Chapter 9: Simultaneous Discussions!
Kayn was driving back to his and the team's home after his discussion with Wonder Woman and Martian Manhunter. The two of them had given him detailed information about where APEX's secret bases were located, that Batman had passed on.
In truth, he was a bit surprised about those two appearing, but after thinking about it, the offer made sense. Batman and the rest of the league already had lots of responsibilities, and it would be much easier to just cooperate with Kayn and his allies instead of doing it themselves.
Kayn would benefit by getting all of their identities and businesses cleared in America, and the Justice League benefits by having another threat weakened, a win-win.
However, Kayn also knew that he had to be cautious when cooperating with the League, more specifically Batman.
If there was anything, anyone could take away from Batman's character, it was that he is an exceedingly cautious man at best, and a paranoid control freak at worst.
Which is why he certainly has plans in case any members of the Justice League go rogue on how to defeat them. Batman certainly had an ulterior motive in this deal.
Probably to gather information about them and their power levels, and gauge their threat. Robin, or any other one of his protege's would certainly be secretly watching them as they attacked the bases as well, probably reporting to Batman.
However, Kayn also knew he had some leverage in this situation. Although Batman would love to place Kayn and all of his allies directly under his control, that would be next to impossible, as all of the MetaHumans, Aliens and Homo-Magi Kayn saved would only work under Kayn and Kayn alone.
Batman certainly knew that, which means that he would also make attempts to form a friendly relationship with Kayn, so his allies don't cause unnecessary chaos. Since he knew it would be impossible for Kayn to bring his own organization under Justice League control.
Thus, this would create a delicate balance. Kayn and Batman are both essentially using each-other for their own needs, and as long as it remains beneficial for both of them, this delicate balance would remain.
Kayn would like to hope that things remain the same, as he didn't intend to be some psychotic villain or anything of the sort, but he had to remain cautious, and he knew him and Batman might eventually butt heads in the future with regards to killing villians, but that is for future Kayn to worry about.
All of these thoughts swirled in Kayn's head as he finally arrived at his home.
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The Next Day
Kayn, Soren, Hugo, Violet and Mika all sat at the round table in the meeting room, snacks and drinks placed on the table.
Kayn, the leader, addressed his team with a determined look, "Alright, everyone, we have our mission: subdue the APEX Organization bases without killing any of them. We've got the intel from Wonder Woman and Martian Manhunter, courtesy of Batman. We need to strategize our approach carefully."
Soren leaned forward, munching on an apple, "We know Batman will have eyes on us, probably Robin or one of the others. We have to be meticulous."
"Right," Hugo added. "No killing. That's non-negotiable if we want to maintain this alliance. But we also need to be efficient and effective. These bases are heavily fortified."
Mika nodded, her eyes sharp with focus. "We all have non-lethal methods of defeating our opponents, whether that be using our MetaHuman powers, Alien powers or Magic. There's also the possibility of using stun weapons and tranquilizers."
Violet, the most efficient of the group, chimed in, "The report says they have Anti-MetaHuman technology, and we need to be wary of any potential experimental subjects who have SuperHuman capabilities as well. I suggest we work get the tech squad to disable their systems temporarily and give us an edge, we won't want any reinforcements coming.
Kayn nodded approvingly. "Good. Get Kayle, she's the best with technology aside from me, she'll be our technological eyes and ears. Bring Damon, Hakeem and Laura to protect her. Mika, you'll be with me in the frontline, our Spiritual Magic and Abilities are best for non-lethal engagements."
Hugo nodded and continued speaking, "Violet and I will take care of anyone who slips by. Soren can coordinate with Kayle and her gang to coordinate our escape and search for any potential reinforcements."
Soren smirked. "And if things get hairy, we adapt. We've handled worse."
The group spent the next hour refining their plans, discussing each base's layout, potential threats, and the best times to strike.
As the meeting concluded, Kayn looked around the table, feeling a surge of pride. "Remember, we're doing this to protect innocent lives and to prove we're a force for good. Let's show Batman and the League that we can be trusted allies, but also not pushovers. We're our own team, and no-one, not even the Justice League can change that."
The team dispersed, each member heading to prepare their gear. Kayn lingered a moment longer, staring at the map of APEX bases. The alliance with the Justice League was fragile, built on mutual benefit and wariness.
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In an an orbital command center orbiting the Earth, multiple members of the Justice League were present for a meeting.
Batman, The Flash, Martian ManHunter, Wonder Woman and Superman were all present, seated as they discussion the hot topic,
"How was the meeting?" Batman asked, his voice monotone as he looked towards the duo who had met Kayn.
"He was cooperative, but still cautious. He did ask us what he would get in return, meaning he's very benefit driven." Wonder Woman responded, still a bit annoyed that Kayn had made her lose her bet with the Martian.
"That's expected. For a group like theirs, they think they can only rely on themselves. Their cautiousness is what has kept them alive for all this time since they escaped. I'm sure they've already figured out our true intentions." Batman spoke.
"Shouldn't we just be inviting them to the league instead of testing them like this?" The Flash, who was quiet the entire time, spoke, an cup of soda appearing in his hands as he spoke.
"This is why you don't plan anything Flash. Their cautiousness extends far beyond just villains, if we randomly invite them to the league, it'll be more detrimental than anything. I've seen people like this before. If we work alongside them and slowly cooperate more, I think that will be our best chance. I don't think they'll ever fully join the league, but that doesn't mean we cannot be allies." Martian Manhunter spoke.
"Manhunter is right. People who experience such trauma are likely to not be so open to going out of their comfort zones. However, we should be working to get them more normal lives when they arrive in America." Superman spoke, taking a deep breath and looking around the room before continuing.
"Schools, Clubs and potentially families. These are things that helped me when I came to Earth, and we need to make sure they experience even a small semblance of a childhood."
"Superman is right. Even if we can't get them to join the Justice League in the future, we need to make sure they all have good, happy memories in their childhood. I'll have Alfred investigate suitable schools and neighbourhoods in every City that they can settle in." Batman continued Superman's point.
"Agreed," Wonder Woman said, nodding thoughtfully. "But we must tread carefully. Their trust is fragile, and we can't afford to break it."
"Understood," Batman said, his tone decisive. "We'll continue with our current approach. Regular missions, joint operations, and opportunities for them to see the League's integrity firsthand."
"Speaking of missions," The Flash interjected, "do we have any updates on the APEX Organization? Any leads we can share with Kayn and his team?"
Martian Manhunter looked at Batman, who gave a slight nod. "We've intercepted some communications suggesting APEX is planning a major operation soon. Details are still sparse, but we believe it's tied to their recent activities in Metropolis."
Superman frowned, his eyes narrowing. "Metropolis has been quiet for too long. It's unsettling."
"Precisely why we need Kayn and his team," Batman added. "Their unique skills and perspective can provide an edge we might be missing."
Wonder Woman leaned forward, her gaze intense. "Let's keep them informed, but also ensure they know we're here to support them, not just use them. If we want their trust, we need to show them we're in this together."
"Agreed," Batman concluded. "Let's prepare for the next steps. We need to be ready for anything APEX throws our way and make sure Kayn's team understands our intentions are pure."
As the meeting wrapped up, the members of the Justice League all went their separate ways, thoughts lingering in their minds.
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