Post by redsycorax on Jun 8, 2022 0:27:23 GMT
On many alternate Earths, the Wayne family took a wrong turn and entered Gotham's notorious Crime Alley on the way home from the theatre, although on other worlds they didn't. On some of those worlds where that did happen, there was no Joe Chill there to intercept them. In those where there were, Thomas Wayne tackled the potential robber and made short work of him. In still others, the thief killed Thomas, Martha and Bruce Wayne. In others, it was only Thomas, or only Martha, or only Thomas and Martha, or only Thomas and Bruce, or only Martha and Bruce, or only Bruce. On Earth-516, it was Thomas and Martha, and as on many other Earths, Bruce Wayne was haunted by his childhood tragedy and became Batman as an adult. But then, things turned out differently...
++
WASHINGTON, F.D:
Of course, that wasn't the only difference that existed on this particular Earth. France didn't relinquish Louisiana, the Republic of Texas stayed independent and Spain kept hold of Florida and the Southwest, resulting in a truncated United States without access to the potential wealth of those states. While there was a US Civil War, it lasted longer and although it still ended with the demise of the South, John Wilkes Booth was more successful when it came to killing Abraham Lincoln and his entire Cabinet, so the next few years were a period of turmoil. This United States never became a great power and as a consequence, Spain still controls much of South America and the Philippines, Japan controls China and Korea, Indonesia is still the Dutch East Indies, and the British Empire is still the greatest power on the planet.
Like many another alternate Earth, it has its own metahumans- but not those readers may be more familiar with. The members of the National Justice Initiative are (i) the Gladiator, Hugo Danvers, whose parental use of prenatal chemical stimulation rendered a superhuman, capable of considerable athleticism, enhanced sensory perception, strength and invulnerability (ii) the Wizard, latest in a long of superhuman invulnerable men and women who have served the United States since the days of the American Revolution; the latest scion of this illustrious dynasty is Hugh Whitney; (iii) John Aman, Amazing-Man, whose strength, invulnerability and invisibility abilities were conferred on him by the mystical Tibetan Council of Seven; (iv) Black Angel, secretly British aviator Sylvia Manners and (v) Helga, the mighty alien Battle Woman of matriarchal Balzar.
As the august quintet convened in their meeting room in the capital city of the United States, a specific matter was on their minds:
"I think we all know why we're here." Amazing Man said, chairing the meeting.
"I don't like what we're being asked to do. This Bat-Man in Gotham may be a vigilante, but he also preserves social order in that city. It's not as if he's a violent criminal."
Battle Woman shook her head: "He does not do so through observance of the law, though, Sylvia. That is our chief difficulty with this individual. Moreover, there is such a thing as due process and the rule of law."
"Yes, but he saves people's lives, Helga."
"Not those of the criminals that he executes." Amazing Man pointed out.
"John, I can see that there's a point of difference here. The rest of you have powers and abilities greater than those of mortal men and women. I don't."
"With respect, though, Sylvia, you do not find it necessary to kill those that you bring to justice. You show restraint and display that you have a moral compass and code against unnecessary taking of life."
"Look, I can get where the rest of you are coming from, though, Hugo. You are obviously concerned that if you don't limit the use of your abilities, except against clear and present dangers posed by supervillains to everyday life and liberty, you may end up abusing them or inadvertantly killing those who we are sworn to protect. I get that, I really do. It's different for me. I rely on my intelligence, fighting prowess and technology. I can also see where this Bat-Man arrives at his reasoning." Black Angel persisted.
"He kills, Sylvia. There's no getting past that."
"I'm also worried that this is a power play by President McCarthy for his own selfish political ends."
"Look, I'm as concerned about the current White House incumbent as you are, Sylvia. I wish General Eisenhower hadn't died from that heart attack out on the campaign trail and Joe McCarthy hadn't bullied the Republican Party to accept his candidacy after Nixon lost to Adlai Stevenson in '52. But the others are right. Bat-Man is a threat to the rule of law in Gotham. He has to be brought to justice."
"If that's the consensus of the rest of you, I'll go with it. However, I want to record my reservations against this course of action."
Battle Woman added: "But surely, Sylvia, there's the matter of that boy, too. What did the Bat-Man call him? Raven? Rebel?"
"Robin, I think. All right, he was accompanied by him until Carmino's ambush killed him, but there's no evidence he was an unwilling participant in the Bat-Man's activities."
"So we shouldn't take apprentices on, then, should we? And frankly, what about our code against killing? I agree, that is necessary when we face common domain petty criminals, with the paranormal abilities the rest of you have. However, John, matters are different when you face the likes of the Secret Question, that Tibetan renegade telepath, correct? Or, in your case, Hugo, against the insane scientist William Dunn, with all of his animus against you? He's already proven he'll stop at nothing to kill you."
Gladiator sighed: "William is a special case, Sylvia. While he is probably certifiably psychotic, that may be curable."
"Except that his religious fanaticism makes him regard your genetic enhancement as immoral and uncanny, my friend. At some point, you may have to."
"Sylvia, I appreciate that Baroness Blood, your own core opponent, is also in that category and that in specific circumstances, you may need to choose between ending her life and protecting those of innocent others. However, as you've said, the consensus of this meeting is clear. All those in favour of taking action against the Bat-Man?"
Amazing Man, Gladiator, the Wizard and Battle Woman all raised their hands. After a minute, albeit with visible reluctance, so did Black Angel: "I only hope this is the correct course of action."
GOTHAM:
"Master Bruce!"
"Not now, Alfred." Bruce Wayne had dressed in his bat suit and had finished checking his utility belt.
"Yes, now! I'm worried about you. You haven't been the same since Master Dick was killed by Boss Carmine's gangsters."
"That was my fault, Alfred. I thought he was ready. I was wrong and the boy paid for it because I pulled my punches. Well, not any more."
"Even given you're going up against the National Justice Initiative? With all their abilities?"
"I've studied them thoroughly. They all have some form of achilles heels."
"They are law enforcers. Most of them have paranormal abilities and you do not."
"I appreciate your candour and good counsel, old friend. However, I am Gotham's protector and if the so-called "Justice" Initiative stands in my way, then only one of us will walk away."
"Discretion can be the better part of valour, Master Bruce."
"I've never hid and I won't hide now, Alfred. One way or another, this ends tonight."
"These are officers of the law. They are not the gaudy, mottled criminals you usually find yourself pitted against."
"I know the risks, Alfred. I always have." And with that, Bat-Man stepped into his Bat-Mobile and the Bat-Cave was momentarily filled with the roar of its engines, before a pale and pensive Alfred Pennyworth stepped back, sighed and turned on his heel, heading for the Bat-Cave's medical section, preparing it should his master come back after tonight's events.
GOTHAM HILLS:
"Bat-Man!"
As the figures alighted, Bat-Man's scrutiny swept the ensemble of self-styled heroes:
"Welcome to Gotham City, ladies and gentlemen."
"We're here to take you in. We appreciate all that you've done against the underworld, but this vigilantism has to stop. Enough people have died."
Bat-Man shook his head: "You really don't get it, do you? I am not accountable to you. I am accountable to the people of Gotham. I protect them when corrupt civic officials and the understaffed and overworked Gotham City Police Department will not and can not."
Gladiator scowled: "Look, there have to be laws, rules of engagement and limits to our actions. You don't seem to appreciate that."
"And Bat-Man? Not all of us can't see where you're coming from. I've had to use potentially lethal force myself sometimes. But only within reason and when there was no other way."
"In a way I'm sorry you had to be here, Black Angel. You're a disciplined, resourceful and highly adaptable crime fighter. Whatever happens tonight, I want you to know I respect you for that quality."
"Thank you. Is there any way I can convince you to surrender without any combat enjoined?"
"No, I'm afraid not. Not unless one of you protects Gotham in my place."
"Enough talking!" The Wizard barrelled forward, but was thrown back by Bat-Man's sudden display of inhuman strength. Gladiator frowned, then flexed his own musculature and hammered away at the figure. Distressed, Black Angel cried: "No, Gladiator! Don't! You'll kill him!"
As Gladiator delivered one final punch, the artifice was revealed. Gladiator held the severed head aloft, as circuitry and broken transistor diodes sparked underneath it:
"A robot, Black Angel. He's too afraid-" Gladiator turned at a sound as he was knocked unconscious. Battle Woman set her head grimly as Amazing Man bore the prostrate form of their fallen colleague away. Bat-Man towered over them, clad in an exoskeleton:
"You will pay for that, Bat-Man."
"I'm sorry, Battle Woman. You seem to have emotional ties to Gladiator. If you leave now, I will not pursue this any further."
"If you surrender now, you will not be maltreated. I am the Ordained Champion of Balzar. You will not be abused or beaten if we take you into custody."
"And I appreciate your military sense of honour too, Battle Woman. However, my objection still stands. Which one of you would protect Gotham in my stead."
"Bat-Man, I appreciate that you are an honorable warrior and believe that you are fighting alone against civic corruption and criminality here. However, you are on an unsteady path. Despite your best intentions, you may find yourself in a situation where you compromise your current exceptional resort to lethal force. After that, there may be an inexorable spiral to commonplace use of such effort. Please. Lay down your weapons and end this now."
"You and Black Angel need not be part of this, Battle Woman. You and Black Angel seem open to negotiation and reason, more so than some of your headstrong male colleagues."
"I take no pleasure in what must follow, but I must refuse your offer of withdrawal. You have injured and incapacitated two of our colleagues."
"Believe it or not, Battle Woman, I deeply regret that necessary measure. I am sorry that it has to come to this." And with that, Battle Woman leapt upward at the exoskeleton and further combat ensued. But Battle Woman was one of the mighty daughters of the superterrestroid world of Balzar, and there could only be one outcome. Five minutes later, Bat-Man lay on the grass before her, his body bruised and with a broken leg. Black Angel and Amazing Man held back:
"Please. Do not get up, Bat-Man. You need medical attention."
"I am truly sorry, Battle Woman. However, I cannot let you win."
And with that, Bat-Man drew up what would be called a taser on other worlds and before Battle Woman could draw away, she was seized in tendrils of electrical energy. It wasn't lethal force, but as she pitched forward, Amazing Man joined the fray:
"You won't live to regret that, you-"
"Mr Aman. Please don't move."
"I'm no coward, you-"
"It's not that. My infra-red goggles have detected someone else here. And that person shares your invisibility talent."
Black Angel nodded: "He's telling the truth, Amazing Man. And there's more than one intruder. I spotted them a few minutes ago while the rest of you were occupied. Bat-Man, there is a greater threat evident here than you could pose. Baroness Blood is what some psychologists would call a 'psychopath', uninhibited and perverse in her lust for bloodshed and murder of those she considers inferior. At least you are capable of reason and decency. John, it's the Great Question. He's been guying us all alone, subtly distorting our rationality and response to this whole question. Forgive us, Bat-Man." Black Angel turned and ran for her Angel plane. High above, Baroness Blood's face twisted in sadistic glee as she centred her machine gun sights on her bitter enemy. This time, she would not escape. However, Baroness Blood was so intent on her quarry, she didn't bother to more closely examine her own instrument panel- until the Batplane was on top of her:
"Not today, missy!" Alfred Pennyworth had served in the British Civil War and knew how to pilot the craft, as well as its usual occupant.
"Damn you, Fledermaus!!!" Baroness Blood snarled as she only just avoided being strafed by the intruder's own machine gun. Below, that had given time to Black Angel, who had used it to enter her own aircraft and take to the skies. At the same time, she dropped a smoke bomb to equalise combat between the Great Question and Amazing Man:
"Nicely done." Bat-Man radioed.
"As for you, Q, you won't get a second chance."
"Pah! If it hadn't been for this interfering misfit, Aman, you would have fought each other to a standstill and the Baroness and I would have prevailed!"
"What's the matter, Q? Afraid of getting your hands dirty, or afraid that I have a combat advantage? Your abilities only work when people aren't aware of them. With advance warning, I can use the disciplines of the mind the Tibetan Council of Seven taught me. You're no match for me, and you know it!"
"Keep on believing that, Aman! I have become more proficient since last we met!"
High above, Alfred and Black Angel fought Baroness Blood. Despite her ruthlessness and iron expertise, the outnumbered Baroness Blood soon found her Messerschmitt was falling from the sky, its fuel aflame, her instrument panel shattered and her machine gun incapacitated. As she parachuted down, Alfred saluted Black Angel, who responded with a reciprocal gesture of appreciation and respect. As Baroness Blood alighted on the ground, she was waylaid by a recovered Battle Woman. The alien amazon knocked the pistol from her hand and then kayoed her with a swift upper cut to her jaw:
"The men of this world may underestimate the degree of depravity and cruelty that some women can fall to, but I will not! You will harm no one else today, monster!"
"Valda!" With that, Great Question's concentration was broken and Amazing Man managed to incapacitate his paramount foe.
As Gladiator and Wizard stirred, the NJI noticed that Bat-Man hadn't left:
"I think all of us owe you an apology, Bat-Man." Black Angel said, helping her groggy colleagues to their feet.
"We certainly do. We were obviously manipulated into this venture, Bat-Man and we hope that you won't hold this against us."
Bat-Man smiled: "Of course. After all, as I'm sure you'd now appreciate, we're on the same side."
Battle Woman cleared her throat: "Boys, we're perennially short of assistance. Bat-Man, I am sure I speak for all of us when I say that we would be proud were you to join our number. You need not relinquish your duties and responsibilities to this city if you do so. And you need not fight alone."
"Added to which, you know our secret identities, it seems." Amazing Man commented.
"I'm sure you'll keep our confidence. As we will yours... Mr Wayne." Black Angel said
As he doffed his cowl, Bat-Man shrugged: "All right, then. You need some tips on unassisted combat. That is, other than Battle Woman or Black Angel. What say all of us discuss this over coffee in the Bat-Cave, after we haul these two off to jail?" Then he winced. His painkillers were wearing off and his leg was starting to ache.
And with that, Bat-Man joined the august ranks of the National Justice Initiative, the World's Greatest Heroes, a Beacon of Hope in a darkening world.
THE END [4.46 PM, June 8, 2022]
++
WASHINGTON, F.D:
Of course, that wasn't the only difference that existed on this particular Earth. France didn't relinquish Louisiana, the Republic of Texas stayed independent and Spain kept hold of Florida and the Southwest, resulting in a truncated United States without access to the potential wealth of those states. While there was a US Civil War, it lasted longer and although it still ended with the demise of the South, John Wilkes Booth was more successful when it came to killing Abraham Lincoln and his entire Cabinet, so the next few years were a period of turmoil. This United States never became a great power and as a consequence, Spain still controls much of South America and the Philippines, Japan controls China and Korea, Indonesia is still the Dutch East Indies, and the British Empire is still the greatest power on the planet.
Like many another alternate Earth, it has its own metahumans- but not those readers may be more familiar with. The members of the National Justice Initiative are (i) the Gladiator, Hugo Danvers, whose parental use of prenatal chemical stimulation rendered a superhuman, capable of considerable athleticism, enhanced sensory perception, strength and invulnerability (ii) the Wizard, latest in a long of superhuman invulnerable men and women who have served the United States since the days of the American Revolution; the latest scion of this illustrious dynasty is Hugh Whitney; (iii) John Aman, Amazing-Man, whose strength, invulnerability and invisibility abilities were conferred on him by the mystical Tibetan Council of Seven; (iv) Black Angel, secretly British aviator Sylvia Manners and (v) Helga, the mighty alien Battle Woman of matriarchal Balzar.
As the august quintet convened in their meeting room in the capital city of the United States, a specific matter was on their minds:
"I think we all know why we're here." Amazing Man said, chairing the meeting.
"I don't like what we're being asked to do. This Bat-Man in Gotham may be a vigilante, but he also preserves social order in that city. It's not as if he's a violent criminal."
Battle Woman shook her head: "He does not do so through observance of the law, though, Sylvia. That is our chief difficulty with this individual. Moreover, there is such a thing as due process and the rule of law."
"Yes, but he saves people's lives, Helga."
"Not those of the criminals that he executes." Amazing Man pointed out.
"John, I can see that there's a point of difference here. The rest of you have powers and abilities greater than those of mortal men and women. I don't."
"With respect, though, Sylvia, you do not find it necessary to kill those that you bring to justice. You show restraint and display that you have a moral compass and code against unnecessary taking of life."
"Look, I can get where the rest of you are coming from, though, Hugo. You are obviously concerned that if you don't limit the use of your abilities, except against clear and present dangers posed by supervillains to everyday life and liberty, you may end up abusing them or inadvertantly killing those who we are sworn to protect. I get that, I really do. It's different for me. I rely on my intelligence, fighting prowess and technology. I can also see where this Bat-Man arrives at his reasoning." Black Angel persisted.
"He kills, Sylvia. There's no getting past that."
"I'm also worried that this is a power play by President McCarthy for his own selfish political ends."
"Look, I'm as concerned about the current White House incumbent as you are, Sylvia. I wish General Eisenhower hadn't died from that heart attack out on the campaign trail and Joe McCarthy hadn't bullied the Republican Party to accept his candidacy after Nixon lost to Adlai Stevenson in '52. But the others are right. Bat-Man is a threat to the rule of law in Gotham. He has to be brought to justice."
"If that's the consensus of the rest of you, I'll go with it. However, I want to record my reservations against this course of action."
Battle Woman added: "But surely, Sylvia, there's the matter of that boy, too. What did the Bat-Man call him? Raven? Rebel?"
"Robin, I think. All right, he was accompanied by him until Carmino's ambush killed him, but there's no evidence he was an unwilling participant in the Bat-Man's activities."
"So we shouldn't take apprentices on, then, should we? And frankly, what about our code against killing? I agree, that is necessary when we face common domain petty criminals, with the paranormal abilities the rest of you have. However, John, matters are different when you face the likes of the Secret Question, that Tibetan renegade telepath, correct? Or, in your case, Hugo, against the insane scientist William Dunn, with all of his animus against you? He's already proven he'll stop at nothing to kill you."
Gladiator sighed: "William is a special case, Sylvia. While he is probably certifiably psychotic, that may be curable."
"Except that his religious fanaticism makes him regard your genetic enhancement as immoral and uncanny, my friend. At some point, you may have to."
"Sylvia, I appreciate that Baroness Blood, your own core opponent, is also in that category and that in specific circumstances, you may need to choose between ending her life and protecting those of innocent others. However, as you've said, the consensus of this meeting is clear. All those in favour of taking action against the Bat-Man?"
Amazing Man, Gladiator, the Wizard and Battle Woman all raised their hands. After a minute, albeit with visible reluctance, so did Black Angel: "I only hope this is the correct course of action."
GOTHAM:
"Master Bruce!"
"Not now, Alfred." Bruce Wayne had dressed in his bat suit and had finished checking his utility belt.
"Yes, now! I'm worried about you. You haven't been the same since Master Dick was killed by Boss Carmine's gangsters."
"That was my fault, Alfred. I thought he was ready. I was wrong and the boy paid for it because I pulled my punches. Well, not any more."
"Even given you're going up against the National Justice Initiative? With all their abilities?"
"I've studied them thoroughly. They all have some form of achilles heels."
"They are law enforcers. Most of them have paranormal abilities and you do not."
"I appreciate your candour and good counsel, old friend. However, I am Gotham's protector and if the so-called "Justice" Initiative stands in my way, then only one of us will walk away."
"Discretion can be the better part of valour, Master Bruce."
"I've never hid and I won't hide now, Alfred. One way or another, this ends tonight."
"These are officers of the law. They are not the gaudy, mottled criminals you usually find yourself pitted against."
"I know the risks, Alfred. I always have." And with that, Bat-Man stepped into his Bat-Mobile and the Bat-Cave was momentarily filled with the roar of its engines, before a pale and pensive Alfred Pennyworth stepped back, sighed and turned on his heel, heading for the Bat-Cave's medical section, preparing it should his master come back after tonight's events.
GOTHAM HILLS:
"Bat-Man!"
As the figures alighted, Bat-Man's scrutiny swept the ensemble of self-styled heroes:
"Welcome to Gotham City, ladies and gentlemen."
"We're here to take you in. We appreciate all that you've done against the underworld, but this vigilantism has to stop. Enough people have died."
Bat-Man shook his head: "You really don't get it, do you? I am not accountable to you. I am accountable to the people of Gotham. I protect them when corrupt civic officials and the understaffed and overworked Gotham City Police Department will not and can not."
Gladiator scowled: "Look, there have to be laws, rules of engagement and limits to our actions. You don't seem to appreciate that."
"And Bat-Man? Not all of us can't see where you're coming from. I've had to use potentially lethal force myself sometimes. But only within reason and when there was no other way."
"In a way I'm sorry you had to be here, Black Angel. You're a disciplined, resourceful and highly adaptable crime fighter. Whatever happens tonight, I want you to know I respect you for that quality."
"Thank you. Is there any way I can convince you to surrender without any combat enjoined?"
"No, I'm afraid not. Not unless one of you protects Gotham in my place."
"Enough talking!" The Wizard barrelled forward, but was thrown back by Bat-Man's sudden display of inhuman strength. Gladiator frowned, then flexed his own musculature and hammered away at the figure. Distressed, Black Angel cried: "No, Gladiator! Don't! You'll kill him!"
As Gladiator delivered one final punch, the artifice was revealed. Gladiator held the severed head aloft, as circuitry and broken transistor diodes sparked underneath it:
"A robot, Black Angel. He's too afraid-" Gladiator turned at a sound as he was knocked unconscious. Battle Woman set her head grimly as Amazing Man bore the prostrate form of their fallen colleague away. Bat-Man towered over them, clad in an exoskeleton:
"You will pay for that, Bat-Man."
"I'm sorry, Battle Woman. You seem to have emotional ties to Gladiator. If you leave now, I will not pursue this any further."
"If you surrender now, you will not be maltreated. I am the Ordained Champion of Balzar. You will not be abused or beaten if we take you into custody."
"And I appreciate your military sense of honour too, Battle Woman. However, my objection still stands. Which one of you would protect Gotham in my stead."
"Bat-Man, I appreciate that you are an honorable warrior and believe that you are fighting alone against civic corruption and criminality here. However, you are on an unsteady path. Despite your best intentions, you may find yourself in a situation where you compromise your current exceptional resort to lethal force. After that, there may be an inexorable spiral to commonplace use of such effort. Please. Lay down your weapons and end this now."
"You and Black Angel need not be part of this, Battle Woman. You and Black Angel seem open to negotiation and reason, more so than some of your headstrong male colleagues."
"I take no pleasure in what must follow, but I must refuse your offer of withdrawal. You have injured and incapacitated two of our colleagues."
"Believe it or not, Battle Woman, I deeply regret that necessary measure. I am sorry that it has to come to this." And with that, Battle Woman leapt upward at the exoskeleton and further combat ensued. But Battle Woman was one of the mighty daughters of the superterrestroid world of Balzar, and there could only be one outcome. Five minutes later, Bat-Man lay on the grass before her, his body bruised and with a broken leg. Black Angel and Amazing Man held back:
"Please. Do not get up, Bat-Man. You need medical attention."
"I am truly sorry, Battle Woman. However, I cannot let you win."
And with that, Bat-Man drew up what would be called a taser on other worlds and before Battle Woman could draw away, she was seized in tendrils of electrical energy. It wasn't lethal force, but as she pitched forward, Amazing Man joined the fray:
"You won't live to regret that, you-"
"Mr Aman. Please don't move."
"I'm no coward, you-"
"It's not that. My infra-red goggles have detected someone else here. And that person shares your invisibility talent."
Black Angel nodded: "He's telling the truth, Amazing Man. And there's more than one intruder. I spotted them a few minutes ago while the rest of you were occupied. Bat-Man, there is a greater threat evident here than you could pose. Baroness Blood is what some psychologists would call a 'psychopath', uninhibited and perverse in her lust for bloodshed and murder of those she considers inferior. At least you are capable of reason and decency. John, it's the Great Question. He's been guying us all alone, subtly distorting our rationality and response to this whole question. Forgive us, Bat-Man." Black Angel turned and ran for her Angel plane. High above, Baroness Blood's face twisted in sadistic glee as she centred her machine gun sights on her bitter enemy. This time, she would not escape. However, Baroness Blood was so intent on her quarry, she didn't bother to more closely examine her own instrument panel- until the Batplane was on top of her:
"Not today, missy!" Alfred Pennyworth had served in the British Civil War and knew how to pilot the craft, as well as its usual occupant.
"Damn you, Fledermaus!!!" Baroness Blood snarled as she only just avoided being strafed by the intruder's own machine gun. Below, that had given time to Black Angel, who had used it to enter her own aircraft and take to the skies. At the same time, she dropped a smoke bomb to equalise combat between the Great Question and Amazing Man:
"Nicely done." Bat-Man radioed.
"As for you, Q, you won't get a second chance."
"Pah! If it hadn't been for this interfering misfit, Aman, you would have fought each other to a standstill and the Baroness and I would have prevailed!"
"What's the matter, Q? Afraid of getting your hands dirty, or afraid that I have a combat advantage? Your abilities only work when people aren't aware of them. With advance warning, I can use the disciplines of the mind the Tibetan Council of Seven taught me. You're no match for me, and you know it!"
"Keep on believing that, Aman! I have become more proficient since last we met!"
High above, Alfred and Black Angel fought Baroness Blood. Despite her ruthlessness and iron expertise, the outnumbered Baroness Blood soon found her Messerschmitt was falling from the sky, its fuel aflame, her instrument panel shattered and her machine gun incapacitated. As she parachuted down, Alfred saluted Black Angel, who responded with a reciprocal gesture of appreciation and respect. As Baroness Blood alighted on the ground, she was waylaid by a recovered Battle Woman. The alien amazon knocked the pistol from her hand and then kayoed her with a swift upper cut to her jaw:
"The men of this world may underestimate the degree of depravity and cruelty that some women can fall to, but I will not! You will harm no one else today, monster!"
"Valda!" With that, Great Question's concentration was broken and Amazing Man managed to incapacitate his paramount foe.
As Gladiator and Wizard stirred, the NJI noticed that Bat-Man hadn't left:
"I think all of us owe you an apology, Bat-Man." Black Angel said, helping her groggy colleagues to their feet.
"We certainly do. We were obviously manipulated into this venture, Bat-Man and we hope that you won't hold this against us."
Bat-Man smiled: "Of course. After all, as I'm sure you'd now appreciate, we're on the same side."
Battle Woman cleared her throat: "Boys, we're perennially short of assistance. Bat-Man, I am sure I speak for all of us when I say that we would be proud were you to join our number. You need not relinquish your duties and responsibilities to this city if you do so. And you need not fight alone."
"Added to which, you know our secret identities, it seems." Amazing Man commented.
"I'm sure you'll keep our confidence. As we will yours... Mr Wayne." Black Angel said
As he doffed his cowl, Bat-Man shrugged: "All right, then. You need some tips on unassisted combat. That is, other than Battle Woman or Black Angel. What say all of us discuss this over coffee in the Bat-Cave, after we haul these two off to jail?" Then he winced. His painkillers were wearing off and his leg was starting to ache.
And with that, Bat-Man joined the august ranks of the National Justice Initiative, the World's Greatest Heroes, a Beacon of Hope in a darkening world.
THE END [4.46 PM, June 8, 2022]