After the rescue of me and the whole Cadmus fiasco, the team – along with the Justice League – headed back to the hideout. Once there, Batman immediately called us in for a debriefing.

"This cave was the original secret sanctuary of the Justice League," He began. "We're calling it into service again. Since you four are determined to stay together and fight the good fight, you'll do it on League terms. Red Tornado volunteered to live here and be your supervisor. Black Canary's in charge of training. I will deploy you on missions."

The speech, as serious as it was, didn't unburden a thought from their minds, it seemed. Robin was the one who spoke up. "Real missions?"

"Yes," Batman replied, turning towards us. "But covert."

Behind everyone, Flash interjected. "The League will still handle the obvious stuff. There's a reason we have these big targets on our chests."

"And Cadmus proves the bad guys are getting smarter." Aquaman looked thoughtful. "Batman needs a team that can operate on the side."

Batman nodded slightly. "The five of you will be that team."

"Cooool." Then it settled in. "Wait, five?"

I heard the footsteps behind us before anyone else (super-hearing, my mind supplied), and Robin, Kid Flash, and Aqualad turned around a second later. "This is the Martian Manhunter's niece, M'gann."

From the tunnel's shadow emerged two green aliens. A tall aging Martian whom I recognized as Manhunter and…

Scarlet hair was the first thing I noticed. A smaller Martian walked up to us, her left arm grabbing her right nervously. Green eyes landed on us, and tentative smile appeared on her face. "H-Hi." M'gann waved.

I frowned. She was a girl. Not the first I've seen since my breakout from Cadmus, but the first of my age-group. Cadmus taught me the basic etiquette on how to act around those older than me – my superiors. However, I didn't exactly know how to act in front of her. Are the customs the same even if she's an alien? Would it be wrong to assume I just treat her like I would Wonder-woman, or some other member of the Justice League?

Kid Flash shared a look with Robin. "Liking this gig more every minute~. Uh- welcome aboard! I'm Kid Flash." He boasted as if he were the most important thing in the world. "That's Aqualad; Robin. It's cool if you forget their names." Each member recognized waved in greeting.

M'gann put her hands together in shy delight. "I'm honored to be included."

It was as if her words broke a barrier between them, for not a moment later the team approached M'gann and started a conversation. Martian Manhunter watched protectively from the background. And just like that, I was alone in the 'outside' world for the first time. It surprised me how uncomfortable I felt just standing there, but I looked to the side and pretended to examine the floor so no one noticed. After all, Kid Flash didn't introduce me.

Of course, the World's Greatest Detective's kid saw right through me. "Hey, Superboy! Come meet Miss M!" Robin exclaimed, gesturing to come over. I glanced up and before I knew it, my feet started moving until I was a few feet away from M'gann.

I observed in slight awe when her outfit suddenly morphed and shifted. The white shirt she wore slowly became black from the hem up (though the red 'X' remained) and her blue cape disappeared. She glanced down bashfully. "I like your shirt." But once her gaze met mine again, the minimal glimmer of fear was gone and confidence seemed to overtake her for an instant. Her smile was full of such kindness and warmth that I could not stop myself from sending her a smile of my own in return.

Even when Robin nudged me and Kid Flash zoomed over and put his arm around my shoulder, it did not disappear. If anything, that's what made it stay just a bit longer.

Aqualad surveyed us, his new teammates, and spoke. "Today is the day."

He is right. Today is the day I saw the moon for the first time.

Today is the day I became free.

Today is the day that will change my life forever.