Issue #3
Bruce is at a Formal Charity event in Gotham. He sits at a table full of people, including Commissioner Gordon and Barbara Gordon.
BRUCE: Waiter, another round for everyone, my pleasure. Except for me. I've had way too much already.
Barbara looks down and smiles.
WOMAN: Has anyone seen the new act passed about the government controlling the Justice League? I think it's a terrific idea.
COMMISSIONER GORDON: I, for one, disagree. We need these heroes to protect us in the world, just like we need Batman to protect us in Gotham. The police force can't do it alone. Trust me.
BRUCE: Ah, come on, Commissioner, I'm all for a little regulation. I can't keep rebuilding this city. One time, one of those damn flying bat razors come through my penthouse and broke my window. Excuse me, everyone.
Bruce gets up from the table and walks over to the bar. Barbara comes up and stands next to him.
BARBARA: The public Bruce Wayne always humors me. It's the only time I get to see you smile.
BRUCE: Yeah, I should get an Oscar for playing Bruce Wayne.
The two of them laugh.
BARBARA: So Superman is really supporting the act?
BRUCE: Ever since Havencroft… things have been a little messed up. Do you think it was the right call, Barb?
Barbara hesitates to answer, and Bruce notices.
BARBARA: You did what you thought you needed to do in that moment, Bruce. I can't blame you for that.
There is a pause between them.
BRUCE: Are you with me, Barb? I need you to be with me.
BARBARA: You already knew I was.
They smile at one another. Bruce's phone rings.
BRUCE: It's Alfred. I need to go.
BARBARA: (Eager) Bruce, I brought my suit I can –
BRUCE: No. It's too dangerous.
BARBARA: Bruce, I am not Jas –
BRUCE: Stop. Now.
Bruce walks away. Barbara stands upset there staring at Bruce leave.
The Batmobile drives into the Batcave and comes to a halt. Batman gets out of the vehicle, showing off a couple cuts and bruises. He starts to walk, but then looks up and stops. Superman is leaning against the table in front of him. Alfred is repairing gadgets. Batman continues his way as if nobody is in the room.
SUPERMAN: You know you shouldn't be out there, Bruce.
BATMAN: I still have 8 more hours. Not like it matters to me anyway.
ALFRED: I followed the security procedure and tried to stop him, but he's a bit tougher of a breach than normal, sir.
SUPERMAN: Just sign the act. If we get you behind this too we can have a much easier time with everyone. People follow you.
BATMAN: You don't need me. You're America's poster boy.
SUPERMAN: I don't understand what you're not getting about this. This is not a choice. It's a law established by the government. If you don't follow it, you'll become a criminal.
BATMAN: We are criminals, Clark. We always have been. What we do, everyday, does not follow any law of the country. This act won't change that. The only difference is now... you have a boss.
SUPERMAN: I am trying to protect this world -
BATMAN: From who, us?
SUPERMAN: From the choices we have made, the damage we have caused, the lives we have taken. This system prevents any of that from happening.
BATMAN: We save lives. Not take them. But now, you may be sacrificing lives just in order to keep your public image.
SUPERMAN: The world sees this as a good thing. We need to abide by it.
BATMAN: I have seen crimes go unpunished. If there is a situation that goes bad, I am not going to wait around until I get the call. I am going to make the call, and I am going to stop it.
SUPERMAN: Bruce, please, I'm warning you. If it's not me who stops you, someone else will.
BATMAN: Who do they bring in after you?
SUPERMAN: The Justice Society commencement is tomorrow morning in DC. I'm expecting you to be there.
BATMAN: Don't hold your breath.
Batman walks away as the door closes behind him. Clark stares after him with a worried look on his face.
A streak of lightning is bolting through the streets of Central City. It is zipping through the city, searching everywhere. The Flash stops and tries to catch his breath.
THE FLASH: Nothing on this end. Cisco?
Cisco's voice comes through an earpiece.
CISCO: I haven't found anything through vibing. The only trace of speed I am finding is you. Shouldn't we not be doing this with the whole Superhero Registration Act or whatever it's called.
THE FLASH: I need to stop Zoom before he kills someone I care about. He knows... everything about me. If the act is going to prevent me from stopping this maniac before it's too late, then I don't want to follow it in the first place.
CISCO: Ok, Barry, I've got something. A source of major speed is coming from... you're not going to like this. It's coming from your old home.
The Flash bursts toward his home in full speed.
CISCO: Barry, it looks like he's signaling you. This could definitely be a trap.
The Flash holts to a stop on the porch of his childhood home. He walks in cautiously.
THE FLASH: Come out, Zoom. I know you're here.
Zoom walks out.
ZOOM: That's the whole point, Barry. This was an invitation. An invitation to my birthday.
CISCO: Tell him I said Happy Birthday. Here's your present... I'm flipping him the bird.
THE FLASH: Doesn't seem like much of a party.
ZOOM: It's not a party. It's a reminder. You're running out of time, Barry.
THE FLASH: Alright, so you know who I am. Please, don't hurt anyone I care about. Leave them out of this.
ZOOM: I would never do that. The people who you care about, I care about just as much.
THE FLASH: I don't understand. How do you know so much about me? My life, my powers... my mother? Tell me.
ZOOM: Because, Flash, you are - or were - my mentor. My hero. Everything I have learned, I learned from you.
THE FLASH: This is the future I'm presuming?
ZOOM: After my mother died and I was sent to an orphanage, you took me under your wing. I was somehow given the speed force, and you taught me how to harness it. I looked up to you... until I found out that you failed her. I trusted you, Barry!
BARRY: I... I'm sorry. This doesn't have to happen. I'll save her.
ZOOM: You won't be able to. Not yet, anyway. Because you failed to save my mother, it means you did not have enough speed. That's why I'm here. I am not a bad person. You have to believe that. I am just trying to save the one person I had in my life.
BARRY: This is not the way, and I can't let this continue. I'm going to have to stop you, Zoloman.
ZOOM: That's the idea. Catch me if you can, Flash.
Zoom explodes past Barry and out the door. Barry jolts right behind him. The two race through the streets, flying past everything in sight.
ZOOM: COME ON!
Barry is using all of the strength he has.
CISCO: Uh, Barry, We have a situation. (Hastily) It's a bird, it's a plane, oh wait it's -
An impact comes down hard in front of the Flash, sending him backwards to the ground. When the dust clears, Superman stands there, looking at the Flash.
SUPERMAN:I expected this from Bruce, but not you, Barry. What are you doing?
The Flash gets up in pain.
THE FLASH: I was trying to stop Zoom until you just jumped in front of me. Jeeze, I get why they call you the Man of Steel, you are one strong dude.
SUPERMAN: You know you shouldn't be taking this on right now. What does this mean?
THE FLASH: It means I have bigger things to worry about than this whole Justice Act ordeal. Zoom's target is me, I don't have time to deal with this.
SUPERMAN: If you were just patient enough we can stop him together, the right way.
THE FLASH: I'm not waiting for him to terrorize more people.
SUPERMAN: So you're not going to follow the act.
The Flash stands in front of Superman strong.
SUPERMAN: I'm sorry to hear that. I really do hope you change your mind, Barry.
Superman loads up and springs into the air, leaving the Flash standing there.
WALLER: One minute, Superman.
In a room backstage stands Superman, Green Lantern, and Cyborg.
CYBORG: Hold on, we're just waiting on a few others.
WALLER: It's almost time for the announcement. If they're not here by now... they're not coming.
GREEN LANTERN: Really? Even, Wonder Woman?
SUPERMAN: (Firmly) She's right. They're not coming.
WALLER: The rest are waiting outside.
Across televisions all across America, Superman stands in front of the newly formed Justice Society. Behind him stand the likes of Green Lantern, Cyborg, Hawkgirl, Green Arrow, Nightwing, Vixen among many others. Different crowds of people are gathering to watch the announcement.
SUPERMAN: Today, we gather here for a new form of Justice. There are threats out there that have the potential to wipe out this world. Heroes take on the duty to protect the people from these threats with the abilities that they have been given. That was the mission of the former Justice League, which did strive for it, but ultimately did not go about it in the best way.
Batman watches from the Batcomputer. The camera pans across the heroes on stage, and Batman catches sight of Nightwing. He glares at the screen.
Wonder Woman watches the announcement while sharpening her sword.
SUPERMAN: Cities have crumbled, homes have been demolished, innocent people have been killed in the wake of some of our battles. We have handled these situations irresponsibly in the past. Citizens are calling out for the us metahumans to take responsibility for the acts we commit, and we are.
The Flash is running around the city. He abruptly stops and looks around in search of Zoom, but sees nothing. He dashes away still searching.
Atom watches in his lab while working on his suit.
SUPERMAN: The destruction with no accountability ends today, with the formation of the Justice Society of America. This is a new time for Justice. This group behind me will be guided by a panel of different countries in order to ensure we take the right steps to neutralize any given threat in the most efficient way possible.
Aquaman sits in a darkened underwater cave cooking food in a fire.
Havencroft is shown completely obliterated by the nuclear missile.
SUPERMAN: Some heroes have turned their back on the world. Some have taken matters into their own hands, with the result being costly. We are registered under the government's control. Those who have not registered to become apart of the Justice Society, will be dealt with properly under the Justice Legislation Act.
Batman gets up and walks away from the computer.
SUPERMAN: You deserve to feel safe, and you deserve to be protected, and we will take on that mission. We are in your hands now, America, and we vow to protect you as the Justice Society.
Batman is in an alley way in Gotham fighting off three of Two-Face's henchman. A cracking sound is heard as he sends a fist into the jaw of one of the henchmen. He then quickly turns and sends a kick in the chest to the other henchman sending him a few feet back to the ground. The last henchman takes out a knife and begins swinging at Batman. Batman dodges each swing, but gets sliced by the final one in the shoulder. He winces in pain. As the two square up to duke it out, a roar is heard coming down on them. A strike comes from the air, pounding the final henchman to the ground. The strike came from Wonder Woman. She stands up and brushes herself off.
WONDER WOMAN: It's much easier that way.
BATMAN: I didn't need the help, but thanks.
WONDER WOMAN: I guess that's the best thank you I can get from the Batman, so I will accept it.
BATMAN: I noticed that you weren't at the Justice Society announcement.
WONDER WOMAN: That's right.
BATMAN: So you're not signing the act?
WONDER WOMAN: I have been apart many different armies in my life time and have seen first hand the corruption that comes from centralized power. No good comes from taking away the freedom of people who set out to do good. That was the Justice League. I was born and raised a warrior, and I will die before I surrender that freedom.
Batman and Wonder Woman nod at each other.
BATMAN: Well, then I guess I will see you -
WONDER WOMAN: Bruce, there are many other who aren't signing the act. You don't have to go against it alone...
BATMAN thinks, and then steps forward. He reaches out his hand and Wonder Woman braces it. The two shake hands, and stand there staring into each other's eyes.
Barry is in STAR Labs quickly writing down formulas on a white board. Oliver Queen and Victor walk in.
OLIVER: What are you doing?
Barry stops writing and walks away from the board.
BARRY: I'm trying to find the variable I to increase the amount of speed I output in order to complete the equation and make myself faster.
OLIVER: I'm not going to try and understand something I never will. Barry, I think you know why I'm here.
BARRY: Why is Vic here?
VICTOR: (Coyly) Incase he needed some powered assistance.
OLIVER: It wasn't my choice.
BARRY: Look, I'm sorry, Oliver, but I really don't have time for this. I have a lot of things going on.
OLIVER: Just sign the act then. We can help you. The Justice Society is on the same mission as you. We're not on opposing sides.
BARRY: There used to be an Oliver who would run from the government. Take down corrupt scum of his city through a single book. He would have never accepted something as controlling as this.
OLIVER: People change, Barry. That was when I let the darkness overcome me. I used to believe in a method of unrestrained punishment... and killing. We both know I am not that person anymore. Barry, I have seen what happens when things go unregulated. Star City has been like that for years. As mayor, now, I know what the right thing to do is.
BARRY: But, Oliver, you're heroism, or I guess what is now to be considered "vigilantism", was what kept the city together. And now you're giving it up. Vic, you can't believe in this crap.
VICTOR: I took out an entire city of people. That's on me. I won't let that happen again.
BARRY: Well, you two can say all you want. I'm not signing it.
VICTOR: Barry...
OLIVER: Damnit, Barry, don't be stupid.
BARRY: I'm sorry. I need to get back to work.
Barry goes back to writing on the board. There is a silence in the room. Oliver looks down in sorrow.
OLIVER: So you're not going to sign the act...
BARRY: Yep, that's what I said.
OLIVER: Alright. Victor...
Victor aims his arm at Barry as it turns into a firearm. A blast comes out from the arm and shocks Barry as he falls to the ground. Oliver takes out his bow and fires two arrows at Barry's shoulders.
BARRY: Are you serious, right now?
OLIVER: Those are tranquilizers. We're not trying to hurt you, Barry.
VICTOR: We just need to take you in. I'm sorry.
As Barry gets up, Oliver comes over and takes a swing at him with his bow, but Barry still dodges it quickly and misses, The tranquilizer wasn't enough to suppress all of Barry's speed.. Oliver begins to throw a combination of punches and kicks, but Barry dodges each one and jabs him right in the gut. Barry feels his speed is starting to come back to him. He sees Victor loading up his arm and jolts out of STAR labs, with the blast soaring right past him. Victor and Oliver are left in STAR Labs.
Wonder Woman walks around the Batcave, examining every detail.
WONDER WOMAN: No wonder why you're so dark and broody. I would be too if I spent the majority of my time in a cave.
Batman is gearing his utility belt and setting up his gadgets.
BATMAN: Alright, I'm going to go talk to Clark.
WONDER WOMAN: Wait, what? Bruce, we just agreed I'm in on this too.
BATMAN: I thought you meant morale support.
WONDER WOMAN: (Angrily) Morale Support?!
BATMAN: I have this handled, Diana.
WONDER WOMAN: Here we go again.
As Batman starts to leave.
WONDER WOMAN: Why do you have this obsession of having to be alone? ...Is it because the death of your partner?
Batman stops dead in his tracks. He doesn't turn around.
WONDER WOMAN: It wasn't your fault, Bruce. He was as well trained as he could be - by one of the best, actually. He died a warriors death.
BATMAN: (Sternly) He was a kid.
WONDER WOMAN: I have been sparring since I was a child. Bruce, you used to have a team around you. Whether it was the Justice League or the assortment of partners you inherited, all of which were young. You may say that you you'd rather be alone, but then you wouldn't have accepted those children into your home. You're family -
SOUND SYSTEM: Entrance opened.
Batman and Wonder Woman look confused at one another. From the entrance walks a figure. He stops in front of them.
FIGURE: They sent me to talk to some sense into you...
BATMAN: I figured they would... Dick.
Out from the shadows steps out Nightwing. He and Batman stare at one another.
To be continued...