Chapter 1: News

(March 18)

(Gotham)

(Robin)

Richard 'Dick' Grayson was running late for school when he'd first heard the news. The TV had been on low, just background noise against the early morning rush. He was barely listening through a quick breakfast of cardboard tasting cereal.

"…And next we're moving to Haley O'Brian and James Moore with the news. Over to you."

"Thanks John. There's a follow up on the new 'Hero Control Until' set up just last week. Already they're putting in place new laws for heroes. That's right folks: a Registration Act."

By this time Dick had stopped shoving cereal into his mouth. Instead he was staring at the TV with his eyes open wide and half chewed cereal falling from his mouth. At a speed that'd make Flash proud the boy nabbed the remote from its resting place on the couch and jammed his finger on the volume button. The story was still continuing.

"…Starting next week all heroes from Superman and Batman, to Red Arrow and Robin will be required to give in their secret identity. Now, not only has the government promised to keep their identity's a secret, but special training and a pay check seem to be in store for those lucky heroes who comply. We all know crime doesn't pay, but it seems being a superhero will. What're your thoughts James?"

"No more random citizens playing the law anymore? I can't name one person who wouldn't be glad that the government's finally clamping down on the Costumed Vigilantes. Personally, I'm thinking of suiting up with 'em if the paychecks good." The two reporters let out high, false laughs. "I think everyone will be feeling much safer."

"Mmhmm, definitely. On a darker note it seems Captain Cold had yet again attempted to rob-"

Dick let the voices fade, clumsily stumbling backwards, as if he'd been burned. Registration? Hero Control? What does this mean…?This is so not asterous…

(April 5)

(Central City)

(Kid Flash)

Wally West was fuming. The Registration Act had been introduced weeks ago, yet its aftermath still loomed over them. Of course Superman, the kiss-ass, had come forward right away. Black Canary had followed him only a few days after. They were followed by many. Those who had nothing to hide, and no one to protect didn't hesitate. Most of the younger generation, prior to the rule change, had kept their identities secret for tradition's sake. They didn't fully understand the necessity. But all was not lost. Batman and Flash still resisted. Those like Green Arrow, Red Arrow, and Martian Manhunter, followed in the battle against the new policies.

Wally knew that once the government knew their secret identities, it wouldn't be long before there was a demand for more. And a demand for answers by the civilians. Secret identities were meant to remain a secret. And the paycheck offer was just insulting! Heroes helped people out of their own beliefs, not for the money. And James Moore's joke on the announcing day was already proof that money would attract an unwanted type of people.

With a hiss of air erupting from Wally's mouth, the teen threw himself violently onto the couch. With a swift movement at lightning speed he'd grabbed the remote and flicked on the TV. Bad decision. The news was on.

"…And now it's on to Haley O'Brian and James Moore with the news."

"You do the crime you do the time, but what about superheroes? It looks like the Hero Control Unit has been hard at work yet again. Already they've moved on to time regulations for heroes in each city."

"That's right, they're not only allowing cities to control the times vigilantes are allowed to go out and fight crime, but they're encouraging them to do so!"

"And it seems the encouragement had been responded to well. Already Gotham, Chicago, and Star City are debating on the time regulations."

"Well, I don't know about you Haley, but I can't wait to see how the heroes respond to this one! Will we be facing a civil war with these new policies, or is this just the start of something bigger? More at eleven."

The TV went blank as Wally finally gained enough sense in his shocked mind to switch the it off. This is not good, not good at all.

(April 19)

(Gotham)

(Artemis)

"Artemis, you're going to be late for training," a voice called from down the hall. Artemis Crook was having a bad day. First she'd lost her homework. Then she'd found it, three classes too late. After school, a bus had sprayed mud all over her new shirt. And then, between changing shirts and grabbing her first meal of the day (she'd woken too early for breakfast and she'd had to catch up on homework during lunch), the blonde archer had lost her bow.

"Mom, have you seen my bow?"

"Where'd you leave it?"

"If I remembered that, I would know where it was!"

"Don't take that tone with me young lady. I won't be-" With a groan- a quiet one so her mother wouldn't hear- Artemis continued riffling through her room, sorting through strewn clothes and piles of junk. In the background her mother had gotten bored of her tirade and moved on to the TV.

"…And now Haley O'Brian and James Moore have the news for us. What's going on with the world today, guys?"

Oh god, Artemis hated that news channel. The reporters were so fake and shiny. Like dolls. It was disturbing. And she should know; she'd seen a lot of disturbing things in her young life.

"Something you would not believe John! It seems the Hero Control Unit isn't finished yet, despite the massive uproar about the new policies still continuing throughout America."

The archer paused in her pursue of the weapon, freezing like a deer caught in headlights.

"That's right. Justice has no end for the Hero Control Unit, but what about the Justice League of America? Starting next month, all Superhero unions have been banned. That's right! No Justice League."

"Now, is the Hero Control Until going a bit too far? And what does this mean for America's protection? Later tonight; Justice League specialist Grant Hue and Anti-vigilante expert Hans Jeffrey will debate on these questions and more. But don't wait until then. Share your thoughts now at our website-"

Without another word to her mother, Artemis rose fluidly from her crouched position amid the ruins of her room, and flew out the door, bowless. This couldn't wait. She had to alert her team to the newest of the 'Hero Control Unit's' policies.

(May 18)

(Mt. Justice)

(Team)

A month had passed since the Justice League had been forced to disband. A fight had been put up. All the members were arrested.

Three weeks had passed since half of the world's heroes had been sent into hiding because of their refusal to comply with the registration act. Crime rates were rising. Even Metropolis was starting to become a dangerous place. The country was weakening.

Two and a half weeks had passed since the media's announcement that every Superhero signed up with the Hero Control Until would now (under force) legally work for them.

Two weeks had passed since the Team had openly refused to comply with the government and gone into hiding.

A week had passed since superheroes had been outlawed entirely….

I don't think I'll be updating regularly for the first two of three chapters. This is just a test run to see if people like this story. So if you want me to continue, please review. If enough people like it I'll go ahead and finish the story.