Brainiac

Tim and Bruce looked up towards the stairs as a figure emerged and descended from the darkness.

At first Tim assumed it was Alfred or Superman, but there was a slight metallic clang to their footsteps, and a pink glow emanating from various lights running up and down their body. Even before they stepped into the light the dynamic duo knew who it was. The was the last person Tim wanted to see.

Bruce didn't hesitate and immediately readied herself to throw a batarang, only for Brainiac to turn his head towards her. Bruce went stiff as a board, eyes darkening. Her batarang clanged on the ground as she stood at attention, presenting herself to Brainiac.

"What is your purpose?"

Brainiac spoke in his sinister monotone.

"We serve you, Lord Brainiac."

Bruce answered, her deep feminine voice now having a similar robotic base to Brainiac's, although a trace of pleasure was interlaced in her tone.

Tim couldn't take it anymore, seeing what Brainiac had done to her, and was now doing to Bruce, she readied her fist and dove forward only for Brainiac to turn, looking her straight in the eyes, and everything went black.

When Tim came to, she was greeted by the site of the batcave looking as though a tornado had torn through it. From the wrecked computers and vehicles to even the costume stands. She also found herself panting from exhaustion as though she'd just done a serious workout.

"That is merely a psychological response based on your prior form, your body is not experiencing any form of physical exhaustion, it is incapable of it, I made sure of that."

Tim found it to be true, she tried to simply stop breathing and found it rather easy. She looked up to see Brainiac more closely inspecting Bruce, who was still frozen in place as Brainiac gently caressed her face like an artist admiring his work.

"The nanites proved to be more effective than I'd anticipated, witnessing the results firsthand, they do indeed please me. This one's broader, powerful appearance is more impressive than yours, however..."

"Don't touch him!"

Brainiac turned, pausing for a moment in response to Tim's interruption.

"...intellectual attributes are of far greater value than that of physical."

The alien went on, turning his attention towards Tim, slowly looming over her.

Tim grunted and growled angrily at him, but found herself fixed to the spot, unable to move much below her waist as she thrashed and tugged on the spot.

"Before we were interrupted, I was about to make you an offer."

Brainiac said, stopping in front of her.

"I admire higher intellect, it is perhaps the only thing I can admire about lower forms of life, species other than myself. You were such a life form, however you have since been elevated to a higher standard of existence: my standard."

Tim completely disregarded his words, letting him drone on like any other supervillain.

"My offer is that you keep your own mind whilst in service to me. Your first duty as part of your service to me is that I require you to infiltrate the Justice League."

Tim paused for a moment, before chuckling quietly to herself.

"Real nice idea there, there's just one problem with your little plan."

"Go on."

"Superman. He's going to be here any second and when he gets here, when he sees what you've done, oh trust me, you're going to be in for a bad day!"

Tim's voice grew in confidence and cockiness as she went on, before seeing the trace of a smile pull its way onto Brainiac's face.

"Ah. The Kryptonian. You’ll be pleased to hear that Kal-El has already been neutralized, thanks to you and your former mentor."

"What?"

Tim was perplexed, before whatever was keeping her feet in place released its grip allowing her to turn around, only to see another tall female Brainiac drone, near identical to Bruce in build, with the long blonde hair, emerald skin and sharp face with darkened eyes and the Brainiac logo on her forehead. The central distinguishing feature however was her outfit, which was clearly that of Superman's costume, although having adjusted itself for her new form.

"No, this isn't real!"

"Oh it is very real, my dear. You and your former mentor proved rather effective at disabling him upon his arrival seven minutes and forty six seconds ago. The nanites may have taken slightly longer than I anticipated, but as I said, it was pleasing to witness their effects firsthand, especially as my new pawns eliminated my greatest obstacle."

Tim realized with horror what must have happened, she blacked out again when Brainiac entered, then when she came to the cave was wrecked. At first she merely assumed it was Brainiac who was responsible, but now she realized that it must have been from her and Bruce fighting Superman.

Tim fell to her knees in defeat, how could she have let all this happen, if only she hadn't investigated that anomaly, now the two greatest heroes on the planet were mere tools for Brainiac.

"We exist to serve you, Lord Brainiac."

The pair of drones spoke simultaneously in near identical robotic female voices only furthering Tim's horror.

Brainiac tilted his head down towards Tim.

"You are defeated. I have demonstrated my superiority by conquering one of the most intelligent minds your species has to offer.”

The tyrant triumphantly gestured to the former Dark Knight and Man of Steel.

“This is your final chance, accept my offer and serve me willingly, or face the consequences of your own hubris."

Tim looked up with a pained expression.