(AN). Sorry it took me so long to update, school and a getaway hindered my writing. To phoenix83ad, much love. I'm glad you find my fic to be somewhat good while I love your Batman/LOTR crossover
Anywho, to everyone else, keep the reviews coming and I'll do my part.
Batman and all other characters are not owned by me, but by the underappreciated DC Comics (I like you Marvel and I do love your titles, but blow me).
Chapter 8 Fulcrum
Bane was currentlly 'depromoting' the commanding officers responsible for the failure at the compound. He was so close at capturing the children that had been disposing of the minor metacamps across Europe and Asia. Slade would have increased his pay for sure. Now, all he has to show for is the destruction of the westside of the military compound, the loss of many soldiers and equipment, and four dead, depromoted, captains.
After Bane had snapped the neck of the last captain with his right hand, he turned to the officer that stood in the control room with him.
"If you would be so kind, Senor", Bane began. "Sweep out the trash."
"Ya", said the subordinate as he and four other soldiers had grabbed the bodies and carried them out of the control room.
Bane had been left to think about his own failure now. He could have easily captured the three intruders if not for that animal metamorpher. Bane stood over the destroyed computer console and rammed both of his gigantic fists down on it, now rendering the computer to pieces.
"No use beating a dead horse, Bane."
Bane turned to the voice he knew he had better have answers for.
"Senor Slade", Bane began as he bowed his head. "Forgive my failure in today's episode. Failure by me or anyone else under my command will never happen again."
Slade walked calmly towards Bane with both hands folded behind his back. His eyes coming from behind his mask gave no hint of anger or frustration.
"An uncalculated occurence", Slade said. "Had Batman and the Justice League not interfered, the three metachildren would now be back where they belong. Which now brings up a new situation: How shall we respond?
*****
Starfire was sitting in the recroom alone. She had watched the television for a while, leaning foward resting her elbows on her kness. Starfire had rested her head in her hands gazing blankly to the tv screen. Green Lantern was amazed that her arm healed as fast as it did. It probably had something to do with her alien physiology.
She was intrigued by a cartoon with cute furry animals that lived in a nursery, but she had a hard time feeling really happy. She was worried. Worried that maybe she would never remember anything about her past. But for now, she was worried about Robin. She knew that he was well capable of taking care of himself, but she still couldn't help but to hope nothing awful would happen to him. He was her newest and closest friend she had. She didn't want to lose that too.
"Hey, Starfire", Nightwing said coming into the recroom, his arms behind his back.
Starfire did not hear him at first, still caught in her thoughts. Nightwing had decided to bring his arms around to reveal a plate of PB and J's. He moved silently across the room and plopped himself onto the couch Starfire was on, startling her.
"Hey Star", Nightwing said. "Thought you might be hungry." Nightwing had learned from Flash that Starfire was definately at the mercy of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. He knew she was feeling a bit down, so he decided to try to cheer her up.
Starfire had gathered herself, wondering why people found it necessary to scare her like that. She looked at Nightwing with her worries splashed across her face.
"I thank you Nightwing, but I do not feel like consuming my favorite grub right now.", Starfire said.
Nightwing wasn't sure what concerned him more, the look on her face or the fact that she turned down peanut butter and jelly.
"Star, if anything is bothering you, its ok if you want to talk to me about it."
Starfire looked down at the floor of the recroom and gave a deep sigh.
"I...I'm just concerned. About many things", Starfire said.
Nightwing put the plate of sandwiches on the coffee table in front of them, keeping one.
He then leaned back on the sofa and took a big bite out of his sandwich, finishing the bite with ease.
"I know what you mean", Nightwing said. "Were you ever told of everything thats been going on?"
Starfire shook her head implying 'no'. Nightwing wolfed down his sandwich, holding back a burp. He then put his feet on the coffee table and folded both arms behind his head.
"Its pretty long", Nightwing started. "I'll give you the edited version if you want."
Starfire wasn't sure if she was allowed to hear the business of the Justice League. She remembered how Hawkgirl and Green Lantern gave her a funny look when she went into the control room with Nightwing to see Robin and the rest off.
"Is telling me vital information ok?" Starfire asked.
Nightwing resumed, what Alfred referred to, an appropriate sitting position. He grabbed another sandwich and stared at Starfire with his trademark smile.
"I'll make it suitable", he said.
*****
Raven, Beast Boy and Cyborg had flown before, but being in space was something completely new for them. Raven had decided to look out of the window in silent awe of the fact that she was in space. She didn't remember her life before the metacamps, but she's positive that being in space was new to her. Cyborg and Beast Boy, however, couldn't help but let out the 'ooohs' and 'aaaahs'. They even managed a high-five when they had cleared earth's atmosphere. After a few moments of enjoying the sites, Beast Boy remembered that he didn't know why they were in space.
"Uh...Hey", Beast Boy began. "Why are we in space?"
Flash was at the controls when he turned his head to Beast Boy. His trademark grin met the confused look on Beast Boy's face.
"We're going home, green guy."
Beast Boy still wasn't clear. Batman had said to take them to the Watchtower, but Beast Boy had no clue as to where that was.
"Uh..where's home?"
Diana, who was seated at the chair behind Batman, had now turned to meet Beast Boy. She rested her right arm on the head of her seat and pointed with her left out the front windshield of the Javelin 7
"There."
The three young metas had looked out of the front window of the Javelin to see the orbiting spacestation. Only Cyborg's voice was heard.
"This....is sweet."
Batman was at the controls, obviously fuming over the fact that these three metas had endangered the mission and J'onn and Batgirl were still imprisoned by Slade. The Javelin 7 was coming into the airspace of the Watchtower.
"Watchtower, this is Javelin 7. Beginning landing sequence.
*****
"So, Slade is threatening to hurt many people?", Stafire asked
Starfire had heard the quick version of the entire Slade scenario for the past ten minutes. Nightwing had told her a little about the Batclan, without giving away any secrets.
"Yeah basically", Nightwing said. "We don't even have a clue of what he wants with Batman. Slade's obsessed with him."
Starfire had felt a little better just by talking to someone. Robin was always good for a talk because she felt he understood her. She really had come to like Nightwing. He was honest, funny and caring. So much like Robin had been with her.
"I thank you very much, my friend", She said. "I think that I required to talk with someone. It has obviously helped me."
Nightwing had put his hand on top of her head and ruffled her hair, which lead her to a giggle fit. He liked talking to her and making her laugh. It felt like a brotherly thing to do.
"You know your the little sister I never wanted?"
Starfire looked at him a little confused but then smiled.
"Oh, that was a joke?"
"Yep, sure was."
Starfire giggled then clapped her hands.
"I finally understood one!"
The two 'siblings' laughed together for brief moment before they were interrupted by the Flash making his way into the recroom.
"Oh, hey bro", Nightwing said. "Whats....."
"You need to keep your earpiece on, bro", Flash said in a serious tone.
Serious tones from the Flash were never a good sign.
"What happened", Nightwing said, getting back on the clock.
Flash looked at him with his face softening a bit.
"We just got back from Bangladesh, bro", Flash said. "The rescue didn't go the way we wanted. Meeting in the control room right now."
"What about Robin?", Starfire asked.
Flash looked at her and gave her a thumbs up.
"He's fine, Star."
Starfire could now rest a little easier. Before she could say anything else, Flash zipped away from the recroom
*****
"So J'onn and Batgirl are still down there?", Hawkgirl asked Batman, who was joined by the rest of Units 1 and 2 and the three young metas at the conference table in the control room.
"Yes", Batman said. "After these three infultrated the complex, our operation had been compromised."
"So what about the rescue?", GL asked.
Batman stood up from his seat and looked at Cyborg who followed suit. They both left the table and walked towards the main computer. Cyborg's right arm had unleashed a cable that connected to the quick access USB port. Batman had turned his attention back to the conference table.
"Cyborg had downloaded a large cluster of information on metacamps across the globe. He can upload everything to our databanks."
After Cyborg had finished, his cable returned to him and he walked back to the table to take his seat next to Beast Boy, who sat between Raven and Cyborg. Batman had taken the seat in front of the computer and began a typing barrage that only Clark Kent could better. Batman brought up a three dimensional blue print of Slade's compound in Bangladesh.
"As you can see", Batman began. "This is the compound that J'onn and Batgirl are being held."
Batman highlighted the holding cells of the complex and text information appeared.
"J'onn and Batgirl were scheduled to be interrogated right before our arrival. Cyborg, Raven and the Beast Boy had forced Slade to reschedule."
Batman turned from the computer to the group at the table.
"What I've noticed is that we cannot impose the compound now from the outside. Slade is sure to strengthen his security now that he knows that we know where they have our allies."
Superman was the first to realize where Batman was going.
"We use a Boom Tube."
Batman rose an eyebrow that no one could see. He couldn't help but feel slightly proud of Superman.
"Exactly."
Batman now stood up from the computer chair and made his way back to the table. He stopped in front of Cyborg, Beast Boy, and Raven. The three young metas felt that uncomfortable feeling creeping up on them again, as they failed to meet Batman's look.
"You three have extensive knowledge of the metacamps, correct?"
The three looked up but only Raven spoke.
"Yes."
"We need to know everything you know", Batman said.
Raven looked at Cyborg and Beast Boy who both nodded at her. She then looked back up to Batman with the beginnings of a smirk.
"Sure, no problem."
"The three of you will stay in the control room with Green Lantern and Robin. They will get all the information from you that we need."
Batman turned from the kids to the League. He was about to continue with the business he was so well on a role with. However, he was interrupted by the Watchtower's alert system's alarm. The entire League rose from the table and made their way to the computer. Batman had retaken his seat at the controls.
"The emergency brodcast system in Bucharest, Romania has been activated", Batman said. He continued to bring up information as the rest of the League watched on. "A series of explosions occured in the capital city."
As Batman was crunching at the keyboard, Nightwing ran into the control room finding everyone at the computer.
"Where were you?", Batman said not even looking back.
"Sorry, I was with Star..."
Nightwing was interrupted by another emergencie signal coming over the Watchtower's system.
"Same thing in Moscow, a series of explosions", Batman said.
"It coudln't be...?", Hawkgirl began.
"Oh, Great Herra", Wonder Woman said.
Batman had begun to type more information when Oracle came over the Watchtower communication radio.
"Batman?", Oracle began. "
"Go ahead."
"We have a problem."
Flash gave a slight huff. "Really?"
Oracle continued, "Reports out of Moscow and Bucharest are reporting sudden explosions in heavily populated areas. Batman, it has to be Slade."
Batman already came to that conclusion, but was still enraged when Oracle shared the same hypothesis.
"Stay in the local systems for both cities", Batman sternly said. "Monitor ALL communications and get word back as soon...."
Another alarm went off.
Superman had now walked to the side of the sitting Batman at the computer. He looked at the monitor in horror.
"G....Gotham City", Oracle said. "Its Wayne Enterprises World Headquarters."
Everyone, including the three teens, were now standing around the computer. Nightwing was struck with a fear he hadn't felt since Barbara was paralyzed. Bruce's family business. The number of people who worked at the world headquarters was easily in the thousands. The entire League was now in a state of shock.
"Its a week day", Hawkgirl said. "The building must have been..."
"Completely full, If my data serves me correctly"
The image of Slade came over the computer screen.
Batman, along with the League starred at Slade with matching looks of rage washed across their faces.
"What just happened, Bruce, was punishment. I want the three metachildren returned to me." Slade had superimposed a live feed image of the London Bridge in England. "If you do not comply, more of this will occur...."
"No! Don't!", Batman shouted.
The live feed of London showed the London Bridge heavily sufused with traffic. In an instant, multiple explosions occuring at the exact second washed all over the feed window.
"As you can see", Slade continued. "I have already infected a large portion of the world with my nanomachines. Fairlure to return the three metachildren at the place of my choosing will result in the detonation of every nanomachine currently residing the in the world's population. I have not infected the entire world just yet, but that is a step that could be easily taken."
The entire League were silent in watching the screen showing where the London Bridge once stood. Slade had the image change suddenly to Moscow, where local officials were attempting to control fires and help survivors. Then the image changed to Downtown Bucharest, where much of the same could be seen. Each city was in a state of emergency.
Finally, Slade had shown a live feed of Gotham City where the Wayne Ent. World HQ once stood. The debris of the building had covered a large portion of the Downtown area. Batman could look no more as he got up from his chair and pushed his way past the League. He brushed the side of Diana as he walked through. She looked back to him with an almost apologetic look in her eyes.
"Batman?", Diana asked. "What are you...."
"Please Bruce", Slade said coming on the monitor again. "Don't leave just yet. There is nothing you can do right now. Lucius Fox was out of town at the time and I'm sure he can see to any disaster reports that may need filling out. Right now, your only business lies with me."
Batman stopped at the doorway of the control room. He turned to face his comrades and the three metas that Slade wanted. He began to walk back to where he was sitting with the intention to remain standing. He stopped in front of Raven, Beast Boy and Cyborg. His eyes were fixed on them for a moment, Batman computing something in his head.
"Why Slade?", Batman said in the hardest voice he could muster. "What makes these kids so special?"
Slade's image folded his arms and began to speak again.
"Simple", Slade began. "They have been a thorn in my operations for quite some time now. I feel that a proper punishment is in order."
Raven had enough of listening to Slade and made her way to the front of the crowd so Slade could see her.
"You bastard", Raven said, trying her best to keep her emotions in check.. "We were in those torture camps and we escaped at the cost of fifty of us being slaughtered by you. You want us? You got us."
Cyborg and Beast Boy had come behind the League and stood next to Raven. Cyborg ready to tear off Slade's head.
"You wanna piece of us? Just tell us when and where. We'll be....."
"That enough!!", Batman shouted at the young metas. He walked to their sides and looked at Slade with another hard stare. "What about Martian Manhunter and Batgirl?"
"J'onn and Cassie?", Slade mockingly asked. "Oh, yes. They are here. In fact, I'm finding Batgirl to have some of Ra's daughter's traits. She has that exotic look that I am quite infatuated with."
That was it.
Robin had stood silent for long enough. He brushed passed Batman and the three metas to meet Slade's image.
"You touch her, and I'll kill you myself", Robin said using Batman's voice.
"Ah, Tim", Slade said. "Now that you mention it, I did have a little test set up for you or for Richard, didn't I?." Slade began to think silently as Batman and Robin were like statues waiting for him to speak. "How about this: To settle the dispute over the metas that belong to me, I will allow Nightwing to decide their fates."
Nightwing had followed the pattern of everyone changing positions in front of the computer by joining Batman, Robin and the young metas.
"What about J'onn and Batgirl?", Diana asked
"Their fate will not be decided for some time. I feel that a bit of leverage will always be usefull."
"What exactly do you want me to do?", Nightwing spat.
"Simple really: You will be waiting by the Nile River in El Minya, Egypt. There, you will meet a set of obstacles and opponents that will test your skills along the guidelines of Bruce's training."
Batman stood watching Slade give Nightwing instructions while he was no doubt pushed to his limits. Never before had he ever encountered such unrelenting carnage.
His own city.
His own people.
Even his own business
"What guarantee to we have that you won't detonate anymore of those nanomachines if we do comply?", asked an irate Green Lantern.
"You have non", said Slade. "Be thankfull that you do, perhaps, have the oppurtunity to delay any further unfortunate disasters."
Batman had come to the conclusion that he was in no position to do anything. He hated that feeling. He dedicated his life to never feel that way again. He felt almost as helpless as that eight year old boy did over twenty-five years ago.
"What are your terms?", Batman growled.
"Simple", Slade said. "The children will be delivered by you Batman, if your ward fails. If he is victorious, I will allow you to continue guardianship over my experiments. Are we understood, Bruce?"
"Crystal."
"Good", Slade said. "I expect Richard to be in El Minya in exactly three hours. Keep your communicator on, Richard. I will give you instructions on where exaclty you will begin your test."
"I'll be there", Nightwing said.
Slade let out a soft laugh.
"Now that Richard is commited to this test, Bruce, it seems that the main test I had set up for one of your wards will now be attempted by Timothy."
Batman had now lost control.
"That was NEVER agreed upon", Batman shouted. "If Nightwing completes the first test, he'll be ready for the next one."
"But Bruce", Slade said. "I wished to see ONE of your wards, true. However, your attempts to gather information about me and attempted rescue of your friends changed more than my mood. I will expect young Timothy to be ready. I'll even give him an extra week. How does that sound?"
Robin was standing in silence ever since Slade began to change the rules and stakes of his sick game. He watched as Batman, Nightwing and the rest of the Justice League had listened to Slade. He also could not stop thinking about Cassandra. Was she safe? What about J'onn? It was too much to try to think about at once. Thankfully, Batman had trained him to keep a clear mind. However, he couldn't help but feel like he was slowly evolving away from Batman's training.
Robin had now taken the center spot in front of the computer so Slade could have a clear view of him.
"Slade", Robin began. "Whatever you want is fine by me. Nightwing'll beat you. I'll get through whatever you have set up for me. And when we're done with the games, and I find out you've harmed my friends, I'll tear you limb from limb."
Slade couldn't help but be insulted by Robin's comments towards him.
"Patience, Timothy", Slade began. "You will have your time, and maybe a special moment with myself will be in order. You all have my demands. I suggest they be met."
Slade had cut his feed to the Watchtower.
Everyone in the control room gathered in a circle to discuss what just happened. Superman had walked to Nightwing's side and put a hand on the enraged vigilante.
"I'll go with you to watch your back", Superman said. "Slade didn't say anything about you going alone." Superman then turned to the silent Batman. "Batman, what do you think.
Batman had remained silent for a brief moment to attempt to think like Slade. If it was a a game, the rules did not state that Nightwing had to go alone. So, no penalties would be inforced. But then again, when they attempted to gather information and attempted to rescue J'onn and Batgirl, they were met with a change of rules. So all Slade could do was change a few details here and there. Batman knew that whatever Slade wanted to do, he would do it. Even if he has an agenda that does not involve either Robin or Nightwing.
Batman had now turned to meet Superman's concerned look.
"You and the rest of Unit 1 go to Egypt. Wait for Slade to give Nightwing's instructions then be ready for any possible ambush."
Batman turned to the three meta children.
"You three will remain here until this matter is resolved. Slade doesn't want you dead. He wants you. As long as he has our allies, he does not feel he has loss you for good."
Batman could see the looks on the faces of the three young metas. They looked like they wouldn't listen to anything that prohibited them from being involved. Slade did take their youth from them. Batman, more than anyone, knew what that does to someone.
"You three will more than likely be involved with whatever takes place after today, so I want the three of you to start using the training facilities here with Robin. He can continue his training while you begin yours."
The whole Justice League gave out mixed sounds of surprise. Batman turned to explain himself.
"These three are directly involved in this matter. They have survived liberating most of the metacamps and have managed to keep most of Slade's forces at bay. A trait that may prove usefull. I think time up here can do them some good as they did for Robin."
Experiencing deja vu, Hawkgirl felt like she was going to be doing more babysitting.
"And what do you expect us to do with them?", Hawkgirl asked Batman.
Beast Boy had walked up to Hawkgirl and gave her a wink.
"You could try to keep up", Beast Boy said very stupidly as he morphed into a man-hawk.
"Uh, Double B", Flash said, trying to help. "Just....don't."
Beast Boy turned from Flash back to Hawkgirl who was now extremely pissed off.
"Little boy", Hawkgirl said leaning towards Beast Boy, beek to beek. "I'm officially your personal trainer from now on."
Beast Boy had now morphed back to his normal state and gulped rather loudly. Cyborg had pulled BB away from Hawkgirl and slapped him across the back of his head.
"Stop pissin'em off", Cyborg loudly whispered. "Now isn't a good time."
"R..right", Beast Boy said.
Batman looked at everyone, then turned to leave the control room. He walked towards the exit then stopped again.He turned to meet eveyone again.
"We have to stop this", Batman said. "Its me he wants. Its me he's eventually going to get."
After saying that, he pushed the open button on the door. When the door opened, Starfire was found with her ear at where the door was. She looked up at a very impatient Batman who tried not to let it show, but failed miserably.
"I..I...I am..."
"Its alright", Batman said. "Robin will be busy for a while, so see him after he's done in here."
The rest of the League was in heavy conversation while Robin, Cyborg, Raven and Beast Boy started walking towards the door.
"I guess we'll be working together now, huh?", Raven asked Robin.
Robin was silent for a second and said, "Yeah, I guess so."
"Sorry we got off on the wrong foot", Raven offered. "We were just trying to wind down from the day."
"Yeah", Cyborg said. "Raven may seem harsh, but she's just like us in the end."
"I know that feeling to well", Robin said.
As the four got closer to the door, Robin saw Starfire in front of Batman staring at him.
"Robin!", Starfire gleefully shouted. "Are you well?"
The four made it to the door. but before Robin could answer, Beast Boy nearly flipped out.
"Guys!!", Beast Boy said to Cyborg and Raven, pointing at Starfire. "Look! Its one of the refugees that escaped from our camp!"
Cyborg and Raven had looked at Starfire with confused looks then it all came back to them. The spaceship that was taken by the refugees. The meta that teleported them out of the camp. She was one of the ones who escaped.
"Its you!", Cyborg said.
Batman wondered if all of that has been going on was all connected. Slade, the metacamps, Starfire, these three. His detective skills told him that coincidence could not have gone this far.
Starfire was beyond confused. She looked the three strangers that had claimed to know her. Could they be right? Did they know her?
"Is..is it true?", Starfire asked, starting to tear up and folding her hands. "Are you my friends?"
Anywho, to everyone else, keep the reviews coming and I'll do my part.
Batman and all other characters are not owned by me, but by the underappreciated DC Comics (I like you Marvel and I do love your titles, but blow me).
Chapter 8 Fulcrum
Bane was currentlly 'depromoting' the commanding officers responsible for the failure at the compound. He was so close at capturing the children that had been disposing of the minor metacamps across Europe and Asia. Slade would have increased his pay for sure. Now, all he has to show for is the destruction of the westside of the military compound, the loss of many soldiers and equipment, and four dead, depromoted, captains.
After Bane had snapped the neck of the last captain with his right hand, he turned to the officer that stood in the control room with him.
"If you would be so kind, Senor", Bane began. "Sweep out the trash."
"Ya", said the subordinate as he and four other soldiers had grabbed the bodies and carried them out of the control room.
Bane had been left to think about his own failure now. He could have easily captured the three intruders if not for that animal metamorpher. Bane stood over the destroyed computer console and rammed both of his gigantic fists down on it, now rendering the computer to pieces.
"No use beating a dead horse, Bane."
Bane turned to the voice he knew he had better have answers for.
"Senor Slade", Bane began as he bowed his head. "Forgive my failure in today's episode. Failure by me or anyone else under my command will never happen again."
Slade walked calmly towards Bane with both hands folded behind his back. His eyes coming from behind his mask gave no hint of anger or frustration.
"An uncalculated occurence", Slade said. "Had Batman and the Justice League not interfered, the three metachildren would now be back where they belong. Which now brings up a new situation: How shall we respond?
*****
Starfire was sitting in the recroom alone. She had watched the television for a while, leaning foward resting her elbows on her kness. Starfire had rested her head in her hands gazing blankly to the tv screen. Green Lantern was amazed that her arm healed as fast as it did. It probably had something to do with her alien physiology.
She was intrigued by a cartoon with cute furry animals that lived in a nursery, but she had a hard time feeling really happy. She was worried. Worried that maybe she would never remember anything about her past. But for now, she was worried about Robin. She knew that he was well capable of taking care of himself, but she still couldn't help but to hope nothing awful would happen to him. He was her newest and closest friend she had. She didn't want to lose that too.
"Hey, Starfire", Nightwing said coming into the recroom, his arms behind his back.
Starfire did not hear him at first, still caught in her thoughts. Nightwing had decided to bring his arms around to reveal a plate of PB and J's. He moved silently across the room and plopped himself onto the couch Starfire was on, startling her.
"Hey Star", Nightwing said. "Thought you might be hungry." Nightwing had learned from Flash that Starfire was definately at the mercy of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. He knew she was feeling a bit down, so he decided to try to cheer her up.
Starfire had gathered herself, wondering why people found it necessary to scare her like that. She looked at Nightwing with her worries splashed across her face.
"I thank you Nightwing, but I do not feel like consuming my favorite grub right now.", Starfire said.
Nightwing wasn't sure what concerned him more, the look on her face or the fact that she turned down peanut butter and jelly.
"Star, if anything is bothering you, its ok if you want to talk to me about it."
Starfire looked down at the floor of the recroom and gave a deep sigh.
"I...I'm just concerned. About many things", Starfire said.
Nightwing put the plate of sandwiches on the coffee table in front of them, keeping one.
He then leaned back on the sofa and took a big bite out of his sandwich, finishing the bite with ease.
"I know what you mean", Nightwing said. "Were you ever told of everything thats been going on?"
Starfire shook her head implying 'no'. Nightwing wolfed down his sandwich, holding back a burp. He then put his feet on the coffee table and folded both arms behind his head.
"Its pretty long", Nightwing started. "I'll give you the edited version if you want."
Starfire wasn't sure if she was allowed to hear the business of the Justice League. She remembered how Hawkgirl and Green Lantern gave her a funny look when she went into the control room with Nightwing to see Robin and the rest off.
"Is telling me vital information ok?" Starfire asked.
Nightwing resumed, what Alfred referred to, an appropriate sitting position. He grabbed another sandwich and stared at Starfire with his trademark smile.
"I'll make it suitable", he said.
*****
Raven, Beast Boy and Cyborg had flown before, but being in space was something completely new for them. Raven had decided to look out of the window in silent awe of the fact that she was in space. She didn't remember her life before the metacamps, but she's positive that being in space was new to her. Cyborg and Beast Boy, however, couldn't help but let out the 'ooohs' and 'aaaahs'. They even managed a high-five when they had cleared earth's atmosphere. After a few moments of enjoying the sites, Beast Boy remembered that he didn't know why they were in space.
"Uh...Hey", Beast Boy began. "Why are we in space?"
Flash was at the controls when he turned his head to Beast Boy. His trademark grin met the confused look on Beast Boy's face.
"We're going home, green guy."
Beast Boy still wasn't clear. Batman had said to take them to the Watchtower, but Beast Boy had no clue as to where that was.
"Uh..where's home?"
Diana, who was seated at the chair behind Batman, had now turned to meet Beast Boy. She rested her right arm on the head of her seat and pointed with her left out the front windshield of the Javelin 7
"There."
The three young metas had looked out of the front window of the Javelin to see the orbiting spacestation. Only Cyborg's voice was heard.
"This....is sweet."
Batman was at the controls, obviously fuming over the fact that these three metas had endangered the mission and J'onn and Batgirl were still imprisoned by Slade. The Javelin 7 was coming into the airspace of the Watchtower.
"Watchtower, this is Javelin 7. Beginning landing sequence.
*****
"So, Slade is threatening to hurt many people?", Stafire asked
Starfire had heard the quick version of the entire Slade scenario for the past ten minutes. Nightwing had told her a little about the Batclan, without giving away any secrets.
"Yeah basically", Nightwing said. "We don't even have a clue of what he wants with Batman. Slade's obsessed with him."
Starfire had felt a little better just by talking to someone. Robin was always good for a talk because she felt he understood her. She really had come to like Nightwing. He was honest, funny and caring. So much like Robin had been with her.
"I thank you very much, my friend", She said. "I think that I required to talk with someone. It has obviously helped me."
Nightwing had put his hand on top of her head and ruffled her hair, which lead her to a giggle fit. He liked talking to her and making her laugh. It felt like a brotherly thing to do.
"You know your the little sister I never wanted?"
Starfire looked at him a little confused but then smiled.
"Oh, that was a joke?"
"Yep, sure was."
Starfire giggled then clapped her hands.
"I finally understood one!"
The two 'siblings' laughed together for brief moment before they were interrupted by the Flash making his way into the recroom.
"Oh, hey bro", Nightwing said. "Whats....."
"You need to keep your earpiece on, bro", Flash said in a serious tone.
Serious tones from the Flash were never a good sign.
"What happened", Nightwing said, getting back on the clock.
Flash looked at him with his face softening a bit.
"We just got back from Bangladesh, bro", Flash said. "The rescue didn't go the way we wanted. Meeting in the control room right now."
"What about Robin?", Starfire asked.
Flash looked at her and gave her a thumbs up.
"He's fine, Star."
Starfire could now rest a little easier. Before she could say anything else, Flash zipped away from the recroom
*****
"So J'onn and Batgirl are still down there?", Hawkgirl asked Batman, who was joined by the rest of Units 1 and 2 and the three young metas at the conference table in the control room.
"Yes", Batman said. "After these three infultrated the complex, our operation had been compromised."
"So what about the rescue?", GL asked.
Batman stood up from his seat and looked at Cyborg who followed suit. They both left the table and walked towards the main computer. Cyborg's right arm had unleashed a cable that connected to the quick access USB port. Batman had turned his attention back to the conference table.
"Cyborg had downloaded a large cluster of information on metacamps across the globe. He can upload everything to our databanks."
After Cyborg had finished, his cable returned to him and he walked back to the table to take his seat next to Beast Boy, who sat between Raven and Cyborg. Batman had taken the seat in front of the computer and began a typing barrage that only Clark Kent could better. Batman brought up a three dimensional blue print of Slade's compound in Bangladesh.
"As you can see", Batman began. "This is the compound that J'onn and Batgirl are being held."
Batman highlighted the holding cells of the complex and text information appeared.
"J'onn and Batgirl were scheduled to be interrogated right before our arrival. Cyborg, Raven and the Beast Boy had forced Slade to reschedule."
Batman turned from the computer to the group at the table.
"What I've noticed is that we cannot impose the compound now from the outside. Slade is sure to strengthen his security now that he knows that we know where they have our allies."
Superman was the first to realize where Batman was going.
"We use a Boom Tube."
Batman rose an eyebrow that no one could see. He couldn't help but feel slightly proud of Superman.
"Exactly."
Batman now stood up from the computer chair and made his way back to the table. He stopped in front of Cyborg, Beast Boy, and Raven. The three young metas felt that uncomfortable feeling creeping up on them again, as they failed to meet Batman's look.
"You three have extensive knowledge of the metacamps, correct?"
The three looked up but only Raven spoke.
"Yes."
"We need to know everything you know", Batman said.
Raven looked at Cyborg and Beast Boy who both nodded at her. She then looked back up to Batman with the beginnings of a smirk.
"Sure, no problem."
"The three of you will stay in the control room with Green Lantern and Robin. They will get all the information from you that we need."
Batman turned from the kids to the League. He was about to continue with the business he was so well on a role with. However, he was interrupted by the Watchtower's alert system's alarm. The entire League rose from the table and made their way to the computer. Batman had retaken his seat at the controls.
"The emergency brodcast system in Bucharest, Romania has been activated", Batman said. He continued to bring up information as the rest of the League watched on. "A series of explosions occured in the capital city."
As Batman was crunching at the keyboard, Nightwing ran into the control room finding everyone at the computer.
"Where were you?", Batman said not even looking back.
"Sorry, I was with Star..."
Nightwing was interrupted by another emergencie signal coming over the Watchtower's system.
"Same thing in Moscow, a series of explosions", Batman said.
"It coudln't be...?", Hawkgirl began.
"Oh, Great Herra", Wonder Woman said.
Batman had begun to type more information when Oracle came over the Watchtower communication radio.
"Batman?", Oracle began. "
"Go ahead."
"We have a problem."
Flash gave a slight huff. "Really?"
Oracle continued, "Reports out of Moscow and Bucharest are reporting sudden explosions in heavily populated areas. Batman, it has to be Slade."
Batman already came to that conclusion, but was still enraged when Oracle shared the same hypothesis.
"Stay in the local systems for both cities", Batman sternly said. "Monitor ALL communications and get word back as soon...."
Another alarm went off.
Superman had now walked to the side of the sitting Batman at the computer. He looked at the monitor in horror.
"G....Gotham City", Oracle said. "Its Wayne Enterprises World Headquarters."
Everyone, including the three teens, were now standing around the computer. Nightwing was struck with a fear he hadn't felt since Barbara was paralyzed. Bruce's family business. The number of people who worked at the world headquarters was easily in the thousands. The entire League was now in a state of shock.
"Its a week day", Hawkgirl said. "The building must have been..."
"Completely full, If my data serves me correctly"
The image of Slade came over the computer screen.
Batman, along with the League starred at Slade with matching looks of rage washed across their faces.
"What just happened, Bruce, was punishment. I want the three metachildren returned to me." Slade had superimposed a live feed image of the London Bridge in England. "If you do not comply, more of this will occur...."
"No! Don't!", Batman shouted.
The live feed of London showed the London Bridge heavily sufused with traffic. In an instant, multiple explosions occuring at the exact second washed all over the feed window.
"As you can see", Slade continued. "I have already infected a large portion of the world with my nanomachines. Fairlure to return the three metachildren at the place of my choosing will result in the detonation of every nanomachine currently residing the in the world's population. I have not infected the entire world just yet, but that is a step that could be easily taken."
The entire League were silent in watching the screen showing where the London Bridge once stood. Slade had the image change suddenly to Moscow, where local officials were attempting to control fires and help survivors. Then the image changed to Downtown Bucharest, where much of the same could be seen. Each city was in a state of emergency.
Finally, Slade had shown a live feed of Gotham City where the Wayne Ent. World HQ once stood. The debris of the building had covered a large portion of the Downtown area. Batman could look no more as he got up from his chair and pushed his way past the League. He brushed the side of Diana as he walked through. She looked back to him with an almost apologetic look in her eyes.
"Batman?", Diana asked. "What are you...."
"Please Bruce", Slade said coming on the monitor again. "Don't leave just yet. There is nothing you can do right now. Lucius Fox was out of town at the time and I'm sure he can see to any disaster reports that may need filling out. Right now, your only business lies with me."
Batman stopped at the doorway of the control room. He turned to face his comrades and the three metas that Slade wanted. He began to walk back to where he was sitting with the intention to remain standing. He stopped in front of Raven, Beast Boy and Cyborg. His eyes were fixed on them for a moment, Batman computing something in his head.
"Why Slade?", Batman said in the hardest voice he could muster. "What makes these kids so special?"
Slade's image folded his arms and began to speak again.
"Simple", Slade began. "They have been a thorn in my operations for quite some time now. I feel that a proper punishment is in order."
Raven had enough of listening to Slade and made her way to the front of the crowd so Slade could see her.
"You bastard", Raven said, trying her best to keep her emotions in check.. "We were in those torture camps and we escaped at the cost of fifty of us being slaughtered by you. You want us? You got us."
Cyborg and Beast Boy had come behind the League and stood next to Raven. Cyborg ready to tear off Slade's head.
"You wanna piece of us? Just tell us when and where. We'll be....."
"That enough!!", Batman shouted at the young metas. He walked to their sides and looked at Slade with another hard stare. "What about Martian Manhunter and Batgirl?"
"J'onn and Cassie?", Slade mockingly asked. "Oh, yes. They are here. In fact, I'm finding Batgirl to have some of Ra's daughter's traits. She has that exotic look that I am quite infatuated with."
That was it.
Robin had stood silent for long enough. He brushed passed Batman and the three metas to meet Slade's image.
"You touch her, and I'll kill you myself", Robin said using Batman's voice.
"Ah, Tim", Slade said. "Now that you mention it, I did have a little test set up for you or for Richard, didn't I?." Slade began to think silently as Batman and Robin were like statues waiting for him to speak. "How about this: To settle the dispute over the metas that belong to me, I will allow Nightwing to decide their fates."
Nightwing had followed the pattern of everyone changing positions in front of the computer by joining Batman, Robin and the young metas.
"What about J'onn and Batgirl?", Diana asked
"Their fate will not be decided for some time. I feel that a bit of leverage will always be usefull."
"What exactly do you want me to do?", Nightwing spat.
"Simple really: You will be waiting by the Nile River in El Minya, Egypt. There, you will meet a set of obstacles and opponents that will test your skills along the guidelines of Bruce's training."
Batman stood watching Slade give Nightwing instructions while he was no doubt pushed to his limits. Never before had he ever encountered such unrelenting carnage.
His own city.
His own people.
Even his own business
"What guarantee to we have that you won't detonate anymore of those nanomachines if we do comply?", asked an irate Green Lantern.
"You have non", said Slade. "Be thankfull that you do, perhaps, have the oppurtunity to delay any further unfortunate disasters."
Batman had come to the conclusion that he was in no position to do anything. He hated that feeling. He dedicated his life to never feel that way again. He felt almost as helpless as that eight year old boy did over twenty-five years ago.
"What are your terms?", Batman growled.
"Simple", Slade said. "The children will be delivered by you Batman, if your ward fails. If he is victorious, I will allow you to continue guardianship over my experiments. Are we understood, Bruce?"
"Crystal."
"Good", Slade said. "I expect Richard to be in El Minya in exactly three hours. Keep your communicator on, Richard. I will give you instructions on where exaclty you will begin your test."
"I'll be there", Nightwing said.
Slade let out a soft laugh.
"Now that Richard is commited to this test, Bruce, it seems that the main test I had set up for one of your wards will now be attempted by Timothy."
Batman had now lost control.
"That was NEVER agreed upon", Batman shouted. "If Nightwing completes the first test, he'll be ready for the next one."
"But Bruce", Slade said. "I wished to see ONE of your wards, true. However, your attempts to gather information about me and attempted rescue of your friends changed more than my mood. I will expect young Timothy to be ready. I'll even give him an extra week. How does that sound?"
Robin was standing in silence ever since Slade began to change the rules and stakes of his sick game. He watched as Batman, Nightwing and the rest of the Justice League had listened to Slade. He also could not stop thinking about Cassandra. Was she safe? What about J'onn? It was too much to try to think about at once. Thankfully, Batman had trained him to keep a clear mind. However, he couldn't help but feel like he was slowly evolving away from Batman's training.
Robin had now taken the center spot in front of the computer so Slade could have a clear view of him.
"Slade", Robin began. "Whatever you want is fine by me. Nightwing'll beat you. I'll get through whatever you have set up for me. And when we're done with the games, and I find out you've harmed my friends, I'll tear you limb from limb."
Slade couldn't help but be insulted by Robin's comments towards him.
"Patience, Timothy", Slade began. "You will have your time, and maybe a special moment with myself will be in order. You all have my demands. I suggest they be met."
Slade had cut his feed to the Watchtower.
Everyone in the control room gathered in a circle to discuss what just happened. Superman had walked to Nightwing's side and put a hand on the enraged vigilante.
"I'll go with you to watch your back", Superman said. "Slade didn't say anything about you going alone." Superman then turned to the silent Batman. "Batman, what do you think.
Batman had remained silent for a brief moment to attempt to think like Slade. If it was a a game, the rules did not state that Nightwing had to go alone. So, no penalties would be inforced. But then again, when they attempted to gather information and attempted to rescue J'onn and Batgirl, they were met with a change of rules. So all Slade could do was change a few details here and there. Batman knew that whatever Slade wanted to do, he would do it. Even if he has an agenda that does not involve either Robin or Nightwing.
Batman had now turned to meet Superman's concerned look.
"You and the rest of Unit 1 go to Egypt. Wait for Slade to give Nightwing's instructions then be ready for any possible ambush."
Batman turned to the three meta children.
"You three will remain here until this matter is resolved. Slade doesn't want you dead. He wants you. As long as he has our allies, he does not feel he has loss you for good."
Batman could see the looks on the faces of the three young metas. They looked like they wouldn't listen to anything that prohibited them from being involved. Slade did take their youth from them. Batman, more than anyone, knew what that does to someone.
"You three will more than likely be involved with whatever takes place after today, so I want the three of you to start using the training facilities here with Robin. He can continue his training while you begin yours."
The whole Justice League gave out mixed sounds of surprise. Batman turned to explain himself.
"These three are directly involved in this matter. They have survived liberating most of the metacamps and have managed to keep most of Slade's forces at bay. A trait that may prove usefull. I think time up here can do them some good as they did for Robin."
Experiencing deja vu, Hawkgirl felt like she was going to be doing more babysitting.
"And what do you expect us to do with them?", Hawkgirl asked Batman.
Beast Boy had walked up to Hawkgirl and gave her a wink.
"You could try to keep up", Beast Boy said very stupidly as he morphed into a man-hawk.
"Uh, Double B", Flash said, trying to help. "Just....don't."
Beast Boy turned from Flash back to Hawkgirl who was now extremely pissed off.
"Little boy", Hawkgirl said leaning towards Beast Boy, beek to beek. "I'm officially your personal trainer from now on."
Beast Boy had now morphed back to his normal state and gulped rather loudly. Cyborg had pulled BB away from Hawkgirl and slapped him across the back of his head.
"Stop pissin'em off", Cyborg loudly whispered. "Now isn't a good time."
"R..right", Beast Boy said.
Batman looked at everyone, then turned to leave the control room. He walked towards the exit then stopped again.He turned to meet eveyone again.
"We have to stop this", Batman said. "Its me he wants. Its me he's eventually going to get."
After saying that, he pushed the open button on the door. When the door opened, Starfire was found with her ear at where the door was. She looked up at a very impatient Batman who tried not to let it show, but failed miserably.
"I..I...I am..."
"Its alright", Batman said. "Robin will be busy for a while, so see him after he's done in here."
The rest of the League was in heavy conversation while Robin, Cyborg, Raven and Beast Boy started walking towards the door.
"I guess we'll be working together now, huh?", Raven asked Robin.
Robin was silent for a second and said, "Yeah, I guess so."
"Sorry we got off on the wrong foot", Raven offered. "We were just trying to wind down from the day."
"Yeah", Cyborg said. "Raven may seem harsh, but she's just like us in the end."
"I know that feeling to well", Robin said.
As the four got closer to the door, Robin saw Starfire in front of Batman staring at him.
"Robin!", Starfire gleefully shouted. "Are you well?"
The four made it to the door. but before Robin could answer, Beast Boy nearly flipped out.
"Guys!!", Beast Boy said to Cyborg and Raven, pointing at Starfire. "Look! Its one of the refugees that escaped from our camp!"
Cyborg and Raven had looked at Starfire with confused looks then it all came back to them. The spaceship that was taken by the refugees. The meta that teleported them out of the camp. She was one of the ones who escaped.
"Its you!", Cyborg said.
Batman wondered if all of that has been going on was all connected. Slade, the metacamps, Starfire, these three. His detective skills told him that coincidence could not have gone this far.
Starfire was beyond confused. She looked the three strangers that had claimed to know her. Could they be right? Did they know her?
"Is..is it true?", Starfire asked, starting to tear up and folding her hands. "Are you my friends?"