Running Out of Time

The call had been placed via Oracle. Unfortunately, a new locale was needed for the meeting. It had taken a while, but there was really only one place that was safe for this meeting, one that would ensure prying ears and eyes would not find.

The Birds of Prey had been in the process of taking over another dilapidated building, this time a former corner store. The rest of the city block was empty, but it allowed for greater expansion should the Birds need it. Currently the rest of the building structure was sealed off to ensure addicts and squatters didn't try to get too close.

It was in one of these empty store fronts Batman stood, a couple large crates next to him. Looking out of the dark-tinged window, he looked into the desolate street, one Gotham had conveniently forgotten. If this turned out to be a new base of operations for the city's vigilantes, he would make sure it remained that way. Real estate investments were one of his alter ego's hobbies now.

The main reason for this place was that the Bat-bunker was compromised in large part to the Black Glove. He didn't blame the other vigilantes' reluctance to return there and he made sure the place was sealed off, all useful bits of equipment removed. There was no point in saving it.

Glancing over his shoulder, he saw the Birds in the room with him, Huntress and Manhunter leaning against walls as Black Canary took a moment to speak with Nightwing. Katana was doing some maintenance on her swords, ensuring their sharpness. Batgirl stood nearby, her eyes never once leaving him.

That seemed to be the entire team. The Dark Knight was quick to note that Nightwing's Batclan members were absent, Bluebird and Spoiler. Though he had no attachment to them—in fact he rather they not be involved in vigilantism period—it was strange that they weren't present. It was as if their numbers had diminished.

Regardless, it felt as if this was all who would be here. There was no point in continuing to wait. Turning around to face the vigilantes, he greeted, "Thank you for coming on short notice. I'm assuming this is all who is coming."

Nightwing was quick to nod his agreement. "That's right."

"It kinda helps you wanted to meet next door," Huntress pointed out as she pushed herself off the wall she was leaning against. "So what's this about? What's in the crates?"

"I'm sure you're aware of the attacks that occurred throughout the world, including the one in Gotham." At this, the dark-clad man glanced to Black Canary and Manhunter, both of whom nodded. The others just gave him their undivided attention.

"As of now, it is believed they are all connected. An artificial intelligence going by the name of Brainiac intends to come to Earth and destroy it."

There were a couple of gasps and several startled looks. Continuing, "I have been investigating the matter through the Justice League. It's been discovered that Brainiac was responsible for the destruction of Krypton, Superman's home planet. It's because of this that I'm taking this threat seriously."

"And what do you expect from us?" Huntress demanded. "This seems like a Justice League matter. No offense to anyone here, but if this thing could kill an entire planet of Supermen, I rather doubt any of us will stand a chance."

"She's right about that," Nightwing agreed.

"So?" Manhunter retorted. "Does that mean either of you won't fight? Cause like hell will I let this computer thing destroy my home."

"I think Huntress and Nightwing are just getting at the point that this threat may be over our heads," Black Canary was quick to point out, ever the diplomat. The blonde woman then returned her attention to the Caped Crusader. "I do have to ask why you're bringing this to us."

In response, Batman turned to one of the crates. Prying off the lid, he then reached in and pulled out one of J'onn's EMP devices. "This is an electromagnetic pulse generator." He then tossed one at Huntress, who caught it with both hands. "The League was able to pinpoint a weakness in the robot bodies Brainiac sent. This should shut down each robot."

The vigilantes stared at the device before the purple-clad woman snorted. "I should have known you were going to have some weapon for us. Alright, I'm game."

"Is this all you came for? To give us these new toys?" Manhunter then questioned. "If so, then thanks."

Batman shook his head. "I'm not just giving these to you and turning you loose. I'm going to tell you everything I know about this impending threat that I can because before this is all over, I'm certain every single one of us here is going to be impacted."

That caught the collective attention of the room. "Unfortunately, I know every little about this Brainiac. What its capabilities are, what its intention outside global destruction, or even how it plans to accomplish its goal. The attacks weeks ago was a scouting mission at worst. For all we know, it knows everything it needs to get what it wants and blow up Earth."

"That's a downer," Manhunter said after a moment.

"Even worse, Superman and Green Lantern won't be available to us in this fight as far as I know." He glanced to the other vigilantes to see their reaction. "Lantern has gone to the headquarters of his Lantern Corp, so there's no telling if he'll get back in time to help. As for Superman, he's left to go confront Brainiac by himself."

"Isn't that a good thing?" Huntress countered. "Shouldn't he be enough to beat this thing down before it even gets to Earth?"

"Unless," Black Canary spoke up, "you expect he'll fail."

"Both are possibilities," Batman admitted. "It's possible Superman defeats Brainiac and that's it. On the other hand, it's equally possible that Brainiac wins. What I've told you so far about Brainiac is the same amount of knowledge Superman has. If this AI wins, I have no doubt it'll come here and finish the job. In that case, I'd rather we be ready."

"That is reasonable," Katana agreed quietly.

"So are both of these crates filled with these EMP generators," Nightwing then asked, having taken the time to walk up to them. He was toeing the crate that had yet to be opened with his foot.

"Not exactly. I've brought several of the EMPs for you to use. I'm also in the process of taking other...steps...to ensure that Gotham is protected from whatever Brainiac is planning, aside from the planet blowing up of course. The second crate has a prototype for all of you to practice with."

"Are the EMPs not going to be enough?"

"If Brainiac sends an armada of those robots, there's no telling."

"Is there anything else we need to know about this thing," Huntress then inquired.

"The only other information the League knows is that Brainiac infiltrated every aspect of Kryptonian society. It then destroyed a city right before the planet exploded. If this is its pattern, then it's already infiltrated Earth. Every aspect of our cybernetwork was breached, assuming that was Brainiac's intent. That only leaves the destruction of a city before Earth follows."

Batman then gave each and every vigilante a look, lingering for a moment on Batgirl, before saying, "I expect the fighting to be intense. If a way to beat Brainiac presents itself, be it some weakness, or...anything, I'm going to ensure it gets exploited. This may take me out of Gotham, so I'm going to be relying on all of you to ensure Gotham is protected."

For a moment, he felt the urge to sigh, but fought it back. Such proclaimations didn't need to admit the possibility such a venture would be a suicide trip. Already he could see his daughter stiffening, so he knew a private talk with her was next. In the meantime, there were still preparations that needed to be made.

"Now, I'm going to show you how these devices work. I hope you didn't have any plans for tonight because we're going to be here for awhile."

In his office, the view of Metropolis ignored despite how stunning it was, Luthor sat behind his massive desk, reading the last of Happersen's latest report.

The translation program was complete, belated as it was, and everything was being downloaded into harddrives and hidden until further notice. As for the actual translation, that was still being tweaked, but the distance it had so far traveled was phenomenal. More work was needed, and only patience could be reserved for it.

Sometimes time and patience went hand in hand, but not in this case. Time was a resource he didn't have. He knew certain authorities were closing in, and it wouldn't be long until his office doors were being kicked in.

That scenario was not bothering him in the slightest. To get to where he was, the bald CEO had committed many deeds those of single-mindedness would call illegal, immoral, or both. Warrants were common; all employees were briefed on how to respond to them. So many investigations from so many agencies had come and gone and LexCorp was still standing.

There was always a way out. You just needed to be resourceful and creative to either find it or make it. In this case, creative was looking to be the way to go.

Luthor had been thinking, pondering about why the robot had been trying to transmit rather than attack. Its capabilities placed in it league with Superman, its weaknesses were unknown, and that meant whatever measures taken to restrain it may have not been enough. Happersen's revelations of the machine's purpose, to scout, was the key here. This robot had come to this planet to gather as much information as it could and return it to its source.

What was the source, though? What was its intentions towards Earth? And could Luthor still find a way to profit from it? There were too many unknowns, and while his pride rankled at the thought, the possibility that he was in over his head could not be ignored.

An unknown threat from the heavens capable enough of handling Metropolis' so-called guardian angel was not to be dismissed. To such a threat, trivial matters like warrants and investigations meant nothing.

Regardless, there was a way to come out on top, or in a better position from where he currently was.

Well, who did one turn to to address threats of a more cosmic origin? The U.S. government? Highly unlikely, a joke with no punchline. The army? An institution bent on rules and structure that could hinder as much as maintain control. No, you needed to go to those so selflessly reckless that charging in headfirst was the first plan of action, and their own innate sense of preservation was nonexistent.

Luthor was not a man who believed in a God, but he knew of gods on this planet who were just as susceptible to manipulation as the ordinary Joe Schmoe.

It had already been proven that a simple man with a plan could get one over Superman; the same concept could be expanded to include the rest of his friends in that Justice League of his. However, he wasn't insane, far from it. To pull off a feat like this would require a lot of moving parts, some of which he was completely unable to see or know of. That made it difficult to predict every outcome or even prepare for each and every one.

A lot of luck would be needed, luck, distrust, and willful blindness. Fortunately, a lot of that was going around lately, and who was to say an upstanding public figure, like himself, couldn't receive some of it?

A sharp beep from the phone on his desk alerted him to an incoming message. A simple press of a button allowed him to speak with his secretary, one that informed him that several dark-colored vans had been seen racing their way down the streets of Metropolis. A quick word of thanks and he ended the call.

Well, right on time. They would be showing up here any minute, and in that case, it would be best to make a personal introduction. Already, various scripts ran through his head of what to say, and already he could figure out what would lead to the best results for him. The fallout would be predictable as well, but it would save him a lot of time and energy to do it this way.

Because then everyone came to him.

Black surburbans raced through the streets. Weaving through traffic, they flew through intersections, street lights, and nearly ran over pedestrians. Several cars honked at them as they cut them off.

"Is everyone locked and loaded?" a man in black fatigues inquired. Inside one of the trucks was a squad full of similarly dressed men, each one with an assault rifle in hand. Each man was doing last minute checks, ensuring their gear was in order, their guns loaded, and their trigger fingers ready to go.

The lab techs had discovered a broadcasting signal perhaps half an hour ago, less than that actually. That had quickly determined the source to be in Metropolis, so a strike team in the area had been scrambled and they were in route. Fifteen minutes ago, they had been given an address.

Leading this team was Sgt. Dale Gunn. He had formerly worked with the CIA until Director Bordeaux had taken an interest in him and recruited him to A.R.G.U.S. In quick fashion, he had gone from a squad member to squad leader, something he hadn't expected. He had heard all of these speeches, that race wasn't a factor, that everyone was equal, only to be left behind his white peers in promotion.

For once, there was a government agency that did as it preached.

"Target, one minute," Gunn called out, shifting in his seat. There were more sounds of gun checks before it became quiet.

Suddenly, the truck came to a screeching halt, the back end seeming to slide to the left before it came to a stop. The back doors flew open and Gunn and his men poured out.

The sight of Downtown Metropolis greeted them, along with a few more black surburbans skidding to a stop. Traffic came to a stop as cars and honked madly at them, before coming to a stilted halt the moment the armed men appeared. Ignoring them, Gunn ran around the end of the suburban and towards the building they stopped in front of.

LexCorp.

Though Gunn preferred to keep things simple, black and white, that didn't mean he didn't use his brain. That Luthor was somehow involved with the broadcast should not have been a surprise. More times than not, the businessman had a knack for turning up in places you wouldn't think. He had his fingers in so many pies, they might as well roll their eyes and say, "Of course, Luthor," when a connection was made to him. The only people shocked were usually bought politicians that protected his butt at every turn.

Storming up to the front door, Gunn yanked them open, his men pushing through behind him into the building. The lobby was full of businessmen and women, all of whom froze at the sight of them.

The men ignored them, marching towards the elevators. Reaching them, Gunn looked to one of his men, who held a small device in his hand. "Signal's coming from below," he announced.

On cue, there was a ding! and one of the elevators opened up. Immediately, Gunn stepped in and looked at the floor buttons, seeing nothing beyond the first floor. "Secret level," he grunted before stepping out. By then, two of his men had gone to a door marked STAIRWELL. Shoving the door open, they looked into the stairwell before calling out, "No downward stairs!"

So that was the way it was going to be. By then, a staff member of LexCorp had caught up with them. "Hey, who do you think you are and what the hell are you doing?" the man demanded.

Gunn knew this type of person intimately. The guy was a straight up thug through and through and latched onto a bigger thug in Luthor. It gave the semblance of power. The dark-skinned man knew how to deal with these types. Pushing himself through his men, Gunn came right up to the LexCorp employee and demanded, "Take us to the lower floors."

"There aren't any lower floors," the man rebuffed. "Now you're causing a scene. You better leave before Mr. Luthor—"

Gunn shot a hand up and grabbed the man by his throat. Yanking him to a side, he shoved the man up against the closed doors of an elevator. "Now listen to me, punk. We know there are lower levels. We know you know there are. Keep acting like a pissant, and I'll have my men escort you outback and beat you black and blue. Now either give us access, or prepare yourself for a world of hurt."

The man's eyes bulged out at him. Then he reached within a suit pocket and pulled out a card. Gunn snatched it away and looked at it. A keycard, perfect. Shoving the man away, he then went back to the open elevator and looked at the operating panel again. At the bottom was a small slot, one that looked like the keycard fit in.

Bingo.

"Load up," Gunn ordered as he shoved the card into the slot. His men piled into the elevator until no more could fit. The doors soon closed after and the elevator began to descend. It was a short one as the metal cage came to a stop, the doors sliding open. "You, get the others," the sergeant ordered one of his men, handing him the keycard. "The rest, after me."

His team poured out of the elevator and into a hallway, one that stood out in contrast to LexCorp's lobby. They hurried down the corridor, a cacophony of stomping feet, shifting weapons. "Signal dead ahead," his man called out.

As it so happened, there were a set of doors ahead. "We're a go," Gunn said before he reached them, kicking them open.

The next sight to greet them was that of a laboratory. Clearly this was a place of research. There were workers in white lab coats coming to a stop at the sight of the fatigue-dressed men.

Surprisingly, there was one person standing between them and the rest of the lab. "Good morning, gentlemen," Lex Luthor greeted them, not looking the least bit perturbed.

Gunn didn't like that one bit.

Not letting his distrust show, the sergeant stormed up to the businessman, coming to a stop in front of him. "Luthor, you better explain yourself," he said.

"Whatever do you mean?" Luthor replied coolly.

"You have one of the invading robots on premises. We've come to reclaim it and take anyone that gets in our way." Gunn leaned towards the bald man. "That includes you."

"By all means, take the robot. I don't want to cross any authorities when it comes to this."

Something wasn't right about this. Luthor was too relaxed, too helpful.

Glancing over his shoulder, Gunn ordered, "Secure the stolen robot." HIs men immediately jumped into action, passing around him and the businessman as they ventured into the lab.

"Stolen?" Luthor piped up, for once sounding surprised. This caused the dark-skinned man to return his attention to him. "What do you mean stolen?"

"You know exactly what I mean, Luthor," Gunn shot back. "One of the alien robots went missing during transport. We traced its tracking signal right to your doorstep. You'll make things a lot easier on yourself if you admit what you did."

Luthor blinked his eyes owlishly. "I didn't steal this," he protested. "I'll admit, I did want to get my hands on one of them after their sudden appearance, but I did not take it."

"Then how do you explain its presence here?"

"It was given to me."

Given? Yeah, right. "And who would give it to you?" he pressed.

"The Justice League, of course."

It was Gunn's turn to be surprised. The Justice League? They had given the robot to Luthor? Why? It was common knowledge there was no love lost between them and Luthor, especially Superman.

Seeing his confusion, Luthor continued, "You see, my team was working on the breech in our cyber network when the Justice League approached me. They had obtained the remains of one of the robots from one of their fights and asked if I could assist in researching it. I was just as shocked as you are that they would come to me, but seeing the opportunity for what it was—an olive branch to put it—I accepted. The League was working on a couple angles of their own and allowed me to go in different ones."

"What about Superman? It's well known the two of you don't like each other."

"Who do you think it was that gave me the robot? I admit, there is no love lost between us, but that doesn't stop us from recognizing the others' strengths. Superman will do what is necessary to protect this planet, even if he does have to swallow his pride. I have to admit, I was humbled by the gesture."

There was some sense to this, Gunn had to admit. He would need to report this to Bordeaux as soon as he could. "What have you found out about the robot?" he then questioned.

A small smile appeared on the businessman's face. "Let me show you," he murmured.

Diana had been surprised to receive Steve Trevor's call. He had told her it was urgent that they meet, sooner rather than later. The Amazon had granted his request and was just now arriving at the entrance to A.R.G.U.S.' headquarters.

Astonishingly enough, Steve was standing outside, arms crossed over his chest as he waited for her. Diana couldn't help but wonder what was going on. It had to be important for the blond man to greet her upon arrival. Striding towards him, she asked, "What seems to be the problem?"

Instead of answering her, Steve jerked his head towards the building. "Let's go inside." That was reasonable. They were at a government agency building, so it stood to reason they needed to insure their conversation was private. Following behind the man, they went to the front door and entered, arriving in the lobby.

However, instead of taking Diana to a conference room, or some more private setting, Steve whipped around, his face hard and eyes narrowed. "I know about the robot," he bluntly told her.

The dark-haired woman looked confused. "What do you mean?"

"Don't play games, Diana. I'm talking about the one the League took into its custody."

A sinking feeling appeared in her stomach. They knew? How had A.R.G.U.S. found out? They had the robot in the Fortress of Solitude and Watchtower, places no person outside of the League had access too. Yet, here Steve was, telling her that the government knew.

"Steve, I can explain," she began.

"Do you have any idea how this looks?" he cut her off. "We came to you asking for cooperation, but the entire time you were acting dumb and letting us think we were working together. You've been playing us from the start!"

"And you expected the League to just do nothing after the entire world was attacked?" Diana shot back. "That's incredibly naive. If we hadn't had access to the probe, then we would not have made as much progress as we have. Would you have us stand down and do nothing?"

"Yes, that's exactly what I'd have you do."

The admission was a slap to Diana's face. Steve Trevor, the first man she had contact with was telling her not to do the right thing? To follow orders? That wasn't the man she had come to know.

"This was a matter for the U.S. government," the blond man continued. "That means it was our jurisdiction, not yours. We told every single one of your League members this."

"And the Justice League is an independent organization," she countered. "Did you make the same demands to the other countries? I bet they didn't accept those orders."

"That isn't the issue. What is is the Justice League's disregard for the United States and its right to protect its own borders."

Diana could feel her ire rising. How dare this man tell her what to do, especially when he was being completely unreasonable. "Then you would prefer the Justice League not help the American people? That we should just let innocent people get hurt because our help is not wanted?"

"That's not what I'm saying," Steve said.

"That's exactly what you're saying. You'd rather those robots infiltrate your cybernetwork rather than the League stop them. How much more damage do you think would have happened if we had? Other countries are reporting worse infiltrations than what happened in Metropolis, or Gateway City. If it weren't for our intervention, you'd have a bigger mess on your hands."

"You've been keeping important information from us!" the blond man shouted. "Information we could use to figure out about these things! That's the problem, Diana!"

Well, she couldn't argue that one, but she wasn't one to back down. "Considering you're telling the League to not do anything, we have no obligation to do as you say."

"Damn it, Diana, you're making this more difficult than it already is." Steve ran a hand through his hair, a poor attempt at calming himself down. "And then you gave the robot to Lex Luthor of all people. Were you having that much trouble researching it?"

Luthor? What was this now? "What are you talking about?"

Steve face hardened, his eyes widening with anger. "Don't play dumb with me, Diana. We know all about Luthor and his research into the robots. He's told us everything."

Diana closed her eyes. Something was up, she just knew it, and Luthor was at the center of it all. It was clear Steve wasn't in the mood to hear this, so it was best if she removed herself from the situation. The League needed to know about this development and she was certain some of her comrades would hardly lose sleep not having cooperation with the A.R.G.U.S.

"I believe we've reached an impasse," the Amazon said after a moment. "And it is clear to me you are not in any frame of mind to hear our side of the story. I will be taking my leave now."

"That isn't the move you want to make," Steve warned her. "Leave now and you'll be convincing everyone that the League isn't to be trusted."

Diana gave him a look. "As opposed to now, where you don't trust us already? Believe this then: the Justice League will do everything in its power to protect this planet, regardless of your complaints. We have always done this and will continue to do so. Contact me when cooler heads prevail. Until then, I bid you farewell."

Without waiting, Diana turned on her heels and left. Something was afoot and the Amazon knew Luthor was at the center of it. The others needed to know and perhaps this situation could be salvaged. A probe had gone missing from A.R.G.U.S. and it seemed that it had reared its head at last. She was willing to bet her tiara that was also Luthor's doing.

And she only made sure bets.

Author's Note: Because nothing can ever be straightforward when Luthor is involved.