:
THE MAID OF STEEL
ANNUAL # 1

Continuity Note : This issue takes place in-between issues 4 and 5 of Supergirl : The Maid of Steel.

PART ONE : In the Bunker of My Heart

Gypsy ran as fast as she could. Growing up on the streets of Detroit had given her a lot of experience at that -- she used her metahuman power to camouflage herself, allowing her to slip from one alley to the next.

She came to a stop outside the Bunker -- that's what they'd all called it back when it had served as the headquarters for the Justice League*. She hoped -- really, really hoped -- that there would be someone, anyone inside. Her JLA signal device wasn't working for some reason and she needed help -- it had been more out of instinct than rational thought that she had come here. It had been home once, and home meant safety. She had managed to get off one phone call to an old friend from the League, but she had no way of knowing if he'd even make it to Detroit in time to help.

(*See Justice League of America # 233-262.)

"Hmm. Running won't do you any good, little girl." The man's voice was cold and emotionless. Gypsy turned to face him, her back against the door leading into the Bunker. He was tall and in good shape, dressed in a black-and-gold uniform. She vaguely remembered seeing his face in the JLA files, but it was a dim memory.

She adopted a fighting stance, just as Vixen had taught her. "You've made a mistake, pal. I'm a member of the Justice League..."

The man laughed at that, a snort of derision that made Gypsy's blood boil. "Oh, please... Your tenure in the League was hardly a high point for the organization! They let anyone in the League back then -- from street urchins to breakdancers! But you have some interesting abilities and that makes you worth capturing. Now, just surrender to nice mister Paragon and nobody gets hurt!"

Gypsy threw herself into the air, her foot extended. The blow missed him as Paragon ducked, his form seeming to meld into the background. Gypsy landed smoothly, but she was very alarmed. The guy seemed to possess the same powers she did...

Paragon's fist connected with her square in the jaw and sent her tumbling. She landed on her behind, blood oozing from her lip. Paragon loomed over her, a cruel smile on his face. "Sweet dreams, cupcake." The blow sent Gypsy into blessed oblivion.

PART TWO : Ghosts

THE JLA'S WATCHTOWER HEADQUARTERS

Supergirl moved through the Watchtower's Trophy Room, her mind wrestling with the disturbing incidents of recent days*. No matter how much she tried to put it all to rest, she couldn't. Sometimes, she mused, there are monsters out there that aren't as easy to defeat as the Royal Flush Gang or the Silver Banshee...

(*Check out Supergirl : The Maid of Steel # 3-4 for the full story.)

The Maid of Steel paused in front of a photo depicting the Detroit-era Justice League. She didn't know much about the League of that period, save that the group was formed in the wake of Aquaman's decision to disband the original group. She reached up and touched the photograph, tracing the images of Steel, Vixen, Gypsy, and Vibe. "I wonder if you guys ever felt as overwhelmed as I do? I mean, I'm not exactly Justice League material -- or at least, I don't think so."

Supergirl shivered slightly, feeling a sudden chill in the air. Steel and Vibe had been both been murdered...Gypsy's parents had been slaughtered by Despero... Was this the fate that was waiting for Linda and her own loved ones?

The sudden ringing of the JLA alarm made her jump. She forced herself to calm down as she returned to the monitor room -- scanning the main computer she saw that it was a JLA signal device. Pressing the accept key, she said "Watchtower. Can I help?"

An unfamiliar male voice answered her. "This is Triumph -- there's an emergency underway. Do I have permission to beam up?"

Supergirl pursed her lips. Triumph... She'd been reading through his files just the other day. He'd been one of the League's founders, until a temporal anomaly had wiped all memory of him from existence. He'd returned to action a few years back with the Justice League Task Force but had dropped out of sight when that branch of the League folded.

"Okay, Triumph -- I'll lock on your coordinates and teleport you to the Watchtower. Can you give me any clue as to what's going on?"

"Let's just say that one of the League's deadliest foes has returned..."

"Who? Amazo? The Key? Starbreaker?"

"No -- worse. Paragon."

Supergirl blinked. "Who?"

PART THREE : Old and New United

Triumph looked around the Watchtower's meeting room, a hint of melancholy in his eyes. All of this should have rightfully been a part of his life, but it had been stolen from him. He glanced back at the beautiful blonde in the Superman-derived costume and smiled. "Thank you for letting me in, Supergirl."

"Well...you are a former Leaguer. Now, could you tell me about this Paragon guy? I've never even heard of him."

Triumph grunted. "Figures. There's a lot of League history that gets swept under the door..."

Supergirl frowned somewhat, not quite grasping his full meaning but recognizing a slight nonetheless. "Look -- I might be new to the League but that doesn't mean I'm an idiot."

"Ouch. Sorry. I didn't mean that the way it sounded -- it's just that people like me and Paragon don't get as much press as some other aspects of JLA history... Paragon was a one-shot villain. He appeared once and never again -- until now. He kidnapped several Leaguers and had the rest of the team on the ropes until Black Canary managed to take him down*. Like Amazo, he can absorb powers -- he can steal Superman's strength, the Flash's speed, etc. Combine that with a keen intellect and you've got one heck of a villain."

(*In the classic Kurt Busiek-written story shown in Justice League of America # 226.)

"And he's back somehow? How do you know?"

"About two hours ago I got a phone call from Gypsy -- another former Leaguer that you've probably never heard of. She told me that Paragon was after her. During my time with the Justice League Task Force I studied the JLA files extensively -- I recognized the name immediately and took off to Detroit. I found this outside our old Bunker headquarters..." Triumph held up a multicolored patch of cloth. "This is from her skirt."

Supergirl took the scrap of cloth and studied it. Though her angelic powers were gone* she still had a premonition about this -- "She's not dead. He kidnapped her."

(*See Supergirl : The Maid of Steel # 1.)

Triumph nodded. "I think so, too. In fact, I think he's starting a collection of some kind."

"What do you mean?"

"He needs to have super-powered individuals in close proximity to use their abilities. I think he's stockpiling them for some reason."

Supergirl shook her head. "That makes no sense -- he'd never be able to transport them around with him and that means that they'd only be useful to him at his base."

"Maybe. Maybe not." Triumph stood up, running a hand through his blonde hair. "I need to know if you'll help me."

"Me?" Supergirl blinked in surprise. "Well... I have monitor duty, actually. But I can call in the rest of the League if you want..."

"No! The last thing I need is for Superman or Flash to get involved. I can't handle Paragon if he gets their powers... and Batman is more trouble than he's worth so he's out too. If we keep it to just the two of us, we might have a chance."

"Hmm. I don't know -- to be honest I think that we'd be better off sending Huntress and Batman -- neither one of them has any powers he could siphon." Supergirl felt realization wash over her as she stared into the serious eyes of Triumph. It wasn't because of Paragon's powers that he didn't want the other Leaguers involved -- it was pride. Triumph wanted to capture Paragon himself. She could see the shame in his gaze, uncomfortable even with asking one of the League for help at all...it was an admission that he knew that, perhaps, he wouldn't be able to handle the job.

"Triumph...I'll go with you, but I'll have to call someone in to replace me on monitor duty." Linda wasn't sure she was making the right decision but as usual it was her concern for others' emotional states that won out. Triumph deserved the chance to redeem himself and she felt the need to help.

The hero that time forgot smiled in gratitude. "Great. Let's go catch this guy..."

PART FOUR : The Collection

Gypsy woke up to a throbbing in her temple -- and the sudden, chilling realization that she was bound. Her wrists and ankles were manacled to a laboratory table and her head was held back by a thick leather strap. A bright light glared at her from above the table, blinding her.

"She is awake, Herr Paragon." The thick German accent caused her to jump. The bright light shifted somewhat as a short, stocky man in a white medical smock leaned over her. "Hello, little one. I am Dr. Schmidt." The man's round, fat face positively dripped perversion and the way his eyes scanned Gypsy's lithe young form caused her to pull away as much as possible.

"When are you going to begin the implantation procedure?" Paragon stepped up, drawing Schmidt's attention away from the girl. Paragon disliked the little man but knew his usefulness -- the two had shared a cell at Blackgate Prison, realizing that each could provide the other with what they lacked.

Schmidt purred, "Soon. Immediately, in fact. The micro-surgical technique should work as well on this one as it did on the others. And then her powers shall be yours forever."

Paragon touched Gypsy's cheek, causing her to flinch. "A pity your powers aren't more impressive, Gypsy. But by the time I take on the big boys of the superhero community I'll possess the powers of dozens of less-powerful heroes. I'll be able to finagle my way past Superman and the like -- and once I have their powers... I'll be unstoppable."

Gypsy drew herself up and spit. Saliva struck Paragon's cheek and dripped slowly down. "You're a sick, sadistic son of a --"

Paragon's slap silenced Gypsy's words. "Shut up! No more words out of you, do you understand? The implant that Dr. Schmidt has devised transmits a continuous signal from your nervous system to mine, continually sending me the genetic codes that make your powers work. You can live quietly here with the others or I can slowly starve you to death -- it's your choice." The villain glanced at Schmidt, who was watching with intense interest. "Or I might just turn custody of you over to Dr. Schmidt..."

Gypsy started to reply but halted with she felt a warm pinprick on her arm. She looked down to see Schmidt pushing a needle into her. "Sleep, my sweet butterfly... Sleep..."

PART FIVE : The Others

"Wake up, Gypsy." The man's voice was deep but sensitive and it roused the young heroine from her slumber.

Gypsy opened her eyes to see the handsome features of Black Lighting. "Where am I...?"

"You're in Paragon's holding cell, like the rest of us."

Gypsy sat up, staring around the room. "Us...?"

The sight that greeted her did little to make her feel better -- the knowledge that Paragon had captured so many was daunting. In addition to herself and Black Lighting, she recognized Halo of the Outsiders, the heroine Anima, and Reverb (the little brother of Gypsy's former teammate Vibe).

Black Lightning shrugged as he helped Gypsy to her feet. "Don't feel bad -- we're all in the same boat. Paragon nabbed me and Halo together but the others were picked off one-by-one like you."

"Why haven't you tried to escape?"

Halo shook her head. "As long as Paragon is absorbing our powers, we're all too weak to do anything. I have my powers but they're nowhere near full-strength."

Gypsy sighed. Halo was right -- she felt horrible. "Wonderful...I'm going to be killed by a super-villain nobody's ever heard of..."

PART SIX : The Cavalry

"Are you sure this is the place?" Supergirl scanned the New Jersey suburbs skeptically. It wasn't exactly the sort of place she'd expect to find a scheming supervillain.

Triumph flew beside her. "Positive -- Gypsy said that Paragon was jamming her JLA signal device somehow. I gambled that he was doing it with electromagnetic disruptors -- and it paid off. I can sense the EM waves all around this area. It's not very healthy for the neighbors, let me tell you..."

Supergirl smiled at that. Triumph was almost charming now that he was engaged in the mission -- it was obvious that he only came alive when he was involved in adventure. "So why haven't you applied for League membership again, Triumph?"

"They wouldn't want me -- today's League is elitist. They want only the big names, the icons. Heroes like me... I don't have any place anymore. My peers were Hal Jordan, the second Flash... now they've been replaced by punk kids."

Supergirl raised an eyebrow at that. Wally and Kyle could be difficult at times but they were professionals. "I think you're being overly harsh -- I'm certainly no icon and neither is Firehawk but we're both members of the League*."

(*Supergirl and Firehawk joined the JLA in JLA # 263, now on the FDC site.)

Triumph pointed. "There! The EM waves are practically pouring out of the house... That's where we'll find him."

PART SEVEN : Battle

Paragon was experimenting with his borrowed electrical powers when the roof literally caved in around him. "What in the name of --?!"

The villain glanced up to see the forms of Supergirl and Triumph. The Maid of Steel's cape was flapping in the breeze, her long blonde hair trailing after it. She looked for a moment like some Goddess brought to life. "Give it up, Paragon. We don't want to fight unless we have to."

Triumph hurtled inside, delivering a powerful blow to Paragon. "Forget it, Supergirl! He'll never surrender!"

Supergirl grimaced, "Triumph -- NO! You didn't even give him a chance to surrender!"

Paragon drew himself up slowly, electricity crackling around his eyes. "Your boy-toy's right, Supergirl. I'm not going to surrender -- in fact, I'm glad to see you." Angelic fire poured from his eyes, washing over Triumph. The hero backed away in alarm.

Supergirl stared in shock. That's my flame power...But Wally took my angel powers from me! How can he be using them...? The Maid of Steel pushed the thoughts from her mind, instead sending a powerful psychic blast at Paragon.

The villain howled, staggering back. He looked up, smiling. "Oh my dear... Your powers are soooooo sweet." He raised a hand, firing a lightning strike at Triumph, sending the hero flying. "Let's do this dance alone, shall we? I'm not much into threesomes, Supergirl."

Triumph thudded against a concrete wall, knocking a large chunk of it loose. Though his head was ringing he could hear...voices?... on the other side.

Supergirl launched herself at Paragon, striking him with all of her might. Paragon held his ground, making Supergirl pause. With a shudder she realized that he had all of hers and Triumph's powers -- amongst others.

The villain seemed to fade into the background, using Gypsy's power to camouflage himself. "I've never felt this powerful, Supergirl...There's something pretty addicting about your abilities."

Supergirl directed her fist in the direction of Paragon's voice. "You talk too much." The blow connected but again the villain didn't blink.

A colorful beam of energy suddenly encased Supergirl, holding her in stasis. "I can't wait to have Schmidt do his thing with you, beautiful. I'll be unstoppable..."

"Think again, pal." Lightning arced through the air, striking Paragon and sending to his knees in surprise.

Paragon looked up to see Triumph standing in front of the now-freed heroes. Dr. Schmidt lay unconconscios on the ground in front of Gypsy. "Damn it... I worked so hard on this..."

Gypsy leapt through the air, driving a foot into Paragon's face. The rest of the heroes surged forward as well, using their powers as best they could. Paragon rose to his feet, matching their attacks.

Supergirl watched in silent anger as Paragon fought on, surrounded by her flame wings... I don't know how he managed it but he's managed to access my Earth Angel abilities -- but he hasn't stolen my angelic essence. A smile spread across her features. "Everyone -- fall back!"

The heroes fell back uncertainly, even Triumph letting up his attack. Paragon wiped a trail of blood from his lip. "None of you have a prayer of stopping me. I have all of your powers..."

Supergirl nodded. "Yes -- you have our powers. But you don't have our skill or our knowledge of them." The heroine flew forward, grappling with Paragon and lifting him high in the air. The villain backhanded her forcefully but Supergirl held on tight. "Burn me..."

Paragon's eyes opened wide. "What?" He laughed, feeling the rush of heavenly power rush into him. At such close range, he felt giddy and euphoric. "Yes...You'll burn, you pretty little witch. But I won't kill you -- I'll keep you around until Schmidt can give me your powers forever!" Flame crackled from his eyes and shot forth at Supergirl.

Supergirl didn't even blink. Flames surrounded them, wrapping them in a fiery embrace. "You have accessed my full powers, Paragon. Dig deeper -- use the real fire burning inside me."

Paragon did so, suddenly screaming in sheer agony. His hands flew out, as if warding off some unimaginable foe. "No... What's happening to me?!"

"My flame powers only work against evil...That's why it didn't hurt Triumph when you burned him earlier. He was only surprised -- but against you... You'll burn for your sins!"

Paragon sizzled, falling forward unconscious as the mystical flames died away. Supergirl held him against her, casting her eyes skyward. If you did this, Wally... Thanks.

EPILOGUE

"How are they, Steel?" Supergirl stood with Triumph inside the JLA Watchtower, concern and exhaustion written on their faces.

John Henry Irons smiled. "They'll all be fine. J'onn used the Watchtower's medical equipment to remove the implants -- it's a good thing that Dr. Schmidt offered to help out..."

Supergirl laughed, "Gypsy can be very persuasive, can't she?" The Maid of Steel turned towards Triumph, her smile fading somewhat. "You don't have to go, you know -- I'd sponsor you for League membership and..."

Triumph shook his head. "No... I'm not ready for that. Besides, Black Lightning invited me to spend some time with the Outsiders -- and that looks like a better home for me right now."

"Okay... But promise me you'll keep in touch, Triumph?"

"I promise -- one way or another I have the feeling we'll meet again."

THIS MONTH IN SUPERGIRL # 5 : Mongul Attacks! The crossover that will rock FDC continues here!

AUTHOR'S NOTES

Welcome to the first FDC Supergirl Annual. As you no doubt noticed, Supergirl didn't really star in this annual. I used it as a chance to focus on characters like Gypsy, Paragon, and Triumph -- cool characters who haven't gotten enough well-written stories. I'm not sure if this really qualifies, either, but at least I used them and that's more than DC can say for the most part. By the way, I do not like the 'evil' Triumph that recently appeared in the real JLA -- there's too much potential in the character to waste him like that.

Coming up in Supergirl you can expect to see our portion of the big Mongul crossover (see Supergirl # 5), followed by more with Satanus and the Transwarp Authority. Paragon and Dr. Schmidt will also become regular foes of our Maid of Steel. You'll see some fallout from the Annual creep into the ongoing series right away -- including the mystery regarding her angelic powers.

Feel free to write questions, comments, etc.

Barry Reese

I can be reached at aric_dacia@yahoo.com