The Superior Spiderman in Young Justice

A day had passed since the incident with Spider-Man, and the entire Justice League had gathered in the Watchtower for a serious meeting. Every member was tense and uneasy, acutely aware of the palpable shift within the League and the profound implications it carried.

The air in the chamber was heavy, thick with a mixture of unease and anticipation. Heroes who were typically pillars of confidence and composure now exchanged wary glances, their expressions betraying the weight of uncertainty. Even the most seasoned veterans, those who had weathered countless crises, seemed unsettled by the events of the previous day.

Seated around the table were Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Red Tornado, Hawkwoman, Hawkman, Zatara, Black Canary, and Green Arrow. Each hero bore their unique aura of power and presence, yet today, that aura was subdued by a shared tension.

It was Batman who finally shattered the oppressive silence, his voice sharp and deliberate, slicing through the room like a blade. "Spider-Man's actions yesterday weren't just a display of his capability or a statement of intent to join the League. They were something far more significant—a warning of what his presence might mean for us moving forward."

The room fell even quieter, if that was possible. Batman's words hung in the air like an impending storm, and all eyes were now fixed on him, waiting for more. 

"During our discussion, Spider-Man revealed critical information—information with the potential to shake the very foundations of what we know about our world, our enemies, and even ourselves." Batman paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle. "He spoke of forces that have yet to fully reveal themselves—an organization operating from the shadows, manipulating events and people behind the scenes."

The room stiffened as the gravity of the revelation began to settle in. The League had faced countless threats, but the notion of a hidden, orchestrating force pulling the strings from the shadows was something far more insidious—something they had rarely, if ever, been forced to confront.

Batman activated the holographic control, and a projection flickered to life in the center of the room. The holographic video feed unfolded before them, revealing none other than Superboy.

Superman's posture immediately stiffened, his expression betraying the shock and confusion that rippled through him at the unexpected sight. His eyes locked onto the image of Superboy, his mind racing to understand the connection between this new revelation and the mystery they now faced.

"Spider-Man revealed crucial information—something we've overlooked for far too long," Batman continued, his voice steady but laced with urgency. "This is no coincidence. Superboy's involvement goes deeper than we realized"

Superman's fists clenched involuntarily, his posture rigid. The mention of Superboy sent a jolt of discomfort through him. His relationship with the young clone had always been complicated, a blend of responsibility, frustration, and unresolved tension.

His voice dropped to a low, controlled tone, a mixture of confusion and concern underlying his words. "What are you suggesting, Batman?" His gaze flickered briefly toward the hologram of Superboy before narrowing, a storm brewing behind his eyes.

Batman's gaze remained fixed on the projection, his tone calm yet heavy with the weight of the revelation. "Spider-Man suggested a potential mental command that was placed on Superboy."

A sharp gasp echoed through the room as the implications of Batman's words settled in. His expression hardened, the gravity of the situation now fully apparent to all. The air seemed to grow colder as the League processed the enormity of what they were facing.

Without responding immediately, Batman activated another holographic display. The unmistakable figure of Lex Luthor loomed large in the center of the room, his calculating expression frozen in time, magnifying the sense of looming danger.

"Luthor?" Superman asked wearily, his voice a mixture of disbelief and exhaustion. The very mention of his nemesis always stirred complex emotions, but now, it carried a darker weight than ever before.

The room fell into a tense silence as every member of the League braced themselves for the next revelation. Each hero's mind raced, trying to process the implications of Luthor's involvement, especially with Superboy.

Batman's eyes shifted briefly toward Martian Manhunter before he continued, his tone firm and unyielding. "I had Martian Manhunter conduct a deep scan of Superboy's mental state," he said, his voice unwavering but heavy with urgency. "What we uncovered was disturbing. A mental trigger embedded deep within Superboy's psyche... and the source of it is none other than Lex Luthor himself."

The words hung in the air, suffocating the room in an oppressive silence. Superman's gaze hardened, the weight of Batman's revelation hitting him like a physical blow.

"How?" Wonder Woman's voice cut through the tension, her tone demanding an explanation. She stepped forward, eyes fixed on Batman, her armor reflecting the harsh glow of the holographic projections. "How could Luthor have done this?"

Batman shifted his stance slightly, his expression grim. "The how isn't as important as the why, at least not right now," he said, his voice steady but tinged with urgency. "From what Spider-Man has implied, Luthor's actions go beyond a mere attempt to control Superboy. This is part of a larger scheme—one that involves manipulating individuals who could influence the balance of power across the world, and possibly beyond."

Superman's fists clenched tightly, his knuckles turning white. The idea of Luthor tampering with someone who was, in many ways, a reflection of himself—both a clone and a potential symbol of hope—filled him with a volatile mix of rage and guilt. "Why didn't we detect this sooner?" he demanded, his voice rising, barely concealing the frustration boiling beneath the surface.

Batman held his ground, his voice calm but unrelenting. "Because it was designed to remain dormant until activated by a specific stimulus—likely a phrase, an event, or even a person. Spider-Man's insight allowed us to connect the dots. Without him, we might never have known."

Green Arrow let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair. "So, what's the play now?" he asked, his tone tinged with frustration but laced with a readiness to act.

Batman's gaze swept across the room, his voice cold and decisive. "We initiate a thorough investigation—top to bottom. Not just the League, but also our young protégés. No stone can be left unturned."

The room fell silent, the weight of Batman's declaration settling over everyone like a heavy fog. For a moment, no one spoke, the magnitude of the situation hanging over them.

"An investigation that invasive could strain trust," Wonder Woman said, stepping forward. Her voice was calm but carried a warning edge. "We've built this League on unity and transparency. If we approach this carelessly, we risk alienating the very people we're trying to protect."

Batman met her gaze, unflinching. "I understand the risks, Diana. But the alternative is far worse—allowing a potential threat to remain hidden in our ranks. Luthor's influence isn't something we can afford to ignore."

Superman's jaw tightened, his piercing gaze fixed on the hologram of Superboy. "And what about him?" he asked, his voice low but heavy with emotion. "What happens to Superboy now that we know?"

"First, we neutralize the trigger," Batman said firmly, glancing toward Martian Manhunter. "J'onn, you'll need to delve deeper into his mind. Identify the exact mechanism and remove it if possible."

Martian Manhunter nodded solemnly. "I can try, but tampering with something as intricate as a mental trigger is delicate work. If I'm not careful, I could cause irreparable damage."

Superman visibly bristled at the thought, but he gave a reluctant nod. "Do whatever it takes," he said, his voice strained. "But make sure he doesn't suffer for what Luthor did to him."

"While J'onn works on that, we'll start investigating Luthor's connections," Batman continued, his tone sharp and methodical. "This wasn't just about Superboy. If Luthor planted something this sophisticated, it's likely not his only move. We need to know what else he's been orchestrating—and who else might be compromised."

Green Lantern leaned forward, his brows furrowed. "And what about Spider-Man? He's the reason we're even having this conversation. If he's got intel on Luthor or whoever else is behind this, we need him to share everything he knows."

"Agreed," Wonder Woman said, crossing her arms. "But we can't simply demand his cooperation. He's not one of us—not yet. If we pressure him too hard, we risk pushing him away."

"Then we make it clear what's at stake," Batman said. "Spider-Man has already proven he's not here to undermine us. He wants to help. We need to ensure he understands the severity of this situation."

Green Arrow leaned back in his chair, a grim expression on his face. "So, we're dealing with a rogue genius, a sleeper agent, and a new player who might know more than he's letting on. Just another day for the Justice League, huh?"

The faint attempt at levity did little to ease the tension in the room. Each hero wore the weight of the revelation differently—some with quiet resolve, others with simmering frustration or lingering doubt.

"There is more," Batman said, his voice cutting through the quiet. "Spider-Man proposed an idea—something bold, something we've avoided because of the League's self-imposed restrictions on global intervention. But it could change everything if we're willing to act."

The room grew even quieter, if possible, as all eyes turned to Batman. Even the most seasoned members of the League, those who had faced cosmic threats and apocalyptic scenarios, were caught off guard by his words. Superman, standing at the far end of the table, crossed his arms, his gaze narrowing slightly.

"What idea, exactly?" Wonder Woman asked, her tone steady but curious. Her blue eyes locked onto Batman, searching for any hint of the plan he was about to reveal.

Batman's expression remained stoic, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Spider-Man proposed the integration of extraterrestrial technology into our operations."

The statement hung in the air, heavy with implications. The heroes exchanged uneasy glances, each of them understanding the gravity of what Batman was suggesting.

"Extraterrestrial technology?" Green Lantern echoed, his brows furrowing as he leaned forward. "We've used alien tech before—my ring is proof of that. But what kind of integration are we talking about here?"

Batman activated the holographic display in the center of the table, and a series of intricate schematics appeared, each depicting various alien devices and weapons confiscated over the years. "Spider-Man's suggestion is to take what we've collected—advanced tech from Kryptonian, Martian, and other alien sources—and adapt it for League use on a wider scale. Tools for surveillance, defense, and even medical purposes. Technology that could make us faster, more efficient, and better equipped to handle threats we've never been fully prepared for."

"Wait a minute," Green Arrow interjected, his voice laced with skepticism. "Are you saying we start reverse-engineering every alien artifact we've ever come across? Because that sounds like the kind of thing that could backfire—big time."

"Agreed," Aquaman added, his tone grim. "Alien technology isn't just some tool we can pick up and use without consequences. There's always a cost. We don't fully understand the risks, let alone the implications."

Batman nodded slightly, anticipating the objections. "That's why this would be a controlled effort, with strict oversight and clear boundaries. We've encountered situations where even our most advanced human technology wasn't enough. Integrating alien advancements would give us an edge we've been lacking."

Superman's gaze remained fixed on the schematics, his expression unreadable. "I can see the potential benefits," he said slowly, "but we've always been careful not to rely too heavily on alien tech. If we go down this path, where do we draw the line? How do we ensure it doesn't compromise our values or lead to unintended consequences?"

"That's exactly why Spider-Man's perspective is valuable here," Batman replied. "He's a scientist—a brilliant one. His insights into how technology can be applied responsibly and ethically are what makes this plan viable. He believes we can use this technology not just for combat, but for humanitarian purposes—curing diseases, rebuilding infrastructure, and even preventing disasters before they happen."

Wonder Woman tilted her head slightly, her tone thoughtful but cautious. "If we pursue this, we must ensure it is not merely a weaponization effort. Any integration must be guided by the principles we stand for—protection, not domination."

"Exactly," Batman said firmly. "This isn't about turning the League into a militarized force. It's about leveling the playing field. We've seen what happens when alien technology falls into the wrong hands—Luthor, Cadmus, countless others. If we don't adapt, we'll always be reacting instead of leading."

Martian Manhunter was the next to speak, his deep, resonant voice adding weight to the discussion. "There is wisdom in preparing for the future, but there is also wisdom in restraint. The technology we use must never come at the cost of who we are."

The room fell into contemplative silence as the heroes absorbed Batman's words. There was no denying the potential of Spider-Man's proposal, but the risks and ethical dilemmas loomed large. The League was standing at a crossroads, one that could redefine their approach to safeguarding the world.

A/N

[Powerstone]