Amanda Waller: government liaison, member of A.R.G.U.S., and clearly the warden of a secret, high security prison. The woman herself merely looked up at Batman as he stared back down at her.

"I was wondering when you and I would meet," the African-American woman commented before she leaned back into her seat, turning so that she could face him. The vigilante took a step back to give her leg room, but that was all. He continued to gaze down at her with the white lenses in his mask.

For most people, this look unnerved them, making them want to do anything to remove his gaze. Waller wasn't the least bit perturbed by it. "To what do I owe the pleasure of speaking to Gotham's Dark Knight?"

Batman was silent for a moment before he answered, "What's the meaning of this prison?"

Waller raised an eyebrow. "When a court sentences a guilty party, they're generally remanded to a facility to serve their sentence. That's common knowledge."

"Since when do prisons have underground levels with stories full of prisoners?"

"When the prisoners suddenly have the power to level entire buildings with a single punch, that's when," she countered. "There isn't a single person here that isn't enhanced in some form or fashion, and that means better security, methods to weaken powers, and designs that ensure these prisoners don't escape."

"Then what's Peacemaker doing here?"

Waller just stared at him. "Have you met Peacemaker?"

"Briefly."

"Then I think all that needs to be said about him has been said."

Which wasn't anything. Batman hadn't seen any enhancements of Peacemaker's cell that would indicate what his abilities were. There wasn't even a power dampener, a device created to weaken meta-humans when held captive so that they didn't destroy the prison they were in. However, Peacemaker wasn't the reason he was here, so there was little point in continuing that argument.

"George Harkless," he then said.

The dark-skinned woman was just as impassive as ever. "What about him?"

"He isn't here."

"Not all meta-humans are kept at Belle Reve. It's just one of many maximum security prisons, so he could be at one of those."

"Not when there's a transfer order for him to come here," Batman pointed out. "So either he escaped during transport, or you're hiding him."

"Or he never came here," Waller countered.

Batman ignored her response. "I doubt the transport escape because the media would have reported it extensively, especially in Central City and Keystone. His initial incarceration is documented at Iron Heights—along with a transfer order to Belle Reve. Seeing as he isn't at Iron Heights, this is the only logical place for him to be."

"Which he isn't, according to you." Waller rested her arms on the chair's armrests. "It could very well be a clerical error and they meant another prison, you know."

That was possible, but there wasn't another prison facility with a similar enough name that one wrong letter would send Harkless to an entirely different location. "Or he's somewhere where he isn't supposed to be—like Gobi."

Waller raised an eyebrow. "And why would you think he's in Gobi?"

"Because the Flash spotted him and if there were anyone that would recognize Harkless, it would be him."

There was a slight twitch of her eyes, but that was the only visible reaction she gave. It was time to drive his interrogation home. Leaning towards Waller, Batman continued, "If I were to do a record search for everyone in this underground prison, I'm willing to bet all of them have missing records, just like Harkless. So I repeat: what are you doing in this prison?"

"Nothing you have clearance for, nor have the need to know," Waller responded. "I don't have to tell you squat, not without a court ordered warrant and I'm quite certain you don't have one, Mr. Vigilante."

"Do I look like I need a warrant?" Batman growled.

"Need, no. Care for one, doubtful." This time, Waller leaned forward, drawing herself closer to the dark-clad man. "I know your game; you can't bullshit a bullshitter. I know you're going to put your nose in places it doesn't belong, and you know I'm going to make it as difficult as possible. The way I see it, we're at an impasse where neither of us are going to budge."

"That won't stop me."

"From trying, I know. But I have the full power of the United States Government backing me. What do you have? A floating satellite of superheroes?" A knowing look then appeared on her face. "Oh wait, didn't Superman just declare you public enemy #1? Or have you patched that up now? Have the other, newer members of your justice club accepted you back?"

That gave Batman pause. It was clear Waller knew about the League's fractured factions. That she knew the brainwashed Superman had put out the equivalent of a warrant for his arrest was not common knowledge.

So how did she find out about that?

"So, are we done with our pissing contest?" Waller continued. "Yes? Good. You can see yourself out."

It wasn't often the Dark Knight was left empty-handed after an interrogation, but that seemed to be happening more and more lately. He didn't like it. Sparing one glance to the computer, he decided to leave with a parting shot. "Good luck on your Thanagarian translation. You're going to need it."

Waller froze for a moment before looking over her shoulder at her computer before returning her sights to him. "You know what that is?"

Batman just stared at her in response.

Because of that, he could see the gears of Waller's mind turning. Clearly she was thinking of something. "Perhaps we can…help…each other."

"Help," he repeated.

"You want to know about this facility and I want to know what this Thanagarian is." Waller straightened herself in her seat. "I'm willing to make a trade. I tell you what you want to know and you translate this file. And to be clear, I want you to give me the translation. You double-cross me and I'll make certain there's nowhere in that city of yours for you to hide."

Batman glanced at the Thanagarian symbols. He wasn't certain where Waller had gotten whatever file was on her computer, but he had a feeling she had an agent or two out spying on the Thanagarians. Perhaps he could get more intel out of her than she would realize. "Alright, you first."

Waller gazed at him before starting, "I have been authorized with conducting a rehabilitation program. All of the prisoners in this complex are candidates for it, thus why they are here."

Batman raised an eyebrow. "Even Peacemaker?"

Waller rolled her eyes. "Even Peacemaker."

"And Harkless is a part of this program."

There was a moment of silence. Then, "Yes, he is."

Which meant Harkless was out in Gobi spying on the Thanagarians for Waller and whomever she reported to, no doubt A.R.G.U.S at a minimum. The vigilante felt there was more to this "program" than what Waller was indicating, but he couldn't see what that was yet. "Why are you—"

He was cut off as Waller raised a hand, indicating for him to stop. "That's as much as I'm willing to tell you—for now. If you want to know more, you will get me the translation for this file. Consider it a carrot, if you'd like."

This was one shrewd woman. Alright, he'd play her game. He reached into a pouch on his utility belt and removed a flash drive. He then held it out to Waller. "Upload a file to this and I'll see what I can do."

Waller plucked the drive from his grasp and spun around, shoving it into a USB port. Several minutes passed as she made a copy of a rather alarmingly large file. Once done, she ejected the flash drive out, turned back around, and handed it back to him. "When can I expect to see some results?" she asked.

"Based off of what you uploaded, a couple of days," he answered truthfully.

"What, you don't have a supercomputer that can translate that in minutes?" she demanded. "Or does your justice club not have that in the clubhouse?"

"Two of them, actually," he told her. "And both were damaged in the recent in-fighting. That's why it'll take a couple days instead of a couple of hours."

Waller didn't even bother responding with an accepting "Oh." Instead she waved him off. "Fine, just get me what I need, and we'll be even."

Batman didn't bother responding. Instead he left the office, making his way to leave this facility. It went without saying he would be back.

Of course, he would need to secure an easier route in and out of this place. No doubt the way he entered this time would be barred off the next, so ensuring he had access would be necessary.

Not to mention frustration for Waller when he bypassed whatever security measures she would throw up next.

The Thanagarian legionnaire had been taken to the medical bay to receive treatment. He had been found unconscious at his station, lying on the floor facing away from a computer terminal.

A dart had been found lying on the floor nearby. It had been collected and was being analyzed to discover if there was some sort of poison on it. No doubt it would be a concoction created on Earth, but they needed to know what its effects were and how they would affect Thanagarian physiology.

Hro Talak did not like this. Despite his assurances, there were clearly parties that were resistant to their assistance. Shayera's intelligence reports had indicated that Earth was not united, so this shouldn't have been surprising. That someone was brazen enough to board one of his ships and render one of his soldiers unconscious though…

Whomever had done this needed to be found and dealt with.

One of his soldiers was at the computer terminal, doing a search on its history to determine if any files had been accessed. So far, the answer was negative, the silver lining in this situation.

"As of now, we only have the one soldier attacked," Kragger reported. "All other ships and facilities are being searched in case our intruder is lurking about."

"Very good, Lieutenant," Hro acknowledged. "Keep up patrols—no, increase them. I want more guards and smaller patrol increments. This cannot and will not happen again."

"Yes, Commander," Kragger said.

"Sir!" Hro turned his head to regard the soldier at the computer terminal. "I think I may have found something."

The Commander immediately came up behind his legionnaire, standing behind his seat. "What do you have?"

On screen was an access window, one that was of this very room. The soldier stationed here was performing some task on the computer when he suddenly stood up. A hand slapped down on his neck and he could be seen pulling something out, most likely the dart they found. The Thanagarian spun around and took a step before his legs gave out and he collapsed, lying on the floor much like he had been found.

Then a figure appeared. There was a distinct lack of wings, confirming the assailant was not Thanagarian. They wore odd clothing, some sort of cloak with sleeves covering their body. The human went right up to the computer, taking a seat at it.

Hro had one hand on the back of the very chair the intruder sat at, his hand tightening on it. The intruder tried to use the terminal, but did not appear to have any luck, which was in line with the lack of accessed files they had found.

Then the intruder reached into their odd cloak and pulled out a device. They held it in front of them, pressing a button over and over. He had figured out how to scroll through the file currently on the screen.

"What is that device?" Hro demanded, even as the intruder finished what he was doing and placed it back within his cloak.

"I shall look into it immediately," Kragger assured him. "It is a shame that Lieutenant Hol isn't here to expedite the matter."

Yes, that was true. If anyone knew what that device was, it would be Shayera. Hro had been a fool to allow her to leave with the Martian to face Despero. With her fate uncertain, he would need to conduct a longer investigation.

"I am not one to impose, but should we bring this development up to Earth's leaders?" Kragger suggested. "Perhaps they can identify who this intruder is and what they are doing."

That was certainly an idea, but Hro had a better one. "No, we will keep this to ourselves. This intruder was brazen enough to trespass and attack one of my soldiers. Such success will embolden him and he will make another attempt. That is when we will capture him and…interrogate him."

"An excellent plan, Commander," the Lieutenant praised.

Hro ignored him, instead focusing on the computer screen. "Can we determine what it is the intruder was viewing?"

"I have the file still accessed," the soldier responded, bringing up the window. The moment Hro saw it, his hand all but crushed the piece of the chair he was gripping.

That file, that was of the generator. No doubt his legionnaire was performing his duty with the file, but the intruder had encountered it and viewed the whole thing. The device he used, what were the chances it had some sort of recording feature? If that was the case, then their situation was more dire than he realized.

"Kragger, I want this intruder found by any means necessary," he growled through clenched teeth. "Do whatever you need to, but if he shares his knowledge on the generator, our entire mission is doomed."

Flash figured that if there were to be any comparing notes, it would be done on the Watchtower. However, he soon learned that Batman hadn't come back yet. Well, that was a bummer. He so wanted to find out what the World's Greatest Detective had found out!

Then he wanted to share what he had been able to coax out of the Rogues. It…wasn't much, now that he thought about it, but still, a rumor of dark happenings in the prison system? That had to be the kind of thing Bats was interested in, right? He wouldn't have started this whole investigation if he wasn't.

Right?

Well, anyway, to try and kill some time, he returned to the Monitor Room, and started going over what they had first discovered about Captain Boomerang, then tried to see how the Rogues' rumors could fit in. Well, making Boomerang disappear out of Iron Heights fit neatly, but it didn't explain what exactly he was doing next to the Thanagarina's defense system.

Now, if this involved more physical evidence, and not mere hearsay, why, Flash would have had an easier time making anything out of this. He did have a background in forensics, you know. He understood how important gathering evidence was. He was coming up short, though, when it came to the whole eyewitness testimony.

Yes, he did trust people, he expected your everyday frightened bystanders to be honest when pointing him in the direction of the latest heist the Rogues were pulling off, or where the invading army of gorillas were arriving. However, he also understood how unreliable it all was. Memories weren't perfect, people did have ulterior motives, and why rely on memory when you have DNA?

The Rogues could have been messing with his head. They were all perfectly capable of it, but just didn't have the desire to do it. That's why Thawne and Grodd were considered his heavy hitters. It's just that the Rogues were always direct unless it was part of the heist. They didn't mince words, just got down to business. They had to since they were squaring off with the World's Fastest Man.

Pausing, he took a moment, then raced off to the cafeteria. Man, he was hungry, not that there was ever a day when he wasn't. Superspeed really got the appetite roaring, you know, and he had long since learned not to be a picky eater anymore. As long as it was food and it was tasty, down the gullet it went.

John and Supes were in the cafeteria, kinda looked like they were lounging, but Flash didn't give it much mind. He was back into the kitchen, rustling whatever grub he could get his hands on first, then taking his time as he devoured whatever was unfortunate enough to be within arms' reach.

Alright, he shouldn't gorge himself. There were others who needed the pantry, and well, he was making more of an effort to be considerate. Still, one more bite wouldn't hurt? Two? No, stop at one, because then he would have a problem.

Flash couldn't resist licking at his fingers as he strolled out. This time as he was passing by, he got a better look at John and Supes, and lounging was definitely not what they were doing. Sitting more upright but leaning forward and talking. Not hushed, but they weren't screaming either. The sight slowed him down, if you could believe that, and memories of more recent events where both GL and Supes were thick as thieves came to the fore.

It was brainwashing, he had to remind himself. He knew this. This wasn't some cloak-and-dagger delusions of grandeur happening here. The few words he was picking up as he drew nearer indicated that Big Blue was talking about improvements to the League. Again, his nerves went high; what kind of improvements? Evil Superman improvements?

Naturally, Supes noticed him. "Another snack, Flash?"

Blinking, Flash found himself looking down, a finger still in his mouth. Well, this was embarrassing. Pulling it out, he not very subtly wiped the finger against his leg. "Just finishing up. Gotta get back to it, you know? But you know me, I don't work well on an empty stomach."

"What are you working on?" John asked, his voice calm, and a little softer than it normally was.

He very nearly blurted out everything, but stopped himself. Oh great, was this seriously happening? Used to be he trusted both of these guys, but now he was having hang-ups? It wasn't them! It wasn't! It was some crazy future versions that…they became. Because of him. Because he had died. He had died and they all went crazy for like twenty years.

But it was brainwashing too.

Superman seemed to pick up on his struggle. "You're still thinking about it."

GL looked at the Man of Steel who could be taken down several pegs. He was frowning, but said nothing.

Since he wasn't one for keeping too many secrets, Flash gave a sigh as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I told you this wasn't going to be easy. You weren't yourselves and I saw you trying to do horrible things, and worse, justify them. The only reason I wasn't part of it was because I died in Washington."

Oh, he knew that look. John wanted to argue, but he was making the effort not to. He was doing his best to listen, but that didn't hide how his hands clenched into fists. Superman was nodding his head, his face nothing but sadness.

"We were talking about how the League can move forward. You're showing to me why that's not going to be easy. I don't know the best way where this all gets fixed, but I do know that if trust is going to be an issue, then the League has bigger problems. If we can't trust each other, then who can we trust?" Now Superman was looking down, shoulders slumping. Man, Big Blue was really earnest about this.

"I hate it," John suddenly spoke up, also looking down. "I have the memories. They feel as real as the three of us right now. I understand the logic. I know how that version of myself became that kind of man—and I hate it. I hate it, and I wished none of this had happened, or that it had happened. That Batman had to see us at our worst. It did happen. I was that man. I did horrible, inexcusable things, and I will have to live with that for the rest of my life. That the Shade is going to be traumatized, that I attacked Hawkgirl, and everything else."

John's face, normally hard and serious, was so wrinkled now. That was another look Flash recognized: grief. He had the same look on his own face many times, always distorted by a mirror. A mirror that Mirror Master wasn't using, just for the record.

It was easy, you know? It was easy to get lost in your own feelings, to ignore everyone else's. Flash wasn't the only one hurt, and the hurt was taking so many different forms. He could see what this was like for John. Superman definitely felt the same way because he too was looking just like John, but with lighter color skin. Was Hawkgirl the same?

Yeah, there were trust issues, and if they could not beat them, then the League was doomed. The thing about trust was that there was a hope component. It was hope that your trust would be rewarded, that you wouldn't be hurt, but the person you were trusting. It was like the hope he had that the Rogues would one day go straight, even if that would be the hardest thing any of them could do. Yet, he still had hope. Why try to be buddy-buddy and buy a round for his enemies? Why try to talk Trickster into taking his meds again? Why be concerned that something sinister was happening with Boomerang?

A long time ago, the Flash had given him hope. It was that hope that Barry had passed to him along with the mantle.

He was more than the Flash now, though. He was a member of the Justice League. He was the guy people turned to when hope was lost and needed to be found again. And if nothing else, if he could not be hope for the friends he had within the League, then how could he expect to be so to the people he was trying to protect?

Trust had to start somewhere, and it had to be healed the same way.

"I saw one of my bad guys out by that defense system we're helping the Thanagarians build," the speedster spoke up suddenly, drawing the attention of the other two Leaguers. "His name is Captain Boomerang; he's supposed to be in prison, but he claimed he got out for good behavior. Batman doesn't believe it, and we're looking into it. The big thing is that Boomerang wouldn't in the slightest bit be interested in that defense system. He's all about the score, so what's he doing on the other side of the world?"

Suddenly, it was so obvious why this whole situation stank. How did he not pick up on it? Boomerang teamed up with a group of guys who were all about the score; hurting people was not their goal, and they actively avoided it when they could. Sure, Boomerang was more the type to pick a fight and cause some harm, but it was not something that would destroy Central or Keystone. Never.

Now he had two pairs of eyes blinking at him. "Maybe he was trying to steal something from the Thanagarians?" John suggested. The grimace that followed told the speedster that even he had his doubts about it. "But who would he sell it to?"

Rich people, governments, big time super baddies; but what would any of them want with a guy like Boomerang who was closer to small time than any of them would be?

"I may not have super smelling, that I know of, but even I can tell this stinks," Big Blue commented with a wry smile. Then seriously, "You think this might be Luthor?"

Once would have been paranoia, but you know, recent events. Plus, Luthor fit identically in one of the three groups he had come up with off the top of his head. Evil, rich bad guy, baldness optional. Hell, the man needed a goatee and he'd fit the stereotype to a T.

"Who knows?" Flash said, not dismissing the possibility. "Bats has the Titans staking him out. If they see something, they'll let us know."

"Since when?" Ah, there we go. There was the old John that had been absent.

"I'm not happy about it either, but as long as they don't draw Luthor's attention, they should be safe," Superman said. "Luthor's keeping an eye out for us, not them. That should afford some protection."

"Unless their cover gets blown," John pointed out. "Remember that kid, the one you were having problems with, Flash? Isn't he on that team?"

Flash was proud to say he felt no horror at the thought. "I'm—I mean, Kid Flash has done a lot more maturing. He's better than when he first came here. Plus, Red Robin hasn't given me a call in ages, so that has to be a good thing, right?"

Because no news had to be good news, right?

"Kid Flash keeps me updated, for the most part. 'Starfire said the thing!' 'Cyborg built a car for some reason!' 'That Terra girl is totally crash!' 'The Tamaraneans are trying to terraform the planet, help!' So I'm in the loop."

John was giving him that look again. You know, the look. The one that said he thought the speedster was being an idiot, which he so wasn't right now. "That last one just happened."

"Details," Flash dismissed. "They're coming into their own. They knew when they were in over their heads. If something happens, they will call. We need to be able to trust them."

Hmm, there was that trust stuff again. Funny how everything came back to that.

Superman held his hand up. "Um, could you explain what crash means? Did it change recently?"

That gave the speedster pause. Bart was always saying something was crash, when what he really meant was cool, and last Flash checked the urban lexicon, crash wasn't anywhere in there yet.

"The future is weird," is all he could say.

It had been over a week since the Javelin Seven had departed the Watchtower. It was only the shuttle's internal clock that informed the team of the passage of time. The void of space hardly changed, the sight of sparkling stars captivating for only so long.

Of course, this gave rise to the natural reaction of cabin fever. One could only rest for so long and there wasn't much space to allow for physical activity. One at a time, the heroes on board would perform some stretches, anything to loosen up their stiffening bodies.

"I'm so bored," Hawkgirl moaned as she leaned back in her seat. She had taken over the co-pilot seat, a position all of them held as they rotated their seating arrangement. It was her turn to assist in piloting the vessel.

"I believe that is a sentiment we have all expressed," J'onn agreed.

"So when do we get there?" she asked drolly.

That was perhaps the largest issue. Without knowing the precise location of the Kalanorian fleet, they could be minutes away, hours, or even several more days. According to Kilowog, the surviving Green Lantern had made the trip in a few days, but the power ring had allowed her to travel at speeds faster than what the Javelin was capable of. It made for unrealistic expectations for when they would encounter their foes.

"Shouldn't be long," the rather jovial voice of Kilowog answered. Despite his rather monstrous appearance, the Bolovaxian was quite friendly, even if he misunderstood Earthling social norms. On more than one occasion, he had interjected himself into private conversations that annoyed a couple members of their team. While the Leaguers were polite, J'onn could sense their irritation. "Unless the Kalanorians ran into another world and blew it apart, we should be running into them any day now."

"That's comforting," Vixen commented under her breath.

"I know, right?" Kilowog joyfully agreed. "I mean, it wouldn't be good for the denizens on that planet."

"We understand what you mean," Diana said, cutting off what would prove to be a stumbling explanation from the Bolovaxian. He had a tendency to overexplain himself, which only made his words more stressful than the initial ones. Diana intervening would hopefully prevent another such awkward exchange.

"I hope so. Say, shouldn't I be getting ready to disembark? The plan was to have me not get close to the Kalanorians because of their mind control."

Hawkgirl glanced towards J'onn. "That's not a bad idea. Kilowog could follow us up until we encounter the fleet."

"I second the idea," Vixen quickly agreed.

"Not until we have a more precise location for the Kalanorians," J'onn disagreed. "I would rather not have Kilowog following us for another week, if that is indeed our timetable."

"It better not be another damn week," the Thanagarian grumbled.

"Oh, hey! I know!" Kilowog suddenly exclaimed. "If there are any other Lanterns in the area, maybe I can get in touch with them and see if they've spotted Despero's fleet."

Vixen's head snapped towards the Bolovaxian. "You can do that?"

"Sure I can. Just a second." Kilowog held his ring in front of him, his eyes focusing on it. The heads of the others were turned, watching the Green Lantern as he communicated with his ring. Seconds began to drag on, but no one said a word.

"I think I've got something," the Bolovaxian announced then. "The last seen location of the Kalanorians was in Sector 2810."

"And where is Sector 2810?" Black Lightning asked.

Suddenly, the Javelin violently shook, coming to an abrupt stop. It was like the vessel had collided with a wall. There were cries of surprise that filled the cockpit, the heroes grabbing onto their seats and the ones in front of them to stabilize themselves.

"Uhh, I think it's here," Kilowog spoke after a moment.

J'onn looked down at the instruments of the ship, trying to determine what had transpired. That left Hawkgirl to look out the main window and gasp. "You sure as hell ain't kidding!"

Lifting his head up, J'onn looked out the window and saw exactly what the Thanagarian had. Descending from above was an enormous number of ships. There seemed no end to them as they began to surround the Javelin. In fact, there was an enormous battleship that dwarfed most of the other ships. It made one wonder how it was possible to not notice it.

Quickly, the Martian looked down at the ship's instruments, particularly the radar. Even now, the radar showed nothing, even with the physical evidence that there were other vessels.

"How did they sneak up on us?" Diana demanded as she came to stand behind the pilot and co-pilot seats, hunching down so that she could look out the main window.

"The radar detects nothing," J'onn reported. "I can only assume their stealth technology is far more advanced than the detection systems on board the Javelin."

"That's a pretty damn big problem," Hawkgirl groused. "And I'm willing to bet we ran right into a fraggin tractor beam. It would explain why we came to a sudden stop."

"Uhh, do we still want me to get off board?" Kilowog asked.

"No," J'onn firmly answered. "We are in no position to reveal our personnel. For now, the Kalanorians may see us as a random vessel, but that can change the moment a Green Lantern leaves."

"But what about their telepathy?" Diana inquired. Even now she had pulled out her golden lasso and was wrapping it around her body in preparation. Vixen was touching her talisman as she summoned the power of whatever creature would stop mental intrusions into her mind. Black Lightning rolled his shoulders as he began to stand up from his seat. He didn't appear to be actively taking measures like the two women, but perhaps his preparations were internal.

Still, there was a reason they wanted Kilowog to remain out of the fight. He was now their most susceptible member and it was quite apparent their original plan was too late to be deployed. They simply would have to adjust.

Eyes glowing orange, J'onn reached out to Kilowog's mind, linking their minds. Already, he could detect a connection, one that belonged to the power ring on the Lantern's finger. There were no other obvious intrusions. Eyes dimming, the Martian then said, "I will have to protect Kilowog then."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Hawkgirl questioned. "The whole point of this was so that you could kick Despero's ass again. Are you going to be able to beat him with your mind in random places?"

"It cannot be helped," J'onn replied. "It is better to protect ourselves than to allow our minds to be destroyed. Despero has already shown he will destroy entire worlds, not to mention he has intruded into countless minds prior to this latest rampage."

"Wait, could you do that for the rest of us?" Vixen asked. "You know, just in case?"

"We need J'onn to fight Despero here," Hawkgirl retorted. "How can he do that if he's having to protect the rest of us? The whole point of this team was so that he didn't have to concern himself with others he had to protect."

"I will do what I must," the Martian quickly interjected. There was no point in them bickering amongst themselves. "Everyone prepare yourselves. I believe we will be engaged in battle fairly soon."