"Well I'm a runnin' down the road, tryin' to loosen my load....I've got seven women on my mind..." sings Guy Gardner absently as he speeds down the highway on his motorcycle. Riding so carefree down the road seems so natural observing him from the outside in. It even feels natural for him, from the inside out. But despite the wind blowing through his hair and whipping over his body, Guy Gardner has always had a load of some sort to bear. Weeks ago you would not have seen Guy riding his motorcycle down the road.

In fact, you wouldn't have seen him at all.

It was only recently that Guy was freed from...from....well, who even knows where? Another dimension...a netherworld. Even Guy didn't know the specifics. But he was different when he came out. He was shaken, visibly shaken. His fiery blue eyes were dark and empty. He felt like absolute crap. Like a true camper, Guy dealt with this void in his life the same way he has always dealt with it. He moved on. His childhood was absolute crap, and he moved on. This was the same way . . . at least, that's what he reassured himself. Guy wasn't thinking about all of this now, however.

"Take it easy, take it easy.....don't let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy..."

Guy slows his motorcycle slightly to accomodate for the new speed limit. It becomes increasingly obvious that things are slowing down, as Guy can see cars ahead of him creeping along. "Seems to be some sort of something happening" he accurately assumes. Still travelling at a healthy 15 miles above the limit, Guy's eyes dart to an ominous sign as he approaches what seems to be a much-needed pit stop. "Welcome to New Haven City"

"It's two weeks before Election Day and Mayor Franklin is well on his way to victory, so say the pollsters, his opponent William Gomez, has seemed to been stiffled by the rumors of association with the mysterious Aztek Cartel that has given way to a new crime wave within this city, only being squsahed down occasionally by a bust from the Special Crimes Unit, or from New Haven armored protector the Dark Wolf" buzzes the televsion set in the office of the SCU.

Detective Dorian Kaneis sits at his desk looking at some of his more notable collars, Chester "The Jester" Quinn, Paul "Mr. Torch" Duprie, and of course Luthor Axcess, who was rotting away in prision for crimes very close to Dorian's heart the murder of his parents ordered almost 25 years ago, by the villianest crime boss. But Axcess' fall led to greater problems, Empire and Verdugo whose wars have torn the city apart and with Grinlin also on the lose who knows waht would happen at anything in New Haven City.

The Chief opens his door, "Kaneis, a word."

"What is it, boss?" replies Dorian.

"I'm going to need you and Smith to cover down town tonight."

"Why?"

"This just in incumbent Mayor Patrick Franklin, has challeged hid opponent to a debate tonight in New Haven Square. This will be..." blares teh television

"You know I hate politics especially dealing with guys we both know are dirty."

"I don't make the rules, Dorian I just boss people around you and Smith on duty from 6 to 9 that's when the debate is happening. And remeber it's teh lesser of two evils."

"Yeah sure."

Dorian returns to his desk goes to his computer, and types a fast message, --Prof, Patrol delayed to night watchingthe debate down town keep a sharp eye on the montitors any excuse to leave is better tahtn none. DW--

<This is going to be a long night.> thinks Dorian

Weaving in and out of traffic towards the dark mass on the horizon, New Haven greets Guy Gardner with honking horns, trash-littered roads, and obscene gestures from fellow travelers. "Feels like home...." Guy thinks to himself as he exchanges a few words and non-verbal signals with those driving alongside him, soon speeding around them.

Blocking out the noisy conversations of the traffic, Gardner's slate-blue eyes reflect the dim, uncomfortable light of the sun hanging awkwardly in pre-sunset mode. Not noon-day, not a sunset, not really anything. Not as bright as it should be, not as dark as it should be. That sort of sky was only good for one thing, and that was making Gardner find some place to stretch, gas up his ride, and perhaps take in some sights and sounds.

Tendencies guiding him to slow with traffic, he looks at the metropolis of New Haven. Up close and personal. The sun is breaking into a sunset slowly. Perhaps Guy had dosed off on the road. Maneuvering down the center line he bypasses both lanes, which have since gone into a standstill, riding towards New Haven Square. "Plenty of room to stretch."

Signs are already up as Guy finds a place to park his motorcycle. "The Future of New Haven: Franklin and Gomez debate the issues that matter. Tonight! New Haven Square. Your vote counts!"

A sizeable crowd has already gathered for the debate, despite the fact that there is no one on stage just yet. Stretching his back, Guy looks for the nearest cart for a pretzel or a comparable cheap snack as people slowly congregate for the debate. "What a freak show....this ought to be interesting." Guy thinks to himself.

"Not a piece of this city looks like it's worth running. "

"Almost six o'clock Dorian," says Dect. Gerald Smith

"Great now the real fun begins watching these two bozos try to discuss the ctiies problems when they are part of the cities problems."

"Now, Dorian, Franklin has gotten out of the pocket of Edward Pyrez, there's nothign worry about." says Smith

"Wait here they are, Bad and Worse, at least Franklin increased police spending last year, and helped SCU get the body armor we need thanks to his benfactor." says Dorian.

"You can't judge a man on his past mistakes. Even you can forgive as hard as you are." responds the wise older cop.

As the detectives speak, the two canidates make their way to their podiums. They are intorduced by Rex Axcess, the good son of mogul and master criminal Luthor Axcess.

"Good evening, New Haven City. I am Rex Axcess, moderator for tonights mayorial debate. Our two canidates are imcumbent Patrick Franklin and his opponent William Gomez. This debate will have three rounds and hour for each. The first round is a platform presentation where each canidate will give his platfrm for election. The Second round will be an issues forum, dealing with pre-selected topics, and the third round will be a question and answer period for the audience. Need I remind you folks this debate is beging broadcast onto radio and television contersy of the Axcess Corpartion." says Axcess

"What a little $#!^," says Dorian

"Tell me about it, his daddy gets put away for crimes ranging from fraud to cold blooded murder, and he skates away like Brian Boitano on crystal meth." replies Smith.

Dorian shoots Smith a sharp look. "What you're the only one allowed to be a cynical prick?" asks Smith

"Let's just pay attention to the debate, shall we." says Dorian

....Meanwhile in the crowd....

A man in base ball cap and trench coat stands in the crowd, "I'll just wait for the right moment of irony," the unknown figure says.

“Five bucks?! This pretzel better be damn good.”

“Yeah, yeah. Word of advice, pal: Speaking out like that in this city will get you killed, or selling pretzels on the side of the road.”

Paying the vendor and taking his pretzel, Guy walks towards the crowd, noticing that a moderator has appeared and seems to be babbling about something. “Rex Axcess....” he says to himself, catching the name from the lips of a crowd member. “Look at those clowns up there....what kind of puppet show are they running here in this town? They don’t give a damn about this city....then again, I suppose this might not be very different from most towns I’m passing through. No place to live, no place to raise a family. Only a place to work, if you’re in my business. Garbage detail.” he says to himself with a smirk.

As Guy walks through the crowd guarding his five-dollar pretzel, Patrick Franklin, current mayor of New Haven City begins to speak. It is clear that he has been mayor by the way he addresses the people. He knows them and they know him. There is a confidence about him that only comes from security or stupidity. Guy decides not to wager on this duality when suddenly...

BAM!

Guy takes a sharp knock on the shoulder and his pretzel falls to the ground. “Oh dear lord.....oh...oh no...my pretzel....” Guy fumes for a moment before stomping the ground and receiving strange looks from those around him . “That pretzel cost me FIVE BUCKS! Are you kidding me? I could eat someone’s pet right now, I’m so hungry!” Several elderly ladies shield their manicured poodles from Gardner’s bloodthirsty gaze.

“Alright, who’s the wise guy.....” Guy mumbles to himself as he surveys his surroundings. The thought that it was an accident never for a moment crossed his mind. He was too mad. Someone purposely and maliciously knocked his pretzel from his hand just to watch him suffer.

It’s as Guy’s cold blue eyes search for a perpetrator that his attention is drawn towards a suspicious looking individual. Suspicious...and familiar... “Something’s up...” Guy thinks to himself, “and these people don’t have a clue.” He looks around the crowd to see people waving signs or clapping at comments from the current mayor of New Haven.

Rounding behind a few people slowly, Guy is able to catch a glimpse of the man. Well-built...and that’s not a mistake. Good size, ball cap, trench coat. “Something isn’t right.....besides me not having my damn pretzel.....” Guy thinks to himself, but doesn’t have the time to vocalize his thoughts.

SWOOSH!

With lightning fast reflexes the man whips his trench coat to the side to reveal a high-powered sniper rifle, cradled as if it were a child. He knew what he was doing. He was a pro. A mili-second to aim that baby and the deed would be done.


A mili-second. Luckily, Guy Gardner’s brain consumed by the thought that this shmuck most likely knocked his pretzel from his hand, acts quicker, and as the trench coat flies from his body, Guy is already in motion. There is only more fuel added to the fire as Guy Gardner readjusts his vision to see the man uncovered. Deadshot. Knocking through bystanders Guy launches a fierce right hand to the jaw of the assassin.

CRACK!

Deadshot is taken completely off guard by this assault as his finger pulls the trigger. The chamber of his gun releases a bullet that speeds centimeters to the right of mayor Franklin’s throat, catching a guard in the head and sending him backwards. Deadshot is knocked off balance from the blow to his jaw, but manages to swing upwards with his rifle, catching Gardner in the bridge of his nose and knocking him to the ground.

With a hand over his nose Guy looks up at Deadshot, but he has already bolted from the scene. Scared and wild, the crowd scatters in maddened groups as security members rush the debaters off the stage.

Gardner just sits on the ground, holding his nose. “Deadshot in New Haven...trying to take out the mayor....and knocking my pretzel out of my hand....”Gardner sits and waits to be questioned about exactly what happened in the crowd. He had some questions of his own. He sure as hell was going to get some revenge for his pretzel and his nose. “Deadshot is going to make a nice punching bag,” he thinks to himself, lulled by screams of chaos and confusion in the background.

BAM.

A single shoot misses Mayor Franklin, by centimeters. The security sweeps the too canidates off the stage. Screaming a ensues, blame is being issued with either side accusing the other of the deed.

The men, one in a trench coat, the other in leather exchanged blows before the one in the trench coat catches the other off guard allowing him to attempt to skate away. Not in Dark Wolf's city.

"Smith, cover for me, I think I see the culprit fleeing," shouts Kaneis drawing his gun.

"I'll come with you, Dorian." says Smith.

"No, stay here, try to round up some witnesses," says Dorian.

He sees the figure running from the site. He quickly ducks into a hidden alley just off the square, presses down on the face of his watch, "Here goes," he whisper to himself. In a flash of light, Dorian Kaneis doesn't stand there but the armored protector of New Haven City, The Dark Wolf.

Takeing to the sky with the use of the hover technoglogy within his armor, he scout the area looking for the cloaked figure. There heading for a motorcycle placed a few yards away. Dark Wolf flies toward the vechicle, and floats above the the area wating for the man in the trench coat. Within a few moments DArk Wolf bounces on the figure.

"Dark Wolf,", the figure in the trench coat,"Go thing I came prepared for your intererence."

BAM! BAM! BAM! Three armor piercing shells make their way imbeding themsleve in the armor vilgilante.

"That all you got mystery man?" solemnly states Dark Wolf.

Removing the hat and trench coat, "Just wait..."

"Deadshot, What are..." says Dark Wolf.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Three expolsions where the shells hit their mark knocking Dark Wolf to the ground

"Explosive shells, punk, next time stay out of my way" laughs the manical mecernary. "No one's going to stop me not even you."

Squinting his eyes and scrunching his nose Guy Gardner winces in pain. “Damn....” he mutters, climbing to his feet as the scene begins to thin out of voluntary spectators and is replaced mainly with police, ambulance, and others who had little to no choice in the matter. A figure walks over to Guy as he regains his footing.

“You sir...you there...looks like you took a bit of a hit on the nose there.”

“Yeah no kidding...things like this tend to happen when I have to do a cop’s job for them.”

Raising a brow and flipping a badge, “The name’s Detective Smith, kid. Now would you mind telling me in your own words exactly what happened.”

Coughing, Gardner wipes a bit of blood from his nose, “The name’s Gardner, Guy Gardner. Perhaps you’ve heard of me....”

“Nope.”

“Whatever, I was getting a pretzel from that vendor over there on the side of the street and it cost five bucks.”

“Is this exactly relevant?”

“Of course it is, when wouldn’t a five dollar pretzel be relevant.”

“Point taken, five dollars.....was it good?”

“Hah!” Guy kicks at a pile signs dropped by eager supporters of Mayor Franklin. “I didn’t get to eat my damn pretzel, because the wise guy in the trench coat knocked it out of my hands.”

“About the guy in the trench coat...did you get a good look at him.”

“Oh yeah, it was Deadshot....I’ve had to deal with him in the past....being a member of the Justice League and everything.”

“Gardner...doesn’t ring a bell....Deadshot however, in New Haven city obviously involved with an assassination plot against the mayor. But from what side? Who would behind this? You saw the confusion it created. They were ready to go at each others throats up there. Democracy in this damn city is nearly a lost ideal as it is.”

Smirking, Guy was still ruffled that he was back to being another nobody, “Yeah...I sympathize....but I tell you what, for the record. I’ve fought this guy before and I’ll do it again. I don’t even know if my nose is in one piece or not, but....”

“Doesn’t look like it...”

“Thanks for the encouraging news, Doc. I’d like a second opinion...but like I was saying....I came into this town for a pretzel, a break, and some gas for my ride. I haven’t gotten any of these yet, and don’t know if I will. But one thing I will get is a little payback on the clown that smacked me around. I’ll do it to help you guys out, and I’ll do it to help myself out. I’ll either do it alone or with the cooperation of you guys, but either way you look at it, it’s going to happen. Deadshot’s mine.”

“Well . . . you don’t sound like anyone who would have been with the Justice League, but I believe you. Whatever you did to that guy was enough to save the mayor and send him packing for the moment, and you have done us a bit of a favor. Hell...I can look at you and tell you aren’t just another person here for a debate...sure, what the hell....welcome to the team”

Giving a hearty handshake, Smith continues, “We can talk about the implications of all of this....we need some info, and I need to find Kaneis.”

“Kaneis?”

“Oh yeah, he’s a really bundle of joy.”

...About 15 mintues after the explosion... at NHCPD Headquarters Special Crimes Division.

Dorian Kaneis staggers in the department, the SOB Deadshot gotthe drop on him not again. Atleast his armor would repair itself and be ready next time he needed it.

"KAAANNNNEEEIIISS, where the hell have you been?" shout the chief.

"Grenada, where do you think I've been, I've been tracking the assasin. Can't you tell the burns on this $300 dollar over coat. I wasn't exactly on the town." replies Dorian.

"Kaneis, there's no need to get mouth, You get any leads on our perp?"

"It's Deadshot I followed him to a mottorcycle where Dark Wolf got the drop on him, however Deadshot pulled a fast that ground both Dark wolf and myself."

"So he got away, just what we need another lunatic in New Haven, I swear this place is getting worse than Gotham. By the way, Smith has the lastest "hero" in our most comfortable interrogation room their waiting for you."

"Whose the lucky guest?" asks Dorian

"Gardner, Guy Gardner, says he was a member of the Justice League."

"Guy Gardner? I've heard of him I thought he was dead, I guess I can be wrong."

"Well he's living and breathing in interogation room 7."

"Guess he's helping us with the investigation?"

"That's your call it's you case, Dorian."

"We'll see after I meet him."

Dorian throws his ruined coat onto his desk and heads to interrogation room 7. He knocks twice, "Guy Gardner, I'm Detective Dorian Kaneis, tell me what you knowand we'll see about you being involved in this investigation."

Guy leans back in his not-so-impressive chair behind a large, sterile, boring table. “Interrogation room...New Haven City sure does have funny procedures to follow when dealing with heroes. What am I going to do, bleed on you?” Guy fingers a band-aid pinned down against the swollen bridge of his nose.

“Procedure....you know the story..” Smith responds. “Kaneis should be in soon.”

“Wouldn’t happen to have any donuts would you?”

Before a colorful answer erupted from Detective Smith, the door to Interrogation room 7 swings open.

"Guy Gardner, I'm Detective Dorian Kaneis, tell me what you know and we'll see about you being involved in this investigation."

Guy eyes the highly....well, spoken-of....Detective Kaneis and looks him over. He glances over at Detective Smith, “So I’m guessing you’re good cop...” returning his eyes to Kaneis “and you’re burnt cop?”

Smith chuckles to himself, “Alright Gardner, give him the spiel you gave me back in the Square.”

Reaching back and resting his hands behind his head, Guy takes a deep breath and begins. “Well you called me by name, so maybe you know that I’m a former JLA member. I was passing through and decided to stop in New Haven here for a pit stop. I got caught up in the whole debate thing going down and got a five dollar pretzel that I never consumed because of our villain here. I saw what he was pulling, gave him a nice clock with my right, and was smacked by that huge rifle. I recognized him as Deadshot. I want to get my 5 dollars worth of ass-kicking on him since I didn’t get my damn pretzel. That’s all.”

“Oh yeah, and my nose hurts. You get all that?”

Propping his feet up on the table, Gardner continues, “And is there any reason we’re holed up here, we could be out there looking for Deadshot. I need to gas up my ride....and god, I have to piss like a....”

Smith interrupts, “Alright Gardner, alright....we realize your contributions thus far, we’ll make this all quick so you can tend to your...business and we can get on this case while the trail is hot.”

“Sounds good to me, Smith. Any questions Kaneis?”

“Sounds good to me, Smith. Any questions Kaneis?” says Guy Gardner.

"Yeah I got questions, first of all who do oyu think you are putting your feet up on this desk? Second, I know about you and your run with the JLA and your record is far from spotless, so if you want in on this case you're going to a follower no going out on your own. You hear me, Guy?" shout Kaneis

Dorian didn't know waht to make of Guy Gardner the last report of him was almost two years ago when he died in some big Justice League battle as the Warrior. If this really was him he appeared to not have the Warroirs powers nor the yellow power ring that he had used in the past, but judging from his attitude it was Guy Gardner tot he letter.

"I will let you in own some New Haven's secrets, Guy, we're in the middle of war, between the fallen Axcess Corpartion's criminal syndicate, Empire's New Roman Legion, and the Aztec Cartel. Mayor Frankiln was in Empire's pocket years ago but apparently got tired of being in league with him. The Aztec Cartel was in support of William Gomez, and The Axcess Corpartion could have set it up as attempt on Rex Axcess's life. We don't know who set it up but we do know it is one of those three, we need to track Deadshot down for those answers." says Smith say to Gardner infoamtively, "Either of these groups coudl easily get all of us killed in an instant but the Special Crimes Division get to much press with it's dealing with our resident vigilante Dark Wolf, he's a piece of work, but he gets the job done and helps make our job alittle easier when going after the real psychos and monsters.'

"You hit the nail right on the head, Smith, we need to cover the bases of operations of The New Roman Legion, Aztec Cartel, and the Axcess Corpration. Who still around in our divison?" says Dorian.

"After a presumed attempt on the mayor's life everyone from SCD is here." answers Smith.

"Tell the Chief to get them scattered at last four in postion at every post, you cover E. M. Pryez casino yourself."

"Where you going, Kaneis?"

"Mr. Gardner and I are going to see a find of mine." answers Dorian

Guy Gardner holds his hands up defensively, “Okay, okay....don’t shoot.....you’re right...I’m in your town, this is your gig, I’m....I’m not the guy I used to be. As you can see, I’m not sporting my ring....I’m...I’m just another civilian I guess. I’m still getting used to it. You can probably tell that it’s not easy for me. I like a good throw down as much as any super-hero, only I’m not so super anymore I guess...” Guy trails off a little, shaken a bit in the same way he was from returning from the netherworld, as he removes his feet from the table, hunching over a bit.

“And again..” he continues, “ you’re right...my record is far from spotless. There are a lot of blemishes on and off my record. I can’t really change the past right now, I’m working with all I can work with at the moment. I’m just another former JLA-member...only now nothing warrants me ever rejoining. All I have is a costume, nothing to back it up. I guess you don’t have to worry about me leading...but...but damn, Kaneis.....it’s hard. I want a piece of Deadshot....I’ve gotta prove to myself that I was the hero, and it wasn’t just that ring.”

Looking over to the helpful detective,“Thanks for that info Smith, I could tell this city had problems the moment I drove in. Then again, who doesn’t these days. New Haven City certainly sounds like it could use some heroes, I’m sure that Dark Wolf character is appreciated.”

Standing from his seat, his teeth slightly gritting together as his feelings churn inside of him, feelings of anger, uncertainty, helplessness, confusion, more anger, frustration, and ...anger.., he extends a hand to Kaneis, “You’ve got my word, that’s one thing that won’t be broken. I’ll follow you’re lead, and we’ll do this your way. This isn’t my show.” He winces a bit, thinking about days fighting alongside Booster Gold, Blue Beetle, even the Dark Knight himself, with his yellow power ring.

“Well, just who is it we’re going to visit, Detective Kaneis?”

Standing from his seat, his teeth slightly gritting together as his feelings churn inside of him, feelings of anger, uncertainty, helplessness, confusion, more anger, frustration, and ...anger.., he extends a hand to Kaneis, “You’ve got my word, that’s one thing that won’t be broken. I’ll follow you’re lead, and we’ll do this your way. This isn’t my show.” He winces a bit, thinking about days fighting alongside Booster Gold, Blue Beetle, even the Dark Knight himself, with his yellow power ring.

Dorian reaches shakes Gardner's hand with firm grip, he didn't want to be so hard on the man, but it was part of the act of being Dorian Kaneis, not Thomas Talbot, or Dark Wolf. "As long as we understand each other we'll get along." says Dorian.

“Well, just who is it we’re going to visit, Detective Kaneis?”
asks Guy.

"You'll see, Mr. Gardner." answers Dorian.

>>>>>On the roof of the Police Station<<<<<<<<

The night is dark, the unlikely pair of Dorian Kaneis and Guy Gardner await the arrival of a mystery man who Dorian, knows is really himself the Dark Wolf.

Seeing the look on Gardner's face, Dorian says to him," This isn't Gotham, Mr. Gardner, we don't have a Dark Wolf signal and this isn't Metropolis, we don't have a little photographer with signal watch, we do a radio wave directly to Dark Wolf's center adn he will be momentarliy."

Gardner pulls his jacket about him slightly. Cool night, just cool enough to make your heart flutter and your skin crawl. Gets your adrenaline ready to roll. Guy smiles a little to himself. “Damn...” he thinks “.....I feel lost in memories up here on a rooftop...like something big’s about to go down.”

" This isn't Gotham, Mr. Gardner, we don't have a Dark Wolf signal and this isn't Metropolis, we don't have a little photographer with signal watch, we do a radio wave directly to Dark Wolf's center and he will be momentarily."

Gardner nods, looking up at the dark sky, eyes catching the jagged corners of buildings and the wispy shadows of clouds passing overhead. “So how does this Dark Wolf character get the money to fund some sort of gig like this? You couldn’t fund something like that selling pretzels....for five dollars a piece.....That jerk! Sorry...sorry.....” Guy’s stomach growls and he growls in response.

Getting the jitters from standing on the cold rooftop, he paces around a bit, deciding to make some small talk until the guest arrived.

“So, Kaneis....how long have you been on the squad?...How are you and your boys able to keep up with all the crap going on in this town? Any run-ins with super-villains....super-heroes other than this Dark Wolf character? Any good bars around here? Any spare power rings lying around...?” Guy grins to himself and laughs.

“Let’s hope your Dark Wolf is quicker at dispatching enemies than he is at answering his little radio signal.”

Gardner nods, looking up at the dark sky, eyes catching the jagged corners of buildings and the wispy shadows of clouds passing overhead. “So how does this Dark Wolf character get the money to fund some sort of gig like this? You couldn’t fund something like that selling pretzels....for five dollars a piece.....That jerk! Sorry...sorry.....” Guy’s stomach growls and he growls in response.

"Mr. Gardner, I believe he was fairly well off to begin with, from what he's told me after a great personal tragedy he vowed vengence against the man who casued it, and wound up protector of New Haven City" says Dorian. He hears guys stomach growl, "Are you hungry, Mr. Gardner, we'll see about getting some food after we meet up with Dark Wolf."

Dorian waits for the right oppotunirty to slip away to transform inot his armor without Gardner suspecting anything. But with character as suspicous and irritating as Gardner, it is a challenge.

In the course of several minutes this conversation ensues.

“So, Kaneis....how long have you been on the squad?...How are you and your boys able to keep up with all the crap going on in this town? Any run-ins with super-villains....super-heroes other than this Dark Wolf character? Any good bars around here? Any spare power rings lying around...?” Guy grins to himself and laughs.

"I've been in New Haven for, God, three years now.... <has it really ben that long> We keep a record of any news on the street, Dark Wolf has been a tremendous help with supplied information and results, he and I share a common bond I think to clean up this town.... <now that's the pot calling the kettle black>.... Dark Wolf does have partner who helps out from time to time Raptor....<Gerald Smith's son Roderick>.... Mcwillard's Pub is where the cops hang out you'd probably fit right in....<more than he's know>.... You miss the power ring don't you, Mr. Gardner, you know that powers and weapons don't make a superhero or hero, its a person heart that gives him the drive to help other for the common good your days of being a hero aren't up, Mr. Gardner....

There's long silence

"Any way I have to take whiz you be here when I get back unless Dark Wolf shows with information then your allowed to good with him." replies Dorian.

“Let’s hope your Dark Wolf is quicker at dispatching enemies than he is at answering his little radio signal.”

Dorian heads to the door on the roof and goes down to the elevator and rides down to the station basement. There he presses the face of his watch and activates his armor. He then goes out his secret entrance and head to the nearest McRonalds. He goes through the drive through exciting the teenagers working the night shift. He then heads back to the the roff of the police station.

"Guy Gardner, Detective Kaneis told me to meet you up here and told me to give you this,"says Dark Wolf handing him the bag of McRonlads food. "He said you were starving. Anyway I have a lead on Deadshot and his employer or atleast place where we can get a lead you can eat on the way. I also brought you these, their boots that have a hover technoglogy like mine built in that way you follow me." Dark Wolf hands him the boots. "Dorian hasn't said alot about you, except he thinks your a cocky, arrogant, bull headed, romper, that means your two are quite a pair. Shall we go."

Guy jingles his keys in his pocket as Kaneis gives him the low-down on his many questions.

"Well-off...personal tragedy...rich boy can't cope and decides to become a hero. Boy, have I heard that one before. I'm definitely not complaining though, our friendly neighborhood Batman can relate to that, and even I can't criticize someone who throws a right punch like him. I'm glad I'm on his side...I only pick at him a bit. Man is he morbid...he needs to lighten up sometime...kinda like you Kaneis!" Gardner gives him a hearty slap on the shoulder.

Realizing his own brand of comradery was probably ill-received he smiles and changes the subject. "Yeah...I could use a bite to eat for sure. Truth be told, I'm more hungry for a piece of the action than anything else. It's like I'm shaking on the inside from excitement...or maybe it's just because I'm slowly freezing to death on this rooftop."

Guy continues as Kaneis explains more about himself, "Three years in New Haven....I've been in town for about 4 hours....Raptor...not even going to comment on that <What is this, Jurassic Park?>...McWillard's Pub sounds like my kinda place, we definitely need to wind down at the Pub whenever this mess is resolved <or before it's resolved>...the...yeah, the power ring....I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss it...you're right, with or without that power ring I'm one tough SOB, and Deadshot's going to learn that the hard way..."

Seeing Dorian leave for the bathroom, Guy looks out at the city of New Haven. Windows in derelict apartments light up the horizon as if there were thousands of fireflies. Turning around he is surprised to see an armored individual standing behind him, silent as a specter coming up behind him.


"Guy Gardner, Detective Kaneis told me to meet you up here and told me to give you this,"says Dark Wolf handing him the bag of McRonalds food. "He said you were starving. Anyway I have a lead on Deadshot and his employer or at least place where we can get a lead you can eat on the way. I also brought you these, their boots that have a hover technoglogy like mine built in that way you follow me." Dark Wolf hands him the boots.


Guy takes the bag of food from Dark Wolf enthusiastically, reaching inside and munching on a few french fries as the armored individual speaks. Talking with food in his mouth, " Great...a lead...great....wow....toys..." he continues, eyeing the hover boots and setting his food down, beginning to equip them. Picking up his food, Guy looks down at his fancy boots, modeling them to himself a moment and nodding approvingly.

"Dorian hasn't said a lot about you, except he thinks you’re a cocky, arrogant, bull headed, romper, that means your two are quite a pair. Shall we go?"


Guy looks at Dark Wolf seriously and bursts out laughing, "Hahahaha....really? He's always whispering sweet nothings to me...that charmer... What can I say? I live up to my name. Let's get moving." Guy says, picking up his McRonalds food and turning towards the edge of the rooftop.

Let's get moving." Guy says.

.....Moments later on a roof top in the East District of New Haven, known for its businesses, large buildings and connections to all three major crime factions in the city....

The night gets colder as the two heroes stake out the Axcess Corpartion head quarters. The largest building in New Haven City, but also, with the worst history for corruption and seedy activity. Many people nvever think of the good the Axcess family had done over the years because its daek side came barreling at time with Dark Wolf's war against time two years ago. Now Rex Axcess held a frim grip on his father collasped empire and is attempting to rebuild without the use of the criminal element, which was diffcult with a second in command like Chester Quinn who was rumored to have a hand in or be the armored smiling pyschopath Grinlin.

"I bet your wondering why we're stand up here waiting for a clue to run across the side of the Axcess building." says Dark wolf trying to read Gardner thoughts.

Dark Wolf scans the roof tops, just catching a glimspe of a hang glider swooping toward the roof of the Axcess Building.

"There's our clue, Gardner, it looks like the target wasn't the mayor after all. Let's roll." says Dark Wolf igniting his hover boots and flying toward the penthouse window of the Axcess buliding, where Rex Axcess could be found helpless.

....Inside the Axcess suite adajcent to the Axcess penthouse.....

Chester Quinn sits quietly playing solitaire, while three "ladies" wait giggling for him to finish. As soon as he finds the ace of spades, he hears a commotion in the air vents. "Stay right there, ladies, I'll be right back, it seems we have some pest control problems." Quinn goes into his living area, open a hidden door way covered by a enlarged photo of himself and Rex Axcess with plenty of knives, throwing star and darts, punturing the body of the offspring of Luthor Axcess.

Quinn then places a belt around his waist and then turn the buckle in his place stands the Grinlin. "Time to handle our large vandal issues." He stand on his smiley faced hover disk and proceeds to find where the uninvited intruder was lurking.

.....Inside the air vent on the pent house level....

Deadshot ever so quietly unscrews the screws holding the vent to the wall adn then sets the screen next to the wall. He screws a silencer to his right wrist magnum. <Like taking candy from a baby.> thinks the assasin.

He takes careful aim at the sleeping body of Rex Axcess.... but he waits....

Guy Gardner wonders if it is always this cold in New Haven City. <No wonder everyone in this city has such an awful disposition. They can’t feel a damn thing.> he thinks to himself, gripping his hands into fists and then releasing, trying to reclaim touch from numbness. <Big buildings....dripping with scum.....built on it, filled with it....it doesn’t take a detective to see that a good number of this city’s problems probably originate among these high-rises. When you sit so tall people just look like ants to you. It’s easier for you to treat them the same way.>

Walking over beside Dark Wolf, he awkwardly fumbles with the remains of his meal from McRonalds, not spotting a suitable trash can around.

"I bet your wondering why we're stand up here waiting for a clue to run across the side of the Axcess building." says Dark Wolf trying to read Gardner thoughts.

Guy Gardner nods, eyeing the side of the Axcess building, “Yeah...seems like a funny place for a clue to be. Come to think of it, seems like funny behavior....never known clues to scamper around the sides of buildings.....They always seem to....” Guy trails off as he sees a glider swoop down onto the roof of the Axcess Building.

"There's our clue, Gardner, it looks like the target wasn't the mayor after all. Let's roll." says Dark Wolf igniting his hover boots and flying toward the penthouse window of the Axcess building, where Rex Axcess could be found helpless.


“Good call, Wolf.” Guy compliments, “Looks like we’re going to get some action after all.”

Following Dark Wolf’s lead, Gardner ignites his hover boots and flies behind him towards the Axcess Building, eyes focusing on the large penthouse window in view. As Gardner speeds towards the penthouse window his eyes catch a shadowy figure crouched. Not knowing whether or not his eyes are playing tricks on him he barrels forward. The shadows conceal the majority of the form, but Guy’s gut instincts tell him that it’s the man he’s looking for. Not slowing up a bit, Guy passes Dark Wolf, pushing his fists outward and bracing for impact as he shatters through the penthouse window...

KA-THOOM!

...and into Deadshot.

Deadshot, noticing a flying individual hurling itself towards the penthouse window, turns from his target and clips Gardner in the shoulder before being rammed at breakneck speed into the wall.

Faintly feeling warmth spread over the right side of his body around his shoulder, as well as being quite dizzy from what was most likely a concussion, Guy sits on top of the downed Deadshot. Shaking bits of broken glass form his hair, caked in plaster from the wall (which was now desperately in need of a new coat of paint), Guy lifts a shaky arm. While blood runs down his right shoulder, he swings a monstrous right punch into the nose of Deadshot.

CRACK!

And a left.

BAM!

At this point, the form of Deadshot was barely stirring at all. Coughing up some dust, Guy offered an explanation. “Heh...hhehh...rem..remember me, pal? Just returning the favor...you shmuck...” With that Guy bangs Deadshot’s head against the wall and stands up unsteadily, using a nearby table to support some of his weight as he looks back at Dark Wolf.

“I think this is our guy...well,” Guy coughs once more, “It was our guy....not much left of ‘em.” he says with a smile. “Ow.” Guy says, clutching his right shoulder and giving Deadshot a kick in the side for good measure.

“I could use a drink.”

Dark Wolf enters just in time to see Gardner nail, Deadshot with a powerful right hand. In all the commotion Rex Axcess finally awakes surrounded by heroes and villians alike, he shouts, "What the HELL is going on here?"

“I think this is our guy...well,” Guy coughs once more, “It was our guy....not much left of ‘em.” he says with a smile. “Ow.” Guy says, clutching his right shoulder and giving Deadshot a kick in the side for good measure..

"Yeah looks like you did quite a number on him," replies Dark Wolf.

"Somebody answer me! Damn it!" shouts Axcess now getting his robe on, 'This is the fourth time in six months you've come crashing through that window Dark Wolf, trying to pin some on me and my organization, yhe Axcess corpration is clean now get over it."

"Actually this time we came to save you life, if you'll notice the masked man with the wrist magums and the silencers. If I were you I'd be thanking Mr. Gardner, instead of complaining about property damage, Rex," says Dark Wolf.

A soon as it looked like Axcess was fixing his mouth to actually thank the two heroes a werid whirling is heard.

Thump, thump. Whirl, Boom.

Explosives blow the door of the Penthouse off its hindges. "Axcess what's going on?" yells Grinlin. Grinlin hovers to the bedroom. "You," he growls, he summons a round explosive ball in his right hand and throw it at Dark Wolf.

"Grinlin, stop!" says Axcess.

"Not this time, this time Dark Wolf you gone too far, harassing my boss, assaulting me, that's different. But attacking an innocnet man as he sleeps is to far."

The bomb is driect hit sending Dark Wolf out the window. Falling 70 stories staright down if he can't regain control of his senses from the explosion.

Guy clutches his shoulder silently for a moment, seeing floating lights and other strange images as he leans back against the wall.

"Yeah looks like you did quite a number on him," replies Dark Wolf.

Guy nods his head, shaking it a bit as if there was something rattling around upstairs. “Yeah....yeah......I did quite a number on myself....as well..” he says honestly, giving a small shrug. “At least I’m not comatose!” he adds, as if proud of himself.

"Somebody answer me! Damn it!" shouts Axcess now getting his robe on, 'This is the fourth time in six months you've come crashing through that window Dark Wolf, trying to pin some on me and my organization, the Axcess corporation is clean now get over it."

“The fourth time in six months..,” says Guy to himself, unable to say anything that can remotely compare to the humor of the statement as it now stood. He just smiles and shakes his head, idly wrapping his upper arm with a piece of his shirt nearly ripped off from the impact with the window.

Hearing Dark Wolf’s comment about thanks being due to Gardner he looks at Axcess briefly, and then down at Deadshot. Guy may be a character...a loud-mouthed, poor-mannered, brawler at times...but he did respect the task and duty of any hero or crime fighter. Becoming strangely stoic he expects no thanks, and needs none. He remembers and relishes the feeling of accomplishment, having done ones duty and saved another from certain harm.

Thump, thump. Whirl, Boom.

Giving his arm a good flex once it has been haphazardly bandaged he looks about the room as the strange whirling begins. “What the hell.....this can’t be good....”

Before Gardner even knows what’s going on, the strange individual known as Grinlin bursts through the door screaming out. <Deranged....Dangerous....and Hovering above my head> Guy thinks to himself.

Gardner watches as the bomb is thrown directly into Dark Wolf. The explosion propels him from the room. Without a second thought Guy runs towards the window and dives down into the night air, hover boots igniting to life as he speeds down towards the stunned and vulnerable Dark Wolf. He yells out against the rushing air, “You’re in no condition to be falling out of buildings, mister!”

Reaching out towards Dark Wolf, he grabs a hold of him, their bodies plummeting dangerously close to the ground as they make an impressive U-turn mid-air. Flying with an arm around the frazzled guardian he shouts over the roar of his hover-boots (which have been working overtime), “He honestly doesn’t think he can get rid of us that easy, does he?”

“Let’s pay that clown a visit..” Guy says as they speed back up towards the window.

Reaching out towards Dark Wolf, he grabs a hold of him, their bodies plummeting dangerously close to the ground as they make an impressive U-turn mid-air. Flying with an arm around the frazzled guardian he shouts over the roar of his hover-boots (which have been working overtime), “He honestly doesn’t think he can get rid of us that easy, does he?”

“Let’s pay that clown a visit..” Guy says as they speed back up towards the window.

Waking from the stock of the explosion, Dark Wolf realizes what has happened, "Nice catch Gardner, let's go try and talk to Grinlin."

The unlikely pair then fly to the broken window, where they see Grinlin zoom past them, on his hover disk.

FAA-SWOOSH, FA-SWOOSH, FA-SWOOSH.

Dark Wolf emits three force blasts, at the smiling screw-loose connocting with the last blast, only causing Grinlin to lose partial balance on his vehicle.

Admist the confusion, Deadshot awakes from his beatdown from Gardner. Rising he realizes the mission has failed and quickly jumps down the vent shaft to escape. Meanwhile 70 stories below the scrimish, a black limo pulls in front of the Axcess Building.

"We will wait for, my associate, although it appears his attempt to rid me of my problem wasn't accomplished. Pity, but no matter it will be done soon enough," says a voice in the back of the limo.

Back above, Grinlin regains control of the hover disk attacking with a barrage of force blasts and incindary bombs. "Dark Wolf, you are finished, as for your punk friend, he'll be easy to handle after you." laughs Grinlin.

Flying up towards the shattered window, Guy’s stomach begins tossing and turning. A healthy dose of fast-food before ramming head-first into a window, along with the usual queasy sensation from the blood-loss, leave Guy struggling to keep himself from ducking out and throwing up.

Seeing Dark Wolf wake, Gardner gives him a push upwards, propelling him towards the window.

Waking from the stock of the explosion, Dark Wolf realizes what has happened, "Nice catch Gardner, let's go try and talk to Grinlin."

Following close behind he sees Grinlin zoom out of the building as they approach the window. Realizing this is Dark Wolf’s turf, Guy decides to let Dark Wolf handle Grinlin momentarily as he flies inside the broken window, picking up the base of a smashed lamp.

Guy handles the lamp base as a bat, patting the blunt, weighted base in his left hand as he walks towards the window. Igniting his boots once more he flies to the opposite side of Grinlin and lowers beneath their level to prevent catching any stray blasts from Dark Wolf. Watching Dark Wolf blast at Grinlin he circles about the two and prepares for Grinlin’s assault. As Grinlin begins to unload force blasts and incendiary bombs in the direction of Dark Wolf, he rockets up behind his legs, the broken lamp pulled back in waiting.

"Dark Wolf, you are finished, as for your punk friend, he'll be easy to handle after you." laughs Grinlin.

Brimming with anger, Gardner calls out the moment before impact. I wouldn’t be so sure of that....I call this the Tonya Harding.” With that, Gardner whips the base of the lamp around, smacking Grinlin with a horizontal smash to the kneecaps. Watching his legs buckle and bend, Grinlin loses his footing, his hover disc spinning out of control.

The side of the hover disc catches Guy in the jaw, sending him flying into the side of the building, crashing through the window on the floor beneath where Axcess lay sleeping just minutes before. As Guy flies into the window, the broken remains of the lamp fall from his hand, gaining speed and crashing into the windshield of the limo waiting at the foot of the building.

As the hover slips from under Grinlin, Dark Wolf grabs the armored hooligan by the tail end of his purple trench coat. Drawing up energy stored within the armor, Dark Wolf then intiates a throw with force blast sending Grinlin accelerating into the penthouse, this time crashing through the two walls leading to the bedroom.

"You know, Grinlin, you should be a littler nicer maybe you'd have more company sometimes, We only came here to save your boss, not that you'd want that." states Dark Wolf. "Deadshot was about to ice your boss, if Gardner hadn't cleaned his clock."

"What?" barks back the armored ghoul,"get the hell out of here, Dark Wolf and take your bou scout with you."

Rex Axcess re-enters. "Dark Wolf, I want to thank you for helping me, despite what my employee's think of you."

"You know Axcess, I'm not going to gratify that state with a response except this, if it had been another time and another place it might have been me behind that silencer and not Deadshot."

Dark Wolf walks back into the bed room, looking around for the unconsious body of Deadshot. Only to find the mercenary, had again escaped.

The limosine below scoots away scahwling tires. Dark Wolf scans the vehcile for tracers that marked almost every hoods car in town. A match, it belonged tto the head of the Aztec cartel, Verdugo.

Dark Wolf flips over the edge, to the level Guy Gardners beaten body was lying.
"Gardner, can oyu here me, I'm going to take to get some help for you, that bullet needs to come out."

<"Prof. we have situation invovling, Mr. Gardner, prep the lab to remove a bullet and get the nano programed for this DNA strand."> Dark Wolf scratches Gardner's arm taking a skin sample. His nano armor reads teh strain and reports it to Professor Harker.

<"Just ahead of you Dorian, the lab is set up and the nano will be ready when you get here.">

<"Thanks, Prof."> says Dark Wolf, who then turns the Gardner and says, "You ready."

For the greater part of this time period, Gardner is out. Slumped in the corner of a darkened room, arm throbbing, he lets go of consciousness to the sound of Axcess thanking Dark Wolf.

Gardner finds himself sitting behind a large, shiny table. Across from him sits the Martian Manhunter. To his immediate left there is Ice, her hand resting securely on his own. On her left there is Booster Gold and the Blue Beetle, yukking it up.

Immediately Gardner finds himself transported to an island resort. He remembered this. Booster Gold and Blue Beetle sip pina colatas in the sun. All-expenses paid by the Justice League (including the island itself). Booster Gold and Blue Beetle suddenly jump upright, preparing for a world-class berating. Guy smiles.

Suddenly there’s a flash of light and Guy sees a black fist getting close to his face.

Bam!

Guy shudders in the world of the waking and he sees Batman standing over him in his unconscious. “Man...why did I have to be reminded of that...” Guy wonders to himself.

Then there is darkness.

But not just any darkness. A nether-void....another dimension. Guy shivers and shrinks. His voice grows soft and fragile as the seemingly limitless horizons of darkness close in on him, pressing his chest in. He breathing is hard, heavy, difficult.

"Gardner, can you hear me, I'm going to take to get some help for you, that bullet needs to come out."

A weary Guy Gardner shakes slightly and looks up at the armored form of Dark Wolf, slightly more secure that he is no longer alone, slave to his ghosts.

<"Prof. we have situation involving, Mr. Gardner, prep the lab to remove a bullet and get the nano programed for this DNA strand.">

"You ready?"

Guy holds his head and pushes himself up, ignoring the pain in his arm. “Nano programming....this is a bit beyond me....just as long as this hunk of metal is out of my arm before round two, I’ll be a happy camper. Let’s roll.” Gardner says, though he is hardly in any condition, mentally or physically, for a round two.

20 minutes later at Dark Wolf's Headquarters

The lab was well lit, and sterile, not the typical brooding heroes lair. With computers and lab equipment every where and a three lab tables with Gardner relaxing as much a man with bullet in him can relax on the one in the middle. Dark Wolf checks a few more matches to make sure that, the nano-bots will do their job, to repair and heal, what they were meant to do not be used as armor to fight criminals. I made Dark Wolf feel good that his creation could actually be put to their real use.

"Are you ready, Gardner?" asks Dark Wolf. "Remeber to keep a check on his vitals Prof."

Gardner looks up at the ceiling in the laboratory, a cold sweat chilling his forehead as he breathes deeply against the cold operating table. Guy runs through a mental checklist to keep himself from concentrating on the situation at hand. He needed to gas up the motorcycle. He needed to get his cholesterol checked after eating that McRonalds super combo. He needed to buy a new shirt, since this one was obviously trashed and Gardner packed frighteningly light when he went on trips. He needed to quit avoiding problems and figure things out for once in his life. Now more than ever.

"Are you ready, Gardner?" asks Dark Wolf. "Remember to keep a check on his vitals Prof."

Gardner nods, responding, “Yeah...I’m ready, let’s do this.”

Gardner can’t help but think of himself as a burden without his power ring. Used to holding his own in battle, used to taking shots sometimes...sure...but dealing them back effectively. That bullet never would have caught him before. Hell, he would’ve torn the whole building down before that would happen.

Taking a deep breath he shuts his eyes and waits for the procedure to begin, not exactly knowing what Dark Wolf has in store for him.

Dark Wolf has Gardner lie, on the table. Dark Wolf removes his taloned gauntlets, reaveling his hands, the retriving a parit of forceps, says, " It didn't go into deep, Gardner, but just deep enough for these."

Dark Wolf, reaches in with the forceps, slowly removing the bullet from his wounded comrades arm. He drops the bullet into a sterilzer thinking,< This can be used against Deadshot in court.>

"Now, Mr. Gardner, hold on," says Dark Wolf.

He turns to the lab table behind him, reaches for a pipet half full and a metallic liquid. Or what some people would thing would a liquid. In truth the material is nano cells, microsopic machine like cells that can be programed to do anything. In this case they were going to be used to heal Guy Gardner's bullets wound. Dropping the liquid over the area of the wound, some the wound began to heal, each layer of muscle, and flesh and skin, build ing on one another until, finally, the wound was vanished as if it had never happened.

"Now I believe that will be much better for your next crime fight adventure, now could I offer you a drink." says Dark Wolf