Chapter Text
Ra's Al Ghul, Demonhead of the League of Shadows, was not someone who suffered fools or traitors lightly. And right now, he was convinced that someone in his most loyal followers was both. But the question was who? The more he tried to investigate, the more his followers seemed uneasy and unhappy. (The idea that it was his paranoid stalking that was causing this reaction hadn't and likely never would occur to him). It was only one month from his latest treatment in the Lazarus Pits, which he credited with his new awareness of the situation.
In order to discover where the problem was, it would be necessary to test the loyalty of his most trusted lieutenants. Each one he had summoned separately. Now it was Talia's turn. How deep was her loyalty?
As a father, he hoped that she wouldn't prove disloyal, but if she did, the mission would require sacrificing her. He would do so without hesitation if required.
"Father," Talia greeted him with a respectful bow. "I do not understand why I was summoned today. I was in the middle of an important mission for you. But you did say to come immediately."
"I did. I have already sent someone else to finish up. I need something else from you, my daughter." Ra's smiled at her. "I have need of you elsewhere. I believe that there is a traitor somewhere in our midst."
Something flashed in her eyes briefly. Was it surprise? Or fear? "You wish me to root them out?"
"No. I told you to warn you. I need to make sure that all your communication on this mission is with me and only me. I have my own ways of rooting out traitors."
Talia nodded, undoubtedly aware that he was considering her one of the possibilities and would be evaluating her closely. "I see. And my mission?"
"Is in Gotham."
There was definitely something in her expression before her training suffocated it. "After last time, I believe you told me I was never to go to Gotham again."
"I was less than pleased at your bringing back a catatonic teenager, even if he did belong to the detective. I also believe that he did not accomplish either of our goals."
Instead of spreading chaos and possibly uprooting the Bat, the teen had taken the first chance he got to slip into the shadows for two months. When he emerged again, it was wearing a bat and fighting at their side. Strained, at times, but clearly loyal.
"The effects of the pit on him were... unpredictable. We knew that the anger was something he was not able to fully control. He clearly did not trust the Bat. I was not aware that he did not trust me either."
Ra's waved it off. "While not as we hoped, it is in the past. And I do not believe anyone else in the league has as much experience with the detective's security and way of thinking." His smile was thin. Would she actually work against her Beloved? They would see.
"Father?"
"Lex Luthor has reached out to us. His company's stock is suffering a small upset based on some of his recent actions that were not as discrete as they should have been." Ra's shook his head. The man was a useful tool at times but his ego required a level of visibility that actually damaged his goals. Still, he provided a cover they could move under and a useful scapegoat. "As it happens, he believes that if he steals the blueprints of one of Wayne's new technology advances, he could release it before Wayne and aid his company. While at the same time damaging Wayne Enterprises. Which could be useful for our purposes."
"I see. You wish me to actually physically infiltrate the business to steal intellectual property?" Talia sounded a little skeptical. "That seems a little below my skill set."
"Were it not Wayne Enterprises, I would agree. Besides, Luthor seems to think he can command special privileges. It suits us to let him believe that for now." Yes, it was a little insulting to insist that Talia do this, and yes, there were several others who could do this. But this was what made it the perfect test.
"I see. If that is your wish, Father." Talia bowed again before straightening. "I will be taking my son."
Ra's eyed her suspiciously. "Your son is seven. Why are you planning on taking him on a mission? Do you not think that he could be a liability?"
"I do not. For one, I suspect he would almost be able to pull off the assignment himself, though I do not intend to let him try. I believe it would be good for him to observe, particularly how to deal with difficult allies. Besides, if there is a traitor, it would be best if he was far away while you cleaned the nest."
It was on the tip of his tongue to refuse and insist Damian stay with him. A possible hostage to her good behavior. But he held back. One, if he did have Damian as a hostage, that meant that if Talia were a traitor, she would be less likely to act with her son in potential danger, leading to Ra's possibly not realizing her intentions until too late. She might have even turned the boy against him. And while clearly he could easily stop a child, if he let down his guard...
Besides, if Talia weren't the traitor, then there was a chance that something could potentially happen to the child that might render him unable to serve as Ra's' vessel in the future. While that wouldn't be easy to do, it is certainly something a traitor would think about. Perhaps it was best that the boy be safely away for a little while. "Very well. Be ready. Luthor expects you in two days. You may want to give some thought to what you want him to know about the child. As Luthor is hiring us, he mostly sets the parameters. Though of course, he should not be under the misconception that he is in charge."
"Of course. I will prepare immediately."
***
Meeting with Luthor was as exasperating as Talia had expected. Luthor was an intelligent ally and knew it. But that knowledge led to an astounding degree of arrogance, mostly unearned in Talia's opinion, and the belief that he had more of a say in what was happening than he did. Or at least should.
Talia had decided it would not be possible to hide that she had Damian in the living space they had, but decided to do her best to keep Damian out of Luthor's sight. Fortunately, Luthor was too much in the public eye to spend much time in the 'safe house' he had arranged.
They met at the safe house. Luthor smiling in that smug, supposed to be charming way of his, that made Talia want to take her blade to him. Or at least punch him in the nose. Which surprised her a little. While she was skilled at many forms of combat, both armed and unarmed, it was very rare that she resorted to punching someone. It simply wasn't the best way to leverage her abilities and disadvantages.
"Miss Al Ghul. It is an honor." He extended a hand. When she didn't reciprocate, he covered by giving her an awkward nod that hinted towards a bow. Damian scowled, probably at his lack of respect, but knew better than to say something. Luthor noticed him anyway. "And guest?"
"My son. He will be observing. It is part of his training."
"I... see. I suppose it isn't ever too early to begin training. As long as he doesn't undermine the mission."
Talia raised a carefully sculpted eyebrow. "His training is far progressed from 'beginning'. However, I do not plan on him getting involved."
"Very well. I must apologize, but as I wasn't expecting your son, I don't have a room for him. If you don't mind sharing?"
As if she would trust Luthor or any of his underlings around her son. "That will be acceptable."
He walked her through an apartment that was far from luxurious, but was still decently furnished for a safe house. "This room is for you purposes."
It was a room that was maybe a third of the size of her quarters in the larger League bases, but would still be sufficient. There was a queen sized bed, a dresser, and a computer system, along with some decent room to move around. But not enough room to bring in another bed. No matter. Neither Damian nor herself were large. There would be enough room.
Talia gave a brisk nod. It would do, but she wasn't impressed, nor would she let him think she was.
From there, Luthor gave her a tour. Bathroom, kitchen, living room, a bedroom for the underlings that would be working with them for whatever reason Luthor deemed necessary. And another bedroom that was unoccupied, and could be locked from the outside. With a flap in the door.
"What is the purpose of that room?" Talia asked.
"Insurance. It may not come into play, but I suspect it will. But we can go over that later. I know you have come a long way. You should get some sleep. Recover from jet lag. We'll go over the plans tonight."