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SEVEN
Given how dysfunctional this team was, I could hardly been at fault if I were to give myself an extra distance between me and them. Granted, I did keep Superboy in front of me. I will admit, his invulnerability to small arms fire makes him just about the best human shield I had ever come across. Initially, I believed Amberley had taken a similar approach to me, using El Bane as her choice of shield. A much more hazardous approach, I admit, but had I known her plans for him I daresay I wouldn't have questioned it*111.
At the very least, she had stopped using Jurgen, which could be in part to readjust to breathing through her nose. More importantly*112, I can finally get some Tanna tea at my leisure. Before I could get the chance to ask Jurgen, the orangeskin got to me first.
'I must admit, Earthen combat is very unique.' She said, trying not to sound disappointed. 'Is it always like this? A long lull before quick action?' And it's just how I prefer, or even better, no combat at all!
'It is.' I replied truthfully, seeing no reason to lie about it. 'Though, action does tend to get rather explosive at times.'
'I shall look forward to it.' She said, despondent. 'Though, I can't help but feel disappointed. I was expecting some grand battle, like our first meeting.' Oh Emperor above, surely she doesn't mean too.
'I would very much like to challenge you.' The orangeskin declared. "Once we are finished here, we shall have our glorious combat! It shall be glorious!'
'I see.' I said, trying to hide my unease. "I'm sure the Justice League would accommodate us at a proper location.'
'I look forward to it.' The orangeskin cheered, before grabbing hold of my cheeks. 'Let our actions do the talking! Let our strength flow through our bodies! Let our hips burst with anticipation when the act of [REDACTED, BY ORDER OF HIS HOLY INQUISITION, INQUISITOR AMBERLEY VEIL - ORDO XENOS]' I stopped thinking after this moment, more focused on Amberley's death glares at me*113. Truth be told, it is extraordinarily rare to see her in such a state, but I can't help but wonder why she is looking at me as if it were my fault*114?! I mean, it's probably my fault, but why?
I decided to end the conversation right then and there, opting to stand closer to Superboy. He seemed to march a little faster, what with the orangeskin gaining ground, I can't help but agree with him. If the xenos lover could even sweat, he would be right now. I was only fortunate that the abhuman took her aside, saving me the misfortune of her. I daresay she may be worse than Sulla.
'Why's she so obsessed with you?' Superboy asked, not looking back. 'What'd you do?'
'Hell if I know.' I replied, trying to sound conversational. 'Though, I must thank you.'
'For what?' He wondered, a little surprised. I would be as well, but that wasn't the point. I needed a shield, and in turn, someone that would protect Jurgen.
'Well, for jumping into battle as you did.' I said, laying it on rather thick. 'If you hadn't had intervened as you did, there could have been one too many problems.'
'It's no problem.' He replied humbly. 'You asked.'
'I hope you would be willing to do me a favour.' I quietly suggested, quickly adding. 'In the future, of course. And in turn, I will do you a favour as well. Would that be fair?'
'I see no problem with it.' The xenos lover said, giving me a pleased smile. Perfect.
'I'm glad you see it that way.' I said, demurely. 'It would be my pleasure working alongside you.'
'Hey, what are you guys talking about?' The Martian said from behind me. I'll be honest, that terrified me. I didn't hear a thing! It was at this moment that I realized she was hovering above the air*115.
'Well,' I said, regaining my composure quickly. 'I was just discussing with Superboy about exchanging favours.'
'That sounds fun!' She cheered, absolutely bewildering me to the xenos. Usually, there is apprehension when dealing with a Commissar, let alone asking them for a favour. Then again, she didn't seem to bright at the time, not that I allowed myself to think that way lest I offend her.
'Quite so.' I said, spewing groxshit through my teeth. 'I believe it a good way to make friends.' I turned to the Kid Flash and Robin quietly bickering, as I expected them too.
'After all.' I pressed on, showing my anxiety at the childish display. I really should have used my long practiced Commissarial authority. Then again, it seemed like a moot point at the time, that and I lacked the usual powers "entrusted" upon my person. 'They seem to be rather…disagreeable at the moment.'
'Yeah.' She lamely said. 'I never seen them act like that before.'
'If you want to see the character of a person.' I recited my old Training Abbot's proverb. 'Give him power.' As it so happens, neither of them deserves it. At the time, what Kaldur saw in either of them was beyond me! Then again, my own intuition tells me to deploy them as far away from me as I can as a distraction, so perhaps they could be useful.
Though, what really bothered me was Amberley. She was getting a little more comfortable with El Bane, much more than I would had preferred. Now, I would like to say that I have an understanding of normal Inquisitorial procedures—much more than what I would have liked, mind you—and it appears that Amberley would like to add him as part of her retinue. Though, did she have to get that close to his ear to whisper some secret?! For myself, I would had taken a much different approach*116.
I didn't realize his utility at the time, and I wondered why she would pick such a poor soldier to add to her retinue. Then again, given the nature of her office, who knows what the maniacs of the Inquisition do. I daresay some would even willingly invite a daemon into their bodies in order to get some queer advantage over the Ruinous Powers*117.
Eventually, we finally reached the entrance to this secret passageway. I will be forced to admit that it was rather ingeniously hidden, given that one needs the strength of a Catachan to remove the boulder from its position.
'This is the tunnel that leads inside my factory.' The criminal said, gesturing to the tunnel. I hovered before the entrance, and my Hiver instincts took over. Single path tunnel if I were to guess. 'Your answers are this way.' Bane has opted to take point, which I'm inclined to let him.
'So, now El Luchador is our leader?' Kid Flash said sarcastically, earning him a scoff and a shove from Robin. I didn't care much for it, better those two against themselves than against me. I took the time to be with Amberley, speaking in High Gothic of course.
'What did you mean?' I asked, curiosity overtaking me. 'About preparing for something.'
'It's best I tell you after the mission.' She said, throwing down her hood. 'We have bigger things to worry about at this moment.' Like my health, for example. As always, Amberley's right, of course*118. Except for the numerous times that she's wrong*119. I will be honest, if she had told me what she had discovered at the moment, I would have found myself rather distracted, and possibly have found some ridiculous way to get myself killed.
'What were you discussing with El Bane?' I asked, ignoring the look from Robin. 'What does he have to offer us?'
'He's muscle.' Amberley said, truthfully I believe. 'Consider him our closest example of a Catachan in this world. He's smart, he knows what he wants, and he is willing to do anything to get it. However, I believe he is willing to set aside differences against a common exterior threat. He can be trusted to fight for us when the time is right.'
'If you're sure.' I said, ignoring my unease successfully. 'If I can ask another question?'
'You just did.' She replied, her teasing obvious to me. 'But I suppose you can ask another.'
'Right, I suppose I did.' I began lamely. 'I suppose my greatest concern is who else we should inform of this situation. The United Nations? Justice League?'
'As of this moment, I am not optimistic of the United Nations.' She admitted, frowning at the aspect. 'As much as I would welcome their influence, there are too many representatives. Too many opportunities that any one of them would be compromised by the enemy.'
'And the Justice League?' I pressed, ignoring the look from Kid Flash now. 'Can they be trusted.'
'Possibly.' Amberley admitted. 'At least Batman, Black Canary, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, the Martian, and the Green Lanterns.'
'Of the others?' I asked, a little surprised she didn't add in Superman, Flash, Captain Atom, and Captain Marvel.
'Captain Atom is, utmost, loyal to the United States Government.' She pointed out. 'And I do not trust the major players there. Corruption aside, the number of representatives would make it difficult to root out any compromised enemies. Superman, I surmised, is much the same. If he would be willing to be arrested by the United States Government, then it becomes obvious. The two cannot be trusted.'
'And the Flash?' I asked, wondering where she'd go with him.
'He's an unknown.' Amberley admitted, hearing an undertone of bitterness. 'It is quite possible he would be a potential candidate to assist us, but I am unsure of his ability to keep a secret. Green Arrow is completely untrustworthy to hide secrets, as was the Independence Day incident were any indication of. As for Captain Marvel, he is an outlier. I am unsure of the child, I must admit.'
'I assume he is to be put under surveillance?' I guessed, earning an eye roll from her.
'Under greater surveillance.' She corrected. 'Under my supervision, if necessary.'
'I see.' I said, though I really didn't mean it. 'Where does Jurgen and I fit into this?'
'As of now, you will do nothing.' Amberley ordered, somewhat sweetly. 'And speak none of this to the others, not even Kaldur.'
'HEY!' Kid Flash spouted. 'What are you two talking about?'
'Nothing that concerns you.' I said, throwing up the airs of my commissarial authority. 'Return back to the mission.'
'Yeah, no.' Robin said, physically pushing me. 'You were talking about the Justice League, our mentors, the United Nations, Kaldur. What are you talking about?'
'As I said.' I firmly stated, positioning myself around the little git. 'It is nothing that concerns you. Now, focus back onto the mission. We are on a time schedule.'
'What?' Robin taunted. 'Not going to complain to me about calling the Justice League?'
'I had advised on multiple occasions to call for reinforcements.' I stated, falling back on the fair and merciful Commissar routine. 'You had opted to ignore them. As such, I see no further point to give you any further advise.'
'Goes to show what kind of leader you are.' Kid Flash sneered, stopping us in our tracks. Great, we'll probably die in this cave as soon as they start shouting. 'I don't know why you bothered to pick a name like "commissar".'
'I will have you know that "commissar" is my rank in the Imperial Guard.' I informed, keeping my voice levelled as best as I could. In all fairness, it would have worked if it weren't for him pushing me. 'As such, I am little more than a political officer. I can only advise the commanding officer of the unit with options, as well as keep order within the regiment. I am no leader of men.'
'Would you cut it out with the lies?!' Robin seethed, ignoring my hand waving for the others to press on and follow El Bane. 'You're just like all the delusional patients from Arkham.'
'And I honestly don't care what you believe.' I replied, in all earnestly wanting out of this conversation. 'As of right now, you are possibly the greatest danger to this team than the enemy.'
'Puh-lease!' He said, gesturing to himself. 'I'm the next best thing to Batman-' I pushed him aside, uninterested in listening. I'm also not willing to tell the git a thing. If he wants to get people hurt, that's on him. Just as long as it doesn't involve me, I couldn't care less. Though, I will admit I had been tempted to simply shoot the git then and there, but that may cost me any capital I gained with Kaldur and the others. I had to cast aside such thoughts for the time being and I caught up with the others, sparing Kaldur a slightly peeved look. At least he had the decency to look sheepish.
'Endure it.' He told me, not like I had a choice. Though, I was fairly confident that I could handle those two by simply comparing then to the usual PDF troopers I had the misfortune to deal with*120. Then again, like the insanity of this era, those two always seem to find new ways to surprise me.
El Bane had led us true for the most part, even opening the door for us to enter the facility itself. Robin, however, found it about the perfect time to prepare his next venture to get us all discovered and killed by heretics. Without even thinking, I rested a palm on his shoulder. He glared at me, or at least I believe he glared at me. To be perfectly honest, it doesn't have the intended effect he would be looking for. Then again, why should I worry? I'm the one with the gun. He attempted to throw me off but I held firm, silently thanking the Emperor that I had my augmetic fingers. The little groxshit winced, clutching my hand.
'I can see why you are called El Comisario.' Bane whispered, in dare I say approval. 'If you are looking for a job, I believe I can provide.'
'I am sure we can negotiate on wage later.' I replied, putting on the airs of jest. 'Though I believe we should finish up here.' I then spared the git a glance.
'Now then, I believe you have orders?' I suggested, pushing him towards the team. 'Do tell us what you want from us?'
'Why don't you tell us?' He spat petulantly. 'Since you are oh so-experienced in military matters.'
'Need I remind you, again, that I am a political officer, first and foremost.' I reminded him patiently, though I am sorely tempted to slap the backside of his head. I turned to Aqualad, who nodded. 'And since you have proclaimed yourself our leader, it is appropriate that you issue us our orders. Or would you prefer to do this alone?' I released my hold on him, which he then threw me off.
'Fine, since you can't figure it out, I'll tell you.' He seethed, before issuing orders to each of us, sans Amberley, Jurgen, Bane, and I. Instead, he opted. "You three, guard Bane. Don't let him out of your sight.'
'Very well.' I replied offhandedly. Better off for me, since I didn't really care much for this operation. It was only afterwards did I realize how much of an effect Amberley had on El Bane, but I was a little too busy getting ready to relax once they leave. Unfortunately, the git made the one error he could have made.
'Your weapons.' He demanded, holding out his hand. 'Give them over.'
'For what reason?' Amberley asked politely.
'Hey, are you even listening?!' Robin seemed to seethe. 'Just hand it over.'
'I don't think so.' I answered him with my second-best commissarial glare. 'Procedure demands we be armed when handling prisoners.'
'Furthermore,' Amberley pressed, sounding frightened, 'you cannot possibly believe that we would be able to handle Señor Bane all by ourselves without some insurance.' She shifted her gaze downwards, rather demurely. 'We would be nothing without our weapons.'
'No, I am the leader and you will listen.' The git demanded. I felt a rush of wind zip past me. I realized then that the mutant had disarmed me (and Jurgen and Amberley), giving Robin the weapons. 'You are going to help me by doing your part, but not with these!' He gestured to Jurgen's weapon, holding it in front of us. 'These are loud and clumsy!' Yes, of course they are, those are guns. 'These are the weapons of cowards!'
'That's a load of shite.' Jurgen said, earning both Amberley's and my surprise. It's rare for him to speak out like that. 'I seen and fought alongside plenty of men and women in the PDF armed with weapons like these, and they have more courage and bravery than you could even imagine.' He glared daggers at them, a first for him really and one I can't help but be proud of. 'I could care less what you frakkers think of me, let alone what you say about me, but I dare you to call me a coward just because I know how to use a gun.'
'I concur,' I said, expressing my praise for my ever faithful aide. 'Well said Jurgen.'
'Thank you sir.' He replied with his usual nonchalance I came to know him for. 'Just saying what needs to be said is all.'
'Indeed you did, Jurgen. You are a credit to the Imperial Guard.' I said encouragingly before turning my attention to them. Frankly, I finally losing what patience I had (foolishly) demanded them that they return our weapons*121. I'll be honest, I don't quite remembered what I said. I'm betting it's something rather unflattering*122.
'You will just have to rely on your brains and fist.' He taunted. 'If you even have any.' And he ran off, along with the mutant (along with our weapons). I had sworn to myself upon that day to curse that blasted mutant to the ends of days. I can't chase after the git, let alone take back my own weapons (or hide them for that matter).
Unfortunately, that was the signal for everyone else to run off into the facility. Aqualad patted my shoulder, in a way that I believe was insisting I hold on*123. Starfire gave me some piteous frowns, before embracing me. 'I will be sure to defeat many in your name.' She whispered, making me unconsciously shiver. Of course the orange-skinned Ork would say that. She's worse than Sulla! Fortunately, my many years of practice in schooling my features allowed me to give the xenos a polite smile. Despite my best efforts, I did responded with rolling my eyes. At least, before I addressed our "prisoner."
'Great discipline you have here.' The Catachan-like man said sarcastically. I opted to ignore El Bane, even though I privately agreed that he was right. In my defence, I do not care for the team. I would rather be in Winter Flats. At the very least, they have quite a few blends of recaf I had been looking forward to trying*124.
'Some tea commissar?' Jurgen asked, his pervasive bouquet once assaulting my nose. I accepted the bowl, letting the steam and its bitter taste soothe my shot nerves.
'I am a little confused.' El Bane admitted, sparing us a chance. 'You three, you do not seem like the rest of these niños.'
I was sorely tempted to say "give that man a prize!" Instead, I applied my "humble hero" routine and the usual stage performance whenever I'm faced with bewildered crowds. 'We were only recently deployed.' I said, sparing the factory floor a glance. 'I must admit you are quite well-developed for the criminal class, and I don't just mean in raw muscle.'
'I try.' El Bane said, not bothering to hide his smug grin. 'Though I am tired of standing around, and Kobra is doing something with my Venom. I would like to know why.'
'As would I.' Amberley piped up, extending a hand. 'I trust you will think upon our agreement?'
'It is definitely an interesting proposal, la inquisidora.' The catachan said, scratching his chin. 'In one week's time, I shall call you to give you my answer…no matter what I have to do here today.'
'I expect nothing less.' Amberley said, seemingly pleased with his answer. My palms tingled, and with how he said it, it's obvious he is going to betray us*125, though I wonder when he would. After the fact, I have to admit that I really should have known better.
'I am sure you know what you need to do.' Amberley said, demurely. 'All the better since we are without weapons.' Then the coin dropped.
'You set this all up.' I uttered, staring at her in shock. 'You knew Robin and Kid Flash would be successful in taking our weapons, even though we tried to hide them in our person.'
'Of course I knew. Robin is quite sneaky when he wants to, though predictable in his movements. Kid Flash's mutation for speed makes it impossible to deter him.' Amberley replied with the usual nonchalance and smile. Though I would like to think she was not looking forward to our incapacitation. 'Apart from these circumstances, how else was I to secure our future safety?'
'I figured as such.' I said, somewhat successfully hiding my discomfort if El Bane's smug grin were to be trusted. 'We discredit the git's leadership by becoming martyrs to his inability to lead.'
'You attempted to teach him how to be a leader. We can cite his attitude problem and arrogance as reasons, and disqualify him in a leadership role. In addition, due to Kid Flash's timely intervention, we can argue that he agreed with Robin's sentiments.' She pressed onward, a familiar smile returning to her face. 'He allowed his emotions to overcome common sense, which led to the needless injury of three members of the team, thereby endangering the mission.'
'I suppose we could argue his arrogance deviated us from the mission as well.' I reminded. "After all, this was a reconnaissance mission and I insisted calling for reinforcements.'
'Indeed you did.' Amberley agreed, polite as ever. "Which will make for a compelling argument, but that is to be discussed in private.'
'Nonetheless, El Bane would be free, we would be worse off physically, and it'll all be the git's fault.' I summed up, trying to prepare myself mentally for the worse.
'Of course Ciaphas.' She admitted, though not without some hint of regret. 'While I would have preferred a different method, this is no less effective*126. A new leader would be secured; Robin would be humiliated; and we would be better off.' Amberley turned to the brute. 'Do make it quick, if you'd kindly.' And the last thing I remembered was El Bane's fist ramming my face.
I'm not too proud to admit that when I finally came to, I felt a tinge of discomfort lying on the ferrocrete*127. The abhuman was hovering over me, checking over my vitals. Granted, I'm not some Emperor-botherer that would be offended the moment I realized this, but I do have some standards to keep as Commissar. At the time though, I wondered why I would bite the hand that feeds, especially since he took time to make sure I'm alright? I was thankful that he took the time to help me when I was down.
'Report?' I asked, once I gathered my faculties together.
'Good to see you up my friend.' Kaldur said, akin to how neighbours would speak to each other. 'How are you feeling?'
'I'm fine, but never mind that. How are Amberley and Jurgen?' I asked, trying to find Jurgen and Amberley. If the worst had come to pass, then I would shoot myself to save the trouble of going insane. 'Are they okay?'
'They are fine.' Kaldur said, grabbing my hand to help me up. 'Starfire and Superboy are with them.' He continued, trying to assuage my obvious concern about Starfire. 'They haven't suffered any permanent damage. Surprisingly, Starfire is quite an adept medic.'
'I see." I said, taking a glance at Starfire directing Connor and Megan to gather water, change bandages, and what not. Upon a glance, I was rather surprised I got out relatively unscathed. I will admit that for once, I had hoped it would be me rather than Amberley or Jurgen. They deserved a vacation more than I do*128.
'Unfortunately, I'm sad to say that Bane got away.' The abhuman said, sounding somewhat bitter. 'He had used Jurgen's, Amberley's, and your body as hostages.'
'What did Robin do?' I wondered, admittedly curious what kind of fiasco ensued.
'He let him go.' Kaldur answered, elaborating before I could say a word. 'Bane had you in a chokehold. If we had made a move, he would have snapped your neck, and probably kill the others before we could take him down.'
'I suppose I will have to take your word for it.' I said, playing up the commissarial side of me. 'I had always been taught that there are many solutions to a problem.' And sometimes it's better to let something go and move on, but I didn't have to tell Kaldur that.
'Let El Bane escape.' I suggested. 'He's not worth the effort to hunt down.'
'I agree, the team is in no condition for pursuit, especially after today.' He said, rather defeatedly. 'And I shall listen to your advice, since I have been voted as the leader of this team for the time being.'
'Congratulations.' I said, happy that sense finally prevailed. 'What of Robin and Kid Flash?'
'They are on board with the others.' Kaldur said plainly, looking at Robin. He seemed to be reticent. 'He's taking your's and the other's injuries personally.'
'I'm surprised.' I dryly regarded, hands behind my back. 'Nonetheless, back to our situation, when did we get back outside?'
'I carried you out.' The abhuman said, turning his attention to the burning factory. 'To summarize today, the initial infiltration was a disaster, and we were forced to improvise. When we found you, Amberley, and Jurgen, it didn't look good and we were forced to give up pursuit of Bane so that we can treat your injuries. We then launched an assault on the facility itself and destroyed it.'
'I see.' I replied, waving him off. 'And what of prisoners?'
'We have captured numerous Kobra cultists.' He said, as if he was going to deliver me bad news next. Expectedly, he did. 'But all of Bane's men escaped into the jungle.'
'Better than nothing, I suppose.' I admitted, now seeing Amberley and Jurgen getting helped up. 'I'm sure Amberley would be thankful to you.'
'What do you mean?' The abhuman said, almost demanding that I lecture him.
'She was looking forward to interrogating some of the prisoners.' I began nonchalantly, putting up the airs I usually threw up teaching the Schola Progenium in Perlia. 'As such, the fact that we have something to interrogate is promising. Even better since it's from an enemy cult under her suspicion.'' If I know the Inquisition, the crazy bastards would be chomping at the bit for the opportunity to interrogate a heretic*129.
'Now then, I am famished.' I added, looking at the dawn*130 sky absentmindedly. 'What's for breakfast?'
≡][≡
Editorial Note:
It comes as no surprise that the After Action Report was a complete mess. Batman had thoroughly chastised the team (and rightfully so) for deviating from a simple reconnaissance mission. He even created a written evaluation detailing our many mistakes. Well, not so much for Cain, Jurgen, and myself, obviously. Though he did leave us with a stern warning to never execute our prisoners, even going as far as to take away our weapons again. This punishment was off set by implementing a hand-to-hand training regiment. Sufficed to say, we never cared much for it. After about a week, Black Canary let us go and we got our weapons back.
Transcript of event extracted from Justice League Watchtower security footage, 06/22/2010.M3.
Batman: And that concludes the mess that was a simple recon mission. Any questions?
Captain Marvel: One question. Isn't it good that the team took down the factory?
Batman: On a simple recon mission? The whole point of this exercise was to see if the Team can actually do their objectives!
Flash: Didn't you say that no plan survives first contact with the enemy?
Batman: Not the point, Flash. As you all know, the Team had plenty of opportunities to call for Justice League help. They didn't and decided to go in deeper than what would be called a simple recon mission.
Wonder Woman: Don't you mean, your protege willfully ignored the Commissar's and Kid Flash's advice because he got overly ambitious?
Black Canary: And the fact that his arrogance almost gotten Cain, Jurgen, and Vail killed in the process?
Hawkgirl: As well as fail as a leader in every and any way possible?
Batman: Do not get me started. I will be having a very thorough conversation with him after this meeting.
Superman: Don't do anything you'll regret later.
[Batman appears to be giving Superman a 'death glare' though I honestly couldn't tell]
Batman: What of Kid Flash?
Flash: Oh, I told his parents what he did, as well as ban him from doing hero work for two months.
[Flash also gets a death glare from Batman as well]
Flash: Hey, I'm not going to beat him! I mean, his actions are reprehensible for sure, that to go that far?
Batman: Who said anything about beatings?
Superman: No Bruce. You are not going to throw Robin into a torture chamber.
Batman: Clark, what the fffuuu-
Black Canary: Language, but I think we drifted off topic. Despite the deviation from the mission, the utter disaster in team management, and the potential loss of life…What do we think?
Green Lantern II: I think it was premature to send them off on a mission, especially without a chain-of-command. Actually, come to think of it, why didn't you organize one?
Batman: If I did it, I would be taking headache medication from now until next month. I am NOT dealing with Robin whining at me 24/7.
Green Lantern II: Okay, fair enough, but still-
Batman: If I did it, Robin would ignore the chain of command, do his own thing, and probably get killed in the process. I am NOT having that on my conscious.
Black Canary: So you agreed with my assessment that Robin would be a poor choice!
Batman: Of course I did. At the very least, in his current position, he will learn.
Wonder Woman: And his arrogance?
Batman: Tempered with time as well. If it isn't gone by then, I will make it gone.
Superman: Bruce, maybe we should have a talk? You're scaring me.
Batman: …I hate all of you.
[Superman taking Batman into a private room, the noise of his ranting echoing until silence]
Black Canary: Anyways, while Batman laments, about my question? Do you think the team should continue on? Does it have the potential to last in the long term? Raise your hands if you agree.
[All hands were raised]
Black Canary: Then it's settled. The Team will continue on, and will become another extension of the Justice League in carrying out its duty. What of the responsibilities of Commissar Ciaphas Cain, Gunner Ferik Jurgen, and Inquisitor Amberley Vail? Should they stay with the team? In what capacity should they stay with them?
Captain Marvel: I think it would be better if we let them do their own thing. They don't really mesh well with the Team y'know. I mean, a lot of bad mojo between them and they got their own thing going in Winter Flats.
Green Lantern I: But they also have the experience and talent to teach the Team as well. Besides, this way would allow us to keep an eye on them without having to jump between two groups.
Green Lantern II: I think it's better if we keep them as advisors. Technically, they don't need the Team, and they have their own responsibilities. Besides, their reports already show how much they feel uneasy about the Team.
Green Arrow: I second that!
Black Canary: All in favour of keeping the three as advisors then?
[All hands were raised]
Black Canary: It is unanimous. The Commissar, Gunner, and Inquisitor will remain on the team in an advisory capacity. Otherwise, they will handle their responsibilities in Winter Flats as they see fit.
—FOOTNOTES—
111. Cain, ye of little faith. I had him right in my fingertips.
112. EXCUSE ME?!
113. THAT DAMNABLE XENOS WILL SUFFER AND BE PURGED WITH EXTREME PREJUDICE!
114. hkfbakfbckabcuabubcouabwhbiabwfboa Cain, you bloody-! No, calm down Amberley. You're better than this. You are especially better than some orange skinned, skimpily dressed bimbo! Though Cain really should have thrown her off and declared himself off limits!
115. Native Martians, as I had learnt, are capable of flight in addition to telepathy.
116. Which is why you aren't an inquisitor, Cain.
117. Cain isn't exactly wrong. Why, just tell that to the Radicals of the Inquisition, more particularly those of the Ordo Malleus.
118. And don't you forget it!
119. I will end you.
120. Like when you drew your firearm on Kid Flash? Or the numerous times you stated you wanted to kill them on principle alone? Granted, I had been tempted to do much the same. Jurgen is quite valuable and his health has always been my utmost concern. The only reason why I didn't perform the act myself is simple really. I'm an adult. Kid Flash and Robin are, in essence, children. Even I have standards.
121. Oh yes, I believe you said something along the lines of 'Listen here you little shits. I am up to my ears with you lot, but I had enough. You hand us back our weapons immediately before I decide to beat you around the head with them.' I suppose Cain was rather exhausted since it was cutting into his bedtime.
122. An understatement. Honestly, that was hardly even close to 'unflattering.' It's more akin to mild frustration than anything really.
123. I would have to agree with Cain's assessment. From where I was, Aqualad seemed the most exasperated with Robin and Kid Flash.
124. Cain has taken a liking to Darkly roasted coffee without cream nor sugar. I blame the Valhallan regiments he was assigned to for his tastes. Nonetheless, it never stopped him from purchasing my Cappuccinos.
125. That should go without saying. Bane wanted his factory back. Not that I care much for it.
126. I always try to avoid this method of infiltration whenever possible for the obvious risks involved to carry it out. However, whenever the enemy (xenos or otherwise) believes to have captured you, they always seem to lower their guards quite a significant sum.
127. It's called a runway, which is a mixture of asphalt and concrete. This is considerably weaker than ferrocrete.
128. I will be sure to keep that in mind the next time I feel the need to rest.
129. We at the Inquisition resent such a slanderous statement! We are not bastards!
130. Dawn? I distinctly recall it was 4:30 am. It was still bloody night!
