Gamer4 in. We're coming up on the biggest part of the story: the soon-to-be-seven-chapters Exploration #4. But that's not until next chapter, so for now, enjoy the intermission.

Disclaimer: I do not own the number 4 or the words 'Exploration' or 'intermission.'

Chapter X

The Night Before

Perhaps mercifully, the film does not leap directly from the end of the third exploration to the start of the fourth. Rather, the next scenes detail the day between the two explorations, and include several scenes that many have delighted in reviewing when discussing the psychological aspects of the film.

First, we get to see the group sitting around the table, seemingly discussing the plan for the next day, when Jinx, Terra, and Aqualad are set to make their biggest descent yet. Jinx is still determined to spend five days in the hallway, so obviously some planning has to go into it.

"So, we'll be packing... a tent," Tim says, ticking items off on his fingers, "more fishing wire, flares, glowsticks, etc., plenty of rations, food, water, that kind of stuff..."

Robin takes a deep breath before turning the topic towards what is, in his opinion, the thing most worth discussing. "Jinx," he says, "I really don't think you should bring that gun of yours into the hallway. I'm uncomfortable around guns."

"We've been over this," Jinx says briefly, taking a drink from a glass of water. "I'm taking the gun, and if I get the chance to take care of whatever's making that growling, all the better."

"That's the thing, though," Robin says. "The more I think about it, the less it seems like there's anything in there. So far, we haven't seen any signs of life, no food, no places to get water, no place that looks all that habitable, nothing... left behind... all we have is that growl. I'm really starting to think that's just a sound in the place itself."

"All well and good," says Terra, speaking up, "but say you're wrong, and there really is something in there. Would you want to leave us defenseless? After all, our powers don't work in there." Looking somewhat reluctant, she brings her head up and looks him directly in the eyes. "Can you guarantee that there's not a monster of some kind in there?"

Robin opens his mouth, perhaps to argue, but he seems to deflate under Terra's gaze.

"Besides," Jinx puts in, "you won't be coming into the hallway anyways. You won't have to be around the gun."

Robin doesn't seem to be able to think of a counter-argument, so he changes the subject. "Okay, now, I've been thinking, and while we don't know how deep the staircase is, we know it will take at least three or four hours to get to the bottom- maybe more, if you look through some of the hallways leading off it. So, what I think would be a good idea is if you leave some stocks of food and water every now and again on the staircase, maybe mark them with flares, so you can pick them up on the way back. It'll lighten the load on the way down, and give you more rations on the way up."

"Seems like a good idea," Aqualad nods.

"Agreed," both Jinx and Terra say.

"About what you said, though," Jinx adds, "I'm not sure we should limit our search just to getting to the bottom of the stairs- especially if we weren't that far from the bottom. I think that maybe we should actually look for the thing making those growling noises- see what it is. If it's nothing, okay, if it's something, then we can figure out something to do."

"No," Robin says firmly. "The gun is a precaution. Ideally- and probably- you won't meet anything, won't have to actually fire. Five days is just the most you should be in there- just get to the bottom of that staircase, then come back."

Jinx looks ready to argue, but this time, Robin is firm enough that she's the one to back down. "Whatever you say," she says, no small amount of resentment still in her voice.

XXXX

What follows is what many people have noted as another fine moment between Robin and Tim. Tim is walking down one of the corridors in Titans Tower when he comes to an intersection with two other hallways, meeting in a T-shape. Looking from side to side, he sees Robin turn around one corner, Terra around the other. As they round the corners, their eyes seem to fall on each other, and they freeze in their tracks. It seems neither of them notice Tim standing between them, as they simply stand there, staring at each other. Finally, Terra begins slowly stepping back down the hallway she came from, leaving Robin staring at where she'd been, and with Tim still looking back and forth in confusion. Finally, Tim speaks.

"What was that all about?"

"Nothing," Robin says, seeming to just notice that his brother is in the hallway as well.

"Don't give me that," Tim says. "A scene like that doesn't happen over 'nothing.' Did something happen between you and her?"

"Of course not," Robin says, his eyes not meeting Tim's.

Tim stares. "Please tell me this isn't what it looks like."

"It's not, because there's nothing there."

We can almost see the gears turning in Tim's head. Finally, he seems to come to a conclusion. "You're kidding me," he sighs. "This comes back to Emma too, doesn't it?"

As usual, Robin seems to pale at the mention of the name. However, his response is also the same as ever: "I don't know what you're talking about."

Tim sighs again. "Look, you and Terra are the only people in thetower who seem to know who this 'Emma' is, it doesn't take a genius to connect the dots." Looking thoughtful, he adds, "Now that I think about it, you two don't ever seem to talk outside of meetings. I mean, you'd think there would be more bad history with Beastboy or Raven, but I can't think of any times she went out of her way to avoid meeting them."

"It's nothing, okay? Get off my back about it!"

"Robin, I'm concerned for you," Tim says, and he sounds like it. "I've heard about you losing sleep over this 'Emma' person, it doesn't sound like something you should be keeping to yourself." Stepping closer to his brother, he adds, "Come on. I'm your brother. You know you can trust me. Just tell me what happened."

"It's okay!" Robin says agitatedly. "You can go now!"

Tim freezes. "What did you just say?"

"I said that I'm fine, alright? Get off my back!"

"No, what you just said. Say it again, exactly the way you said it."

Sighing, Robin repeats, "It's okay. You can go now. Happy?"

With that, Robin heads off down the hall, with Tim staring after him. It doesn't escape him that he's heard that phrasing before. Shaking his head, he turns to head down the hall Robin had come from, never noticing the blue eyes that had watched the argument from the opposite hall.

XXXX

Apparently, after the slight argument with Robin, Tim decides to pay Raven another visit. As he approaches the door, we hear muttering on the other side. Tim, hearing this, lets out an audible sigh before approaching the door, allowing it to slide open in front of him.

Sure enough, Raven is on her bed, laying on her back, hands folded across her chest, rambling at the ceiling. "Endless darkness," she's muttering, "extending off into eternity. There is nothing there. There is no wood, not ash, not beech, not redwood, no oak, cherry, maple- no television, no radio, no stereo, no radiator, no refrigerator, no drawers, heat registers, thermostats, or clocks- no clocks at all, not even digital or grandfather or alarm- no shelves or cardboard or stoves or windows or sills or screens or-"*

Tim moves forward. "Raven," he says.

"Paper! No water, no bread, no books, no movies, no-"

Tim moves forward and attempts to touch Raven. As he does, the young woman suddenly snaps up, looking directly at him. She stares for a moment, then suddenly shakes her head, clearing it, and says, "Tim? When did you get here?"

"Just now," Tim says. "You're getting out of this room."

"What?" Raven asks.

"You have to get out of here," Tim repeats. "This place has some sort of bad influence on you. When I came in, you were muttering things again."

Raven looks surprised, but finally, this gives way to a slow nod. "Alright," she says. "I give up. You win. I'll sleep on the couch or something tonight."

XXXX

What follows is a sequence many have affectionately (or otherwise) described as 'The Last Supper.' We see the whole group gathered around the table, eating a stack of pizzas from the counter. Occasionally, one will shoot a quick glance at the hallway's door, sitting not that far from the kitchen, but for the most part, they simply eat. Conversation seems to be scarce.

Finally, Tim takes a stab at breaking the silence. "Hey, Terra," he says, glancing over at the young woman. "While you're in the hallway, mind if we rent out your room?"

"What?" Terra asks, looking up at him in surprise.

"Turns out that Beastboy and Raven need some time away from their rooms," Tim explains. "Long story, and one-" he adds quickly, at the sight of Raven looking up at him with pure venom in her eyes, "that I am not at liberty to discuss right now."

"I see," Terra says, not failing to notice said venomous look. "Alright, fine by me. I won't be using it anyways."

"Great!" Tim smiles. "So, Beastboy, you can take the couch, and Raven can take Terra's room!"

Interestingly enough, it isn't Beastboy, but Raven who objects to this. "No," she says. "Beastboy can take Terra's room. I'll gladly take the couch."

"Oh, come on, Rae," Tim says. "You don't have to-"

"Yes I do," Raven says firmly. There are some confused looks exchanged, but no one else dares argue with the half-demoness.

"So, where are they sleeping tonight?" Terra finally asks, mercifully changing the subject.

"We're sleeping in the living room," Raven says. "Beastboy can get the couch, since I'll be sleeping in it for five nights anyways, and-"

"No," says Beasboy. "You get the couch. I can turn into a dog or something and sleep on the floor."

Raven opens her mouth to protest, but catches Beastboy's eye, and finally says, "Alright. Have it your way."

A moment of confused silence follows, broken only by Tim saying, "Apparently, this is Burger King."

XXXX

The scenes round out with a flurry of various conversations between the various Titans and guests that occurred after the dinner had wrapped up.

First, we see Jinx and Cyborg meeting up in the hallways outside. The two had known each other for a brief time before, back when Jinx was still a member of the HIVE. Cyborg had gone undercover as a new recruit named 'Stone.' The two had had a brief relationship for a while, broken apart, of course, when it was revealed that Cyborg was a spy. It's unclear exactly what they thought of each other after Jinx had left the HIVE, but it seems clear this is one of their first moments of close contact for a while.

Cyborg, after a while of clearly not knowing what to say, says, "So... you seem pretty interested in getting to the bottom of the hallway."

Jinx gave him a slightly amused look, as if to say, Really? That's the best you can come up with? Nevertheless, she responds with, "Yeah. I guess I can't stand not knowing how that place exists. I hate not knowing stuff- I want to... to beat that place, conquer it- get to the bottom, find its limits."

"Finding limits, huh?" Cyborg smiles. "Don't worry- you have a way of finding limits."

"And usually, I go right over them," Jinx smiles somewhat mischievously.

Casting around for another topic, Cyborg says, "So, how's Flash?"

"He's fine," Jinx shrugs. "Haven't been talking to him as much lately. He's been acting kind of weird, you know? Hasn't been... the same since a few months ago."

"Why? What happened?"

"As far as I know, nothing," Jinx shrugs. "Maybe he's just crazy."

"He'd have to be," Cyborg pointed out, "I mean, he's an honorary Titan."

"Does that make me crazy, too?" Jinx smiles.

"Probably. I mean, you're one of us, aren't you?"

Jinx looks around. "I'm a lot of things," she says.

XXXX

Following this, we get a shot of Tim in his room. He is reading a book of some sort when a knock sounds through the room. "Come on in," he says.

The doors slide open to reveal Terra standing on the other side. Tim looks up at her in surprise. "Terra!" he says. "What are you doing here?"

"I have... things I want to talk about," Terra says, coming over and sitting down. "And a story I want to tell."

For a moment, there is something of a silence, then Tim says, "So... what do you want to talk about?"

"I heard your... talk with Robin earlier," Terra admits.

"You did?" Tim asks. "Well, guess we weren't exactly hard to hear."

Terra looks down. "I didn't realize that he remembers Emma, too."

Tim snaps his head up, suddenly extremely attentive. "Am I about to find out who this mysterious Emma is?" he asks.

Terra gives a slow nod. "I want to tell you a story about Jump City," she says. "It's a story about a geomancer gone astray, a martial artist at the head of a group of superheroes, and it's a story about the city they all live in. But most of all, it's the story of a girl named Emma. I want to tell you about her. She'd want it too. I want to tell you."

"Mind if I write it down?" Tim asks, pulling a notebook and a pen from a shelf over his desk.

Terra looks somewhat apprehensive. "O-okay," she says. "Under one condition- don't show it to the others until I leave."

"Why?" Tim asks, an eyebrow raised.

"Because it's bad enough having to tell it once," Terra says. "Now, the story starts..."

XXXX

After this clip abruptly cuts off, we see Raven and Beastboy in the living room. Raven is laying on the couch under a blue blanket, while Beastboy sleeps just below, in dog form, sides gently rising and falling. As she turns over, we see that Raven hasn't quite attained sleep yet. She looks over at her temporary roommate, and we can see thoughts forming in her eyes. Perhaps, she seems to muse, it really is better to not be alone. She seems almost glad that, out of all the other things happening, she's been placed in the same room with Beastboy. Not in the way one might thing, mind you, but she seems happy just to be in the presence of another. It's in sharp contrast to being alone, left to brood in silence on the strange things occurring in her home. It really makes a difference, having someone else nearby that she knows, trusts, and cares for, and for the first time since they've returned from their vacation, we can see the thought beginning to form in Raven's mind: It's going to be okay. It's going to be okay. Slowly, her eyes begin to droop, and the next thing, her chest begins to slowly rise and fall in unison with the green dog below her.

XXXX

What happens next is yet another curious moment of the film. Of all the clips shown, it seems to take place much earlier, directly after the dinner begins clearing up. Robin heads off to his room, Raven and Beastboy head off to grab some personal effects from their own rooms, Cyborg and Jinx step into the hallway to have their conversation, Tim following shortly thereafter. This leaves Aqualad, Starfire, and Terra behind- and after a moment, Terra seems to come to a decision and steps out into the hallway as well.

It is here that Starfire glances at the table and sees one of the maps that the group had been poring over earlier on that day. She stares at it for a moment, and it is only when she bends over that we realize it is the very first map of the hallway- the one drawn out by Robin after Exploration A. Looking up at Aqualad, she shakily asks, "Who drew this?"

Aqualad casually glances over. "Robin did," he says.

Starfire's eyes hollow. Seemingly looking for an explanation, she says, "He drew it based on the tapes you made while in the hallway of darkness, yes?"

"Nope," Aqualad shrugs. "He drew it when we first got here, to show us what he thought we were dealing with."

Starfire seems to be almost shaking with sobs here. "Oh," she says, not betraying this out loud. "I see."

Aqualad turns. "Something wrong?" he asks, looking surprised. From this, many have drawn the conclusion that it slipped Robin's mind to warn the explorers that his first excursion into the hallway might be something of a taboo subject.

"Everything is wrong," Starfire says, a tear forming at the corner of her eye. "Everything has fallen apart ever since the tower began to expand. But I never thought Robin would..."

Aqualad draws closer. "Are... are you okay?"

Starfire stands and pulls Aqualad into a tight embrace. "The... the darkness scares me," the young alien princess says. "And it has affected the others, too. Cyborg and Tim spend all their time trying to figure it out. Raven mutters in her sleep, and I fear she may be... 'losing it.' Even friend Beastboy has become more withdrawn! And Robin..." here, she falters. "Even Robin seems to have forgotten me. He just wants to find the end of the hallway, and I fear he will ignore the cost."

Aqualad doesn't seem to know what to do in this scene. Gently, he reaches up and rubs the young woman on the back, muttering, "Don't worry. It's going to be okay." Finally, Starfire pulls away slightly, and they look each other in the eye. Aqualad, perhaps making the typical mistake of seeing Starfire as a young child, leans forward and gives her a small kiss on the cheek, almost like a parent to a child.

Starfire freezes, slowly raising her hand to the spot. On her planet, kissing means a great deal different from what it means on Earth. Even now, several years after her arrival, she is still trying to learn the symbolism behind the act. And at this point, one kiss is still much the same as another to her. Perhaps deciding she should return the favor, she reaches out as Aqualad turns away and turns him around, delivering him a full kiss on the lips. Aqualad seems shocked at first, but seems to eventually decide to just go with it. Finally, after a few seconds, they break apart. For a moment, they both look at the ground, before muttering quick 'good-nights' and leaving the kitchen.

XXXX

Many people have jumped through many hoops to try and figure out what this scene is truly depicting. And, unfortunately, many seem to miss the point. It is a cultural misunderstanding that occurs between these two, and one that seems to mainly serve to set up a future scene in the film that makes the latter scene all the more poignant. In the later scene, we see Robin sitting at a lone computer in an apartment somewhere far from Titans Tower. He is editing together some footage that will soon become the film released to the public. He is going through videos sent to him via email from the other Titans, including all the clips discussed above, as well as two videos sent to him by Raven and Starfire, entitled 'A Brief Transcript of what Some Have Thought' and 'A Brief History of Who I Love,' respectively. It is unfortunate that after viewing the latter, the next tape he puts in to review contains the scene with Starfire and Aqualad. However, unlike many romantic dramas, Robin is not rattled to the core by what he sees on this tape. And the simple fact is, by then, so much has happened that it's unlikely Robin cares about much of anything anymore. Compared to all that had yet to happen in the film, what was one little scene amongst all the other things that had occurred? When he reviews this bit of footage, his reaction is not to rage at Starfire, or himself, or to place any sort of blame whatsoever. All he does is approach a video camera, and begin producing one final video.

XXXX

*A reference to the original book, where a corner of several pages was devoted to listing all the things that aren't in the hallway.

I'm a little conflicted about this one. There just wasn't much happening. Something that will definitely change next chapter, when we finally enter: Exploration #4: The Descent. First chapter of many to come starting with Exploration #4. Please R&R, constructive criticism entirely welcome, actively encouraged in fact, flames will be used to figure out why plastic smells so bad when it burns, Gamer4 out.