"Speculation ran rampant. The Amazons, known for their humanitarian efforts and support of global peace, were at their heart a war-like race. Their level of technology has been shown to surpass many nations on Earth, including the United States. What if the new ruler was one who did not share Hippolyta's notions of peace? What if this technology was used for invasion? While small in population, Themyscira is purported to be populated by immortal women. Can they die by conventional means? If not, an invasion force of Amazons could be quite deadly in the wrong leader's hands."

"The United Nations was besieged with pleas from Qurac and other nations to send an occupational force to Themyscira in the interim. This was of course, firmly denied by other nations and the UN's own leader, Kofi Annan. Today, however, an announcement will be made at the UN Headquarters in New York. The nature of this announcement has yet to be revealed, but popular opinion is that Themyscira will formally announce its new ruler. We'll be going live to the UN in a few moments, but first, we have guests in-studio to discuss possibilities and opinions as to the new Amazon status quo."

"My first guest is Lex Luthor, head of LexCorp and one of the wealthiest men in the world. To his right, we have Marcus Orion, former attaché to the UN, and finally, Blaine Scott, former United States Senator to California. Gentlemen, welcome."

Luthor leaned forward and smiled. "Pleasure's all mine, David."

"Thank you, David," said Orion.

"Likewise," said Scott.

"Mr. Luthor, I'll start with you. How does a nation with such technological advances as what Themyscira is said to have, affect a company such as your own? How would the world markets react?" said Williams.

Luthor's face grew serious. "It's not widely known to the general public, David, that there are many advances and other opportunities that have been held back from the world that could dramatically improve health care. How many times has Superman or Princess Diana come back from the dead? What makes them so special? Why can't the circumstances that were applied to them be duplicated for the average person? The Amazons are said to have a 'Purple Healing Ray'. Such a device could erase disease from the Earth within a generation, yet it sits on Themyscira, hoarded by the Amazons. This device, if it exists, needs to be shared with the world. You ask how such an advance can affect a conglomerate like my own? It's simple. There is profit to be had, no doubt, but LexCorp would be willing to act as an intermediary, at cost mind you, for the distribution of Amazonian and any other technology at the disposal of our world's superhumans. Why, the Justice League Watchtower alone is-"

Scott spoke up. "Now listen, Luthor, this isn't one of your paid infomercials. The Amazons are a trusted race that has given no cause for concern. I would question your intentions for such an arrangement and would have to assume that the United Nations would also agree."

Orion smiled at Luthor. "I would agree with Mr. Scott. This isn't the time for marketing ploys. The Amazons, through Wonder Woman, have contributed much to the safety of the world. I think it behooves us to give them the opportunity to quell this international debate without fears of predation on their way of life."

"We'll see," said Luthor, "We'll see."

Justice League Watchtower

Superman stood staring out the viewport from Diana's quarters. The sun was cresting the terminator, creating a dazzling light show. He turned to face Diana. "I have no problem doing this, you know. It would be fairly simple to get in, with either of my identities."

Diana turned from the full length mirror she was using to adjust her robes. "Kal, I know. I appreciate the offer, but I can handle this on my own. I need to not only show the world I can handle this, but I need to know myself, as well." She put on her tiara, this one different from the usual one she had worn as Wonder Woman. This tiara was a full fledged crown, encrusted with jewels.

"I understand, Diana," he replied. "I just hope the rest of the world does as well."

Diana took her ceremonial robe from her recliner and wrapped it around herself. She smiled at Kal, then proceeded to leave the room. They made their way to the Watchtower teleport chamber. Diana was not surprised to see Batman and J'onn J'onzz, the Martian Manhunter waiting to see her.

"Oh come on, gentlemen," said Diana bemusedly. "I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself."

"We have no doubt of that, Diana," said J'onzz. "We just think you should reconsider the offer of protection. We can be close to you without anyone knowing we're there. The Amazon change in power has been a political hot potato for a while now."

"You're a target whether you like it or not," said Batman. "Its not a matter of if, but when. Especially where people like Luthor are involved. I don't have to tell you of his interest in Themyscira's assets."

"As I told Kal," said Diana, "I am fully aware of the implications of my entering the world political stage. But…it is heartening to know that I have you all watching my back. Thank you."

"There is no need to thank us," said J'onzz. "Just don't be afraid to ask for assistance. You look amazing, by the way."

"Thank you, J'onn." Diana entered the teleport chamber and smiled at her teammates. J'onzz activated the controls, and Diana disappeared.

"For someone who has seen what she has, she's remarkably naïve," said Batman.

"It's her decision to make, Bruce," said Superman. "We just need to be here for her if and when she needs us."

Batman grunted noncommittally. He had made arrangements of his own…just in case.

United Nations Headquarters, New York

Diana materialized within the suite of rooms that was reserved for her and the Amazonian Delegation. The honor guard immediately took to a defensive stance at the sudden appearance of their Queen.

"Stand down," said Artemis, Diana's newly appointed Royal Chancellor. The guards did so at once. "Quite an entrance, My Queen. Perhaps you are getting used to this station more than you thought."

"I had some things to discuss with the Justice League," said Diana. "Plus, it seemed the most secure way to arrive without causing a commotion outside." Diana moved towards the window. Crowds of people were assembled below, some protesting the Amazons, but most supporting them. She understood her teammates wanting to protect her, especially when she was about to take the biggest step of her life, one she could never take back. On the other hand, though, her friends had to realize she was not without her own resources. She could stand toe to toe with any one of them. Today, however, physical power would not win the day. Diana had to convince the world that she was a leader to be taken seriously. Her career to date as an ambassador, superhero and humanitarian would be a huge asset, but would it be enough? Time would tell.

"My Queen," said Phillipus, Captain of the Guard and newly appointed head of the Amazonian Forces. She walked towards Diana, a folio in her hand. "The honor guard is prepared and ready when you are."

Diana put her hand on Phillpus' shoulder. "Thank you, Phillipus. I could not go ahead with as much conviction were it not for all of your faith and trust."

The Amazons in the room all took a knee and bowed as one to their liege. "We live to serve you, Queen Diana," they all said in unison.

"Oh, my."

Diana turned to see a woman in a black business suit clutching a stack of papers. She had entered from one of the adjoining offices. "I'm sorry, your Highness, I did not realize you were in the midst of a…a ceremony."

"No, please," said Diana. "Come."

The woman walked in as the Amazons rose to their feet. Artemis approached Diana as the other woman came near. "Diana," said Artemis, "This is Aphrodite Kastakas. She has been assigned as our UN liaison."

"A very fitting name," said Diana as she grasped hands with Aphrodite.

"Someone in the UN has a sense of humour," said Aphrodite with a smile. "But if I may, your highness, this is an immense honor. I'm looking forward to working with you and your cabinet."

"As do we working with yourself and the United Nations," replied Diana.

"You are scheduled to begin your speech in fifteen minutes, your highness. I would be pleased to escort you and your entourage to the antechamber when you are ready."

Diana looked around the room and observed that all twelve of her honor guard as well as Phillipus and Artemis were ready, replete in burnished golden armor and ceremonial robes. They were all as ready as they were ever going to be.

"Very well then," said Diana. "Lead the way, Aphrodite."

Meanwhile, Elsewhere

A man entered a dark chamber far beneath Manhattan and turned on the lights. Immediately, the room was swathed in directed spotlights towards the center. Suspended in dozens of magnetic fields were immense, humanoid, armored red figures. The man approached a control console and put on a headset.

"Activate sub-routines," he said.

"SUBROUTINES ACTIVATED. SYSTEM CHECK COMPLETE. PLEASE ENTER MISSION CODEWORD."

"Codeword is 'Fallen Amazon'."

"CODEWORD ACCEPTED. MISSION PARAMETERS ACCEPTED. TARGET LOCATION?"

"Target is located at United Nations Headquarters in New York."

"TARGET IDENTIFIER?"

"Target is Queen Diana of Themyscira."

"UNDERSTOOD. ACCEPTED LEVEL OF COLLATERAL DAMAGE:?"

"Unlimited."

"UNDERSTOOOD. TIMING OF ATTACK RUN?"

"Immediately."

United Nations Building

Diana stood in the antechamber connected to the podium stage of the United Nations. She had faced Darkseid, Ares and countless others during her career as Wonder Woman, yet today she actually felt nervous. Her words in the next few minutes would have more effect than any villain or threat she had encountered before. Her whole life had been put towards having Man's World accept her and the Amazonian ideal as a viable option to their usual warlike ways. Finally, she had an opportunity that no vanquished foe could ever open to her. She had the opportunity to change the world.

Kofi Annan was speaking to the UN General Assembly, just finishing his introductory speech. Aphrodite was wearing a headset and had her hand to her ear as if she was listening to something. She said a few words into the microphone quietly and then nodded at Diana. Diana took a deep breath and walked out to the podium.

She was immediately taken aback from the applause coming from the General Assembly. Kofi Annan warmly greeted her and motioned to her to take the podium. After several minutes, the applause died down enough for Diana to begin speaking.

"Mr. Annan and Honored members of the General Assembly, on behalf of the nation of Themyscira, I thank you all for your warm welcome and generous hospitality. For many of you, my face is not a new one. I have been active in your world for many years now and have even had opportunity to speak to you all in my previous capacity as ambassador. Today, I come to you not as an envoy, but as a fellow leader of a sovereign nation. Themyscira has always been a nation of peace and understanding, with tolerance for all. It is this message that I wish to bring to you today."

Diana paused momentarily.

"All too often in what we call Man's World, war and violence is the first and sometimes only perceived avenue of recourse. Death has become something that the general population is sensitized to, from your entertainment to your politics. While we Amazons are versed in the ways of war, peace is always our first priority. Now that I have taken on the role of Queen of Themyscira, I feel that it is time we allied ourselves with the United Nations organization in an effort to further what I feel is a mutual message of peace and understanding. I am committing Themyscira to that ideal and to supporting the United Nations."

Applause came from the audience, as nearly everyone stood. Diana graciously accepted the accolades.

"Further to this, I would like to -" Diana was cut off as the roof of the auditorium collapsed inwards, debris showering the delegates. A large chunk of masonry thirty feet across was plummeting to the podium. Diana shot into the air and caught it before it could crush anyone. She needed to set it down fast. The only place to go was up and out of the now gaping hole in the ceiling. There were several floors above the auditorium, but they were all blown through as badly as the ceiling. Diana shot up through the floors at lightning speed and into the New York sky. Once outside, she tossed the masonry into the river. She turned to go back and see what had caused all of this damage, when she was struck from behind with incredible force. She plummeted to the ground below, creating a crater in the concrete. She struggled to get her bearings as she rose, her robes tattered, revealing her Wonder Woman breastplate beneath. She was struck once again, this time sending her flying across the street in front of the UN Building.

Inside, Artemis and the Amazons were evacuating people as fast as possible, giving medical help where they could. The UN's security forces were mobilizing, but no one could see where the source of the chaos was. People were already crying out about terrorists and bombs. One member of the press made his way into an empty office.

Diana kept trying to see where her attacker was coming from, but was getting nothing but hits knocking her around. She wasn't able to get any bearings to orient herself. She needed a second to get herself together.

Diana flew up at superspeed into the sky and kept flying as she entered the cloud layers above New York. She knew the Amazons could assist with the lives below, but she was useless until she figured out where she was or what was happening. She suspected her attacker was cloaked somehow from her senses, but with the speed she had been attacked, she couldn't be sure. She turned as she flew into and past a cloud. She saw something large pass through the cloud behind her as it disturbed the atmospheric mass, but could still see nothing concrete. Her attacker was definitely cloaked. Then she saw another mass disturb the clouds…then another…then more.

I'm surrounded, she thought. I can't see them…but they can see me. She sped away, but it was too late. She was besieged with hits from all directions. She fell down towards the Earth, dazed and still unable to get her bearings.

The walkway in front of the UN Building was a mass of panicking people. Diana crashing into the walkway didn't help matters. She hit with enough force to shatter the walkway and scatter people all over. She was regretting her non-acceptance of the JLA's backup onsite. She needed to get to her communicator, or else hope whoever was on Monitor Duty was watching very closely.

Diana stood up and tried to feel for any sign of her approaching attackers: air currents shifting, shadows…then she saw them. Their shadows were cast on the ground. They were large and there seemed to be dozens of them.

"Diana!" came a cry from far to her right. It was Artemis. She threw a sword at Diana, but it never made it to her. Instead, it seemed to stop in mid-air as Diana realized it had impaled one of her attackers. Sparks flew as the attacker began to show up in her vision, flickering as its cloaking ability came and went like a badly received television channel. Finally, it fell to the ground, sparks sputtering. It was a huge armored robot of some kind, bright red with arms that seemed to end at its head. Diana leaped to the fallen robot and withdrew the sword, brandishing it into a fighting stance. She was armed now and prepared for anything these armored attackers could throw at her. Artemis jumped towards Diana armed with a shield and battleaxe. These armaments had been brought into the UN as ceremonial items, but like anything else Amazon, they were deadly as well as pleasing to the eye. Artemis and Diana stood back to back, preparing themselves for the coming onslaught. They may be outnumbered, but they knew their foes were defeatable. That was all the difference.

Artemis and Diana fought as they were swamped with invisible attackers. Others seemed to be continuing to attack the UN Building. Diana was torn. She was being kept busy…and was unable to fend off the others attacking innocent lives.

Diana was nearing the end of her patience. She needed to stop this, and quickly. Suddenly, a lightning bolt flashed near the UN Building. Diana and Artemis swung their weapons, making contact with their attackers every few strokes, sparks flying and their cloaking devices momentarily flickering from the static discharge. Several attackers were beginning to appear more than not due to the degradation of the devices. She was gaining an advantage, but not fast enough.

The visible attackers suddenly began blowing apart and falling like dominoes. In seconds, Diana and Artemis were clear of attackers. A red and yellow blur stopped in front of them.

Captain Marvel smiled. "Hi, Your Highness. Batman sends his regards." He was off again, a red blur into the sky. He began to be pummeled by more cloaked attackers.

"Artemis, do what you can here. I'm going to assist Captain Marvel," said Diana as she headed into the air. "Diana!" called Artemis, "Take this!" She threw Diana her shield.

Diana sped to Marvel's aid. He was on par with Superman in terms of raw power, but even he was beginning to be overwhelmed by the attackers. Diana estimated the numbers of the attackers to be in the dozens, but truly for all she knew it was in the hundreds. As long as they were cloaked, she could never be sure. Right now, it was up to her and Captain Marvel to contain the bulk of the damage. She was very cognizant of the possibility that this attack was directed at her. If that was so, she would search the ends of the Earth to find those responsible.

First, she had to survive the day. Obviously, Batman had made plans without her permission. She wasn't at all surprised.

The UN Building was near the point of collapse. The attack seemed to have abated on the building itself and was stepping up on Diana and Captain Marvel. Diana knew he had the powers of gods, much like herself, but they getting overwhelmed. They needed backup.

They needed the Justice League.

Elsewhere

He watched the chaos on sixteen different news channels. The UN Building was crumbling. People had died. All because of Diana and the Amazons. They would need allies in the soon to be hostile world environment the Amazons would be encountering. He could be a key ally. They just needed to be brought low and taught a lesson.

If Diana was going to die as a result, that was acceptable.

Very acceptable.

Next Issue: Captain Marvel and Diana fight for their lives as the UN falls! Guest Starring The Justice League! Plus: The mastermind revealed!