Chapter 28: Taking Sides

(The Watchtower, later that day)

Everyone is packing, gathering their belongings. After the incident in Gotham, things had taken a turn for the worse. Originally they had the advantage in the fight against the villains, now the teams were now forbidden to fight them by 'decree' of the government.

"This isn't the government's fault! They've been manipulated by the Light!" Superman shouted. "Don't be naïve! Luthor is the government! His action in developing the virus to stop the Reach's devices was recognized as the one that saved the Earth!" Batman retorted. "Exactly! Luthor is manipulating them!" Clark argued. "They've willingly aligned their selves with him! I've been spying on them ever since Luthor was elected as Secretary General of the UN! They've always hated us! But they tolerated you because you were their Boy Scout!" The Dark Knight growled.

The two of them continued to go back and forth, arguing their cases. The teams soon gathered around them, but to unsure to speak.

"What now of Gabriel?" Nightwing asked. "He's on his own. His actions got us started along this path." Batman grunted. "You can't seriously…" Superman started to say, but Batman interjected, "Really? I read into past events that had the related details of his attacks. He's killed cops, genius. Quite a few of them too. They…" "It doesn't matter! He shouldn't kill cops! They're here to protect and serve!" Clark growled.

At the revelation of knowing Dark Beast had killed police officers had changed his view on the shapeshifter. While he wasn't fond of the shifter's methods, he did feel sorry for him because of his past. But he didn't know some of the shifter's kills were cops. That was the final straw for him. Some of the others nodded in agreement with Superman. Nightwing walked up.

"I read those two. They discovered those men had killed innocents. One killed prostitutes, another killed kids, etc. etc. etc.…." Dick interrupted. "No, that can't be. They wouldn't." Clark gasped. "They did, Clark." Bruce revealed. "No! I don't believe you! They're good people!" The Kryptonian argued. "When are you going to get it Boy Scout? They hate us! Maybe some of the citizens and possibly some cops like us; but overall…they've revealed their true colors." Green Arrow grunted.

Superman had been raised to believe in the good of people, and the nobility of those who serve & lead the country. He didn't want to hear what his former teammates were saying. He shook his head in disbelief and refusal.

"No! You're wrong! I'll go to the president! I'll take him Gabriel! Maybe then…" He didn't say another word, for he was knocked to the side by a powerful blow.

Wonder Woman had punched him in the face. Clark sat up and looked at her in surprise.

"You will do no such thing. He's suffered enough. I warned everyone that he wouldn't stay there willingly. His escape proves my point." She growled. "Diana…he has to be locked up. He's committed crimes against this country and its people." Clark replied, shaking his head. "You fool! If you try to do that to him again, he'll fight you. From what I've seen, there's something about him that can actually hurt you. That serum…there's something in it that holds power which we don't understand." She grunted.

Clark stood up and walked over to Diana. He tried to put a hand on her shoulder, but she moved out of the way.

"I'm sorry Diana…but he can't be allowed to be free. If I can't do it as Superman…I'll do it as Clark Kent. He has to be stopped." He sighed. "I know Gabriel won't kill you, but he will beat you if you plan to do this. His eyes say it all." The amazon replied. "How do you even plan to find him?" Captain Atom asked. "I have my ways. Any of you who are willing to join me can. It would show that we are truly loyal to this country." Clark replied.

The teams looked at one another. Captain Atom, Plastic Man, and Flash stepped forward. Clark smiled and nodded.

"The rest of you just hope we can get this done." The Kryptonian said. "I'm going to catch Gabriel…but on my terms. It's back to Square One for me…and any who wish to join." Batman said.

Batgirl, John Stewart, and Red Tornado walked up to side with him. The two groups stared one another down.

"What are you doing?! Gabriel doesn't deserve this!" Beast Boy shouted. "He needs to be put away Garfield." Batgirl said. "You just blame him for your father not being commissioner anymore!" The shifter growled as he pointed an accusing finger at her. "He is responsible!" She retorted. "Fine then! I'll just form my own group! Those who are going to find Gabriel, stand by his side, and stop the Light can join me!" The shifter growled.

The groups and some members of the Justice League shook their heads.

"Wonder Woman? Black Canary? I'd be glad to follow either or even both of you if you join." BB said. "…I'm sorry Beast Boy…I like Gabriel…but that would draw conflict between American and my home…I can't…" Diana sighed. "Sorry Garfield, but it would put Oliver in harm's way if I was found out…" Dinah added. "…You…You've got to be kidding me!" He growled.

He then heard a bark at his side. All looked to see Wolf come to stand beside Beast Boy. The shifter smiled.

"Anyone else? Or is it just the two…" BB started to say, but was interrupted, "I'm in."

Nightwing came to stand beside the two. Kid Flash, Blue Beetle, and Static came to stand beside them too.

"So this is how it is, huh?" Superman grunted. "Yes." Batman and Nightwing said at the same time. "We'll settle this later. Too much has already gone wrong." Batman said. "Agreed." Superman and Nightwing replied in unison.

So there were the positions: two siding with the government to catch Gabriel, those against the government to catch Gabriel, those supporting Gabriel, and those who have decided to be uninvolved.

"Are you sure, my friend?" Kaldur asked. "Yes…" Dick replied. "Than I wish you good luck." Aqualad continued, then nodded.

The groups gathered the remaining of their belongings and left, taking their separate ways.

To be continued…