B E Y O N D . C R I S I S

There's a fair share of confusion after the asteroid is destroyed in an unexpected explosion. Superman couldn't have done that, could he have? Warhawk says there is no way. The explosion obliterated that rock too completely. That had to be done with multiple points of explosive force. If that's true, they can all speculate this was part of Lex Luthor's plan. He wanted all this particle debris that has drifted into Earth's atmosphere. The question is why. Reports come in from all over that it has seeded clouds, causing unusually red colored rainstorms. Red sets off ideas in some of the Leaguers.

( Red Kryptonite? )

Green Lantern, Artemis and Atomic Knight emerge from a Slideways gate in the Artic. According to Batman, this should be somewhere in the vicnity of the Fortress of Solitude. He should be joining them in a second to lead them the rest of the way. The cold so far is no bother to any of them. Green Lantern is protected from the environment by her ring. Atomic Knight's metal skin keeps him fine. Artemis' costume is surprisingly well insulated. Green Lantern questions whether Artemis will need a lift to the Fortress, but she declines. She removes her chariot from its holster under her cape on her back and deploys its wings, jumping onto it. She has her own transportation.

Another Slideways gate opens, and the Batmobile flies out to join them. The black metal, cutting edge aerocar hovers to a stop right next to Artemis on her little glider.

( Can you keep up on that? )

Luckily, things haven't gotten too out of hand yet in New York. Karen Starr has gotten more attention than done harm or damage. But that will change soon if she isn't brought in. The Justice League finds her in the midst of causing a panic in Central Park, and it is decided that Starman can go in first. There may be a chance she can still be talked down to come back to the Watchtower quietly. Starman approaches her cautiously, trying to make Karen understand what's happening. She has been exposed to red K contaminated water. They're bringing everyone back to the Watchtower to get checked out. Everything will be fine. Nothing bad has even happened yet. Karen seems to be hearing Starman out and understanding her situation. She's almost willing to come along.

But then her eyes focus on Warhawk.

"YOU -- YOU KILLED MY SON."

( ...Oh, this is fucking bad. )