Chapter Text
“So, you’re really going to go after Sinestro and Hal?” Superman asked Batman, crossing his arms. “I’m not convinced that those two will easily agree to help us out again. Last time? Was chance. This time? You pissed them off. The both of them.”
Batman sighed. Superman was right. Last time Batman saw Green Lantern, he told Green Lantern to break away from Sinestro’s intoxicating hold for seven days. To go black out on his engaged lover. Because Batman had hopesomewhere within him that Green Lantern could come back from the sinful atrocities Sinestro was manipulating him to act on or cosign with.
“I know,” Batman replied. “I believed that Hal could come back… be the Green Lantern that he used to be. Inspiring others. Like his previous Corpsmen have told me their accounts about before Sinestro got involved. He’s a narcissist.”
“You don’t want to get between engaged people,” Superman raised his hand to dismiss Batman’s wishful thinking. For once. “Trust me. I would know.”
“How?” Batman asked.
Superman frowned. “Cyborg Superman--Hank Henshaw,” he replied. “He was engaged to his high school sweetheart named Terri. And… I got between them.”
“Why?” Batman wondered.
Superman teared up. “Because I believed that I could save them,” he replied. “That I was the only person that could help them through their crisis. That of anyone, I would know how we could pull through it together. And they believed me.”
Batman’s lips thinned. He remembered how when Superman was confronted with a memory from the past of Cyborg Superman, he needed space. It was a touchy subject. Batman didn’t want to pry too much into Superman’s life. There was a time and a place.
And now was not that time--or place.
Superman finally gave out one last sigh. “I don’t think you should get between Hal and Sinestro," He replied. “They’ve been gone for two and a half months. Sure, Hal’s mother let you know that they were back in action but… Don’t you think we’re prying too much into their lives?”
Batman’s lips thinned. “Darkseid is coming,” he told him. “One of his Furies told you that two weeks ago, didn’t they? You battled in Metropolis.”
Superman looked down at the ground. He remembered the fight. It was a Fury known as Bernadeth. She was a member of Darkseid’s elite strike unit known as the Furies. They were a group of highly-trained warrior woman led by Darkseid’s lethal enforcer, Granny Goodness. Superman didn’t know much about the Furies outside of his battle with Bernadeth. But her threat was made very real two weeks ago.
“Darkseid is coming!” She laughed out in hysteria. “He has marked this planet for his conquering. The Anti-Life Equation prevails again!”
Superman frowned. This was his first time hearing about Darkseid. The only galactic Meta Human that Batman and Superman were familiar with was Green Lantern¾Hal Jordan. And Green Lantern was well versed in galactic opponents. He was hardly on planet. Him and his fiancé Chief Commanding Officer of the Sinestro Corps, Thaal Sinestro of Korugar, had been off grid for the last two months. No one could contact them. Not even Hal’s own mother.
Until yesterday.
Hal’s mother contacted Bruce and let him know that Hal and Sinestro were back on grid and in Coast City. Hal had been working as a PRN golf attendant for Coast City’s Country Club and Sinestro was a member. They attended all of Hal’s shifts together. Bruce was willing to pull some strings.
“Don’t go after Hal and Sinestro,” Superman sighed, shaking his head. “We need to give them space. I don’t need another golden kryptonite slug down my throat again. Thanks.”
Batman’s lips thinned. “I’ll speak with them,” He decided. “You don’t have to come. I’ll be going as Bruce Wayne. I’ll have leverage I wouldn’t as Batman.”
Superman turned towards Batman and hugged his waist, pulling him close. “B, promise me,” he wished, beginning to warn him softly. “Don’t go after them.”
“Why not?” Batman asked. “We need their help. Hal’s Green Lantern Power Ring also provided general files about various galactic threats across the universe. He was generous enough to do that.”
“You’re saying?” Superman frowned wistfully.
“Green Lantern is willing to help,” Batman believed. “He didn’t have to provide that information outside of the Sinestro Corps, Green Lantern Corps, and Heralds of Fear. But he did. The files talked about Darkseid. He is not a threat we can do ourselves, Superman.”
“We can work with the other Meta Humans of earth,” Superman believed. “We don’t need Green Lantern and Sinestro. We were fine before them and we’ll be fine after them.”
“Will we?” Batman debated. “My research leads me in the direction we won’t. I’m going to visit them and take my chances. You’re welcome to come with me.”
Superman sighed. “I can’t risk that,” he told him. “I don’t want to get between two engaged people again. But... if you’re in trouble: Call me.”
Batman felt disheartened that Superman didn’t support his decision. But Batman was used to working in isolation. He worked alone before Superman. He understood why Superman didn’t want to get involved with Sinestro and Green Lantern. Not only were they engaged, but they were extreme threats that could both take out Superman and Batman individually. Superman didn’t like those odds.
Neither did Batman.
But they needed their help. Having them on their side for Darkseid’s approaching conquer would be far greater than having them as enemies… or apathetic bystanders to Earth’s fate. Sometimes, Batman’s heroic justice put him at odds with the heroes of Earth. Even Superman.
“Alright,” Batman nodded. “I’ll keep you on standby.”
Superman kissed him.
_____________
Bruce headed towards Coast City. He took his jet. He was able to call ahead to Coast City’s Country Club and request Hal’s schedule for the week. He guised himself under the impression that Hal’s reputation was preceding him in Gotham’s inner circles. And Bruce wanted to experience Coast City’s new caddy himself. It worked like a charm.
Hal was working today.
Under two hours, Bruce was able to park his jet in a secluded area and enter the Country Club. He signed up for a golfer membership. Everyone whispered about him. Bruce looked across the greenery and noticed a tall Korugarian man pitching swings with a group of older gentleman. Bruce was also able to see Hal providing service at the poolside to the members’ wives. Sinestro was within eyesight of Hal but not within earshot. This was the perfect opportunity to catch Sinestro alone without Hal noticing.
Bruce entered the greenery. Immediately, he noticed Sinestro tense as he felt Bruce’s presence. Bruce wasn’t surprised. He kept walking towards Sinestro. The mumurs of the Country Club members announcing Bruce’s appearance quickly took over the surrounding area. Bruce was focused on the objective--He could care less for public appearances.
Bruce approached Sinestro’s group eventually. “Evening, gentleman,” He greeted. “Mind if I join you for your inning? Sinestro and I are well acquainted. Been two months, hasn’t it?”
Bruce looked into Sinestro’s eyes. If looks could kill, Sinestro’s gaze was lethal. He looked like he wanted to smolder Bruce into the greenery. Bruce expected it. He told Hal to stay away from Sinestro for a week. Sinestro was a territorial man. He did not appreciate Bruce getting between him and Hal. Though, he restrained himself and remained well composed.
“It has,” Sinestro finally spoke. “Without word.”
“Can I have some with you?” Bruce suggested, trying to get them away from the common public. “We can enjoy our rounds. But at the Country Club, we should take a seat at the pavilion deck. Let’s catch up.”
Sinestro gritted his teeth. “Let’s.” He demanded in a still tone.
Suddenly, Sinestro whipped his club and shot the ball far across the greenery. Everyone gasped in alarm as Sinestro’s golf ball rocketed across the planes and landed in the final hole. Perfectly. The men around Sinestro choked some at his raw power and accuracy. Bruce was definitely sure Sinestro pretended like that was Bruce’s head.
“That’s game, gentleman,” Sinestro removed himself from the group. He started to walk away and left his golf clubs and kart. “I’ll see you another evening. Come, Wayne.”
“B-But Sinestro!” One of the men alerted. “You’re forgetting your clubs and kart--”
“Let the caddy grab it.” Sinestro snapped in a bark quickly.
Bruce winced some, being reminded of Sinestro’s venomous nature. Sinestro was a vile man and predator. He feigned sophistication. But he was truly a beast. As they walked towards the Country Club, Bruce started conversation with the imposing commander. He had to.
Or he would lose Sinestro.
“I know I’m the last person you want to see right now,” Bruce started, rushing to keep up with Sinestro’s quick stride. Sinestro gritted his teeth and his face looked twisted. “But I need to speak with you. This is important. The universe and your standing within it is at stake if we let this threat go unchecked.”
Sinestro’s eyes widened in ferocity. He suddenly stopped walking. Bruce studied him and prepared to evade Sinestro if Sinestro lashed out. Bruce readied his hand over his leather belt--it was a micro utility belt that operated in the same fashion as his Batman one. This was a more incognito version. But it could get the job done in a civilian scenario. Or if Sinestro lost his cool.
Sinestro was unpredictable.
A fearsome aura radiated from around Sinestro. The surroundings and shadows neared them turned dark. “Don’t do this…” Bruce warned carefully. “This isn’t you. Your levelheaded.”
“Why not this time?” Sinestro hissed back defiantly. “It would take me no effort to mark through you as my tenth hole today. Explain to me why you’ve shown yourself.”
“Let’s talk it over drinks,” Bruce reasoned, trying to keep him calm. And informed. “On the pavilion deck. Come with me.”
Sinestro released his dark atmosphere. The surroundings returned to normal. Bruce led Sinestro through the Country Club and onto the second-floor pavilion deck. They found a separate chair and softa arrangement that overlooked the greenery and course. Sinestro drunk from his glass of lemonade. Bruce had water. Sinestro leaned back in his chair, resting one arm around the back of the frame.
“So,” Sinestro said. “We’re here. Talk.”
Bruce rarely felt interrogated--usually he was the one that was doing the interrogating. But against Sinestro’s persecutive gaze, Bruce could really be blighted. Clark did tell him that it would be too dangerous visiting Sinestro and Hal alone without him, but Bruce had to try. Even if they disagreed. Bruce needed this to work.
The universe was in danger.
“Are you and Hal back in action?” Bruce asked instead. “If you are… then that’s more than enough for the reason why I’m here.”
Sinestro’s eyes thinned. “Do not play dense with me,” he snapped back. “You know we are. You’re Earth’s Greatest Detective. It is why you are here now.”
Bruce decided to cut his formalities in this setting. “The last thirty-five percent of the universe you haven’t conquered yet belongs to a being known as Darkseid,” he began. “You’re aware of him. So, am I.”
“I’ve strategically avoided him,” Sinestro decided. “It is now not the opportune time to assail my forces against his. A predator must know his prey. I’m stalking him.”
“What if it was that time?” Bruce debated. “Two weeks ago, one of Darkseid’s Fury’s attacked Metropolis and stated that Darkseid was planning to take over Earth.”
“Earth is mine,” Sinestro seethed through his glass of lemonade. He was not happy that his order was being threatened by Darseid’s conquering. “If he were wise, he would leave it alone. Just because I have forgone enacting my order across it does not mean it is for his taking.”
“Exactly,” Bruce strategically flipped Sinestro’s desires to aid Superman and Earth’s agenda. Sinestro didn’t notice. Good. Bruce studied how to psychologically gain leverage in de-escalation scenarios for many years. Sinestro was too narcissistic for his own good. “As you know, Darkseid seeks to enslave all things to his will using the Anti-Life Equation. Including Earth.”
“Not happening,” Sinestro declared. “Not while I’m here. Ever.”
Suddenly, a handsome and charming youthful golf attendant walked up to them in a hurry. He seemed pissed. He was a muscular brunette man with warm brown hazel eyes. It was Hal Jordan. He glared at Bruce and pointed at him, speaking to Sinestro.
“Why the hell is he here?!” Hal snapped and his voice rang throughout the pavilion deck. People turned their heads in their direction. This was not the charismatic and bright-natured golf attendant they had gotten used to over the past two weeks. “Get him away!”
“We’re talking,” Sinestro reasoned. “As adults do. Sit.”
Hal looked seriously like he was going to smolder Bruce right into his chair. He wore a very ugly and bastard expression. He gritted his teeth and breathed in anger. The charming caddy was nowhere to be found--this was the true Hal Jordan: betrothed consort to Sinestro the Wicked. He was no hero.
Now more so than ever.
Sinestro raised his eyebrows, enforcing his demand towards Hal. Hal noticed, quickly looking over at him. “I’m going on break,” he told Sinestro. “I’ll come back in fifteen minutes. Don’t vaporize him without me watching.”
“Wouldn’t dare,” Sinestro smirked pleasantly. “Take your time, dearest.”
Bruce wasn’t shocked that Hal and Sinestro were on the defense. Hal stomped and walked hurriedly away in anger. Sinestro drunk from his glass. Bruce silently recorded the encounter by tapping a camera on his belt buckle. Within fifteen minutes, Hal returned. He sat next to Sinestro and hugged his waist, curling up beside him on the couch. He glared at Bruce.
Like this, Bruce could witness their complex connection for himself. Hal’s mother told Bruce once in the past that Sinestro was very much like a father-figure and lover to Hal. Seeing Hal curled up next to Sinestro like he was ready for Sinestro to terminate Bruce--even though Hal had the power to do it himself, made Hals’s mother’s opinion a reality. Though, Hal did tell Bruce before that it was more fun for him to see Sinestro handle other men for him.
Hal was reckless, moody, and usually chaotic. Having Sinestro the Wicked as his enforcer meant that he could mouth off, be impulsive, or act out childishly—knowing Sinestro would handle the fallout. Hal usually got angry, annoyed, or humiliated by others— but instead of acting on it (and possibly feeling guilty for his actions), Sinestro did it for him. This dynamic let Hal indulge his fantasy of vengeance, while still being “the victim” or “the innocent one.” It showed his extreme cowardice.
But it worked.
And a father-figure like Sinestro and his narcistic ego would be inflated by it. “I think he gets it, my beloved,” Sinestro chuckled. He was amused at Hal’s devotion to him. Bruce frowned. “He would be an absolute cretin to instigate us here.”
“He already has.” Hal rasped in defiance.
Seeing Hal after two months and a half months, Bruce wasn’t surprised that Hal couldn’t bring himself to separate from Sinestro. Even for a short period of time--a week. Hal’s traumatic troubled internal conflicts complicated his toxic relationship and dynamics with Sinestro. Sinestro wasn’t any different. Bruce wanted to hope for better--that they each would grow from spending time a part from one another. But it seemed to only bring them closer.
And it made them worse.
“We need your help,” Bruce sighed, dipping his head. “A threat is coming to us--Darkseid, the ruler of Apokolips, who is a sadistic, aggressive, and merciless tyrant that has invaded and conquered countless worlds--about 35% of the known universe. As the God of Tyranny, he aims to enslave all things to his will using the Anti-Life Equation. We’re in a very dangerous position.”
“What is that?” Hal laughed, snarking some. “The Anti-Life Equation? Not a math problem my man can’t solve, either. We don’t need you, Bats.”
Hal stuck his tongue out at Bruce. “It’s not just a math equation,” Bruce reasoned. He tried to not show his annoyance with Hal’s childishness. Seemed like Sinestro liked it. “It’s a transcendental mathematical formula originally said to allow those who knew it to dominate the will of any sentient race--that includes Earth. Humans, your friends, your mother, Hal.”
Hal frowned, looking down. “Why do you need us?” He decided to stop being defensive, hating that reality for his mother. “Why can’t you and Superman take care of it? Like you always do.”
“Because this is bigger than us,” Bruce looked at Sinestro and Hal with hope. His eyes twinkled a passionate flame. “And we’re all in danger if Darkseid conquers Earth. I know in the past we have had our differences, but I’m willing to put those aside to defeat Darkseid and take Earth off his agenda. You and Sinestro are some of the most powerful and ultimate forces of might in the universe. Having you as allies in this instance is far greater than you as our enemies. What do you say?”
Hal and Sinestro looked at one another. “What do you want to do?” Hal asked his man. “Whatever you want, I’ll do. I’ll follow your lead.”
Sinestro’s lips thinned. “We’ll do it,” He agreed. Bruce was shocked that he did. “But only on one condition--Hal’s safety is my priority. It is non-negotiable. If Hal is harmed or manipulated, I will abandon the alliance—and turn on you and your allies themselves without hesitation. Is that clear?”
Bruce realized that Sinestro was still offended by Bruce overstepping his boundaries by previously asking for Hal to be away from Sinestro for a week. Sinestro was a controlling man. But their unhealthy dynamic was something that was beyond Bruce. He couldn’t get involved in it again. Even if it meant sacrificing Earth’s well-being in the long run. He accepted this condition.
“Understood,” Bruce agreed. “You have my word. Anything else?”
Hal pondered, poking his lip out charismatically. “Well, there is one thing…” He giggled and didn’t seem as angry anymore. Sinestro and Bruce looked at him with curiosity. Hal flashed Bruce his engagement ring. “We’re getting married soon and Sinestro’s planning our wedding. We keep meeting a dead end because of our finances.”
“You’re proposing?” Bruce asked.
“Can you pay for our wedding?” Hal shamelessly asked. “C’mon, it’ll be great. You can even bring Supes. I won’t get mad anymore. Sounds like a deal?”
“Bill me,” Bruce smirked, agreeing instantly. “Send me all the invoices. I’ll provide you with the necessary accounting information. You’ve got yourselves a deal.”
Sinestro and Bruce shook hands. Bruce was satisfied with this outcome. If all Sinestro and Hal wanted was their wedding paid for, then Bruce could provide them with it. All in exchange for their intel and manpower. Sinestro and Hal were powerful allies.
Hal grinned in delight. “See?” He faced Sinestro. “We don’t have to do it all ourselves… Now comes the hard part: Actually planning the wedding.”
“I know what I want,” Sinestro raised his hand to dismiss Hal’s concerns. “You will see it for yourself on our wedding day. Yes… six months from now: be prepared.”
Hal blushed some. “Six months…?” He whimpered some. “Then you’re really going to start planning our wedding? Aren’t you busy with… bringing order to the universe?”
He looked down, feeling wary about Sinestro’s focus with their agenda. Sinestro caressed Hal’s chin and placed it lightly between his fingers. “My love,” he soothed. “Do not fret. I can multitask. But I will tell you: Our wedding will take priority. Even in my efforts of bringing order across the cosmos… for the next six months.”
Hal smiled genuinely and he gave Sinestro a lustful expression. “Mmn… I love you…” He purred to him, then looked at Sinestro’s groin. He stuck out his tongue. “Want it in my mouth again?”
“Expeditiously,” Sinestro made a warm smile. “How long’s your break?”
Hal smirked. “I got seven minutes,” He said, checking his phone. “We can make it quick. How does that sound?”
“Paradisiac.” Sinestro’s eyes lightened excitedly.
Sinestro and Hal held hands and stood up from their sofa. Hal giggled erotically as he started to lead Sinestro away. “You remember the coordinates for the Batcave, right?” Bruce checked on them. “Can you be there in two hours? I’ll be waiting.”
Hal faced Bruce and motioned a blowjob gesture with his hand. “Gotta please my man,” Hal winked at Bruce charismatically. Bruce frowned. “And keep him happy. Every order he gives--I swallow. Every. Single. One. Blegh~!”
Hal stuck his tongue out at Bruce provocatively to insinuate that he was about to provide Sinestro with oral sex on the job. “That’s enough,” Sinestro ordered, shoving Hal forward. Hal mumbled a moan of erotica, feeling turned on. Sinestro smirked and was amused. “You speak better when your tongue is at work. Your ethic is measured by how long you can hold me in your throat. We’ll be there, Wayne. Come along now, Hal.”
“Yes, sir…” Hal whined.
Bruce decided that was his moment to take his leave. He earned Sinestro and Hal’s alliance with Darkseid and preventing him from conquering Earth. Mission accomplished. And he didn’t get vaporized. Bruce exited the Coast City Country Club and returned to his Batwing. He piloted the jet back to Gotham.
He decided to call Clark. “Yes, B?” Clark asked, sounding like he was trying to be quiet. “I’m in the middle of class. You need me?”
“Got a shift today?” Bruce asked instead.
“Why?”
“You’re never going to believe it.”
“What did you do…?” Clark asked with a knowing smirk. “Did you do your other job without me?”
“Like always,” Bruce humored back with another smirk. “Sinestro and Green Lantern are a go. They’re going to work with us. They’re meeting me at the Batcave in two hours. Can you be there?”
“Not really,” Clark giggled. “Told you I have a shift. But knowing you--”
“Cancel it,” Bruce ordered. “Call out. I don’t care. Whatever money they’re paying you for your internship I’ll double it. Need you as Superman at the Batcave in 2 hours sharp.”
Clark laughed light-heartedly, hearing Bruce’s real temperament show. “I’ll be there,” he promised. “Proud of you, B. Knew you could do it.”
“Bye, Clark.”
Bruce hung up the line. He returned to the Batcave and dressed in his vigilante gear. Under two hours, everyone arrived. Bruce already had his documentation software set up on his computers. Superman leaned against the keyboard, crossing his arms. Sinestro and Green Lantern approached the two of them through the secret entrance of the Batcave. Sinestro looked at Superman.
“Kryptonian, how goes it?” Sinestro greeted, clasping his hands behind his back. “Been some time between us. Hopefully, you’ve had more than enough to reflect about your actions.”
“What actions?” Superman huffed.
Sinestro looked down at Green Lantern. “Getting into an altercation with my beloved,” He gestured to Green Lantern. Green Lantern crossed his arms and smirked. “Now that we have an alliance, I hope to put the past behind us. I’d rather not bring it up again. You?”
“You just did,” Superman seethed. He looked at Batman for direction. “Okay, if we are going to work with the universe’s Bonnie and Clyde--then we need some ground rules. They are like gasoline and a lit match. I can’t do this if they’re going to be instigating and provoking us the whole time.”
“Not instigation,” Sinestro cleared the air, raising his hand. “Nor provocation.”
Batman sighed. “That’s why I brought everyone together,” he replied. “There are rules. For all of us. If we’re going to be working as a functional alliance, then we each follow directions.”
“I will give them,” Sinestro offered quickly. “You follow my instruction, you will not fail.”
“Hot, Sinestro.” Green Lantern backed up.
“No--No Sinestro giving instructions,” Batman disagreed, shaking his head. “And neither of us will be following them except Hal. That wasn’t the deal, you two.”
“What was the deal?” Superman huffed. “How did you get them to agree to an alliance with us, anyways?”
“He’s paying for our wedding.” Sinestro and Hal announced.
Superman spat. “What?!” He barked at Batman, then pointed at the galactic poisonous duo. “You’re paying for their wedding? Why can’t they do it themselves?”
“We’re broke,” Green Lantern summed up with a shrug. “And Sinestro doesn’t want to work on Earth. Can’t get a job, anyways. Aliens don’t have visas here.”
“Valid,” Superman nodded, oddly impressed. “Okay, totally not against it. But is a wedding really all you want out of this alliance?”
“Yes.” Sinestro and Green Lantern answered simply.
Batman spread his hands. “Which is why we’re going to have ground rules,” He decided. He pulled up a page on his large computer monitor and showed them to everyone. “Here they are and read them carefully--”
Rule 1: No Exploiting Weaknesses
Rule 2: Hal’s Protection Is Paramount
Rule 3: Mission First, Personal Vendettas Later
Rule 4: Transparency and Accountability
Bruce looked at everyone as they read the rules across the monitor. “I’ll explain them,” he started. “Rule No. 1: No Exploiting Weaknesses. We fight Darkseid, not each other. No kryptonite, fear constructs, psychological manipulation, or willpower tricks against each other. Anyone who crosses that line forfeits the alliance.”
“Why no fear constructs?” Sinestro’s lips thinned. “They are paramount to my arsenal of might. Without them, I would hate to resort to brute strength. I can, if needed.”
“He’s well versed in combat,” Hal shrugged his shoulders. “Told me he mastered mixed martial arts with the Grand Masters of Korugar before his planet’s explosion. But it’s not his first line of choice for defense or offense.”
“Fear constructs relating to exploiting Superman, for example,” Batman referenced. “You used a gold kryptonite parasite on him in the past. I’m still stunned how accurate you were able to replicate the golden kryptonite. He was out for a week. How’d you do it?”
“He’s the best of us,” Hal answered proudly with a smirk. “Of any Lantern. Yellow now. Green in the past before I came along. His constructs are as accurate as they can get.”
“Practice,” Sinestro shrugged seamlessly. “I’ve been alive for over six centuries and a Green Lantern for over four. That’s given me ages to hone and perfect my constructs--across any emotional spectrum. Willpower or fear. Doesn’t matter--what takes shape will.”
Batman flicked his gaze upward at Sinestro. “Are you saying that you could still operate as a Green Lantern if desired?”
“Don’t have a need for it,” Sinestro replied. “And if warranted, yes. But I do not wish to hold the Green Power Ring’s might. My lover does it best for me. Besides, I accede to the exploitation constructs. I will not use them against any members of our alliance. You have my word.”
Batman nodded but still felt wary. It wasn’t a good feeling that Sinestro could operate as a Green Lantern again if he was ever rendered uncappable for a time period by the Yellow Light. It was just his preference to utilize fear. Hal pointed to rule No. 2.
“What the hell does that mean?” he asked. “I know you and Sinestro agreed to it. But what if your man doesn’t?”
Batman decided to explain the rule for everyone. “Hal Jordan’s safety is non-negotiable,” He flicked his gaze towards Superman, raising his eyebrows so Superman could obey. Superman gulped back a shocked gasp. “He makes his own choices, but Sinestro has the final word on his wellbeing. That decision overrides anyone else— including me. We respect their dynamic or the alliance ends. Is that understood, Superman?”
“Yeah, sure…” Superman agreed.
Superman was surprised that Batman agreed to Green Lantern and Sinestro’s dynamic. More so, he made it a rule for their alliance. But considering how much trouble they got into two months ago between this couple, it wasn’t worth compromising their efforts in defeating Darkseid. Superman understood that Batman was very good at boundaries. And this was one of them.
Superman had to respect it.
Even if he didn’t agree with it. “Rule No. 3: Mission First, Personal Vendettas Later-- Darkseid is the target,” Batman continued. “Not Luthor, not the Corps, not Gotham, not Metropolis. All grudges are suspended until the fight is done. Cross that line, and the mission fails— and I won’t hesitate to end it myself. Even if I cross the line. Everyone as well.”
Everyone nodded their heads in agreement. Green Lantern wasn’t surprised that Sinestro was willing to put his Corps agenda on hold until Darkseid was dealt with. Darkseid was an extreme foe, huh? Green Lantern would make sure to listen to Sinestro. His guidance was paramount.
Over anyone’s.
Batman looked at Sinestro. “Rule No. 4: Transparency and Accountability--No secrets about battlefield decisions,” he explained. “If you make a move, you explain it. If you keep information that endangers the others, you answer for it. We all hate each other’s methods— but this isn’t the time for surprises. Understand?”
Sinestro huffed, crossing his arms. Batman could tell it was taking Sinestro everything to not assail his corps and deal with Darkseid himself. Sinestro wanted to stronghold this objective and control this mission. Being a narcissist, Sinestro was a primecontrol freak. But these rules would keep everyone in order. Superman. Green Lantern. Sinestro. And Batman. They didn’t like it.
But they would agree to it.
“We don’t have to keep this alliance going,” Batman insisted. “After Darkseid is dealt with, we can part ways. You and Green Lantern can return to your agenda. Superman and I will return to ours.”
“So, what if another Fury attacks Metropolis?” Green Lantern asked. “Does that mean we go pitch in and help?”
Sinestro pressed his hand against Green Lantern’s lower back. “You assist him,” he encouraged. “Any of them. Regardless of their station. That is the agreement of our alliance.”
“We need intel,” Batman replied. “And it starts with speaking to a Fury¾the closest combatant to Darkseid and personnel of Apokolips. Bernadette is out of commission.”
“Where is she now?” Sinestro asked.
“Boom Tubes,” Batman replied. “A technology and portal device that allows for the user to teleport across any distance and on occasion, dimensions, instantaneously. Bernadette used that to return to Apokolips… along with her Boom Tube device.”
“Do Boom Tubes exist anywhere else?” Sinestro wondered. “Looks as if we need to come across another Fury. Hal and I can scout the cosmos. We’ll find one.”
“There is one,” Batman turned towards his computer screen and started to key in data. He pulled up a file under the name of BIG BARDA. He clicked on a photo. “Big Barda, an Ex-Fury to Darkseid. She could provide intel on Darkseid’s militia and planetary warfare tactics. Also, regarding the Anti-Life Equation and why Darkseid is obsessed with it--aside from him being a galactic tyrant.”
Everyone looked at the photo Batman clicked on. There was a beautiful and tall warrior woman dressed in Apokaliptian Armor. Her hair was black and her eyes were blue. She held a baby in her arms and stood beside a hero dressed in yellow and red attire known as Mister Miracle. Sinestro’s eyes thinned, gathering the gravity of Big Barda’s lifestyle since leaving Apokolips and Darkseid’s side.
“Big Barda is a powerful New God from Apokolips,” Batman educated. “Who fell in love with Mister Miracle and became a warrior for good. She’s based in a suburban community of Gotham City.”
“Then we visit her,” Sinestro decided. “We’re in the area. Gotham, was it? Since she proclaims herself as a good warrior, I hope that she would be willing to host us for an evening.”
“Better yet--join us,” Batman offered. “If we get Big Barda in our alliance, then we would increase our odds of taking down Darkseid and prevent him from conquering Earth. She has Apokolips equipment and paraphernalia: it includes a Mother Box, Aero-Discs, and Boom Tube. Having that a part of our arsenal would assist us greatly. Any objections?”
“No,” Sinestro shook his head. “Where is she now?”
“At home,” Batman answered. “She’s a stay-at-home mother nursing an infant. We need to be on our best behavior. Everyone understand?”
“Alright,” Superman agreed with a solid grin. “Let’s get to it.”
They headed to Big Barda’s house.
___________
It was a nice suburban community. Quiet neighborhood. Batman felt strange with Sinestro, Green Lantern, and Superman in tow. This would have been much easier if he were by himself. But he knew that he needed their assistance with taking down Darkseid. He had to push aside his own agenda and desires. They walked up to the porch of Big Barda’s door. Batman rang the doorbell.
“Coming,” A woman said from inside. “Just a sec…”
They waited two minutes. When the woman approached the door, she opened it. Her eyes widened in shock once seeing the group of Meta Humans. Batman decided to speak for everyone.
“Can we talk?” he asked. “It’s about--”
“Darkseid,” Big Barda frowned, cradling her infant closer in her arms. “Isn’t it?”
“We need your help.” Batman confessed.