[IC]M&M- Justice League International

Sakutian

Thundermind

"They are still young Thundermind. Unlike us they have yet to learn that certain matters must be handled with wisdom and discretion." Black Adam's gaze drifted to the unconscious form of Count Vertigo and the coners of his mouth ros slightly in a small grin. "Although I admit even we gods are prone to let that lesson slip from our minds when mortals forget their proper place in the order of things."

Black Adam lifted off from the frozen deck until he was floating in the air slightly above thundermind. He surveyed Chinese superhero with his stony gaze. "Count Vertigo is a fool but I have need of him for the time being. Out of respect for you and the nation you serve I will give you this one chance to release him and leave freely."

A sudden clap of thunder and a flash of lightning tore the sky above them asunder as the downpour of rain increased in strength.

Superman and Captain Atom

Caught in the wake of Captain Atom's assault the Atomic Knight was tossed throug the shattered innards of the oil rig like a child's toy. The remaining knight looked at his fallen comrades before he rounded on Superman and Captain Atom clearly prepared to carry on with the battle.

"Enough." A cold monotone voice that seemed to come from the very walls around them stopped the knight in his tracks. He knelt down to one knee on the ruined carpet and rooted his eyes to the floor.

One of the walls began to swell and warp as though it was melting. Pools of liquid metal poured down over the floor collecting into a single mass which slowly rose until it was the same height as Superman. A form began to take shape within the metal. Arms, legs, feet, hands, and a torso wrapped in purple fabric traced with delicate pattersn the glowed a faint shade of emerald green emerged from the mateallic mass. Then a elongated green head grew atop the creature's body. The face was emotionless and alien, its blank white eyes held no expression as they opened. Brainiac flexed his fingers and looked at Superman.

"We meet again son of Krypton."

Horseshoe

"You honor me," Thundermind said with a sincere bow of his head, "but if our places were reversed, what would you do?"

There was a pause as thunder echoed across the raging ocean. Black Adam continued to scrutinize Thundermind with his intense gaze.

"We are bound to our honor, Mighty Adam... and as such, a fight befits us not. Perhaps we can resolve this in a way that no honor is lost."

Solar

Captain Atom landed, and would have been breathing hard if he still required air to live. He eyes the new alien arrival uneasily, Braniac? Here? What the hell kind of super-villain party was this?

"Er, Superman? we might have ourselves a bit of a problem here."

Sakutian

Thundermind

"You are not my enemy Thundermind, and I will not fight you unless I must." Black Adam extended his arm towards Thundermind and offered his hand to him. "Shall we resolve this matter peacefully while the American's are distracted with destorying Vertigo's base?"

Superman and Captain Atom

Brainiac looked at Captain Atom and stared at the metal skinned hero disinterestedly. "Captain Atom, the only problem here is the disruptive effect you are having on my plans. That can be easily remedied."

Sakutian

Captain Atom and Superman

Brainiac bent down to pick up one of the energy lances that had been drained of its devastating power and examined the weapon.

"You have inflicted considerable damage on this facility Kryptoninan. Considerable time and energy were spent securing and enhancing it to suit my needs."

The lance in Brainiac's hands began to glow with a pale green light.

"Its loss is of little matter though, I can rebuild my base and in time this world will fall. Once you are out of the way of course."

Solar

"I don't think so, Braniac!"

Captain Atom stepped forward, glowing with Quantum energy, his finger raised to point threateningly at the Coluan cyborg.

"Whatever your plan is, we will stop it. Starting right now!"

With that, Captain Atom sent a lance of brilliant energy from his hand towards the infamous intergalactic super-villain...

rolled an 8 so that's 22 to hit with a DC 29 toughness save.

Sakutian

A shimmering blue sphere appeared around Brainiac just before the energy washed over him. The scorching heat of the blast swept around the globe of light and sent the remaining atomic knight leaping around the corner in search of some haven from the assault.

Brainaic looked at Captain Atom with his cold dead eyes. "I have crossed the stars and destoryed entire civilizations. Do you truly think you can stand against me with your meager powers?"

Take that you radioactive freak.

Horseshoe

"An excellent idea, Mighty Adam. I propose a test that is both simple, yet worthy to test the might of a divine being."

"Go on." The superhuman's jet-black eyebrow arched again.

"The mystic city of Nanda Parbat is well hidden, and never seems to be in the same place twice. To make one's way to Nanda Parbat is a feat of wisdom and endurance. To add to the challenge, we shall make it a race as well. Whomever steps within its gates first may leave whenever he likes. The other shall agree to remain within the walls of Nanda Parbat for one day before going about his own business."

"You've devised a challenge that would allow us to resolve our dispute without the need for one of us to be defeated. Interesting."

"I had hoped you would think so. What do you say?"

Sakutian

Black Adam looked at the still form of Count Vertigo as he considered Thundermind's proposal. "I accept your terms as long as you give me your word that you will not use your ability to teleport in our race."

Horseshoe

"Of course, Mighty Adam. Such immediate transcendence of space would be less than sporting. Shall we begin?"

Solar

"I think that every time you turn up here, you get your ass kicked, Braniac. What's your plan this time? Hope that I hurt my fists when I put them through your face?"

Captain Atom didn't entirely feel like the bravado in his voice. But Braniac was a deadly enemy, and he needed to stall him. Besides, most of the genius' that he had met at the project had been at least in some way proud of it. Maybe if he needled the cyborg then it would reveal some useful information inadvertantly.