Confrontation

There was a difference with using an Earth-based computer and one from Krypton. There were small differences, such as user interface, loading speeds, and graphic design, but the bigger ones, such as interpreting and translating Kryptonian text was a godsend.

The code that had once perplexed manmade computing systems were easily taken apart and laid out by the Kryptonian. This was a revelation in and of itself; could this style of code have been commonplace on Krypton? Such a query was conveniently answered when it was spoken out loud, and the answer was yes. It was a code that had perforated every niche and cranny of Kryptonian civilization.

It was fascinating how quick that had happened. According to the Fortress' computer, the widespread use of the code had been quick, "viral" could even be used.

J'onn, despite himself, found himself becoming more and more intrigued by this society and its evolution, but the Martian found himself having to check his curiosity on more than one occasion. Researching the nuances of a civilization that had ended decades ago could wait until after the same threat that had ended it was avert for this world.

That did not mean that J'onn didn't empathize. He knew what it was like to lose your world, not because it was fate or gradual, but because an individual desired it. He knew the anger, the sorrow, and the bitter despair that came with such knowledge. He knew how such knowledge could bring a person to the edge, teetering between remaining balanced and falling into the abyss below.

Batman's revelations of what lied in that abyss was something he was committed to preventing. To keep one such as Superman from falling would be a great undertaking, since what lay in that darkness was death and suffering of an entire planet.

They could not get this wrong.

To understand their enemy, the only means they had available was the weapons they employed. In this case, the robot that Flash had managed to hide away and place in their possession. Currently, they were having the Kryptonian based computer analyze it, doing its best to learn everything it could about this machine.

So far, some of the results had been promising. While they had been calling it a robot, the Fortress computer had determined that despite its appearance, it was not. It was a probe, one with autonomy and weapon-based defense protocols. Its programming was incredibly simple: download all data and information it could, then transmit.

The transmission part of the programming was of particular note. Apparently, when the inevitable transmission was to be sent, it would be done simultaneously with the other probes. That meant all information would be sent at the same time instead of multiple, smaller transmissions. This was very curious.

These were the initial results he presented to the League, Batman at his side. Between the two of them, they had managed to figure out a system upon using the Fortress' computer with their respective research styles. As he had been informed, the Gotham vigilante would be leaving to pursue other leads, but only after the two of them could leave in place a protocol to continue investigating the probe.

"So why all at one time?" Flash wondered, being the first to throw in his commentary. Despite his flippant attitude, the Martian was full aware of the speedster's position as a forensics technician. "Wouldn't it be better to send a bunch of them at different times? You know, that way there's more to intercept or block or whatever."

"Only if you're expecting such a thing ahead of time," Hawkgirl rebuffed. "And this isn't the first time I've encountered something like this. Most don't know this, but when you're sending a transmission through space, you have to put in place safeguards and the like. At its core, a transmission is a form of energy, and energy eventually runs out. Who knows where exactly this transmission was heading or how far away it is. By combining all their transmissions into one, they're strengthening it, improving the chances they'll reach what they're trying to contact. Let's not forget that the natural radiation out there is also degrading the signal; given enough time, it'll make it a bunch of gibberish."

"Which strengthens the argument that this was a reconnaissance mission," Batman concluded for the room. "The sole reason was to gather intel for the purpose of sending it into space."

"Did you find anything that would explain why this reconnaissance was done in the first place?" Wonder Woman asked, her posture stiff with tension. If there was one thing the Amazonian warrior did not like, it was uncertainty. Unfortunately, there had been much uncertainty lately, and the Martian knew there would only be more to come.

"None so far," J'onn answered. "The programming was deliberately kept simple; reasons higher than what and how, such as why, have not been found. These probes were only programmed with one objective and that is to gather all information as quickly and efficiently as possible. We've seen the results of that programming, such as the interference with the electrical grid and cyberinfrastructures."

"Is there something else we can do?" That question directed attention towards Superman who had been keeping to himself, his appearance solemn.

"GL's heading back to Green Lantern HQ, right? We just have to wait for him to come back," Flash reminded them all.

"I mean, is there anything else we can do other than wait for another threat from space to arrive on Earth?" the Kryptonian elaborated.

"What? You mean go to it?" Hawkgirl retorted.

"Why not?" Superman asked in reply. "Why not go to this Brainiac instead of waiting for it to come to us?"

"Maybe because we have no idea where Brainiac is?" the Thanagarian pointed out, placing a hand on her hip.

"But what if we could find out?" the Man of Steel pressed.

"How would we do that?" Flash wondered. "I mean, I know I'm the fastest guy around, but Outer Space is a really big place. Even If I could go up there and, you know, breathe, I'd have to search a lot of space before I found anything. And what would I be looking for anyway?"

"That sounds very tedious and time-consuming," Wonder Woman stated before anyone could give a more...appropriate response to the speedster's suggestion. Even J'onn found himself staring at his teammate blankly.

"Maybe we don't have to," Superman said.

Again, attention was back on the Kryptonian, but it would be Batman who would speak first. "You have a plan?"

Yes, J'onn didn't need the ability of telepathy to know that question was full of sarcasm.

"Think about it. These would have to know where Brainiac is if they were to send a transmission to it," Superman pressed on. "If not the exact location, then a general area. Maybe we could find a way to, I don't know, reverse the signal or transmission and follow where that goes?"

"And risk alerting Brainiac that we're on to it?" Batman answered skeptically. "What you're proposing is sending a transmission of our own for the sole purpose of Brainiac receiving it."

"It could be on its way anyway," Superman argued back, standing straighter. "We know there's a threat coming; why not stop it before it gets here for once?"

"J'onn, is it possible to do what Superman's suggesting?" Hawkgirl cut in before an argument could begin between the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight.

"I will need to consult with the computer, but judging at how advanced it is compared to what is found on this planet, there is a possibility with the Fortress' computer, we could do that, and perhaps in a way that prevents detection." The Martian was not going to keep his thoughts to himself, even though the conversation he had recently had with Batman reminded him to be cautious. There was a real threat out there, and he would rather consider all possibilities before a course of action was decided. They had time to make a choice, the right choice, but that wouldn't happen if he deliberately hobbled their efforts.

"Then do it." It was a bit surprising how much of an order than sounded like, and more than concerning that it came from Superman.

:"The risk is too great," Batman argued, not about to let this go. "If we do this rashly, we could cause more harm than good."

"Then we test it before we try it. We can't just let something horrible happen just because we're afraid we'll speed it up," the Kryptonian retorted. "Is this something you're willing to risk the planet for?"

"Perhaps we should take a vote?" Wonder Woman suggested, looking at the rest of the League. J'onn tightened his jaw, anxiety prompting him to wonder if they were facing a critical moment. The Amazonian continued, seemingly not noticing any tension from the Martian, "All in favor, raise your hand."

Superman doing so was more than expected. However, the Kryptonian kept his eyes on Batman, as if trying to stare the vigilante down. Hawkgirl added her vote in support, and Wonder Woman followed suit.

Predictably, to J'onn at least, Batman did not raise his hand. He himself kept his down, remaining cautious. Maybe not the same kind of caution that Batman was acting under, but caution nonetheless. What was surprising, though, was that Flash kept his hand down.

Eventually, after making sure there would be no more votes in favor, Wonder Woman said, "All those opposed?"

Three hands went down, and three rose. Now J'onn was more surprised as the third hand indeed belonged to Flash.

"Okay, reasons?" Hawkgirl pressed.

"Look, why don't we wait for GL to get back? Shouldn't we at least hear what he finds out?" the speedster asked, unexpectedly giving a rational argument. "I'm ready for a fight as the next person, but for once, I don't think we should rush into this. Even if we could find Brainiac without letting it know about it, then what? Go to it knowing nothing else? What does this thing do? I mean, other than making killer robots. Whatever made those things and destroyed Krypton is not something we should be running to, you know?"

That...was a very well-constructed argument, one that J'onn, to his shame, found himself surprised that his colleague was capable of making. Indeed, if Green Lantern could give them more information, then they could be better prepared. In any case, they could still reverse the signal at a later date.

"We're tied," Batman stated. "There's no tiebreaker here."

"If we cannot agree to proceed with this course of action, then we must set it aside for the time being," Wonder Woman said. "Until such time as someone changes their minds or Green Lantern returns to break the tie, we need to consider a different course of action."

"Why does Batman's vote count?" Superman suddenly demanded, gesturing with an arm to the vigilante. "He resigned. He's not part of the League!"

"Yeah, but did any of us really accept it?" Flash spoke up. "I think we still have the paperwork lying around somewhere, not filed. I know we didn't all agree to it, and doesn't that mean that he's still a part of it? He's helping us now, isn't he? Shouldn't that count?"

"If the League is to act, it needs to have a minimum majority. Because Batman has been assisting us with this case, he should have a say in how we proceed," the Martian Manhunter picked up. "Everyone here has a stake in this. And Flash is also correct in Batman's resignation not being filed."

That received a look from the Dark Knight, one consistent with an eyebrow being raised. It appeared some words would be discussed about it later, but for right now, it was an argument working in the costumed man's favor.

"We shall take time to consider our positions and return to hold another vote later," Wonder Woman decided. Despite her vote in favor, her willingness to side with them tabling the matter for further notice was curious. A simple flicker of her eyes in Batman's direction, though, revealed to the Martian that there may be an ulterior motive.

Regardless, Superman looked befuddled, unable to believe the outcome. Scowling, the Kryptonian spun on his heel, though he did not stomp out of the room. Perhaps that was for the best; the man's strength might have serious consequences for their ability to remain here.

"I hope you know what you're doing," Hawkgirl stated, though she remained, arms crossed under her chest.

That was one sentiment J'onn found he could agree with

"Can we speak?"

Batman felt himself stiffen. He knew who asked that softly-spoken question. It was said in such a way to make sure the others hadn't heard. In all honesty, he had wanted to avoid the person who had made such a request.

Yet, he had expected this was a likely outcome the moment J'onn convinced him to come to the Fortress of Solitude. Diana could be professional in front of others, but she was not one to let unresolved matters go unresolved. Her persistence to communicate with him following his departure from the League was evidence of this. He had avoided her on his home turf quite easily, but now...now there was nowhere left to run.

Looking over his shoulder, he saw the Amazon standing tall and proud. That hadn't changed at all since the last time he had physically seen her. Her determination was written all over her face. Internally he sighed. Might as well get this over with.

"We may," he answered her. Then without prompting, he began walking towards a corridor, the dark-haired woman following him, quickly moving to walk side by side with him. Seconds ticked by before they came to a stop. Turning to face her as he positioned himself on one side of the hallway, his cape enveloping him, the vigilante asked as neutrally as he could, "What do you wish to speak about?"

To Diana's credit, she didn't look the least bit put off by it. Her tone, on the other hand, spoke volumes. "You know exactly what I wish to speak about. Why did you leave the League? Why did you cut off all communications with us? Why did you avoid us?"

Us… by that she meant herself. "What does it matter why I left?" he returned evenly. "It's not like the League has missed a beat with my absence."

Diana's blue eyes narrowed. That was clearly not the response she wanted. "Your resignation was abrupt and sudden. As far as I can tell, there were no issues between you and the others. I cannot, for the life of me, figure out why you would want to leave at all."

"I think we've had this conversation before. Perhaps not exactly in this manner, but close."

"I would argue otherwise."

Batman took in a deep breath, then released it. "You once asked me why I didn't regularly attend League meetings. I gave you my reasons then and you came around to see that perspective. It's not that much different."

"I rather doubt your obligations became all that more pressing," she shot back heatedly. "You saw fit to go undercover for an entire month, then resigned following it. If your obligations were that important, you never would have done that."

"Considering my city was quarantined by the U.S. government, I beg to differ."

"That came long after your resignation, not to mention that situation was resolved to your satisfaction." Diana tilted her head back defiantly. "You're just making excuses on things that were unforeseeable and came to pass."

Batman shrugged his shoulders. "But it did happen regardless."

"You know what I think?" the Amazon pressed. "I don't believe it was anything concerning Gotham. The League has always allowed you allowance to put your city before your league obligations. We even allowed you to handle Harvey Dent's gang war on your terms until there was no other choice."

Unfortunately, she had a point. It seemed stonewalling her on that front was a no-go. At one point, Batman would have been impressed by her deductive reasoning; now he was annoyed.

"And now we've...I've come to find out you've kept in contact with J'onn," she continued. "So that leaves me to believe you found fault with one of us. Did we do something to offend you?" A troubled look appeared on her face. "Did I do something to offend you?"

With sharp jerk, Diana twisted Cassandra's head to a side, her neck snapping loudly.

Batman clenched his fists tightly. The memory tore through him just as raw as if it happened moments ago. His teeth pressed into each other tightly as he fought back his initial burst of anger. "No," he guardedly responded.

"Then what is it?!" Diana practically exploded with exasperation. Clearly she was done with his reluctance.

However, she didn't need to know the things he had seen, witnessed, and experienced. He had plainly seen how easy it was for her to cross the line no hero should ever crossed. He saw her reasoning, her righteousness, and her determination. In a sick way, her future self's motivation was him. His alleged death had started Diana on her descent into despotism, so naturally if he removed himself as a motivator, that could change her potential fall into dictatorship.

Either that or harden her resolve. It could go either way with her.

Suddenly, Diana was in front of him, a hand resting on his shoulder. He had to resist the urge to pull away. "Bruce, please," she spoke softly, urgently. "We were so close. And this distance doesn't...make sense to me. I deserve some answers."

The change in tactics was startling and Batman couldn't help but feel his heartstrings be pulled. Feeling them and acting on them were two things, however. This did put him at a crossroad though. Either he continued his silent treatment, such as it was, or give her something to pacify her. As much as he preferred the former, perhaps it would be more beneficial to give her some sort of closure. As proud as she was, for her dramatic change in behavior just now spoke volumes as to how this was affecting her.

Taking in another deep breath, he let it out in a sigh. "During my...undercover mission, I came to the realization there were others that needed my attention."

"What others?" Diana was quick to ask.

"My apprentice for one. She didn't handle my absence all that well and I needed to get her righted."

"You're talking about that girl you took in, Batgirl was it?"

"That's right."

"What went wrong with her?"

The dark-clad man gave her a look. "She's a teenage girl that's been horribly abused and only knew how to live with someone telling her what to do. My disappearance didn't do anything to help her."

At least, that's how she used to be. That was the version Diana was familiar with so it didn't hurt to use that to fill his narrative. She didn't need to know that Cassandra was becoming her own person at this time.

"So it was mostly her readjusting then?"

"There were a few other things too. More vigilantes were appearing and I needed to determine their competence. Naturally that's when Bane appeared and things got...hectic."

"Naturally. And you couldn't have told me this before?"

He really didn't have a good response to that, so he shrugged his shoulders. "I wasn't thinking all too well at the time."

"And that's why you pulled away from me at the White House?"

"The White House had all sorts of security footage running. The last thing you or I need is a picture of us embracing for the world media to feast on."

Diana slowly nodded her acceptance. "I hadn't thought of that," she admitted. Then she sighed. "After our current investigation has concluded, I would like to...meet up. To catch up."

"We'll see," he grunted back. "Hopefully this Brainiac threat is resolved quickly. The Earth doesn't need to be facing certain destruction any more than it already is."

Diana nodded her acceptance. "Thank you for your time."

Without further word, the two began walking back the way they came. All things considered, it wasn't a bad conversation. There were a couple things Batman wished he hadn't had to speak of, but he was content in their framing. If all went well, she'd forget about her request to meet later.

He could definitely live with that.

However, the conversation did raise up the specter of what had caused the League to go down its dark path. He may have just altered Diana's possible future, but there was one other person that shaped it and they had the greatest potential to do so at any time.

As with most things, it came back to Superman. He had been visibly shaken by Jor-El's message. Batman couldn't blame him for it either. He didn't have to imagine what the Kryptonian was going through, either.

The Dark Knight could feel that they were on the cusp of something, of which he didn't know and didn't like that he didn't know. Superman could potentially be pushed into becoming his despotic persona with this crisis, or maybe persuaded not down that path.

If his talk with Diana had helped, then this was a good opportunity to steer Superman as well. He had to give it a try at least. The future was dependent on it.

He was hiding something.

Diana had gotten some answers, which made sense. But she could tell Bruce wasn't telling her everything.

The White House rejection made sense, so she was certain that was the truth. That could be cast off. However, his return from privately investigating Vandal Savage and subsequent resignation was muddled with half-truths. She rather doubted the emergence of other vigilantes in Gotham would distract him the way he claimed they did. Bane and the quarantine of Gotham explained the time after, but it did no such thing about the time between then and the White House.

Then there was the mention of Batgirl. The Amazon felt that was the crux of the matter. She knew a little of the young woman's troubles and her refuge at Wayne Manor. However, she felt that wasn't all. There was something else, something Bruce hadn't mentioned, most likely deliberately.

Everything stemmed from Batgirl, of that she was certain. If Bruce chose to seclude himself back in Gotham, she at least had a starting point to begin investigating. Naturally he would be drawn back into her proximity if she approached Batgirl, so she was needing to tread carefully.

At the very least though, she was beginning to get some kind of answer. She wouldn't stop until she had it all. She hadn't been challenged this way and she was certain to overcome it.

Count on it.

Steve Trevor kept sharp, keeping an eye on everyone that sat at this conference table. In a room well lit, the bare minimum in decoration that was almost a hallmark of a government facility, many individuals in suits and ties, and in blouses and dress shirts sat in highback leather chairs, files and documents placed in front of each and every one of them.

Everyone here was a high ranking official in A.R.G.U.S., and today they were assembled to go over perhaps the most pressing issue they had this day.

At the head of the table sat an African American man, natural curls cut short and pressed down on his skull, graying on the sides. A thick mustache took up post underneath his nose and dark eyes peered over his clasped hands. This was not a man who was part of the agency, but he did have authority over it. He was Joseph Devol, the Secretary of Defense, and everyone knew him to be a no nonsense type, someone who demanded answers wherever he went.

"Talk to me," Devol demanded. "People want to know about why they lost their power as well as the Justice League fighting it out with a bunch of robots, and frankly, so do I."

While Trevor would have preferred to answer the Secretary, it was not his place. That would be Director Sasha Bordeaux A beauty she was, at an angle. That was why she kept some of her black hair brushed prominently over the left side of her face, primarily over her left eye. It hid a scar, one he had accidentally seen and had internally promised not to say anything about. He had no idea where she got it, and assumed it was something she had received in the line of duty.

With an almost gentle blue eye, the Director answered the Secretary's question. "We are still working to determine the source of these robots. Based on what we have—"

"That is not good enough," Devol interrupted. "You've had nearly a week to figure something out. It's not just me who wants answers."

Bordeaux said nothing for a moment, her eyes closed as she breathed silently. "If you would allow me to answer you, we have made progress. However if you want to bluster and shout instead of getting the answers you want so much, be my guest. We have all day."

Devol glowered. "Don't get cute with me, Bordeaux. Why you were chosen as Director, I don't know, and I am so far unimpressed with your performance."

"It takes time to get some of the best experts on robotics and artificial intelligence together in one room, but we did that. What they have found out is that these robots are not from this world," the Director explained, her gentle blue eye hard. "The only thing that comes close to how advanced the technology found in these things come from the weapons used in the Kalanorian invasion that we confiscated."

Devol was frowning now, but at least he was silent. The Secretary was grasping onto the severity of the situation. However, he only had half of the intelligence they had.

Fortunately, Bordeaux was taking the lead on that as well. "So far we haven't been able to crack the coding used for these robots' programming, but we are working on it. However, based on preliminary findings, what we're dealing with here is more advanced than anything we obtained from the Kalanorians."

"It's from space. That's all I need to know," the Secretary stated. "What are we doing to fight this thing? Does it pose a threat to national security?"

"That is what we are determining." Bordeaux gestured to the dossier that rested in front of the Secretary. "Our preliminary reports can be found in there. Rest assured, you will be informed of any developments as they happen."

"Provided you actually read what's in it," a rough voice spoke dryly.

Immediately, Steve shot a look towards the speaker, finding his, ahem, counterpart in A.R.G.U.S. She was a woman, overweight, and African American. Yet, she was perhaps the most intimidating presence in the room. There were no pleasantries to be spared, no feelings to be nurtured, and nothing that did not relate to the job at hand was given attention. This was Amanda Waller, one of those people everyone knew, wished they didn't know, and wondered how she fit in. Hers was a resume of various government departments, so many that no one could really know who she worked for outside of the American government.

Naturally, her barb set the Secretary off. "Excuse me?" the mustached man growled.

"I don't accept excuses, Secretary. You came to us because you're out of your league," Waller stated.

"This from an agency that's a glorified janitorial service?" Devol retorted.

"We're good at cleaning up messes. I happen to recall personally cleaning up one of yours. Gilgamesh ring a bell?" the plump woman quipped back without a pause or hesitation.

Devol stared hard at Waller, but surprisingly did not continue with any more attacks of his own. Looking down at the dossier in front of him, he opened it up and gave all appearances of reading it. However, it was just for looks, because he soon said, "What's your plan, Director? How do you plan to...handle this situation?"

Clearing her throat, Bordeaux asserted to the rest of them that she would be taking point on this question. "Other than continuing our current investigation, we are looking into ways to counteract, or flat out incapacitate these robots should there be others. To that end, we are looking for weaknesses in the hardware, structural integrity, and researching ways of developing weapons to address any threat they represent. To that end, we are looking into everything from electrical magnetic pulses to computer viruses. I assure you, Secretary, we are on top of this."

"We are also considering other avenues, just in case," Steve spoke up. "We are looking to third parties, such as S.T.A.R. Labs, to see if they might be able to give us insight from another angle. We also have agents checking and crosschecking any individuals or organizations who may have either the knowledge, the resources, or both to construct these robots."

Devol grunted, leaning back in his seat. Steve kept his eyes on the high ranking bureaucrat. Though he was brash, giving him an overload of intel seemed to be enough to shut him down. As long as they made it seem like they were exhausting all possibilities, it should get this man off their backs.

"It does sound like you are on top of this," the Secretary of Defense remarked after a while. "I have one more question. Can anyone here tell me why your department happens to be coming out of the mouths of every newshead in the country? Apparently, rumors have it that you're the ones responsible for the current...situation. There's talk about cover ups, and secret government programs."

"It's just the media doing what it does best, and making a mess out of a mess," Waller stated. "No matter what happens, there will always be some segment of the population that engages in conspiracy theories. It's just a distraction and nothing more. We have more important things to worry about than some nutjobs with wacko ideas and opportunists trying to score points."

"There wouldn't happen to be any truth to these 'wacko ideas,' would there?" Devol asked idly, but it was clear he was fishing for more information.

"I assure you, we knew nothing about all this until it was happening, just like everyone else," Bordeaux assured. "However, we are on top of the situation. We need more time until we are ready to present our findings, and by then have countermeasures in place should there be more to come."

Indeed. There was no way this was going to be an isolated incident, and A.R.G.U.S. was not going to treat it as such. However, the number of unknowns was concerning. Not all possibilities had been assessed yet. Steve, though, knew that before this was over, they would be making moves of their own.

"You better be quick," Devol stated. "The President will only give you so much leeway. You better have results, and quickly. The next time I have to come down here, it will be not as friendly as this."

A threat, not that Steve was really surprised. He kept himself from speaking up, having learned that this was the new normal. It was irritating beyond belief when people who thought themselves high and mighty blustered about, trying to assert their authority over matters which went well about their pay grade. It was a way to grab whatever control they could, Steve knew this, but that didn't mean he had to like it.

"We understand," Bordeaux spoke quickly before Waller could throw in her two cents. "If you can get your people to take care of the media attention, we'll take care of keeping this country safe."

"That's my job. You do yours." Devol pushed his chair back, standing up, the dossier tucked under an arm.

Oh, they most certainly would.

There had been a perceptible change in Superman the moment they had discovered a means to find the general location for Brainiac. He stood taller, straighter. His face had hardened.

Batman knew that look, that stance. The Man of Steel was wafting with vibes of determination. Determination to confront Brainiac and set all of the wrongs it had committed right.

It was why the vigilante had placed himself right next to the Kryptonian shortly there after. Superman hadn't so much as acknowledged his presence either due to him ignoring him, or just not caring enough. That would need to change.

"Superman, a word," Batman said lowly. Superman actually jumped as his head turned to look at him. It seemed he hadn't noticed the dark-clad man at all. Without waiting, Batman began walking away from the rest of the group, heading down a familiar corridor. The red-and-blue-dressed hero was following him and that was good enough for now.

Following the hallway until it ended with a doorway, Batman finally came to a stop and turned to face the Man of Steel. "What is it, Batman?" the dark-haired man asked as he came to a stop before him.

Well, there was no point in beating around the bush. This issue was important enough to not sugarcoat it either. "I know what you're thinking," he told him. "You're thinking about going after Brainiac."

Superman, to his credit, didn't look at him flabbergasted. Instead he narrowed his eyes slightly, the only visible acknowledgement he gave. "Let me guess, you don't want me to."

The Dark Knight nodded. "We don't know enough about this threat for you to dive headfirst. We—"

"I don't care."

That stopped the dark-clad man. If he had been anyone else, his mouth would have dropped open in surprise. Instead he merely stared at the Kryptonian. "Brainiac is responsible for the destruction of billions, trillions even. It could very well be on its way here, or its doing the same thing it did to Krypton to another planet. I can't just let that happen."

"And if you fail?" he countered. "You'd be weakening Earth's ability to fight back. We need you here if and/or when it gets here."

Superman shook his head. "You don't understand at all, Batman. Not on this one."

Was that so? "I can see that you're angry," he spoke calmly. "And your anger is growing with every passing second, with every new piece of information we get on Brainiac. And the fact of the matter is that you're not angry so much as you're in mourning. Brainiac took away the life you could have led on Krypton and that pains you more than anything."

Superman's eyes glazed over as he fell into thought. "I...I guess that's true," he murmured after awhile. "Brainiac took my parents away and I was forced to grow up on a foreign planet."

"I know the feeling," Batman said. "I know it because it's the same way I felt after my parents were gunned down."

That caused the Kryptonian to perk up. Seeing that he had his attention, the vigilante mentally prepared himself to delve into thoughts and feelings he had carefully packaged and tucked away. "When I was a teenager, I tried to find my parent's killer," he explained, his voice steadier than the emotional turmoil these memories tended to bring with them. "I wanted, needed to bring that man to justice. That's what I told myself anyways. In hindsight, it wasn't justice I wanted, but revenge. I wanted revenge for everything that man took away from me: my parents, my happiness...the man I should have been."

"Did you find him?" Superman asked quietly, almost reverently.

Batman shook his head. "No, I never did. I still haven't and I can admit now that it is for the best. Had I found him, I'm not sure if I would have held back. I would have beaten him to death with my bare hands. Don't misunderstand, I want the man behind bars more than anything, but it's perhaps better that this man be apprehended by someone other than me."

By this point, the Kryptonian had lowered his head, his eyes hidden by shadow. However, his hands were clenched tightly into fists. "Maybe that is best for you," he admitted, "but I now know who killed my parents and I know where it's at. This is perhaps my only chance at stopping it and making it pay for everything it's done."

"And we'll do it smartly," Batman was quick to add. "Regardless of what Brainiac has taken from you, you have managed to make a life for yourself here on Earth. You have a family that cares very much for you in the Kents, don't you?"

Superman's head jerked up at the mention of his foster family. It was like he had been doused with a bucket of cold water. For once, Batman felt he had found a way to persuade the hard-headed Kryptonian. "What would they think of this?" he pressed. "Would they want you going after Brainiac half-cocked, or would they want you to handle this like any criminal you apprehend in Metropolis? Would they want the man they love and support to become a blood-thirsty angel of vengeance, or...or would they want him to be the symbol of hope he has become?"

A troubled look appeared on the Kryptonian's face. Batman took that as a positive; the dark-haired man was actually thinking now and not reacting. Taking a step towards him, he placed a hand on the man's shoulder. "Now is not a time for action," he said softly, comforting. "Now is the time to think our way through this. Regardless of what we do, Brainiac has its sights set on this planet and will be coming here eventually. I understand wanting to stop the threat before it gets here, but there are too many unknowns. What you need to do is cool off, go sort your feelings out. Talk to someone you trust and let them guide you through this."

Several seconds passed and for a brief moment, the vigilante wasn't sure if his words had gotten through. But then Superman sighed and he felt the man's shoulder sag. "There's...there's someone I can talk to."

Perfect. "Then go talk with them. Get yourself in order. We need you to be thinking clearly and not muddled with thoughts of vengeance."

Slipping his hand off, Batman watch Superman straighten his posture, giving him a nod of acceptance. "I'll go do that." Then the red-and-blue-clad man turned around and headed back the way they had come.

Batman resisted the urge to sigh with relief. That had gone better than he thought it would. He had a couple more arguments ready to go, though they wouldn't have the same impact as his own desire for vengeance against his parent's killer. If push came to shove, he would have opened the door behind him and showed him the zoo of alien lifeforms he had collected. The Kryptonian database had revealed them to be the sole-survivors of their own homeworlds, just like Superman. The visual would hopefully get his attention.

For now though, he'd take solace in that he was able to reach the man. If he was too far gone, he would've resisted his words, burying himself in self-righteousness, not that he could blame him.

And hopefully, whomever he went to talk to could further calm him down.