Cylene drew back her power, the blonde amazon smiling slightly as the command deck of Warworld bustled with activity. Servant species and Almeracians rushed about, monitoring the giant, moving battlestation as it traveled through space towards Sol system. "Well done, Cylene," Maxima smiled, the redhead looking down at her daughter fondly. "I wish our tools had been more effective," Cylene frowned, "but they've distracted the League well enough." Maxima moved away to sit in a throne like chair, while a empty seat beside her waited for Cylene. "Do you expect the solar system to be defended?" she asked. "I've scanned the data files of the ship that brought me home to Warworld," Cylene said as she sat, "there was no attempt to intercept. However, we were scanned by locations on Mars and on the outer planets. I suspect there may be automated systems." "What do you recommend we do?" Maxima asked, studying her daughter. "Bombard each site as a precaution," Cylene answered promptly, "if there IS a enemy force there it'd better to destroy it now, than risk a surprise later." "Indeed," Maxima said. She studied her daughter a moment as her voice softened, "How long have you been on duty?" "Nearly twelve hours now," Cylene admitted before adding firmly, "but it is of no consequence. There is still much to do..." "No," Maxima said firmly, "you must rest. You'll need your full strength once we reach the human's defensive line." "But..." Cylene started. "Rest," Maxima repeated, "must I make it an order?" "All right, mother," Cylene gave in gracefully. Rising from her seat she bowed slightly then strode from the command deck, her simple one piece costume clinging to her shapely body. Maxima watched Cylene go, her own thoughts faintly troubled. 'When Cylene addressed the Justice League she called A-ko beloved,' she mused, 'it seems her feelings for the hero are as strong as ever. I had best watch, to make sure she doesn't do anything foolish.' 'So, to bed,' Cylene thought as she went down the hall to the teleporting pad, 'but first, there are things I need to check into.' Pressing a few buttons she entered the location code, stepped on the platform then was gone. The section of Warworld she arrived in had been modified somewhat by it's inhabitants, and oddly had the feeling of Japan about it. The denizens of Orando had modified this place, so that it's almost rustic style construction existed, as did the plants so like cherry trees that spilled soft pink blossoms on the stones of the walkways. Walking under a simulated sky Cylene headed to one of the buildings, gazing in the doorway as she saw the battle going on within. The redheaded woman fought against four others, but it was almost as if it was a game for her. With inhuman speed she defeated one foe after another, dodging and bobbing between blows, until finally they all had fallen. "M'lady," the redhead turned, smiling slightly. "Ranko," Cylene nodded, "I have need of your combat abilities." "A worthy challenge?" Ranko asked, a servant bringing her a towel to wipe away the sweat. She wore a simple two piece costume, black pants and a red silk shirt hugging her curvy form. "I believe so," Cylene said. "an Earther called Kestrel. I will be leading a squad against her allies, will you join it?" "I'd be honored," Ranko grinned. "Good," Cylene smiled, "I'll enjoy fighting by your side." She looked towards the fallen warriors, "Those women, are they dead?" "No, but my nerve strikes have paralyzed them," Ranko said, "I only kill as needed." "Good," and with that Cylene excused herself. Next, Cylene traveled to Starhaven, a section colonized by Thangaran warriors. The gravity in that section was low as she soared between the bird winged warriors, eventually finding herself on a floating island. "Lord Talak," Cylene said with some distaste, "I come bearing news of the traitor." "She survived getting to earth?" the Thangarian warlord asked, his grey hair falling into his eyes. Talak was a old man, but strong, having overthrown the previous rulers of his kind. "Yes, and she's allied herself with the Justice League," Cylene revealed. "Traitorous wench," Talak hissed. "I intend to lead a warrior elite against them," Cylene said, "I would like a champion of Thangar to face Katar." "Ah," Talak nodded then looked off into the distance, a smile teased his lips. "What?" Cylene pressed. "There is a warrior and tracker called Dawnstar who was once... intimate with Katar," Talak revealed, "she would be perfect for your elite." "But would she be swayed by her feelings?" Cylene asked. "She is a warrior of Thangar," Talak said firmly, "she will do her duty." Excusing herself Cylene traveled back to the teleport system, journeying to another section of Warworld. The landscape here resembled that of a biblical hell, fires burning uncontrollably and the air filled with rude gasses. The people here were from Apokolips, and had made this place a reflection of their former home. Meeting with Grayven, son of Darkseid, Cylene was told of a warrior whom she next sought out. There was a sound of whip's cracking as the black haired woman stuck, the leather lash biting into stone like it was paper. Dressed in black the woman's costume was covered with strips of leather, each one a deadly weapon on her hands. "Hello, Lashina," Cylene said. Lashina smiled, the leather on her mask giving her a demented look, "Lady Cylene," she purred, "did your Injustice gang fail as I predicted?" Cylene grit her teeth, fighting back her annoyance, "Yes they did, Duchess." "Don't call me that," Lashina snarled, furious over the reminder of her past. Exiled from Apokolips on Earth she had joined the Suicide Squad, eventually using the team to get herself home and punish her foes. Still, she hated to be reminded of her time consorting with lesser beings such as humans. "I need a warrior, a killer to fight beside my Elite," Cylene said, dropping her taunting of the other woman for the moment. "I'm always ready to kill," Lashina purred. "But A-ko is MINE," Cylene warned. "Of course," Lashina smirked. Wheeling about Cylene grabbed her by the throat and hammered her against a wall. "Don't toy with me, slut," she growled. "I'm... sorry," Lashina croaked weakly. Cylene let her go, "Do not forget who has the power her." "I won't," Lashina rubbed at her throat, glaring at Cylene as she left. Feeling weariness overtaking her Cylene sighed, deciding she had done enough recruiting for today. 'Besides,' she thought as she left the hellish region, 'there's always tomorrow.' To be continued... Notes: Yes, Ranko is a thinly disguised Ranma. Her "world" is a Legion of Super Heroes reference, as is the Dawnstar of Thangar. :)
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