With This Ring (Young Justice SI) (Thread Fourteen)

[Duke Long]

Two, you forget that when someone succumbs to the Orange light, they tend to act both very irrational and antisocial, meaning that any affected Dominator wouldn't give a damn about social norms or caste stuff and all that, and they'd go crazy on EVERYONE.

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Eh, wasn't it mentioned that they don't really have desires outside of the caste structure? I figure orange light madness is supercharging antisocial desires, so if dominators don't have significant antisocial desires they won't be nearly as problematic when mad. Also I think the Dominion is good enough at killing Lanterns that it wouldn't be a massive problem for them unless you sent a lot of orange rings. It is an interesting idea though.

 

[CrazyNoVa]

Eh, wasn't it mentioned that they don't really have desires outside of the caste structure? I figure orange light madness is supercharging antisocial desires, so if dominators don't have significant antisocial desires they won't be nearly as problematic when mad. Also I think the Dominion is good enough at killing Lanterns that it wouldn't be a massive problem for them unless you sent a lot of orange rings. It is an interesting idea though.

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Fair point, although the element of surprise and ensuing chaos would definitely give the orange Dominators a massive advantage over the regular Dominators.

Also, do they have a proper defense against assimilation? Because if the mad Dominators start assimilating other Dominators, then....

 

[CTrees]

Dominators seem like someone's science project that got loose. Report the information to your creators, eventually, but they've disappeared.

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That's a neat idea. Maybe a little too close to the origins of the Psions, but if the Dominators were seeded into the galaxy/universe by some other entity as basically autonomous, biological, von Neuman research probes? "Collect all the data you can on this weird galaxy so we can review it later?" Has potential in multiple directions. Like, what if their original masters are dead or overthrown? Or what happens when they come back to recieve the research results?

 

[Duke Long]

That's a neat idea. Maybe a little too close to the origins of the Psions, but if the Dominators were seeded into the galaxy/universe by some other entity as basically autonomous, biological, von Neuman research probes? "Collect all the data you can on this weird galaxy so we can review it later?" Has potential in multiple directions. Like, what if their original masters are dead or overthrown? Or what happens when they come back to recieve the research results?

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I was going to say that they feel too much like natural people to me (specifically I think of the bit about how high caste dominators enjoy evil science in particular, they aren't just indifferent to suffering, which seems unnecessary in a science drone species) but I suppose it's possible some stuff like that could be added in by the designers to better disguise them as a natural species that extensively modified itself.

 

[Mr Zoat]

15th August 2013
19:45 GMT -7

Prime Minister Geoffrey Talbot lands on the forecourt of Sunset and Circe's school, the police car construct he was flying in fading around him as he stands up. He takes in the surroundings for a moment, straightens his jacket, and then nods to me. "Grayven."

I smile warmly. "Geoffrey." I step forwards and offer him my right hand. "Thank you for coming."

He shakes it, eyes scanning our surroundings suspiciously. "Not the sort of place I expected."

"I didn't think you'd want to meet up this quickly. The Bilderberg Hotel didn't have any rooms I could rent out at short notice." I shrug. "And if anyone asks, we can say that you were meeting with the staff to talk about sending some of your own police to study here. Which you should do anyway."

"Doesn't Constantine teach here?"

Does Constantine teach here… Like he could be reliable enough to hold something like a class. "Irregularly, yes. But I'm almost completely sure that he's not here now. Is..? That going to be a problem?"

"Not as long as he's not part of this Star Chamber of yours."

"Huh-heh-hahhaha… Urh… Bless you, no, bless you, no. But it's the sort of thing he might hang around and get in the way of."

Scan… No one, good. I raise my right hand and fabricate a small table. Upon the table I create a pile of boxes of Silk Cuts, several bottles of ale and a sign saying 'Free cigarettes and alcohol.'.

"That should do it." I start towards the front door, Geoffrey matching my pace.

"It can't be that easy."

"I added some of the old wacky backy to the cigarettes, and scumble to the ale. Enough to disrupt his judgement. Otherwise, tomorrow's classes are going to be jolly interesting."

He snorts as we enter the building, the lights still on in the direction of the staff room. A few moments pass before he asks:

"Why am I here, Grayven?"

"Short version? We're a little worried that something might happen to render the human species extinct, and we'd like to set up humanity's first off-world colony."

"You have a space fleet and those boom tube things. And a Lantern Corps."

"Oh, I gave the Lantern Corps to my former second in command. He was basically running it anyway. They're busy setting Vega to rights and undoing centuries of degradation. Besides, part of our thing is to use human resources exclusively."

He raises his right fist, ring glowing balefully. "This isn't human technology."

"No, but the office of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is. The ring just lets you survive when someone tries to stop you. Anyway." I push the staff room door open. "Hello, everyone!"

Clea has completely failed to dress down, though at least she's left the crown at home. And from the way she's glancing at Circe's school teacher/farmer's wife combo she knows it too. Adom is clearly uncomfortable in slacks and a short sleeved shirt, but he has managed to remain on the ground, which is major progress. Richard has rearranged his shadows to something that a nutty Victorian professor might wear, and Cranius is… In a lab coat. Lex is using a television straight from my old primary school, big blocky design and cathode ray screen.

"Grayven!" Richard waves. "It's been a while since my last fancy dress party. Who are you supposed to be?"

My armour vanishes, replaced by a tweed suit. "My Dad; the human one. He taught biology." I step aside and allow Geoffrey to see what he's letting himself in for. "Geoffrey, I believe you know-."

"The Shade, yes. And Doctor von Schadel. I was concerned about Mister Fiendstein, but since I haven't heard anything about him returning to crime I assume that you've got him under control."

"Yah, yah. He just needed to heff his… Energies… Directed properly. He is a wonderful chirurgeon."

"I'll take your word for it. Teth Adom."

"Red Lantern."

Geoffrey doesn't seem entirely happy about being addressed like that, but shrugs it off. It's not like he can deny it, after all.

"Professor Larissa."

"Oh, please." She smiles, leaning slightly against Adom in the hope that he'll unclench slightly. "Call me-" He clothing shimmers and shifts into something more Grecian. "-Circe."

"The witch who turns men into farm animals."

"I gave that up. I'm a happily married woman."

Geoffrey observes her with Adom for a moment. Likewise, Circe considers her husband, then pokes him until he awkwardly wraps an arm around her.

"I see. And, you, madam? I'm afraid that I don't-."

Clea gurns in mock-distress. "Why am I the only one he doesn't recognise!"

I give her a flat look. "Sixty years of isolationism."

"Apart from that!"

I gesture to her with my right hand. "Queen Clea of Venturia."

He looks blank. "Is that in Eastern Europe?"

I'm not sure that it's mock anymore. "No, it's in Atlantis!"

"Ah. I'm sorry, we don't have much to do with Atlantis."

"And that's one of the things I joined this little group to fix." She shakes her head in irritation. "Honestly."

Then the screen moves, and Geoffrey starts slightly. "He did not recognise me, either."

"And you are..?"

"Ah." I raise my right hand for a moment. "Just curious. Has anyone not worked out-?"

"Lex Luthor." / "Alexander Luthor." / "Luthor." / "Mister Luthor." / "Luthor, naturally." / "Lex."

BOOM!

The portal opens, creating a passage from his office to this staff room. "You may as well come through. The thing about working with intelligent people is that they occasionally work out inconvenient things."

A moment passes, and Lex walks through the boom tube, dressed in what looks like a rather expensive business suit.

Circe shakes her head. "This was supposed to be a dress down meeting, Lex."

For a moment, he hesitates. Then he manages what looks nearly like a natural smile. "I didn't expect to attend in person, and didn't leave time to change. Geoffrey, I'm glad to have you with us."

"I wouldn't go that far yet." I gesture to the seating, and everyone takes their places. "Explain to me exactly what I'm supposed to be joining."

 

[Zig]

"My Dad; the human one. He taught biology."

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He's being rather cavalier about this considering he used to force himself to even think of Darkseid as his father.

 

[Breadnaught]

"I wouldn't go that far yet." I gesture to the seating, and everyone takes their places. "Explain to me exactly what I'm suppose to be joining."

Click to shrink...

"You know all those times a group of wealthy and powerful individuals decide they know best, then get together in a secret cabal to steer the course of world events?"

"Of bloody course. And this one won't turn out like every other such group?"

"We haven't yet, at least. Wanna join before we get too far up our own asses and still do some actual good for the world?"

 

[DAT_NOOB]

"Lex Luthor." / "Alexander Luthor." / "Luthor." / "Mister Luthor." / "Luthor, naturally." / "Lex."

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I wonder how long ago they worked it out

 

[Chojin Patriarch]

15th August 2013
19:45 GMT -7

Prime Minister Geoffrey Talbot lands on the forecourt of Sunset and Circe's school, the police car construct he was flying in fading around him as he stands up. He takes in the surroundings for a moment, straightens his jacket, and then nods to me. "Grayven."

I smile warmly. "Geoffrey." I step forwards and offer him my right hand. "Thank you for coming."

Click to shrink...

Ah, the Renegade. And Geoffrey Talbot, meeting his associate's little management group for the first time. Though I find it amusing he rides about in what I can't help but imagine is a flying, monochrome panda car. More likely a 'Jam Butty' though

Spoiler: Commentary spoilered for length

He shakes it, eyes scanning our surroundings suspiciously. "Not the sort of place I expected."

"I didn't think you'd want to meet up this quickly. The Bilderberg Hotel didn't have any rooms I could rent out at short notice." I shrug. "And if anyone asks, we can say that you were meeting with the staff to talk about sending some of your own police to study here. Which you should do anyway."

Click to shrink...

Given the prestige of the place, I imagine it's regularly booked out months in advance... The hotel, not the school.

"Doesn't Constantine teach here?"

Does Constantine teach here… Like he could be reliable enough to hold something like a class. "Irregularly, yes. But I'm almost completely sure that he's not here now. Is..? That going to be a problem?"

Click to shrink...

Since we know Geoff has been at odds with Johnny-boy before in his comics appearances. Not many happy memories shared there.

"Not as long as he's not part of this Star Chamber of yours."

"Huh-heh-hahhaha… Urh… Bless you, no, bless you, no. But it's the sort of thing he might hang around and get in the way of."

Click to shrink...

Constantine's got a bit of a 'I wouldn't become a member of any club what would have me as a member' vibe to him.

Scan… No one, good. I raise my right hand and fabricate a small table. Upon the table I create a pile of boxes of Silk Cuts, several bottles of ale and a sign saying 'Free cigarettes and alcohol.'.

"That should do it." I start towards the front door, Geoffrey matching my pace.

Click to shrink...

Baiting a distraction, eh? Except if John is watching, he'll know it's a distraction. But on the other hand... Free ciggies and beer?

"It can't be that easy."

"I added some of the old wacky backy to the cigarettes, and scumble to the ale. Enough to disrupt his judgement. Otherwise, tomorrow's classes are going to be jolly interesting."

Click to shrink...

I don't think he'll appreciate the hangover from all that, but the Renegade can deal with a grumpy Constantine. Better than dealing with a curious one.

He snorts as we enter the building, the lights still on in the direction of the staff room. A few moments pass before he asks:

"Why am I here, Grayven?"

Click to shrink...

Tempted as I am to quote the first episode of 'Red Vs Blue'... Isn't it obvious? Or are you referring to what role you'll be playing in said group?

"Short version? We're a little worried that something might happen to render the human species extinct, and we'd like to set up humanity's first off-world colony."

"You have a space fleet and those boom tube things. And a Lantern Corps."

Click to shrink...

No, not an uplifted colony using alien technology. Human technology, schizophrenic as Earth's tech level is...

"Oh, I gave the Lantern Corps to my former second in command. He was basically running it anyway. They're busy setting Vega to rights and undoing centuries of degradation. Besides, part of our thing is to use human resources exclusively."

He raises his right fist, ring glowing balefully. "This isn't human technology."

Click to shrink...

Oh, I can't wait to see how badly that bites him in the ass someday...

"No, but the office of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is. The ring just lets you survive when someone tries to stop you. Anyway." I push the staff room door open. "Hello, everyone!"

Click to shrink...

Plus he has enough common sense to smack any super-villainous ideas some of them might put forwards out of their heads.

Clea has completely failed to dress down, though at least she's left the crown at home. And from the way she's glancing at Circe's school teacher/farmer's wife combo she knows it too. Adom is clearly uncomfortable in slacks and a short sleeved shirt, but he has managed to remain on the ground, which is major progress. Richard has rearranged his shadows to something that a nutty Victorian professor might wear, and Cranius is… In a lab coat. Lex is using a television straight from my old primary school, big blocky design and cathode ray screen.

Click to shrink...

Oh god, the Shade's totally cosplaying a Doctor, isn't he? I wouldn't put him past it. At least most of the New Light get how to dress down.

"Grayven!" Richard waves. "It's been a while since my last fancy dress party. Who are you supposed to be?"

My armour vanishes, replaced by a tweed suit. "My Dad; the human one. He taught biology." I step aside and allow Geoffrey to see what he's letting himself in for. "Geoffrey, I believe you know-."

Click to shrink...

And before people complain, he's made no secret that this 'Grayven' was reborn and raised in an alternate universe as a human, for reasons.

"The Shade, yes. And Doctor von Schadel. I was concerned about Mister Fiendstein, but since I haven't heard anything about him returning to crime I assume that you've got him under control."

"Yah, yah. He just needed to heff his… Energies… Directed properly. He is a wonderful chirurgeon."

Click to shrink...

An old 'Albion' character, for reference. Bit of a mad scientist, then.

"I'll take your word for it. Teth Adom."

"Red Lantern."

Click to shrink...

Hey, now. No-one else is using people's 'made-up names'.

Geoffrey doesn't seem entirely happy about being addressed like that, but shrugs it off. It's not like he can deny it, after all.

"Professor Larissa."

"Oh, please." She smiles, leaning slightly against Adom in the hope that he'll unclench slightly. "Call me-" He clothing shimmers and shifts into something more Grecian. "-Circe."

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A clever pun there, as 'Larissa' is a city in the Thessaly region. Fitting for a Hellenic sorceress.

"The witch who turns men into farm animals."

"I gave that up. I'm a happily married woman."

Click to shrink...

Still amazed at that. Pity it prevents Isis and Osiris, but given their typical comics fate, maybe for the best.

Geoffrey observes her with Adom for a moment. Likewise, Circe considers her husband, then pokes him until he awkwardly wraps an arm around her.

"I see. And, you, madam? I'm afraid that I don't-."

Click to shrink...

Heh, Adom's not exactly a man used to making public displays of affection. Suppose they weren't really a thing in his time.

Clea gurns in mock-distress. "Why am I the only one he doesn't recognise!"

I give her a flat look. "Sixty years of isolationism."

Click to shrink...

And she is looking a lot younger than she used to anyway.

"Apart from that!"

I gesture to her with my right hand. "Queen Clea of Venturia."

Click to shrink...

Everyone remembers her, right? Former Wonder Woman villain from the forties? The Renegade recruited her by going to her for trade with the Atlanteans. And rejuvenations as a bonus.

He looks blank. "Is that in Eastern Europe?"

I'm not sure that it's mock anymore. "No, it's in Atlantis!"

Click to shrink...

I see she's feeling youthful today for sure, with that temper.

"Ah. I'm sorry, we don't have much to do with Atlantis."

"And that's one of the things I joined this little group to fix." She shakes her head in irritation. "Honestly."

Click to shrink...

Patience. Rome wasn't built in a day nor will the Renegade's new empire be.

Then the screen moves, and Geoffrey starts slightly. "He did not recognise me, either."

"And you are..?"

Click to shrink...

Lex, that's because you're doing the 'obscured identity' thing like a chuuni.

"Ah." I raise my right hand for a moment. "Just curious. Has anyone not worked out-?"

"Lex Luthor." / "Alexander Luthor." / "Luthor." / "Mister Luthor." / "Luthor, naturally." / "Lex."

Click to shrink...

Good to see it fooled exactly no-one in the group.

BOOM!

The portal opens, creating a passage from his office to this staff room. "You may as well come through. The thing about working with intelligent people is that they occasionally work out inconvenient things."

Click to shrink...

Of course, it's quite a step up from his prior associates. Intelligent, sure, maybe some were but so, so foolish at the same time.

A moment passes, and Lex walks through the boom tube, dressed is what looks like a rather expensive business suit.

Circe shakes her head. "This was supposed to be a dress down meeting, Lex."

Click to shrink...

I get the feeling Lex is incapable of anything so mundane as 'dressing down'. Wouldn't be surprised if the suit had multiple high-tech defences built-in, though.

For a moment, he hesitates. Then he manages what looks nearly like a natural smile. "I didn't expect to attend in person, and didn't leave time to change. Geoffrey, I'm glad to have you with us."

"I wouldn't go that far yet." I gesture to the seating, and everyone takes their places. "Explain to me exactly what I'm suppose to be joining."

Click to shrink...

I can't see him turning the offer down, if only to keep an eye on them.

And so the New Light gains a new member. Well, most likely he'll agree. Just the economic benefits alone might well get him re-elected. And he's canny enough to know the Renegade will probably treat him as a second voice of reason, given he knows each member as a super-villain (or suspected, in Lex's case.) Good luck to him.

 

[Stsword]

Do we know what the actual goal of the Dominion is as a civilisation? They gather a lot of data but it's not really clear to me whether they value that in itself or if they just want to expand their capabilities to support universal conquest or alien extermination or whatever.

Click to shrink...

In the comics, their biological sciences are for practical conquest.

They've made Daxamite/Dominion hybrids that are stronger than normal Daxamites (Might just be they didn't have the lead allergy, it's been a while since I read that LoSH issue).

A Dominator studied the comet that gave Captain Comet his psychic powers to gain his own psychic abilities.

They turned Computo into Bion, an android that had the collective powers of the Legion of Superheroes.

They even, after studying the metagene of humanity, produced Super-Dominators with apparently great but unspecified superpowers. Rather than allow the Dominators to start conquering with their new superpowers, someone banished the Dominator planet to another dimension.

 

[AmericanNumbers]

He's being rather cavalier about this considering he used to force himself to even think of Darkseid as his father.

Click to shrink...

Because he effectively combined with the other Grayven so whatever doubt there was about who the true Grayven was is merely academic now.

 

[BR549]

Oh god, the Shade's totally cosplaying a Doctor, isn't he?

Click to shrink...

Third Doctor, I'd wager.

Certainly not the Sixth.

 

[Duke Long]

A moment passes, and Lex walks through the boom tube, dressed is what looks like a rather expensive business suit."

Click to shrink...

'in'
Extraneous speech mark.

"I wouldn't go that far yet." I gesture to the seating, and everyone takes their places. "Explain to me exactly what I'm suppose to be joining."

Click to shrink...

'supposed'

 

[Vaermina]

He's being rather cavalier about this considering he used to force himself to even think of Darkseid as his father.

Click to shrink...

That was Renagade, this is Grayven who thinks he is Renegade because of arrowholes in his soul.

 

[Mr Zoat]

'in'
Extraneous speech mark.
'supposed'

Click to shrink...

Thank you, corrected.

 

[Radix]

He's being rather cavalier about this considering he used to force himself to even think of Darkseid as his father.

Click to shrink...

His story is that Grayven escaped and lived life as a human in another universe before showing back up in Earth 16.R.

The fact that he specifies human father still alludes to Darkseid being his Apokaliptan father.