Chapter 2
In Wayne manor,
Alfred: Sir, you have a guest.
Bruce: show him in
Alfred walks out and returns with Clark Kent.
Bruce: Clark
Clark: Bruce
Bruce: So how could I help you Clark?
Clark: You must have heard about justice league, we the founders think batman should join justice league.
Bruce: Clark, my place is in Gotham.
Clark: There are people who believe you could be valuable to the team. Besides, I know Wayne tech is one of the sponsor of the justice league program. If that is any indication then I will have to say that you do understand relevance of such programs.
Bruce: Clark I never doubted the relevance of such formation on the contrary I support such initiative but the team you are talking about is of people with superpowers. How do you think I will fit in?
Clark: Bruce as far as me remembers the last time we worked we were a good team and having friends never hurts Bruce. Do think about it?
Bruce: I will…
Later (in Wayne manor)
Bruce: Alfred, what do you think?
Alfred: about what, sir
Bruce: about joining justice league
Alfred: sir, if I may, I would say since batman is all about instilling fear in criminals why to restrict it to Gotham.
Bruce: My engagement with justice league might have some repercussion in Gotham.
Alfred: You will manage it, sir.
With that Alfred leaves the room leaving Bruce in deep thought
Few days later, in watch tower
A visibly pleased superman enters the conference room where rests of the founding members are seated.
Superman: as you know, today we are going to be joined by our newest member batman. Batman, let me introduce you to our team.
Batman scans the room and without any hint of emotion on his face or voice he says "No need. The man in scarlet uniform is world fastest man Flash, the one wearing black and green uniform is green lantern, then there is Aquaman of Atlantis and that green being is Martian Manhunter and only lady in the team is princess of Themyscira Diana aka wonder woman. Since we are done with pleasantries, let's talk some business. I will join justice league on following conditions
I am only a part time member
Gotham always comes first.
No Meta is allowed in Gotham unless I say so."
Every hero present in the room is bit taken aback as it's quite unheard of that an inductee is laying down terms. First to recover from this is wonder woman and she is first one to speak. She speaks with hint of anger in her voice "And why is that? Is it because you fear that if other entered your territory the adulation that you get in your territory would be diminished?
Though face of batman is more or less like a stone with no emotion whatsoever but a bit of annoyance creep up in his voice. He says "princess Gotham is no paradise and I am no guardian angel. When I look at people I am greeted with their fear and not admiration and this is fine with me because I am not there to win any popularity contest but to save people of Gotham whatever be the cost. And I don't want any of you there because Gotham has a habit of throwing things at you which you least expect and at times when you least expect it.
Batman speech is followed by an awkward silence which is broken by superman.
Superman: I understand your logic batman and as a leader of this group I agree to your terms and conditions. So let me say this again welcome aboard.
Batman not looking at anybody says "so I guess this concludes my induction ceremony. I must be on my way to Gotham. If you need me you know how to get in touch." With that Batman just left.
Flash whispered in barely audible sound "arrogant jerk" which found an echo in wonder woman's voice. Hal was just trying to process what just had transpired.
Superman trying to break the awkwardness said "well that went better than planned". To which Hal replied you always have to have the last word. Don't you?
Back in Bat cave
Bruce is trying to extract knowledge on his soon to be partners whatever he can get over the giant screen. Alfred steps in with some refreshment.
Alfred: By the looks of it, it appears that your meeting went well.
Bruce: By well if you mean to get some metas pissed off then yes it went well.
Alfred: Try to reason with me sir, if I am not mistaken every criminal in Gotham wants you dead and rest of the population wants you in strapped jacket and thrown behind the bars. So, why exactly did you need to increase the list of people that can potentially harm you?
Bruce: Alfred aren't you the one who tells me that what doesn't kills you makes you stronger?
Alfred: Sir I say a lot of harmless things also but I never see them being applied. By the way sir if I may then I would like to ask what are you trying to do.
Bruce: I am trying to get as much information on justice league as I can. This could be beneficial later on either to work efficiently or save myself in case I do get attacked.
Alfred: By god you weren't joking about pissing off justice league. Master Wayne, next time you go to such meeting please try to practice what is called tact.
Bruce: I will keep that in mind…