Here's the promise epilogue. Those well versed in their DC lore may get a nice peak at who the main villain is for the sequel. I would like to thank everyone for reading this tale, your reviews have been consistently awesome and I want you all on the lookout for the sequel. I still need to write the story down before I do any typing, but I'm looking forward to getting started.

Pentagon War Room

Amanda Waller could not believe the conversation she had just bore witness to. After the news broke about the destruction of Mumbai, the situation had naturally gotten heated. Hardcastle had managed to rile the military and intelligence leaders, outside of General Lane, into a frenzy of surreal proportions. Worse was that the president was going along with the plan! Both she and Lane smartly figured that speaking out would have been unwise, but it made Waller stomach turn to see the most powerful men in the room plotting to arrest and imprison the world's heroes. She knew that if unchecked, they would assuredly win. But maybe, between Lane and herself, they could find a way to throw a wrench in their plans. She sat silently, gaining as much information as she could.

Aboard the Watchtower

30 minutes after the bomb exploded, Sigma Squad was docking in Watchtower. The still standing members helped their injured teammates into the arms of the waiting medical personnel. Avery had regained consciousness and transferred a large amount of data from the ship's computer onto the Watchtower mainframe.

45 minutes later, the team was fully assembled in the medical wing. Everyone had been examined and the physicians told Cameron that each would make a full recovery. He knew he should he feel relieved at the news, but he only felt the crushing weight of defeat. Jim was dead, half his team was hospitalized, and over 12.5 million people had just been killed by the very bomb they had been tasked with placing. Despite the fact the League had managed to successfully halt the Reach invasion, he felt an overpowering guilt deep in his soul. For Maya, seeing Cameron is such a state was heartbreaking. She sat down next to him and grasped his hand, the two sitting in silence until Bart barreled into the room.

"We did it! We did i-."And just as suddenly as he arrived, he disappeared. But this time, there was no red trail to mark his passing. Instead, he faded out, becoming increasingly transparent until he fully vanished. Everyone who witnessed the event stared at the spot where the speedster had stood, even after Hawkeye walked into the room.

"Any of you guys seen Bart?" Seeing their expression Hawkeye guessed at what happened. "So he disappeared didn't he? Kind of figured he would, seeing as how the reason he came back never happened. Time travel's pretty f-ed isn't it?"

There was no response from the team, until Cameron lifted his head and looked to Hawkeye. "So, what now?"

"Well, right now, you and Maya need to come with me. That thing we talked about is happening, like right now. So, we need to go."

Cameron and Maya looked at each other, they knew that Hawkeye wanted them on his team, but neither felt they were the right people for the job after what happened not 2 hours ago.

"Oh, and if you're still guilty over the Mumbai thing, I believe Avery has something you need to hear."

All eyes snapped to Avery as she elaborated on Hawkeye's statement. "So the League came to the same conclusion?" Hawkeye nodded, motioning for Avery to continue. "I was monitoring the security feeds, like we planned. Right before we got hit I noticed something odd. Someone was running around the facility, but every camera he passed began glitching when he went by. He stopped in the hallway where you guys placed the bomb, but I couldn't tell what they did. It seems someone knew we were planting that bomb and decided to alter the range of the explosion."

Hawkeye clapped his hands once to get everyone's attention. "See, not your fault. Can we go now? Hood and Arsenal are getting all antsy in their pantsy about wanting to leave."

Penny stirred from her slumber while Avery was speaking. She was still playing catch up with what was going on. "So who's leaving?"

"We are." Cameron rose from his chair and made his way to Penny's bedside. "Maya and I need to go."

"You coming back?"

"I kind of doubt it, but you never know."

"Well, I'd hug you, but I seem to have broken my arm."

Cameron chuckled. "You certainly do have rotten luck."

"Yeah, I swear, every time we turn around we look back to find you lying on the ground. It's getting to be a real problem. I think you should seek professional help." Avery's snarkiness drew laughs from the room.

Colton hauled himself out of his bed and into a standing position. "Well, it certainly was an interesting ride, wasn't it?"

Cameron smiled, moving to shake Colton's outstretch hand. "Damn straight. Do me a favor, make sure everyone stays safe, would you?"

"Consider it done."

Cameron's gaze rested on the sleeping form of Tom. "Tell the kid I said good-bye."

"No problem."

Just as Cameron and Maya were about to reach the threshold Sam jumped and hugged Maya. "You two look after each other, alright?"

Maya looked to Cameron, unsure how to proceed. Cameron stifled a laugh at the momentary look of panic on Maya's face. After a few awkward seconds Maya responded.

"We will certainly endeavor to."

Sam broke off the hug. "Good."

Cameron and Maya turned to look over their teammates one last time, giving a wave to each one. Avery responded by smirking and flipping them both the bird. When the good-byes were finished, the duo followed Hawkeye to the launch bay.

Watchtower Conference Room

Nightwing stood before the assembled members of the League. A few were still on rescue detail, but the world's heroes had managed to defeat the invasion handedly. The young hero's head was hung low as Superman began the proceedings.

"While we have emerged victorious from this crisis we must now turn our attention to the pressing matter of Nightwing and his actions. His decision to engage in clandestine activities without including a single League member place many of your protégés in mortal peril on multiple occasions, resulted in the destruction of Mount Justice and very nearly resulted in the complete invasion of the planet. We cannot fault his intentions, but clearly his actions deserve to be examined and if appropriate, punished. What we must decide is if Nightwing should continue to remain a Justice League reserve member and also remain as the leader of our covert team. Before we begin, does the accused have any words for his own defense?"

Nightwing stepped forward to speak, but before he could being a technician burst into the room. "Turn on the news!"

Manhunter punched in a series of commands, and soon the screens in the room were showing a broadcast from GNN.

"This is G. Gordon Godfrey. Here at GNN we have obtained proof of the Justice League's involvement in the massacre at Mumbai." The visual on the screen changed to that of the Reach facilities security footage, showing Maya, Sam, and Cameron placing the anti-matter bomb. "Seen here is a group of the Justice League's newest members placing the bomb that ended the lives of 12.5 million people. We have reached out to the government and they have confirmed the legitimacy of the footage. It appears the League is making a power grab, and this reporter feels justified in saying 'I told you so'."

The reaction around the room was immediate.

"Hera, surely they can't believe we were responsible?"

"How the hell did they get that footage?"

Before any further speculation could take place, the broadcast changed again, this time to a live address from the President of the United States. "My fellow Americans, nay, my fellow humans, today an act of unspeakable barbarism took place that claimed the lives of over 12.5 million people in Mumbai. Rest assured, those responsible will be brought to justice. After speaking with my fellow world leaders and military advisors we have come to an agreement and a plan of action. Effective immediately via executive order #617, all superhero and vigilante activities are hereby outlawed. Those who turn themselves in will be taken peacefully and will not be harmed. Those who resist will be labeled terrorist and will be hunted with the full might of a globally coordinated military."

A planet deep in space

A gray skinned alien sat on a throne as he surveyed several communication screens from his minions. His first priority was to receive the situation report from Earth.

"Godfrey, report." The deep voice of the man on the throne rumbled into the air.

"My Lord, the humans have proved remarkable malleable to your will. I have corrupted several military leaders and the president of the United States. Through them, the Justice League shall be removed as an obstacle. I believe you will find the Earth far easier that previously imagined."

The man on the throne sat in silence, his red eyes glowing ominously. "You have done well, Godfrey."

- Fin