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

Radiant Knight · Jan 11, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
"I know. But this is the purist form of what happens all across Mars, and even the Greens don't like it.

This should probably be purest, as in 'this is the most pure form of what happens all across Mars'.

Mr Zoat · Jan 11, 2021

Darko said:
'of me'

Thank you, corrected.

Are Yellow Martians the Martian equivalent of albinos in this story?

I remember Obloquy had M'gann mention that they were like that in his story and I was wondering if it's the same here.

Yellow Martians were DC canon at one point. They're not on Mars 16, but people like me will reference them occasionally.

Idkusername said:
'purest', though purist works too.

Thank you, corrected.

Z000 · Jan 11, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
They're not on Mars 16.

so far

odd of them popping up is unlikely but still possible since you seem to like using all sort of thing

w34v3r · Jan 11, 2021

Queshire said:
On Harry Potter brooms; I mean, they're a semi-isolated culture of magic users. Of course their tech base is going to develop differently depending on their needs and respurces. Who's to say that there isn't a comfort charm on the brooms, or that they feel a need for airbags considering the sort of punishment wizards can evidently take.

I will state for the record that ultralight aircraft as used by modern non-magicals are neither particularly comfortable or possessing airbags.

Tumeke · Jan 11, 2021

Queshire said:
On Harry Potter brooms; I mean, they're a semi-isolated culture of magic users. Of course their tech base is going to develop differently depending on their needs and respurces. Who's to say that there isn't a comfort charm on the brooms, or that they feel a need for airbags considering the sort of punishment wizards can evidently take.

Why make a better broom when you can teleport?

Darko · Jan 11, 2021

Tumeke said:
Why make a better broom when you can teleport?

Teleportation, or apparation, is not completely safe.

There is the risk that they may lose a limb.

Plus they may also fly for pleasure, like how some people drive cars for pleasure.

Also brooms can be seen as status symbols, like how cars are seen in our world.

Chojin Patriarch · Jan 11, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
5th July 2012
13:32 GMT

The White Martians of Xan'Xie waste no time in taking advantage of the Council's decision. Overloaded civilian bio-transports are already flying out of the city's surface exits, heading towards more liberal cities. Given the size of the population shift they're not going to permanent homes, just temporary residences until such time as the other cities can divvy them up. Over to my right J'emm appears to be regarding the scene impassively, though for all I know he's shouting telepathic greetings at everyone. S'yrra's still in near-human shape and she mostly just looks sad.

...That didn't take long at all. I wonder how the Prelate took the revelation.

And how long it took her to come to after blue-screening in shock? She probably spent a few minutes gaping like a fish, I bet...

The Council wasn't quite willing to flat out override a Prelate on internal law at this stage, but the travel restriction was struck down almost immediately. Where things will be tomorrow, once they've had time to accept that their entire civilisation is built on a bedrock of lies, I don't know. J'emm's stock -and that of the rest of the liberal wing- has shot up, but with his argument 'won' they've still got to decide between federalist and unitarian government structures. I have no idea what his view on that is, and as long as no one's suffering who doesn't want to I don't particularly care.

After all, you're getting what you want. The fact that it benefits all Martians is just a feel-good bonus. I mean, this was building for some time... Better that it pass peacefully than have a popular uprising break out...

The Martians on foot are visible now, and the fact that the surface is technically liveable means that they could make the trek on foot if they had to. Fortunately they don't; the cities that have agreed to receive them are sending Manhunter ships and White advocacy groups are sending civilian transports. And I'm here with a L.E.G.I.O.N. transport in that hope that-

"Heehahaha!"

Looks like some of them are very happy about things. I'm impressed that they're so determined to leave that they'll walk.. or at least fly at low altitude.. across the surface.

-Mr. B'lanx found some volunteers.

Ring? Yes, that is him, in a humanish shape and having to gasp for breath. He lands unsteadily in front of my and claps his right hand on my pauldron.

This must feel like all his birthdays have come at once, and he's getting all the presents ever.

Or just one big present that he's wanted his whole life.

"You exceeded my wildest expectations! Karmang was White!"

"So it appears."

Until he makes an appearance for real, no-one will know for sure. But I don't see him waiting long. Not now. Can you imagine the shock running through the ranks of the Hyperclan?

"Their entire civil order is in ruins! Is this how you handle everything?!"

"N-."

Be honest, OL. How many times have you left a system you find undesirable intact upon leaving?

…

"Not everything. And it's not usually this fast."

This might well be a new record for you, OL. Just hours to reveal the truth behind a systemic racial caste system, with what boils down to three words.

"The Hyperclan couldn't destroy them this fast." He backs up slightly, nodding confidently. "I and many of my brethren will join you in the service of L.E.G.I.O.N.."

"You sure? You don't want to oversee things here? The White revolution isn't over yet."

To be fair, he probably just wants to be away from that place. I doubt he has any pleasant memories of his home town, and the Whites seem to be able to handle themselves from here.

"Yes, I am sure. The shift in the world-mind is undeniable. Even the Reds don't believe their lies any longer, and we all know it." He straightens slightly, then turns back to watch as a small number of Green Martians emerge from the city and float towards the oncoming Manhunter transports. "And the Greens have their eyes opened as well."

"Not all cities are as bad as-."

Good to see he at least recognises that the Greens weren't as monolithically racist as some might have thought. I hope...

"I know. But this is the purist form of what happens all across Mars, and even the Greens don't like it. Not when they're confronted with it. I wish to join L.E.G.I.O.N. for the reasons you said; to secure our future by force of arms if necessary, and to build a future by our own efforts. I still want a power ring, but I can earn that by my own efforts if no one is stopping me in the name of a fake idol."

I nod. "Alright, well, if you could lead everyone who feels the same way-."

And if he comes home to a Mars that's in much better shape than he left it, then all the better. But if it isn't, of course he wants to be prepared.

"In that ship?"

He gestures to the crowd behind him who aren't moving towards the Manhunter ships. It's continuing to grow as more Whites leave the city behind him.

...Okay, wow. I think he might have been more successful with his recruitment drive than he thought.

"You'll need something bigger."

"We can do shuttle runs. We'll be sending you to Earth for a little while to get used to alien thoughts before transporting you to Maltus, but our first stop is Colu."

A bit hard to follow... They're off to Earth first for acclimatisation and training, then to Colu for their first operation? And then to Maltus to join L.E.G.I.O.N properly? Or Earth first, then Maltus for training, then Colu for the first job?

He freezes, his eyes lighting up for a moment. Then he and about two hundred other Martians fly up towards the transport ship.

J'emm walks over to me as they leave.

Even that many will be useful for the operations against the Computer Tyrants... The fact that he has so many more is going to be gravy.

"I had hoped to talk to him. I wanted him to see in my mind that I truly believe in equality."

"I.. don't.. think he's going to want to talk to Red Martians for a little while. Can I assume that you don't need me in order to keep things going here?"

Because OL is going to be quite busy for the next few days, playing FTL tugboat?

"You have what you want. And I do too, if not… Not in the manner I wanted."

"Is this a problem for you?"

...OL, he's just had the foundation of his entire religious system shaken like a 9.5 earthquake. And he's not the only one. Can you imagine what J'onn and M'gann will say when they hear this?

"Karmang was revered by-. Not all, clearly. But I held him as an example on… How I should live my life."

"What, and you can't do that because he's White? That stuff about colour not determining your life doesn't just apply to Whites, you know. You can take White, Greens… Heck, if you find a Yellow Martian you admire you can try emulating them."

Before anyone comments on his terrorist backing... <looks at thread> Ah, too late. At any rate, I doubt anyone believes that the Karmang the Hyperclan mentioned is the real deal. Until he shows himself publicly, that fact will be up in the air.

"Perhaps I have a great deal to… Unthink."

"I've got a friend who's going through something similar. If you want to talk to her-."

That would be Angelika, yes? I suppose they have something in common, at least.

**Why are you here?**

"Let me deal with that first and then come back to you."

That must have been one loud broadcast for OL to pick it up this far away...

I fly past the White Martians making their way into the ship via the embarkation ramps, searching for-.

Oh. Right.

Let me guess, B'enn B'lanx having opinions about future workmates?

Even with everything going on, J'emm was kind enough to put the word out and a small group of telepathic specialists agreed to join me in order to help the Coluans. Naturally, being allowed to rise to the top of their fields, they're Red. Well, five out of six are Red, the sixth being Green. Mr. B'lanx's posture suggests that he's less than impressed with their presence.

Ooooh, awkward...

I land a short distance away. The posture of the specialists is studiously neutral. I doubt that they'll be joining up after this, but… Maybe they'll ask for a trip to Earth.

"Problem?"

...Understated as ever, OL...

"You were hiring Whites."

"And I want you to perform a delicate telepathic transfer. Do you have the training or experience to do that?"

Or did you expect to just go in like a sledgehammer?

"You told us that we would be taught."

"Yes? And where did you expect me to find someone intimately familiar with the capacities of Martian telepaths?"

"Anywhere else."

Boy, this is going to be a problem, isn't it?

"Mr B'lanx, let me be clear. You have accepted my offer of employment. This means that you work for me. Since you're still in the cooling off period and since we're still on Mars, you are free to leave. But if you don't, that means that you will be working with who I tell you to work with, on the tasks to which I assign you."

He glowers with glowing eyes.

You have to admit, Martians faces are definitely made for scowling.

"Well?"

"I will… Stay."

Looks like his desire for more power overrides his anger.. for now.

**I am no happier about this than you are.** The senior specialist steps forward. **It is difficult enough to teach complete neophytes, worse when lives are at risk. But I will direct you far better than-.**

"I'm sorry, my question wasn't rhetorical. My colleague Henry King has substantial experience with Martian telepathy, and I'm making Adam Blake the project lead. I will be expecting you to defer to them. Again, if you can't agree to those terms you are of course free to leave."

At least B'enn gets to see that the Reds won't be getting preferential treatment... Also, that Red sounds like an asshole, this could get more awkward...

No response, though Mr. B'lanx's posture is less aggressive.

"If there are no takers? Captain, please take us up."

Looks like B'enn will get to experience some vicarious revenge through seeing the Reds not having their asses kissed.

Well, Mars isn't on fire yet.

So everything went better than expected. It still remains to be seen what part the Hyperclan will play in the cultural uproar... But I suspect that will play out off-screen, since OL has more important things to do...

Queshire · Jan 11, 2021

Tumeke said:
Why make a better broom when you can teleport?

Can't play quidditch by apparating.

Along with the difficulty of apparating, uncomfortablness of side along apparating making it not ideal for taking kids along, the fact that apparating is blocked on Hogwarts grounds and presumably other important institutions, the danger of splinching making it so that some might just prefer a broom, that portkeys have set conditions for their use and only go to whever the key is set to, and finally because floo powder is both limited to plays connected to the syatem and consumed in transit.

Sockmonkey · Jan 11, 2021

Lone Courier 6 said:
Flying carpets are a thing in harry potter, brooms though were the motorcycles of magic flight, flying carpets are soccermom vans.

If they're worried about looking cool they should have used surfboards.

Does OL at least send notes back to Eris to let her know he's causing enough trouble that she doesn't need to nudge him?

Darko · Jan 11, 2021

Chojin Patriarch said:
This must feel like all his birthdays have come at once, and he's getting all the presents ever. Or just one big present that he's wanted his whole life.

I think he wanted some of the Reds to bleed, but he will most likely settle for this.

Chojin Patriarch said:
Be honest, OL. How many times have you left a system you find undesirable intact upon leaving?

Several times actually.

There are probably several systems on Earth he finds undesirable, but hasn't really changed them.

Chojin Patriarch said:
Before anyone comments on his terrorist backing... <looks at thread> Ah, too late. At any rate, I doubt anyone believes that the Karmang the Hyperclan mentioned is the real deal. Until he shows himself publicly, that fact will be up in the air.

They may believe it now.

Hell it's possible the Hyperclan also didn't believe it and just thought he was some crazy guy claiming to be Karmang, but went along with it since he gave them powers.

Chojin Patriarch said:
At least B'enn gets to see that the Reds won't be getting preferential treatment... Also, that Red sounds like an asshole, this could get more awkward...

He may actually be fully accepting of equality, but he may not like someone acting like an asshole to him if he hasn't done them any wrong.

PJCG · Jan 11, 2021

Queshire said:
On Harry Potter brooms; I mean, they're a semi-isolated culture of magic users. Of course their tech base is going to develop differently depending on their needs and respurces. Who's to say that there isn't a comfort charm on the brooms, or that they feel a need for airbags considering the sort of punishment wizards can evidently take.

You guessed right. There are comfort charms. I think I saw a pic where it looked like an invisible cushion?

Agent Orange · Jan 11, 2021

An invisible whoopie cushion to be precise. They tried their hardest to remove it but it turns out that ~~bug~~ feature forms the basis of the enchantment.

Chaoswind · Jan 11, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
not going to permanent homes,

Not going to be permanent homes?

Then again the whole sentence is wholly complete and correct I am just unsure if my brain parsed it correctly the first two times and as English is my third language the issue may be on my side.

. M. M.

Come on Paul you have to be there when Apa and guy show up, it's your responsibility to be around as it was you that called them to show up in front of the council to give testimony... And I can already see the fundamentalist branch of the council or the hyperclan switching targets to Apa now that they know Karman was white and their entire system is in shambles as neither of them have much of a reason to exist anymore.

Edit: The derail about Harry Potter has gone long enough and has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with this fic nor current events happening in this ficm

Queshire · Jan 11, 2021

Chaoswind said:
Not going to be permanent homes.

Come on Paul you have to be there when Apa and guy show up, it's your responsibility to be around as it was you that called them to show up in front of the council to give testimony... And I can already see the fundamentalist branch of the council or the hyperclan switching targets to Apa now that they know Karman was white and their entire system is in shambles as neither of them have much of a reason to exist anymore.

Edit: The derail about Harry Potter has gone long enough and has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with this fic nor current events happening in this ficm

Nah, permanent is being used as an adjective here.

Darko · Jan 11, 2021

Chaoswind said:
Not going to be permanent homes?

Then again the whole sentence is wholly complete and correct I am just unsure if my brain parsed it correctly the first two times and as English is my third language the issue may be on my side.

. M. M.

Come on Paul you have to be there when Apa and guy show up, it's your responsibility to be around as it was you that called them to show up in front of the council to give testimony... And I can already see the fundamentalist branch of the council or the hyperclan switching targets to Apa now that they know Karman was white and their entire system is in shambles as neither of them have much of a reason to exist anymore.

Edit: The derail about Harry Potter has gone long enough and has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with this fic nor current events happening in this ficm

Maybe Apa will show up in tomorrow's chapter.

Or Tangseid will make his final appearance for this episode.

Handlewithcare · Jan 11, 2021

Okay, what does Tangseid actually stand for?

Tangerine Darkseid?

As for Martians: wow that was quick. Telepathy is sure useful.

Ngamer11 · Jan 11, 2021

Handlewithcare said:
Okay, what does Tangseid actually stand for?

Tangerine Darkseid?

It's the nickname for the character, replacing the Dark for Tang, something closely connected to the color Orange. It was the nickname that fans, and I guess Mr Zoat, decided for him.

Mr Zoat · Jan 11, 2021

Darko said:
Maybe Apa will show up in tomorrow's chapter.

I was going to skip it, as it doesn't involve anyone being told anything the audience doesn't already know.

Agent Orange · Jan 11, 2021

Who knows. Maybe Reds and Whites will find a common cause in trying to set Apa on fire? It would be a shame to skip that.

Pez · Jan 11, 2021

Is anybody expecting there to be problems on earth with the Whites going there? I know in DC canon, Hyperclan did some shenanigans there. Considering the damage Paul's Earth took in the war, I hope (and don't expect) that to happen.

Interested to see M'gann's reaction to all this, though.

Impartial Panic · Jan 11, 2021

Ngamer11 said:
Also, I'm amused that Paul admitted that although he doesn't normally completely destroy the way a society functions, he has done it before when necessary.

At this rate Paul is going to have a reputation similar to the Doctor.

"You're just saying that because I'm British."

Almost forgot about that, so shall I get you a scarf and some jelly babies?

"I don't think I could Pass for the fourth doctor."

Yeah you seem more like a 9th, Nice to meet you Lois I'm the orange lantern run for your life.

"Let me guess Eris sent you."

init101 · Jan 11, 2021

Queshire said:
On Harry Potter brooms; I mean, they're a semi-isolated culture of magic users. Of course their tech base is going to develop differently depending on their needs and respurces. Who's to say that there isn't a comfort charm on the brooms, or that they feel a need for airbags considering the sort of punishment wizards can evidently take.

In the Quidditch Throughout the Ages book, you find out that there is a comfort charm that makes it feel like you're sitting on a cushion.

Mr Zoat · Jan 11, 2021

Impartial Panic said:
At this rate Paul is going to have a reputation similar to the Doctor.

"You're just saying that because I'm British."

Almost forgot about that, so shall I get you a scarf and some jelly babies?

"I don't think I could Pass for the fourth doctor."

Yeah you seem more like a 9th, Nice to meet you Lois I'm the orange lantern run for your life.

"Let me guess Eris sent you."

Surely the SI is more like the 7th?

Someguy Somewhere · Jan 11, 2021

To Quote the 10th, "Not many men can carry off a decorative vegetable."

Sadly only got to know it from new who onwards in these parts.

Steelplaza · Jan 11, 2021

For good or for ill, this is more or less exactly how Superman would "solve racism" in a two or three part story published in DC comics. So, you know, applause for fidelity to the source material.

Impartial Panic · Jan 11, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
Surely the SI is more like the 7th?

sadly never got to see the episodes with the 7th.

TheLunarwolf · Jan 11, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
Surely the SI is more like the 7th?

Well... once perhaps... But he's had his Moment.

Now the SI is becoming something else...

Someone might soon come to realise that when the SI runs away, he's being kind.

That said I don't see him pulling off the brown pinstriped suit and sandshoes.

Laundromat2.0 · Jan 12, 2021

Steelplaza said:
For good or for ill, this is more or less exactly how Superman would "solve racism" in a two or three part story published in DC comics. So, you know, applause for fidelity to the source material.

I... very much doubt that the racial issues on Mars are 'solved' in any shape or form. It's simply the end of Paul's involvement in the process. At least until karmang launches a coup and there's a planetary wide civil war. Then Meg'an joins the other side, her phenomenal cosmic powers and group of alien friends quickly throwing her into the position of a figure head, before she + friends clash with Karmang and his Hyperclan disciples in an all out battle for the fate of their species.

Rafin · Jan 12, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
I was going to skip it, as it doesn't involve anyone being told anything the audience doesn't already know.

It's more the reactions we want to see. And maybe the demands and/or offers of some form of restitution. And explanations on weirder details of ingrained color-related mental patterns.

Ardy · Jan 12, 2021

Laundromat2.0 said:
an all out battle for the fate of their species

And that ends racism forever

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

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