Post by johnreiter902 on Apr 24, 2023 0:07:17 GMT
This is an afterward to the story in Justice League of America #61. It isn't really a complete story on it's own, mostly just talking
It exists to explain why the Earth-1 Batman did not create secret contingency plans to use against the JLA. On Earth-0, Batman began developing his contingency plans after the Injustice League stole the JLA's bodies. A similar event happened in Justice League of America #61, but in this world, Batman's personality is different. He is much more open, and more trusting of his friends.
* * *
“Alright everyone,” Superman called the meeting to order. “I’ve received a final update from the police. Dr. Destiny and his gang are now safely confirmed in prison. It was close there for a little bit, but I guess I speak for everyone when I say, it’s great to be back.”
It had been a terrifying and disorienting experience, which had left them feeling very exposed. Fortunately, the Atom was able to reverse the affect, and J’onn’s telepathy confirmed that as a side-effect of the Materioptikon, none of the villains remembered the experience except as a dream.
“Flash, the repairs to the headquarters look great. You can’t even tell there was a fight here.” Superman paused. “Does anyone else have any more business, because if not. . . “
“Actually, Superman, I’d like to make a proposal to the team, if I may.” Batman spoke up.
Clark immediately gestured to his old friend. “Of course Batman, the floor is yours.”
Bruce leaned forward, and began to speak very seriously and carefully. “I don’t think I need to remind anyone here how close the world came to utter disaster in the last 48 hours. We are some of the mightiest men and women on the face of the Earth, and if those criminals had had the time to master our powers, they could have devastated civilization.”
“We’d all like to think, and hope, that this is a one-time thing, but by now experience should say otherwise. Two years ago we fought the Crime Syndicate of America, an alternate version of our own team dedicated to evil. Yes, we beat them, but as the Atom has told us since then the multiverse is infinite, and we can expect to encounter other, similar groups in the future, some friendly, like our allies in the JSA, but many not.”
The Atom nodded. “Quite correct Batman.”
Bruce continued. “Ivo’s Amazo android, now resting in our trophy room, was able to copy all our powers. And Dr. Destiny himself created a ‘Dream Justice League’ just two years ago, which nearly defeated us and conquered the Earth.”
“And most of us have had similar experiences, either of fighting people with powers and abilities that copy our own, or having our mind and bodies subverted for evil purposes. I, for example, have foes like Killer Moth and Catman who style themselves as Anti-Batmen.”
“So, what I propose is this. Nobody knows how to beat us better than we do ourselves. Each member of the JLA should come up with a plan or series of plans to defeat an enemy with powers and abilities identical to yourself. All members will study these plans, so we can be ready for similar incidents in the future.”
“I agree fully with Batman’s proposal,” Superman said. “I can’t count how many times I’ve been under the influence of red kryptonite, or some kind of mind-control, and between the Phantom Zone criminals and the Bizarros of Bizarro World, It’s becoming quite common for me to fight people with powers like my own for all that I’m supposedly ‘the last son of Krypton.’ In fact,” he continued. “I’ve actually already created several such contingency plans, some for the Kandorian Emergency Squad, some for Batman, and some for Jimmy Olsen, Perry White, and Lois Lane. I would be glad to share them with the Justice League as well.”
Green Lantern spoke up. “I agree this seems like a good idea. My arch-enemy, Sinestro, was a Green lantern before he went bad, and I’ve fought other foes like Star Sapphire and the Black Hand with powers like my own as well. However,” he frowned, “Superman mentioned mind-control, and that raises a concern for me. I’ve fought a villain called Hector Hammond, a telepath so powerful he could read and control my mind. He even learned my true identity. What if a supervillain like that read our minds and learned about the contingency plans? I wouldn’t want to see them turned against my teammates.”
“I have a solution for that Green Lantern,” said the Martian Manhunter. “I can use my telepathic powers to bury the knowledge deep within our subconscious minds. We will only remember the plans when they are needed. And if another telepath tries to access the plans, the information will be erased completely. And if it needs to be said,” he continued, “I also support this plan of Batman’s. I’ve fought rogue Martians, even here on Earth, too many times to question the necessity of preparedness.”
Wonder Woman looked troubled. “Personally, I think Batman’s concerns may be extreme. I can’t imagine any of my Amazon sisters betraying our oaths to Aphrodite. What do you think Flash?”
Barry shook his head. “Afraid I’ll have to disagree with you Wonder Woman. Four years ago I would have said that the accident that gave me my powers was too random to ever happen twice. . . and then, in defiance of probability and logic, it happened exactly the same way, on the same spot, to Kid Flash. Now, I don’t dismiss any possibility. Just two years ago I fought the Reverse-Flash, who uses powers identical to mine for evil.”
The Atom laughed. “You won’t here any objections from me. I’m not arrogant enough to think I’m the only scientist who could invent a shrinking device, even if I haven’t met another one. In fact, Superman, didn’t you tell me that Luthor created his own size-changing belt a year before I did?”
“That’s right,” said Superman. “I think we should hear everyone’s opinions. Green Arrow, you’ve been quieter than usual. What do you think?”
Oliver shrugged and look thoughtfully at the table. “Hey, at the end of the day, I’m just a really good archer. I won’t be surprised if there were crooks as good as me.” He didn’t feel like talking about the Crimson Archer, who he had fought four years ago, and who was his own pupil, Herb Vraney.
Hawkman said, “I share some of Wonder Woman’s skepticism. I can’t imagine a member of the Hawk Police going bad. But last year I fought a winged villain called the Shrike, and this year another called the Falcon. Neither were in my class, but I suppose it shows my powers aren’t as unique as I though. Plus, this whole incident with IQ stealing my body does have me a little shaken.
Aquaman put his two cents in. “For my part, I don’t doubt the possibility. I’ve never met a villain with my exact powers, though Aquabeast and the Flying Fish come close. However, my powers come from a chance marriage between an Atlantean and a human, and if half the mermaid tales I heard growing up are true, I doubt I’m the only one.
“All right then, if everyone has had their say, I’m prepared to call for a vote. All in favor of adopting Batman’s plan signify by raising their hand.” Superman immediately raised his own hand, and was joined by nearly all the others. Hawkman hesitated a bit, but dully raised his own hand as well.
Wonder Woman sighed. “Very well, I accept the opinion of the majority; as long as J’onn gives his assurance that there is no way anyone will be able to get the information against our will.”
“Then it’s settled,” said Batman. “We can share our plans at the next monthly meeting
