The next morning, Hal and Carol were already settled in. The two finished breakfast by the window. Hal tidied up and said, "I didn't see Superman come out yesterday, I'm going to go around today and see if I can bump into him. If not, I'll have to go to his company to find him."
"Go ahead." Carol shook her phone and said, "My dad said you're a troublemaker, but he still recommended a reliable real estate agent to me. I'll go out and look at houses later, and if I can find out which community Superman lives in, that would be great."
Hal smiled at her and was about to leave when the doorbell rang. Both were a bit nervous. Hal quickly ran back to the kitchen and hugged Carol. Carol whispered, "How about I go back to the bedroom first?"
"No way, what if they attack from the back door? You stay here, I can protect you. If we have to fight later, you just dive under the table."
Carol nodded, then reached into her bag and pulled out a small gun, standing behind the sofa, ready to act. Hal touched his ring, and a hint of green light flashed in his eyes. If these people dared to trouble him again, he'd have to make them pay.
He opened the door, ready to attack, but found standing outside wasn't an agent, but a tall woman. Her skin was slightly dark, but very smooth. Her winter outfit couldn't conceal the strong muscles on her body. More importantly, she was dressed in all designer brands, looking like a powerful businesswoman.
Hal immediately changed his expression to a polite smile and said, "Hello, ma'am. We just moved in yesterday, may I ask where you live?"
Hal thought she was their neighbor. After all, their move-in yesterday caused quite a commotion, and the neighbors should know, likely dropping by to probe in the coming days. He couldn't show fear.
Diana took off her sunglasses and said, "Hello, but I'm not your neighbor."
Hal looked at her face, feeling it was familiar. He covered his forehead, reached out a hand and said, "Wait a minute, you are... you're... are you some celebrity? I think I've seen you on TV."
"Princess Diana, from the Amazon. Nice to meet you."
"Oh my goodness, Princess His Highness. Do you live nearby?" Hal immediately shook hands with her and said, "Sorry for keeping you waiting in the cold, please come in."
Diana walked in, and Carol was also surprised. But she quickly recognized Diana, then stepped up to shake Diana's hand and said, "Princess His Highness, we met at the energy conference in Europe, do you remember?"
"Of course, Miss Ferris. Your elegance was unforgettable."
The three sat down on the sofa. Hal asked curiously, "Are you here for Carol, Princess His Highness?"
"No, I'm here for you." Diana said bluntly, "I saw you fly over Metropolis yesterday, I thought it was Superman coming back, but it wasn't."
This information was a lot for them, they were both stunned. Hal tentatively asked, "You saw?"
He knew he flew very fast, worried about being caught on camera or surveillance. Even if captured, it would just be a faint green light, but Diana said she saw it.
Diana nodded and said, "I'm also a superpower user, a demigod. If you've heard of Greek mythology, I think you can guess who my father is."
Both immediately opened their mouths wide. It wasn't hard to see that they must have already sketched an entire history of Zeus in their minds.
"That's not the point," Diana said, "I've formed a superpower organization on the East Coast with other superpower users, it's still in the early stages. The organization's leader, Batman, thinks you two have great potential, so he asked me to come and see if you're willing to join."
The two exchanged a glance. Carol almost immediately went into action, saying, "Honestly, we ran into some trouble, that's why we moved to the East Coast, planning to seek help from Superman. But from what you're saying, has Superman left the East Coast?"
"He hasn't left the East Coast, he left Earth. Superman's an alien, went back to his home planet to visit family. If you're looking for him, it won't be possible anytime soon."
"I see. Is he a member of this organization?"
"Our organization was established after he left. But he is good friends with the organization's leader, Batman, and even stayed at Wayne Manor for a while. I think when he returns he'll be happy to join."
"I understand. I wonder what abilities of Hal caught your eye?"
"Honestly, I'm not sure either. Batman asked me to contact you. However, from what he said, you arrived at the right time. I think he probably has some issues that need urgent resolve, and you happen to be able to help."
Hal asked, "You said this organization is in its early stages, how many members are there now? What are their abilities? What are the future plans?"
Diana began introducing them one by one. She wasn't the type to exaggerate, even somewhat reserved, but still left Hal amazed.
He originally thought his green lantern energy was formidable, but unexpectedly there are even greater masters. Earth truly is full of hidden talents. What is a runner who surpasses the speed of light? What is a Superman with mind reading skills and cunning version? What is an invincible hacker that treats the Federal Reserve like his living room? And Atlantis' King of the Ocean. Are these the opponents I should match up against?
Carol gave him a calm look, then said, "Sounds like it matches our level quite well. As for Batman..."
"He's the organizer, but he's just an ordinary person." Diana said, feeling a bit guilty. She thought for a moment and supplemented, "But personally I feel he's stronger than everyone."
The two were puzzled again. Diana said, "His strength isn't in superpowers. You could understand it as having another kind of superpower."
"What?"
"He's super rich."
"Wait a minute, you just mentioned Wayne Manor, right?" Carol finally reacted. She slightly widened her eyes and said, "Batman is Bruce Wayne?!"
Diana nodded.
In the next second, the two spoke in unison.
"I'm joining."
"He's joining."
Diana couldn't help but cover her forehead. Cash strength really works wonders.
Actually for Carol and Hal, Bruce Wayne's name is indeed more useful. Because, in a sense, they belong to the upper-class society, especially Carol. She is very aware that even Superman can solve only 80% of the problems, but Wayne can absolutely solve 99%. Establishing a relationship with a top billionaire is far more beneficial than mixing into some superpower users' circle. America is a gold-standard society, money is superpower, and it's the top-tier kind of superpower.
"When is our interview?" Hal asked.
"Don't be nervous, first tell me about your troubles," Diana said, "I guess either the Federal Government is not acting humanely, or the military is not acting humanely, or both of them together are not acting humanely."
"It's the Federal Government, I suppose." Speaking of this, Hal was still full of anger. He knew he was a bit dumb, but them defaulting is one thing, to even reverse the blame back on him was too much. Should have punched the Capitol Building apart back then.
After hearing Hal's narration, Diana couldn't help but sigh: "Good thing you have a great girlfriend. Otherwise, you two would have probably been doomed."
Carol cleared her throat and then said, "If we join, do we have to operate in Gotham? I do have a house there, but it's a bit far, in the suburbs..."
"No. The organization's main activity area is still in Metropolis, after all, that place in Gotham has a bad reputation, which isn't conducive to our subsequent recruitment. The next step of the plan should also unfold in Metropolis. For specifics, you'll have to talk to Wayne in detail."
After smiling and sending Diana off, as the door closed, the two let out a sharp cheer.
"Yeah!!!"
"That's Bruce Wayne!" Hal hugged Carol and then said, "We no longer need to look at those damned politicians' faces!"
Carol slapped him and then said, "My dad would never have imagined, we could actually get attached to Wayne. Just wait for him to call and praise you!"
Hal shook both fists in excitement but soon returned to being serious. Carol also quickly ran to grab her phone and said, "You've lost quite a bit of weight lately, that suit might not fit anymore, you need to tailor a new one. Also, the old watch can't be worn, the style isn't classy enough. Get the car started, let's go buy a new one..."
Two days later, a Rolls-Royce stopped at the entrance of Wayne Manor. Carol, holding Hal's arm, walked through the manor's gate. Just in time Alfred was setting the last candle on the dining table.
"Oh my god, I'm about to be strangled." Barry tugged at his tie and then said, "Is my tying method wrong? Why do I feel like I've tied a noose around myself?"
Diana turned her head to look carefully at his bow tie, then said, "Choose this kind of light style tie, don't tie such a complicated knot. Quickly go handle it with Divine Speed."
Barry "whooshed" and disappeared. Ron scratched the back of his hand, Arthur looked over with some concern, Ron whispered, "Too many Oreos have inflamed, hard to maintain human form. Hopefully, this ends quickly."
"How do you think this necklace looks?" Mera whispered to Arthur, "I actually think I should choose the red one, will this be too Mediterranean style?"
"I think it's nice. If you choose the ruby one, it might blend with the carpet. This one just matches my tie."
"I really don't need to wear a hat?" Cyborg whispered to Bruce, "I'm afraid I'll scare the newcomers."
"Ron is almost about to show his true form," Bruce said, "It'll be good to give them some mental preparation beforehand."
The manor door opened, two figures walked in. As usual, the man was handsome and the woman was beautiful, elegantly dressed, and stylishly adorned.
Hal walked up and shook Bruce's hand, saying, "Good evening, Mr. Wayne, we're not late, right?"
"God bless you, you're just right."
Bruce hugged Carol, brushed cheeks then said, "Bless you, my lady, how have you been lately?"
"Very well. I've been to many similar manors, but I have to say, Wayne Manor's decor style is unique. This has improved my impression of Gotham quite a bit."
Everyone laughed, then took their seats one after another.
Bruce raised his glass and said, "Let's welcome Mr. Hal Jordan and Miss Carol Ferris. Apart from welcoming them joining this time, it's also the first time Justice League members are all gathered together. Tomorrow morning, our plan will start. Here's to the Justice League."
Everyone raised their glasses.
"To the Justice League!"