The Watchtower was on maximum alert. Data predicted a tsunami that would wipe out the east coast of North America in less than an hour.
"We split up," Batman ordered, his voice cutting like a blade. "Utopian, Hawkgirl, Wonder Woman. You're going to Atlantis. Stop Ocean Master, disable that machine, by force if necessary. Green Lantern, Flash, Superman. You save as many lives as possible. Evacuate the coasts, contain the wave. Use everything you have."
Flash materialized beside him. "And you?"
Batman never took his eyes off Aquaman's inert form on the medical gurney. "I'm going to save his life. He's the only one who can bring his people back to reason."
Without another word, the team dispersed.
---
Deep in the ocean, near the tectonic plates.
Black Manta, floating near the immense geo-acoustic machine, watched Ocean Master with distrust.
"Orm, The Light gave you the resources to put you where you are. They expect a return on their investment."
Ocean Master, standing before the machine's controls, barely turned his head. "Yes, it's true. And I will repay them what they are owed."
Suddenly, in a lightning-fast movement, he pointed his trident. A bolt of blue energy struck Black Manta square in the chest, throwing him back against a wall of coral.
"I will repay them with the waters," Orm growled.
Manta got up with difficulty, his armor crackling. "That wasn't the deal! You were supposed to give us the machine!"
"Everything will return to the ocean," Orm replied with icy disdain. He activated a sequence on the control panel. The machine began to vibrate, emitting a deep hum that made the water around them tremble. Then he left, heading towards the heart of the generator.
Black Manta, abandoned and betrayed, activated his communicator. "Calling The Light."
The cold, distorted voice of L-1 answered. "What is it?"
"Ocean Master has betrayed us. He's activating the machine for himself."
There was a brief silence on the line, then a sharp order. "Withdraw. Let the 'Boy Scouts' handle it."
Manta grunted in frustration. "Copy that." He reluctantly moved away into the dark currents.
---
At the entrance to Atlantis.
The League team – Utopian, Hawkgirl, and Wonder Woman – were immediately surrounded by hostile Atlantean guards, their energy lances aimed. Before the fight could begin, Corum Rath burst forward, raising a hand.
"Stop!"
The guards hesitated. Corum addressed the heroes. "He has lost his mind. Causing the deaths of billions... it is a sin too heavy to bear, even for the crown. Atlantis will not survive this madness."
Utopian stepped forward. "Show us the way."
Corum nodded gravely. "Agreed. Follow me."
---
A few hours later, in the heart of the machine.
After navigating labyrinthine tunnels and neutralizing guards loyal to Orm, the team finally breached the main chamber. The machine was a cathedral of crystal and alien metal, vibrating with terrifying power. In the center, Ocean Master, arms raised, was channeling the energy.
"Orm!" Utopian shouted, his voice rising above the roar. "This must stop!"
Ocean Master turned slowly, his eyes blazing with an unhealthy fanaticism.
"Call me Ocean Master," he roared, brandishing his trident. "The new sovereign of the oceans! The one who will reshape the world!"
Wonder Woman stepped forward, her golden lasso shimmering. "This is not kingship, Orm. This is murderous madness."
"It is necessity!" he screamed. "The only language they understand!"
Without warning, he hurled a bolt of pure energy at the trio. The battle for the planet's future had begun at the bottom of the ocean, while on the surface, other heroes fought the consequences of his insanity. The countdown to save the world was on.