Disclaimer

The characters used in this story are owned by DC Comics and Warner Bros. I have used them in this story which is entirely a product of my own imagination

Chap 35

A news reporter: This is Steve reporting live from the scene of action. It all started 20 minutes ago. Eye witnesses assert that it was flames ramped up from the inside!Luckily, no one occupied the house at that moment. Although it is fortunate that there are no causalities, the fact begs a fundamental question - Who started the fire? Over to you, Leslie!

Leslie - His lady colleague, in the studio: Thanks, Streve. But is there a reported sighting of Superman or the Justice League on the scene? Has anyone other than the fire department tried to put off the fire?

Steve: None whatsoever, Leslie. We haven't sighted Superman in Metropolis since the last time Orion attacked us. As we all know, he was taken into the custody of the league. However, I believe that they are up to something big, for involvement of a League member in the kidnap of Lois Lane, this indifference of Superman to the recent developments, definitely cannot be substantiated. One can only hope that Superman is trying his best to protect the world from an impending disaster, as usual.

Leslie: Of course, Steve! But the appearance of Orion in the scene all of a sudden did raise some apprehensions among the people, given that Superman's history with the Gods hasn't been to the best interest of the earth.

Steve: Yes, Leslie! But it is also a strong belief among the people that Superman would not let them down twice. Winning back the people's trust was never easy, and I'm sure Superman will think twice before taking that road again. Wait…I think I see him, right now! Jimmie, focus on that!

All cameras turn to capture a shadowy spot rapidly approaching the earth. Few seconds later, the red cape is visible.

Steve: Looks like Superman as finally decided to look into the matter. As you can see, the fire men have shut down the fire hoses, clearing up the way for the man of steel.

Leslie: Thank you, Steve! As you can see folks, Superman is back in action, and all our apprehensions were unfounded.

And just then…

Steve: Holy Smokes! There is a new development here. Superman stopped a few yards away from the building, and a figure just popped out of the top floor of the building. Superman isn't attacking him. It looks like they're talking.

Leslie: Tell us more about the figure, Steve!

Steve: It looks like, shoot! It is Orion!

Leslie: Steve, is he attacking Superman?

Steve: No. They're talking. Everything seems to be peaceful out there.

Leslie: Was Orion there on rescue, inside the building?

Steve: There is no way he could've gotten inside without our seeing it. The building is surrounded by the fire men and the media. But then again, he must've had his ways.

Leslie: Thank you, Steve! As you can see folks, presumably Orion was cured and he came to the rescue before Superman did. The Justice League is at our aid.

Steve: You're right, Leslie! We have more members of the league assembling here. Just now, the Martian Manhunter has landed in the Javelin. And even as we see, Green Arrow, Black Canary, Huntress, Vixen and Question are approaching from the other side.

Leslie: (frown) This hardly requires the attention of the entire league though!

Steve: Hold on, Leslie. The new Leaguers have joined the existing conversation. Looks like it is bigger than we thought. (pauses to observe) The discussion is getting heated up. Looks like Orion is angry. May be he isn't cured yet!
(Another pause)
Something is not right here, Leslie. Orion tried to attack to Green arrow but he dodged. But Superman and Martian Manhunter remained indifferent. And now…(pause) looks like Superman is going to attack. And…OH MY GOD!

Leslie: Steve, Steve what happened?

Steve: I can't believe my eyes. Superman shot laser beams at the Green Arrow.

Leslie: What? (a screeching noise from the other side)

Steve: Looks like they are fighting amongst each other. Green arrow dodged it, and Black Canary used her ultrasonic voice to fend Superman off. He's clearly disturbed owing to his super sensitive ears. But Martian Manhunter jumped into action, and pressed his throat. She's choking right now, I don't think she'll be able to speak any time sooner.

Incoming communication: Batman, where are you?

Batman: Waller! We've landed in the Gorilla city. I have even more reason to believe that I am right. What happened?

Waller: They have struck. We need you back.

Batman: Not possible! I am required here. I'm sure you can take care of this…

Waller: We don't have enough men.

Batman: Just fend them off for a few hours.

Waller: I don't think we'll last even minutes. Send Wonder Woman back.

Batman: I can't. I'll need her here. I cannot waste time fighting the Border Defense forces of Gorilla city. She is my shield here. Trust me, it'll all be over sooner than you can imagine. Use the suit if you need to. Shoot a bullet at him if necessary, just incapacitate them. Where is Lex?

Waller: I cannot find him. If you don't come right now, I will have to use my contingency forces.

Batman: (frustrated) Then do it! What do you need my permission for?

Waller: If I see that things are slipping out of our hands, I'll have him killed. Are you fine with it?

Batman: Do whatever you want! (cuts the communicator)

Diana: May be I should head back.

Batman: I won't repeat what I just said. I need you here!