(AN) Hey there!! Remember me? Well, school is practically over and I have a gift for all of my readers. A brand new chapter!! Well, I can see the finish line for this story coming close, so here I offer the longest chapter yet. So, get comfy, grab a snack, and read, read!!
I don't own a damn thing.
Chapter 16: 3....2....1....
It had been three days since Batman returned to the Watchtower. The questions of him being gone were answered quickly when he arrived with Slade. Slade was unconscious and was immediately locked inside of the Watchtower's high security holding cell. This cell was created for temporary confinement of super powered criminals only. It was determined that no chance would be taken with Slade.
Upon his imprisonment, J'onn had attempted a psychic scan on Slade's subconscious. However, J'onn was unable to breach his mind. Multiple tests were performed on Slade to determine why J'onn was unable to scan his thoughts. Nothing was revealed.
With that option taken away, Batman had decided to extract information from Slade the old fashioned way.
Since his arrival to the Watchtower, Slade had been subject to hours of interrogation from Batman and other members of the League. Information on who he was, where his followers were, and what else he had prepared to unleash on the world, was sought. None of these sessions were successful, however. Slade had met and passed all attempts made by the different members of the League.
None more frustrated than Batman.
He spent the majority of his time to himself sorting through all of his emotions. Batman had made it a point to avoid all but Nightwing and Robin since he returned. He wanted to take part in nothing social, even more so now. Batman felt his very humanity had been stolen from him. He had lost many things in his life, but he believed his humanity would never be destroyed.
Bruce Wayne, the lost boy who grew up to become the Batman, is once again lost in the world.
The only victory over the last few days for Bruce was mending his crumbling relationship with Tim. Tim had gone through a lot of changes since the ordeal first started. Now Tim had to be mature enough to realize that not everything in this world had an answer. He had to learn that sometimes irrational behavior was the only rational. Everything he was taught against, but Tim knew when it came from Bruce it was the near truth.
Batman had been sitting in his private quarters, drowning in his own thoughts, when J'onn telepathically contacted him. He asked Batman for permission to enter his room, wanting to speak with him. Batman gave him permission, and J'onn phased through his door. J'onn found Batman on his easy chair, cowl back; his head slumped to the side. A position J'onn had never seen before.
"Batman?", J'onn said as he walked towards him.
"I can't figure it out", Bruce Wayne's voice came from nowhere, struggling. "All my adult life, I've been in complete control. My life was in my hands alone. No one else's."
Bruce turned to face the Martian, with an almost pleading look on his face.
"I don't know what to do anymore, J'onn", Bruce said. "I've been up and down many roads before. I haven't felt this helpless about anything since.....since...."
Bruce dropped his head in his hands, letting out a frustrated groan. J'onn walked over to Bruce and put a hand on his shoulder.
"I understand, Bruce", J'onn said. "I know how hard you've worked your entire life for things to end up this way. It pains me to see you like this. However, I don't think you should be alone at a time like this. You have people up here who consider family, if not a friend."
Bruce kept his head down as his hands slipped away from his face. He focused on the ground, as if his answer was somehow hidden underneath him.
"Get up, Bruce."
Bruce lifted his head to see J'onn looking at him with a stern look.
"You will fall into madness facing this alone", J'onn said. "I will not allow it."
J'onn looked down at him, offering his hand. Not just to offer leverage to help him stand, but for support as a friend. Bruce looked up with a smirk beginning to form. Instead of accepting J'onn's help, Bruce slapped down on J'onn's hand giving him 'five'. J'onn looked at Bruce oddly as he stood up. Bruce smiled back at J'onn's confusion.
"Don't worry, you'll figure it out", Bruce said.
Bruce turned for the door, reapplying his cowl. He turned around to J'onn as Batman, his voice returning.
"Come on, J'onn", Batman said.
J'onn smirked as he followed Batman out of the room.
*****
The young woman did not know how she got into this. She was walking home from work at 'Gotham Boutique', irate that her car had broken down. She tried to call her husband to pick her up, but he was probably out drinking with his friends again. She turned into an ally to adjust her skirt from walking, not wanting put on a show for anyone. The young woman's misfortune has landed her being surrounded by three muggers looking for a good time. She was thrown to the ground as the leader of the pack looked down on her.
"Hey baby, you wanna have a party?", he said as his smell of booze and body funk violated her sense of smell. The young woman responded by screaming as loud as she could. Her attackers responded with loud, high-pitched laughter.
"That's right, baby", the leader said. "Scream. It only makes it better."
As the group began to get closer to her, what sounded like a small explosion happened right behind them. Everyone, including the young woman, looked to see what it was. A small light appeared in the ally, as though it were floating in the sky. The suddenly, it grew into an even larger light. The group of men was to stupid to run, the woman too scared.
From the light, a large group of people began to exit.. The attackers and the victim had seen a large masked individual lead everyone from the light. One of the attackers recognized the face and finally found his voice.
"Bane...."
Another of the member of the attackers spoke up, only this time a bit smarter than the first.
"Let's get the hell outta here!"
The three muggers began to flee, only to be struck down by gun fire. The three fell to the ground near their former victim. She looked down at their bloody carcasses as the large person with the mask approached her.
"Thank you so much", the woman said hysterically. "I don't know what they would have...."
She was quickly cut off as Bane reached down with a massive hand and picked her up by her throat.
"Forgive me, senorita", Bane said as his hand clamped around her neck. "You and these delinquents were in the wrong place at the right time."
Bane effortlessly snapped her neck as her body suddenly went limp in his hand. He tossed her body to the side, onto a pile of ally debris. Bane looked behind him as several soldiers were settling a large metal box on the ground. The weight of the giant container began to be too much for the soldiers to hold up properly.
"Careful with that, idiots", Bane said.
Bane walked over to the struggling group. He grabbed one by the neck, breaking it. Taking that soldier's spot at balancing the container, Bane seized complete control of it.
"If you want something done right...."
Bane settled the container to the ground as his subordinates began to catch their breaths, a few of them holding their lower backs. Bane shook his head at the incompetence before him.
The container stood roughly twelve feet tall, length and width both at seven feet. It was plain looking; no significant marks other than its size. Bane opened a small compartment that housed a small keypad of numbers. He punched in a specific numerical code and closed it.
"Senores", Bane said to the troops. "Let us make haste. In thirty minutes Gotham will meet its end."
*****
Starfire's glare could burn a hole through a wall. She had been taken down repeatedly for the past hour by her big sister.
"Come on, little sis", Blackfire said taunting. "You're boring me."
Blackfire stood with her arms folded looking down at a frustrated Starfire. They had been practicing together in the training room. Green Lantern had been watching the two intently, observing how well Blackfire had been trained and how far Starfire was behind. He paid specific attention to Blackfire's capabilities. She had mastered her Tamaranian abilities to the limits her young body could handle. Her flight, strength, and energy attacks are all that her Tamaranian heritage provided her.
"Come on, Star", GL said. "She's wiping the floor with you. All you have to do is touch her with one finger."
"Um, but sir", Starfire said standing up. "Perhaps it would be easier if she stood still?"
John Stewart had always had patience for Starfire. Since her first days on with them on the Watchtower, Starfire had grown on most of the members of the League. Lantern was one of them. He knew from the beginning that she was something special. After seeing Blackfire display her skills, he knew that the sky was the limit for Starfire.
Over the last couple of days, Blackfire had helped Starfire discover her ability to fly. It came as natural as is can for a Tamaranian. Starfire was nervous at first, but found her niche rather easily. She began with simple levitation, no more than two feet from the ground. Starfire then began to maneuver herself as she defeated her brief fear of heights.
Starfire is, however, having difficulty using her energy attacks.
Tamaranian's have the ability to generate and project energy blasts. Blackfire has perfect command over her energy ability, but Starfire could not even ignite a spark. Blackfire told her it would take time and not to get frustrated. Starfire had been feeling a sense of uselessness lately, she wanted to help as soon and as much as possible.
"Ok, then" GL said. "Take a quick break, then I want you get back to work on gettin' your energy working."
Starfire stood up, wincing at the slight pain from landing on her behind for the past hour. Blackfire walked to her side and put an arm around her neck, putting her in a small head lock.
"Aww, you'll be fine, kid sis", Blackfire said as Starfire was trying to breathe.
"Let...go....please."
Blackfire laughed and gave Starfire a noogie. Green Lantern just rolled his eyes.
"Ok you two", GL said walking towards them. "Make sure you get plenty of rest, we've got a lot of work to do."
Blackfire released Starfire and smirked.
"Hear that, sis?"
"Yes, my hearing ability is not damaged", Starfire said holding her neck.
Across the training room, Nightwing and Diana we're overseeing Robin, Batgirl, Raven, Cyborg, Boy, Quake, Gear, and Static as they were finishing up a session with the practice drones. Gear, Quake, and Static all performed admirably. Nightwing and Hawkgirl were watching these three the closely.
They observed how well they had been trained under Slade's 'tutelage'. Making special not of their Meta capabilities.
Static can generate electro-magnetic energy, projecting bolts as a weapon and can use his powers to lift objects. He had a retractable disc when he came to the Watchtower. He used it to glide on as his powers propelled it through the air.
Gear was a unique individual. His powers are dormant in his brain, giving him a high level of understanding in physics and computer technology. He had developed an all purpose backpack that he used as a weapon and a tool. It consisted of a miniature jet engine, a computer he uses to link into any system he chooses, and multiple forms of weaponry such as laser cannons and small RPG's.
Quake was another one with unique powers. Her powers consisted of manipulating earth and rock. She could control lava flows and cause earthquakes. She usually sits on pieces of rock, enabling the rock to fly using her powers. She couldn't get much use of her powers on the Watchtower, but she still managed to test her physical abilities. Those abilities were well rounded as the former pupils under Slade were well trained in hand to hand combat.
"Great work, guys", Nightwing said.
"Excellent form, all of you", Diana added. "The next ten minutes are yours to regain any lost energy. After this period is over we will...."
"We will begin with one on one match ups to test one another."
All turned as Batman and J'onn entered the room. Batman's voice had echoed through the training room, stopping everyone dead in their tracks. Even Blackfire and Starfire had stopped as Batman made his entrance.
"Working against predictable machines is only good enough for you to get an initial feel for a battle. Until you encounter an opponent capable of free thought and impeccable strategy, you are disadvantaged on the battle field. It doesn't matter how powerful you appear to be."
A pin could be heard if it dropped.
The entire training facility had gone silent as Batman had suddenly given a lesson on the art of combat. Even the senior members of the League could not help but be taken aback. Batman turned his head to meet the eyes of everyone in the room, only to be met with stares of confusion. Not liking that, Batman turned to meet each set of eyes with his glare that caused them to be snapped out of a state of paralysis.
"Good to see you up and about, Batman", Boy had blurted out.
Batman glared directly at the young meta who still had not learned when to remain silent. Boy turned away from Batman, admiring how beautiful the far wall was looking.
"Shutting up now", Boy said.
"Split into pairs of two", Diana resumed. "Blackfire, Starfire. I want to two to take part as well."
The two Tamaranians walked over the large crowd, both with eager looks on their faces. Starfire had learned to keep a straight face when around Batman, not wanting to offend him. She also didn't want to offend Robin, showing nothing but respect to his mentor. Robin had gone as far as saying he didn't mind how she reacted around Batman, as long as it wasn't 'disruptive'. So Starfire had decided it would be best to have a sense of composure.
"Before we begin", Diana said. "There is one thing I wish to convey to all of you: There is no rush on your development. You will progress at your own rate; however you will work at the rate of everyone else. If you feel you are not progressing as well as your fellow teammates, then it is up to you to work you're hardest to show them that you are applying proper effort. We are all here for each other, but over-reliance on each other will make your selves weaker as an individual. Work together as a team, but be prepared to work alone."
The group of young League members nodded in compliance.
"Now then", Diana said. "We shall begin with....."
Diana had once again been interrupted as the Watchtower's emergency alarm had sounded. Superman's voice had come over the loudspeakers throughout the Watchtower.
"All League members to the control room, now!"
*****
It took no longer than a minute after the alarm sounded for the control room to be filled with all members and recruits of the Justice League. All were standing as Superman was sitting at the main computer. He had been communicating with Oracle after the alarm had sounded.
"What's going on?", Green Lantern finally asked.
Oracle's voice came over the computer's comlink.
"Approximately ten minutes ago, two separate boom tubes opened over Gotham City. Two massive air crafts exited each opening and are hovering over Gotham as we speak."
Batman stepped away from the crowd, now standing next to Superman at the computer.
"You have the information, Oracle", Batman said. "Do the vessels match any designs from either New Genesis or Apokolips?"
"One moment", Oracle said, and then was followed by a brief pause. "No matches. I'm cross-referencing any possible matches in the design specs with......oh my god."
No one bothered to respond to Oracle's verbal shock, waiting for her reason.
"Wayne Tech....", Oracle said.
Batman, along with everyone else in the room felt the same wrenching feeling.
"How....", Batman said.
"I..." Oracle struggled. "Recently Wayne Tech began installing instruments in all major products for safe guarding against theft. These devices give off a specific signal that allows Wayne Tech to track any stolen merchandise from the company or consumer. These ships are giving off the same signal."
"Most of those devices can receive signals for automatic shutoff." Batman said. "Try sending a shutoff signal."
"I'm on it", Oracle said.
A brief pause as Oracle was performing the task.
"Nothing…"
Batman paused to think what exactly was hovering over Gotham.
"Could Lexcorp have built something similar?", Superman asked.
"Unlikely, not at the same frequency", Batman said. "What about a visual?"
"One moment", Oracle said again.
The main screen came on and the sight was one to see.
The view was from a camera placed on top of Oracle's Clocktower. It showed the image of two large air crafts hovering over downtown Gotham.
"I've hacked into the mainframes of one of the ships", Oracle said. "It's definitely Wayne-made, but what I'm reading doesn't make any sense. The ship is registered under 'Wayne Defense'."
"Wayne Defense?" Superman said perplexed as he turned to meet Batman's face..
Batman felt a large lump in this throat. The possibility of those to ships coming from Wayne Enterprises is highly improbable. The idea being registered under 'Wayne Defense' left Batman even more confused.
"What other information are you reading?" Batman asked Oracle, surprisingly calm.
"The ship's on board computer has a complicated firewall system. I'm having a hard time....great. Connection lost."
Batman would have slammed his fists on the table if he were sitting down.
"Did you notice anything else, Oracle?", Batman asked with a scowl.
"The ship was on 'stand by' mode", Oracle said. "Whatever it's doing there, it seems as though it's not doing anything anytime soon."
Green Lantern walked towards Batman and Superman with a smirk on his face.
"Looks like those ships are just sittin' ducks", GL said. "But I still don't trust them just sitting there."
"Me neither", Batman said. "Local police has just requested military backup, and I trust them less."
John Stewart gave Batman a semi-dirty look for that comment.
"Anyhow", Batman continued. "Our priority is to gather information on these ships. We can't hack our way in, so we have to do it manually."
Batman turned to look at everyone behind him, eying one person.
"Gear…"
Gear nearly choked on his own breath when Batman called his name.
"Y...Yes sir."
Batman walked towards him as everyone parted to clear the way. Batman stopped in front of the wide-eyed boy, who properly looked nervous.
"Your coming along for this", Batman said. "Your ability to understand complex technology will be needed. Be ready to go in five minutes."
"Right", Gear said, then turned to leave.
Batman turned to address the senior League members.
"Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and J'onn are coming down with me. Superman, Nightwing, and Batgirl are on crowd control. Who knows how the people will respond."
Batman turned to address Diana and the young members of the League.
"In case there's a turn for the worse", Batman started. "You guys are going to back us up. Diana, we'll be using boom tubes to get down there ASAP. I want you to be ready in the Javelin for any possible retrieval that may be needed. You'll be positioned on the helicopter pad on top of police headquarters."
"Will there be a problem with the police if the Javelin is waiting there?", Diana asked.
"I'll get clearance", Batman said. "I also want Raven's team to accompany you."
"Right", Diana said, knowing full well Batman knew what he was doing.
Batman slightly nodded at Diana then turned to Raven. The young members of the league had been divided tactically into two separate teams. Raven and Robin were chosen to be the team leaders.
"Get your team ready", Batman said.
"Right", Raven said, and then turned to her team.
Static, Blackfire, and Boy gathered around her. Gear would have done so as well, but had been assigned to Batman's mission. Raven and her team had calm and diligent looks in their eyes, ready for the task at hand. .
"Good", Batman said, then turned to Robin. "Your team will remain up here. You can handle the Watchtower's monitoring systems, and someone has to stay up here at all times."
"Gotcha", Robin said. "Ok guys, you heard the man."
Robin began to walk out of the control room, followed by Cyborg, Starfire, and Quake. Batgirl had been assigned to help Nightwing and Superman.
Upon the first teams exit for monitor duty, Batman turned back to the rest of the League, something nagging him.
"Slade", Batman said. "Somehow, he's the cause of this."
Hawkgirl kept her arms crossed as she responded to Batman.
"We can't get anything out of that guy. So how would you know that? "
Batman turned to her, his face staying stern.
"Experience..."
Superman finally stood up from the chair at the main computer, joining the rest of the League.
"So how do we do this?" Superman asked.
*****
A boom tube opened up in the ally behind the St. Thomas Aquinas Church on 5th Street, directly under one of the hovering ships. Batman, Superman, Nightwing, Batgirl, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, J'onn J'onz and Gear all exited from the boom tube on to the filthy ally.
"Ugh, you would think a church would keep this ally cleaner", Hawkgirl said as a foul stench invaded her heightened senses.
"Then I don't suggest going inside", Nightwing smiled to her.
Batman motioned to them to be quiet. From the ally, panic-stricken people could be seen running in a general direction.
"There's something wrong", Batman said.
"Aside from the flying saucers over the city, what could it be?" Hawkgirl said sarcastically.
"J'onn", Batman said. "Can you see what exactly they are running from?":
J'onn's eyes glowed yellow for an instant, then his face was shocked with surprise.
"They are not running from the ships", J'onn said. "There's something else."
Just as soon as J'onn said something, a monstrous figure began to plow its way through the crowd, tossing bodies out of its way. The Justice League looked on in the ally in horror. The creature was a large, gray looking monster, easily taller than eight feet. The mass of it is what frightened the people that were running.
Superman broke the stillness of the League by suddenly flying at the creature, landing a crushing blow to its midsection. The creature flew over the surrounding crowd of people, into an old antique shop across the street.
Back in the ally, Batman had begun to make the proper changes in plan.
"J'onn, Hawkgirl", Batman started. "Superman is going to need backup. Nightwing, Batgirl. We need to make sure the crowds are policed from the inside until the authorities manage control."
Everyone nodded in approval to Batman's commands. J'onn and Hawkgirl flew to offer Superman backup. Nightwing and Batgirl began to run with the crowds, ready to keep the peace. Batman turned to GL and Gear.
"Gear", Batman said. "Radio the Javelin. Tell them we're gonna need help with crowd control. Lantern, get us up to that ship."
*****
Diana, Raven, Static, Blackfire and Boy waited inside the Javelin 7 on top of Gotham City Police Department. The vacant helipad served as the waiting spot in the situation of backup being needed. Diana waited at the controls, with Static at the co-pilot seat. Static had been trained as a pilot while under Slade. He along with Gear, Blackfire and Quake had minimal training. Static, however, proved to be the more rounded as a pilot.
Gear's voice suddenly came over the Javelin's comlink.
"Javelin 7... You guys there?"
"We're here, bro", Static responded. "What's up?"
"Uh....we encountered a large problem down here. We're gonna need that backup RIGHT NOW!"
Diana fastened her seat belt, and then started the engines.
"We're coming, Gear", Diana said. "Static, trace the signal and find their location."
"I'm on it."
Static and the rest of the newest members of the League had quickly learned to use most of the equipment on the Javelin as well as the Watchtower. Simple tasks as tracing signals were not difficult ones.
"Got'em", Static said. "Ha, right at their original drop off point."
*****
Robin was keeping communications open with Oracle from the Watchtower's lookout station. He was at the main seat with Cyborg, Starfire and Quake standing behind him.
"How are they doin' down there?" Cyborg asked.
"So far, not so good", Robin said. "Oracle's sayin' that as soon as they arrived in Gotham, they had to engage…..something."
"Something…?" Cyborg said.
"Yeah, something", Robin said, and then turned the comlink on to talk to Oracle. "Got a visual on that thing yet, Oracle?"
"Nothing yet", Oracle said. "My cameras are out of range. Whatever it is, they're on the ground. I'm trying to get the Javelin to send a visual."
The Watchtower's internal alarm suddenly sounded. This alarm was different from the normal alarm that alerted the Justice League to trouble on earth. This one alerted them of danger inside the Watchtower.
"What is it?" Cyborg shouted over the loud alarm.
Robin worked at the keyboard, figuring out the origin of the emergency.
"Its coming from the cell block area", Robin said, and then was stone-faced.
"Ok…..what is it?" Cyborg asked again.
"A boom tube…"
Robin turned the chair quickly then jumped to his feet.
"Come on!" Robin said, and began to run.
Cyborg, Starfire and Quake followed him to the cell block area.
*****
Slade was shackled to his own bed, deprived of his mask. His smile was as bright as the light pouring into his cell. The boom tube had opened on schedule, and everything looked as though they were going according to plan.
The light dissipated, and Bane was left in its place.
"Senor Slade", Bane said. "It is time, yes?"
Slade stood up from his bed, smile still on his face.
"Yes."
Bane had attached a small device to the cell's door. The device gave off an electro magnetic pulse, disabling the doors electric defense system. Bane then launched one of his hands through the defenseless door, and then pulled his hand along with the door back out.
Bane entered the cell, finding Slade standing and ankles shackled to the bed. Bane walked over to Slade, then bent down and easily removed the Slade's binds.
"Excellent work, Bane", Slade said. "I trust everything is in order in Gotham?"
Bane stood up with a smile on his face.
"Absolutely", Bane said.
"Splendid", Slade said. "Let us begin the last phase."
Slade and Bane exited his former holding cell, ready to generate a boom tube. They were interrupted by the sight of Robin, Cyborg, Starfire, and Quake.
"Slade..!" Robin shouted as he and his team was in their ready stances.
"Ah, Timothy", Slade said with his arms folded to his back. "I trust that you have been busy preparing for your test."
Bane began to walk towards Robin's team, smirking to no end.
"Be ready, team", Robin said. "Bane is just about as strong as Superman now. Be extremely careful."
Cyborg smirked.
"So am I."
Bane charged at the young team, causing them all to scatter, but Cyborg.
Cyborg landed a heavy blow to Bane's face, causing the behemoth to stop in his tracks. Cyborg tried to follow with another punch to his face, only to be easily blocked by Bane's left arm. Bane followed by landing a devastating punch with his right hand across Cyborg's face. Cyborg flew across the hallway, impacting on the far wall. Bane turned to Quake, who had a collapsible bo staff in her hand.
"Senorita, I suggest you run. You are physically no match for me, and we are not on earth soil."
Bane approached the young meta, ready to harm her. However, he was intercepted by a thunderous punch to his midsection that came out of nowhere. Bane was hurled across the room, back towards Slade. Before he could be impacted by Bane's hurling body, Slade casually moved out of the way as the flying giant flew by him. Bane landed on the far wall, looking up at who had hit him.
"I too am strong enough", Starfire said as she floated next to Quake.
"God, am I glad you are", Quake sighed in relief.
Cyborg walked gingerly to his teammate's sides, reeling from that punch he took.
"Ok, now I'm pissed."
Robin pulled out his collapsible bo staff, ready to fight.
"Go!" Robin shouted as Starfire, Quake and Cyborg charged Slade and Bane.
"Me and Star got Ramon", Cyborg said. "You and Quake get Slade."
Robin and Quake both jumped in the air, attempting to land a kick. Slade effortlessly dodged their attacks, upon their landing he swept the feet from under Quake. She landed on her tailbone painfully, possibly fracturing it. Robin threw a high kick at Slade, who blocked the kick with his left forearm.
"Your slow, Tim."
Starfire and Cyborg arrived at the now enraged Bane.
"I will snap your necks in two, amigos…"
Starfire flew into the air, attempting to take Bane's eyes with her. She succeeded her goal, leaving a small opening for Cyborg to fire a laser blast at him. Bane leapt into the air, avoiding the blast and corralling Starfire in his arms. Bane landed with Starfire pressed against his chest with one arm, the other across her forehead.
"I believe I'll start with this chica's neck."
Starfire managed to throw her head back in desperation, catching Bane in his masked face. He released her and was met with an energy blast to his midsection, sending him to the wall again.
Robin had to take over the fight with Slade as Quake was already injured. She had limped off to the side, clutching at her lower back.
"Dammit…." Quake said to herself.
She knew that she was one of the least useful members of the League, at least in the Watchtower she was. Quake was not as skilled in hand to hand combat as everyone else, but she didn't expect to be taken out that easily.
"So, Tim", Slade said as he was standing in his fighting stance. "Do you feel prepared?"
"What are you talking about?" Robin angrily said, Slade getting to him.
"Come now", Slade said.
Slade charged Robin with his hand cocked back, easily seen by Robin. Robin ducked to the side, falling for Slade's trap. Slade's leg came around delivering a crushing knee to Robin's midsection. Robin fell to the ground, out of breath.
"Just like Richard…."
Slade came down with a thunderous forearm smash across Robin's head, sending him limp to the ground.
Slade looked up at the injured Quake, with her bo in her hand. He walked up to her, knowing full well she was in no shape to defend herself. Slade looked down at her face, her sweaty blond hair covering her face. He put his right hand gently around her chin.
"I trust they are treating you better up here than you were treated with me?"
Quake's face burned with a fury as she spit in his face. She had never seen his real face before, and she told herself one day she would do this.
Slade wiped the saliva from his face, unaffected by her.
"I know you were taught better manners than that…"
Slade's hand came up to strike her, only to be stuck by something that looked like a batarang. Slade turned to see Robin standing, rubber legged and with a scowl on his face.
"I'm…not finished…with you yet…" Robin struggled to get out.
The other fight taking place was going more in the favor of the Justice League. Starfire and Cyborg had been wearing Bane out as much as they could. Bane was still far from being defeated, but Cyborg and Starfire still managed to stay in the fight.
"You feelin' tired yet, Rico?" Cyborg asked.
Bane growled as he charged Cyborg, only to be cut off by a flying kick to his face. Bane fell to the ground as Starfire hovered over him.
"I believe Rico wishes to continue, Cyborg."
Cyborg approached Bane with his arm pointed at him, ready to send another blast when Bane moved. Bane suddenly sat up, throwing an object at Cyborg. It was the same device he used to disable the cell door when he freed Slade. The object attached to Cyborg's chest, giving off an electro magnetic pulse throughout his body.
Cyborg began to scream and suddenly was silenced as his body fell limp to the ground. His electronic circuits had been cancelled out, causing his body to become inactive.
"Cyborg…!" Starfire shouted as she flew to his side.
She tried to revive him by shaking him, Cyborg was not responsive. She looked up as Bane began to walk towards her. She stood up to meet his glare, giving him a look she knew her sister would be proud of.
"What did you do to Cyborg?" Starfire asked in a threatening tone.
"I put him to sleep, Senorita", Bane said. "Now, it is your turn."
Starfire had never felt a rage as powerful as the one surging through her body. Bane could almost swear that her eyes began to glow a shade of green. In a split second, Starfire launched herself and Bane. She threw an arrant punch that missed him completely. Her momentum still carrying her, Bane grabbed Starfire's leg and whipped her around his torso, his elbow meeting her temple.
Starfire fell limp to the ground.
Robin was not faring well against Slade.
Slade spent his time calmly berating Robin as he administered a thrashing. Robin, however, was not easy to make fall. The only reason Slade's drone had gotten the best of Nightwing was due to a high-voltage shock to Nightwing's body.
"You are tougher than even you let on, Tim", Slade said.
"I guess….its the shoes…"
Robin threw a weak kick to follow up with his weaker remark. Slade easily caught Robin's leg, driving the sharp side of his right hand to the back of Robin's neck. Robin remained on his one leg as Slade had a hold on his other. Robin's eyes struggled to stay open as he began to fall to the ground. Slade grabbed Robin's left shoulder with his free hand, gently placing Robin on the ground.
"Amazing…" Slade said to himself.
Bane walked towards Slade, with both Cyborg and Starfire unconscious in his arms.
"They were no match for us, senor", Bane said as he laid Cyborg and Starfire to the ground.
"Indeed", Slade said.
Slade looked up to finish off Quake, only to see she was nowhere to be found.
"Where is the girl?" Bane said.
Slade looked around the hallway, and then felt a quick gust of wind flow by him and Bane. They both looked around, then down to see that Starfire was now missing from where they had laid her.
"What is…"
Bane was interrupted again by a gust of wind, this time Cyborg missing from the pile.
Slade looked up with a scowl on his face.
"It's…"
The same gust of wind came in and out, retrieving Robin this time.
"…The Flash."
Alarms began to sound as massive walls came crashing down around Bane and Slade, imprisoning them.
"No more time to waste up here, Bane", Slade said. "My time with Robin will have to wait for later."
Bane acknowledged him by bringing out his control to open a boom tube.
*****
Green Lantern had carried Batman and Gear to the top of the first ship, landing with them on its surface. Batman immediately began to look for any type of opening that could get them inside it. Gear was right behind him as Green Lantern hovered over them.
"Batman", GL shouted to him. "Oracle just contacted me, trouble on the Watchtower."
Batman looked up at GL, not wanting anymore problems to surface.
"Get up there, Gear and I can handle this."
Gear felt sick to his stomach.
"Right", GL said then began to fly upwards, towards the depths of space.
Batman and Gear walked around the surface of the ship some more, until Gear found what looked like a door way.
"Here it is", Gear said kneeling down by the door. "It's got a keypad next to it. There must be an access code. Give me a minute so I can…"
Batman moved to Gear's side immediately, kneeling down and punching in a specific code.
91939.
The light next to the door turned from red to green, granting access. Gear stared at Batman with a baffled look.
"You needed me?" Gear asked.
Batman opened the door and jumped in.
"Get moving", Batman said to Gear.
Gear said a silent prayer to himself, then jumped in closing the hatch behind him.
He landed in a well-lit hallway, already being studied by Batman. The hallway was long, looking as though it lead to the bridge of the ship.
"This is definitely Wayne Enterprises patented construction."
Gear followed closely as Batman was walking along the wall of the hallway. Batman was taking careful notice of his surroundings as he was contemplating how these ships came into existence.
"Hey Batman", Gear whispered. "The sensors in my backpack are picking up movements up ahead."
Batman stopped dead in his tracks, cautious of what could be waiting for them.
"Maybe we should've brought some muscle with us?" Gear asked.
Batman ignored his comment, taking a careful step forward. Just as his foot came down, a high voltage electric shock ripped through his and Gear's body, causing them to fall to the ground and rendering them unconscious.
*****
The Javelin 7 arrived over the panic-stricken crowd as Superman, Hawkgirl and J'onn were battling a massive creature.
"Hera, what is that?" Diana said to herself.
Static looked down from the windshield as Diana did, confused as she was.
"Man, that thing is ugly", Static said.
Raven, Boy and Blackfire waited at the bottom hatch of the Javelin, waiting to exit.
"D, we gotta get movin'", Blackfire said.
"Right", Diana said. "Static, keep flying over this crowd and wait in case we have to transport any injured."
"I'm on it", Static said.
Diana stood up from her seat and joined Raven and Blackfire by the bottom hatch. Static took the pilots seat, applying the seatbelt.
"Let us out, Static", Raven said.
Static flipped the switch opening the bottom hatch. As it opened, the three female members of the League, along with a green eagle, jumped out and took flight. They approached the area where Superman and the others were battling the creature.
*****
Batman was awakened by something slapping him in his face. He opened his eyes to see that Slade was standing in front of him. He attempted to lunge at Slade, finding that his arms and legs were securely enclosed in titanium restraints. He noticed that he was no longer in his ship, but back in the Batcave. Batman was strapped inside an empty case where the retired costumes were displayed. He was next to the one Barbara had worn as Batgirl.
Batman looked around, not seeing Gear anywhere.
"Where is he?" Batman growled.
"I assure you Gear is fine", Slade said.
Slade had his mask off, looking around the cave. As if her were reminiscing. Slade walked towards the main computer, hands behind his back and still wondering with his eyes.
"You know, Bruce", Slade began. "This place is just how I remember it. Its impressive to see that after to many years, you still managed to keep the original feel of this place."
Batman was listening intently as Slade was talking. Slade spoke as though he had seen the cave before, and appeared to be quite familiar with it.
"What surprises me the most", Slade continued. "Is that the only thing to change after such a long time….was you"
Batman continued to stare at Slade's back. Slade sat down at the computer, running his hands over the keyboard.
"Also", Slade said. "Dog hair everywhere was a different touch then, too."
Batman started to notice the tone in Slade's voice change. As though the demeanor he had represented was an act, his true self coming through.
"Who are you?" Batman asked as his tone not as demanding as it was eager to learn.
"Bruce…." Slade said as he turned around to meet Batman's eyes.
Rather than answer, Slade stood up and began to walk towards Batman. Slade stopped roughly three feet in front of Batman, burning a hole in Batman's eyes with a stare. Slade know brought a hand up to Batman's throat, not really choking him as much as making sure he looked directly at him.
"I followed in your footsteps, Bruce. You showed me what it took to be a hero, but then you never showed me enough to survive after you would have left. Then you did leave, and I had to learn it all on my own. I wanted to come back and show my gratitude."
Batman stared into the eye of Slade, waiting for his answer.
"You won't know it yet, Bruce, by my name….is Terry McGinnis."
I don't own a damn thing.
Chapter 16: 3....2....1....
It had been three days since Batman returned to the Watchtower. The questions of him being gone were answered quickly when he arrived with Slade. Slade was unconscious and was immediately locked inside of the Watchtower's high security holding cell. This cell was created for temporary confinement of super powered criminals only. It was determined that no chance would be taken with Slade.
Upon his imprisonment, J'onn had attempted a psychic scan on Slade's subconscious. However, J'onn was unable to breach his mind. Multiple tests were performed on Slade to determine why J'onn was unable to scan his thoughts. Nothing was revealed.
With that option taken away, Batman had decided to extract information from Slade the old fashioned way.
Since his arrival to the Watchtower, Slade had been subject to hours of interrogation from Batman and other members of the League. Information on who he was, where his followers were, and what else he had prepared to unleash on the world, was sought. None of these sessions were successful, however. Slade had met and passed all attempts made by the different members of the League.
None more frustrated than Batman.
He spent the majority of his time to himself sorting through all of his emotions. Batman had made it a point to avoid all but Nightwing and Robin since he returned. He wanted to take part in nothing social, even more so now. Batman felt his very humanity had been stolen from him. He had lost many things in his life, but he believed his humanity would never be destroyed.
Bruce Wayne, the lost boy who grew up to become the Batman, is once again lost in the world.
The only victory over the last few days for Bruce was mending his crumbling relationship with Tim. Tim had gone through a lot of changes since the ordeal first started. Now Tim had to be mature enough to realize that not everything in this world had an answer. He had to learn that sometimes irrational behavior was the only rational. Everything he was taught against, but Tim knew when it came from Bruce it was the near truth.
Batman had been sitting in his private quarters, drowning in his own thoughts, when J'onn telepathically contacted him. He asked Batman for permission to enter his room, wanting to speak with him. Batman gave him permission, and J'onn phased through his door. J'onn found Batman on his easy chair, cowl back; his head slumped to the side. A position J'onn had never seen before.
"Batman?", J'onn said as he walked towards him.
"I can't figure it out", Bruce Wayne's voice came from nowhere, struggling. "All my adult life, I've been in complete control. My life was in my hands alone. No one else's."
Bruce turned to face the Martian, with an almost pleading look on his face.
"I don't know what to do anymore, J'onn", Bruce said. "I've been up and down many roads before. I haven't felt this helpless about anything since.....since...."
Bruce dropped his head in his hands, letting out a frustrated groan. J'onn walked over to Bruce and put a hand on his shoulder.
"I understand, Bruce", J'onn said. "I know how hard you've worked your entire life for things to end up this way. It pains me to see you like this. However, I don't think you should be alone at a time like this. You have people up here who consider family, if not a friend."
Bruce kept his head down as his hands slipped away from his face. He focused on the ground, as if his answer was somehow hidden underneath him.
"Get up, Bruce."
Bruce lifted his head to see J'onn looking at him with a stern look.
"You will fall into madness facing this alone", J'onn said. "I will not allow it."
J'onn looked down at him, offering his hand. Not just to offer leverage to help him stand, but for support as a friend. Bruce looked up with a smirk beginning to form. Instead of accepting J'onn's help, Bruce slapped down on J'onn's hand giving him 'five'. J'onn looked at Bruce oddly as he stood up. Bruce smiled back at J'onn's confusion.
"Don't worry, you'll figure it out", Bruce said.
Bruce turned for the door, reapplying his cowl. He turned around to J'onn as Batman, his voice returning.
"Come on, J'onn", Batman said.
J'onn smirked as he followed Batman out of the room.
*****
The young woman did not know how she got into this. She was walking home from work at 'Gotham Boutique', irate that her car had broken down. She tried to call her husband to pick her up, but he was probably out drinking with his friends again. She turned into an ally to adjust her skirt from walking, not wanting put on a show for anyone. The young woman's misfortune has landed her being surrounded by three muggers looking for a good time. She was thrown to the ground as the leader of the pack looked down on her.
"Hey baby, you wanna have a party?", he said as his smell of booze and body funk violated her sense of smell. The young woman responded by screaming as loud as she could. Her attackers responded with loud, high-pitched laughter.
"That's right, baby", the leader said. "Scream. It only makes it better."
As the group began to get closer to her, what sounded like a small explosion happened right behind them. Everyone, including the young woman, looked to see what it was. A small light appeared in the ally, as though it were floating in the sky. The suddenly, it grew into an even larger light. The group of men was to stupid to run, the woman too scared.
From the light, a large group of people began to exit.. The attackers and the victim had seen a large masked individual lead everyone from the light. One of the attackers recognized the face and finally found his voice.
"Bane...."
Another of the member of the attackers spoke up, only this time a bit smarter than the first.
"Let's get the hell outta here!"
The three muggers began to flee, only to be struck down by gun fire. The three fell to the ground near their former victim. She looked down at their bloody carcasses as the large person with the mask approached her.
"Thank you so much", the woman said hysterically. "I don't know what they would have...."
She was quickly cut off as Bane reached down with a massive hand and picked her up by her throat.
"Forgive me, senorita", Bane said as his hand clamped around her neck. "You and these delinquents were in the wrong place at the right time."
Bane effortlessly snapped her neck as her body suddenly went limp in his hand. He tossed her body to the side, onto a pile of ally debris. Bane looked behind him as several soldiers were settling a large metal box on the ground. The weight of the giant container began to be too much for the soldiers to hold up properly.
"Careful with that, idiots", Bane said.
Bane walked over to the struggling group. He grabbed one by the neck, breaking it. Taking that soldier's spot at balancing the container, Bane seized complete control of it.
"If you want something done right...."
Bane settled the container to the ground as his subordinates began to catch their breaths, a few of them holding their lower backs. Bane shook his head at the incompetence before him.
The container stood roughly twelve feet tall, length and width both at seven feet. It was plain looking; no significant marks other than its size. Bane opened a small compartment that housed a small keypad of numbers. He punched in a specific numerical code and closed it.
"Senores", Bane said to the troops. "Let us make haste. In thirty minutes Gotham will meet its end."
*****
Starfire's glare could burn a hole through a wall. She had been taken down repeatedly for the past hour by her big sister.
"Come on, little sis", Blackfire said taunting. "You're boring me."
Blackfire stood with her arms folded looking down at a frustrated Starfire. They had been practicing together in the training room. Green Lantern had been watching the two intently, observing how well Blackfire had been trained and how far Starfire was behind. He paid specific attention to Blackfire's capabilities. She had mastered her Tamaranian abilities to the limits her young body could handle. Her flight, strength, and energy attacks are all that her Tamaranian heritage provided her.
"Come on, Star", GL said. "She's wiping the floor with you. All you have to do is touch her with one finger."
"Um, but sir", Starfire said standing up. "Perhaps it would be easier if she stood still?"
John Stewart had always had patience for Starfire. Since her first days on with them on the Watchtower, Starfire had grown on most of the members of the League. Lantern was one of them. He knew from the beginning that she was something special. After seeing Blackfire display her skills, he knew that the sky was the limit for Starfire.
Over the last couple of days, Blackfire had helped Starfire discover her ability to fly. It came as natural as is can for a Tamaranian. Starfire was nervous at first, but found her niche rather easily. She began with simple levitation, no more than two feet from the ground. Starfire then began to maneuver herself as she defeated her brief fear of heights.
Starfire is, however, having difficulty using her energy attacks.
Tamaranian's have the ability to generate and project energy blasts. Blackfire has perfect command over her energy ability, but Starfire could not even ignite a spark. Blackfire told her it would take time and not to get frustrated. Starfire had been feeling a sense of uselessness lately, she wanted to help as soon and as much as possible.
"Ok, then" GL said. "Take a quick break, then I want you get back to work on gettin' your energy working."
Starfire stood up, wincing at the slight pain from landing on her behind for the past hour. Blackfire walked to her side and put an arm around her neck, putting her in a small head lock.
"Aww, you'll be fine, kid sis", Blackfire said as Starfire was trying to breathe.
"Let...go....please."
Blackfire laughed and gave Starfire a noogie. Green Lantern just rolled his eyes.
"Ok you two", GL said walking towards them. "Make sure you get plenty of rest, we've got a lot of work to do."
Blackfire released Starfire and smirked.
"Hear that, sis?"
"Yes, my hearing ability is not damaged", Starfire said holding her neck.
Across the training room, Nightwing and Diana we're overseeing Robin, Batgirl, Raven, Cyborg, Boy, Quake, Gear, and Static as they were finishing up a session with the practice drones. Gear, Quake, and Static all performed admirably. Nightwing and Hawkgirl were watching these three the closely.
They observed how well they had been trained under Slade's 'tutelage'. Making special not of their Meta capabilities.
Static can generate electro-magnetic energy, projecting bolts as a weapon and can use his powers to lift objects. He had a retractable disc when he came to the Watchtower. He used it to glide on as his powers propelled it through the air.
Gear was a unique individual. His powers are dormant in his brain, giving him a high level of understanding in physics and computer technology. He had developed an all purpose backpack that he used as a weapon and a tool. It consisted of a miniature jet engine, a computer he uses to link into any system he chooses, and multiple forms of weaponry such as laser cannons and small RPG's.
Quake was another one with unique powers. Her powers consisted of manipulating earth and rock. She could control lava flows and cause earthquakes. She usually sits on pieces of rock, enabling the rock to fly using her powers. She couldn't get much use of her powers on the Watchtower, but she still managed to test her physical abilities. Those abilities were well rounded as the former pupils under Slade were well trained in hand to hand combat.
"Great work, guys", Nightwing said.
"Excellent form, all of you", Diana added. "The next ten minutes are yours to regain any lost energy. After this period is over we will...."
"We will begin with one on one match ups to test one another."
All turned as Batman and J'onn entered the room. Batman's voice had echoed through the training room, stopping everyone dead in their tracks. Even Blackfire and Starfire had stopped as Batman made his entrance.
"Working against predictable machines is only good enough for you to get an initial feel for a battle. Until you encounter an opponent capable of free thought and impeccable strategy, you are disadvantaged on the battle field. It doesn't matter how powerful you appear to be."
A pin could be heard if it dropped.
The entire training facility had gone silent as Batman had suddenly given a lesson on the art of combat. Even the senior members of the League could not help but be taken aback. Batman turned his head to meet the eyes of everyone in the room, only to be met with stares of confusion. Not liking that, Batman turned to meet each set of eyes with his glare that caused them to be snapped out of a state of paralysis.
"Good to see you up and about, Batman", Boy had blurted out.
Batman glared directly at the young meta who still had not learned when to remain silent. Boy turned away from Batman, admiring how beautiful the far wall was looking.
"Shutting up now", Boy said.
"Split into pairs of two", Diana resumed. "Blackfire, Starfire. I want to two to take part as well."
The two Tamaranians walked over the large crowd, both with eager looks on their faces. Starfire had learned to keep a straight face when around Batman, not wanting to offend him. She also didn't want to offend Robin, showing nothing but respect to his mentor. Robin had gone as far as saying he didn't mind how she reacted around Batman, as long as it wasn't 'disruptive'. So Starfire had decided it would be best to have a sense of composure.
"Before we begin", Diana said. "There is one thing I wish to convey to all of you: There is no rush on your development. You will progress at your own rate; however you will work at the rate of everyone else. If you feel you are not progressing as well as your fellow teammates, then it is up to you to work you're hardest to show them that you are applying proper effort. We are all here for each other, but over-reliance on each other will make your selves weaker as an individual. Work together as a team, but be prepared to work alone."
The group of young League members nodded in compliance.
"Now then", Diana said. "We shall begin with....."
Diana had once again been interrupted as the Watchtower's emergency alarm had sounded. Superman's voice had come over the loudspeakers throughout the Watchtower.
"All League members to the control room, now!"
*****
It took no longer than a minute after the alarm sounded for the control room to be filled with all members and recruits of the Justice League. All were standing as Superman was sitting at the main computer. He had been communicating with Oracle after the alarm had sounded.
"What's going on?", Green Lantern finally asked.
Oracle's voice came over the computer's comlink.
"Approximately ten minutes ago, two separate boom tubes opened over Gotham City. Two massive air crafts exited each opening and are hovering over Gotham as we speak."
Batman stepped away from the crowd, now standing next to Superman at the computer.
"You have the information, Oracle", Batman said. "Do the vessels match any designs from either New Genesis or Apokolips?"
"One moment", Oracle said, and then was followed by a brief pause. "No matches. I'm cross-referencing any possible matches in the design specs with......oh my god."
No one bothered to respond to Oracle's verbal shock, waiting for her reason.
"Wayne Tech....", Oracle said.
Batman, along with everyone else in the room felt the same wrenching feeling.
"How....", Batman said.
"I..." Oracle struggled. "Recently Wayne Tech began installing instruments in all major products for safe guarding against theft. These devices give off a specific signal that allows Wayne Tech to track any stolen merchandise from the company or consumer. These ships are giving off the same signal."
"Most of those devices can receive signals for automatic shutoff." Batman said. "Try sending a shutoff signal."
"I'm on it", Oracle said.
A brief pause as Oracle was performing the task.
"Nothing…"
Batman paused to think what exactly was hovering over Gotham.
"Could Lexcorp have built something similar?", Superman asked.
"Unlikely, not at the same frequency", Batman said. "What about a visual?"
"One moment", Oracle said again.
The main screen came on and the sight was one to see.
The view was from a camera placed on top of Oracle's Clocktower. It showed the image of two large air crafts hovering over downtown Gotham.
"I've hacked into the mainframes of one of the ships", Oracle said. "It's definitely Wayne-made, but what I'm reading doesn't make any sense. The ship is registered under 'Wayne Defense'."
"Wayne Defense?" Superman said perplexed as he turned to meet Batman's face..
Batman felt a large lump in this throat. The possibility of those to ships coming from Wayne Enterprises is highly improbable. The idea being registered under 'Wayne Defense' left Batman even more confused.
"What other information are you reading?" Batman asked Oracle, surprisingly calm.
"The ship's on board computer has a complicated firewall system. I'm having a hard time....great. Connection lost."
Batman would have slammed his fists on the table if he were sitting down.
"Did you notice anything else, Oracle?", Batman asked with a scowl.
"The ship was on 'stand by' mode", Oracle said. "Whatever it's doing there, it seems as though it's not doing anything anytime soon."
Green Lantern walked towards Batman and Superman with a smirk on his face.
"Looks like those ships are just sittin' ducks", GL said. "But I still don't trust them just sitting there."
"Me neither", Batman said. "Local police has just requested military backup, and I trust them less."
John Stewart gave Batman a semi-dirty look for that comment.
"Anyhow", Batman continued. "Our priority is to gather information on these ships. We can't hack our way in, so we have to do it manually."
Batman turned to look at everyone behind him, eying one person.
"Gear…"
Gear nearly choked on his own breath when Batman called his name.
"Y...Yes sir."
Batman walked towards him as everyone parted to clear the way. Batman stopped in front of the wide-eyed boy, who properly looked nervous.
"Your coming along for this", Batman said. "Your ability to understand complex technology will be needed. Be ready to go in five minutes."
"Right", Gear said, then turned to leave.
Batman turned to address the senior League members.
"Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and J'onn are coming down with me. Superman, Nightwing, and Batgirl are on crowd control. Who knows how the people will respond."
Batman turned to address Diana and the young members of the League.
"In case there's a turn for the worse", Batman started. "You guys are going to back us up. Diana, we'll be using boom tubes to get down there ASAP. I want you to be ready in the Javelin for any possible retrieval that may be needed. You'll be positioned on the helicopter pad on top of police headquarters."
"Will there be a problem with the police if the Javelin is waiting there?", Diana asked.
"I'll get clearance", Batman said. "I also want Raven's team to accompany you."
"Right", Diana said, knowing full well Batman knew what he was doing.
Batman slightly nodded at Diana then turned to Raven. The young members of the league had been divided tactically into two separate teams. Raven and Robin were chosen to be the team leaders.
"Get your team ready", Batman said.
"Right", Raven said, and then turned to her team.
Static, Blackfire, and Boy gathered around her. Gear would have done so as well, but had been assigned to Batman's mission. Raven and her team had calm and diligent looks in their eyes, ready for the task at hand. .
"Good", Batman said, then turned to Robin. "Your team will remain up here. You can handle the Watchtower's monitoring systems, and someone has to stay up here at all times."
"Gotcha", Robin said. "Ok guys, you heard the man."
Robin began to walk out of the control room, followed by Cyborg, Starfire, and Quake. Batgirl had been assigned to help Nightwing and Superman.
Upon the first teams exit for monitor duty, Batman turned back to the rest of the League, something nagging him.
"Slade", Batman said. "Somehow, he's the cause of this."
Hawkgirl kept her arms crossed as she responded to Batman.
"We can't get anything out of that guy. So how would you know that? "
Batman turned to her, his face staying stern.
"Experience..."
Superman finally stood up from the chair at the main computer, joining the rest of the League.
"So how do we do this?" Superman asked.
*****
A boom tube opened up in the ally behind the St. Thomas Aquinas Church on 5th Street, directly under one of the hovering ships. Batman, Superman, Nightwing, Batgirl, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, J'onn J'onz and Gear all exited from the boom tube on to the filthy ally.
"Ugh, you would think a church would keep this ally cleaner", Hawkgirl said as a foul stench invaded her heightened senses.
"Then I don't suggest going inside", Nightwing smiled to her.
Batman motioned to them to be quiet. From the ally, panic-stricken people could be seen running in a general direction.
"There's something wrong", Batman said.
"Aside from the flying saucers over the city, what could it be?" Hawkgirl said sarcastically.
"J'onn", Batman said. "Can you see what exactly they are running from?":
J'onn's eyes glowed yellow for an instant, then his face was shocked with surprise.
"They are not running from the ships", J'onn said. "There's something else."
Just as soon as J'onn said something, a monstrous figure began to plow its way through the crowd, tossing bodies out of its way. The Justice League looked on in the ally in horror. The creature was a large, gray looking monster, easily taller than eight feet. The mass of it is what frightened the people that were running.
Superman broke the stillness of the League by suddenly flying at the creature, landing a crushing blow to its midsection. The creature flew over the surrounding crowd of people, into an old antique shop across the street.
Back in the ally, Batman had begun to make the proper changes in plan.
"J'onn, Hawkgirl", Batman started. "Superman is going to need backup. Nightwing, Batgirl. We need to make sure the crowds are policed from the inside until the authorities manage control."
Everyone nodded in approval to Batman's commands. J'onn and Hawkgirl flew to offer Superman backup. Nightwing and Batgirl began to run with the crowds, ready to keep the peace. Batman turned to GL and Gear.
"Gear", Batman said. "Radio the Javelin. Tell them we're gonna need help with crowd control. Lantern, get us up to that ship."
*****
Diana, Raven, Static, Blackfire and Boy waited inside the Javelin 7 on top of Gotham City Police Department. The vacant helipad served as the waiting spot in the situation of backup being needed. Diana waited at the controls, with Static at the co-pilot seat. Static had been trained as a pilot while under Slade. He along with Gear, Blackfire and Quake had minimal training. Static, however, proved to be the more rounded as a pilot.
Gear's voice suddenly came over the Javelin's comlink.
"Javelin 7... You guys there?"
"We're here, bro", Static responded. "What's up?"
"Uh....we encountered a large problem down here. We're gonna need that backup RIGHT NOW!"
Diana fastened her seat belt, and then started the engines.
"We're coming, Gear", Diana said. "Static, trace the signal and find their location."
"I'm on it."
Static and the rest of the newest members of the League had quickly learned to use most of the equipment on the Javelin as well as the Watchtower. Simple tasks as tracing signals were not difficult ones.
"Got'em", Static said. "Ha, right at their original drop off point."
*****
Robin was keeping communications open with Oracle from the Watchtower's lookout station. He was at the main seat with Cyborg, Starfire and Quake standing behind him.
"How are they doin' down there?" Cyborg asked.
"So far, not so good", Robin said. "Oracle's sayin' that as soon as they arrived in Gotham, they had to engage…..something."
"Something…?" Cyborg said.
"Yeah, something", Robin said, and then turned the comlink on to talk to Oracle. "Got a visual on that thing yet, Oracle?"
"Nothing yet", Oracle said. "My cameras are out of range. Whatever it is, they're on the ground. I'm trying to get the Javelin to send a visual."
The Watchtower's internal alarm suddenly sounded. This alarm was different from the normal alarm that alerted the Justice League to trouble on earth. This one alerted them of danger inside the Watchtower.
"What is it?" Cyborg shouted over the loud alarm.
Robin worked at the keyboard, figuring out the origin of the emergency.
"Its coming from the cell block area", Robin said, and then was stone-faced.
"Ok…..what is it?" Cyborg asked again.
"A boom tube…"
Robin turned the chair quickly then jumped to his feet.
"Come on!" Robin said, and began to run.
Cyborg, Starfire and Quake followed him to the cell block area.
*****
Slade was shackled to his own bed, deprived of his mask. His smile was as bright as the light pouring into his cell. The boom tube had opened on schedule, and everything looked as though they were going according to plan.
The light dissipated, and Bane was left in its place.
"Senor Slade", Bane said. "It is time, yes?"
Slade stood up from his bed, smile still on his face.
"Yes."
Bane had attached a small device to the cell's door. The device gave off an electro magnetic pulse, disabling the doors electric defense system. Bane then launched one of his hands through the defenseless door, and then pulled his hand along with the door back out.
Bane entered the cell, finding Slade standing and ankles shackled to the bed. Bane walked over to Slade, then bent down and easily removed the Slade's binds.
"Excellent work, Bane", Slade said. "I trust everything is in order in Gotham?"
Bane stood up with a smile on his face.
"Absolutely", Bane said.
"Splendid", Slade said. "Let us begin the last phase."
Slade and Bane exited his former holding cell, ready to generate a boom tube. They were interrupted by the sight of Robin, Cyborg, Starfire, and Quake.
"Slade..!" Robin shouted as he and his team was in their ready stances.
"Ah, Timothy", Slade said with his arms folded to his back. "I trust that you have been busy preparing for your test."
Bane began to walk towards Robin's team, smirking to no end.
"Be ready, team", Robin said. "Bane is just about as strong as Superman now. Be extremely careful."
Cyborg smirked.
"So am I."
Bane charged at the young team, causing them all to scatter, but Cyborg.
Cyborg landed a heavy blow to Bane's face, causing the behemoth to stop in his tracks. Cyborg tried to follow with another punch to his face, only to be easily blocked by Bane's left arm. Bane followed by landing a devastating punch with his right hand across Cyborg's face. Cyborg flew across the hallway, impacting on the far wall. Bane turned to Quake, who had a collapsible bo staff in her hand.
"Senorita, I suggest you run. You are physically no match for me, and we are not on earth soil."
Bane approached the young meta, ready to harm her. However, he was intercepted by a thunderous punch to his midsection that came out of nowhere. Bane was hurled across the room, back towards Slade. Before he could be impacted by Bane's hurling body, Slade casually moved out of the way as the flying giant flew by him. Bane landed on the far wall, looking up at who had hit him.
"I too am strong enough", Starfire said as she floated next to Quake.
"God, am I glad you are", Quake sighed in relief.
Cyborg walked gingerly to his teammate's sides, reeling from that punch he took.
"Ok, now I'm pissed."
Robin pulled out his collapsible bo staff, ready to fight.
"Go!" Robin shouted as Starfire, Quake and Cyborg charged Slade and Bane.
"Me and Star got Ramon", Cyborg said. "You and Quake get Slade."
Robin and Quake both jumped in the air, attempting to land a kick. Slade effortlessly dodged their attacks, upon their landing he swept the feet from under Quake. She landed on her tailbone painfully, possibly fracturing it. Robin threw a high kick at Slade, who blocked the kick with his left forearm.
"Your slow, Tim."
Starfire and Cyborg arrived at the now enraged Bane.
"I will snap your necks in two, amigos…"
Starfire flew into the air, attempting to take Bane's eyes with her. She succeeded her goal, leaving a small opening for Cyborg to fire a laser blast at him. Bane leapt into the air, avoiding the blast and corralling Starfire in his arms. Bane landed with Starfire pressed against his chest with one arm, the other across her forehead.
"I believe I'll start with this chica's neck."
Starfire managed to throw her head back in desperation, catching Bane in his masked face. He released her and was met with an energy blast to his midsection, sending him to the wall again.
Robin had to take over the fight with Slade as Quake was already injured. She had limped off to the side, clutching at her lower back.
"Dammit…." Quake said to herself.
She knew that she was one of the least useful members of the League, at least in the Watchtower she was. Quake was not as skilled in hand to hand combat as everyone else, but she didn't expect to be taken out that easily.
"So, Tim", Slade said as he was standing in his fighting stance. "Do you feel prepared?"
"What are you talking about?" Robin angrily said, Slade getting to him.
"Come now", Slade said.
Slade charged Robin with his hand cocked back, easily seen by Robin. Robin ducked to the side, falling for Slade's trap. Slade's leg came around delivering a crushing knee to Robin's midsection. Robin fell to the ground, out of breath.
"Just like Richard…."
Slade came down with a thunderous forearm smash across Robin's head, sending him limp to the ground.
Slade looked up at the injured Quake, with her bo in her hand. He walked up to her, knowing full well she was in no shape to defend herself. Slade looked down at her face, her sweaty blond hair covering her face. He put his right hand gently around her chin.
"I trust they are treating you better up here than you were treated with me?"
Quake's face burned with a fury as she spit in his face. She had never seen his real face before, and she told herself one day she would do this.
Slade wiped the saliva from his face, unaffected by her.
"I know you were taught better manners than that…"
Slade's hand came up to strike her, only to be stuck by something that looked like a batarang. Slade turned to see Robin standing, rubber legged and with a scowl on his face.
"I'm…not finished…with you yet…" Robin struggled to get out.
The other fight taking place was going more in the favor of the Justice League. Starfire and Cyborg had been wearing Bane out as much as they could. Bane was still far from being defeated, but Cyborg and Starfire still managed to stay in the fight.
"You feelin' tired yet, Rico?" Cyborg asked.
Bane growled as he charged Cyborg, only to be cut off by a flying kick to his face. Bane fell to the ground as Starfire hovered over him.
"I believe Rico wishes to continue, Cyborg."
Cyborg approached Bane with his arm pointed at him, ready to send another blast when Bane moved. Bane suddenly sat up, throwing an object at Cyborg. It was the same device he used to disable the cell door when he freed Slade. The object attached to Cyborg's chest, giving off an electro magnetic pulse throughout his body.
Cyborg began to scream and suddenly was silenced as his body fell limp to the ground. His electronic circuits had been cancelled out, causing his body to become inactive.
"Cyborg…!" Starfire shouted as she flew to his side.
She tried to revive him by shaking him, Cyborg was not responsive. She looked up as Bane began to walk towards her. She stood up to meet his glare, giving him a look she knew her sister would be proud of.
"What did you do to Cyborg?" Starfire asked in a threatening tone.
"I put him to sleep, Senorita", Bane said. "Now, it is your turn."
Starfire had never felt a rage as powerful as the one surging through her body. Bane could almost swear that her eyes began to glow a shade of green. In a split second, Starfire launched herself and Bane. She threw an arrant punch that missed him completely. Her momentum still carrying her, Bane grabbed Starfire's leg and whipped her around his torso, his elbow meeting her temple.
Starfire fell limp to the ground.
Robin was not faring well against Slade.
Slade spent his time calmly berating Robin as he administered a thrashing. Robin, however, was not easy to make fall. The only reason Slade's drone had gotten the best of Nightwing was due to a high-voltage shock to Nightwing's body.
"You are tougher than even you let on, Tim", Slade said.
"I guess….its the shoes…"
Robin threw a weak kick to follow up with his weaker remark. Slade easily caught Robin's leg, driving the sharp side of his right hand to the back of Robin's neck. Robin remained on his one leg as Slade had a hold on his other. Robin's eyes struggled to stay open as he began to fall to the ground. Slade grabbed Robin's left shoulder with his free hand, gently placing Robin on the ground.
"Amazing…" Slade said to himself.
Bane walked towards Slade, with both Cyborg and Starfire unconscious in his arms.
"They were no match for us, senor", Bane said as he laid Cyborg and Starfire to the ground.
"Indeed", Slade said.
Slade looked up to finish off Quake, only to see she was nowhere to be found.
"Where is the girl?" Bane said.
Slade looked around the hallway, and then felt a quick gust of wind flow by him and Bane. They both looked around, then down to see that Starfire was now missing from where they had laid her.
"What is…"
Bane was interrupted again by a gust of wind, this time Cyborg missing from the pile.
Slade looked up with a scowl on his face.
"It's…"
The same gust of wind came in and out, retrieving Robin this time.
"…The Flash."
Alarms began to sound as massive walls came crashing down around Bane and Slade, imprisoning them.
"No more time to waste up here, Bane", Slade said. "My time with Robin will have to wait for later."
Bane acknowledged him by bringing out his control to open a boom tube.
*****
Green Lantern had carried Batman and Gear to the top of the first ship, landing with them on its surface. Batman immediately began to look for any type of opening that could get them inside it. Gear was right behind him as Green Lantern hovered over them.
"Batman", GL shouted to him. "Oracle just contacted me, trouble on the Watchtower."
Batman looked up at GL, not wanting anymore problems to surface.
"Get up there, Gear and I can handle this."
Gear felt sick to his stomach.
"Right", GL said then began to fly upwards, towards the depths of space.
Batman and Gear walked around the surface of the ship some more, until Gear found what looked like a door way.
"Here it is", Gear said kneeling down by the door. "It's got a keypad next to it. There must be an access code. Give me a minute so I can…"
Batman moved to Gear's side immediately, kneeling down and punching in a specific code.
91939.
The light next to the door turned from red to green, granting access. Gear stared at Batman with a baffled look.
"You needed me?" Gear asked.
Batman opened the door and jumped in.
"Get moving", Batman said to Gear.
Gear said a silent prayer to himself, then jumped in closing the hatch behind him.
He landed in a well-lit hallway, already being studied by Batman. The hallway was long, looking as though it lead to the bridge of the ship.
"This is definitely Wayne Enterprises patented construction."
Gear followed closely as Batman was walking along the wall of the hallway. Batman was taking careful notice of his surroundings as he was contemplating how these ships came into existence.
"Hey Batman", Gear whispered. "The sensors in my backpack are picking up movements up ahead."
Batman stopped dead in his tracks, cautious of what could be waiting for them.
"Maybe we should've brought some muscle with us?" Gear asked.
Batman ignored his comment, taking a careful step forward. Just as his foot came down, a high voltage electric shock ripped through his and Gear's body, causing them to fall to the ground and rendering them unconscious.
*****
The Javelin 7 arrived over the panic-stricken crowd as Superman, Hawkgirl and J'onn were battling a massive creature.
"Hera, what is that?" Diana said to herself.
Static looked down from the windshield as Diana did, confused as she was.
"Man, that thing is ugly", Static said.
Raven, Boy and Blackfire waited at the bottom hatch of the Javelin, waiting to exit.
"D, we gotta get movin'", Blackfire said.
"Right", Diana said. "Static, keep flying over this crowd and wait in case we have to transport any injured."
"I'm on it", Static said.
Diana stood up from her seat and joined Raven and Blackfire by the bottom hatch. Static took the pilots seat, applying the seatbelt.
"Let us out, Static", Raven said.
Static flipped the switch opening the bottom hatch. As it opened, the three female members of the League, along with a green eagle, jumped out and took flight. They approached the area where Superman and the others were battling the creature.
*****
Batman was awakened by something slapping him in his face. He opened his eyes to see that Slade was standing in front of him. He attempted to lunge at Slade, finding that his arms and legs were securely enclosed in titanium restraints. He noticed that he was no longer in his ship, but back in the Batcave. Batman was strapped inside an empty case where the retired costumes were displayed. He was next to the one Barbara had worn as Batgirl.
Batman looked around, not seeing Gear anywhere.
"Where is he?" Batman growled.
"I assure you Gear is fine", Slade said.
Slade had his mask off, looking around the cave. As if her were reminiscing. Slade walked towards the main computer, hands behind his back and still wondering with his eyes.
"You know, Bruce", Slade began. "This place is just how I remember it. Its impressive to see that after to many years, you still managed to keep the original feel of this place."
Batman was listening intently as Slade was talking. Slade spoke as though he had seen the cave before, and appeared to be quite familiar with it.
"What surprises me the most", Slade continued. "Is that the only thing to change after such a long time….was you"
Batman continued to stare at Slade's back. Slade sat down at the computer, running his hands over the keyboard.
"Also", Slade said. "Dog hair everywhere was a different touch then, too."
Batman started to notice the tone in Slade's voice change. As though the demeanor he had represented was an act, his true self coming through.
"Who are you?" Batman asked as his tone not as demanding as it was eager to learn.
"Bruce…." Slade said as he turned around to meet Batman's eyes.
Rather than answer, Slade stood up and began to walk towards Batman. Slade stopped roughly three feet in front of Batman, burning a hole in Batman's eyes with a stare. Slade know brought a hand up to Batman's throat, not really choking him as much as making sure he looked directly at him.
"I followed in your footsteps, Bruce. You showed me what it took to be a hero, but then you never showed me enough to survive after you would have left. Then you did leave, and I had to learn it all on my own. I wanted to come back and show my gratitude."
Batman stared into the eye of Slade, waiting for his answer.
"You won't know it yet, Bruce, by my name….is Terry McGinnis."