Disclaimer
The characters used in this story are NOT owned by me. They are the property of DC comics and Warner Brothers. I have used those characters to put up this story which is ENTIRELY A PRODUCT OF MY IMAGINATION.
Chap 04
From where we left out last time...in the watch tower
To everyone's shock, Luthor has bounced Batman's plan back on him. And now, Bruce Wayne looks to be in grave danger
Superman: (Breaking the silence) You...you anticipated it...right!
Batman: (weakly) No!
Silence again! It's like they don't believe they just heard that from him
GL: (trying again...) I..I am sorry!
Batman: For what?
GL: For messing it all up!
Batman: No, you didn't do anything wrong. It was all my fault.
Hawk Girl: You don't have a back up plan!
Batman: Haven't thought of any.
Wonder Woman: Now that's rather unlike you! I mean, the whole thing is rather unlike you. Your plan was totally clumsy. Don't tell me you didn't have better ways to get the information you required. Sending Bruce Wayne there was a disastrous move.
Batman: (losing patience) Yes, yes and yes! It was a total disaster and I admit I am the one...wholly solely responsible for this mess! And I will think of a way to get out of it!
Jonn: Calm down, Batman. Diana didn't mean it that way. Listen, mistakes happen! Although we are all a little baffled that you left such a serious vulnerability in your plan, which you normally don't, we also understand you were doing it for us, especially Superman. And you like it or not, we are all a part of this, and we are with you!
The last line strikes chord with everyone and somehow, a feeling of lightness emerges. It's All-for-one again
Batman: Jonn, and others (not looking at Diana), I really appreciate your concern. But, I can't let you get into this. This is serious, more serious than you think. Bruce Wayne is punishable under federal law, and if you stand guard for him, you will be equally punishable. I don't want that to happen. I'll figure a way out of this myself, or else...
Superman: Or else what?
Batman: Serve my fate.
Superman: Now this is highly unlike you. I say...
beeping sound from a bat-gadget
Batman: (answers it): Yes! Um...aha...I rather expected. I'll be there. (turning to others) Gotta go. It's urgent. And please, if you have any consideration for my words, stay out of this. Don't make it any more difficult for me. (Leaves the room in a hurry. In the process, drops his keys, bends down to grab them..but fumbles, finally succeeds in getting hold onto them, and leaves)
Flash: Now that is really unlike him!
Superman: I don't feel good!
Diana: He is hiding something...or...
Jonn: He is completely taken over. I can sense pressure.
Hawk Girl: And I can see it.
GL: Yeah,"Serve my fate". What was that!
Flash: So, are we going to just sit here and speculate?
Superman: No way, we are going after him!
Diana: He said not to.
Superman: And when did I start taking his orders?
Diana: Well to say the truth...from the start
Everyone smiles at that
Superman: All right, but this time, I am the boss. And I say, GL, keep an eye on him.
Hawk Girl: And I thought you are better suited for that job!
Superman: All right! I'll keep an eye on him.
Flash: Some boss you are, Supz!
Superman: Okey, let me put it this way. Who wants to keep an eye on him?
No one responds in affirmative
Jonn: I think we should listen to him and...
Superman: And what, leave him to face hisfate.
Jonn: Concentrate on Luthor. I'm sure he can handle himself, and as he said, our
intervention will only give him more troubles.
Diana: Perhaps Jonn is right! I think we should leave it to him.
Superman: I don't believe you're talking like that. Okey, let's do this. I'll watch him, and the rest of you guys watch Luthor. No further discussions. (Leaves)
Hawk Girl: Now that sounds like a plan.
GL: You betcha!
Shifting the scene to down at the Batcave
Alfred: I thought things were going out of your hands, sir. So, I called you in.
Batman: Good work, Alfred! I'm afraid I'm a very bad actor!
Alfred: Ahem... Sir. Mr. Luthor wanted Mr. Wayne in his office at 7, sharp.
Batman: Ah, get me my suit, Alfred! I'll be on my way.
Alfred: And don't you think you'll be watched, sir!
Batman: I've told them not to, Alfred! But I'm afraid atleast two of them wouldn't heed to my words. I'll take my precautions.
Luthor: She knows you just too well, doesn't she, sir!
Batman: So does he, Alfred! That doesn't make any difference.
Alfred: If you say so, Sir...
Within no time, Bruce is ready to go face Lex Luthor. But as pointed out, he is behaving rather unlike himself. Why is he eager to meet Luthor? Stay tuned to know...