The two turned and walked out of the palace side by side. Beside them, Martian Manhunter J'onn was utterly bewildered.
His brain, long renowned for its rationality, now felt as heavy as though it had been filled with lead.
What was going on?!
Why did it feel like he had been set up?
He had clearly come to seek allies on behalf of the human world, yet he had gained none. Instead, he had watched his temporary ally reach an understanding of mutual assistance with Themyscira!
So had this trip been a success or a failure?
As the sea breeze blew past, Martian Manhunter's extraordinary logical mind finally caught up.
From the very beginning, Atlanna had only intended to forge an alliance of mutual support with Hippolyta. He, J'onn, had merely been an incidental extra!
Their alliance stipulated that they would act only "when that mysterious object was threatened." Throughout the entire conversation, they had never once mentioned taking the initiative to protect the human world!
Thinking back carefully to when he and Atlanna had formed their alliance beneath the sea, Atlanna had repeatedly said that the sea was the Atlanteans' home ground in battle and that going ashore was inconvenient.
Viewed another way, wasn't that equivalent to saying they would fight back only if Solomon attacked Atlantis's territory?!
So what sort of alliance had he actually formed?!
If Atlantis or Themyscira faced a crisis, he, J'onn, would have to provide aid as their ally.
But once Solomon ruled the human world, these two ancient races could stand aside without even lifting a finger!
Were they playing me?!
Even with J'onn's mild temper and considerable self-restraint, he could barely contain his anger now.
Just after descending the palace steps, J'onn stopped and demanded, suppressing his anger:
"Queen Atlanna, what is