The sound of heavy boots echoed softly against the tal decking as Batman walked the corridor alone. The Watchtower was quiet at this hour. Most of its vast halls remained empty, illuminated only by strips of white light embedded in the walls and floor. The sterile glow reflected off steel and glass, creating an atmosphere that felt more like a machine than a headquarters.
To Batman's left, an enormous observation window stretched nearly the entire length of the corridor.
Beyond it lay space.
An endless ocean of darkness scattered with distant stars.
Far below floated Earth.
The planet hung against the black void like a living jewel, brilliant blues and whites swirling across its surface. Entire continents disappeared beneath blankets of cloud while the curve of the world caught the light of the sun. It was a view that had left countless visitors speechless. So League mbers still found themselves stopping to stare whenever they passed.
Batman didn't even glance at it.
Years aboard the Watchtower had dulled the wonder. The impossible had beco routine. Gods, aliens, ti travel, parallel worlds—after everything he had seen, the sight of Earth from orbit no longer held his attention.
Instead, his thoughts remained fixed on Gotham and unfortunately beyond it.
The corridor ended at a pair of reinforced doors. As Batman approached, sensors recognized him instantly.
The doors slid apart with a faint hydraulic hiss.
He stepped through.
The eting chamber beyond was already occupied.
A massive circular table dominated the room, surrounded by so of the most powerful individuals on the planet.
Superman sat near the center, relaxed despite the imnse power he carried. Beside him sat Wonder Woman, her posture straight and regal even in conversation. Green Arrow lounged comfortably in his chair with his feet crossed, while Black Canary sat beside him looking considerably more professional.
Across the table, Martian Manhunter listened quietly to a discussion while Zatara spoke with asured gestures. The Flash leaned back in his chair, sohow managing to look simultaneously restless and comfortable.
A few seats remained empty. Not every founding mber was present.
Batman didn't care.The two people he needed were here. Several conversations died as he entered.
Heads turned.
Superman was the first to smile, "Batman."
The Kryptonian's voice carried easily across the room, "We were just finishing up our discussion regarding Young Justice. They've co a long way over the years. We missed your presence."
Batman crossed the room without breaking stride, "I know." The chair slid quietly as he pulled it out, "I was occupied."
He sat. The brief silence that followed imdiately drew attention.
Everyone in the room knew Batman rarely attended etings unless he considered sothing important.
Superman's smile faded slightly, "Sothing wrong?"
Batman rested his forearms on the table.
His gaze moved first to Superman.
Then to Green Arrow.
"Superman. Green Arrow."
The tone alone caused several mbers to straighten in their seats.
"We need to talk."
Green Arrow raised an eyebrow, "That doesn't sound ominous at all."
From the other side of the table, Flash leaned forward with an exaggerated grin.
"Ooo, serious eting."
He lowered his voice into what he clearly believed was a whisper, "Sobody's in trouuuble."
Batman slowly turned his head toward him.
The speedster imdiately sat back in his chair, "Yep." Flash nodded to himself, "I'll shut up now."
The room grew quiet. Even Green Arrow's casual deanor faded as he studied Batman's expression.
Whatever Batman had co here to discuss, it wasn't routine League business. And judging by the look in his eyes, Gotham had followed him into orbit.
Batman touched his gauntlet then the table in front of him. A hologram blipped to life infront of the justice league. It took shape of a man, he was well dressed with black and an expensive suit. Everyone present could tell even though the suit was tailored it still managed to hide the impressive muscle definition the figure carried.
The man held a kind easy smile, "This is Kieran Everleigh."
Green arrow humd, "That's the guy right? The one that created the underpass."
"Yes he is. Kieran Everleigh as you know is not strictly speaking his na nor his true self. The man has many personas and personalities." Batman continued and joining the man with the kind smile appeared several other figures. One where he looked more hunched and tired. Another were he look ssy and carefree, wild in a sense.
And lastly one where he looked like a blank canvas, the picture perfect example of a soldier or better yet an assassin.
"Kieran Everleigh is his business persona, Quentin is his criminal one, vey is the one you will find in most operations and physical matters." Batman noted, "Nolan i believe is the true personality, not much is known about his background. From what I can tell is three years ago he showed up in Gotham, he now controls a vast amount of the underworld and his hotel chain has taken over the competition."
"He used the hotels to house assassins and criminals as a safe house. I believe he is using it to place contracts aswell." As Batman spoke several more holograms sprung to life
A coin and several hotel buildings.
"Nolan is exceedingly hard to deal with, not counting the beast his last personality. It seems to be the most violent one wanting to cause nothing but pain and suffering. It has appeared twice, both tis when Nolan's body was perceived to be in imminent danger."
Superman interjected, "Are you asking for our assistance with him Batman?" His expression was strange
Batman never asked for help.
Batman shook his head, "You both need to pay attention to your cities more it seems." The holograms disappear being replaced by two buildings, "The continental is expanding to both tropolis and Star city."
"Do not take this lightly."
Green arrow chuckled, "I appreciate the warning Batman but this isn't sothing that I can't handle. Gotham is far from Star city most of his operations won't be able to move over. It seems he's shooting himself in the foot here."
Batman sneered, "Your wrong, I thought the sa I was naive. When he started Nolan just gathered one group of holess people. His operations spread like the plague, he is like a parasite Nolan will latch onto anything to further his goals. Before you even realize it the underpass will be a player in your cities then they will be the main player. By the ti you try to stop them you will realize sothing I had to as-well."
"He is smarter than he appears and he knows more than he should. Arresting him will do no good, there will be no evidence. Even then his lawyers will get him out and if that fails he will find another way."
"And his goals?" Wonder Won finally questioned, "You spoke of his goals what are they?"
Batman paused, "as I said before he isn't ntally stable. He believes he is making a difference, he believes he is ultimately doing good by his actions. And if people need to die then he will weep for them and continue because how can he not continue at that point? Wouldn't there deaths be in vain?"
"Great just great."
"The hotel in tropolis is just breaking ground." Superman noted, "While the one in star city is nearing completion."
"That ans we still have ti."
"Anything else we should know about this guy?"
Batman nodded, "His abilities, I'm sure you've heard from your apprentices. He has the ability to induce heightened emotions, this is not to be confused with telepathy. There is no middle ground with his manipulation. Emotions is also too soft of a word, it would be better to say madness. Nolan has the ability to induce madness on the emotion spectrum. Be it manic rage, chronic anxiety, or deep enough depression to make a man kill himself in less than a minute."
"I've found he struggles with manipulating those with a strong sense of self or will."
"What do you think we should do Batman, we can't just shut down the hotel." Superman questioned
"This is exactly what I an, you will find it hard to react or stop so of his moves. Simply because they are completely legal."
—
A/N: this is kind of a part two of the interlude.despite its smaller size this took a lot out of . I knew for this arc we were going outside of Gotham, I figured I would stick to star city then I thought I would be basically running back Gotham pt 2. Hopefully my ambition pays off. If there is anything you really want to see drop a comnt maybe it's already planned to happen or maybe it will give so future ideas!
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