Chapter 31: Shazam In The Justice League, Strength And Weaknesses.
Location: Batcave Time: The morning after cleaning up Philadelphia.
The Justice League had gathered in the main hall of the newly refurbished Batcave, their temporary headquarters until a permanent one could be established. The space hummed with energy as each hero stood in anticipation, the room filled with a sense of purpose and unity. Billy Batson, still adjusting to the sheer magnitude of his induction into the League, shifted nervously under their collective gaze.
"Welcome, Billy," Superman said warmly, stepping forward. His iconic red cape billowed slightly as he offered a firm handshake. "Or should I say, Shazam. We've seen your courage, your strength, and your heart. You've more than earned your place here."
Billy, now in his teenage form, hesitated before shaking Superman's hand. "Thanks, Mr. Superman. I mean... Clark. Or... uh, what do I call you?"
"Clark's fine," Superman replied with a smile.
Wonder Woman stepped forward next, her regal presence filling the room. "Billy, your bravery and willingness to fight for those who cannot protect themselves is admirable. As Shazam, you embody the virtues of the gods, and we are honored to have you join us." She placed a hand on his shoulder, her eyes filled with warmth.
Batman, standing slightly apart from the group, gave a small nod of acknowledgment. "You've proven yourself in battle. But being part of this team isn't just about strength. It's about strategy, discipline, and responsibility. I trust you'll live up to the expectations."
Billy gulped and nodded rapidly. "Y-yes, sir!"
The Flash zipped over in a blur of red, grinning ear to ear. "Don't let the Bat scare you, kid. You've got the power of Solomon, right? Should be a breeze. Plus, you've got us. We're like the coolest club ever."
Cyborg clanked forward, his mechanical frame gleaming under the lights. "Welcome aboard, Billy. And don't let the tech here intimidate you. If you've got questions about anything, just ask. We're all a team now."
Aquaman strode up, his trident in hand. "You've got guts, kid. And you're standing with the best now. Don't let anyone make you doubt that."
Finally, Ethan stepped forward, dressed in his civilian attire. His calm demeanor and confident stance immediately drew Billy's attention. "Billy, I know what it's like to stand among legends and feel like you're out of place. But you're here because you've earned it. Don't forget that."
Billy looked around at the group, a mixture of awe and gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, everyone. I'll do my best to make you all proud."
With the introductions complete, the League moved to the central table, where Batman activated a holographic map of Earth. The image shimmered in the air, displaying major cities, oceans, and strategic points.
"We need to discuss how we can improve our response to both ordinary and extraordinary threats," Batman began, his voice steady and commanding. "We've proven we can handle large-scale invasions, but the time it takes to mobilize could cost lives. I propose establishing bases in key locations across the globe."
Superman nodded. "Strategically placed bases would allow us to respond to crises faster. We'd need to coordinate with local governments to ensure they're seen as support rather than interference."
"I agree," Diana said, her voice firm. "But we must also consider the security of these bases. They would become targets for those who wish to challenge us."
Ethan, leaning forward, added, "That's why I suggest we go a step further. Establish a base in space. A station in geosynchronous orbit with Earth would allow us to monitor threats not just on the planet, but in space as well. It would serve as a command center, a staging ground, and a fallback point if needed."
The table fell silent as the League considered his proposal.
Cyborg broke the silence, his eyes gleaming with interest. "A space station would give us unparalleled surveillance capabilities. We'd need advanced tech to build and maintain it, though. That's not exactly something we can piece together overnight."
Ethan smiled slightly. "I've already thought of that. I'm willing to share some of my... advanced technology. It's not from Earth, but I've adapted it to work within our framework. We can use it to build the bases, both on Earth and in space. I can also provide spacecraft for transport and reconnaissance."
Batman's eyes narrowed slightly. "How advanced are we talking?"
Ethan met his gaze evenly. "Enough to give us an edge without raising too many questions. The materials and designs can be attributed to cutting-edge research from my company."
The League exchanged glances. Finally, Superman spoke. "If Ethan's willing to contribute, I think we should take him up on it. This isn't just about us—it's about protecting everyone."
Building for the Future
As the discussion continued, Ethan raised another point. "We've all seen the destruction that follows our battles. Cities left in ruins, people displaced, lives disrupted. It's not enough to save the day—we need to think about what comes after."
He turned to Batman. "Bruce, you and I have the resources to make a difference. What if we pooled them together to create a foundation? Something that could step in after the dust settles to help rebuild, support those affected, and provide aid."
Bruce leaned back in his chair, his analytical mind already considering the logistics. "It would need to be independent of the League, to maintain trust and avoid conflicts of interest. But it's possible."
Diana nodded. "Such a foundation would show the world that we're not just here to fight battles. We're here to protect and support humanity."
The Flash grinned. "I like it. It's like being heroes... but on an even bigger scale."
Aquaman shrugged. "If it helps people, I'm in."
Cyborg's mechanical arm clicked as he tapped the table. "Count me in, too. I can help with tech infrastructure for relief efforts."
Superman placed his hands on the table, his expression resolute. "Then it's settled. We'll build a foundation alongside our bases. Together, we'll be ready for whatever comes next—on Earth or beyond."
As the meeting adjourned, Billy approached Ethan, his youthful curiosity shining through. "Mr. Ethan, you're, like, crazy smart. Where do you get all these ideas?"
Ethan chuckled, placing a hand on Billy's shoulder. "Let's just say I've had some unique experiences. But remember, Billy, it's not just about ideas—it's about working together to make them happen. That's what makes this team special."
Billy beamed, his confidence growing with each interaction.
As the heroes prepared to leave, Batman's voice cut through the room. "We have a lot of work ahead of us. But I believe we're ready for it. Let's make sure we stay that way, and i will be organizing a Wayne's charity gala about 13 days from now, I will be expecting you all, Alfred will inform you about the date, hour and venue, thank you'
With their plan set, the Justice League dispersed, each member carrying a renewed sense of purpose.
________________________________________
Location: Metropolis, Ethan's Lab.
Ethan strode into his dimly lit laboratory, his mind buzzing with ideas from the Justice League meeting earlier that evening. His home base, hidden beneath layers of reinforced steel and cloaked by cutting-edge stealth technology, was the epitome of modern innovation. He sank into the sleek, ergonomic chair at his central console as Helios, his AI companion, greeted him with a crisp, modulated voice.
"Welcome back, Ethan," Helios said. "I have completed repairs on your Scarab armor. It is now operating at full functionality, with enhanced resilience and all subsystems optimized."
Ethan smirked, leaning back. "Good. I'll need every edge I can get. Run a detailed analysis of my power levels and weaknesses."
Helios complied, displaying a holographic model of Ethan's enhanced body and armor. "Your power levels are impressive. In combat scenarios: you could defeat Aquaman in direct confrontation, fight Wonder Woman evenly, and hold your own against Superman for a limited period. However, your greatest weakness lies in dependency. If the powers of Shazam are incapacitated and your armor is destroyed, you become as vulnerable as an ordinary human. Your survival odds in such cases are minimal."
Ethan exhaled sharply, processing the information. He knew Helios was right. Despite his immense capabilities, his reliance on external forces was a glaring vulnerability.
"Open a new protocol," Ethan said, his voice firm. "Name it Project Superior. This is my contingency plan. I'm going to address this weakness once and for all."
"Protocol initialized," Helios confirmed. "What are your parameters for this project?"
Ethan stood and began pacing, his mind racing with possibilities. "The goal is to enhance my physical body to the upper limits of what humanity can achieve—and beyond. I need a serum or process that will improve my strength, durability, and endurance to levels on par with the Hulk. But I don't want to rewrite my genetic code or risk losing my humanity. This needs to be controlled, reversible, and sustainable."