I do not own either One Piece or Justice League Unlimited.

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Beta read by the wonderful rose7anne101 and MasterQwertster. Make sure to check out their stories!

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Guest Review answers :-D

Evil Reviewer

Yep, Terry McGinnis, who is indeed awesome, is part of the DCAU. Hmm, have to see if I can make sure he is still born though . . .

Fair point for Mr. Freeze. Will have to consider it. As for the rest, that does not sit with "no killing" for me for Batman. Also, if have a threat like Lord Death Man to deal with, you just let Superman and his Phantom Zone, or the Green Lantern Corps and their prisons, handle it.

If I do any time travel, I would make clear that history was in flux. As in no guarantee that things are pre-determined.

That whole arc with Aquaman happened already. He has only one hand now. Also, when assassinated he basically went looking for revenge, and killed his brother (although that was also for trying to kill Aquaman's baby son). Otohime had a completely different reaction to being killed, or being shot in general.

I had considered Catwoman for this story, but honestly she has never really been a team player. Even with the Bat Family, it always seems more that she is doing so out of her relationship (which I will not attempt to define) with Batman. With her helping out the rest of Clan out of respect for him, and also because she grows closer to them over time.

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

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wormrep

Cutting up the chapters more now. As for the double standard about females abusing males, planning to look at that a bit later on.

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I am not familiar with that storyline with Poison Ivy, but not overly surprised. She has consistently demonstrated she is capable of incredible stuff with her plants.

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I am also not all that familiar with the Red, outside of how it is basically the primordial force of animal life or something. As the Red and Rot are not of the DCAU though, that will not be happening.

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Nice to hear you appreciate the level of detail I did with examining both Earth and Gaia. And yeah, even in the DCAU there are loads of possibilities to what is going on.

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The Straw Hat's allies will indeed be questioning more on the significance of Luffy and Robin's questions, but at the time they were unwilling to press the issue. Yes, even Harley.

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The reason the Straw Hats have not encountered Aquaman yet is frankly because they have not really spent much time at sea. I know, they are seafaring pirates, and it seems like the logical place for them to hang out. The reason is (and yeah, I really should explain this more in an upcoming chapter) is basically it is rather unpleasant to be on the water when it is so not the seas they know and love. To the point being on dry land is generally preferable to being on such a 'fake' ocean.

The issue is that we are dealing with the DCAU Aquaman. In his focus episode, 'The Enemy Below,' which happened already in the timeline, he stormed up to the United Nations, messing up traffic, alone, and dictated terms to the other nations. Basically he was aggressive, isolationist, and frankly pig-headed before he starts getting some character development, and remains so for a while yet. Now the comic's version of Aquaman, specifically the more recent stuff (which I admit I need to catch up on), is the kind of guy Jinbe would shake the hand of, commend his hard work bridging the gap between the surface world and that of Atlantis, and maybe give a polite, well-natured reprimand about putting too much on his shoulders with some suggestions to make it easier. By the end of the day the Straw Hats would probably be honoured guests of Atlantis, while Aquaman makes a call to the Justice League to tell them there has been some serious miscommunication between them and the 'pirates.'

DCAU Aquaman has a lot fewer abilities than other versions do too, and was lacking his magical trident to boot. As for Jinbe throwing him around, Aquaman is definitely tough, but also misjudged how strong Jinbe (and his deceitfully small and thin arms) is. By jumping in like that he put himself at a momentary disadvantage that Jinbe took advantage of, making Aquaman briefly pause. Given another moment, Aquaman would have resumed fighting, and made a better showing, and shown why he is the kind of guy who can go up against Wonder Woman and win. Note I am not saying who would actually win between him and Jinbe though ;-P

On a related note, the comic's version of Mera is dangerous, one-woman army, who would indeed be a serious threat to the Straw Hats. Indeed, to all the Straw Hats if she played her cards right, and they did not take her seriously enough. The DCAU version of Mera is more akin to a traditional Disney Princess . . .

But you are correct that Aquaman's scene was overly trimmed. I will do my best to make up for it a bit in this chapter, but mainly in another major, upcoming episode of his.

I make no reference to the 2018 Aquaman film because of how people may not have seen it yet. Although I do prefer his portrayal there over what we see in the Justice League film.

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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Guest

Hmm, and interesting idea for Luffy to get a Power Ring but then throw it away once he learns about the responsibilities . . .

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Legianreader2003

Glad to hear you like this story so much, and sorry for the long updates. I have a bunch of other stories I am working on at the same time, as well as real-life responsibilities.

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

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Guest

I honestly do not know the Joker from 'War of Riddles and Jokes' as well as I would like. Definitely going to have a charismatic and dangerous version of him though, and that seems like a good place to get ideas.

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

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skyader

You are actually closer than you realize ;-)

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

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BlantonM

Extendable hammer definitely compelling, but very limited store of Dials. Honestly doubt they had many left even by the end of the timeskip since Usopp had most of them when he went through two years of survival training.

Hmmm, I had honestly not considered Superman, including Lord, using a blade. It is just so . . . not-Superman. Dude is so committed to his fists in any continuity, barring a special gun that non-lethally negates a special ability. As for Superman's power, yeah he is oodles weaker in the DCAU. The final episode though does make clear that he generally is holding way back still.

For Armament Haki, it will basically be like a layer of weightless armour to make punches hurt more, or make Superman's own punches even less effective (and you are definitely right about the rubber body). Observation Haki . . . yeah that is the key one. On the one hand Superman's useful attacks are useless if they cannot hit, but the dude can still move and *think* fast.

Also, not sure if you have checked the Reviews since then, but gdog1 wrote a Review in response to your own.

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

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Tyler

LOL I love that version of a reveal! Very tempted to do an omake of that! As for the "they're like anime characters," I could just not resist :-P Very happy to hear I am balancing the drama and humour well, as I feel that is one of the things that makes One Piece such a success.

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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YCG

An interesting idea, and I definitely see where you are coming from with the Endless. But I am not familiar enough with them to be confident about doing them, and I am very firmly keeping this within the DCAU with one secret, upcoming exception. Otherwise this story will become too complicated; especially for me! :-P

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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Anoneme

Glad to hear the dialogue is moving along well despite the lack of action, as well as the character interaction being up to snuff :-)

Yeah, the Worst Generation came from a lot of sources. Had not heard of that one before though, thanks :-)

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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Guest

Glad this is becoming one of your favourite One Piece crossovers, and yes I plan to see it through to the end.

Right now the Straw Hats are a bit leery of bringing others with them, but probably would if asked. That said, someone would want to go, and some would not. Also while going there may be the chance for a new life for some, for others it would be dangerous; for instance Harley Quinn would be eaten alive in the New World and need a lot of protection.

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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125b

I have all of this here less because of that, and more because either the Reviews I am responding to are Guest Reviews, or like you they have the PM function disabled. Otherwise yeah I respond to the Reviews with a PM. I appreciate people taking the time to leave a Review, and I get lots of excellent suggestions too, so I feel obliged to respond.

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

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Justice

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Chapter 11: Injustice for All

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Previously:

During the events of a male-targeting, lethal allergen, the female members of the Justice League briefly teamed up with members of the Straw Hats. In the aftermath, the heroes learnt that the pirates had been recruiting from the local super-villains. As incidents with the Straw Hats increased, as did the consequences of their actions, the League chose to expand their membership. Also, Jinbe briefly clashed with Aquaman, after he, Chopper, and Brook saved some whale sharks from being hunted.

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Contains spoiler for manga chapter 903

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This chapter is an AU of a DCAU episode by the same name.

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November 4

A dark night has fallen over Metropolis, held at bay by the lights of the skyscrapers rising high into the air. Towering above them all was headquarters of Lexcorp, and on the penthouse floor, an eerily, alien green light was pulsing.

"So this is how it ends," Lex Luthor casually said. He was resplendent in his signature business-suit, expression almost bored as he looked at the glowing, green stone of Kryptonite in his hand. A small piece, only about the size of his fist, yet so utterly decisive. "You know I've carried this around for years, waiting for just the right moment. But now that it's here, I almost feel . . . a little let down. Almost." He looked down at the figure before him:

Superman.

Writhing on a couch in agony at the radiation burning through him. Unable to speak as he grunted in pain, barely keeping himself from falling onto the floor.

It was anti-climactic really, after the numerous plots to kill this insufferable alien. All that money, those misguided fools and pawns with powers and weaponry, and other such schemes. Even just a few weeks ago he had tried doing it himself with a giant, remotely operated robot, only to fail. In the end, Lex had simply invited him over to 'discuss' something, and now it was all over.

Oh, there was still the Justice League to contend with, except he knew from his sources the rest were all occupied with some incident or other in Asia. Doubtless Batman would try and investigate, but there would be no evidence to be found. Hmm, maybe I'll plant some so it seems the government is responsible? That way they can catch Batman snooping around their so-called 'secret' bases? It would be simplicity then to push for official censure of the whole team of do-gooders, if not prison time. Or perhaps something for that annoying Supergirl to find, sending her off in a violent frenzy to the point the League will be the ones forced to stop her? Ah the irony.

Meanwhile, I'll be able to advance my other projects. Especially with a new handy corpse to tinker with.

With a little ingenuity, he would have world conquest within a year. By that point the only question would be if he wanted sheep-like masses none the wiser, or cheering his name. Decisions, decisions.

"Oh, and weren't you supposed to be at the Metropolis General Hospital tomorrow?" he mocked. "Something about flying a kid dying of cancer around the world as his last wish?" Grunts were the only response, yet he could tell Superman was drawing the strength to say something. "Any last requests?"

"Luthor," weakly managed the Man of Steel, raising his head and a hand slightly. "I have to know. Those weapons you sold to the terrorists, how—"

"How did I get them through customs," interrupted Lex, a hint of contempt in his eyes. Honestly, nosey to the very end. Predictable really. Ah well, sniveling and begging would almost . . . cheapen the satisfaction. "A gift here, a bribe here," he idly gestured. "When money talks, people listen." He turned his back on his arch foe to walk away while tossing the Kryptonite from hand to hand. The view of the Metropolis from the window was most pleasant –a reminder of what would soon once more be entirely his. Moreover, a final message for how little he thought of Superman. "Like Stavros at the shipping company. Or Schneider the Interpol agent who looked the other way."

"Sounds you're going to have company in prison," cut in an ethereal –yet chillingly familiar— voice.

Whirling around to see who it was, Lex saw Superman standing tall and impossibly recovered!

Panicking, he rushed over to hold the green stone closer, believing he had gotten too far away.

Folding his arms unfazed, Superman merely glared.

"It can't be!" cried Lex, staring at the glowing stone for some kind of defect. "The Kryptonite!"

"Won't protect you any longer," 'Superman' said in that strange voice, until his form blurred and shifted into that of Martian Manhunter.

"NO!" shouted Luthor in shock and horror. Why would he—!?

"You're usually more careful, Lex," a hated voice said, revealing the entrance of Batman. Behind him, hovering and with his Ring held ready, was Green Lantern. "You slipped up."

"And you're going down hard," declared Green Lantern, aiming his Ring and forming a Construct which snatched away the Kryptonite, with Batman snagging it to put away into a pocket of his utility belt, cutting off the light and radiation.

They can't do this! raged Lex.

Except deep down he knew he was in significant trouble. Before, he had always escaped serious legal investigations only partially thanks to bribes and coercion –which had become increasingly difficult, with Superman flying about, as closeminded, straight-laced officials realized they could go to the alien to snitch about it, or how they knew others receiving gifts or being threatened. The other major reason being there had never been sufficient evidence incriminate him. Or that anything stolen from him would be inadmissible in court, thanks to his lawyers. Unfortunately, it was obvious these 'heroes' now thought they had what they needed. Never mind the necessary effort and planning to make him believe the Justice League was elsewhere, he knew Batman would not have made such a brazen move until he was confident he had all the angles covered.

Moreover, Superman would not be involved unless he was sure it would work. For crying out loud, in the past Lex had openly boasted to the alien that all necessary evidence had already disappeared, knowing it would always be the 'heroes' word against his! Lex had threatened him when they first met! Because he could!

But I just confessed to aiding terrorism, and they have the names of two accomplices. Those weasels will squeal to Batman if the pressure's on them! And once they have that, they can keep pulling the thread to unravel more and more!

"Mission accomplished," Batman said into a radio. The three heroes advanced on Lex as he backed away.

"So much for your image as a benevolent businessman," stated Martian Manhunter. "This is the end of an era."

Defiantly he exclaimed, "The end of your era, maybe." He whipped out a remote, and pressed the button. He always had contingencies.

An automated escape craft appeared outside the window, and began firing upon the intruders.

!JUSTICE!

Later

"Good to see you," nodded Hawkgirl as Batman entered the room. He had just arrived in his Batwing, and seemed unhurt. Not that something as insignificant as pain or injuries would stop him. Not for this.

"Any problems?" he brusquely asked.

"None. The FBI Director was satisfied with your recording of Luthor's confession, and got three judges to sign off on it. His hand-picked teams are already helping tear everything of Luthor's apart. Interpol's also coordinating, and sweeping up his international holdings."

That had been one of the critical steps in their whole strategy. For American law, evidence acquired by following a trail illegally obtained is inadmissible in court, and outright requires the defendant to be released, the charges dropped. Usually Batman's methods of breaking-and-entering as part of his regular routine were overlooked by Gotham's Police Department, and while the District Attorney had been initially opposed to it, she had come around in supporting him. (Being kidnapped by his Rogues Gallery had helped there). As the Justice League's successes grew, so did the willingness of certain parties to overlook any irregularities. The catch was that most of the time this was for clear-cut cases of dangerous criminals, while Lex Luthor was known to the public as a highly successful businessman, who regularly made very generous charitable donations.

Moreover, the complete fiasco with Cherry Blossom Medical, dampened enthusiasm for such tactics.

"Good. How was Flash?" Batman had never been concerned about Hawkgirl's role, as she had helped him map out their plan to take down one of the greatest criminals alive. As blunt and direct as she was in the field, she was also a brilliant strategist—he had yet to beat her at chess. Thankfully, the upper members of the FBI, and the local District Attorney, had been suspicious of Lex Luthor for years. Lack of evidence aside, they had been concerned that if the man was arrested, it would create a power vacuum in the criminal underworld would do. Without Luthor keeping things orderly, crime might actually escalate as some thug tried to take the man's throne. Superman could not be everywhere after all.

And yes, intentionally causing just that sort of crisis if he fell from grace, was exactly the sort of thing a sore loser like Luthor would conceive of. Especially since his insufferable ego had taken an increasing pounding over the years at the hands of the Man of Steel.

Hawkgirl had dismissed such concerns over the void left by Luthor as the officials being lazy and negligent, while Batman had more diplomatically (relatively speaking) contributed his own insight from his experience of Gotham City being in exactly that sort of situation. He had taken out his share of crime bosses and madmen after all. The trick lay in anticipating how people would try and fill the vacuum, and prune them accordingly. Done correctly, law and order would actually spread.

That was not to say it would be easy, but they had plans and contingencies in place, with law enforcement having just been briefed. Working together, they would all pull it off.

"He did well," she assured him with a flicker of what could have been a proud grin. "Didn't let himself get distracted, kept things moving during the meeting, and broke the tension whenever it came up."

Content to hear the speedster did his job, Batman turned his attention to sorting out his files for his final briefing for the Director. Afterwards it was back to LexCorp to begin pruning everything rotten there, and exposing all the other infestations. As much as Luthor was a genius, he refused to believe that there was no physical evidence lying around.

Cocking her head in curiosity, Hawkgirl said, "I know you brought Luthor into custody, so where's Superman?"

"He's busy," he grunted. "Luthor tried to escape, and might've even gotten away, except he suffered some kind of attack that made him collapse. Possibly a stroke. Superman rushed him to a doctor."

"Really." She seemed a touch dubious and resigned. "Isn't the man his worst enemy?"

No, that would be Darkseid, Batman knew. From a few, careful verbal probes, he knew that the New God of Apokolips was perhaps the only being that Superman outright hated.

As much as Luthor was a persistent, homicidal, apathetic, megalomaniacal thorn in the side of the Man of Steel, he was still . . .

"He still sees some good in the man," admitted Batman. "Or at least regrets the good Luthor is failing to do with his life."

Truthfully, while Batman thought that was being overly naïve, it did nothing to diminish his respect for his frien—teammate. Indeed, it was that very idealism that made him into the greatest hero of them all. For all that Clark called what they did a 'never-ending battle,' he had also shown Batman that Justice did not have to come from the darkness.

Misreading his silence, Hawkgirl observed, "Sometimes I don't understand why you two get along so well. Sometimes I wonder if his powers make him forget how vulnerable other people are. How they can be hurt by people like Luthor. That's he's too alien to understand."

At any other time Batman would have kept quiet. Here and now though, well, she was a member of the Justice League, and as exhausting as it was working with other people, a little sign of trust might help the team. Even if he was only a part-timer. Besides, she had to understand about Superman.

"No," he corrected. "In many ways, in his civilian life, he is the most Human of us all. Then . . . he shoots fire from the skies, and it is difficult not to think of him as a god. And how fortunate we all are that it does not occur to him.

"He grew up separate from the rest of the world, learning every day as he grew up how different he was from the rest of us. That he has the power to tear the world apart with just his pinky. And yet . . . every day of that childhood, every second . . . he had a choice, and he chose to be more. To prove to everyone that heroes do exist. Just maybe one at first . . . except now more and more of us are stepping forward."

Despite herself, Shayera was impressed. Not only at this proof that Superman could inspire even someone like Batman, but also that she could swear that was the most words he had spoken at once since they first met.

Although even I feel myself moved by what he can do. Who knows, maybe he could've even found a way to end our war with the Gordanians before it went too far.

Still, a dead enemy is also one who doesn't come back to cause trouble.

!JUSTICE!

Pointedly standing off to the side in Luthor's office, Green Lantern watched the FBI techs going over the businessman's personal computer. Now that they had a search warrant, they were looking for evidence to further indict the man. By the sounds of it, they had already found enough to begin freezing his bank accounts.

Truthfully, the League was not confident they would find all of either the money or potential evidence. Superman and Batman both agreed the mastermind would keep his most sensitive files off-site as precaution, as well as numerous, off-shore accounts under various aliases. Indeed, Batman had been very clear that he suspected that even if Luthor did not have a photographic memory, he would have memorized all of the most incriminating details possible. His mind being the safest, most trusted place for his secrets. Whatever records could be found, would more likely to be to show other people for various reasons, ranging from instructions to his scientists and henchmen, blackmail, or helping convince people he knew what he was talking about.

Nevertheless, the heroes were still expecting to find enough to arrest regular crooks, crime lords, senators, prison guards, corrupt cops and judges, etcetera.

So Green Lantern's job was to keep watch, and ensure no 'accidents' happened to all those computer files. Just in case someone wanted to hide something, or got greedy at the thought at what Luthor would reward them with.

After all, this was not just to tear out Luthor's criminal empire, but to make sure he was locked up for life as well. They needed to have solid proof beyond a recorded confession.

While they did not know why Luthor had suddenly collapsed while nearly escaping Superman, Green Lantern suspected it was a ploy to get help sympathy for the jury. Which only made it all the more essential to lock down any other legal loopholes from the man.

One of the most persistent problems for Batman in Gotham was that while he was able to keep apprehending criminals, the worst of his Rogue's Gallery would not receive the life sentences in maximum security prisons like the police or District Attorney wanted. Why? Because since Batman was not a recognized agent of the law, people like the Joker or Poison Ivy were sent straight back to Arkham Asylum in the hope they would be able to complete their rehabilitation.

Although I can't say I've ever heard of that place having a success story . . .

Mentally shaking off that distraction, he resumed his work.

!JUSTICE!

Lex Luthor came awake with a flutter of his eyelids, before focusing upon the one person he hated above all others. "YOU!"

Unfazed by the loathing being shot at him, Superman started talking about the doctor beside him, while memory flooded back to Luthor as he remembered his blazing escape from Lexcorp. It should have been perfect, with his hyper-advanced plane armed with missiles that could hurt even Superman!

Except . . . his had chest had started stabbing with pain . . . until he blacked out . . .

Any memories of Superman saving him from crashing were dismissed as hallucinations.

Automatically processing what was being said around him, he realized that the doctor was standing beside him now, trying to tell him something. Probably related to injuries from his failed escape that he could frame Superman for. He was half-naked for some reason after all. "No, I've got something to tell you! Whatever I said to the Martian won't stand up in court!" He held up a fist and began counting off fingers. "I'll get the best lawyers, the best witnesses, the best—!"

"LEX!" shouted Superman in an insultingly familiar manner. "None of that matters anymore," he said, sounding almost sad. "Listen."

"Mr. Luthor, you had a seizure," said Dr. Patel as he came over. "Has this happened to you before?" Turning his silent glare onto the probable hack questioning him, Lex said nothing, inviting him to give away more. Predictably, "My tests indicate you have a rare type of blood poison."

"Impossible," he stated, taking the proffered clipboard to read the notes.

"Remember that chunk of Kryptonite you carried around for years?" Superman said.

"What about it? Kryptonite only affects you," he said with contempt, pointing with the clipboard at the Kryptonian.

"Actually," said the doctor, "we're finding it affects Humans too, but only if they're exposed over a long period."

Eyes widening in horror as he realized the truth –how had he not considered that about radiation!? Run some tests!?— and knew the seizure that had made him collapse before would happen again. It was very likely he was dying!

Breaking out of his stupor, he yelled with hate, "This is your fault! All of it!" Throwing the clipboard at Superman impotently. "What's the treatment?" he demanded of the doctor. "Radiation? Chemo?"

"Unfortunately," the doctor looked away, "there is no cure."

"Then find one!" he ordered. "Price is no object."

"I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do." He met Lex's eyes to confirm his worst fears. "It's terminal."

The weight of those words stopped him, and made him bow his head in contemplation. The truth of it all quickly became clear though, as he defiantly raised his chin, and flared his eyes to glare at his nemesis. "Happy, Superman?"

"Lex," the alien said, coming around the hospital bed to get closer. Sanctimoniously, "If there's anything I can do—"

"You've done more than enough," he cut him off, crossing his arms and closing his eyes to think.

He would find a way. He always did.

!JUSTICE!

Later

Flash, a.k.a. Wally West, hummed to himself as he went through Batman's latest updates. That he was actually sitting down to handle a task, as opposed to goofing off and/or eating, might surprise people who did not know him well. The truth was, he was fully aware how important their jobs were. It was just that unlike some people (*cough* Batman *cough*), he also knew the importance of letting yourself live a little, to keep yourself from snapping.

Although Bat's is already a crazed loner, so no luck there, he joked to himself.

Still, he had definitely been putting in more effort ever since his little bout with Luffy. As much as he knew the young man was a swell guy, the fact of the matter was that he had almost effortlessly beaten Flash. Worse, everyone else nearby had been too busy to help. His life had been totally and utterly in the hands of a self-proclaimed pirate.

That . . . had been an eye-opener. Now it was less goofing off, and more doing his best to pitch in. A little bit at a time.

Besides, as boring as reports might all sound, he admitted to being curious as to what Luthor had done with his company after he had woken up. Apparently he had left his chauffer and bodyguard in charge of it all!

Superman had been flabbergasted at that, as apparently the woman –Mercy Graves— had been neck-deep in everything alongside her boss. It was only when the big Boy Scout stopped to think about it, did he realize it was because she was the only one Luthor trusted to give back control of LexCorp to him when he 'cleared his name,' or whatever. Ergo, as his contingency, the man had ensured that nothing could be tied back to her. She was free to walk. Although the longer she's in the top seat, the harder it might be for her to give it back, Wally hoped.

With a sigh, he flipped through a few more pages, memorizing the important parts, before picking up the next file. I'll let GL and the girls know the main stuff later.

!JUSTICE!

Superman was also catching up on some work in the Watchtower, within the Monitor Room. Although in his case he was looking through some of Luthor's personal files. Batman had confiscated a lot of it, yet left copies of psychological profiles on the Justice League. The Kryptonian suspected his friend had done so to leave a certain message, unaware at the time of how serious the billionaire's condition was.

Despite everything, it was painful to think about Luthor's upcoming death. All that potential just wasted. Even at the end, he apparently preferred withdrawing into bitterness, instead of taking one last chance to leave a positive mark upon the world. A stab at curing cancer for one.

Sadly, with the man shutting everybody out, there was nothing Clark could do about it. So best to turn to his own responsibilities. Such as his new reading material.

Even considering their source, he knew the value in an outside opinion, and tried to stay objective. After all, following the fiasco with Cherry Blossom Medical, Lois and others had been critiquing his actions more, and pointing out ways he could be doing better. Indeed, their subsequent encounters with the Straw Hats, had led to him, Diana, and some of the others to self-reflect more on the League's methods and outlook, which he believed to be important. Keeping an open mind, and learning where to grow, was essential for anybody, hero or not.

Using his own investigative skills, he could tell these files were mostly written by Luthor himself, with some proclaimed 'experts' contributing a little. Given some of the references made, some even worked for the US government. The way it was written up, he assumed it was meant to help convince readers to not trust the heroes, probably geared for an audience of politicians, meaning there was an undeniable bias in the words.

Although that might be me too, he reluctantly acknowledge. Of course, that doesn't mean I enjoy reading about how Luthor thinks I'm an egomaniac! That I'm only a hero to feed my ego. That I only don't kill people like him because I love the 'cheering children,' and 'swooning women' too much.

All this time, and he still doesn't understand me.

What is really so wrong with wanting people not to die? For people to have the chance to make the world a better place. If giving up my powers would accomplish that, I'd do it in a heartbeat!

With a sigh, he put the files down. Truthfully, he did not put a lot of stock in psychological profiles, or psychiatrists and psychologists in general. In fact, he did not know any hero who did. The fact of the matter was that masked individuals were all extremely reluctant to open up their secrets. Not to mention how if they entered into this line of work, they did so because they were confident they could handle any issue, including their own mental ones.

Besides, look at how many psychologists turned super-villains! Clearly it was too risky.

Fortunately, a distraction appeared in the form of an incoming communication. From Atlantis?

I hope nothing's wrong down there. Not like them to actually call us. A few keystrokes, and a familiar blonde and bearded face appeared onscreen. "Aquaman," Superman said with a warm smile. While they may have butted heads in the past, he knew the monarch was a good man.

"Superman," the King of the Seven Seas greeted over the video screen. "How are you?"

"Pretty good," he admitted. "We just caught a major criminal. You'll be glad to hear that, given the amount of water pollution some of his companies were involved in. Other than that, the rest is still good." He cocked his head. "If you don't have a crisis going on, maybe you'd like to drop by Metropolis later to talk?"

"I can't guarantee that," deflected Aquaman. "But I do hope you help me with a little mystery. I understand you're familiar with the Straw Hats?"

With a sigh, Superman nodded. "I'm guessing that they've done something either sort of good, or something fairly bad, with a definite side of chaos."

"You could say that," snorted Aquaman. "They took care of some poachers going after my whale sharks." He glanced aside momentarily, obviously a little embarrassed. "I'd already been in a bad mood rushing over to help, and when I got there I saw a bunch of strangers finishing the whalers off, doing my job, and I got defensive and yelled at them." Now King Arthur's mien was a prideful royal once more. "Their words were insulting, so I tried to be assertive with them. Unfortunately I misjudged their strength, and got knocked back, and insulted more before they flew off in a jet."

"Interesting," mused Superman. "I'm glad they saved the whales." Indeed, that painted a better picture of them given their recent attack on Shining Knight—even if it did not excuse it. Aquaman knows he was in the wrong in how he first reacted, except unfortunately he can still be too arrogant at times, and he escalated the situation. Although it doesn't sound like the Straw Hats were willing to talk anyways. "When and where did this happen?"

The king gave some coordinates, and admitted it happened a few hours ago. "I was hoping to learn more about them on my own, except there isn't much it seems. Although, the environmentalists who had witnessed everything said that one of them was unfamiliar. Sending you a picture."

And I guess they assumed you'd tell us directly, so no need to send us word themselves, Superman quietly chastised. Which is why we're only hearing about this now. Not wanting to start an argument though, he kept his peace. Doubtless the monarch would, or already had, come to that same conclusion. Pointing it out would only anger him.

Looking at the image that came in, he raised an eyebrow. "This is a new one," he said. "Given his size, possibly one of the ones involved with a recent bank robbery. Thank you, this helps a lot."

Then he noticed that Aquaman still seemed a little uncomfortable. "Is there something else?"
With a sigh, King Arthur pushed aside his own ego. "If there's a chance, I'd like to thank them for saving my subjects. Moreover, it seems that one of them, Dr. Chopper, is able to talk with sea life. The pod was already heading off on its own, and from what I can gather, he had instructed them on how to get to someplace safer."

That was probably the closest Aquaman would get to an apology.

"I understand, and I'll see what I can do," he promised. "By the way, how's Mera and your son doing?"

A warm smile graced the monarch's face, breaking through his usual attitude. "Very well. Just yesterday, he—"

!JUSTICE!

Later

With nothing more to accomplish down on Earth for now, the rest of the Justice League reconvened aboard the Watchtower to go over the rest of their findings, as well as prepare for future events.

J'onn was consulting with Shayera and John about the technology they were using for their space station, as well as possible improvements.

"What do you mean by incorporating more alien technology?" she questioned.

"Maintaining our advantage," the ex-marine deduced. "The stuff we've got up here is some of the most advanced on the planet, and we need to maintain that edge if we're going to stay effective."

"Indeed," confirmed J'onn, shifting through computer files showing various schematics for equipment like enhanced sensors. "While Martian technology is very advanced, Humans have made impressive strides as of late. However, that also includes Luthor, as well as the Straw Hats."

"Who may be aliens themselves," reminded Shayera. "They've already proven capable of medical advances we still don't fully understand after all, and that would explain it. Which means they may have technology we ourselves do not understand."

"Yet," interjected Green Lantern.

"Anything is possible," allowed J'onn. "For now though, especially with our connection to S.T.A.R. Labs, and Wayne Enterprises, we maintain an edge over every other nation, and nearly every other super-villain. Luthor has been taken out of the picture as well. With this advantage, we are better equipped to detect and defuse crime."

Flash appeared before them in a blur. "Bats is doing a meeting in an hour. Just thought I'd check that you're all up-to-date on what he's been finding out."

"What've you've got?" asked Green Lantern. They had already brushed up on stuff during the flight up here, but they may have missed something. Besides, he wanted to encourage his friend's improvement.

!JUSTICE!

"I hear that Luthor's going to die."

Glancing over, Clark saw that Bruce had appeared at his shoulder as they walked to the conference room. "Yes. Although," he gave a tired smile, "you probably already read the medical reports." The smile fell away though. "It all seems like a total waste." Firmly he added, "And I hope you're being careful with that piece of Kryptonite you carry around with yourself. We don't want to lose you too."

"You sound like you'll miss him," Bruce softly said, yet the Kryptonian was not fooled. Everything Batman did was carefully deliberate.

"Not in the way he'd like to think," he dismissed. "He had to be arrested before he did any more harm. Metallo, Bizzaro, and all those other threats he was responsible for. Probably others we don't even know about. To say nothing about how despite owning the world's largest, multinational corporation, he chose to engage in illegal weapons development, extortion, industrial sabotage, and arms trading. We'll be finding terrorists and despots with his weapons and tech for years!"

He blew out a breath, before softly saying, "I only wish . . . Imagine what we could've accomplished if we'd worked together to help people?"

"Then he wouldn't be Lex Luthor," Bruce simply said, seeming reassured. "You aren't to blame for his failings."

"I know that," Clark smiled to reassure his friend. "Doesn't mean I can't feel sorry for him." He grimaced, "Especially since we have to lock him up, while being free with his own resources would be the best way for him to find a cure for himself."

Now Bruce outright snorted. "Most likely hurting others in the process."

!JUSTICE!

"—and that is all we have on Luthor so far," concluded Batman.

"And he'll be dead by his own paranoia soon," added Hawkgirl, not even bothering to hide a little grin.

Green Lantern said nothing, but they could tell he was hardly upset, nor was Diana. J'onn was impassive, while Flash was a little uncomfortable, if not as much Superman.

"He chose his path, and thus the consequences," their newest member firmly said.

Shining Knight.

Sir Justin's helmet and chainmail hood were off, yet his ancient golden armour did not look out of place in the advanced space station. His inherent nobleness letting him fit in anywhere.

"Now we can focus our efforts onto the Straw Hats," Batman said, changing the subject. Everyone straightened at that. Their relationship with the pirates was best described as 'complicated.' For while circumstances with other criminals tended to remain black and white –stop the people trying to kill others, and/or conquer the world— these newcomers' tactics were relatively benign. Relatively. The consequences of their robberies could not be ignored, and they had proven willing to resort to violence, as attested by Shining Knight.

(Some members had glanced at him at the reference to the group that had hospitalized him, yet his only response was the slightest tightening of his eyes.)

They had also proven powerful enough to be a genuine threat to members of the Justice League, which was no small feat.

Unfortunately, members like Flash and Wonder Woman also found themselves empathizing a little with some of the pirates. They were convinced that the group was made up of fundamentally good people, who had been so badly hurt in the past, they had become too cynical and insular to appreciate the harm they were doing to others, or what the Justice League was trying to accomplish. Not that the duo would let their feelings interfere if it became necessary to take the pirates down.

Superman was still hoping for a peaceful resolution to all of this.

The others had a few flickers of doubt, if not nearly as much. None of the heroes could deny though that the Straw Hats had gone to lengths to avoid killing, and displayed no interest in world domination, which made them far better than the likes of Luthor, Joker, or Darkseid.

So yeah, they may be criminals, but not evil criminals.

Personally, Batman would be quite happy to figure this all out once the Straw Hats had all been locked up in a nice, secure jail cell. "Our first concern is that they do not try and step into the criminal power vacuum left by Luthor's arrest," he continued. "However, without having to clean up after Luthor's messes, or defend ourselves from his plots, we will have more time available to search for them."

Green Lantern leaned forward. "We just took him down, so they probably haven't had time to make any moves yet."

"True," agreed Batman. "We and the police will remain vigilant though. Given their interest in high-grade technology, and previous corporate manipulations, it remains a distinct possibility they will try something. Mercy Graves, the new CEO of LexCorp, has been firmly instructed by the authorities to inform them and us if they contact her in any way."

That was the simplest and most basic of the contingencies that he and Hawkgirl had devised to prevent such a catastrophe.

"We have also benefited from Luthor's files on them."

Now Superman looked particularly interested. "They were robbing from LexCorp too, weren't they?"

"Exactly." The Dark Knight pushed over sheets of paper detailing lists of cash and resources stolen from Luthor. Even at a glance it was considerable. "He was likely covering it up to maintain his image, and probably to find a way to use them against us. In the process though, he also created profiles on them. While most of it contains the same information we gave to the authorities, there are a few new details.

"Luthor tried making contact with the Straw Hats, in order to recruit them, and was rebuffed every time. Given the amount of power and resourcefulness they displayed though, he was confident they threatened to become a serious threat to his operations. Especially if left unchecked."

"Anything useful?" inquired Hawkgirl.

"Bits and pieces. For instance, he believes that Nico Robin runs the day-to-day goings of their criminal and financial empire, under the alias 'Miss All-Sunday.' He's actually complimentary about her work, in a backhanded way. He had a list of some of their other, smaller-scale, business holdings, yet he also strongly believed that it was only a portion of it. My recommendation for how we handle those interests is to just restrict ourselves to surveillance for now.

"He also attempted bribing them individually at various points, only to be rebuffed, despite offering hefty sums. Except in one case with Dr. Mikan, who tried to con him out of more money until he realized she was faking interest. The only other real piece of note about the Straw Hats specifically, is that Luthor is convinced that their leader's childish behavior is all a façade to conceal a fellow criminal mastermind. That just being strong would not explain for how he has gathered such powerful followers, or geniuses like Dr. Chopper or Nico Robin. Or why Luthor's attempts to suborn his employees failed."

"I dunno about that," grunted Green Lantern. While he did not say it aloud, he could not help think that the pirates' supposed 'leader' seemed more like Flash than someone like Luthor.

"You said 'specifically,'" put in Superman. "Does this mean that the others working for them aren't counted as core members or something?"

"Maybe just allies?" offered Diana. "They supposedly are aliens after all."

"While Luthor's lacking important details, he noted there was a clear division within the overall gang. The Straw Hats are the ones in charge of it all, the inner circle. The rest are super-villains who are either their subordinates, or people they hired on," explained Batman. "From what he managed to uncover, they've definitely recruited Poison Ivy, Clayface, Cheetah, Volcana, and possibly more. Thanks to Aquaman, we have a description of another new player, although we don't have any ID on him."

"So Volcana is with them," Superman said with sad surprise. "I wouldn't have thought she could be a team player. Given her past."

The Man of Steel was coming to the increasingly uncomfortable conclusion that years from now he would be looking back on the super-villainess as one of his greatest failings. Instead of offering protection, or therapy and help rehabilitating, he had imposed solitary confinement to a deserted island upon her.

If he had simply offered her genuine help, could it be possible she may have been sitting here today, as a true, full member of the Justice League?

"I've checked it over," Batman brusquely said, "and his evidence appears genuine. We finally have independent proof that the Straw Hats have been recruiting other super-villains."

"I thought you already did?" queried Shining Knight. Ever since his defeat at the hands of Roronoa Zoro, he had been trying to go over the available files, except he was still recovering. Indeed, the only reason he was up and about was thanks to treatments developed by Cherry Blossom Medical, and his magical armour.

"No," Flash answered. "While Star Sapphire claimed to have intelligence that they did, it was faulty. She didn't even say anything about those guys."

With a few keystrokes, Batman brought up a set of mugshots on-screen. "These are the ones Star Sapphire identified as joining the Straw Hats. They turned in Killer Frost themselves after a disagreement about killing guards. Deadshot was already in prison at the time for the attempted assassination of Aquaman, and when we questioned him, he said he was rejected. We've found Copperhead, and he says the same. Nothing concrete on the others she named."

The rest of the founding Leaguers remembered how the snake-based villain had squirmed after Batman was done interrogating him.

"With one possible exception," he added. He brought up security camera footage from the bank robbery that Shining Knight had failed to interrupt. The screen focused upon one particular cloaked individual, with various measurements of their form scrolling by to show their height and width. Beside it was an image of Solomon Grundy doing the exact same pose, with similar numbers shown.

"You think she was right about Grundy being a member," concluded J'onn.

"Yes. He has a habit of being recruited as dumb muscle, and he's been off the radar for a while now. Except he's bad at laying low, so we should've had some sightings if he was acting on his own."

Hawkgirl gave a small smirk at that. No surprise given how dumb the zombie was. Although given how strong he also was, it was not really a laughing matter.

"So they're definitely assembling a lot of firepower," Green Lantern darkly growled. "Including known killers." Like Volcana.

"Ones who have been taken advantage of in the past," rebutted Superman, stroking his jaw. "I find it noteworthy they're also passing up on recruiting other killers like Deadshot, Copperhead, and Killer Frost."

"Personally, I find that even more worrisome," growled Batman. Seeing their confusion, he explained with visible impatience. "They're already involved with some serious crimes, and have increasingly clashed with us and other heroes as well. But they're also turning away some of the most dangerous super-villains on the planet?

"That says they're confident enough that they don't feel they need them. That those people were not good enough."

Now the rest of the League looked concerned.

!JUSTICE!

Brook was sobbing and crying as tears came down like waterfalls from his eye-sockets.

Delicately if awkwardly, Grundy patted him on the back while offering a fresh tissue for the skeleton to blow his . . . nostril slit into.

"Oh, it's so beautiful," moaned Brook. On the big screen TV in front of him, Disney's Fantasia 2000 was playing the whale scene for the umpteenth time. Once again the baby calf was reunited with its parents, with the whole pod of whales then flying up into the air to dance through the sky and into outer space. Throughout this, Pines of Rome by Ottorino Respighi was playing as a wondrous symphony.

"Very beautiful," agreed the zombie.

!JUSTICE!

Elsewhere in the base, the rest of the Straw Hats and their allies were sleeping.

In the woman's section, Nami and Robin were sharing an Empress-size bed as was their want, although they were also nuzzling Cheetah between them. Originally the cat-woman had been too stunned at how comfortable they were up-close with her –even as a fuzzy pillow— to give more than token resistance, and was now even secretly enjoying it.

In the same room was a queen-sized bed that Poison Ivy and Harley shared. While they had an invitation to the larger bed, Ivy preferred to be on her own. Unless it was with Harley, who sometimes slept in her own room. Regardless, both were wearing matching turquoise and green pajama shirts and shorts.

Maureen had her own separate room, filled with her own personal possessions as part of helping her develop her independence—which was also why Harley had one. Although the teenage, ice user slept on her queen-sized bed, she always kept her door open so that Volcana, sleeping next door, could hear her if she had any nightmares. After the complete violation of her privacy by the government through her teenage years to adulthood, the fire-user treasured having her own space. Although Volcana's room was practically bereft of personal affects, with the exception of dirty laundry and awkward pictures drawn by her 'little sister.'

Anyone looking in on this (and surviving being caught peeping), would note how they all appeared like sleeping angels; beautiful and graceful.

Now the guy's quarters . . .

One big room that was a mess of bunkbeds, hammocks, single-beds, waterbeds, and bean bags, with everyone nabbing whatever they felt like whenever they stumbled in yawning. The snoring alone should be a health hazard.

Jinbe was collapsed onto a reinforced waterbed, with Chopper sleeping on his rising and falling stomach, a little blanket covering him.

Slumped back into a beanbag, Franky was scratching his chest in his sleep, and inadvertently kept turning his nipple searchlights on and off, making an otherwise comatose Zoro reflexively cuff him with a pillow to make him turn them off. And repeat.

Sanji was spooning Luffy while laying on a mess of pillows on the floor, and the former would undoubtedly wake up and be traumatized. Again.

Usopp luckily snagged a hammock, with all four limbs hanging out.

Clayface was resting on a bed in the corner, something he took particular pleasure in since when he was originally transformed he had been unable to sleep. Due to how much he enjoyed it, and knew it would help his sanity, eventually he had figured out how. However these days, he did so as far away from the lot of them as possible. It was not that he felt discriminated against, it was actually worse that they were too comfortable with him. More than once, one or even two of them had rolled over near him in his sleep, and started grabbing onto his body to snuggle into him! He honestly had no words to describe how that made him feel, outside of wrong.

Looking in on this, a viewer would wonder how this mess of people had not killed each other every morning . . .

The ladies wondered the same thing.

!JUSTICE!

"No, no. C'mon, Luffy's not like that!" cried out Flash.

"How would you know?" bit out Batman. "You had one conversation with him, and we're supposed to believe he was completely unable to recognize you and your powers? Despite being the leader of the most powerful gang of criminals in the world? Obviously he was fooling you!"

"I wonder," Sir Justin cut in, before pausing. Seeing the inviting looks of the others, he continued. "I wonder if they are really as young as they look. They've taken on the roles of adults, yet in my time of Camelot, we had to grow up fast."

Superman and the others blinked, and then looked at the images again.

For J'onn, their appearances meant nothing, while the others were only now fully –and embarrassingly— registering what the knight was getting at: the majority of the pirates only appeared to be in their late teens, early twenties.

"Might be just a coincidence," dismissed Green Lantern. He knew from personal experience that alien races could age differently. "They've certainly done things worse than most adults." He was visibly conflicted though. Their medicines had saved a lot of lives already after all, and they had chosen to do so. As much as he knew they had to be stopped, things were not adding up.

"But not overly so," cautioned J'onn. "We have no evidence of them doing anything as malicious as Luthor, or others of his ilk. They are a threat, yes, yet perhaps needlessly so. As Superman has said, it's possible we may be able to resolve things peacefully."

"If they're as young as they appear, perhaps they're just being misguided? Or possibly a culture clash if they're really from another planet," offered Wonder Woman.

Green Lantern and Hawkgirl were clearly dubious, and Batman was sporting his usual scowl, which could mean anything. The rest though seemed a little more optimistic now.

"They did spare, and then save my life," conceded Sir Justin.

"Only after endangering it in the first place! Do you really think that we can get them to turn things around?" John skeptically asked. "After everything they've done?"

"Redemption is not impossible, and on strange new worlds, mistakes can be made," offered J'onn with practiced serenity. "At the very least we should try. After all, they have yet to cross a line we cannot forgive."

None of them had any response to that.

!JUSTICE!

Idly, the super-villain known as Ultra-Humanite poured himself a two fingers of expensive scotch. He swished it around his glass in thought while his gaze danced over his surroundings.

(Yes, his ape fingers were larger than a Human's, but he needed more anyways to truly enjoy the buzz.)

Exquisite artwork, a computer perfectly serviceable for even his advanced intellect (after a few personal modifications of course), comfortable furniture, classic literature, fine liquor, and other basic necessities.

It was also a prison cell.

Except of course he was perfectly comfortable in here, despite how cramped it could be. Honestly, he was content to spend the next few years in here. The only wrinkle in that plan was something the guard bringing his lunch –Granted, the food here is frankly plebian, he acknowledged— had let slip to their 'model prisoner;' that his upcoming neighbour would be one Lex Luthor.

For years, the knowledge that the man was more than an honest businessman had been an open secret throughout the upper strata of the criminal fraternity. It was no surprise that he had finally slipped up and been utterly exposed. What was of interest was that apparently the man was ill. Terminally ill, and would be living beside another super-villain who was in his own right a super-genius. At one point or another he will approach me with an offer, knew Ultra-Humanite. Offering me as much money as he can, and knowing the wealthiest man alive, he will have plenty of it safely tucked away. Desiring at the very least his freedom, or perhaps even my own expertise in helping him with his condition. So the only question is: do I accept?

He mulled it over for a few more minutes before coming to a decision, and downed the drink before heading to bed for an early nap. It was in his best interests if Luthor was further off-balance, so he would force a confrontation by staying up late with the TV volume up high so the other man could not sleep.

Worst case scenario, I will get to enjoy more of the Culture Network, which is in itself well worth it.

!JUSTICE!

For all that his face maintained its glower, Lex was utterly seething beneath his mask.

The indecent haste at which he was being carted off to prison without even a trial, made it abundantly clear that whatever judge had signed off on this had been suitably cowed by Superman. In all likelihood there had probably even been enough evidence to help sell it, preventing Luthor's lawyers from getting their say. Oh, there would be a trial eventually. Indeed, if circumstances were any different, he would be smugly secure in the knowledge that he could sue the US government for their brazenness.

Unfortunately he was dying, and every spare moment counted. The ticking hands of his mortal clock.

Clearly it's time for me to get serious about killing Superman. As well as the rest of his merry band.

Of equal importance, I need to find a cure. Fortunately, I know just who to ask. Now the only trick will be tracking down one Dr. Chopper, formerly of Cherry Blossom Medical . . .

!JUSTICE!

Author Notes:

Really getting into Superman a bit in this story :-)

Batman's thoughts on Superman are from what he said to his friend's 'grave' in "Hereafter," along with a few comic quotes.

The bit on why Luthor thinks Superman does not kill, and wants to be a hero, is from an admittedly powerful scene in the episode "A Better World." I disagree with his analyses, but I admit it likely influences the heroes.

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The bit about how Batman's rogue gallery keeps going to Arkham is from the Batman: The Animated Series episode, "Trial." Now if they could just make the asylum into a place that actually looks like it might actually help with rehabilitation . . .

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The scene with Superman regarding psychologists was inspired by "Question of Protocol," by Lorendiac. Honestly, as much as I love the Justice League, they have nothing to help them handle to stress of their jobs. One of the reasons I love the "Young Justice" series so much.

Superman's lack of therapy is especially relevant since Darkseid's appearance is coming up in the not too-distant future . . .

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I have to recommend "A Little Less Conversation, a Little More Action Please," by Andrew Joshua Talon, as it features many requests I have received.

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Honestly, this was not where I was originally intending to end the chapter. Unfortunately, this chapter became too long as it is, so the stuff where this 'episode' really starts will be coming out soon. Part of the reason for the level of detail though is to show more of the inner workings of the Justice League, which I feel was glossed over too much in the shows. Particularly during the Cadmus arc when they were dealing with situations more complicated than 'punch the person who is obviously a bad guy.'

As well as how despite the League's good intentions, they still have some more self-reflection to go through to realize why something like Cadmus is not such a bad idea. A competent Cadmus that is X-P

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Next Chapter: "Injustice for All, Part 2"

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Please Review, and I will get back to you! And as this chapter proves, it does make a difference! ;-)