Chapter 9

Dick stood before the Justice Council in the Hall of Justice, the council was comprised of the five living members of the original Justice League. The room similar to a courtroom but with five golden thrones and one black throne where the Judges bench and witness stand would be. The left-center throne held Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman, the throne to the right of hers held only a red cape with a golden S on it. To her left was Barry Alan aka The Flash his iconic red and yellow costume replaced with his red and gold official Justice League suit. On the throne beside the empty throne sat John Stewart aka The Green Lantern, he wore his white and glowing metallic green Justice League suit in place of his normal black and forest green costume. In the right corner sat Batman aka Bruce Wayne, his throne black instead of the gold of his companion's, his suit a black metal suit with shining gold at his eyes, the emblem on his chest, and with parts of his iconic belt. On the final throne sat Dinah Lance aka Black Canary, she wore her cropped black leather jacket and fishnet stockings with short black jean shorts and cropped Dark blue tee shirt, her golden blonde hair shining under the light, the only gold added to her outfit was the golden chocker around her neck, small traces on her fingerless biker gloves, and the golden laces of her bulky black boots. Dinah was the youngest of the group having been only 14 when she originally joined five years prior.
"We cannot approve funding for a new branch of the League at this point in time," Diana said, she was irritated and seemingly offended at the suggestion that the Justice League needed a group of teenagers' help.
"I ask that the Council reconsider the benefit my team could bring to Metropolis in light of the death of Superman" Dick and Barbara had come up with the idea for this team three weeks earlier while trying to figure out what to do with the growing number of young superhuman individuals under their care. The first of which was 14-year-old Alice who they couldn't dream of letting out of their care for fear of what might happen either to her or what she might do to others, the second was Garfield also 14, who had recently lost both of his parents, his abilities and willingness to help others made him perfect for such a team. the final member of the team would be 16-year old Koriand'r, soon after waking up she had explained that she was a princess on her planet and that her sister had become a traitor to her people killing both of their parents and taking her captive, she had only managed to escape due to a small group of rebels who were no doubt captured or killed for freeing her. Dick and Barbara being only 18 knew that raising children by themselves was out of the question, but came up with the idea of forming a small team of young superheroes to protect Metropolis in place of Superman.
"The notion is foolish, the Justice League does not need the help of children in defending our cities" She said, when Dick remained where he was she continued "The issue is closed you may either take your seat or leave!" Dick was guided back to his seat by two guards, as Kara was led forward by two others.
"Kora Zor-El, Please state your business with the Justice Council?" Diana requested loudly,
"I am here to request the body of Kal-El, as his only known living relative I believe it is my right and duty to give him a proper Kryptonian burial" Kara was staring at the golden emblem on the fabric sitting where her last living relative once sat.
"Unfortunately this council cannot grant this request, Diana said,
"Why not?" Kara's voice raised slightly with the question, as her fists clenched she floated off the ground without even noticing.
"Two reason's" Diana announced "The first of which is leaving his body in the hands of someone else could be a risk to the lives of the people of Earth. Secondly, we have already disposed of his body."

Dick tossed his bag holding his suit to the floor as he entered the hotel room,
"That was a waste of time" He declared flopping back onto the bed, he rubbed his palms against his eyes "I'm so tired"
He heard Barbara drop her bag on the floor, he felt her weight on the bed near his legs on the bed,
"You think you maybe have a little energy left for me?" Barbara asked. Dick opened his eyes, Barbara had discarded her jeans on the floor beside the bed, he smiled at her as she began removing his.

Later that night.

There was a knock on the door to their room near 1 Am the next morning

"Dick, Dick you gotta get the door," Barbara said groggily,

"Why me?" Dick asked with a half-awake laugh,

"I'm not decent, and it's your fucking room" Babara pulled the sheet tightly around herself before seemingly returning to sleep.

Dick sat up and threw a pair of sweatpants on before walking to the door. He pulled the door open, Bruce Wayne stood now wearing a black suit.

"Richard, we need to talk," Bruce said,
"About what?" Dick asked

"Your team" Bruce answered "I want to fund it" He continued

"And why would you want to do that? I know how you feel about metahumans" Dick looked skeptical

"I don't like metahumans, your right about that but unlike others, I can understand the necessity for such a group" Bruce explained "Clark's death has created a hole in the Justice Leagues security, we need other heroes to help, if metahumans are the answer then we'll have to accept that"
"And if your funding them you can keep an eye on them, right" Dick knew Bruce was paranoid and assumed he would want to keep things under his control.
"Of course" Bruce answered, he gave Dick a second to think.
"Will you accept the funding or not?" Dick knew Bruce would want an answer immediately.
"Yes Bruce, thank you" Dick swallowed his anger and pride.
"Good" Bruce pulled out a large wad of money "Take this get the kids some clothes and other things, I'll be in touch in the next couple days I'll be in contact with more details" Dick accepted the money before turning away from Bruce to head back into the room.
"Give Barbara my regards" Bruce said as the door closed.