Fifty miles off the California coast

[jla_antimatter]

One of his lieutenants signals with a handwave. "Target is within five hundred meters."

The captain of this vessel leans back in his chair and steeples his hands thoughtfully.

I want a clean spread. Ravager and Carcheron take the above and below flanks, Perseus and Kanashimi on port and starboard, Sibilant behind. We'll flank her in front. All

Comments

[fearthehelmet]

It's been a long day's night for Black Manta.

Months of carefully orchestrated planning ruined by Hector Hammond's inability to get the job he paid for DONE. The Society had better have some sort of rules in place for punishing failure.

In his cruiser, skulking in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, he's been fuming, anger piling on anger, coiling around a burning core of hate. Utterly, utterly frustrating.

So, for a split second, he's almost thankful for the sudden emergency warnings he's getting from his control panel now.

Atlantean craft... but... not quite. But a fleet is fucking on TOP of him from NOWHERE. Still, whatever attempts Tempest has made to surprise him will FAIL.

Instantly, his hands are on the controls, arming his weapons systems.

He will NOT be taken without a fight.

[jla_antimatter]

Almost bored, a voice comes over Manta's ship comms.

Oh, honestly. Depower your weapons, please. If I wanted you dead, we would have destroyed your ship while you were cloaked.

[fearthehelmet]

Manta freezes. That much was obvious... he'd figured them simply to be stupid.

He almost spits back a reply about having to kill him, because he wouldn't be captured... but there's something wrong here. That voice is Aquaman's... but not entirely.

Ocean Master?

He narrows his eyes and flips open the comm channel.

"Maybe I want YOU dead. Speak your piece, then."

[jla_antimatter]

In response, he activates the video comm.

Interesting helmet. Once again, the similarities arise...

He leans forward in his chair.

I am Korin, King of Atlantax. Doubtless this name does not ring any bells.

[fearthehelmet]

Manta pulls off his helmet and flips off the vidcom. "Fuck you very much, Korin of AtlantASS."

He stands up from his chair, scowling angrily... then making a very particular call.

HAMMOND!

[jla_villains]

The thought reply seems irritated.

What do you want, Manta?

[fearthehelmet]

You FAILED me. If you want another chance to earn your payment, you may be able to avoid the punishment.

[jla_villains]

One second, please.

Suddenly, pain lances through Manta's head for the briefest of seconds.

Yes, I see the problem. You forced confrontation too early, idiot. Just because your target's seratonin and dopamine levels were gradually - and, might I add, deftly - increased to create aggression and paranoia doesn't mean he suddenly liked you, Manta. I told you you'd have to adjust your plan to compensate, and you did not do so greatly enough.

But, seeing what you need done now - I think I may have a suitable workaround for you.