How Many People Can Save the World?

"Those who hear their names, follow me." He-El's voice came from a side passage.

Everyone turned and saw He-El stride out of the dark corridor, tall and upright.

"BOSS!"

"He-El!"

"Mr. He-El!"

Those who had been relaxing or arguing all looked toward He-El in unspoken unison.

"Iron Man, War Machine, Bullseye, Kingpin, Punisher, Hawkeye, Spider-Man, Black Widow, Captain America, Falcon, Winter Soldier, Arno, Andy, Maria..." He-El rattled off nearly twenty-one codenames and names, then turned and headed into the passage.

Some of the newcomers who heard their names looked at one another, but seeing that the people who had brought them here were following He-El, they went along as well.

Some of the mercenaries, however, showed no confusion. Carrying their cases, they followed behind He-El.

The remaining ten thousand-plus mercenaries began dividing into twenty-one teams. Each team was equipped with the usual coordinated-combat roles of a special operations unit: captain, deputy captain, scout, heavy weapons operator, assault trooper, sniper, retreat and logistics personnel, and so on.

He-El led them directly into a spacious room. Once everyone had entered, he swept his gaze over them and said,

"I know you all have many questions, but there isn't much time for me to explain the full story.

"You only need to know that this is a crisis threatening the entire Earth and all of human civilization.

"I believe that from the moment the Mind Suggestion on you was lifted, you already understood just how serious this was.

"Humanity was used against me through Mind Suggestion. That isn't a big deal. I don't care about that sort of thing.

"But this time, I gathered you here because of all humanity.

"Arno, hand out the watches and earpieces."

"Yes, BOSS." Arno, who had been standing ramrod straight to one side, answered and placed the