An undisclosed location, 1943

[jla_villains]

The Gentleman Ghost and the Shade interrupt the battling All-Star Squadron and Injustice Society with a combination of amusement and deadly seriousness

Comments

[jla_villains]

Warily, the villains step away from their adversaries, and follow after the Ghost.

Thge Wizard lingers a second.

"Look, you have no reason to trust us, but we have surreptitiously aided you in this mission. We need to save your teammates before Wotan has a chance to sacrifice them."

[jla_goldenage]

As the heroes look from side to side at each other, mildly confused, Dr. Occult steps forward, and follows after the villians.

"There's only one way to get to the bottom of this mystery, lads, and that's to step a little further into the darkness."

[jla_villains]

"Indeed, good doctor," says the Ghost, stopping before a sealed stone door. "Now, if you please, I'll only be one moment. I've seen to it the priests are distracted elsewhere, but that won't last."

[_black_canary_]

The Canary cocks her head, for a moment resembling her feathered namesake. "Listen," she whispers to the others. "Do you hear something?"

[jla_goldenage]

"BZZZZZKLKyeah," says Robotman, barely adudibly over the static. "ZZZZZZnnndzzzz like someone's KKKKRRRRKKKoming...."

He's been quiet since everyone worked up, but a close inspection shows his robot body's been all but mangled.

[zinda_blackhawk]

The Blackhawk silently nods, then moves deceptively quietly, considering her booted footwear, to one side of the cell's door.

[_black_canary_]

As quietly as she can, the Blonde Bombshell takes up a position on the other side of the cell door, fists at the ready.

[jla_villains]

"Yes," says the Gentleman Ghost, standing in the ccenter of the room. "The time has come to put our cards on the table. As you know, members of the Injustice Society have been surreptitiously aiding you All-Stars; The Wizard drove off Captain Nazi before he could finish off Bulletman and the lovely Black Canary, I disclosed the location of Per Degaton's strike on the Blackhawks and led you to Fate's tower earlier than you might have arrived, and in greater force; and of course, once the Captain was downed, we refrained from further fisticuffs. We understand this might have resulted in some confusion on your parts. As you know, while none of us our truly Nazis ourselves, we've rarely blanched at the thought of working for Degaton or his ilk on occasion. A dollar's a dollar after all, so please, don't mistake our actions for a rising spirit of patriotism. But as for our motivation, I'm afraid I must cede the floor to another

[jla_villains]

Degaton -- obviously wracked with pain -- scans the room.

"So many enemies," he says, nearly spitting the words. "Not long ago, I saw each and every one of you die. Many, I killed with my own hands. And now ... now I come ..."

He looks like someone stuck a brillo pad down his throat.

"I come to ask your help. If you do not, the world is doomed."

[_black_canary_]

The Black Canary can only gape at first, then she rallies and says, "Keep talkin'."

[zinda_blackhawk]

Few things can strike Lady Blackhawk speechless. This would be one of them.