~ One year later ~

"Watchtower, this is Javelin 893, requesting permission to land. Over."

"Javelin 893, this is the Watchtower. Permission granted. Proceed to Hangar Bay 4, LP D-9. Over."

"Copy that, Watchtower. Over and out."

The Watchtower, a colossal space station on Earth's orbit and primary base of the Justice League, drifted slowly in the vast, empty vacuum of space as the Sun began to cover the American continents with streaks of light. Several Javelins and civilian transports flew back and forth - some headed towards the planet, others at interplanetary colonies and few landing on nearby warships or shipyards, all under the watchful presence of the station.

Inside the spacecraft were Red Tornado, Red Robin, Superboy, Beast Boy, Raven and Wildebeest, all discussing about their latest mission as they landed in the designated landing pad of the hangar and made their way to the Promenade Area after exiting the Javelin.

"... and then I was, like, 'DUUUDE! YOU MADE 'EM INTO STREET PUDDING!' while Rachel and Tim were dealing with Billy Numerous inside the bank," Beast Boy spoke, waving his arms and jumping slightly around as he walked. "Man, S.B., you really can pack a punch!"

"You're exaggerating things a little, Gar," Superboy said, raising an eyebrow at his teammate. "There's no way I could do something like that. Not in this lifetime, anyway."

"Really?" Red Robin inquired. "That's odd, coming from the Boy of Steel who almost squashed Gorilla Grodd like a bug too many times in the past."

Superboy turned his head sharply at Red Robin. "That's because he always gets inside my mind and brainwashes me whenever I leave my guard down." He then averted his gaze on the ground, not looking at his closest friend as he thought, 'Especially when you're around me'.

"I see," Red Tornado spoke, his head turned to Beast Boy. "Still, you could've been killed had Wildebeest not showed up and offered his assistance to take down Mammoth."

Wildebeest gave a complimented grunt as he ruffled Beast Boy's hair, indicating to Red Tornado that he was both glad to have helped and being in the vicinity by mere coincidence. This earned him a chuckle from Beast Boy.

"There was no need to do so," Raven spoke, floating next to Red Robin. "They're so dull that their brains can't even handle a bit of magick."

"Whoa, dude! I didn't know Raven could be so snarky," Beast Boy said, a grin plastered on his face as he wrapped an arm around her. "I like this side of her better than the other one."

"Do you want to see my other side, Beast Boy?" Raven said, her eyes darkening slowly as her aura became slightly visible around her body.

"Uh... right... no thank you," Beast Boy said, stepping away from her and hiding behind Wildebeest.

"Well, we're here," Red Tornado said, stopping in front of the panel door just as it opened upward with a minimal hissing sound, signaling them to enter the room. "Probably a bit late, though."

The Promenade Area's atmosphere was a lively one as it came to be filled with other heroes and associates - some flying, others sitting down on the floor, and few leaning on the walls - as well as staff crews operating the consoles and all manner of communication feeds either through a relay network or a holographic projection in the window-screen of the station in the adjacent Control Deck. Above them stood the Conference Room, where the elite members of the Justice League, also known as the Founding Members, held meetings regarding the administration of the organization and its operations. These members include Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern (currently Hal Jordan), the Flash, Hawkgirl, Hawkman, and Martian Manhunter. The eight heroes stood near the railing and watched with content (though Batman used his stoic expression to hide it) at the heroes that have assembled in the Watchtower.

"Greetings, everyone," Superman spoke as he looked at each hero in the eye. They all assembled in the center of the room as he continued, "A whole year has passed since the threat of Apokolips was averted thanks to each and everyone one of you. The U.N. congratulates all of you for protecting Earth and its colonies, as well as other systems against Darkseid."

Martian Manhunter stepped up and spoke, "Indeed. Thanks to all your efforts, we managed to halt Darkseid's influence on all the planets that he has conquered and freeing the peoples he subjugated under his regime. Therefore, the Justice League, along with its allies, has transcended from not only being Earth's protector but also to the Milky Way as a whole. We could not have done it without any of you, and for that, we, the Founding Members, thank you for your strength and valor in all the years the Justice League provided protection to Humanity and the races beyond Earth."

Many heroes and staff members applauded loudly as Martian Manhunter finished his speech. Miss Martian looked towards his uncle, whom returned the gaze, and gave him two thumbs up, which he responded with a smile. It was true – they all have saved Earth and other planets many times before. It was only a matter of time that many civilizations would come to recognize them as defenders of the Milky Way. It was an amazing feat that they have come to achieve.

"And now, down to business," Batman spoke as he stepped up. Once everyone calmed down, he continued his speech, "Joker, Bane and the Penguin have occupied Arkham Asylum and are attempting to access the storage units. GCPD's SWAT teams are trying to regain the asylum but are embroiled in a gunfight with Penguin's henchmen and are asking the League for help. Therefore, the following heroes that I'll mention will be joining me on this mission: Nightwing, Superboy, Aqualad, Artemis and Vixen."

Wonder Woman spoke next, "Moving on, Themyscira is under siege by Ares, the God of War. He, with the help of Faust and Tala, will try to open gates to Tartarus and release the formidable Titans into the world. Therefore, those who I will call upon will stand by my side on the battlefield: Shining Knight, Jinx, Batwoman and Power Girl. Hawkman, I'll require your assistance on this one."

Hakman nodded, "As you wish, Diana."

"Last but not least, we have a recon mission in Central Europe," Hawkgirl spoke. "U.N. satellites have picked up several unknown energy signatures emanating from an unidentified object in the Grisons Canton in Switzerland, altering the flora and wildlife within its range. The Swiss government has informed the E.U. that civilians in nearby villages have reported sightings of 'four-armed humanoid creatures with glowing blue eyes' alongside 'strange, round-shaped objects engulfed in purple light'. So far, no casualties have occurred but the government has urged the U.N. for our involvement to investigate these claims."

Superman spoke, "Which is why Hawkgirl and I selected four heroes to accompany us to this mission. The following include: Beast Boy, Red Robin, Bumblebee and Zatanna. We'll be leaving in one hour."

Green Lantern levitated from the ground and spoke, "And with that, we conclude this assembly. Those of you who have patrol duty step right up and I'll coordinate with you alongside Martian Manhunter and Mr. Terrific."

"And those who have free time to spare, join me in the training area for some speed skills," Flash spoke, a smile widening his face as many heroes groaned at his futile remark. He let out a boisterous laugh as he continued, "I'm just joking! We'll be doing combat reassessment and a bit of competition afterwards."

"You know, you're lucky I have a mission to do today. If I hadn't accepted it, I would've slapped you with my wings for joking like that," Hawkgirl said, glaring at Flash with a mischievous smirk on her lips.

"You're welcome to try," Flash responded, grinning at the remark.

"Enough, you two," Superman interfered. "We got a lot in our plate today, so please don't kill each other, alright?"

Hawkgirl sighed, "Indeed. I shall beat your ass at another time, Barry."

Flash crossed his arms and smiled, "I'll be waiting until then."

And so, the heroes scattered around the Watchtower towards their destinations; those that were assigned with Wonder Woman and Hawkmen used the Teleporters to reach Themyscira in seconds; Batman and his team walked to the East Wing towards Hangar Bay 3, where they would mount on one of the Javelins available there and head towards Gotham City; and Hawkgirl and Superman's team walked to West Wing towards Hangar Bay 7, taking one Javelin as well and head over Switzerland. Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter and Mr. Terrific monitored the remaining heroes in their respective cities and Flash oversaw the training progress of those who joined him.

It was just another day in the office for the Justice League.

But like in every office, things will turn for the unexpected. And not always for the best...
... just as they are about to find out soon enough...