Chapter 313: The Debate Part 3

After a brief intermission, the debate resumed with the press now shifting their focus to Slade. The journalists, sensing a potential goldmine of scandal, were eager to dig into Wilson's controversial past.

"Mr. Wilson," began a reporter from the Daily Plane. "You have a well-documented history as a contract killer. Can you comment on some of your more unsavory clients, such as Francisco Calabrese and Viktor Yelchin, whose names were revealed in leaked classified government documents?"

Slade leaned forward, his expression calm and unflinching. "Absolutely. I won't deny my past. Francisco Calabrese, Viktor Yelchin—yes, I worked for them. But let's not pretend the government doesn't have its own skeletons. These names you mentioned? They were hidden well until someone decided it was convenient to leak them. The same government that hired me for black ops missions and covert operations now wants to paint me as the villain. The hypocrisy is astounding honestly."

The reporter's face tightened, but before he could try to corner Slade with more questions, Slade continued, "And let's talk about your station's favoritism. Daily Planet, a paragon of 'truth' and 'justice,' yet you're happy to turn a blind eye when it suits your narrative. You want to talk about my past? Fine, but let's also talk about the government's dirty laundry."

Another reporter, this time from Channel 52, jumped in. "What about your ties to Arias Markovic? He's a known terrorist, yet you've defended him publicly. How do you justify that?"

Slade's laughter echoed through the room when he heard that question. "Arias Markovic, a terrorist? Let's break this down with some facts. Arias turned Gotham into a top five city in the world, reducing crime rates and improving the economy. Compare that to the billionaire supporters of President Ross, who exploit workers, avoid taxes, and contribute to the very inequality we're debating tonight."

The room buzzed with murmurs as Slade's pointed critique landed. He pressed on, "I mean just look at the structure of certain businesses—mega-corporations raking in billions, paying their workers pitiful wages, and evading taxes through loopholes. These practices create a cycle of poverty and despair. The regular people suffer while the rich get richer. How is that justifiable?"

A third journalist, from the Star City Sentinel, asked, "But isn't it true that your actions as a mercenary contributed to instability in those regions, exacerbating these issues?"

Slade's eyes narrowed, "Sure, I've made mistakes. But let's not ignore the bigger picture. The same regions you mention were destabilized by larger forces—government interventions, corporate greed, and exploitative practices. My wrongs are visible because I don't hide behind a veil of legitimacy. At least I'm honest about my past. Can you say the same for the billionaires backing President Ross?"

The room grew tense as Slade's words hung in the air, the reporters struggling to counter his blunt, unvarnished truths. He had managed to turn the focus from his own misdeeds to the systemic issues plaguing the nation.

Slade's eyes scanned the room, daring anyone to challenge him further. "You want to talk about facts? Here's one: while your stations play favorites, the people out there are struggling. They don't need more polished lies; they need real change. And that won't come from the same elite who have been running this country into the ground."

The host, sensing the debate reaching a fever pitch, intervened. "Let's take a moment to compose ourselves. We'll now move on to the next segment of our debate."

Meanwhile, back at Mount Justice, the junior members of the Justice League were gathered in the lounging area, watching the debate unfold. The room was spacious contained modern furniture and tech-savvy gadgets. A large screen dominated one wall, displaying the live broadcast. The atmosphere was casual but tense, the importance of the debate not lost on the young heroes.

Robin sat on the edge of the couch and clenched his fists in frustration. Aqualad was leaned against the wall, his arms crossed as he watched the debate intently. Artemis was sprawled in an armchair with her legs dangling over the side. Miss Martian hovered slightly above the floor and her eyes fixated on the screen, while Zatanna sat cross-legged on a beanbag with a thoughtful expression on her face.

Robin's anger soon flared as he watched Slade's confident responses. "Are people really going to believe him? He's just twisting the truth to suit his narrative!"

Zatanna glanced at Robin. "You can hate the guy, but you can't deny he makes some good points. The issues he brings up about corporate greed and government corruption are real so its easier for him to be likable."

Robin's frustration deepened. "But he's under Arias Markovic's thumb, it's common knowledge at this point! The same Arias who's probably responsible for the kidnapped children of high-ranked government officials and god knows what else."

As if on cue, the debate broadcast was abruptly interrupted, replaced by a breaking news headline. 

The news anchor, visibly shaken, appeared on the screen.

"This just in—breaking news from the Justice League. The children of the many U.S government officials who had gone missing have tragically died in an explosion on an island believed to be an HS Group depot. This information comes directly from Superman, who claims to have witnessed the entire event unfold. The Justice League is currently investigating the matter but they felt the public should be aware."

The room fell silent, the weight of the news sinking in. The anchor's voice wavered as she continued, "The Justice League is deeply saddened by this loss and assures the public that they are doing everything in their power to bring those responsible to justice. More updates will follow as the investigation progresses."

The screen flickered back to the debate, but the junior Justice League members were too stunned to continue watching. 

Miss Martian was the first to speak, her voice barely above a whisper. "Those poor children..."

Aqualad's usually composed demeanor cracked slightly, his jaw tightening. "This will change everything..."