On July 28, 2016, Princess Tara Markov was abducted while visiting London. The Royal Family never found her or who took her, but she was in fact taken by the Bedlam Syndicate led by Tara's uncle, Baron DeLamb. She was brought back to the Syndicate's base in Markovburg, where she was meta-activated, and soon after "rescued" and taken out of the country by Deathstroke.[1]
King Viktor Markov and Queen Ilona DeLamb-Markov held a press conference on the second anniversary of their daughter's abduction to announce measures against meta-human trafficking. They also affirmed their support for Quraci refugees in Markovia.[2]
A pre-coronation reception was held for Gregor at the Royal Palace. Meanwhile, a team led by Nightwing infiltrated the reception and the Children's Hospital, investigating the Bedlam Syndicate. Prince Brion Markov sought to activate his Meta-Gene to help defend the country, as he feared his uncle would refuse to release power. Though Brion was horrfied when he realized he was dealing with the meta-traffickers, he was forced into meta-activation.
Nightwing's team infiltrated Bedlam's base, uncovering that Baron DeLamb was in charge, and rescued Brion and Helga Jace before destroying the lab. DeLamb fled to the reception and attempted to use video of Brion's meta-activation as proof Brion had been behind his parents' murder. Gregor saw through DeLamb's lies and had him arrested, but also reluctantly banished Brion due to public sentiment against metas, as well as the influence of Ambassador Baazovi.
Meanwhile, Nightwing's team fought Count Vertigo's forces. They forced Vertigo into retreat, but Plasmus was killed by a bystander.[3]
Squads of the Team and the Outsiders went into Markovia to take down Bedlam. Gamma Squad went to Markovian National Cemetery to prevent the execution of Gregor's loyalists. Alpha nd Beta went to the Palace, where Terra was revealed to be working for Deathstroke but turned against him. Enraged that he hadn't been told by those that knew, Brion executed Bedlam after he tried to flee. Egged on by Zviad Baazovi and a cheering crowd, Brion went on to claim the throne. When Tara refused to support his rule, and Halo declined to become his queen, Brion expelled his former collegaues from the country.[8]
Brion brought Johnny back to the Royal Palace, where he was approached by Minister Josef Mueller with concerns over the new visa policy and plans to open a new mission in Taos, near the Justice League's Meta-Human Youth Center. Though Brion initially shared his concerns, Zviad Baazovi influenced both men to change their minds.
Fury was sent on a mission by Baazovi, joining Trajectory and Everyman to Minister Mueller's home to intimidate him into leaving Markovia.
Later, Halo visited Brion at the Palace. They talked about reconciliation, but the tender moment was ruined by Baazovi, and Halo left in anger. When Brion went to the Palace gardens, he was approached by Fury, who was concerned after observing Baazovi's influence over Brion and others.[9]
Brion held a conference call with Black Lightning, Wonder Girl and Tigress where he barred their teams from entering Markovia to find the abducted Perdita Vladek, but assured them he would find her and Count Vertigo.
Later, at the Royal Palace, Geo-Force and the Infinitors prepared to act on Fury's intel on Vertigo's whereabouts. They went to some woodland cabins where the armored attackers that freed Vertigo and took Perdita were spotted. It was a trap however, and they soon came under attack. Trajectory "found" what appeared to be Perdita, and Brion took her back to the Palace at "Perdita"'s request. Baazovi was also on site, hidden away, coordinating with Trajectory, Everyman and the armored units. With Brion gone, he ordered the armored group to flee.[12]
