All-Star Comics #2
The All Star Squadron had participated in Operation Torch, designed as an Allied invasion of North Africa via amphibious assaults at Casablanca, Oran and Algiers. It had been a bloody conflict on both sides, but All Star Squadron had made it through the fighting intact. They had supported the British and American troops in battles all along the coast, and the rumors of superheroes on the front lines spread to Axis and Allied forces alike. Many of the troops had heard of the mystery men that now patrolled their streets back home, but few had ever seen one in the flesh.
For the Axis soldiers, to see a man take a tank shell and remain standing against them was enough to shake their resolve. Most of the Allied troops were just thankful that these costumed heroes were on their side. All Star Squadron had the Vichy defenders on the run as the Allies pressed inland. Their weapons seemed useless against a squadron of men and women who could fly, cast magic, or move with superhuman speed. As a result, many of the defending soldiers had abandoned their positions at the mere sight of these heroes.
And so it was that the reputation of All-Star Squadron had begun to grow and spread to friend and foe alike. The inspiring sight of Captain America’s shield or the Crimson Avenger’s signature red trench coat was enough to bolster morale in a way that few things could. Many of the allied soldiers who had been fighting in the early stages of the war wished that these superheroes had shown up earlier, but were grateful nonetheless. For now, heroes and soldiers alike were camped in the port of Algiers, awaiting further orders.
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Captain America laid the map down on the table that rested in the middle of the dining room. Allied officers had turned one of the least-destroyed buildings in Algiers into a War Room. It was here that the missions to push into Tunisia were being planned. A few kerosene lanterns lit the otherwise barren room. Most furniture and other goods had been destroyed or looted in the battle. The chatter of distant gunfire sounded in the distance, but otherwise, things were quiet.
“Orders from the top, lady and gents. Direct from General Ryder himself.” He let that sink in for a moment as he regarded the team he had assembled. Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman stood before him, in full costume as always. “He wants me to lead a small strike force into the port of Tunis to gather intel and sabotage the emplacements there. You’re my strike force.”
“Good, I was starting to get bored.” Wonder Woman said with a half-smile. Out of the entire squadron, she was always the most eager for combat. Namor came in at a close second, but Steve didn’t entirely trust the ousted Atlantean king to follow orders. Namor’s temper was outmatched only by his arrogance. Yes, Wonder Woman was definitely a better choice any potential combat they might run into.
Batman stooped to get a better look at the map. “This is the central port for all of Tunisia. I wouldn’t be surprised to find heavily fortified. It makes sense that they would send a small force before the main strike. Do you mind, sir?” He gestured at a pencil on the table. Steve waved his hand, and Batman immediately began drawing on the map. “I would expect emplacements here and here, with possible snipers here. If we enter through this channel, we should be able to sneak through undetected.” The kid’s mind was a steel trap, and Steve had to admit that he loved watching him in action.
“Great, there’s our entry point settled then. The defenders should be Vichy troops like those we've encountered so far. Intel says that, so far, the krauts have left them alone. We can expect that to change soon, which is why we need to hit Tunisia fast. We’re heading out in a small patrol boat tomorrow at oh-four-hundred. The boat is going to drop us a few miles off the coast, and we’ll swim the rest of the way there. Any questions?” He looked from the map to his team. “Dismissed. Get some rest before we leave.”
The team left the room, but Superman lagged behind. “Something wrong, Kent?” Captain America looked at the boy as he slowly turned to face him. Superman had quickly lost his taste for adventure and excitement once he saw real war. It was something that happened to most, if not all the men in time.
“No, sir, nothing’s wrong. I guess...I guess I’m just not sure why you chose me for this mission.” Superman’s eyes rose to meet the Captain’s, and Steve could see the uncertainty in them.
“You have incredible abilities, and you’re a natural leader, you just don’t know it yet. That’s why I chose you.” He paused and crossed the room until he was face to face with Superman. “You may not like what you’re doing over here, and I can’t say I disagree with you, but we’re doing it for the right reasons. People with our abilities have a responsibility to use those them for the benefit of others. There’s no question that the people we’re fighting represent pure evil, and if we don’t stand up and fight against it, we don’t deserve the gifts we've been given. That’s what I believe, anyway.”
Superman’s face brightened slightly and he nodded. “Thank you, sir.” He then turned and went out into the war-torn streets of Algiers.
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The waves crashed against the port with incredible force as early morning rain pounded down along the coast of Tunis. The water was freezing, but the swim to shore was easy enough. Captain America and his team crouched behind the rocky outcroppings of the port. Batman and Superman put their capes on, having taken them off for the long swim. Wonder Woman took a moment to take in their surroundings.
Even in this early morning hour, the port was alive with activity. Captain America could see the outlines of several patrols moving around the port, while workers and technicians moved gigantic crates from ships in the port. There were more troops here than he expected. That was fine with him, that’s why he had brought the best.
“OK, Wonder Woman, you create a distraction down on the beach while we move up into the port. We need to find out what their loading, and trash anything we can along the way. Once we've done enough damage, we meet up back here and head for the boat. Clear?” His team nodded and moved out.
Batman, Superman and Captain America clambered up the rocks to the port itself while Wonder Woman went around the rocks to the beach. As soon as Captain America crested the rocks, he could see a patrol about fifty feet away. Between the darkness and the rain, they would have plenty of cover. He waved his team up and began a low run towards one of the crates that littered the port. Prying it open with his shield, he was confronted with what looked like a giant metal arm. Some kind of robot, maybe? He was about to inspect it further when a voice cried out “Achtung!” followed by energy blasts directed at their position.
“Get down!” he yelled, and dropped prone. Germans, robots, and laser weapons...this mission was definitely not going according to plan.
Wonder Woman heard the firefight above in the port, and ran down the beach. Another squad of German soldiers were there, and they were moving to attack her team. She charged into them, knocking several aside. She continued her assault, not allowing the troops to recover. They began to scatter in all directions, panicked. She hoped it was enough to help the rest of her team. She chased those that fled towards the port, hoping to stop them from joining the assault.
Captain America picked up the crate containing the robot arm, using it as a mobile cover. With any luck, the krauts would do some damage to it along the way.
“That’s far enough, Captain.” a female voice sounded behind him. He spun and saw a woman with a pistol leveled at him. Her accent was vaguely European, but he couldn't place it.
“Sorry, lady. No time to chit-chat.” he said, throwing the crate at her. She screamed as the crate hit her in the shoulder, knocking her to the ground. Batman was there as she fell, delivering a chop to her neck that took her out of commission.
“You may have taken down Viper, Captain America, but you will find that Johann Schmidt is not so easy to stop.” Captain America turned to see a man in a long German trench coat. He had an entire squad behind him. “Fire!” The man yelled and Captain America was showered with laser blasts. He staggered back, finally raising his shield to deflect further assault. These new weapons packed a punch, that was for sure.
Wonder Woman had nearly reached her team. She could see Captain America crouched behind his shield as laser fire poured down on him. “NO!” She cried as she charged towards the Germans, but she quickly realized her mistake. The laser fire turned on her, and she was sent tumbling down the rocky cliff, unconscious. The fire then turned back to Captain America.
Fortunately, all of the German attention was focused on the Captain, which allowed Batman and Superman to flank their position. Batman took down one soldier with a chokehold from behind while Superman punched another one into his comrade . Even though they were taking the squad down one man at a time, it wasn't fast enough to save their Captain. He was knocked backward onto the rain-slick port, unmoving.
Johann turned his attention to Batman and Superman. “Fire at will!” he cried. But it was too late. Superman charged him, throwing a punch that knocked Johann ten feet away, and into one of his own men. Incredibly, Johann picked himself up. “A fine punch, Superman. Perhaps if you survive this, I will give you one of my own.” He turned and began to walk away as he commanded his troops “Finish them.”
The laser fire was too much for Batman, who went down in a single volley. Superman, however, was just getting started. He dove into the squadron, swinging in all directions. The energy blasts from their weapons didn't seem to have much of an effect on him. Within a matter of minutes, he had knocked them all unconscious.
“Couldn't...have done that...a little sooner?” Batman grumbled weakly as he picked himself up.
Superman was grateful to see that his friend was still alive.
“You help Wonder Woman, I’ll get Cap.” Superman said, “We need to get out of here.”
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Days later, back in the Allied base in Algiers, Superman walked to the makeshift infirmary. He and Batman were able to carry Wonder Woman and the Captain to the rendezvous point. His team was recovering, but he felt awful that they had been hurt so badly. Batman was right; he should have been faster. If he was, he could have saved them all and stopped Johann as well.
Johann; intelligence said he was part of the fuhrer’s special Hydra Deep Science Division. He was tasked with exploring new and experimental technology. Those laser rifles they had been packing showed that he had been busy. Superman was certain that this wasn’t the last that they would see of him.
Entering the infirmary, he saw his teammates resting in their beds. Batman had a broken arm, Captain America several rib fractures, and all of them had third-degree burns from the laser weapons. All of them but Superman. Captain America smiled as Superman entered, nodding to him in greeting. Superman walked to his bedside and knelt down beside it. “Captain, I’m so sorry. I’m sorry I couldn't save you all and stop Schmidt.”
“Son, you saved our lives, and we accomplished our mission. Now that intelligence knows what the Germans have cooked up over there, we’re going to be better prepared next time. You should be proud.”
Superman didn't feel proud, though. He felt ashamed. Angry. Next time, he would do better. He would be better.
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