Worst Case Scenario

Chapter 43: Spiritual Counseling

"Incoming transmission" chirped the computer as a large holographic screen appeared. Green Arrow's world-famous golden beard filled the image. Red Tornado's head was present in a corner, but nobody cared about that, because it was beardless.

"Arrow. Report." said Batman, very matter-of-factually. (It really was a very nice beard).

"The buildings are totaled. Definitely a controlled demolition. So far, no bodies, but it looks like there were a bunch of underground tunnels, just like at Cadmus D.C. It's going to take a while to sort it all out, even with the Canadians pitching in."

"What have you told them?" asked Aquaman.

"The League heard a rumor about activity on another op, sent in some recon to make sure the place was dormant, recon got attacked, backup arrived, things exploded."

"That's pretty much the truth" said Wonder Woman, raising an eyebrow at Batman. "I'm almost impressed." Batman resisted rolling his eyes at the sarcasm on the grounds that his mask would just conceal it.

"They know we've got missing personnel out here," continued Arrow "and I'm not sure how much longer it'll be until they start asking which Justice Leaguers they're looking for."

"When you have to, inform them that all missing League members have been located, and that it was merely communications error. The recon units have successfully been recovered. Apologize for wasting their time."

"Hey. Why do I have to apologize? It was your..."

Batman raised an eyebrow.

"Uh, anyways, the goons we caught are secured and they've started waking up" said Arrow, rapidly changing subject.

"Have they said anything?" asked Aquaman.

"They claim that they have no idea why we have taken them prisoner, nor do they recall a battle last night" said Red Tornado, stepping forward.

"A lie" said Wonder Woman. "It is easy enough to claim amnesia. To prove it is another matter."

"I don't know" said Green Arrow. "They've been separated the entire time we've had them, and yet they all came up with the exact same excuse. Different wording, too, so it didn't sound rehearsed. Most of them seem more freaked out about it than anything else."

Batman thought for a second before bringing up a file on another holoscreen. "Right after Sportsmaster's plane took off, Superboy reported some sort of high-pitched sound. No one else heard it, but my cowl recorded it, and analysis shows that it in fact has a complicated and precise pattern. Definitely artificial."

"If they wanted to be sure they didn't leave any loose ends behind..." began Superman.

"...then the sound might have triggered a post-hypnotic suggestion" finished Martian Manhunter, entering the room alongside Black Canary.

"Exactly" said Batman, taking the pair of lead-lined containers from the Martian. Superman eyed the one marked 'Caution: Kryptonite' warily, but the lead was thick enough that he physically felt no different.

"J'onn, get back out there" ordered Batman. "Take Wonder Woman with you. You two should be able to tell if their memories really are being suppressed. If so, see if you can reverse it. I want answers. Now."

The Martian and Amazon nodded and moved towards the zeta tube. Wonder Woman checked her Lasso of Truth (TM) as they stepped into the teleporter.

"Canary. What are Miss Martian and Superboy's conditions?" the Dark Knight asked.

"They've been through a lot" said Canary. "M'gann is definitely traumatized. Thinks she's some kind of monster and we'll all hate her for it. But I think Conner's having issues too. He's just better at hiding it. Maybe if there was someone he could connect with? Like a family member or something?"