Central City

The two men crept through the affluent streets of West Central City. They wore identical suits with plain black ties. "The boss wants efficiency. We need to get this done quickly."

"Man, we should take our time. This isn't exactly an easy task."

The two men argued back and forth for a few minutes.

"Fine, Sammy. We'll have it your way. Let's get it done quickly."

They each brandished standard Desert Eagle pistols and walked up to #16, Leland Avenue. "This is it. We need to take out the target, and bail before the police is anywhere near. Our sources say he's staying in one of his homes here."

They kicked down the door and scanned the spacious living area, filled with ornate furniture and classical paintings. "Area clear. Keep moving."

One of the men threw a grenade up the stairs. BOOM! Splinters and broken furniture came tumbling down the stairs in waves. "Damn. How much stuff does this guy own?"

"More than you. Now keep moving. Don't let your guard down."

In the master bedroom, they found the bald man on his bed, in a nightrobe. "Why, hello. Can I help you?"

Sammy stepped up. "Our boss wants you to stop interfering. You've been bribing officials and businessmen to give you political immunity. Our boss wants one of them for himself."

"Oh? Who?"

"Bruce Wayne. CEO of Wayne Enterprises."

"Oh, hardly a surprise. Rich, famous, brilliant, handsome... the man's got it all. It would be easy for a person like your boss to get jealous..."

Sammy scowled. "Johnny, take care of this guy."

Johnny raised his gun, but Luthor acted before he did. The CEO of LexCorp pulled out a shotgun from under his bed and fired twice. The two thugs fell to the ground, deceased.

"They always underestimate the businessmen. Such a shame. Won't the local police be surprised to hear about this."

Gotham City

"With the Krolotean invasion at our immediate attention, we can't afford to occupy Leaguers with this case," explained the Man of Steel.

"It's important. Luthor is one of the Light, you know that. The assassin and the aliens may be connected," replied the Dark Knight.

"Are you sure?"

"No. But it's a possibility."

"So you're basing this on speculation?"

"No. I'm basing this on the risks. If someone is working behind the lines, trying to kill members of the Light... we want them brought to justice. Besides, this assassin could be an ally of the Kroloteans. The murderer needs to be stopped."

Superman sighed, defeated. "Get Green Arrow on it, then."

Batman nodded. "Debrief him on his tasks. Be quick about it, Superman."

Suddenly, the Caped Crusader was just... gone. Superman had been looking straight at him! He couldn't have just disappeared like that! "I'll never understand how he does it," the Kryptonian remarked.

Batman was in the mission control room, where Mal Duncan was sitting with a concerned expression on his face. He looked up. "Batman! Thank God. I've lost communication with the team. I can't get our connection back to normal!"

Batman looked at the computer screen. "You sent a drone."

"Yeah, to survey the area. Everything's all wrong. They're nowhere in sight!"

"Did they find the assassin?"

"No, Batman. In fact, I'm starting to wonder if the assassin got them."

"Its likely. Go and get some dinner, Mal. I'll take it from here."

"Alright, Batman. Tell me if you find the Team, okay?"

"I will."

Blüdhaven

"Nightwing. Do you read? Nightwing!" Miss Martian desperately scanned the area with her mind. Nothing. "Where are you guys? Superboy?"

No reply from the Boy of Steel either. M'gann scoured the area with her mind again, only to be met with similar results. She flew out of the apartment building felt a tug in her mind. "Beast Boy! I'm on the radio!"

"Megan! I on the Main Street! Superboy told me to meet him here, but I don't see him!"

"Wait right there, Garfield! I'm coming!" Miss Martian turned around to go to the Main Street, but a fiery explosion engulfed the alleyway and she collapsed, knocked out cold.