Author's Notes: Hey guys it's me Logan GC and this is chapter 20 of A New Destiny. As always, I want to thank everyone who reviewed and supported the latest chapter such as Superherotimefan, Justus80, The Christian Jedi, Graybook, Bkaa19, Celis, Flaming Dragon, Sonarkiller27, KrautYank and many more who reviewed favored, etc. Thank you guys for your continued support. To answer Justus80's concern, Batman's suspicion of Galen will increase and the newly formed friendship between Galen and Wally will not be as good once Batman tells Wally of what Boba Fett told him. As for Flaming Dragon, it would be wise if that character is in Young Justice: Invasion. Also Sonarkiller27, the mission in "Image" will possibly be in the next chapter. KrautYank, I promise the Rebellion will be involved later in the story. Once more, thank all of you guys for your continued support, and here's chapter twenty.
Chapter 20: Umm… Oops?
Metropolis November 20th 1326 hours
It is a Saturday afternoon in the bustling city of Metropolis as Clark Kent, also known as Superman, is helping his co-worker and girlfriend Lois Lane move her belongings to her new apartment. Normally, Clark would have no problem lifting every item to Lois' new apartment with ease. Considering that he would reveal his powers, the Kryptonian had to cover the act.
"Come on Smallville, it's just one more floor." Reporter Lois Lane called to her boyfriend, which Clark had to make it look like he was struggling to carry a television set up the stairs. Ever since they were younger, Lois would always enjoy teasing Clark by calling him that nickname, even though they were five years apart.
Clark let out a groan as the two continued the walk upwards to her new apartment. "Why do you call me that, Lois? You know I hate that nickname." Clark protested as Lois placed in her keys into the apartment door. The two entered as Clark placed the television set next to other cardboard boxes that had Lois' belongings in it.
Lois gave a shrug. "You dressed plaid, you worked on a farm, and therefore, you are Smallville." The reporter cheekily replied which Clark gave a mock pout. Lois then noticed a slight change in Clark's demeanor when his pout turned into a frown and creases on his forehead. "Clark, what's wrong?" Lois then asked softly.
Clark gave a sigh. "I-It's nothing Lois, it's just… it's nothing." The Kryptonian replied which the female reporter crossed her arms and looked at him, annoyed.
"Smallville, what's the problem?" Lois asked annoyed, pure attitude in a reporter's outfit. Well, that's what you get when your father is a general in the military and you're raised as an army brat.
Clark rubbed his glasses with his sleeve. "I'm having a personal problem."
Lois raised an eyebrow. "Family problems?"
Clark made an iffy gesture. "Sort of." He replied as he placed his glasses back in front of his eyes. Based on his frown, it was a topic he didn't want to talk about so Lois didn't press on it.
There was an awkward silence before Lois cleared her throat. "Well, anyways, thanks for helping me move all my stuff here." Lois spoke which Clark gave an affirmative noise. The female reporter then gave a smirk with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "You know, we don't have to go to work for another two hours." Lois said as she wrapped her arms around Clark's neck.
The former farmboy raised an eyebrow. "What about unpacking all of your stuff?" He asked amused.
Lois gave a shrug. "It can wait." She replied as the two leaned forward each other, their lips almost touching until a knock on her door interrupted their moment.
Clark gave a groan. "I can't catch a break, can't I?" He asked out load which Lois laughed at his expense. The female reporter then went to her door and opened it to reveal her fifteen year old cousin Chloe Sullivan, with a smile on her face.
"Surprise!" Chloe stated happily as the two cousins hugged each other and laughed.
"Chloe, what are you doing here? I thought you and Uncle Gabe lived in Central now?" Lois asked.
Chloe gave a sheepish smile. "Is there anything wrong for seeing my older cousin?" Chloe asked with a mock pout. "And besides, Dad's in Metropolis sightseeing and he told me where your new apartment is."
Lois frowned. "You came here by yourself?" The older cousin scandalized, the thought of Chloe coming here alone frightens Lois.
Chloe mirrored her frown and crossed her arms. "Lois I'm fifteen. I'm not a little kid anymore." The blonde defended and Lois couldn't help but feel pride in her baby cousin. Family stubbornness. Seeing that no one acknowledged his presence, Clark coughed and cleared his throat.
Lois shook her head. "Oh, um, Chloe you remember Smallville." The brunette said as she remembered when Chloe was a child, she saw a younger Clark working on the Kent farm.
"Yeah, hey Clark." Chloe greeted as she extended her hand for a shake. Clark shook her hand with a smile on his face.
"Good to see you too, Chloe." Clark replied as Chloe squinted slightly at Clark. He looks so familiar; I can't put my finger on it… The blonde thought as she gave a smile back. Before anyone could say anything else, Clark's cell phone rang. After seeing the number, the Kryptonian sighed. "Sorry, I have to take this." He apologized as he answered the phone. "Hello?"
"Clark, I need you at the Cave." Bruce's voice immediately responded which Clark groaned. Why today of all days?
"Can't it be tomorrow because right now I'm with—"Clark began protesting but was cut short from the Dark Knight.
"No, come now." Bruce ordered and hung up. Clark sighed; orders are orders and orders from Batman are law. I can never catch a break.Clark then picked up his jacket and was ready to leave.
"Wait, where are you going?" Lois asked her hands on her hips.
Clark once more sighed. "I'm sorry Lois, I have to go." He really hated when Bruce had to call at the most inopportune of times, like right now. Clark also hated the hurt look on Lois' face every time. Sometimes life sucked as a superhero.
"Go where? Did the Planet call?" Lois asked, her suspicions increasing by the second. Chloe was also suspicious. Since when did Clark get all nervous all of a sudden?
Clark shook his head. "I-It's personal." He responded without meeting her gaze. Chloe frowned; she knew Clark was lying and she wanted to know what.
"What about helping me unpack my stuff?" Lois asked, not wanting Clark to leave this early.
Clark looked back at Lois with his most apologetic face. "I'm sorry Lois, but I promise as soon as I come back, I'll make it up." He compromised which Lois calmed down. When Clark promises something, he fulfills his promise. Clark then gave his girlfriend a quick peck on the lips and proceeded out the door. Before leaving he said "Good to see you again, Chloe." To the blonde and left the apartment. Chloe looked at the door and frowned; Clark was hiding something from her cousin and she intended to find out what.
After convincing Lois to allow her to travel Metropolis, Chloe followed Clark. Luckily, Clark was so tall that Chloe can see traveling between crowds of people, and was even more lucky that Clark didn't look back to notice he was being followed. After following Clark for a few more blocks, Chloe was led into a dark valley. The blonde raised her eyebrows. What is he doing, selling drugs? She shook her head; in the few times Chloe known Clark, he was too much of a boy scout to do something like that. When she was near in the valley, she heard a strange voice, some whirring, then nothing.
Huh. Chloe thought as she entered the valley. She looked to see an abandoned photo booth and Clark's clothing. All of his clothing; his shirt, his pants, heck even his glasses. What was stranger was that the photo booth was empty. Okay, this is weird. Chloe said as she took Clark's glasses and puts it in her pocket. She then entered the photo booth, hoping to find something. Chloe sat on the chair and gave a huff of annoyance. People don't disappear, can they? Chloe crossed her arms and groaned; this is by far the weirdest Saturday afternoon ever! She kicked the camera lens in frustration and heard a crack. Chloe noticed there was something behind the camera. She then pulled it out and gasped; behind it was a futuristic camera and scanner that seemed inactive.
"Hello, what do we have here?" Chloe asked as she began looking at the circuitry to turn it on. Okay, this just got a whole lot weirder. The blonde thought to herself as she reactivated the scanner. Chloe yelped when the green laser began scanning her body.
"Not recognized, access denied." A female computer voice rang out which the blonde chuckled.
"Wanna bet." Chloe responded as she pulled out her phone along with a wire. Ever since she was little, Chloe was an expert computer hacker, one time even hacking a website using a Windows computer from the 80's. As she grew older, her love for hacking led her to create her own virus, capable of breaking through the toughest of security firewalls. After plugging in her phone into the scanner, she waited patiently as her security virus began doing its work. After her virus done its magic, the laser scanned Chloe once more. "Access granted, Chloe Sullivan, A-0-4." The computer voice stated as Chloe saw herself being engulfed by a bright, yellow glow.
"Uh-oh." Chloe stated before the light engulfed her completely, vanishing from the zeta tube.
Happy Harbor 1405 hours
Galen and the others are training at Mount Justice; being it a break from a couple of missions. He couldn't believe the amount of missions they had this week. From proving a girl's innocence that she was not responsible for the snowstorm last week to that nightmare in the Cave yesterday, Galen was glad that there were no current missions to worry about. As he thought about it, he turned to see the two newest members of the Team; Ice and Firestorm.
Ice is Tora Olafsdottir, a girl with the abilities to conjure ice and snow abilities like Icicle Junior and Senior. Tora was accused that she was the one responsible for the Ice Fortresses that covered the entire country in snow. The Team was sent to Scandinavia to investigate and Galen knew something wasn't right. She was a teenaged girl who was scared by these accusations, but Galen knew she wasn't guilty. After tracking down the real culprit, who was framed by Everyman, a villain who shapeshift into any person, Tora was proved innocent. Also, being that she is alone in a cold region; the Team didn't want her stay there alone. Despite reluctance, Batman allowed Tora to stay in the Cave, and she was finally happy. Seeing her smile gave Galen some happiness as well.
Firestorm is another story. Originally Jason Rusch, he was a shy boy whose parents worked at S.T.A.R. Labs. After an accident involving the laboratory being caught on fire, Jason shielded his parents from harm. As he did, chemicals spilled on him when the fire reached him; this caused Jason's skin to absorb and manipulate fire. After helping the Team defeat Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, they asked Batman for possible recruitment. Being that he has no teacher to control his dangerous pyrokinetic abilities, the Dark Knight allowed Jason to join the Team as Firestorm.
Regardless, the two new recruits needed more proper training as Black Canary volunteered as their instructor. The rest of the Team, all in uniform, watches as Jason attempts a low jab at the bird-themed heroine. Red Tornado also watches as well as Green Arrow and the Flash, overlooking the fight. The blonde hero blocked the boy's punch and swiped his feet from under him with her own. Jason fell on his back with a grunt as the word 'failure' floated on the ground next to him. "Not bad, but did everyone know what Jason did wrong?" Black Canary asked to the Team.
Wally shot his hand up. "I know, I know! He got served." The speedster playfully teased which earned him an elbow to the ribs from Galen as a warning to be quiet.
Black Canary shook her head. "No, he held back." The blonde explained as she helped the fire conjurer back to his feet. "Jason, do not hold back when fighting an opponent. Any disadvantage towards you will be an advantage to the enemy."
Jason nodded. "Sorry." He replied quietly as Batman entered the room. Immediately, everyone's posture straightens in the presence of the Dark Knight.
Batman looks to Black Canary and then to the zeta tube. "Why is he always late?" The Dark Knight asked to himself in a toneless voice just as the tube sprang to life. "Recognized Superman, 0-1." The computer voice rang out as the Man of Steel entered the Cave in his trademark uniform. As he entered the mission room, he tensed at Superboy's presence, neither Kryptonian looking each other in the eye. Wanting to know why he was wanted here, Superman turned to Batman.
"Any particular reason why you wanted me here Batman?" Superman asked in a calm voice, but was masked with annoyance. Being here and facing Superboy was not a day he wanted to spend.
Batman glanced over from Superman to the other heroes in the room. "I've called you here for a meeting on an individual I encountered several nights ago." The Dark Knight explained as he summoned a holoscreen in front of him. The picture appeared was blurry and it showed some sort of armored man in green battle armor that appeared to be flying. Several of the heroes squinted their eyes at the picture, to get a clear view.
"Who is he?" Kid Flash asked, answering for everyone in the room.
Batman's frown deepened. "I don't know; he was in Gotham when I was on patrol. He was armed and dangerous carrying various types of dangerous weaponry. I fought him and the outcome was… unfortunate." The Dark Knight paused, and thought of the next word to say.
"You're saying you lost?" Flash blurted out without thinking. Batman's mouth tensed, proving the speedster's point. "How could you lose, you're Batman!" Flash exclaimed mirroring everyone else's shock that Batman losing to a fight is impossible.
Robin was the next to recover. "You said he was in Gotham. Any particular reason why?" He asked his mentor, wanting more relevant information on the subject.
Batman nodded. "When I fought him, he mentioned he was a bounty hunter or mercenary, hired by the League of Shadows. He also mentioned you." Batman said as his gaze fell on Galen, along with the rest of the heroes.
Galen was surprised. "Why me?" He asked, confused.
"He also mentioned that he was hired to capture you and wanted me to reveal your location. I didn't say a word." Batman replied before asking "Do you know who I am talking about?"
Galen gave a sigh. "Can you describe him for me?"
"Around five foot nine, green armor extremely durable, flamethrowers, wrist rockets, a highly advanced blaster with three-shot bursts, and a jetpack." Batman described before asking "Any resemblance?"
The Force-user sighed once more; this man sounded so familiar but he couldn't place his finger on it. Sometimes, he wished his amnesia would just go away and he would finally get answers unlike the cryptic visions and dreams he's been having. Galen shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I do not know who you are talking about."
Batman's mouth tensed. He knew the boy was telling the truth, but those words Fett said kept replaying on his mind that Starkiller is a dangerous rogue, that he was a murderer. If the man's words are true and once the boy receives his memories back, Batman will be prepared to him down. As for now, the Team enjoys his company and much to the Dark Knight's displeasure, even Kid Flash. Regardless, Batman turned to Superman, to discuss about the unknown man. "Superman, did you encounter this individual in Metropolis?"
The Man of Steel shook his head. "Sorry Batman, I never heard of him before. The only green foe I fought this week was Toyman and his Kryptonite toy soldiers." Superman replied before wincing at the memory.
Batman then turned to Flash and Green Arrow. "Sorry, I haven't fought everyone all week." The speedster said before Batman's gaze fell under the archer's.
Green Arrow gave a sheepish grin. "Other than the common thief, I didn't really fight anyone else this week."
Batman tensed once more, not liking what he was hearing. "This is even worse than I thought; he was tracking you to Gotham." The Dark Knight said as everyone's face instantly worried.
"You mean, he knows where the zeta tube is?" Artemis asked frantically.
"It is a possibility that we cannot ignore. More caution will be used in order for—"Before Batman could finish his sentence, the zeta tube glowed. "Access override granted." The computer voice called out as the heroes all prepared for battle, ready for their unknown guest. What they didn't expect was a blonde teenaged girl with an incredulous look on her face.
"Umm… oops?" the girl squeaked in a high pitched voice as she gave a shy wave. The reactions of the heroes were almost the same. Most of them had a look of disbelief on their face that a civilian entered the Cave. Two other heroes in particular, had similar reactions.
"Chloe?!" Superman exclaimed in disbelief, wondering how on Earth she discovered the zeta tube in Metropolis. Kid Flash also had an incredible face of disbelief. He couldn't believe that this girl was here too in the few times they talked.
Chloe's brow furrowed at the Man of Steel. "Clark?" She asked before a triumphant grin stretched across her face. "Ha! I knew it!" She exclaimed happily as Superman shifted uncomfortable that his name has been revealed.
"Your name's Clark?" Kid Flash blurted out while some of the Team snickered at the Kryptonian's predicament.
Superman frowned. "That doesn't matter right now." He responded to Wally before turning to Chloe. "How did you know where to come here?" The Man of Steel demanded.
Chloe frowned and crossed her arms. "Oh really? You want answers? Considering that you're dating my cousin, I think I deserve to know that she is dating Superman." The feisty blonde retorted and glared back at the Kryptonian. The Team resumed their snickering as Artemis gave a grin. I'm going to like her.
Superman narrowed his eyes. "Chloe, I'm taking you home."
Chloe stood defiantly and glared back. "No, I deserve some answers or else—"
"Or else what?" Superman interrupted, clearly annoyed at Chloe's stubbornness.
Chloe smirked. "Or else I'll take your glasses." She responded and waved said glasses in front of the superhero's face.
Superman's eyes widened in shock. "You wouldn't."
Chloe's smirk increased in size. "You really leave all of your clothes outside the photo booth, huh?" She asked and enjoyed the incredulous look of embarrassment on Superman's face. Most of the other heroes looked like they were trying their best not to laugh that a petite fifteen year old girl was able to make the Man of Steel more nervous than Kryptonite. Superman could have sworn he saw Batman gave a smirk.
Fortunately, Batman interrupted the conversation. "You are in no position to make deals." The Dark Knight said which the blonde girl seems to whither under the Dark Knight's gaze. "How did you enter the zeta tube?"
Chloe gulped before answering. "I-I used a self-made software to hack and bypass the security measures, please don't kill me!" Chloe frantically said as she shielded herself from the rage of Batman. After not feeling any sort of pain, Chloe opened her eyes to see Batman regarding her for a moment.
"You managed to hack the zeta tube using your own software. Not bad." Batman stated as Chloe gave a smile.
Superman had other thoughts. "You're not mad that she hacked League software?" The Man of Steel asked.
Batman's frown re-surfaced. "No, I am displeased that she managed to follow you despite your superhearing." The Dark Knight reprimanded which Superboy managed to grin at his "father's" displeasure.
"But-but, there were lots of citizens!" Superman tried to counter but failed when Batman began giving him the Batglare. Sighing, the Man of Steel looked at the blonde girl. "Don't tell Lois, please?"
Chloe gave a small smile. "Sure Smallville." The blonde replied as Clark had the urge to roll his eyes. She and her cousin are like two peas in a pod.
Connor looked with a hint of jealousy. It was clear that Superman and this girl had more understanding of each other than him and Superman. Seeing his friend's displeasure,
Aqualad stepped forward. "Greetings, I am Aqualad and this is the Team, welcome to the Cave." Everyone waved and sent welcoming looks.
Kid Flash blurred in front of Chloe. "Hi Chloe." The speedster said.
The blonde smiled back. "Hey Wally." She replied which the speedster's eyes widened in shock.
"How did you—"
"Know? It wasn't that hard when I noticed you guys all hung out together." Chloe responded giving the young heroes a friendly smile.
"So, you hacked the zeta tubes? That's pretty cool." Wally complimented.
Chloe shrugged it off like it wasn't a big deal. "Well, when your uncle's a high-ranked general in the military, he tends to give boring tours of the Pentagon. So I… hacked it to avoid boredom." The blonde smiled sheepishly with the other heroes looked in surprise and shock.
"You hacked the government network?" Artemis asked in disbelief before asking another question. "Did you get in trouble?"
Chloe made an iffy sound. "Well, I was caught by my uncle but he let it slide. In fact, he encouraged me to upgrade the governments firewall defenses."
Wally gave an impressed whistle. "Nice." He complimented with a smile.
Chloe grinned back. "What can I say? I'm the best hacker there is."
Robin crossed his arms. "Pfft, doubt it." He defended.
Chloe raised an eyebrow. "Is that a challenge Bird Boy?" She asked the Boy Wonder with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
Robin gave a smirk and replied "I've been doing the hacking as a superhero when you were still playing with make-up." He retorted which the Team watched in amusement.
"Oh really? Well, other girls were playing with make-up while I managed to hack the Internet using a 1985 Windows computer." Chloe retorted back, both teens having smirks on their faces.
"Is there a challenge?" Robin asked, ready for anything.
"Yeah, first one to hack to a supercomputer wins." Chloe answered back.
"Umm... guys?" Wally asked but was ignored by the two hackers.
"You're on." Robin said as the two ran to another room filled with computers. The Team, the older heroes, even Batman, didn't know what to think of it.
Wally spoke first. "Should we, uh, do something?" The speedster asked, wondering the amount of damage two hackers could do.
Galen answered next. "I believe it's best if we don't interfere." The Force-user spoke as the other teenaged heroes seemed to murmur in agreement. Superman bridged his nose in frustration. This was a weird day, even for him.
Other notes: Well guys, this ends chapter 20. I really hope it was worth the wait. So please, review, comment, and tell me what you think of it. Constructive criticism is always welcoming. Thank off all you guys for your support, especially Superherotimefan. Also, to clear any confusion on Ice and Firestorm, read his story because events there will coincide with mine. This is Logan GC signing off and have a nice day.