A/N: Hey, sorry about the wait, but stuff actually happens in this chapter so it wasn't for nothing! Oh, yes, I also realized that I forgot to say that I own no characters, places, names, or anything else related to Justice League, Batman, or DC in general (besides some comics and action figures) so I now make my standard diclaimer and humbly ask that no one sue me for my use of these fine super- people.
Only Human
Chapter2
Less than a half hour later Flash, Green Lantern, and Superman watched Javelin Seven, the space-faring vessel that was currently carrying J'onn J'onzz and Diana, descend. It had transported both the Martian and the Amazon princess from the orbiting Watch Tower. The winged heroess known as Hawkgirl had also been on the station but had recently returned from her own mission and so volunteered to remain behind, consequently freeing herself to catch up on some sleep.
The two traveling companions emerged as soon as the ship touched down and the five found themselves left waiting on their most mysterious comrade, the one who had instructed them all to meet here in the first place.
"We don't have much time," came a sudden, rasping voice. Almost as one the brightly garbed members jumped perceptibly as they realized that the black cloaked figure of the Bat had somehow appeared unmarked in their midst. "I've followed the pattern to this location and roughly around this hour," continued the Batman, unperturbed by their reaction. "The next bombing should take place in that building," he said gesturing towards the small privately owned research lab in the center of the same sizable clearing they now hugged the edge of. "There are a minimal of twenty five workers. You five clear them out. I will handle the bomb."
The Justice League sprang into action. Not one even bothered to question the Batman's plan any more than they would question the Flash's ability to beat a snail in a foot race. One thing you did not question, if at all possible, was the Bat. Especially when there were lives at stake.
As it turned out, there where thirty seven doctors and lab assistants present that day, not to mention several cages of animals. Almost half where transported out before Batman was able to locate the explosive device. It was not good. Batman had dealt with this kind of device before. Motion detectors and heat sensors were the least of its protection against disarmament. His best time for defusing one was forty three seconds. The timer read thirty.
"Flash. Tell the others to pick up the pace." he growled as the scarlet speedster sprinted by.
"Your wish is my command, O cowled one!" threw back the Flash, pausing long enough to toss a mock bow in the Batman's direction before accelerating into a blur once more.
'That kid really gets on my nerves,' thought the Bat irritably before turning his mind back to the seemingly hopeless task of defusing the complicated mechanism in less then thirty seconds. By the time the timer reached thirteen all the civilians had been evacuated and the Batman knew that there was no way the bomb could be deactivated in the time remaining.
"Get out! Everyone get out of the building now!" Batman rarely ever raised his voice -he didn't have to- but when he did he was obeyed without question.
The Flash was outside before anyone could blink. Superman, Wonder Woman, and J'onn were flying right behind him with Green Lantern levitating via the power of his ring and Batman brought up the rear as they raced toward the open field and the relative safety of the trees beyond. As soon as they were clear of the building the four flying members speed up and veered higher into the sky to escape the coming detonation. The Batman had a grapple in hand, but belatedly realized that in the flat, building-less clearing he would be unable to anchor and swing himself safely away as he normally did. No matter. He had been keeping a running count down in his head and he still had ten seconds to make it to the tree line. Plenty of time.
Eight.
Seven.
Si-
A deafening explosion assaulted the Dark Knight's pointed ears. A wave of heat struck his back, whirled his cape around him, lifted him off the ground, and threw him several feet into the air. He lost conscious ness as he hit the dirt.
A/N: I will leave you to mull over this recent and troubling event, though I will do my absolute best to post the next chapter tomorrow. Ah, yes, and Please Review, I guarantee it will make my day!