Story: "Tower of Babel 4: Harsh Words" (22 Pages)

Credits:

Mark Waid (plot, script)
Steve Scott (pencils)
Mark Propst (inks)
Ken Lopez (letters)
John Kalisz (colors)
Heroic Age (color separations)
Dan Raspler (edits)

Feature Characters:

Superman
Aquaman
Batman
Martian Manhunter
Wonder Woman
Flash III
Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner)
Plastic Man

Villains:

Ra's al Ghul (next in Detective Comics #750)
Dr Kant

Synopsis:

Superman and Batman head for al Ghul's base in the Himalayas while the others attempt to end the biochemical hazard in Rhapastan. Batman tells Superman that he had decided some years ago that fail-safes were needed in case the JLA went out of control or were possessed, as they had been by criminals some time ago. The other is unimpressed, but is willing to help him when Ra's sends the bodies of the Waynes towards the Lazarus pit. However, the coffins are protected by another sample of the 'Kryptonite' from which he has only just recovered. Luckily, Aquaman and Martian Manhunter arrive on the scene and are able to rescue both Superman and the coffins, though allowing Ra's to escape.

The others have a little difficulty preventing the release of the bioweapons in the Middle East, but Wonder Woman finally prevails by persuading one of the bioterrorists that he is far from ready to die. The League then reconvenes on the moon and must decide what to do about Batman: Aquaman, Wonder Woman and Plastic Man want to expel him from the League, while Green Lantern, Flash and Martian Manhunter think he should stay. This leaves Superman with the casting vote, but it seems Batman already knows what his response will be, as he has disappeared from the Watchtower.