Wing:ok well whoever reviewed for chapter one, you guys rock! (Thumbs up to the readers)
Raven:You have yet to tell me what you meant... (levitateing verious heavy objects above Wing's head as she sweated)
Wing:Uhhhh...
Gecko:Raven you should not torment the author, it is very rude. "Scolding tone"
Raven:"Grumbling as she gently set down the objects"
Wing:Thank you Gecko, now which one of you wants to do the disclaimer?
Raven:I guess I'll do it, Greywing44 does not and never will own Teen Titans, if she did it would suck.
Wing:Hey, I resent that!
Gecko:She does own me though...
"Alright, now bring those panels over here so I can weld them down!" With a snap-hiss, Cyborg's finger reconfigured itself into a compact yet powerful blowtorch as he yelled out. A week had passed since the day of the incident with Starfire and things were moving along as smoothly as they could be. The island in the bay had been designated as their new headquarters and the idle drop ship had been scrapped and plundered for parts.
Cyborg had immediately started construction on a home base, using the free labor also known as Gecko's clones to quickly speed up production. The others did what they could to help but the job was mostly left to the group's resident tech junkie.
Robin and Raven used their time to teach the original Gecko and Starfire about the country and world they were in respectively, also keeping Beast boy well away from Gecko so as not to poison the young country bumkin's mind. For Starfire, it was the simple things that astounded her such as what food should not be mixed together as well as the facets of earthling interaction. It seemed the alien race was much more open with their relationships when they grew emotionally close to someone, and the redhead had trouble grasping the fact that simple actions such as successfully answering a question didn't warrant one of her death hugs.
For Gecko it was the technology, he had never seen electronic devices like television and radios suprised him as his village was simple and lacked those things called cars, planes, robots, and more. It made his head ache from the information overload, Raven also found out about his love of drawing and reading when she took the time to look over his shoulder out of curiosity. He was drawing the entire team in amazing detail in one of his sketch books, she commented about this when she saw and Gecko told her about his love of books and drawing, so that made them closer as they exchanged their favorite books to eachother.
Today Gecko's clones were working with his new cybernetic buddy so they could finish up the living quarters of the building which oddly enough was shaped like a giant 'T'. It was crafted that way so people would recognize who they were and what their new team name was: the Teen Titans. It wasn't the first name that was thrown out but it was the one that stuck.
(Flashback start)
We're back and we've got good news!" Robin shouted as Starfire released the hold she had underneath the brightly colored boy's armpits, allowing him to safely drop to the uneven ground. Clutched tightly within his hands were a few sheets of pristine white paper. The others moved closer to the duo, wondering exactly what Robin was so happy about.
"So what's got you bouncing around, sir?" Beast Boy asked before withering under the look he received. He would have to be broken of that vocal conditioning soon.
"Starfire and I spoke with the mayor of Jump City and we were able to get his approval for basing our team here in the city. It makes things easier when the government actually knows you're on the right side of the law…" He seemed to drop into his thoughts for a moment before shaking his head and coming back to reality. "He also allowed up to use this island as our base of operations."
"And this 'may-yor' has most graciously allowed me to stay within the city and stay here with my…friends, as long as problems such as the Gordanians do not happen again!" The term friendship was still foreign to Koriand'r, but the concept was becoming easier to say with each passing.
"Did my papers get prossesed as well?" Gecko asked as he rasied his hand, as his village had sent his papers here a couple of days ago.
"Yes, yours as well friend Gecko." Starfire answered as she gave Gecko a card that had his info on it.
Gecko looked at the card that had his real name 'Jin Nakasaki' his birthdate and a picture of him without his scarf on. It was just the simple info, the male just smiled under his scarf as he took his card and pocketed it, earning a thumbs up from the shapeshifter and a pat on the back from Cy.
"Now that all of the legal work is out of the way, we can get to work."
"Hold up!" Everyone stopped, looking at the green teen curiously. "If we're now some super duper crime fighting team, we need a name. Something cool like the Doom Patrol!" The others began arguing, coming up with strange or exotic labels. Gecko just watched the argument confused as conversation continued until the soft-spoken Raven opened her mouth and somehow caught the attention of the others.
"How about…the Teen Titans?" The others contemplated her input silently before the ashen-skinned girl found herself being pulled into one of Starfire's bone-breaking embraces.
"Oh, Friend Raven! That is a wondrous name!" The hanyou struggled within her grip, thanking the fact that her fellow female was giving her a 'happy hug' and not an 'ecstatic hug'.
"Let…go…" Thankfully she did, releasing the girl making her stumble back into Gecko, who then steadyed her with both hands on her shoulders so she could inhale precious oxygen.
So we get to do whatever we want with the island right? Because I know just the perfect place to start as a base…" Cyborg grinned slyly, casually pointing over to the empty shell of alien technology.
(Flashback End)
Cyborg had already finished with most of the tower, the last thing that needed to be finished was the common room as Gecko's clones and Cyborg finished putting up the last wall.
From bottom to top, the tower had: A submarine launch bay, basement, garage, foyer & storage, lobby, infirmary, crime lab, evidence room, gym, danger room, monitor room, and GPS Room at the apex, the topmost floor being corridor that led to the twelve rooms situated on the sides of the big T. At the very top was a large open courtyard-like area with a heli-pad installed in case anyone needed a place to land, since the aptly-titled Titans Island had no plots of land flat enough for a helicopter to use. Facing the east, Robin, Starfire, and Cyborg's rooms were situated on the north side of the tower (or the right tip of the big T), while the south side of the tower (or the left top of the big T) were Beast Boy, Raven, and Gecko's rooms, all of which had their own private bathroom –or ensuite-. The rooms were uniform in size and quite large with window size set according to the owner's request, the remaining six rooms vacant and uniform until new members joined the team. Overall from its foundation Titans Tower was at least 200 feet tall, and below the foundation the facilities stretched to eighty feet underground at the basement, excluding the elevator for the submarine launch tunnel. There was also an underground tunnel connecting the garage to the highway just outside Jump City, and aside from air or by the sea, the undersea tunnel was the only way in or out of the tower.
For all intents and purposes, the GPS Room, or Main Operations Room as one of the technicians stated, was intended to be a multi-purpose room at the apex of the tower and among one of the biggest. Equipped with a kitchen, fridge and pantry, and communication suites, it was also designed to be a common area, a large circular yellow table in the center with a black eight-segmented couch behind it set in front of the TV, which folded out of the situation, the main wall situated so that the group could look out over the bay.
Around the island, a "super hero standard" security system had been set in place. Motion detectors, video cameras, seismograph, and various other forms of monitoring equipment acting as the early-warning system for the island's inhabitants, all made by Cyborg with the help of Gecko and his clones. The rooms had all been made by themselves, so that personal prefrences could be reached...
Starfire's room was nearly magenta-colored on all the walls with purple drapes over the panoramic view window, a purple bureau and drawers to one side of the room, as well as a large mirror on one wall, with a full-body mirror by the bureau. The ensuite door was closed, but since it was Starfire's private bathroom there wasn't any point in forcing a peek at it.
Beast Boy's room was, in all manner of speaking, a pig sty. The room was mostly green with a black & purple bunk bed even though he didn't share a room. The top bunk had a pile of clothes from who-knows-where on it, a veritable avalanche of clothing flowing out of the seemingly infinitely-deep closet.
Cyborg's room not only reflected who he was on the inside, but the outside… and inside again as well. On the far and side walls encompassing one half of the room was a large computer array, as well as a mechanical rack which was probably a charging station, all of which matched his body's design scheme. The other half of the room resembled a high schooler's bedroom, but then again all he had to go on for that assumption were the ones he'd seen on TV and the internet...which Gecko was still trying to wrap his head around...
Raven's room was never seen to the team as she wanted to be left alone, but from what Gecko could see was that she had put drapes over her windows, that it was very dark, and most likely filled with dark or gothic decor. He wondered whether he did something to anger him or not, though during the month before Titans Tower was finished –which they spent in a slightly better hotel under a single room with multiple suites- the two had gotten better acquainted.
Gecko learned that Raven enjoyed spending time to herself –though she spent a little time with the others each day because she actually had friends now-, creepy places, depressing cafes, herbal tea, horror movies, meditation, and reading. From what Gecko told Raven he came from an isolated village in Japan, was raised by his Sensei in the ways of ninjutsu after his father died. This made Raven apoligetic as she had probably dredged up bad memorys. Gecko said that it was ok and that it happened a long time ago, he finished as his Sensei told him that he had to go out and learn more about the world, as he had nothing left to teach him. Gecko's likes were drawing, reading, quiet places- this one caused Raven to make a small smile, seeing as how they had that in common- his dislikes were loud noises, crowds, tofu -Beast boy coming to Raven's mind with a bit of suppressed humor-, and seeing women being hurt in any way.
Gecko's room had a painted sea-view of the Feudal-Era Japan with smoke on the two edges and on a seperate wall he had a sakura blossom tree that he had painted on himself , and the celing painted with the midnight sky with the moon in one corner of the ceiling. On the left side of the room was the doorway to the ensuite and a walk-in closet and in the corner of his room was a queen-sized bed with green and black sheets, next to it was a simple artist desk that had pencils, pens, and paper. On the right side of the room was a large shelf with a couple of books on it, a few ninja weapons like throwing stars, kuni, windmill shurikin, and diffrent Katanas were mounted on the wall by verious hooks.
"Hmmm, I still have a bit of money left over." Gecko muttered as he counted the bills in his hands, Raven showed him what American money was worth then the Japansese curency. Maybe he can get a couple pencils and paint brushes the next time he goes to town, or books if Raven is willing to show him where the book store is...
"Hey Gecko, just wanted to check in on you, see how you were settling in." Robin said as he walked in with Beast boy behind him as the two looked around the room "Hmmm a slice of home, and did you paint all this?" as he saw how good the paintings on the walls were.
"Yes I did." Gecko answered as he stacked the paint cans to be stored later
"Cool, ninja weapons!" Beast boy exclaimed as he zipped over to the wall with the weapons were on.
"So, I got you this so you can learn about the country and the internet." Robin said as he handed a black laptop over to Gecko who stared at it with a focused look as he tried to remember what it was...
"Um this is a laptop, a computer you can carry around?" Gecko asked uncertainly as he remembered Raven telling him about it.
"Yes good job." Robin said smiling, but then jumped as a throwing star was caught in Gecko's fingers, they both then looked to a frozen Beast boy.
"Heh, sorry..." Beast boy said sheepishly as he eased himself away from the weapons wall.
(The next day)
The next morning after breakfast in the Living Room, Beast Boy's aversion for meat was clearly established by that point with his blatant refusal to eat any part of anything with a face, the Titans had all reported to the Training Room two floors below the common area for one last demonstration of their powers before they began running team formations. Just because they could function well in pairs didn't mean when the bigger stuff hit, that they'd be able to work together as a cohesive unit.
Second only to the Living/Main Ops Room in terms of size, the Training room had dull grey walls, as well as various panels for who-knows-what to come out. Training room also had a holographic projector capable of creating semi-solid projections, and was designed to continue increasing in difficulty in response to a person's power. At the top of the room, hanging from the ceiling across from the elevator was a medium-sized control room with panoramic-view windows, a see-through floor, and a number of consoles designed to make completely customizable training regimens. At the front of the suspended room was a wide control panel that spanned half of the room, various keyboards, screens, levers, knobs, and other forms of controls fanned out.
"So this is the training room?" Robin asked as he looked around
"Yup, built it myself with the help of G's clones." Cyborg said proudly as he patted Gecko's back, who scratched the back of his head in a nervous habit...
"So any senario you want, put it into the computer and BAM!" Cyborg said as he clapped his hands once as he said the last word
"Think it can program a Gotham backdrop, and maybe a nice warmup?" Robin asked
"Yup, just get in the elevator and go down one floor and I'll set it up." Cyborg said as Robin walked towards the elevator, the door opening before it closed behind him as he hit the TR button.
(Training room)
"Ok Rob any specific setting?" Cyborg asked over the intercom
"I don't have any superpowers, so I guess something basic," the Boy Wonder returned "Quick question before we start, there isn't any recording equipment is there?" he asked.
"Hmmm nope, didn't think we needed it." Cyborg answered
"So then I don't have to worry about our weaknesses getting exposed," he said crossing his arms.
"Not from us at least." Cyborg returned as keyboard tapping and controls beeping before Cyborg spoke again "Ok just finished a basic situation, still want Gotham bro?"
"Let it be done," the spiky-haired teen stated with a grin. Despite the hellhole that Gotham was on its worst days, he still missed the place, but knew it was in good hands. A few seconds later, a white holographic film began spreading out from the center of the room, semi-transparent wireframes rising before the lights in the room dimmed, an artificial moon appearing overhead, revealing him to be in a Gotham back alley, complete with puddles, trash, and graffiti. "Okay this seems way too real," he said running his hand against one of the walls, surprised when it didn't pass through. Running his hand along it, it felt just like worn and aged brick.
"Yup, made it with a lot of realism in mind, oh and there's a guy coming up behind you." Cyborg said casualy, Robin whirling around to see a common mugger materialize out of thin air. "Just so you know there's no lethal force but there is some realism." he added
"I kinda noticed," Robin said as the man pulled a knife on him and went for a stab, only for Robin to catch the man's arm under his own before kneeing him in the stomach, then throwing him over his shoulder. Looking over his shoulder, he was surprised as to the degree of realism, the simulation acting as disoriented as any human would after being thrown on their backs would.
(Outside the training room)
"I must say, Robin is most excellent," Star noted as Robin whipped out his bo staff and began fighting a few more thugs with varying weapons, dodging all their moves, bouncing off the walls, and striking out with a series of staff strikes and flying kung fu kicks. He even decked on over his shoulder with an over-the-shoulder punch when one tried to get at him, dropping the man flat on his back.
"Yes my Sensei would love to meet him." Gecko commented
"Oh, what is a sensei?," Starfire asked looking confused. Looking out the window, she saw Robin surrounded by a couple dozen thugs. Of course she wasn't worried since none of them were standing, Robin painting a bit as he finally unclasped his bo staff. Seeing him sweat like that caused the girl to blush, since her people were warriors at heart, she respected those who could fight by their own power considerably.
"Oh, it is the Japansese word for teacher." Gecko explained as the elevator dinged
"Well... That was very realistic," Robin said as he came into the Danger Room from the elevator. It was a basic "Gotham Warmup", consisting of a couple dozen thugs using various weapons, all acting with varying degrees of intelligence. He had to hand it to Cyborg though, the use of a Training Room to simulate combat situations was a really good idea. This way, no one was really getting hurt, and the conditions could be changed for an entire diversity, as opposed to them sparring against one another in a controlled environment.
"Thanks Rob." Cyborg said with a grin as he spent alot of time on this with Gecko helping out, Cyborg tried to explain how it works to Gecko but that didn't work as the only thing he got was how to create the basic sims.
"So who wants to go next?" Cyborg asked the rest
They spent most of the day going through different sims, Gecko wanted what Robin asked for but only in a Tokyo backdrop, Starfire tested her arial combat ability with flying turrets, Beast boy and Cyborg teamed up on one and fought a giant golem that Gecko created from the control room, and Raven did not do one as all she needed for control was meditation.
(Common Room, )
They were all sitting in the couch in the common room where Robin was standing in front of them.
"Ok the last order of buisness, leadership." Robin stated which made Cyborg and Beast boy say they were the leader, and then Robin, Cyborg, and Beast boy decided that they would have a video game war, playing super smash bro. brawl.
"I am confused, this is a video game?" Gecko asked confused as most things still astounded him, like the T.V., game systems, and the kitchen appliances, Robin chose Link, Cyborg chose the one from Metroid, and Beast boy chose Kerby.
"Yes, and a complete and utter waste of time." Raven answered, sitting next to him, as she took out her book and started to read, Gecko found no value in watching so he decided to look over Raven's shoulder and read what she was reading. Raven did not seem to notice or care that Gecko was reading over her shoulder as she tuned out the rest of the world outside her book.
Robin won the war and was declared leader, Gecko had no qualms with that as he would not be a good leader with his ignorence about the country he was in, Beast boy was too childish, Raven did not care, Starfire was also ignorent about the world so she was out, and Cyborg was ok but did not have Robin's experince.
And thus the Team settled in...
Raven:Is that it?
Wing:Yeah this was a short chapter but I wanted to give the rundown on how things worked.
Gecko:So that is why you explained what everyone's room looked like?
Wing:Yes.
Raven:Well thats it I guess...why wasn't Starfire here.
Wing:I gave her the day off, something about Danceing lessons with Robin?
Gecko:See you next chapter. (They all waved to You)