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Mettle, Metal, Meddled - Chapter 24 - Meeting - Justice League Interlude
🕑 Added 2022-07-06 15:08:07 +0000 UTC“Bialya continues to build up its military, shifting troops and tanks along their shared border. This is nothing new, but the effect it has on the Quroc citizens cannot be understated,” J’onn Jonzz, explained as he stood in front of the Justice League. “President Rumaan Harjavti has continually asked for aid from the UN, as well as support in the event that tensions boil over, which his government believes is inevitable.”
“And what about Queen Bee?” Superman askes, looking up from the holoscreen in front of him, which displayed information about the two countries.
“Queen Bee continues to skirt the line. She rules Bialya with a violent iron fist, but due to her abilities her generals and higher ups adore her. The likelihood of her being deposed and replaced without starting a complete rebellion is unlikely.”
“How potent is her ability?” Green Lantern, Hal Jordan, asked.
“She is capable of enthralling any human who is physically attracted to women through her pheromones. It however requires her to be in close proximity as well as consistent renewal. Not hard to do with bi weekly inspections of her troops and leaders.” J’onn explained, pulling up the relevant information on the large screen. “It would likely not work on Martians in the slightest, but unless you know you are immune then it is not worth the risk.”
“Agreed. For now we cannot interfere in this scenario. Bialya did not sign the Justice League charter and any sign of our interference could send the situation spiraling out of control.” Batman explained.
“Indeed. My recommendation is that we continue to monitor the situation and prepare an emergency plan,” J’onn said with a nod. “I would suggest either myself or one of the Green Lanterns as they can maintain a constant barrier around themselves.”
“The ring should automatically protect us from pheromones like that.” Hal added in. “As long as it's charged past fifteen percent we are sealed inside of a reinforcing projection with no conscious effort. It’s what protects us from the vacuum of space.”
“Very well. We will continue to monitor the situation and update the League as events unfold,” J’onn said, scanning the room. “My personal recommendation is that we petition the UN, with President Harjavti’s support, to allow us to intercede to remove Queen Bee and assist in the fallout. The level of success we would see with such a petition is unknown however.”
Done giving his information the green Martian tapped a few buttons on his holoprojector, the rest going blank as he did. After about thirty seconds Batman tapped his projector, and information on the New Titans popped up on the main screen as well as everyone's personal screens.
“As everyone should know the covert team, who now wish to be called the New Titans, presented a new proposal six days ago. The recording of the presentation was sent to each of you. Beyond this presentation there are other topics that need to be discussed involving the team, as well as specific members.”
Batman paused for a moment, looking over the other League members. Black Canary was looking down at her hands, obviously upset.
“While everyone should have watched the recording already, I will condense its general idea. Their hope is through specific training that they can become a different style of hero team, one based on team, tactical and strategic methods rather than brute force. Essentially, a combination of hero and special forces training that they believe would be effective. They also hope to eventually separate from the League and create a much larger, broader group, one containing multiple teams.”
As he explained, a recording of the presentation played on the main screen, muted so that people could watch without interrupting him.
“It was pretty well put together,” Green Lantern, John Stewart, volunteered. “Both Aqualad and Skarn are well spoken and they clearly did their research. I half expected them to have not thought of their recruitment process past “we want more members,” but they actually had a decent thought process.”
“But why the sudden shift?” Captain Adam asked, leaning forward in his chair. “Last we were told they were happy enough that they were on a team with more independence. What changed?”
“A few different factors,” Batman explained, tapping his screen, the main screen shifting to bring up a picture of the three least experienced members of the New Titans. “We put together the team as an attempt to satisfy our charges, as well as help Superboy, Miss Martian and Skarn get more experience. But beyond that we left it open.”
“We dropped the ball,” Dinah added, getting a wince from some, and agreeing nods from others.
“We did,” Batman agreed. “We assumed that our charges would work together in a team, be satisfied with the new level of independence, gain valuable experience and hopefully work with the new heroes.”
“And Skarn took one look at it, laughed, and immediately pointed out what was wrong with it,” The Flash said, shaking his head, lounging back in his chair.
“...While that may be a bit simplified, it is in essence correct,” Batman said, bringing up Skarns full file and sending it to everyone’s personal screens. “Skarn has a unique perspective, one that led him to believe that just forming a casual group was a waste of something that could be much more. He convinced the other members of the group of this, which is when they began coming up with a new plan, the plan they presented to us.”
“Should we be worried about his influence on the team?” Hawkman asked, reading through the file.
“No.” J’onn said with complete confidence. “Due to the tragic circumstances of his arrival to this dimension, Skarn was worried that his mind had suffered negatively. In order to find out the truth he gave me permission to do a deep mental scan. While I did not dive into his personal secrets I can say without a doubt in my mind that the team has nothing to fear from him. He is stable and genuinely wants to help despite this not being his home reality. I would be no more concerned about him influencing the team than I would be about Superman influencing the League.”
Many of the members looked surprised at Martian Manhunter's defense of the young hero, as well as his comparison to Superman. The Martian was known for his mental abilities and his honesty. His words held weight.
“Regardless, our first discussion should be focused on if we support this new plan, and if we do then what kind of support we want to give,” Batman said, pulling the conversation back on topic. “I believe that the concept is sound. Provided the right teachers and experience there is no reason that the New Titans couldn’t become a force for good equal to the Justice League, given time.”
“I think it's worth a shot as well,” Green Lantern Stewart added. “They clearly know what they want and are determined to work for it.”
“The free admission that this process will take years to perfect was enough to convince me that they were serious.” Aquaman said. “As long as they continue to take it seriously I see no reason why we shouldn’t as well.”
“I still reject the idea of putting young children in harm's way. I understand the points that Skarn and his teammates are making, but I still do not agree,” Wonder Woman said, a stern look of disapproval on her face. “I have been vocal about this thought on several occasions. That being said, the training aspect is not something I could really ever disagree with. Amazonian’s are trained to fight in coherent groups, their strength merged into something stronger than any one woman. I have sparred with several of these groups and cannot deny the strength that comes with fighting alongside your sisters, or brothers as it were.”
Several heroes voiced their opinions on the idea, most of them at least vaguely positive. After a few minutes Green Arrow spoke up.
“Was Speedy on that list of recruits Batman?” He asked.
“He was not. However, the list was put together separate from most of the group, during the free time of Skarn and Miss Martian. When I questioned Robin about it he confirmed the offer would be extended. Apparently, Skarn and Miss Martian assumed he wouldn't be interested since he wasn't already part of the group.”
Green Arrow nodded glumly, leaning back in his chair. Black Canary rubbed his arm for a moment, though she herself looked glum. As that was going on, Batman looked around the room, waiting for any further questions. When none were brought up he nodded.
“Then let's put it to a vote.”
The personal screens in front of every Justice League member shifted in color, changing to a simple interface, a yes or no box.
“Those in favor of fully supporting this plan for the New Titans?”
Together the hero’s tapped the screens in front of them, entering in their responses. After a few moments the screens, along with several other lights pulsed green in confirmation. Batman simply nodded.
“Very well. I will begin discussing the other potential recruits with Skarn, who was voted as Base Leader shortly after the presentation. We will also discuss potential teachers and trainers for the team. Moving on, we-”
“I would like to tender my resignation from the League.” Black Canary said, standing from her seat and cutting Batman off .
“Dinah, what-” Green Arrow started, only to get cut off.
“Black Canary, while I appreciate your desire to atone, the burden of failure when it comes to Superboy, Kyle, belongs to the entire League,” Batman assured her. “We dropped the ball, and a child suffered because of it. Frankly, I find it horrific that it took so long for us to get him a basic medical check up, but the fact that none of us checked to see if he had a name...The only positive that has come from this is that the young man seems to have found a family that is happy to show him the care he deserves.”
Batman stopped as the rest of the League listened in various states of guilt and shame. The dark hero took a moment to collect himself before starting again.
“We need to make sure nothing like this ever happens again. I have a proposal, but that can wait until later.”
“Was anything discovered in his medical check up?” Hawkwoman asked.
“Yes.” Batman said simply, tapping on his personal screen to bring up a list of medical records, putting them on the main holoscreen. “Superboy, at the encouragement of Skarn and the rest of the team, agreed to share the results. Kyle is only fifty percent Kryptonian, the other fifty percent is human. This expla-
“What? How? B-”
Superman started talking, standing up in shock as he asked his questions, before getting an rather intimidating look from Batman. When he stopped talking and sat back down, Batman continued.
“This explains why he lacks several abilities that we believe he should have, as well as why using his super speed causes him severe physical pain. His body isn't fully Kyrptonian and can’t handle the strain.”
“Do we know why he is only half Kryptonian?” Wonder Woman asked.
“No. We attempted to gain access to Cadmus records but found everything pertaining to Superboy to be erased.”
“So… what do we do now?” The Flash asked.
“Now, we stop playing softball.” Green Arrow said, getting a nod from Batman who immediately looked at Superman.
“Superman, we have held off on forcing the issue because we had hoped you would come around on your own. I now understand that that was a grievous error. At this point I do not care if he makes you particularly uncomfortable, your comfort is no longer my concern. He needs help and you, the only known source of technology capable of rendering comprehensive medical aid to a Kyrptonian, can provide it.”
“I would like to add that if you refuse to render assistance I will either bring up the vote for your immediate dismissal or tender my own resignation from the Justice League.” Aquaman said, meeting and holding the Kyrptonians' shocked gaze. “I will not be on a team with someone who withholds medical aid from a child in need.”
Several other members voiced similar thoughts, though it was clear that they were uncomfortable calling out Superman.
“Superman, the situation is far from ideal, no one is denying that,” Wonder Woman said, doing her best to be empathetic. “We are no longer hoping that you will take on a parental or guardian role in his life, as that particular role has already been filled. But the boy needs your help. Will you really ignore it?”
Superman, who was shocked at the verbal ambush some of his best friends had just laid at him, looked around at his fellow heroes. After a moment he let out a long sigh, rubbing his face with his hands.
“I have been selfish, haven't I?”
“Yes.” Batman replied with no hesitation. “But now is your chance to make up for it.”
“Alright. The Fortress of Solitude has plenty of equipment we can use.” He said after taking a moment to collect his thoughts. “Would… would he want me to be there?”
“We will have to ask him and his guardians,” Black Canary said. “But it might be a good idea to apologize beforehand, and then make the offer.”
“Alright, I’ll stop by the cave tomorrow.” He said, looking determined, if not a little anxious.
“Good. If that is settled then we will move on to how we keep this from ever happening again.” Batman said.
“What if we hired a civilian, someone to sit in on these meetings.” Captain Marvel suggested. “Us heroes focus only on the big picture, we lose sight of the small things.”
“That… seems like a security nightmare.” Hawkman said with a raised eyebrow.
“Maybe, but that is what background checks are for,” The red and gold hero said with a shrug and a smile.
“The basic idea has merit.” Batman said. “While hiring a civilian might be out of the question, assigning someone to play the designated devil's advocate to poke holes in our ideas and draw attention to what we missed might be a sufficient stop gap until we come up with a permanent solution.”
“I agree.” Wonder Woman said. “Though maybe assigning two people might be better, to guarantee complete coverage.”
“Very well. All those in favor of creating two positions of Devil's Advocate as a temporary solution?”
The League members tapped their screens again, the room pulsing green for a moment.
“Good. Next on the docket is the discussion of…”
The meeting continued on for a few more hours, the members of the League debating several different topics. Eventually the meeting ended, and the heroes went their separate ways. Batman was the last to leave the space station, taking a final look down at earth before stepping into the Zeta-Tube.
Comments
Wildebranch
Wasn't Superboy also part genomorph in YJ?
