JLA #110

"Syndicate Rules, Part 4: 36 Hours, The Calm Before"

The Crime Syndicate have 36 hours upon entering our universe before the cosmic scales tip and steal their counterparts away to replace them on the Antimatter Earth. In an effort to covertly circumvent this short coming the Syndicate have adopted the appearance of their counterparts here on the Matter Earth and try to steal the world one friendly encounter after another.

Half way across their own universe the Qwardian armies find themselves battling monsters in a long abandoned temple. The presence of these security beasts is a good sign: it means the secret treasure they seek has been left undisturbed.

Owlman has finished hacking the world's computer networks and set up twelve hubs in twelve cities to launch his master plan while the Crime Syndicate simply waits. But while waiting Superwoman and Owlman engage in some foul play at the expense of Ultra Man. Unfortunately for them a passing gondola beneath their Venice hotel rooms proves to be too much of a distraction for them to continue.

Meanwhile at a diner in Montana, Power Ring and Johnny Quick enjoy the fame and adulation they receive in the guise of their counterparts. Suddenly an attack at a local S.T.A.R. Labs facility is broadcast over the radio. The crowd in the diner ushers their "heroes" to attend to the problem. When they get there Power Ring and Johnny Quick play their part and engage the perpetrators, the Rainbow Raiders, but only to find themselves on the losing end of the battle. But fortunately a growing group of bystanders rushes into action to save them. The distraction gives Power Ring and Johnny Quick a chance to catch their second wind and make short work of the Rainbow Raiders. But the event leaves the impostors confounded of normal people willing to risk their lives for their own heroes.

Ultraman is also having problems of keeping his charade as Superman and finally have enough when a large crowd of people demands him for an autograph. He tears off his costume and makes contact with Owlman, who bear some good news: Power Ring and Johnny Quick have a lead on their "cosmic event."