Batman's War Chessboard!

Link hovered before the fleet from Apokolips, watching the apocalyptic scene unfold on the planet below with keen interest.

"Tch. Like poking a hornet's nest. Spectacular."

A global tactical map transmitted live by Cyborg unfolded across his retina. Countless red dots representing Parademons spread across the blue planet like a virus. Cities wailed, human armies fired in vain, civilians screamed... The sounds merged into a discordant symphony of destruction.

"Cyborg, patch me into the Justice League's internal communications. Let's hear how my new employees are doing."

[Channel connected.]

Static and the heroes' hurried breathing immediately filled Link's earpiece.

"...There are too many! Downtown New York has fallen! Civilian casualties are impossible to count!"

"London needs backup! I can't hold out much longer!"

"They're attacking the nuclear power plant! Oh God!"

Utter chaos.

Sure enough, without a leader, this group of formidable solo fighters was nothing but a scattered mess.

The corner of Link's... Link's mouth curled upward. He knew it was time for that mortal to make his entrance.

Sure enough, a calm, raspy man's voice, seemingly devoid of emotion, cut into the chaotic channel with surgical precision.

It was Batman.

"Everyone, stay calm and follow my orders."

With that one sentence, the channel grew much quieter.

"Flash," Batman said evenly, "stop fighting the Parademons. Your job isn't to kill them. Get to New York immediately. Use the Speed Force to create vacuum corridors and evacuate every civilian from Fifth Avenue to Times Square. Remember, your value lies in saving lives, not fighting!"

"Got it!" Barry Allen's voice hardened with resolve. He broke off the fight and vanished into the sky as a streak of red lightning.

"Diana," Batman continued, "you're our strongest shield. Hold Washington. Capitol Hill and the White House are symbols of the nation. They