chapter 1
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Present day, the training room of the JLA Watchtower. . .
"If I didn't know better, I'd say you were practicing!" Diana called out to Batman as she deflected a batarang with a bracelet before jumping in the air, landing behind him.
Batman spun and blocked her fist, "Maybe you're just slower." He head- butted her, which she went along with, because it gave her the opportunity to deliver a roundhouse kick to his ribs.
He stepped back, glancing at his side, "What did I tell you about holding back?"
She smiled apologetically. "Batman, I have to hold back, otherwise you'd have some broken ribs right now."
He frowned and was about to reply, when they heard Superman's voice over the intercom, calling everyone to the meeting room.
Diana and Batman glanced at each other. Superman's abrupt call for a meeting only meant one thing.
At the door, Batman extended his hand, the gesture saying "after you." Diana rolled her eyes as she shook her head. She would never feel comfortable having doors opened for her because she's a woman, which he knew; just as she knew he would never feel comfortable not opening doors for women. This was a song and dance they both knew.
Outside, Diana saw Shayera heading the same direction.
"What happened?"
Diana shrugged. "We'll find out."
Everyone sat, except Superman, who began speaking.
"An explosion was just reported inside S.T.A.R. Labs. We all know the kind of research and equipment they have there. This requires our immediate attention."
John thought aloud, "Couldn't the explosion just be an experiment gone awry?"
Batman shook his head, "Not likely at this time of night."
"Regardless," Superman continued, "We should still go and investigate. Flash, you remain in the Monitor Womb, keep us posted on any new developments. The rest of us will transport down."
Flash opened his mouth to complain, but promptly shut it when Batman looked at him.
Everyone transported down and all heads turned towards the blazing fire. Superman helped the firemen by blowing out what was still aflame. Among the smoldering remains, Shayera, Diana, and John checked for anyone trapped. J'onn interviewed survivors. Batman tried to stay out of sight as he looked for evidence and took samples.
Flash's voice was heard over their earpieces. "Hey Supes-a museum break-in in Metropolis. Possible meta involvement. You want me to handle it?"
Diana cut in. "Kal, I can take care of it-you've got your hands full."
"Thanks Diana. Flash stay put."
Everyone ignored Flash's groan and went back to work. Diana was already in the air.
Diana got specifics from Flash enroute. She knew she was at the right place when she saw the police cars below, cops on the sidewalk, looking up at the roof with guns drawn. She landed on the rooftop and immediately heard footsteps behind her. She whirled around and frowned.
"Aren't you a little far from home?"
******************************************************************
The remains of the fire now out, Superman found Batman and asked the Detective in a low voice, "Found anything?"
"Yes. The doors show damage on the outside, away from the explosion. Someone did break in."
"Don't suppose you already-"
"The blast pattern on the doors suggests Lexcorp technology," Batman interrupted.
Superman busied himself as Batman finished up by checking the room with his x-ray vision. He looked up suddenly when Batman started striding out of the room.
"Where are you going?"
"Lexcorp."
"That's in Metropolis."
"Thanks for the geography lesson."
"Which means I'm coming with you."
Batman only looked at him for a moment before turning and walking out.
Superman heard the sound of the Batwing approaching. Batman must have sent for it as soon as they arrived.
Batman took off for Metropolis as Superman brought the others up to speed. Hawkgirl, J'onn, and Green Lantern transported back to the Watchtower and Superman flew towards his home city.
Superman pressed the communication device in his ear and asked out loud, "Flash, any word on Diana?"
"Nope, why?"
"Batman and I will be in Metropolis shortly."
"Ok, I'll see what's up."
*****************************************
*******************
Present day, the training room of the JLA Watchtower. . .
"If I didn't know better, I'd say you were practicing!" Diana called out to Batman as she deflected a batarang with a bracelet before jumping in the air, landing behind him.
Batman spun and blocked her fist, "Maybe you're just slower." He head- butted her, which she went along with, because it gave her the opportunity to deliver a roundhouse kick to his ribs.
He stepped back, glancing at his side, "What did I tell you about holding back?"
She smiled apologetically. "Batman, I have to hold back, otherwise you'd have some broken ribs right now."
He frowned and was about to reply, when they heard Superman's voice over the intercom, calling everyone to the meeting room.
Diana and Batman glanced at each other. Superman's abrupt call for a meeting only meant one thing.
At the door, Batman extended his hand, the gesture saying "after you." Diana rolled her eyes as she shook her head. She would never feel comfortable having doors opened for her because she's a woman, which he knew; just as she knew he would never feel comfortable not opening doors for women. This was a song and dance they both knew.
Outside, Diana saw Shayera heading the same direction.
"What happened?"
Diana shrugged. "We'll find out."
Everyone sat, except Superman, who began speaking.
"An explosion was just reported inside S.T.A.R. Labs. We all know the kind of research and equipment they have there. This requires our immediate attention."
John thought aloud, "Couldn't the explosion just be an experiment gone awry?"
Batman shook his head, "Not likely at this time of night."
"Regardless," Superman continued, "We should still go and investigate. Flash, you remain in the Monitor Womb, keep us posted on any new developments. The rest of us will transport down."
Flash opened his mouth to complain, but promptly shut it when Batman looked at him.
Everyone transported down and all heads turned towards the blazing fire. Superman helped the firemen by blowing out what was still aflame. Among the smoldering remains, Shayera, Diana, and John checked for anyone trapped. J'onn interviewed survivors. Batman tried to stay out of sight as he looked for evidence and took samples.
Flash's voice was heard over their earpieces. "Hey Supes-a museum break-in in Metropolis. Possible meta involvement. You want me to handle it?"
Diana cut in. "Kal, I can take care of it-you've got your hands full."
"Thanks Diana. Flash stay put."
Everyone ignored Flash's groan and went back to work. Diana was already in the air.
Diana got specifics from Flash enroute. She knew she was at the right place when she saw the police cars below, cops on the sidewalk, looking up at the roof with guns drawn. She landed on the rooftop and immediately heard footsteps behind her. She whirled around and frowned.
"Aren't you a little far from home?"
******************************************************************
The remains of the fire now out, Superman found Batman and asked the Detective in a low voice, "Found anything?"
"Yes. The doors show damage on the outside, away from the explosion. Someone did break in."
"Don't suppose you already-"
"The blast pattern on the doors suggests Lexcorp technology," Batman interrupted.
Superman busied himself as Batman finished up by checking the room with his x-ray vision. He looked up suddenly when Batman started striding out of the room.
"Where are you going?"
"Lexcorp."
"That's in Metropolis."
"Thanks for the geography lesson."
"Which means I'm coming with you."
Batman only looked at him for a moment before turning and walking out.
Superman heard the sound of the Batwing approaching. Batman must have sent for it as soon as they arrived.
Batman took off for Metropolis as Superman brought the others up to speed. Hawkgirl, J'onn, and Green Lantern transported back to the Watchtower and Superman flew towards his home city.
Superman pressed the communication device in his ear and asked out loud, "Flash, any word on Diana?"
"Nope, why?"
"Batman and I will be in Metropolis shortly."
"Ok, I'll see what's up."
*****************************************