Chapter 141: Grand Opening Part 4

While Arias was busy with his own preparations, many other sides were at work. 

At the newly completed Hall of Justice in Washington D.C., the remaining members of the Justice League gathered at Superman's request. 

The gathering took place inside a well-decorated conference room, with each seat holding the insignia of the respective member it's meant for.

Around the oval table, The Flash could be seen sitting in a relaxed manner with his legs up on the table, perhaps making himself a bit too comfortable. 

To his side, Green Lantern just looked at him with an odd gaze but didn't comment. 

A bit further from the duo, Batman sat in silence with Martian Manhunter opposite him. Finally, at the front-most seat, Superman sat, his gaze alternating between the two empty seats with insignias—one being Wonder Woman's and the other belonging to Aquaman.

Seeing this, Green Lantern broke the silence and decided to comment. "So, I guess the princess isn't coming back, huh? Well, that sucks. She brought a lot of firepower to the table... and her fashion choices were very welcoming." 

Green Lantern's attempt at humor was met with serious gazes from everyone, even The Flash, who just shook his head at him. "Really, man? We're in a meeting, you know—take it seriously." 

Green Lantern narrowed his eyes and found it comical that the guy telling him to be serious was seated as if he were in his own living room. 

In the end, he just shrugged. "I was kidding, sheesh, tough crowd."

Just as Green Lantern leaned back into his seat, Superman spoke up, his tone carrying seriousness and urgency. 

"He's right. Diana choosing not to come back is a major drawback to the League's firepower. Aquaman isn't really sold on the idea yet either, so I wouldn't count on him appearing much." 

Superman spoke while looking at the chairs, but soon his gaze focused on the center of the table, where a projector rose up and displayed screens in the center. 

On each screen, chaotic scenes from all around the world could be seen—from wars to drug operations. The images were recorded some time back, and while they weren't unaware of the state of the world, seeing it so unfiltered... 

The first to comment on this was Batman. "What is this?" he asked, his tone lacking emotion despite what he was just shown. 

Superman gave Bruce a glance and replied, "Our world—a world that's desperately in need of change before it consumes itself. We have external threats, yes, but what about internal ones?" 

The others could see where he was going with his words. 

So far, the League hadn't been around for long, so the bonds among members were practically non-existent, and their goal as a group was... shaky at best. 

Formed to stop future invasions like the one from Darkseid, the League didn't do much aside from stopping crime in their own respective cities and investigating any signs of remnants from the recent invasion. 

Superman, though, saw bigger and further, feeling the Justice League was capable of so much more. That with their power, they could change the world into something better. 

At that moment, Batman looked like he was doing some self-reflection before speaking. 

"He's right," Batman supported, his voice lacking enthusiasm but his eyes looking resolute. 

"The Light, the League of Assassins, dictators, mad scientists, crime lords, traffickers, and many other threats exist around the world, and it's only growing worse with time." 

"It's impossible for any one of us to stop these threats alone, but this team, with some better organization and new recruits from around the world, we can slowly but surely reduce some of these problems." 

Batman's words hung in the air, with The Flash soon raising his hand to ask a question. "Uh, and where do we start exactly? Can't exactly just run around looking for potential members and tell them to join this very dangerous team, right? Right?" 

His question was met with silence, but Martian Manhunter soon answered. "I have the most free time among you all, so it would be no trouble organizing a list of potential recruits and the biggest local and international threats." 

With a plan coming together, Superman nodded in agreement. "It'll take a lot of effort to make this work, but I genuinely believe we can do this."

At that point, Green Lantern also raised his hand. "What about that Gotham Task Force or whatever that Wonder Woman is a part of? Can't we just, like, be allies? Isn't the same guy who owns it the one building those super schools? Plenty of recruits there."

Although Green Lantern had a point, Superman was quick to refuse. "No. Until more is known about him and his intentions, it's safe to consider him a potential threat—a very big one." 

Green Lantern just shrugged and said nothing more.

Seeing that no one else had anything more to add to the conversation, Superman decided to end things.

"Let's end here. The quicker we can get some recruits, the more time we have to form some chemistry with one another or train them to be better. Stay in touch," he concluded, with the lights around the table dimming as the screens vanished.

Everyone began going their separate ways, including Batman, but he soon came to a stop near the door when he felt Superman's gaze lingering on him. 

"Something you want to say?" he asked nonchalantly. 

Superman remained near his seat and looked at Bruce with caution. "You're smarter than you let on, Bruce Wayne. Which is why I'm surprised you've never brought up Arias Markovic, despite all the suspicion surrounding him. He is in your city, after all."

The subtle tone of accusation in Superman's voice didn't go unnoticed by Bruce. He showed no reaction and just looked at Superman. 

"And you're not as smart as you think you are, Clark Kent. I know he's dangerous—the real question is, just how dangerous? Until I know for sure, I'll do things as I always have. I always have a contingency plan... even for you." 

With those words, Bruce walked away, leaving Clark frowning in contemplation.