A small band of renegade villains gathered around a small fire outside of a cave just outside of Metropolis. Their numbers had been plucked thin by the mighty assaults of the Justice League; most were nursing injuries that ranged from from scratches and bruises to broken limbs.
Lex Luthor stood in the back of the cave, grimly pondering the horrible failure of his plot to resurrect Brainiac. He violently cursed himself for allowing his plan to go so horribly awry; with the end of his plan came the end of his hope to reunite with Brainiac. Luthor sighed to himself in discontent. He would have to begin his plans from scratch; he had lost his vast wealth, as well as most of the muscle that he had acquired in the form his fellow supervillains. He knew that most of them had no loyalty to him, and would have no qualms about squealing on him in exchange for leniency. That many witnesses to his crimes would ensure a sentence that even the master criminal himself would have trouble squirming out of.
As Lex pondered his future, he heard a completely unwelcome cackle echoing from the entrance of the cave.
"Lexy old chum, it's so wonderful to see you again!"
Lex knew that voice all too well- he looked to the entrance of the cave to see the rest of his gang of villains cowering in fear. At the mouth of the cave stood a a tall man with greasy jet-black hair, a pale face, and a permanent smile that haunted the dreams of many of the Earth's people. His yellow eyes glinted with mirth as he laughed at a joke that was apparent only to himself.
"I was oh so dissapointed, when I found that you had decided to form another fun little club without including me!"
"What do you want, Joker? Have you come to taunt me? The Secret Society is no more... We have no more purpose anymore."
"Au contraire, my shiny-headed friend. I can see an unlimited amount of uses for a team of super-powered evil-doers!"
"Well then you're straight out of luck, clown. This is all that's left."
To illustrate his point, Lex waved his arm at the remaining band of mostly wounded villains. Most would be of little use to anybody. With the exception of Killer Frost, Bizarro, and Sinestro, most of them were just worthless pawns, lacking in any form of power or intellect. Upon seeing them, the Joker frowned sharply. It was a terrible sight. However, the frown quickly returned to the sickening smile.
"Well then... I guess that it's a good thing I brought my friends along! You see, we Gothamites were very hurt when you chose to pass us all over for your little gang, and well... Let's just say that we all agree that we deserve our fair shot at the Justice League. So without further ado, allow me to introduce you to the magnificent JOKER'S ELEVEN!"
Right on cue, the Joker's cohorts entered the cave.
"Lex Luthor and associated losers, meet my friends; Harley Quinn, the Penguin, Two-face, The Riddler, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, Clayface, The Mad Hatter, Mr. Freeze, Killer Croc, and Bane. How's that for some fresh blood?"
"Impressive. But why go through all the trouble? You seem to do well enough on your own."
"Oh, you know me Lexy. Anything to play a fun little game with good old Batsy!"
"Fine, but you can have your fun however you want. Why do you need me? The Justice League has already blown my best plans to hell," snarled Lex. He obviously wanted nothing to do with the Joker's sick plans.
"Oh, Lex... What am I going to do with you? I am truly astounded by your lack of imagination. Just think of it; with your cunning rational genius, and my cunning irrational genius, we could be the ultimate team with the ultimate scheme!" The Joker once again burst out in insane laughter.
Lex frowned. "I don't know what you're planning, and I don't care. I want no part of your disgusting operations."
"Ah Lex... You always were such a downer. And that's why you don't have a choice in the matter! You're coming wether you like it or not!"
The Joker snapped his fingers, and the present members of his gang stepped forward menacingly. Lex could see that he was outnumbered, and sighed in defeat.
Having finalized his victory, the Joker laughed to himself. "I just knew that you'd be able to see it my way, Lexy! Right this way, everybody! Our good ol' buddy Mr. Cobblepot has arranged for a palne, as well as a base of operations for our little club! What a swell guy he is! Can we get a round of applause for him?"
Some half-hearted clapping was heard from the former Secret Society of Super Villains, and the man who had been introduced as the Penguin took a shallow bow.
"Now let's be on our way! We have a world to terrorize, and it won't wait forever!"
The Joker took one last look at his surroundings, until he heard Harley calling: "C'mon, Mista J! The Plane is ready ta go! The Joker strolled toward the plane, rubbing his hands in anticipation of all the fun he was cooking up. He boarded the plane, laughing maniacally as he began to formulate his plan.