The Signal Tower, also known as the Babel Tower, was constructed by Batman Bruce, one of the Seven Titans of Planet N52. Each of the Seven Titans had one within their respective territories, forming the entire N52 interstellar communication network.
On most days, the Seven Titans rarely appeared in the Babel Towers. However, now that the outer regions of N52 were witnessing the arrival of two massive imperial fleets—the Kree Empire and the Skrull Empire—the Titans could no longer sit still. Their holographic projections began appearing one by one in the upper conference room of the Babel Tower.
"What the hell is going on? Why are the Kree and Skrull fleets here?"
Seated upon the Bat Throne, cloaked entirely in shadows, Batman spoke in a hoarse voice.
"Who knows? Maybe the two empires finally lost patience and decided to gang up on us." The mechanical lifeform known as Cyborg, his massive frame gleaming in silver with crimson eyes, tapped his metallic fingers against his body, producing a rhythmic clang, clang, clang.
"I've said it before—we should've acted sooner. If we had, we wouldn't be in this mess right now." The disheveled and bearded Aquaman, bare-chested and gripping his uniquely crafted trident, let out a cold snort.
"And why didn't you volunteer back then? Let's be real—you were just afraid to die. That trident of yours is better suited for eating fish than fighting battles."
The one speaking was Green Lantern, his entire figure draped in an emerald glow—green skin, green robes, even green hair. As he sharpened his mystical ring against a whetstone, his words dripped with mockery.
"Eating fish is still better than getting your wife stolen."
"You looking to die, fishmonger?"
"Better than having your wife out selling herself."
"Enough, both of you! Our priority right now is figuring out what's happening—not sitting here bickering. Has anyone contacted the higher-ups of the Kree or Skrull empires? I reached out to two of them, but neither responded."
The man who interrupted had a lightning bolt emblem on his forehead.
"Flash is right. This is not the time for arguments."
At the center of the Seven Thrones, the man in the highest seat finally opened his eyes. His voice carried an undeniable authority, instantly silencing Aquaman and Green Lantern.
Although all seven of them were Titans, there was no question that this man alone could overpower the other six combined.
Because of his overwhelming might, he was known as Superman.
"Where's Diana? Why isn't she here?"
"She was notified, but she hasn't responded yet. She'll likely join once she sees the message."
"No need to wait—I've been aware of this meeting for a while. I was just delayed by… certain matters."
As the voice fell, a holographic projection of Diana, clad in a deep red gown, materialized in the upper conference room of Babel Tower.
"I have good news, everyone. I've found someone who can finally activate the Babel Tower Plan."
Leaning forward, hands pressed against the table, Diana could barely contain the excitement on her face.
"What?!"
"Seriously?!"
"You're kidding."
A wave of shocked voices echoed through the chamber. Even Superman, whose expression was usually calm and unreadable, displayed a flicker of emotion.
"Explain, Diana."
"I met a man—a very strong man."
Spreading her hands, Diana briefly recounted how she encountered Lothar. Of course, she conveniently omitted the parts where she had been on the losing end.
"His power is immense. He can even survive in the vacuum of space."
"I swear on my late mother's name."
Diana's firm declaration made five of them furrow their brows. Only Superman, sitting at the head, remained silent, lost in thought.
"Even if what you say is true, why would he help us execute the Babel Tower Plan?" Batman was the first to voice his skepticism.
If such a powerful individual truly existed, he would be far beyond their reach. They had no leverage to force him into their scheme.
The Babel Tower Plan had been devised a century ago as an escape strategy.
A hundred years prior, they had signed a peace agreement with the Kree and Skrull Empires, offering N52's planetary core as collateral in exchange for survival. But it was after this pact that the Babel Tower Plan took form.
Once the core was bound to the Titans, their lives were directly tied to the planet itself. If the Kree or Skrulls destroyed the planetary core, all seven of them would perish.
No one liked having their fate controlled by others. Thus, the Seven Titans came up with an audacious plan: they would move N52 itself—escape the system with the entire planet.
The calculative Batman first proposed the idea, designing the propulsion systems and constructing seven Babel Towers as secondary control hubs.
Each Titan had a vital role to play. Cyborg installed the propulsion system in the eastern hemisphere and monitored its power output, while Green Lantern maintained the magical shielding around the engines. Flash and Superman stood as the first line of defense, protecting the planetary core, while Diana, the "Queen," used diplomacy to mislead the Kree and Skrull leaders, keeping them distracted until the plan was ready to unfold.
It was a flawless plan—except for one fatal flaw.
They needed a Navigator.
A guide who would remain outside N52, leading the planet to safety.
This navigator had to be immensely powerful, because once the Kree and Skrulls noticed N52 shifting course, they would immediately send fleets to intercept.
Not only did the navigator need to survive in deep space, but they also had to battle entire warships alone.
None of the Seven Titans fit this role. The only one who had been capable was the former Titan Hunter, but he had perished when Cyborg usurped him.
For a century, this missing piece had prevented the plan's execution.
But now, the situation had changed.
Diana had met Lothar—a being capable of moving freely in space, annihilating warships with a single strike.
A perfect candidate for the Navigator.
"Don't doubt me, old Bat." Diana leaned back in her chair, a triumphant glint in her eye.
Lothar's weakness was obvious—Astra, the Kree man he was determined to protect. It was evident from his every action.
Batman fell silent.
How could he forget?
Diana had once earned a rather infamous title—"Wonder Witch."
...
"Prince Lothar, after Woz's calculations, the plan is indeed viable. The moment N52 detaches from its orbital path, the resulting shift should break through the Kree and Skrull blockade."
Inside Diana's manor, the robotic Woz projected the computed results before Lothar.
The simulation was promising. But it came with one deadly caveat—Lothar would be at risk of injury… or death.
"Given that Lady Diana failed to mention these risks, Woz advises you to consider a safer alternative. While bringing Dr. Astra home is important, Prince Lothar, your safety must come first."
"Relax, Woz. I have my own plans."
Lothar waved his hand, closing the projection. Staring at the densely packed warships on the screen, he recalled Diana's explanation of the Babel Tower Plan.
A cold smile formed on his lips. His fingers tapped rhythmically against the throne's armrest, his eyes gleaming with bloodthirsty anticipation.
Who was really using who? That remained to be seen.
"Woz…"
-----------------------
Want to read ahead of schedule?
Join here for advance chapters: PATREON.COM / PRIMALDEMON