"God's" Recruitment, the Justice League's Choice!

The Watchtower space station, Main Control Room.

The silence was tomb-like.

The members of the Justice League, once Earth's greatest protectors, now resembled trapped beasts stripped of their claws and fangs, confined to the "home" they had built.

Link had neither killed nor mistreated them. He had simply revoked all their access and cut off most of their contact with the outside world. That invisible imprisonment and humiliation tormented them more than any physical blow.

Superman, Clark Kent, sat in a corner, silently gazing at Earth beyond the window, his eyes dim. Wonder Woman, Diana, polished her sword, worry etched into her brow. The Flash, Barry Allen, paced the room so fast he left a trail of afterimages. Green Lantern, Hal Jordan, tried to contact Oa, but an invisible force blocked every signal.

Batman, Bruce Wayne, stood wordlessly before the main console, his eyes beneath the cowl fixed on the scrolling news about the Star Seeker Project.

He understood Link's ambition better than anyone. That so-called Orbital Shipyard was not for any bullshit "exploration of the future." It was an arsenal, one that would soon forge a sword of conquest for that New God.

And there was nothing they could do.

Just then, a strange rumble like rolling thunder sounded behind them.

A vortex glowing with eerie energy appeared out of thin air.

A Boom Tube!

Everyone instantly readied themselves for a fight, though their faces showed only wariness and helplessness.

Link emerged from the passage at an unhurried pace, like an elegant monarch. He was not even wearing a combat suit, just a tailored black suit, with a warm smile that sent a chill down their spines.

"Good afternoon, everyone." He looked around, his gaze passing over each face before settling on Batman. "It seems your confinement has been...