Ch 4 Road Trip
When trying to get to a certain secret location, that will later teleport you to a certain facility located in orbit, in one of the largest and heavy populated cities in the second largest state in the nation… It really helps to play it off as casual as possible. Strolling down the sidewalk like on any old Friday afternoon, stopping into a convenient store and picking up a snack, continue walking down the street before turning a corner and getting on a skateboard and head just out of town to a remote small desert cave. Of course you had to ride well out of the city limits, but even that wasn't too out of the ordinary since there were several of kids that live well out of the city. Once that was done all one had to do was follow the path that lead to the well hidden Zeta-Tube, go inside and give the verbal command and off we go. The weird psychedelic light show always took a moment to adjust to, but thankfully it never lasted very long.
"Recognize Blue Beetle 023."
The feminine robotic voice announced as the Latino walked through the tunnel like teleporter and into the Watchtower's hallway. Walking with a goal in mind and determined to see it through, the Hispanic beetle crossed the room towards the elevator. His destination was the Mess Hall where he knew the majority of the League and the Team would be at this time. From the looks of it the majority of the Watchtower members may already be down there since no one he really knew was around. All for the best, he supposed since he'd be able to focus on his task better if he was left alone. Once he made it to the elevator, press the button for the floor he needed to go and spent the short trip mentally practicing what he wanted to say.
Watchtower: Mess Hall
The ride stopped with a light ping and the doors opened to reveal a well-occupied cafeteria. Members from both groups mixed and mingle with each other, enjoying the day's special and conversing with ease. No one really paid that much attention to him as he scanned the room until he found whom he was looking for at the far end of the Mess Hall. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." That was a saying his uncle would use whenever he decided to be impulsive, especially whenever he came to visit. Guess Jaime was following his advice this time around. Although he doubted his dear uncle ever had to face the kind of trails he was expected to when the hero mantle fell on his shoulders. Nor could he imagine his uncle even having to work up the nerve to walk over towards the 'Adult' tables of the Watchtower's Mess Hall and actually talk to two of the most famous Justice League members known in modern history. Yet Jaime Reyes made up his mind and now it was time to follow through. We just wished his stomach would stop turning the closer he got to them.
"Your heart rate is increasing exponentially Jamie Reyes." The inner voice within his mind echoed over the beating of the vital organ. It wasn't long before a strange dulling sensation caused the boy to calm down enough to at least keep from suddenly getting sick. "The Lanterns are watching." With its host anxiety levels suitably tempered the sentient device scanned their surroundings and easily noticed the galactic police duo glancing in their direction. "Now is not the time to show weakness."
Throughout its entire function there was one thing Scarab did above all else. Protect its host at all cost. This was a priority it followed to a fault and use every defensive feature built into it to do so. Bio-scans, hormones/chemical detections associated with hostility, reinforcing armor plating, scanning/targeting for weaknesses, and of course calculating effective ways to either neutralize or eliminate an enemy. Just now it took it upon itself to carefully regulate a few specific bodily chemicals to subtly tranquilize its host without him losing consciousness or suffering any side effects. Regardless of what Jaime Reyes insisted on, the sentient device could sense that the boy was still rather unnerved about going through with his decision. This came as no surprise to Khaji-Da considering whom they were dealing with, but as its host pointed out, to decline for simply being 'uncomfortable' would only convey weakness, which in turn could encourage their enemies to confront them more directly. Yet this decision may prove to be a double edge sword; so as they approach the Green Lanterns, the ex-Reach tech was utilizing all of its assets to prepare for any potential threat.
The arrival of the armored youth wasn't lost on the League members as they patiently waited for him to get near. "Made you're decision?" Hal asked casually enough around his pasta lunch once Blue Beetle was in hearing range.
The GL received a nod. "We accept the Guardians' invitation." The young beetle stated for both his mechanical friend and himself while ignoring the shared confused look between the two League members.
It was John Stewart that spoke next. "Glad to hear it, kid." This wasn't the first time the boy referred to himself in the plural and chances are it won't be the last. They'll just have to make sure he feels comfortable and secure throughout the visit so as to keep it under control. "Gives us a few minutes to contact the Guardians and make the necessary preparations." He added as he began to stand up from the table in order to personally send the message himself.
"In the mean time I suggest you head home and pack." Hal Jordan added as he too stood with his friend and colleague. Whom shot him a raised brow in question. "It's going to be a long trip and chances are you'll be spending the night." It was a half truth since their combined power rings would get them there fast enough, but chances are the kid would be given a 'grand tour' of Oa first, ask for a few demonstrations, then have the banquet much later in the evening. "Come back in two hours and we'll be good to go."
The youth nodded that he understood and once the adults left he took the chance to take a deep calming breath. A force of habit rather than necessity seeing as his scarab was regulating his dopamine levels. He had done it. He made his decision and cemented it by making it public. Or rather public enough that those involved knew of it. Now all he had to do was follow through with it.
"Jaime Reyes. The Nightwing approaches." The technological partner alerted him as the Dark Bird came out of his hiding spot. He had heard the entire conversation.
The Dark Squire wasn't too surprise of the fact that the beetle turned to face him before he was close. He was always able to detect him within a few feet of his person no matter how stealthy he tried to be. "Are you sure about this, Blue?" The co-leader of the Team asked once more and carefully read the body language of the younger hero. He had to make absolutely sure the teen wasn't being forced to comply.
"Si Nightwing." The Latino nodded trying his best to at least sound more confident than he was feeling at that moment. "Besides, they went to a lot of trouble inviting me and all." He added while rubbing at his arm. Easy telltales sign whenever he felt unsure or just a bit inadequate for whatever reason. "Wouldn't want to seem rude." Yet, the voice was light, laced with a bit of his natural awkwardness, but not troubled or doubtful.
Satisfied that his teammate was acting on his own will, the former Boy Wonder nodded in acceptance. "Alright." As the beetle walked off to more than likely head home and pack for the trip, Nightwing rubbed at his chin in some thought before pulling out his cell phone and pressing the speed dial. "Hey, its me. Feel like a trip?"
Two hours later: Watch Tower: Hanger
Normally when packing an overnight bag all one really needed to bring were pajamas, a change of clothes and a toothbrush. However, when you're invited to be the guest of honor as some fancy banquet, you had to dress for the occasion. Or at least that was the excuse Mrs. Reyes used when she and Milargo practically jumped him when he got home and made him go through a one man fashion show before finally settling on a new Sunday best dress suite she had bought for him earlier that morning. The chances were that he would wind up keeping he armor up the whole time, but his mom countered by saying he couldn't be expected to wear the armor all the time. When asked how she even knew that he chose to accept the invitation, he merely got the 'A mother knows her child' line, was given farewell hugs and kisses, and was sent on his way so that he wouldn't be late. So there he was, back on the Watchtower, riding an elevator, carrying a slightly over stuffed duffel bag and his backpack since he was expected to do his extra credit assignments on the trip, and an a stomach that wouldn't settle.
"You are still apprehensive Jaime Reyes." Scarab stated as they rode the elevator down towards the hanger. It didn't like how erratically the boy's heartbeat as become along the way here nor the fact that he had been trying not to think about the journey he was about to take. "Do you wish to make a tactical retreat?"
"No!" The Hispanic youth voiced verbally before deciding to just make this particular conversation private. "I… I want to see this through... I need to." The Latino hero took a deep calming breath to clear his thoughts so that he could better share his thoughts with his partner. "Ever since the Reach invaded and put us on mode… Not a day went by that I haven't been to completely live it down nor was I able to feel comfortable around aliens." It took him days if not weeks to feel comfortable being around the ones he knew were his friends. "I~ I've got to overcome this." Another deep calming breath helped to strengthen his resolve and further cemented his decision to follow through with his decision. "I need to go through with this." Yet even he knew that this wasn't something he could work through on his own. He needed help. Luckily he had someone that understood exactly what he was going through and what would be need to be done about it. "Will you help me, Khaji-Da?"
As if the boy truly needed to asked for its assistance. "This Scarab will provide aide." Still the fact Jaime would ask so that it could choose for itself was appreciated. "It will protect its host." Come what may they will see this mission through together.
"Gracias hermano." Jaime muttered softly in his gratitude.
"For what?" Another voice spoke randomly, causing the beetle to jolt, armor up automatically and turn to find that Nightwing had joined him in the elevator.
"Ah, for uh, um, l-letting me go with the Lanterns." He gave a nervous chuckle as he attempted to recover from his lack of attention. "Scarab, why didn't you tell me he was there?" He mentally exclaimed to his partner while smiling tensely at his leader.
"He is a non hostile and was he was not attempting to take you off guard." Khaji-Da stated simply as it did its routine scan of the Dark Squire's biorhythms. The young man had been waiting for the elevator and simply entered when the doors opened instead of attempting to sneak up on its host from behind.
"Hmm." The former Boy Wonder nodded in acceptance of the claim.
The two soon fell silent as the elevator resumed its journey down towards the hangar. "Uhh, so, um, is there anything you want me to do while I'm out there?" Jaime asked in an attempt at making up for the awkwardness.
Dick tilted his head in mocked thought before glancing at the youth and giving a reassuring smile. "Just have fun." He quipped as the elevator dinged and opened its doors on the hangar's floor.
That last comment through the beetle off. "Wha-?"
"Hey, her-man-oh!" A familiar voice cried out towards them and had the armored teenager turning to find Kid Flash and Super Boy standing with Beast Boy and Static Shock in the middle of the hangar. "Bout time you showed up."
Surprised, the bug-based hero grinned and gave a way as he approached them. "Hey guys!" He honestly didn't expect to see his two good friends that day figuring that they had been assigned for some special training exercise. "Came to see me off?" He asked once he got close.
"Nightwing didn't tell you?" The dark haired Kryptonian asked as he and the speedster gathered around their friend. It was at this close range that the Latino noticed that they had packed bags of their own. "We're coming along."
The claim took the blue bug completely off guard that he had to turn to look at the song of the Dark Knight. "It's a long trip." The smiling dark bird quipped simply with a casual shrug of his shoulders. "Figured you could use the company." It took a moment for understanding to sink in and soon an appreciative grin greeted the co-leader of the Team.
"Never been out in space before." Static Shock quipped as he approached the more experienced duo with his own duffle bag hitched on his shoulder. "Any tips?"
Virgil Hawkins, alias Static Shock, hasn't been with the Team all that long, but he merge with the group well enough and even made some new friends. So far Robin, Wonder Girl, Beast Boy and La'gaan were the closest he's gotten into a tight knit group since his runaway days, but for the sake of his old Runaway friend, Tye Longshadow, he kept tabs on Blue Beetle every once in a while. The first time they've actually met face to face, and when boy was actually himself and not a puppet, was awkward to say the least. The electromagnetic hero had learned when he was recruited to save the world from the Reach's endgame that the poor guy had been fully aware the whole time he was being controlled and was virtually trapped within his own body with no way of warning anyone about it. The Hispanic had apologized up and down for tricking Virgil and nearly leading him and the other Runaways into a trap during their first encounter. He especially apologized for nearly getting them killed when that fire-wielding robot held them hostage back at the Star Labs and swore if the circumstances had been different he would have never thought to sacrifice them. Understandably Static accepted the apology, if somewhat nervously since he was still in possession of the blue version of the Reach tech armor. Truth aside, the sight of the fully armored Latino still brought back bad memories of his experience with the Reach and what had been done to him and Virgil just couldn't feel comfortable around the beetle. Of course unknown to Static, and like always with everyone else, the scarab had alerted its host about the new hero's anxiety towards him. Respectably, a dejected Blue submitted to the subtle rejection and kept his distance from the boy ever since and made no other attempt at befriending the new guy.
Admittedly seeing the broken look in the Latino's eyes had made the African American teen feel guilty. Especially when he began to notice how… alone the guy actually was among the Team. It wasn't as if the beetle was completely friendless, Virgil had seen him talk to Superboy from time to time, and especially the new Kid Flash whom he swore never left the guy alone whenever he's around. But Superboy didn't really seem to be the social type, so their palings were few and far between, and the speedster almost always gets called away either by his mentor or for missions. Nightwing, Aqualad, and Miss Martian were more than willing to be friendly with him, but their positions didn't really give them much time to socialize. Everyone else didn't really associated with Blue Beetle unless they had to and that was mostly during missions. He didn't even have a mentor of his own to confide in like everyone else and so was often left to his own devices, which usually meant him engaging in a one sided conversation with himself. The Hawkins boy knew fully well of the rumor of Blue Beetle being schizophrenic, which was a bit disturbing to be honest. Tye sure as heck never mentioned it before so chances are it was just a rumor, but then again if no one was really willing to just sit down and just talk to him every so often then he'd probably would strike up a conversation with whatever voice was in his head if nothing more than to have some kind of company. So when he was assigned to be on the same team as the ex-Reach agent, he was both nervous and hopeful that he may have a second chance to really get to know the boy behind the armor and make up for his initial unfriendliness.
Beast Boy followed shortly joined the group and overheard the question. "Whatever you do, don't get sucked out without a suite." The more experienced Team member stated half jokingly, all seriousness, which pulled an easygoing chuckle out of Blue, thus encouraged the other to laugh as well.
It wasn't long before the two League Lanterns soon discovered the happy group. They had been arguing over the best way to travel to Oa when the chatter distracted them. "What is this, a going away party?" Hal inquired out loud with a light chuckle, as they got closer to the kids.
"More like and entourage." The adopted son of the Dark Knight stated as he turned to face the two Lanterns, unconsciously putting himself between them and the group. "Although this technically isn't an official mission, I'm sending an escort to increase their space experience." Nightwing added as he faced the two League members with a look that said this addition was a non-negotiable, before nodding over at the four young heroes. "Superboy, Kid Flash, Static Shock, and Beast Boy will accompany Blue Beetle to Oa." Connor, knowing his cue, stepped forward to solidify his position in the group and to show that he supported his leader's decision. "Superboy, having the most off world experience will lead the group."
The ex-marine of the duo didn't like the hidden meaning beneath the additional company. Trust never was something that Batman truly banked on, in the past or otherwise, and it looks like he instilled this same sense of mistrust in his ward. Neither of the Lanterns had missed the imitated Bat-glares when they delivered the Guardian's initial message. Nor had they missed the youth practically stalk around the tower looking for any data on Oa and the Guardians. He suppose they should have expected it seeing as they were pretty much ordered to obtain a member of the young man's Team for their own reason without being more forthwith about the reason why. But still this seemed just boarder lined
"Fine by me." Hal stated casually enough before his fellow GL could say anything. He soon led the way to the center of the hanger keeping his tone, walk, and mannerism calm and composed. "The more the merrier." Moments later he activated his power ring and began construction on the beginning of a spaceship that will act as their mode of transportation for the journey.
John Stewart, however, knew a set up when he saw one and approached the Honor Guard Lantern. "You planned this, didn't you?" He half accused as he activated his own ring to help with the construction of a space cruiser large enough for everyone. "There was never any mention of a possible overnight stay in the transmission." This he knew for a fact since he was the one that played the message. "You wanted him to think that so that he'd send a chaperone." If anything he had thought that Hal was just trying to give the impression of a casual get together so as not to raise unfounded suspicions but now it was beginning to look like that hadn't been the case.
"If by planned you mean gave him an opening to take advantage of, then yeah." The Caucasian Lantern admitted as he worked with and around John's energy as half of the ship was complete. "Bat Jr. was on edge about this since day one and you know how I feel about this." At least this way if there were strings attached to this visit, it there will be very few considering the extra company. "Might as well humor him."
The rest of the group simply stood by and watched as their ride gradually began to take shape. Within minutes the wings were formed, the sections that made up the deck, flight and passenger cabins were outlined and the top half was soon made solid. The hard-light flying machine was slightly larger and much sleeker than any NASA rocket, yet at the same time gave the impression that it was suppose to be stylish, like a limo.
"Now that's one slick ride!" Static commented as the cargo door opened up and a ramp slid out to beckon the young travelers to climb aboard.
"Ha-ha! Road Trip!" Beast Boy practically cheered as he scurried up the newly constructed green ramp, followed by his fellow passengers.
Superboy, on the other hand, opted to linger behind to address his co-leader. "I know that look." Throughout the little gathering, the protégé of the Dark Knight had been scrutinizing both Blue Beetle and the Lanterns from a distance. The more incensed glares aimed at the GLs. "There's something else going on, isn't there?" He had worked with Nightwing, literally, his entire life and had come to at least recognize that when he's staring at something longer than what's really necessary, it usually meant that it was far more complex than what it appears to be.
"Not really sure." Nightwing knew better than to keep secrets from his old teammate at this point in their lives, but at the same time there just wasn't enough evidence beyond mere speculation. "It's probably nothing, but just in case, watch out for Blue while you're out there." Even so, he just can't shake off his instinctual suspicions. Call it instincts, ESP, or just plain 'Bat' paranoia, but somehow he got the feeling that Jaime shouldn't be alone on this trip. "Something just doesn't feel right about all of this."
The youth Kryptonian nodded in understanding before marching to his duffle bag, snatching it on the strive and making his way up the ramp. He found that the passenger area consisted of two short rows of uneven seats of five. Three on the left side, and two on the right. Kid Flash and Beast Boy were arguing over who should take the front seat with the window. Static decided not to get involved and picked the back seat on the right; it had a window anyways. Blue had opted to take the last seat on the left, farthest from the pilot's cabin, no doubt a 'tactical advise' courtesy of the scarab. That thing must really be making him jumpy with whatever extreme measures it mostly likely was advising him to take since they were on an 'enemy' ship. Deciding to end the squabble between the quarrelling the two younger boys, Conner marched up, dropped his duffle bag in the front seat. With a stone face to the protest he lifted both Kid Flash and Beast Boy off their feet and physically planted them in the two remaining vacant seats; Kid Flash in front of Blue Beetle and Beast Boy in front of Static Shock. He soon took his claimed seat and sat down without so much as a word.
Blue and Static got a good laugh out of that and were soon buckled into their respective seats. "Attention passengers we are ready to take off. Please fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride." Hal's voice echoed over the built in intercom system as the ship's engine's roar to life and the vehicle began to move.
Nightwing watched the take off from the control room. He had done all he could and took every percussion possible. Superboy will provide the brawn, and with him wearing the universally famous S shield they hopefully will all be treated with respect. Kid Flash with provide the speed and his close ties with Blue Beetle will have him inadvertently acting like a personal bodyguard. Beast Boy will provide the stealth in case they needed to gather some intelligence or eavesdrop. Static will provide extra agility and power incase things get hairy and with Blue Beetle's adaptability and knack for escapology they should all make it back in one peace. He just hoped that this time, for once, his instincts were wrong and that nothing will happen.
35mins Later: Pilot's Cabin
The takeoff was smooth and they evened out shortly after the flight started. Hal Jordan naturally took the helm, while John Stewart navigated. Both did so out of habit more out of necessity seeing as their rings already knew where to go and what to do, but it gave them something do during the ride. Goodness knows the Honor Guard was the most comfortable behind the helm of a plane, but oddly enough he was being rather solemn face and composed about the whole thing. His fellow GL hadn't missed this but instead chose for some time to pass before engaging him in any conversation.
Somewhere beyond Neptune's moon was when Stewart decided to break the long silence. "It won't take too long before we reach Oa." The trip was usually quiet seeing as Hal spent most of the time in deep thought rather than chatting up John, which naturally worried his fellow Lantern. Wither on duty or off it, the Honor Guard Lantern natural carefree manner tended to show through, yet for some reason he seemed distracted. "You alright there, Jordan?"
The Honor Guard glanced over once before shaking his head. "I just can't help but feel that something's up." Something about this entire affair just had trouble written all over it. His instincts just would let him leave it alone "I know the Guardians aren't above recognizing big accomplishments, but out side of the Corp?" Not even once in a blue moon has the Guardian found need to do such a thing as honor an outsider with a banquet on Oa. Not that such a thing could never happen, of course, but it's highly unlikely this was a social visit.
Stewart nodded once to show that he was listening but also gave his comrade in green a knowing smirk. "You sure you're not just jealous that someone else is getting positive attention from them?" The joke was meant to put his friend at ease. He knew very well the man didn't care one way or another about wither or not the Guardians approved of him or his methods.
"Please." The auburn masked man gave his signature cocky smirk in response to the smart aleck remark. "After all the crud that kid had to put up with these past months he deserves at least some positive attention." Between J.B. Gordan's media slander and the near alienation from the public it was a wonder that the boy still felt confident enough to continue the hero lifestyle. "It's just that the way it normally goes is that the Guardians would do be more formal about rewarding accomplishments." For something of this magnitude, more often than not, the Guardians would be the ones to leave Oa and visit the host planet for public events, and personalize celebrations were limited to members of the Corp and only for official troop gatherings. "Giving out a personal invite, to a non Corp member, to visit the home base, for a fancy dinner party? You got to admit, that's a bit of stretch for them."
The Marine nodded in both understanding and confirmation. "True, but that's no reason to assume they're up to something." Like his associate, he too had experienced some of the Guardians' less than agreeable moments, however, it doesn't change the fact that they were the commanders of their operation. "Considering the events that took places, this could be a legit celebration." Being able to stand up and oppose the Reach took a lot of guts, not to mention ingenuity considering the level of tech involved. "After all, its not everyday a planet is able to break free from the shackles of a conquering race."
The statement rang true, of course. And there really wasn't any real cause for suspicion other than his own mistrust of his bosses. "I suppose…"
"Dog pile!" An enthusiastic and youthful shout suddenly interrupted the two Lanterns' conversation and caused them to jump in their seats.
It was soon followed by a harsh thud and a second shout erupted almost instantly after. "Daah! Stop it!" Sounds of bodies struggling could be heard soon after. "Qitate! Cut it out!" The heavily accented protested demanded over a pair of playful laughter.
"Get the cookies!" A third voice half laughed half shouted throughout the rough housing as a few cheers followed afterwards.
"What in the world is going on back there?" John Stewart asked out loud and he turned in his seat to look at the hard light doorway that led to the passenger cabin.
Hal Jordan could only roll his eyes and chuckle. "Five teenagers stuck in a small enclosed space on a long road trip." The masked Green Lantern stated as a matter of fact to his fellow GL rather than give an actual explanation. "You do the math." This wasn't his first rodeo after all, so he wasn't about to over complicate matters. Although, the large construct space plane had begun to shake a little from the vibrations of it all. "Will you keep it down back there, some of us are trying to fly!" Hal shouted over his shoulder after hearing a particularly hard thud. A little youthful bonding is fine and all, but no sense in breaking anything as a result.
However, when the noise continued on, the ex-marine decided that he better take a look for himself. "I'm going to see what's up." John Stewart stated as he began to unbuckle his seatbelt and got ready to stand.
However, a hand clasping onto his forearm halted his actions. "Naw, let'em have their fun." The Honor Guard advised while waving off the idea. Boys will be boys after all and as long as they don't kill each other back there, everything's all fun and games. "They'll settle down in a bit." As distractions go this one was perfect, for it took his mind off the inedible meeting that would soon take place. In all honesty the sound of the rambunctious boys goofing around and bonding actually helped to convince him, if only a little, that all was right with the galaxy.
Outside of Guardian Space
Far away in a distant galaxy that circled around a rare blue sun was a rather strange looking planetoid. At first it almost seemed like a small moon, however it didn't orbit any of the nearby planets but instead floated aimlessly through space. Upon closer inspection the surface wasn't that of rock, but of smooth metal riddled with active wires and electronic circuitry. Deep within this artificial mini planet laid a wide network of large chambers, hallways, and docking stations. Many of the more spacious chambers were occupied with multiple bipedal, humanoid aliens, all of which were in some form of uniform and were executing various training exercises. Sparring matches, target practices, weapons training, various drills and even extreme battle simulations were being conducted through out the planetoid. However the smaller chambers were being utilized for weapons development, testing, and even experimentations. In one particular room a new kind of weapon was entering its final stage of development.
The scientist in charged of the project had been painstakingly programming her latest and perhaps greatest technological creation to perfection. This will not only improve upon their current arsenal design, but also fully insure the security and loyalty of their soldiers. It was all a matter of reconfiguring the neurological and psychological sequences within the complex matrix and having it synchronize with a state of the art virtual program. At the chiming of the computer consol that alerted her of the accepted codes, the scientist smiled in sweet satisfaction. She even allowed herself a small chuckle as the last components and final casing was attached. The color will be different than all the ones before. It'll be bright and aggressive, just the thing to show the superior difference of her latest technological marvel. Soon it will be time to present her newest creation to her superiors and from there begin the process of finding a suitable host to test it. Yes, this new development will fully secure all future conquests for the Reach.
"Soon none shall stand in way the Reach."
