Ultimate Martian Manhunter #2

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Ultimate Martian Manhunter: Parts Unknown #2

“Bumps in the Night”

John and Lindsey watch The Senator through the one way glass. His face is blank his eyes are listless as he stares at a spot on the wall. John and Lindsey calmly wait for Sam to identify the murder victim; good interrogations usually result from always having the upperhand. Knowing who the victim was would help connect the dots. John reaches for another piece of sweet chocolatey goodness as Lindsey rolls her eyes in disgust.

“You've almost finished that pack just since we got Senator Albert into the interrogation room.”

“I'm sorry these chocos are just so... delicious.” John replies satisfaction oozing from his voice.

“Jesus Christ, John you're a grown man they're called Oreos! Or-E-Os!” Lindsey scolds her partner for his childish ways. “Watch out you're getting crumbs all over your suit. Hard to intimidate someone with Oreo crumbs all the way down your white shirt.”

John just smiles with a stupidly content look on his face. An instant later John's features harden as Sam's voice breaks through the intercom in the corner. “Detective's you aren't going to like this one bit. I've traced this guy against every database we have access to and we have no matches. Preliminary looks from the autopsy show he was over eighty years old though. I know that's not a lot to go on, but it's better then nothing. Good luck you two.”

“So you're good cop and I'm bad cop right?” Lindsey says as she gets her game face on.

“Same way as always. Let's get this done.” John replies.

The Senator doesn't even acknowledge Lindsey as she enters the room. When John enters the room he starts barking like a raving lunatic “I want my lawyer. You people have no right to be holding me like this. Where is my phone call.”

“Guess we'll try this differently” John says to Lindsey who nods. John stands across the old rickety wooden table from the senator.

“Now Mr. Albert do you want to explain to me why you murdered an eighty year old man on your property tonight?” John questions

“I want my lawyer, Detective. I'm not answering any questions until he is present.”

“Mr.Albert things will go a lot smoother if you cooperate with us. We understand you are in a great deal of pain and if this man is connected to your daugthers disappearance we need that information.” Lindsey pleads

“So tell us right now before we book you for murder one and throw away the key. That man was begging for mercy. Who was he?” John demands

“I've told you Detective I'm not telling you a word till I speak with my lawyer.” The Senator snaps back.

John circles around behind him as Lindsey takes point on the interrogation.
“Senator Albert, we're trying to help you help yourself here. If this man has any connection to your daughter's abduction you'll walk with no charges. It'll be dismissed as a justifiable homicide and you'll be back with your family. We just need you to point us in the right direction so we can do the leg work.”

John remains statuesque as Albert begins to speak to Lindsey.

“The Council of Shadows has sworn to abolish all the evils that lurk in the darkness and the day. We've existed outside the view of man since the dawn of civilization. We've steered every event for centuries. The Fall of Rome. The American Revolution. World War II. The Council has been there for every step of human evolution carefully over seeing each step. Preparing the human race for what lies ahead.”

Lindsey replies, “Senator Alberts, this is no time for jokes.”

John nods to his hand monitor the Senator's pulse. Lindsey's eyes open shock as her partner motions for her to keep the questions rolling. “So Senator tell me more about the Council.”

“We are a group of immortals. I personally poisoned Alexander the Great. He was getting to powerful it was only a matter of time before he would discover the council and do the “right” thing by eliminating us.”

“Who was the man you killed?” Lindsey probes

“The man I killed was a lycan. To be exact he's the original lycan. I first encountered him in France over two hundred years ago. It went by another name then The Beast of Gevauda. I was sent to end his reign of terror in the French Countryside; one hundred and fifty victims when King Louis finally allowed me to go and dispatch the beast. Glad that fat bastard led to the death of his own grandson by the guillotine. The man who I murdered was known as Jean Chastel and I wish I'd killed him back in France when I had the chance.”

Each detail makes Lindsey's eye pop in disbelief, but John keeps indicating the man is telling the truth.
Lindsey has to cover her ears as the Senator breaks into martian dialect, a painful language it's words jagged and rough to the human ear. Each syllable cuts through the eardrum like a knife.

“War is coming, J'onn J'onnz. Both sides are preparing for The War of Darkness. The Council is man's only hope for survival. Forces beyond human imagination are amassing as we speak. The Council is gathering their own strength for the war. The Council is the only thing holding back the flood gates of hell from crushing down upon man. Dark days are coming martian and when war comes you will side with the Council.”

Lindsey uncovers her ears as the senator breaks out of the brutal Martian tongue. “What the hell was that?” She says to John who has dropped to his knees to pretend the language was just as harsh on him.

“I want to see my lawyer now!” The Senator screams as John breaks off the mental push he was giving to unlock the answers that he and Lindsey needed to break this case wide open.

“We'll let him in on the way out thank you for cooperating, Mr. Senator.” John says with a hint of glee in his voice.

As the two make their ways down the hallways of the precinct Lindsey questions John on what the Senator had said, “Did you really believe him?”

“Do you not?” John replies.

“Why would I believe that?”

“How else would you explain our encounter with that creature out in the country?”

“Really John you're telling me you believe in lycans? And you don't think that maybe he's just snapped from the stress of losing his daughter?”

“No, I think you're too quick to dismiss things that don't fit inside your comfort zone. You're too dismissive of the unknown. Might I remind you of the words of the immortal Sherlock Holmes, “Once you've eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.”

“Are you really quoting Arthur Conan Doyle at me partner?” Lindsey jokingly prods

“SIR Arthur Conan Doyle. They don't just throw around knighthoods, Miss Tomlin.” John says with wit so dry Lindsey can't tell if he's serious or not.

****

“How do you not believe in Christianity, John?” Lindsey prods.

“I don't know I just remember when they told me in Sunday School that God loved everyone so much that he gave his only begotten son to die for our sins.” John pauses as he phrases the next part, “The Sunday School teacher didn't like it very much when I asked what does someone who would let their child be crucified to die on a cross know about love.”

Lindsey just stares back at John without an answer at his statement. A brief knock is heard before Sam swings the door open. “Follow me all the answers you seek can be found in my lab!” Sam shouts before he turns back around and marches back out of the detective's office . John grabs his coat as he holds the door open for Lindsey.

Down in the “Dungeon” as the lab techs called it John and Lindsey find Sam standing over a table filled with papers and different files. “Welcome to 1997 in a small town called non other then Lycan, Colorado. I heard the whole conversation with the Senator so this freaked me out. Twenty four kidnappings over a six night period. Four a night all happening simultaneously and here's the kicker: claw marks at all twenty four scenes, grayish silver hair like both samples you gave me and all had blood samples from the perp. Now are you ready for the really strange part the blood samples from all twenty four crimes scenes was identical. Which is impossible that the same person could kidnap four people in the same night. Shortly, after those disappearances the town was abandoned everyone packed their stuff up and left. Nothing was ever discovered about the disappearances because everyone left.”

John looks at Lindsey, “It's the best lead we've got are you up for looking into it partner?” John asks.

“Yeah, just let me grab my coat from the office and I'll meet you at the car.” Lindsey says as she heads out the door. John goes to follow Lindsey out, but Sam grabs him by his arm. “John?”
“Yes, Sam?”John asks confused by Sam's mannerism.

“John, umm... I'm not positive how to say this, but I have feelings for Detective Tomlin. And... well.. I just wanted to know if there is anything romantic between the two of you.”

“No, Sam there is nothing between Tomlin and myself. Though I'd say if you have feelings for the Detective you should probably tell her and not me.” John replies making Sam's face turn red.

“Maybe after the case is over, John. I want her to have a clear head and all. Do you think I even have a shot at her? Someone like her usually has taste in men similar to herself. You uh.. know?”

“Just be honest with her, Sam. At the end of the day the worst she can say is no and you're no worse off then you were at the start of the day.”

“I guess you're right. Thanks John. Do me one favor though. Promise me you'll take care of her you guys stay in one piece no matter what you find in Lycan okay?”

“Absolutely Sam. I'll do my best.” John replies

Sam reaches on his desk and picks up a couple of clips off his desk. “Look I have a hard time believing this Lycan stuff, but there are some things that are outside of science's ability to explain. These here are silver bullets, just in case you guys run into anything out there that goes bump in the night.”

“Thanks Sam I really do appreciate all your help. We couldn't do this without you.” John says as he takes the clips and shakes Sam's hand.

****

The steady beams of the Charger begin to bounce on the long forgotten roads of Lycan. No lights on in the entire city except those from the lone gas station at the center of the towns main strip. Lindsey busts out laughing as John rolls to a stop at the gas station. John eyes her suspiciously, “It's just this is classic horror movie set-up. This is just like the Bate Motel from Psycho; can't say I really like this setup.”

“Just be ready for anything.” John says as he opens the door of the car. Lindsey moves ahead of John whose superior martian senses pick up on the scent and movement going on all around the building. John turns back around as he hears the ding of the front door of the gas station. He hastens his steps to catch up with his partner all along knowing they are walking into an ambush.

Lindsey makes a beeline for the front counter where the clerk sits with his back to her. “Excuse me sir.” Lindsey gently says as she places a hand on the man's shoulder. She's taken aback as he falls to the floor from her gentle touch. She moves behind the counter to check on the fallen man.

Lindsey usually has no reaction to the harsh realities of the world lets out a shriek as she sees the dead body of the clerk. The face was ripped off leaving the scalp intact; the eyes half devoured by maggots. A snake slithers out of the large hole in the man's abdomen right below his name tag which says, Mitch.

John brushes the snake away so Lindsey can examine the body. John peers outside as Lindsey slides on her disposable medical gloves. Lindsey moves her fingers across the puncture marks on the skull along with the claw marks. Lindsey remembers the claw marks from all the crime scenes in the town over a decade ago; this all matched up. “John, it's all true.” Lindsey looks up at John as he doesn't respond to her. “John?”

Outside dozens of figures emerge from the shadows. Their eyes glowing a frenzied yellow as they approach the gas station. John loses count as even more creatures come out of the darkness. “Stay put. I've got to go out to the car.” John says before his partner can disagree he rushes out of the door.

The leader of the hunting party lets loose a mighty howl as the creature's charge forward from the woods. J'onn lets loose his martian abilities blasting out the street lamp above the gas station with his optic beams just in case Lindsey peaks out. J'onn transforms into one of the many horrors of the martian frontier, Jauraktos. The beast was the size of a Honda Civic, armored plated, a tail similar to a crocodile’s with a poisonous barb at the end of it. Some of the lycans recoiled in horror as J'onn's mouth latched upon one of the frontrunners of the pack. The Jauraktos mouth is a horror upon it's self with two hideous footlong fangs leading the charge followed by row after row of teeth that look like they belong inside of a shop class.

The alpha predator of the Martian plains rips through the threat the lycans pose. It's bone-shattering tails sends many lycans flying through the icy Colorado night. Their numbers decimated the lycans flee the jaws of the Jauraktos. John returns to his human disguise as they do.

****

Inside the Boulder jailhouse cops go about there night unaware of the misfortune about to strike. One of the officers starts a freshpot of coffee as he tops of his third cup off the night. Another cops browses the donut selection; deciding against it when he realizes all the custard filled ones are gone. The building is filled with law officers it's been a quiet night other then the Senator's situation and a few prank calls about some sort of Devil Bat filling the night sky.

Inside the holding cell, The Senator paces. A high profile prisoner like him requires delicate treatment; the last thing they needed was a full investigation into the department. Too many of them were on the payroll of drug dealers and gun runners for that. The best way to deal with him was to leave him alone and unshackled.

Officer Andy Stanton peers inside the cell as he walks by with his cop of coffee. The Senator approaches the door as the young officer stares in.

“Officer, can I get a cup of water. It's terribly warm in here tonight.” The Senator says meekly.

“Yeah sure no problem whatever you need.” Stanton replies. He walks to the water cooler and pulls out a paper cup. He strolls back to the Senator's cell holding the glass out towards him. The Senator slowly reaches his left hand through the bars. As his hand grips the cup his right hand shotsout like lightning disarming the officer and pulling him in.

“Unlock the door, Officer Stanton and you'll make it home tonight.” he hisses through the bars.

Stanton fumbles for the keys momentarily for the keys before finally finding the holding cell key. Stanton unlocks the door and is quickly sent flying into the wall as the Senator kicks it open. Detective Griggs looks up from his paper as the Senator tosses another officer through the wall. Griggs is up on his feet in a flash. His weapon drawn as he barks out orders,

“Stand down, Alberts.” Griggs orders over his weapon lining up a shot as he tries to talk the Senator down. The Senator continues towards Griggs weapon raised.

“Sir, drop the weapon.” Griggs screams his voice showing his insecurity about how to handle the situation. Griggs drops to his knees ducking behind his desk as a bullet flies by his ear. Officers rush in from all sides as the shot rings out.

The Senator grabs Stanton by the throat holding him out in front of him. “I walk out of here or they officers neck gets snapped. You are to drop your weapons and lay down flat on the ground.”

Everyone looks to Griggs for direction since he's the most seasoned member of the force present. Griggs lowers his weapon raising one hand in the air he calmly lowers his weapon and places it on the ground. He kicks the weapon towards the Senator as his fellow officers follow his lead. They all lower themselves to the ground as the Senator crosses the room stepping over the bodies of the docile officers. Reaching the door he turns back for a moment as Stanton attempts to squirm free.

“Goodbye Officer.” The Senator snaps the young officer's neck as if to punctuate his words. The crack that cuts through the stillness of the room echoes a life unfulfilled. All the lives Stanton would save if he was given the chance to. His children who would never know the man their father was. The wife who would never feel the touch of her husband again. A partner who would never forgive himself for letting his partner leave in a body bag. Before the echo clears the room The Senator slips out of the station.

****

Inside, Lindsey continues to examine the body of the dead man named Mitch. The hair on the back of her neck begins stands on end as she is able to sense movement from behind the racks of chips. Lindsey peaks over the counter to see three lycans approach from the storage room. Lindsey ducks behind the counter to check her weapon is fully loaded before she makes a run for the door. She jumps up from behind the counter unloading three shoots into the chest of the first lycan. It has absolutely no effect. Lindsey ducks back behind the counter looking at Mitch's brutal fate. She is startled as she looks at him he gurgles up some blood and yells, “Run!”

CRACK!!

CRACK!!

CRACK!!

Three desperate shots ring through the night air coming from the gas station. John turns and runs towards the gas station. Each movement of his legs takes an eternity. One of the curses of being a shapeshifter each form took time to get used to. John's leg are like jell-o as they adjust to the mass of his current form. John is stopped dead in his tracks when the gas station goes up in flames the concussive force of the explosion throws him back towards the dead and injured lycans. Unable to move as the flames cut through the cool night; his martian physiology reverts back to normal as the flames break his concentration. J'onn sits in the cool air for several minutes before Sam's voice comes from the car's radio.

“John, are you there? I have to tell you something.”

Sam's voice snaps John out of the spell the flames had put him under. Regaining the form of the Detective he makes his way to the car. Snatching the radio he replies to Sam.

“What have you got for me, Sam?”
“Lindsey, isn't in the car is she?” Sam asks hesitantly

“No why?” J'onn asks puzzedly.

“John, I don't know what to make of this, but things are just getting weird. I matched the blood from the man that the Senator killed with all twenty four abductions in Lycan. Ninety-Nine point seven percent match; which means it was him. I also got Lindsey's report back and well her blood sample came back as a direct match for the murder victim. I thought maybe she had just been infected, but I went back and tracked down her samples from her physicals over the last five years and from her initial physical when she was admitted to the Academy eight years ago. Exact match for the current sample; whatever these things are she's one too.” John drops the radio as he gets out of the car. Pulling his weapon he removes the current clip replacing it with the one that Sam had given him back at the lab.

John crosses the parking lot to one of the Lycans who is trying to crawl away one of it's legs missing. John stomps on the other one as he reaches the creature. “Where did you take her?” John yells as he places the weapon to the Lycans skull.

“I..I..don't know who you're talking about?” The Lycan growls

“The woman who came here with me. She's one of you this was obviously about regaining her into your pack. Where did she go?” John screams.

“The Queen?” The Lycan asks.

“My partner. Lindsey Tomlin. What have you done with her?”

“We have done nothing with her, yet.” The Lycan sneers. John stomps on the remaining leg again to loosen up the tongue of the lycan.

“I'm only asking one more time then I'm taking! Where was she taken?” John yells at the dying beast. The lycan flips over and spits in the face of the John.

“Now I take.” J'onn says. His hand turns intangible as he reaches inside the head of the lycan who lets out a brief howl that turns into a whimper. J'onn moves his hand around searching through hundreds of years of memories before arriving at the information that he is looking for. The Den. Home of the pack and current location of Lindsey Tomlin and the Senator's daughter. John Jones removes his hand from the head of the lycan. John puts the gun back to the lycans head blasting a hole right between the eyes sending brain matter flying to the pavement. Ruthlessness never came easy to J'onn until the battlefields of Rann and Throneworld. The acts of remorseless destruction beings such as these have caused deserved no mercy.

To be Concluded in Martian Manhunter: Parts Unknown Part Three