Justice League: A New Chapter

Chapter 11: Explanation

Rob was mortified all his friends injured, Danielle dead "We need to leave, if we stay here were sitting ducks" Rob says almost yelling at himself. "I know, but it will take weeks to download all the information from the batcomputer on to a flash drive." Jared replies "your batman correct? than you could build another bat computer and then just upload all your other files to the new computer." Rob says challenging Jared "Alright i'll do it Rob" Jared says. Rob just walks away slowly with a grin on his face and a drink in his hand "Rob" Jared says "Yeah" Rob answers "Don't you wanna know why I joined the other side?" Jared asks, Rob just turns around and says "Look Jared, we've been friends for a long time I trust your judgement. when you think you're ready to talk you know where to find me" Rob says. As Rob turns back around he strolls out of the batcave yelling "two weeks Jared.... Two weeks" Jared was confused he could not figure Rob out, one minute he hated Jared's guts and the next its like nothing ever happened. A week and a half went by and Jared had a few days left. Rob was drinking alone (as always) when Jeans approached Rob, Jean's could move his hands a little enough to hold a glass before Jeans said a word Rob poured him a glass "Thanks" Jean's says "Don't mention it" Rob says " How did you do it man?" Jean's asks, "Do what." Rob replies "how did you find the strength to forgive Jared after what he did to the group" Jean's says, Rob not even glancing at Jean's says "Look Jean's don't take this the wrong way but whether you like it or not we are family, and you never turn your back on family even if they do" Jared walked into the kitchen "can we talk, Rob" he says "please, sit " Rob replies, Gesturing to the chair next to him "So why is it that you turned on us like you did?" Rob asked "Well thats a long story, but ill keep it short" Jared sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "I'll be honest, when I put that uniform on, I felt... great. Powerful. Better. She kissed me, and for a minute, just a minute, I was on her side. She was my girlfriend, my best friend in our old lives. I fell victim to her old charms, the pain had gone away. I didn't think she'd kill Danielle like that, but I guess I should have expected it. I tried to capture her, lure her here and cage her. But she was cold, her emotions lies. She's been brainwashed by Deathstroke... I think we can save her." He mumbled at the end. "I think there's a chance for her to join us. She's a valuable asset, she knows things that we don't. If we get her on our side..."

Rob just took a long drink and says calmly "Jared i'll be honest with you... I think that is the worst idea I have ever heard but I will let you bring her in. But she is your responsibility if she attacks us then I won't hesitate to take her and you out." Jean's comes storming into the room screaming "ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME ROB YOU CAN'T LET THIS HAPPEN." Rob quickly stands up and confronts Jean's "Jean's take it easy, we don't have many other options if we want to survive" Jean's still screaming says "WHAT IF SHE KILLS ADRIANNA." Jared stands up "THAT won't happen, She has been brainwashed its not her fault, it hurts me and i understand your skepticism, but i'll be watching her" Jared demanded "There better not be...or I will be coming after you" Jeans barked "You'll have to get in line" Jared smirked letting Rob finish what he was saying. Rob looked Jean's eye to eye and said "Calm down, go walk it off" Rob says pointing to the door. Jean's just started mumbling as he walked out of the room. Jean's comes back hours later still kind of pissed Jared went into the infirmary to get her, unstrapping her. She glared at him, being surprisingly compliant when he tied her hands behind her back. He brought her back to Rob, sitting her down.

"Taylor." Rob said. "Rob, nice to see you again." she smiled sarcastically. "What do you want?" she asked them, looking from Jared to Rob. "Want me to kill you like I did your friend? Or are you trying to negotiate with me?" Rob scowled. "Jared thinks you've been brainwashed, we're trying to bring you back to your senses." Taylor laughed. "Brainwashed? Deathstroke saved me, after you left us to die, and my friends died, I was alone. He came and saved me, gave me this uniform. Treated me like family." She smirked. "You can't keep me here forever, I'm the Head General of the Arachnids. They'll be coming to get me." Taylor said rather cocky "so be it then" Jared said "Rob everyone leave the cave go upstairs i'm handling this. Taylor what ever happened back then that made you stop trusting me im sorry" Jared said sadly but with anger knowing it was already going to be too late. Jared took off his shirt revealing to everyone the bat symbol carved into his chest "Taylor..we know about that day...and everyday i look at this scar is a reminder of the hell i put you guys through so.." Jared said as he untied her knowing she was still to weak to take him on in a fight. He handed her a gun that was laying on the desk of the bat computer "If you truly have no more trust, feelings, or care if i die then pull the trigger. However if you don't...i destroy your little communicator watch you been talking to your HQ on and you cooperate with us" Jared said with rage and confidence as he looked dead into Taylors eyes as she held the gun to his heart, and he wasn't wearing any of his armor.

She returned his angry gaze. "Tell me why you left us. Your friends, to die."

"I told you before, it wasn't up to me. Back then i didn't have a say in what went down. I didnt want to. I left you all with enough food, supplies. and guns to last a week. i know you guys are smart, and i knew you would make it without me." He said, she scowled. "They didn't. Give me a reason why I shouldn't shoot you." She said, he sighed "Because I'm your only chance at redemption. Without me, there's no way for you to save yourself." He stared her down, causing her to fall silent. She lowered the gun. "Fine..." She took the earpiece out, handing it to him. "What do you want to know."