Superman was the first to stand.
"First, I have some good news for everyone."
He gave them a gentle smile. "The World Court has just ruled that Vandal Savage committed crimes against humanity. Life imprisonment without the possibility of bail."
Polite applause broke out, though Batman and Li Jie remained silent.
"Sheriff, don't you think that's a good outcome?" Barry whispered as he clapped.
"What do you think?" Li Jie finally decided to show Clark a little courtesy and gave a few token claps. He answered just as quietly, "Sentencing a man who'll never die to life imprisonment? Are you waiting for him to outlive all of you and stroll right out?"
"Uh... fair point."
The applause gradually died away. Superman turned to Batman and said somewhat awkwardly, "Also, the main reason for this meeting is that, given the crisis of trust exposed during the Vandal Savage incident, we need to decide..."
He paused, hesitated for a moment, then continued, "Decide whether to allow Batman to remain in the League."
"Before we vote, we should allow the defendant to say a few words in his defense."
Wonder Woman stood. "Bruce, I want you to look me in the eye and tell me-when you were drawing up those plans, did you ever consider, even once, that we might never become your enemies?"
"I did," Batman answered, meeting her gaze. "But 'might' isn't enough."
"Then what is?" Diana held his gaze. "How do you decide whether someone deserves your trust?"
"Behavior. Patterns. Historical data."
There was no emotion in Batman's voice. "Trust isn't a feeling, Diana. It's a probability. I've seen far more betrayal than loyalty. Besides..."
He leaned forward slightly. "My actions need no defense. Under the same circumstances, I would do it again."
"Oh, please!"
"Come on!"
A young man