell. "Behold - a new age in Subterrania. Ur and Subterrania are but two sides of the same coin, and you are now my children. I do not tolerate disloyalty, and failure is but a learning experience. You are now under my sole and utter protection and benevolence, rejoice in it now!" He commanded, the beings rising in a mighty roar as the Mad King held dominion over them. "So says King of Ur! So says King of Subterrania! So says King of Kings!"

"So says Mad Max!"

[New Neros]

-Corinna

Maxwell Morningstar

The Mad King had been schooled, in two ways, though. One way was that he was actually taught and fully adopted the Spartan combat philosophy. Never surrender, press for victory, do not extend the fight under any circumstances, end it as soon as possible. That's how winning is done. The second was being shown how woefully inept his fighting style was, Regardless, once the lesson ended, Maxwell began to relax, and in turn, come down from his adrenaline high. Pain was quickly evident where he had suppressed it previously, but he began to heal with his powerful abilities nonetheless. He spear wounds forced themselves shut and sewed back together like a piece of fabric seemingly at will.

"You are a mighty teacher, let no one take that from you." Max said, tossing his mace aside, the weapon evaporating into a mist as he did so. He made a few slight motions and brought up a holographic display, in which he pressed a few buttons to reveal the door to the mediation chamber sliding open just a few meters away from the duo. "You have taught me well, and by my will, are welcome to my Kingdom whenever you feel the need. Be it now or a thousand years from it, you will always be welcome in Ur."

"However, for the meantime, we can have a small bite to eat, and you can meet Valerie, my personal assistant." He said, taking the lead and walking out of the chamber with a certain swagger attained only by combatants and warriors of ages long past. "In our absence, a lot has been going on. A war was fought, and a different war is still being fought far away in the cosmos. Their clashes do not bother me, yet, though." He politely informed Corinna, referencing the Subterranean War and the group of heroes attacking Nightmare. Never underestimate the surveillance of the Mad King.

[New Neros]

Mad Max Morningstar

One of the greatest applications the Mad King was ever able to install upon his so call "Maxbot" force was not the ability to use his absorption for virtually any purpose just as he did, but rather, that any energy gained by a Maxbot could be used by Mad Max himself, and in turn be used by other Maxbots at their creators' direct will. Thus, a Maxbot could be his eyes and ears throughout Ur and the world - who ever said a Maxbot had to look like the Mad King in the slightest? No, he was far beyond that level of vanity - some resembled him to act as body doubles, others as sentinels, going so far as to live their own lives and pursuits as if they were not an artificial being.

You see, the greatest secret Mad Max kept from the world was that he was always watching, always listening, always waiting, and more troubling, always planning. The flesh and blood King of Ur sat upon his chair - faced with dozens of computer screens and rotating holograms. It was where we first found him when the Saiyans invaded Earth some time ago. Now, however, he seemed much more relaxed, lost in thought, than in actual interest of whatever was going on around the world through his robots, nano or otherwise. He thought to himself, how wonderful the two Maxbots where, with one that aided in gaining the trust of an immortal Spartan, not to mention her combat doctrine to be used extensively for later applications, and the other gaining the fabled All-Seeing Eyes from the Mole Man, regrettably at the cost of said Mole Man himself.

But, the insight gained from the eyes and the potential of skill waiting to be refined gained from the Spartaness was enough to make even the most mortal of men be swept away with power. Not Max, though, he had power and far beyond even that - he born a man but made himself into a King, and after, he shall turn himself into a God. "Max?" A soft voice called from his doorway, far behind Maxwell and allowing him to be concealed from view with his massive chair that sat before dozens of monitors. The voice would have startled him...if he hadn't seen it a few minutes prior.

"Yes, dear Valerie?" He asked, closing his eyes and resting his head back, processing the response before she even said it.

"I wanted to talk about New York..." Val said, a bit nervously actually, glancing off to the side but quickly snapping her eyes back at the chair where the Mad King sat. "Why did you send a Maxbot instead of actually going?" She demanded, her eyes narrowed and a tight frown forming on her face, asserting her displeasure at the trickery that was Mad Max, and her unwillingness to back down to his misadventures and exploits.

"Another situation needed my attention, dealing with the UN is rather...monotonous." He explained with a handwave, not even caring enough to turn and face Val as he spoke.

"It was the fate of Ur on the line!" She snapped quickly, a showing of temper becoming apparent, something Maxwell had not seen before. Since Val had returned from Namek, it seemed like her mind "corrected" itself from it's shattered beginnings. She was her own person finally, and with thanks to Elder Guru for that. The Mad King hadn't known that until he ordained the Ragnarok Sanction upon Nail as he was infused with the Grand Elder - a piece of information he was quite sore to admit. "You sit here and just...watch everything! Do you even care about those people you govern?!"

The room grew very still, very quiet once Val uttered those words. Instantly, regret washed over her being in a quick shudder. Perhaps it was a primordial fear, prodding the beast in other words, that what she had said wasn't what she meant and definitely was not true. "I'm sorry...I...I didn't mean it like that." She said, trying to correct her mistake, but already, it appeared as though Maxwell as crumbled the end piece of his armrest into nothing but dust by crushing it with his hand. The giant rose from his seat, Val taking a step back, the feeling of regret being replaced with dread. Despite her sassy demeanor, where even the mightiest of heroes also crumble, Val was not afraid to admit that she too was afraid of the Mad King sometimes.

"Come with me." He ordered, walking toward another door off to the side. Val, in her fearful state, looked on with glossy eyes and simply remained there, frozen by the titanic man's presence and imposing features. "Now." He further clarified, snapping Val back to reality, the young girl obeying quickly and hurrying deeper into Max's screen room and toward wherever he was going now. The door she came in from snapped closed with a slight hydraulic hiss, and the one Mad Max stood before quickly slid open as he punched in some codeword. He walked briskly and with purpose, Val almost having to run just to keep up with his massive steps and walking speed.

The hallway was illuminated much like a hospital for some reason, Val looking around at it nervously. She had been here before, but hadn't see it so active with staff members and the like. What exactly was Maxwell doing, what did he want to show her? The thing that required his attention more than Ur? Deep down, though, Valerie was upset that whatever it was, it took attention away from herself instead. The colossal ruler stopped suddenly before a massive door, almost like a bank vault, and quickly punched in a series of codes, subjected himself to scans, until finally it gave way, and with the spinning and grinding of heavy bolts, the door moved aside for the Mad King. Inside was...much the same, except, this door contained only a single room, and at the center of the room was a pod of sorts, humanoid in size, but large enough to fit Maxwell inside by the looks of it.

"This is what required my attention, Valerie." He bellowed, placing his hand over the cold, metallic interface of the specialized pod. "This device can grow cells and replicate, or scramble, DNA at a level top geneticists would only dream about. They said I could induce mutations with it, force my hand into the mutagen gene pool, cleanse the Inhumans of their adverse Terrigenesis effects, but no, I had a much, much simpler goal in mind when making this machine some time ago. To grow a body, from the ground up, and to able to perfectly copy over intelligence, synapses, and chemical reactions, the soul of a person if you will."

"...Why?" Val asked, circling around the pod and peering into the pale blue glass, trying to make what was inside of it.

"At first, myself. I wanted a genetically identical back-up. My gift to the word, so that if there was a time when even I couldn't face the problem alone. However, my tests showed the impossibility of such a creation. My mind is too strong-willed to copy over, my powers inherent only to myself, whatever I made in this pod was just a normal person. I was not a mutant as I once thought, no, I am truly a human, Homo sapiens sapiens in all of it's glory. I turned my device into another purpose, however, and that was building an alien life form. Specifically from Namek, actually, and until now, the time hadn't seemed right to reveal his nature."

"You see Val, when Namek 'exploded'," He said, using air quotations, "It was actually my own hand still at work to destroy Frieza at all costs. I absorbed the Death Ball and with it, the core of Namek itself, and beyond that, the entire planet's mass-energy. In joules, I siphoned five-point-eight to the forty-first power of energy from that Sanction. Prior to that, I had a run in with the Grand Elder Guru and his bodyguard, Nail, and a misunderstanding occurred wherein Nail and Guru fused together into one being. I absorbed their essence because time was running out for Namek and Frieza was on his warpath, and sent their body back here to be synthesized."

"I knew with my technology, I could bring them back to life. All beings carry with them a life energy, if you will, the total sum of their being, expression of genes, their very soul if you will, and I had that and a body. I simply put the pieces back together, neuron by neuron, in hopes of rebuilding the Namekian race. Call me a monster, a maniac, a savior, I do not care. I simply did I wished, and never questioned if I could or even if I should, because I already knew the answer to both of those questions." He said, patting the tank lightly, "He will be fully functional within the next few hours, until then, you should get some rest." He said, pointing towards Val as her eyes struggled to stay open.

"Ah! Um, sorry about that." She said, rubbing the back of her head. "And sorry...about what I said earlier." She continued, red in the face from embarrassment. Mad Max walked around the pod, Val's stomach tightening up as he did so. Despite his friendly behavior and mannerisms, she couldn't help but still feel that weary feeling around him like most others do. Still, it mattered not to Maxwell, because he threw his massive arms around Val in a light hug.

"It's fine - I understand what you feel, and know you didn't mean it." He said with a smile, looking down at Val as she relaxed herself, deeply surrounded by his muscles and practically entombed by the Mad King. "If I know in my mind and heart that what I do is necessary, at times not what is exactly good or right, then even Gods cannot spread doubt in my mind." He said in a boast, picking Val up off of the ground almost effortlessly, "Now, hurry on to bed. I have to get back to work." Val giggled for a second, then flashed a sly grin at the ruler, whispering just two words to him, giving him the same grin that she bore, the duo both walking from the vault, the Mad King carrying Val as they went.

"Join me..."

[New Neros]

-snip

Zero G
Earth-234

Grim and paint were smeared to the side of the rebel's face, her gaze trained upon the appearance of her worst nightmare come to life. This was supposed to be a simple recon mission, scout for a new base of operations, but suddenly the Regent herself had made an appearance. Valerie Valentine of Earth-234 was not like her counterpart, no, here she was a freedom fighter, a born survivor and above all, a leader an inspiration for those who followed her. Rubbing the back of her neck slightly, feeling the scar of where she ripped out the loyalty chip implanted superficially long ago, Val clutched her other fist tightly as she hid from Lisa.

She began to exert gravitational force upon herself - making herself a bit more dense and turning the gravity up in the surroundings. Quietly, she sent a secured message to her organization - though, what was truly secure and what was penetrated by the Regent was debatable at this point. "Visual confirmation on the Regent...moving in for capture." Static was what came after in her small earpiece, her own armor providing the transmitter and receiver.

"Do not...shzzzk...engage..." The opposite line pleaded, "First Squad....shzzzk....enroute..."

"No time." Val said to herself, moving from her hiding spot and quickly ascending a nearby building's wall, aided with her own mutant powers. Val was tactical, strategic even, and understood that Lisa most likely knew she was already there, and was just waiting for her to make a move. However, Val wanted to make sure that move was not the one Lisa wanted her to make - countless times it has been retreating, falling back to square one, avoiding the authorities, but now, Val had her cornered. Increasing the density of Lisa's surroundings would hinder her ability to phase through them, if only for a second. That's all Val needed, just one measly second.

Kicking off of the wall and leaving a deep crater from the speed and mass of her take off, Val shot straight towards Lisa with her right arm extended and her palm facing toward the android - intent on grabbing it. A soft hum filled the area as Val flooded the vicinity with hundreds of G's of gravitational force. In this world, Val's name was Zero G, and her sole mission and purpose in life, ever since the cataclysm, was to put an end to the tyrannical reign of Lisa. "It ends now..." She said to herself, her teeth gritted, and her target right within her grasp.

[New Neros]

Zero G
Earth-234

Grim and paint were smeared to the side of the rebel's face, her gaze trained upon the appearance of her worst nightmare come to life. This was supposed to be a simple recon mission, scout for a new base of operations, but suddenly the Regent herself had made an appearance. Valerie Valentine of Earth-234 was not like her counterpart, no, here she was a freedom fighter, a born survivor and above all, a leader an inspiration for those who followed her. Rubbing the back of her neck slightly, feeling the scar of where she ripped out the loyalty chip implanted superficially long ago, Val clutched her other fist tightly as she hid from Lisa.

She began to exert gravitational force upon herself - making herself a bit more dense and turning the gravity up in the surroundings. Quietly, she sent a secured message to her organization - though, what was truly secure and what was penetrated by the Regent was debatable at this point. "Visual confirmation on the Regent...moving in for capture." Static was what came after in her small earpiece, her own armor providing the transmitter and receiver.

"Do not...shzzzk...engage..." The opposite line pleaded, "First Squad....shzzzk....enroute..."

"No time." Val said to herself, moving from her hiding spot and quickly ascending a nearby building's wall, aided with her own mutant powers. Val was tactical, strategic even, and understood that Lisa most likely knew she was already there, and was just waiting for her to make a move. However, Val wanted to make sure that move was not the one Lisa wanted her to make - countless times it has been retreating, falling back to square one, avoiding the authorities, but now, Val had her cornered. Increasing the density of Lisa's surroundings would hinder her ability to phase through them, if only for a second. That's all Val needed, just one measly second.

Kicking off of the wall and leaving a deep crater from the speed and mass of her take off, Val shot straight towards Lisa with her right arm extended and her palm facing toward the android - intent on grabbing it. A soft hum filled the area as Val flooded the vicinity with hundreds of G's of gravitational force. In this world, Val's name was Zero G, and her sole mission and purpose in life, ever since the cataclysm, was to put an end to the tyrannical reign of Lisa. "It ends now..." She said to herself, her teeth gritted, and her target right within her grasp.

More scans strangely told her something new. She seemed to be on earth, but this wasn't a city she knew existed. It couldn't be Earth, but seemingly all the signs were there. Continents in the same place, exact size and the abundance of humans told her she couldn't be anywhere but Earth. She stood there, wracking her digital, computer brain, until she decided to go explore the area to find out more about where she was. She was about to teleport, when all of a sudden she heard a soft hum and turned to see a human hurtling towards her.

Defence protocols activated, Lisa's programming sorted through a few possible defence strategies and incredible speed before choosing the most appropriate. Two portals were activated, each on either side of Lisa. If the human decided to hold her course, she would end up on the other side of Lisa. She also ducked just in case she was able to change directions in time.

Suddenly she recognised the human, her visual information banks feeding her information. She was surprised to confirm this was the person she thought it was. "...Val?" She asked. Surely there was some sort of mistake. "Val. It's me. Lisa." She said, trying to get her to see her mistake. Though she had looked rather intent on attacking her earlier...

Zero G

Swiftly landing on her feet and using her momentum to turn herself around and face the Regent, hands open and crouched low to the ground, Val narrowed her eyes at the android. Surely this was a trick, a mind game the tyrant of Earth was playing. No, the Lisa Val knew was long gone, and if this wasn't a perfect copy of the android and the real thing, it needed to be destroyed. A look of pained sadness gripped Val, though, as already lost her friend once, and now had to loose her for a final time.

"...I know." She said flatly, sending a hard concussive blast of gravity from her palms at the android, leaving herself a bit unprotected as she focused solely on the android.

[New Neros]

[Ret-conned. It was an intro into the Age of Apocalypse/Ultron]

[New Neros]

Zero G

Swiftly landing on her feet and using her momentum to turn herself around and face the Regent, hands open and crouched low to the ground, Val narrowed her eyes at the android. Surely this was a trick, a mind game the tyrant of Earth was playing. No, the Lisa Val knew was long gone, and if this wasn't a perfect copy of the android and the real thing, it needed to be destroyed. A look of pained sadness gripped Val, though, as already lost her friend once, and now had to loose her for a final time.

"...I know." She said flatly, sending a hard concussive blast of gravity from her palms at the android, leaving herself a bit unprotected as she focused solely on the android.

Lisa hastily threw up a shield of spacial energy to counter the gravity. Though her construct barely held up against the force of the gravity, it was enough to spare Lisa from the attack. Reluctant to hurt Val, she would have sent her strike back at her with portals had she been more willing to do so. "Please Val. I don't understand. I..." She felt herself seize up. Remembering the aftermath of the fight with Frieza. "Please don't make me fight you." She said. She stood still suddenly, quickly loosing the will to fight.

Meanwhile, several individuals had gathered on the balcony of a small building, a cloaked figure and several mechanical beings. They were watching. One tried to move forward. "Not yet." The regent spoke. Still hidden by the shadow of the building in the sunset. "I will deal with this personally." She spoke. Standing up strait, yet still waiting for the right moment. It had to be perfect.

"Why?!" Val screamed, anger flowing through her voice, "You're the one at war with all of us! Lisa, I don't know what happened to you, but the Cataclysm changed all of us, and you the most! We were friends...WERE!" She continued with her outpour of emotion, surging her gravitational force tenfold at the android, intent on tearing apart her spacial barrier. "You made this world your own...and killed off any who stood in your way." She stated coldly, Val's eyes aflame with passion. "And those you didn't kill...you made them wish they were dead."

"You were supposed to be our greatest hope. Look at the world you've helped build - one without freedom and creativity. A dead place where the zombies walk about their lives because there is nothing else to do, where all people are cast over in shades of gray because you can't be bothered to understand that protecting people is more than just forcing them to survival. No, I and the rest of us fight because we want a better world than what you've forced on us. An eye on every house, a punishment for any subversive thought, and a death to all that oppose you."

"I fight for the spirit of humanity...against the dead cold heart of an android."

[New Neros]

"Why?!" Val screamed, anger flowing through her voice, "You're the one at war with all of us! Lisa, I don't know what happened to you, but the Cataclysm changed all of us, and you the most! We were friends...WERE!" She continued with her outpour of emotion, surging her gravitational force tenfold at the android, intent on tearing apart her spacial barrier. "You made this world your own...and killed off any who stood in your way." She stated coldly, Val's eyes aflame with passion. "And those you didn't kill...you made them wish they were dead."

"You were supposed to be our greatest hope. Look at the world you've helped build - one without freedom and creativity. A dead place where the zombies walk about their lives because there is nothing else to do, where all people are cast over in shades of gray because you can't be bothered to understand that protecting people is more than just forcing them to survival. No, I and the rest of us fight because we want a better world than what you've forced on us. An eye on every house, a punishment for any subversive thought, and a death to all that oppose you."

"I fight for the spirit of humanity...against the dead cold heart of an android."

"And safety for every human being. Security guaranteed." Said a very familiar voice, one identical to the one that came from Lisa, except perhaps harsher and colder. "Crime is non existent." The Regent spoke, walking towards Val, having teleported down. "The only deaths now are caused by you're gang of thugs and by the ends of human lifespans. Technology has advanced by leaps and bounds. This is perhaps the most efficient society in the universe."

"And all I've asked, is a little freedom sacrificed to achieve this. A few threats removed for the safety of all. But apparently I miscalculated you're propensity for illogic. You're willingness to put yourselves in danger for... 'freedom'" She continued. "I think you remember... I offered you a chance to rule with me. Side by side we could make this world even better. But... you refused. So do not pretend I am unfair. So don't pretend I was the one who betrayed you." She said the last words with some bitterness. "But... I can debate with you another day. Right now I don't have the time."

She paused for a moment. The other Lisa completely confused and uncertain what was going on. She looked at the Alternate Lisa. "Are... you me?" She asked. She heated up as she processed this. "What... is going on?"

The Regent ignored her. "Step away from my... alternate self Val." The Regent commanded. "Despite what you may think. I don't enjoy hurting your kind, much less you. But I may be forced to..."

...Two Lisas. Today was not the best of days for Val. She put her hands up to her ears and ducked low, backing away from the Regent and looking from her to the other Lisa...the one she called her alternate? A body double, perhaps? Maybe the android had made a robot of herself...but, the non-Regent one didn't know a damn thing about anything. Val struggled to think for a moment, when finally a radio blast stunned her ear quickly. Support had arrived, her "gang of thugs" as the Regent called them dropped from the rooftops quickly.

"Go." They uttered quickly, moving fast enough to grab ahold of Val - it was only two of them, all dressed in some form of futuristic armor. They barely cast a glance to our Lisa and the Regent before pressing a button, the very particles of the trio evaporating away. It was not quick enough for Val to reach out and yell, however, protesting her removal from this bubbling fight. She demanded to know what exactly this new Lisa is, but instead of asking, she gave but a warning.

"This isn't over!" She said, before finally becoming but a passing memory - her space completely blank as the rebels appeared back at whatever makeshift area they called their base, far from wherever our Lisa and her counterpart was.

[New Neros]

A Chance Meeting
Maxwell Morningstar vs Daud Andreas

He saw it before it happened - those eyes that would see not just the future but an untold number of them at once, the All-Seeing Eyes, gave the Mad King a slight advantage in preparing. All he needed was just a slight, an edge even, to turn the tables on whatever foe he might be facing. That was the issue here, though, because he didn't know the enemy, just the destruction, the red sky, and another Earth. The entire country was evacuated underground, it was like the many drills they conduct throughout the year. Not a soul remained above ground, save for the Mad King of Ur, Maxwell Morningstar, and his assistant, Valerie Valentine. A face kept popping up in his vision, and it approached with just moments to spare.

The appearance of a second Earth troubled the father of three, and even worse, the situation they were forced into was just as bleak - one would not survive. His dark, short hair blew lightly in the wind as he and his friend made their way from one Earth to the next, a certain island group catching his attention. He intended to go to a massively populated city, perhaps the United Nations even, and discuss an armistice or something. Maybe this Earth wasn't just a bunch of savages, this meeting could prove beneficial to both parties rather than mutual destruction. However, in his world, this island chain was only a fishing community...how did it boast a massive city and sprawling infrastructure in this Earth's timeline? He landed lightly upon an empty street, his companion right behind him, though his landing was accompanied by the shattering of asphalt and concrete as he landed.

"Where the hell is everyone..." He whispered, cutting his eyes from side to side and walking forward. "Hello?!" He yelled, his distinctive voice carrying itself far throughout the urban landscape of a clearly Earth-built city...but unlike one he had ever seen before. "Is anyone here?!" He continued, "We come in peace, we want to work this out together, not fight some cosmic idiot's pointless battles." He walked forward some, then turned around, looking everywhere for just a sign of life - something. "My name is Daud, I come in peace."

"Speak for yourself." His towering, boisterous companion said with a gruffle, "I'll break this world in two if it means ours is saved."

"That's a very, very last option we have to take, Dapp." Daud said, "But I sense an energy...unlike one I've sensed before. In fact, it's not like a real energy I feel, but more like something is drawing my own energy from me." Daud raised his silver power ring up briefly, a clone of himself appearing immediately. "We need some extra eyes, something to plan this out even more. C'mon Dapp, let's look around some more." He stated, his friend grunting in makeshift approval. The energy clone of Daud disappeared from the duo and raced it's way across the city - not finding a single person, but evidence of recent inhabitation. "They just...up and left."

"Well no shit." Dapp said, lifting up a table and setting it back down - breaking the legs of it by pure strength alone. "Another Earth appeared in the sky, and two invaders touched down in their city. I don't think people would stick around to see if we came with girl scout cookies or an ultimatum. If anything, they're already working against us - so it's all the more reason to just end this planet and be done with it. None of these people are those we care about or even know. Our reality and it's survival should be paramount, Daud."

"You don't care about the people of this reality, do you? You hardly care about our own anyways, Dapp. You're just looking for an excuse to tank this world."

"So what? Don't act like your hands are clean." He replied with a bit of a sting. Daud simply ignored him, but stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes trained straight ahead. He whipped his head around quickly, eyes wide with disbelief.

"He just...disintegrated my clone." He stated softly, his voice almost trembling. "Approaching. Fast." He spat, but it was too late. Faster than it would have taken to blink, the source of the depopulated city and the man strong enough to dispel an energy clone of Daud, who contained all of Daud's powers and abilities, in a single motion, made himself visible, floating slightly above Daud and Dapp. "How...you..."

"You two," He stated with authority, Dapp cocking his head to the side at this interloper. "You are trespassing on the sovereign soil of Ur. Begone, immediately." He commanded, extending both of his arms out to the side in an aggressive display, arcs of bioelectricity flowing all around him, the very wind changing it's direction to create a vortex with this man at it's epicenter, "Or I will expel you. Permanently."

"And just who the hell do you think you are?" Dapp said, approaching the mad man. The grotesque muscles of Dapp would be repulsive to most - despite signalling his incredible power - but the man did not even flinch as he approached.

"I am Maxwell Morningstar, King of Ur, and I will not have you question my authority in my own nation." He stated firmly, turning his attention back to Daud. "I implore you once more to leave. We will solve this crisis on our own."

"No, no, that's not how it works, buddy." Daud said, stepping up to Mad Max as well, "Both of our Earths are stake here. We need to work together to find a solution...or one of us is losing a home."

"And it won't be me." Dapp said, the fool launching a massive sucker punch against the Mad King of Ur - one that would level the tallest and strongest of buildings in a single blow. Daud yelled for him to back off, but it was too late, the strike was barreling it's way to the center mass of Maxwell, breaking the sound barrier as it went. Daud was able to watch the reaction in quick time, and noticed something terrifying as he did so - Maxwell was doing the same. They made eye contact, with Max looking to the fist and to Daud, narrowing them deeply. A declaration of war, a battle it is, a fight is what they get. The punch slammed into the Mad King's chest, the massive fist taking up most of it despite it's already massive size, but Max didn't move an inch.

"Pity," He said, catching the next intended punch, shocking Dapp. In the same motion, Maxwell grabbed Dapp's massive hand and threw his own arm back, sending it forward and throwing the entire body of the Titan like a discus into a building two miles from where they were just fighting. "I was hoping we could work together to end this crisis...Daud." Maxwell stated, disdain in his voice as he uttered the invaders' name. "Val, take care of his friend. I'll deal with this one." He further declared, setting his feet on the ground and towering over the man. Daud's energy began to flow like a river as his eyes narrowed as well, the two egomaniacs locking eyes with each other, a standoff of power, will, and testosterone.

"You don't want to get into this..." Daud said calmly as his power continued to spike, cracks growing where he was standing, "This is your last chance before we get too deep into this."

"Your last chance ended when that buffoon attacked me." Maxwell replied, his power much different that Daud's. Rather than outwardly declaring his presence, the Mad King's power-up began to draw things into him. From the wind, to bolts of electricity, even plasma and other random articles. The most troubling to Daud, however, was the siphon he started to feel. The bastard was absorbing Daud's own energy as he powered up. Daud realized this, and began to piece together his opponent's power set. "Absorption." He stated calmly, Daud growing confused.

"What?"

"My power. You're guessing at it, assuming what it is. Energy Absorption. You already figured that much out, and now you're trying to figure out how much I can absorb - there must be a limit, a point where I can draw in no more, and what all I can do with the energy I take in." He said calmly, picking apart the psyche of Daud in mere seconds. "...And interestingly enough, you're looking for ways to adapt to it."

"How do you know so much about what I'm thinking...?" Daud asked, angered at being belittled.

"Because I can see it...in your eyes."