An unexpected vacation

M'gann's scan of MJ's mind proved what Kori and Shayera already knew -- that she was completely innocent of any wrongdoing. Although there were some gaps in MJ's memories while under Komand'r's control, M'gann found that she hadn't done anything to hurt anyone during those lapses. That, along with her alibi and the timing of the attack on Norrand'r provided more than enough evidence to present to the ruling council to acquit MJ of any wrongdoing.

Still, the couple had questions. Was this an attempt by Blackfire to frame MJ? And if so, why? Despite her attempts to control MJ, Komand'r had shown a genuine fondness for her. Perhaps this was an attempt to draw the couple out into the open? It hadn't been long since Komand'r's defeat at Kori's hands. If she were to lose another battle to her sister, it could very well cost her her crown -- something she would never, ever risk. And who was the mysterious assailant? A shapeshifter, perhaps?

In any case, the group made sure to prepare. Hawkwoman informed the Justice League of the situation, and they agreed that while it would be best to let the group handle it on their own, they were ready and willing to provide support; Diana, in particular, vowed to drop whatever she was doing to help if there was any trouble.

Meanwhile, MJ & Kori informed their friends and allies, who all agreed to let them deal with the problem, but were more than willing to help if the situation warranted it. Cassie & Gwen appealed to join the group, but Shayera had to decline, saying bringing too many people along might be met with suspicion from the ruling council, even with their case looking as ironclad as it did. Beyond that, Jean Grey sent the couple a text telling them to send her a message if they needed anything, and that she and the X-Men had had similar experiences in galactic situations. With all their bases covered, MJ, Kori, M'gann and Shayera headed to Thanagar to solve this mystery and uncover the identity of this impostor.

The City of Thanaldar

The Planet Thanagar

After landing in Thanaldar, the group had a meeting with the ruling council, in which they were successfully convinced of MJ's innocence. Even so, they requested that MJ and her friends remain on Thanagar until the mystery was solved, which they agreed to; at this point, their best hope of finding leads to the impostor were there on the planet. Perhaps at some point their investigation would lead them to Tamaran, they thought, but the search definitely began in Thanaldar.

Shayera had arranged for the group to stay at an imperial guest house, a massive, sprawling estate reserved for Thanagar's most esteemed guests. M'gann had spent a considerable amount of energy both presenting her psychic evidence to the ruling council, as well as covertly gleaning any information from their minds that could help the team with their investigation, so she decided to call it an early night, making plans to explore the estate with MJ & Kori the next day. Meanwhile, Shayera gave the couple a quick tour of the guest manor. "Feel free to use any of the amenities here. If you need anything, the staff will be happy to provide for you," she said, her words making her feel like a hotel receptionist.

"Oh wow... this place is gorgeous," MJ raved. "This is where you've set us up?"

"You're innocent. You shouldn't have to be here, dealing with all this. This was the least I could do," Shayera explained. "So, as long as you're here, you're my personal guests."

"It's wonderful, Shayera. I could kiss you for this," Kori gushed.

"Watch out, Shayera... she'll do it, too," MJ teased.

Shayera chuckled. "Actually, I do know a few things about how Tamaraneans learn other languages. The universal translators generally do a great job, but there is something to be said for actually learning the language. So with that in mind... I think this could really help you..."

Shayera grabbed Kori and kissed her unexpectedly. When the kiss was done, the Tamaranean stood there with a massive, stupid grin on her face.

"That should cover anything the translators can't -- it's a shame I can't impart my knowledge to Miss Watson in the same way."

"Actually," Kori corrected, "MJ has started using technology that allows her to mimic the abilities of those around her. Perhaps she has my linguistic assimilation abilities right now, too?"

Hawkgirl paused for a moment and considered Kori's words. "It's worth a shot," she said, pulling in MJ for a kiss of her own. Sure enough, MJ was now able to understand the Thanagarian language... for the most part.

MJ stood there and shared a devious grin with Kori. Her ulterior motive was obvious. "Whenever I think I could not possibly love you any more than I already do... you find a new way to top yourself," MJ purred in Kori's ear, planting a small kiss on the alien princess' earlobe while Shayera's back was turned.

Still, as amorous as the couple was feeling, they had other business to attend to. "Before I leave you to enjoy yourselves, I have one last order of business," Shayera told the couple. "We have an esteemed representative from another planet staying at this estate. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I assumed it wouldn't be a problem..."

"Not at all. We appreciate the effort you've made in our accommodations," Kori said gratefully.

"Yeah, I can't complain at all. Besides, this place is huge," MJ pointed out. "and since Kori, M'gann and I are sharing a room... I think we can deal with a housemate."

"Are you sure you don't want another room for Miss Martian?" Shayera asked. "Wouldn't she be more comfortable in a room of her own?"

"There is no need for that," Kori declined. "I can safely speak on M'gann's behalf when I tell you she would be more comfortable staying with us."

"Suit yourselves," Shayera said, now wondering what kind of arrangement there was between the trio. "I'll leave you two to enjoy your night... Oh! Before I go, I'd like to introduce you to our other visitor."

Shayera waved down the woman walking down the hall, and invited her over to meet MJ & Kori. "MJ, Kori, I'd like to introduce you to that other houseguest I mentioned... this is Maxima, princess of Almerac."