Chapter Two

In what was an abandoned army base in Kentucky, Steve Trevor looked over his recruits for the Suicide Squad. The weather was turning cold, or, at least, cold for Kentucky, and it was too damned early in the morning to be dealing with amateurs, yet here he was. Scanning the base he saw the sniper nests that Waller had set up to keep these recruits from escaping.

Trevor looked over the mix of metas and criminals she handpicked for him. He couldn't believe Waller thought this mix of sociopaths and deviants could be made into a smooth combat team capable of taking down anything from an alien to a Justice Leaguer. In the derelict army base they stood in the exercise ground in a undisciplined line. They either slumped, squatted, or hunched making them look like a rogues gallery.

He walked down the line and checked off the names as he went. Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Deadshot, Cheetah, the Black Spider, and Savant, these were now his people to train and command. He supposed to make them into a smooth operating combat unit capable of taking down Aliens or a Justice Leaguer.

"You have been offered a chance at freedom and immunity from past transgressions if you fulfill your contract with this squad. According to my notes you have volunteered for this, but just in case you feel like making a break there are fifteen highly trained snipers with their scopes on you right now. You will die," he told them.

"Can we get on with this? I'm bored," said Deadshot.

Trevor closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm himself. He was starting to doubt Waller's idea. Opening his eyes, he checked his clipboard.

"I thought there was supposed to be seven of you," he said.

"There was," giggled Harley.

"What happened?"

"Director Waller decided to use Iceberg as an abject lesson when he refused an order from her. She shot him four times in the chest. He's dead," Poison Ivy stated.

"Psychotic bitch," he mumbled under his breath.

"A rose by another name," Ivy smiled.

Waller killed Iceberg. He knew that Iceberg had a death penalty hanging over his head from killing two police officers, but summarily executing him in front these freaks just to make imprint a lesson seemed to be too much. But then again Amanda Waller was known for being extreme.

He looked at his team, which consisted of two assassins, a so-called genius, woman who looked to be part animal, a sociopath trained by the Joker, and a botanist turned deadly plant. For the next five weeks he was to train this group and turn them into a functioning combat team.

"Hey, handsome, are you going to make me sweat?" Harley teased.

Ivy and cheetah loved. It was going to be a long five weeks.

"Alright, allegedly you are supposed to be in peak physical condition. Let's test that with a five mile run," he said.

"I'd rather test horizontally," teased Harley.

A very, very long five weeks.

JLJLJL

Clark sat across from Perry in his office. He had found his friendship with Lois starting to strain, as she forced him to appear on an afternoon show on the cable channel to talk about his blog. She was going to force him against his will to become something he didn't want to be. Investigating potential stories and writing his blog was enough for him. TV brought Clark Kent too much attention and he couldn't afford that.

He was called into Perry's office for a reason he could understand. His latest story about corporate corruption caused a close associate of Morgan Edge to come under police investigation. Edge was fuming.

"Kid, the article was great, well sourced, and it was even well written, but Morgan Edge was embarrassed by it," said Perry.

"So, I shouldn't have written the piece," said Clark defensively.

"Don't act like a sensitive ass, kid. Of course you should have written it, but Edge wants a head up when a piece is going to effect him, so he can prepare for the media backlash. He is our boss, so we owe him that much," Perry told him.

"I have to tell Edge if my investigative pieces effect him or his associates," said Clark. "I don't like it, Perry."

Perry sat back in his chair. He rolled up his shirt sleeves then he took a bottle of Johnny Walker Black Label out of his desk and two glasses. He poured them each a generous glass then slid Clark's glass across the desk to him.

"I told like it, either, kid," said Perry, who took a swig of his drink. "I was called into Lois office this morning. My mouth fell open when she read me the riot act on this one. Lois Lane who did care whose toes she stepped on for a story is telling us to give our boss a heads up. I guess what they say about money and power is true."

"She's not that far gone, Perry. She liked her job," said Clark defending her slightly.

Clark took a sip of his. Alcohol had no effect on him, which he was glad of. The thought of a drunk Superman causing havoc wasn't something he wanted to envision. His smartphone alert that he was getting a text sounded. Clark took his smartphone out and check the message. It was from Bruce.

How about lunch?

Sure, Bruce. Where?

Gotham City. I can have my private plan pick you up if you don't want to fly Air Kent.

Why Gotham?

I have a business proposition.

What time and what restaurant?

Sette Pesci at two. See you then.

Clark put his smartphone then looked over at Perry.

"Anything interesting?" Perry asked.

"Maybe. I have a two o'clock meeting. We'll see how interesting it is," said Clark.

"Take the afternoon then," said Perry. "And don't forget if the article effects Morgan Edge then you have to tell the bastard."

Perry picked up his drink and drained it. Clark drained his.

"I tell you, kid, I sometimes think of retiring," he said.

"It has changed here since Edge took over," said Clark.

"Yeah, maybe a little too much."

JLJLJL

Wonder Woman, Flash, Zatanna, Hal Jordan, Simon Baz, and Stargirl stepped off the teleportation pad. Diana felt her body vibrating with anger at what she witnesses today. The number of dead was in the thousands. She was covered in dry mud from her rescue and recover work. They were all covered with dry mud. Green Arrow, Katana, and Guy Gardner were there to greet them.

"Jeez, I'm sorry I missed this party. It looked like there was mud wrestling," remarked Gardner.

Wonder Woman glared at him then she stepped towards him, pushed him aside hard enough to almost make him fall then she stormed off to her quarters to shower and change.

"What's wrong with her?" asked Gardner.

"Ssabumd," mumbled Zatanna.

She looked down at herself and sighed. Her leather pants were ruined. Usually this would have been enough to put her in a sour mood, but today all it did was sadden her further.

"A lot of people died in the mudslides and floods," said Flash, "especially kids."

"It was a long depressing day. I hope not to have another one like it," said Hal.

"Grab a shower. I'll save you a seat in the cafeteria," said Green Arrow.

"Come on, Stargirl," said Katana.

Courtney walked over to Katana.

"I'll walk to your room," Katana said.

"Thanks, Katana," said Courtney.

Simon Baz noticed that J'onn entered the area. He walked over to him.

"We could have use some more power helping us today. Wonder Woman carried the burden along with me and Hal. Can we get Shazam on the roster full time or even the Blue Beetle?" he asked.

"Shazam is dealing with some personal issues now, and as for the young Blue Beetle, he has yet to master the powers of the scarab," said J'onn.

"Then we need to think out our teams and their complimentary powers," suggested Baz.

"I shall talk to Cyborg about running simulations with various teamings to judge which are the most effectiveness," he said.

"Sounds good," said Baz, who then walked away.

Green Arrow approached the Flash, who still hadn't moved.

"Hey, pal, why don't you go change, Barry, and then we can heat up a couple of pizzas with everything on them," offered Oliver.

Flash looked at his friend. The expression in his eyes was hollow.

"Barry, come on. Let's get you to your quarters," said Oliver.

In her quarters, Diana exited the shower and slipped on a terry cloth robe. She walked over the bed and sat down. Images of dead children and adults haunted her mind. No matter how strong she was she couldn't save these people.

Tears started to burn at the edge of her eyes. She was an Amazon princess, which meant she didn't cry. She was the champion of the Amazons trained by Philippus and other, which meant she didn't cry. She was a symbol of Amazon ideals, which meant she didn't cry. Yet, the tears were coming. Alone in this room without another soul to comfort her, she could finally cry.

JLJLJL

Clark landed in a back alley and changed from Superman to Clark Kent. He then starting walking to the restaurant that Bruce mentioned. It took him all of fifteen minutes to reach Sette Pesci. From the outside he could see that it was an expensive upscale place. He sighed. Dressed in a tweed blazer, rumpled chinos, a blue dress shirt, and blue paisley tie, he was going to stand up like Waldo at a funeral.

He entered the restaurant and was immediately stopped by the maitre'd.

"Can I help you, sir?" he asked.

"I'm here to have lunch with Mr. Bruce Wayne," he told him.

The maitre'd's attitude towards him changed. He motioned over a waiter.

"Take this gentleman to Mr. Wayne's usual table," he instructed.

All eyes were on Clark as he followed the waiter to the table. These men and women dressed in expensive clothing knew someone who didn't belong when they saw him. Clark tried to blend in with the oak wood and red carpet décor bit he couldn't. The waiter showed him to Bruce's table. Clark sat down. He left him with a wine list and a menu then left.

Clark looked at his watch. It was 2:06. He smiled to himself. Of course, Bruce Wayne wouldn't be on time. He had a reputation to live up to. Reviewing the wine list, Clark thought about teaching Bruce a lesson about leaving him alone for too long.

"Alfred, what time is it?" Bruce asked from the backseat of his Mercedes Limo.

"Sir, may I point out that you have a very expensive watch on your left wrist," answered Alfred.

"I know you have the correct time. I'm not sure about this damned watch," Bruce replied.

"It is 2:25, Master Bruce."

"Thank you, Alfred."

The limo pulled up in front of the restaurant. Bruce got out. He was wearing a hand-fitted expensive gray three piece suit with a cotton dress shirt, and a black silk tie. At six foot two and in excellent condition, maybe a tad too muscular for an alleged philandering billionaire, he knew he cut a noticeable figure. His dark hair was cut by a personal barber, who charged 400 hundred dollars, and his dark blue eyes were hidden behind a pair of Versace men's sunglasses. Striding into the restaurant, the maitre'd smiled as he entered.

Bruce walked past him and towards his favorite table. Now people turned their heads for a different reason, Bruce Wayne was famous. He sat down and noticed Clark was enjoying a bottle of wine and some prosciutto. Bruce check the label of the wine. It was a Stonyridge Cabernet.

"Very funny, Kent, this is a $200 bottle of wine," said Bruce, "and Cabernet doesn't go with seafood, which we will be having."

"You were late, Bruce," smiled Clark.

"Uh huh," replied Bruce, who poured himself a glass of wine.

He tasted it and approved of it then he remembered that Clark couldn't even get drunk because of the way his body processed it. Taking a fork he stabbed some melon and prosciutto and ate it. The sweetness and saltiness went well with the tannin and citrus of the wine.

The waiter appeared and looked at Bruce.

"Do you wish a menu, sir," he asked.

"No, I'll order for us both. My guest will have the cioppino and I'll have seafood pasta primavera and goat cheese," he ordered.

"Excellent, sir."

The waiter disappeared.

"What am I eating?" asked Clark.

Bruce shook his head and mumbled, "Farm boy."

"I can hear you, Bruce."

"I know. You are having a seafood stew with shrimp, crab, mussels, scallops, clams, and cod. You'll enjoy it, especially with a crusty Italian bread."

"Thanks."

"Let's get to business. We have time since they make my dish fresh and if I'm not mistaken, the chef is usually cooking a second batch of cioppino by now."

"Do you have everything planned out, Bruce?"

Bruce ignored his question and got down to business.

"I want to start a news website. It will be free, though I will sell ad space on it. I want it run out of Wayne Industries in Metropolis since it will have a heavy business section. I want you to help put together the news section. Knowing you, Clark, you won't want to be an editor, so you can be a blogger and reporter reporting on what you want," explained Bruce. "Oh, did I mention I'm giving you a twenty-five percent raise?"

"Why are you doing this, Bruce?" Clark asked in surprise.

"Because I don't trust Morgan Edge. I've been meaning to move into new media in order to keep an eye on Edge. You asking me if I knew someone who was hiring just made the situation well timed," he said.

"And the raise?" he asked

"Because I really want you to give Edge extra attention," smiled Bruce.

"Can I recruit some people for this start up?" he asked.

"Please, steal as many good people as you can from Edge," said Bruce.

"When will this start?"

"It September now. I already am having two floors cleared and set up for you in Wayne Tower Metropolis, so I should think I want you and your people in place by October 1 and the first edition up two weeks later. I already have someone hired as the publisher," he said.

"Who?"

"Vicky Vale."

"An old girlfriend, really?"

"An old girlfriend who can give Lois Lane a run for her as a reporter. Are you in or out, Clark?"

"She know about me?"

"She's thrilled about you. She says your blog will be a big seller and she hopes you bring Perry White with you to be editor in chief. I want this to be a quality newspaper, but just on-line and with playable interviews and, eventually, live news," said Bruce. "I want to step on Edge's toes, but slowly. How about it?"

"I'm in," smiled Clark.

"Oh, and I want inside information on stories, but not because I'm dirty like Edge, but because I'm Batman," he said in a low voice only Clark could hear. "Criminal organization like to control more than one city."

"No problem, Bruce," said Clark.

"Good. I may even dessert. The tiramisu here is delicious."

JLJLJL

When the Justice League was founded the original six decided that an overseeing board would meet once a month to discuss situations, problems, and planning. It became known as the board. Currently, it consisted of Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Mera, a Green Lantern, Hawkman, Hawkwoman, Black Canary, Green Arrow, and Batman. They met in a conference room and since John Stewart was the Green Lantern at this meeting Bruce wasn't surprised to hear Superman mentioned again.

"I heard you meeting went poorly with Superman," said John. "I knew we should have sent one of the Lanterns with you."

"It wouldn't have made a difference. He doesn't want to join, so I say we back off," said Oliver.

"I agree, though I'd really like to race him. I hear he can run almost as fast as me and fly even faster," said Flash.

"There is more to life than running and speed," growled John.

"I found him rude. I'm not sure I want him as part of the league," said Diana.

She was not going to admit it to her fellow Leaguers, but Superman got under her skin. There was part of her that would love to get him into one of their training rooms and show him what an Amazon warrior, who is the daughter of Zeus, could do.

"That's because manners make the hero," Batman said sarcastically.

Diana glared at him.

"I don't enjoy your humor, Batman," said Diana.

"There is humor you do enjoy, Princess," growled Batman.

"I'm kind of surprise you find anything funny, Bats," said the Flash

Bruce glared at him and the Flash offered him an awkward smile.

"He has a point, Batman," said Diana. "You aren't know for your sense of humor, either."

"Still I trust the Guardians and they think we should keep an eye on him. They even mentioned if he has access to Kryptonian science and technology that we should think about securing it," said John.

"The Guardians seem to have a little fascist in them," remarked Oliver.

"They are cautious when it comes to power like the Kryptonians had," said John.

"Enough on Superman. He isn't a threat to us and he doesn't want to join, but that doesn't mean I'm not keeping a close eye on him," said Batman.

"What do you mean?" asked John.

"He's a friend and he now works for me."

"That doesn't mean anything to me. I know you as Batman. I don't know you in the everyday world," said John.

"We keep going around in a circle when it comes to Superman. Much of the problem involves trust. It appears for heroes many of us have trust issues. I know I do, so I'm willing to make a gesture to ensure your trust. I'm asking you to trust me that Superman is no threat and he means only good not harm," said Batman.

"You scare the crap out me sometimes but I trust you Bats," said the Flash.

"I don't trust you. I don't know you that well," said John.

"This stays in here. I'm about to offer you a moment of trust in order that you learn to trust me when it comes to Superman," said Bruce.

Before anyone could say anything, Bruce pulled down his collar exposing his face and his identity. Bruce Wayne was world famous, a face that appeared on TVs, newspapers, and magazines. Everyone sat there in stunned silence until Bruce spoke up.

"Yes, Batman is Bruce Wayne. Now I am asking you to trust me like I've just trusted you."

Green Arrow pulled down his hood and took off his mask. He smiled at Bruce. The Flash pulled down his collar exposing his identity of Barry Allen.

"Oliver Queen," said Bruce.

"Bruce Wayne."

"Um... I'm Barry Allen and I'm not a billionaire," said the Barry with a smirk

"Okay, okay, I get it. We trust each other here," said John. "Is this Superman really working for you?"

"He is now an employee of a subsidiary of Wayne Enterprises," said Bruce.

"Doing what?" asked John

"His job," grinned Bruce.

Diana leaned forward with her arms on the table.

"I trust you, Batman, I mean, Bruce," said Diana "We will leave Superman alone for now."