***
---Watchtower---
"Are you crazy, Supes?!" Flash shouted, sinking into his chair as the Justice League debated letting Doomguy into the league.
"Flash, don't forget that my goal is to try and temper his methods. He'll eventually abandon knee-capping and stop using guns altogether. Besides, it's not like a few of us haven't taken lives before. Remember Diana's involvement in World War Two?" Superman explained, referring to Diana's past actions.
"Don't count me out," Hal smirked, reminiscing about his time as a pilot in the Air Force.
"Quiet!" Batman interjected, silencing the Justice League's arguments to give his perspective.
"While I may not agree with Clark's attempt to slowly pacify Barnes, as it will still inevitably lead to casualties in the future, I also believe it's best not to provoke him, as evidenced by his fight with Clark. Instead of immediately granting him membership, we should subject him to tests," Batman suggested.
Manhunter spoke up, "Considering he's quite young and has shared all the information about himself, perhaps we should let him join the Titans for a while."
"Even if we let him join the Titans, he's too powerful for the adversaries they face, and he's far too violent," Diana pointed out, her voice filled with concern as she remembered the sight of Grodd's lifeless body with its head obliterated by a single blast from Barnes' double-barrel shotgun.
"It does seem that he prefers to confront world-ending or potentially universal-ending threats rather than mob bosses and deranged clowns," Clark added, highlighting Barnes' behavior and his inclination toward more formidable enemies.
"We can't just let him sit in the Watchtower, waiting for Darkseid to resurface," Flash argued.
"Then how about this: we create a new identity for him, and he can stay in Metropolis, working at the Daily Planet with me," Clark proposed.
"But won't he be in the same city where a bald, Kryptonian-hating billionaire, Luthor, could target him on a political level? If Barnes is pushed too far, he might just kill him," Flash countered, expressing his concern that the JLA member's actions against Luthor could jeopardize the organization's position in the world.
"As I said, I will keep a close eye on him to ensure he doesn't cross that line," Superman reassured his friend.
Batman then raised a point that made everyone reconsider the entire situation. "Then there's the matter of hell's existence."
"Well, he did claim that his father locked away hell after he killed Satan," Zatanna recalled what Barnes had disclosed during the interrogation.
"Yes, but hell still exists, and it was capable of invading dimensions that transcended the concepts of space-time and reality itself. His Earth couldn't stop it, even with giant mechs and laser guns," Shazam expressed his fear of a potential release of hell.
"I think it's best if we focus on the present for now and worry about that later. If any signs of a demonic invasion arise, I'm certain Batman will have plans in place," Superman suggested, urging the team to set aside future paranoia.
"Then it's decided. Barnes, or Doomguy as he likes to call himself, will be under Clark's watch," Batman delivered his final verdict, reigniting the Justice League's heated debate.
---Outside the conference room---
Barnes paced back and forth, anxiously waiting for the door to open and reveal his fate.
Just as he waited, the door swung open, and Superman emerged, carrying a few items in his hands.
"Alright, Doomguy, we've come to a decision. We cannot grant you full membership in the Justice League just yet, but we are offering you a provisional membership," Superman declared, extending his hand to Doomguy.
Doomguy halted his pacing, gazing at Superman with a mix of surprise and relief. He took a moment to process the offer before reaching out and firmly shaking Superman's hand.
"Thank you," Doomguy gruffly responded, gratitude evident in his voice. "I won't let you down."
Superman nodded approvingly. "We'll begin with a trial period to assess your abilities and compatibility with the team. During this time, you'll work closely with me in Metropolis, assisting in various missions and operations."
Doomguy nodded, showing his understanding. "I'll follow your lead, Supes."
***
---Hall of Justice---
The Justice League gathered outside the Hall of Justice, surrounded by a crowd of reporters and camera crews eagerly awaiting Doomguy's appearance.
Batman, utilizing the powerful microphones embedded in his cowl, listened intently to the discussions amongst the protesters. Many voiced their concerns about recruiting someone with a willingness to kill. However, Batman knew that the public's trust would ultimately lie in Superman's judgment.
Diana approached Batman, her expression filled with uncertainty. "Are you truly certain about this?" she asked.
"Clark will earn their trust," Batman reassured her, dispelling any doubts she may have had. Just then, Superman emerged, his cape sweeping across the marble ground as he made his way toward the podium.
Taking hold of the microphone, Superman addressed the gathered crowd, his voice projecting with confidence and authority. "Greetings, citizens of Metropolis and the world. It has come to everyone's attention that in recent days, I have encountered an individual who now stands as my equal."
"I stand before you today to announce that we will be extending an invitation to this extraordinary individual to join us under the jurisdiction of the League. However, I must emphasize that he will not be an official member of the Justice League just yet."
"While I understand that many are deeply troubled by the inclusion of a known killer within our ranks, we must also remember that the League requires every capable hand to combat the escalating threats that endanger innocent lives. Our mission is to protect the world, and sometimes that means making difficult decisions and forming alliances that may seem unconventional."
Superman paused, his gaze sweeping across the crowd, his eyes reflecting unwavering determination. "This man, who goes by the name Doomguy, has displayed immense courage, unmatched combat skills, and an unyielding commitment to eradicating darkness. He has faced unimaginable horrors and emerged victorious time and time again." Superman winced inwardly, knowing he had to stretch the truth about Doomguy's experiences to instill trust in the world.
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The crowd remained divided, murmurs of uncertainty filling the air. However, Superman's calm and resolute demeanor commanded their attention. "While his methods may not align with our traditional values, let us not forget that we are confronted by adversaries who show no mercy, who threaten innocent lives without remorse. Doomguy has proven himself to be a force of justice in his own right."
Superman's voice resonated with conviction as he continued, "We will closely monitor his actions, ensuring that he adheres to our principles and works towards the greater good. And if, at any point, he deviates from our mission or endangers the innocent, we will take appropriate action."
His words carried weight, fostering a sense of trust and hope among those listening. As Superman stepped away from the podium, Doomguy approached, his imposing figure emanating strength and determination.
In a surprisingly youthful yet powerful voice, Doomguy addressed the crowd, dispelling their expectations of silence. "Today, I stand before you not as someone to be feared, but as someone striving to earn your trust. As a recent arrival to Earth, my only aspiration is to gain the confidence of everyone present and those throughout the world. I am committed to earning your trust and uniting us facing formidable challenges. Though I am new to this world, I bring an unwavering resolve and an indomitable spirit to protect humanity. Together, we can overcome any threat that dares to endanger our existence. Let us stand united, bound by courage and resilience, forging a brighter future for all."
Doomguy's words were concise yet resolute, mirroring Superman's approach. The crowd, still uncertain, began to ponder the weight of their judgments, realizing that the world faced threats far greater than their disagreements with Doomguy's methods.
Amidst the flashes of cameras and the flurry of note-taking by reporters, the Justice League and their prospective new member stood shoulder to shoulder, ready to confront the challenges that lay ahead. It was a moment of uncertainty, but also a moment of unity, as they set aside their differences for the sake of the greater good.
Superman leans in to whisper into Doomguy’s ear and says “Tomorrow you will go through a screening test, it’s nothing much, just a simple training exercise to see your combat skills and abilities.
***
---STAR labs---
Doomguy walks into STAR Labs with the Justice League surrounding him as he receives stares from the scientists and employees around, with obvious hints of disgust, knowing that the justice league is recruiting a killer.
They all enter a small room that seems to have a weight scaler that also has a height scaler, fingerprint scan and retinal scan
“Remove your armor, but before you do that, go into he changing room and put on these clothes, I know you’re going commando under that armor” Superman says as hands him a t-shirt, underwear, and pants.
Doomguy pouts in embarrassment as he takes the clothes and goes into the changing room and a few minutes later, he gets out.
He puts both feet on the weight scale as the height scaler adjusts itself to his height.
“Six foot, five inches at 240 pounds,” Batman says as he takes notes on his clipboard while Barnes steps off and walks over to the finger print and retinal scanner.
He puts all ten of his fingers into each of the scanners as he stares into the lens of the retina scanner.
“Alright you’re done, go put on your armor, it’s time to see what you can do in our training rooms” Batman orders as Doomguy goes back to put his armor on.
---later---
Doomguy entered the training room, clad in his formidable armor and wielding his super shotgun, just as an AI created by the Justice League began to speak. "Your first test is to observe and calculate your reaction speed and reaction time. The exercise will adapt to your abilities and survival time."
"Shouldn't be too hard," Doomguy thought to himself. He reloaded his super shotgun, but suddenly, several lasers struck his back at breakneck speeds, sending him flying against the wall of the training room. Using the momentum from the impact, he pushed himself off the wall and swiftly jabbed one of the drones right in its optic with the meathook. A single shot from his shotgun sent it exploding into a shower of metal, electronics, and smoke.
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a bright light indicating that the drones were preparing to fire their lasers again. Now aware of his surroundings, he turned around with his heavy rifle in his left hand and his combat shotgun, configured into automatic mode, in his right hand. He mowed down the approaching drones.
One of the drones managed to fire a shot, but thanks to Doomguy's lightning-fast reaction speed and timing, he effortlessly dodged it by leaning his head to the right. Simultaneously, he pointed his super shotgun at it and fired its meathook into the drone. With a powerful spin, he slammed the drone into its companions.
The initial drone, connected by the meathook, eventually disintegrated after colliding with so many others. But before Doomguy could switch targets, several missiles rocketed toward him at supersonic speeds. Due to his limited running speed, he couldn't evade them. The missiles struck him, knocking him to the ground. At that moment, the training exercise concluded, and all the drones retreated into the walls of the room.
---Control Room---
The Justice League observed the entire sequence through the one-way window, each member pondering Doomguy's performance. Batman, always the strategist, focused on devising ways to counter him.
"I'd say he performed quite well," the Flash remarked, using his speed force to analyze Doomguy's movements closely.
"It appears he relies more on his durability and endurance, making him more of a juggernaut," Wonder Woman added, offering her analysis.
"His maximum running speed is 76 miles per hour, but his reaction time and reaction speed are at a picosecond level, equal to Superman's but slower than yours, Barry," Batman reported while still observing through the window. "However, we know that he isn't a pure primeval; he's a hybrid. According to what he told us, his mother was human, and this blend of human and primeval genetics might explain his slower running speed," Batman concluded as he finished analyzing Doomguy's abilities.
"Yeah, thanks for reminding me that his dad was able to walk through time itself," Flash recoils in embarrassment as he remembers reading the scriptures that Doomguy brought with him, which revealed that the Doom Slayer was the Time Walker. This revelation showed that the Doom Slayer was a jack of all trades, almost like if the Justice League combined into one person.
"Ooh, someone's jealous of a faster speedster," Green Lantern teases Flash while Black Canary watches their banter. Meanwhile, Superman approaches Batman and asks, "Could it be a latency issue? Maybe he hasn't unlocked all of his abilities."
"And I want to keep it that way," Batman says with a slight hint of fear. He knows that if Doomguy learns and masters all of his abilities and then turns to the dark side, there might be no way to defeat him.
"Always the control freak, hmm?" Superman sarcastically tells Batman as Doomguy enters the control room, led by Wonder Woman.
"So, what's my score?" Barnes asks.
"There is no score because you were already eligible to be with us. We just needed to test your abilities," Wonder Woman explains.
"Hmm... So what's next?" Barnes asks.
"What's next is you going with Clark to get a job and live among society," Black Canary tells him.
"Are there gun stores in Metropolis? I think that would suit me the most," Doomguy asks curiously.
Before Batman can answer in his own fashion, still opting to put him in a job where he isn't around guns, Superman answers, "Yes, there are gun stores."
"Hmph, I guess I could work in one," Doomguy replies quietly.
"Speaking of guns, aren't we supposed to replace your current weapons because we know they use ammunition that doesn't even exist?" Shazam comments, reminding Doomguy of a problem he didn't think of before coming to this new dimension.
"The only ones in need of replacements would be the ballista, plasma rifle, chaingun, rocket launcher, unmaykr, BFG-9000, and the micro missiles on his heavy assault rifle," Batman lists all of the weapons that Doomguy needs to replace.
"I have some energy weapons back in the Fortress of Solitude that he can use," Superman suggests.
"Well, I obviously don't have my entire arsenal as energy weapons, so I will need shotgun shells and normal bullets," Doomguy reminds them.
"I can do something for that, but it will take me a few days. I just need one of your shotgun shells, one of your standard bullets, and one of the micro missiles," Batman asks as the rest of the Justice League look at him, knowing that he hates working with anything related to guns or bullets.
Doomguy complies as he pulls out what Batman asked for and hands it over to him.
"What are you going to do? Reverse the technology and mass-produce?" Doomguy asks, to which Batman replies with a nod.