AirBorne3 - Cassandra will be developed in due time. I'm just waiting for the right moment along with some other characters.
Gordhanx - Yes, I forgot to add the title for the new episode.
Black Victor Cachat - Your question about how Earth is seen by other planets will be addressed later on. I've had an idea in mind about how it's seen after the Darkseid Invasion.
The Darkman - Yes, so many story arcs to touch on. Some will be in this story but as far as Wonder Woman is concerned, I see her as the type to put her duty above romance. She wouldn't be looking for it but not objected to having one. I actually had an idea last story where Red X hit on her and got knocked out for it. She would have respected him for not being intimedated by her, but at the same time offended by what he said. And I have yet to see Throne of Atlantis. I have it on my Ipad, but haven't seen it yet.
Eric - The League and Black ops team found info at the hotel. It'll be elaborated on later in the story with more info on him. And good analysis of the differant team members. Hoped that got through with everyone when they were looking for the kids earlier and during their downtime. And you'll learn soon enough what Raven told Conner an episode ago.
Lord Razor - Yep, Lex has a grandkid...and a potential heir like he mentioned at the end of Darkness Falls.
Hunter 139 - Since you're on ch. 10, oull learn who the 'smart fool' is later on. Good guess with it being Wally (or any speedster) since they're basically geniouses though.
2.
Titan Tower
August 07
16:07 UTC
Sitting around the war room table, which doubled as an interactive map of the city, the five Titan teens patiently waited for their leaders to join them. It had been over the ten minutes Conner had given them and they were growing more and more anxious with each tick of the overhead clock's second hand.
Sitting in their numbered order, each was up to something different. Garfield, in a red t-shirt and light gray sweats, was sitting on the edge of his seat with his fingers lightly tapping the cushion and bouncing his feet rhythmically. Raven had her arms crossed over her black tank top with her dark blue jean covered legs crossed. Kyle leaned back with his head on the headrest looking up. His white shirt and blue athletic shorts looked as if they had just been picked up off the floor with all the wrinkles. Cissie was busy filing her nails and blowing a large pink bubble with her gum. As always, she was the more stylish of the group with her red blouse, with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, and white skirt. At the end was Terra in a pair of tan cargo shorts and yellow tank top. She was still sore at Raven for the prank from earlier with the way it made her look in front of everyone, but kept her demeanor professional since they were waiting for orders.
It was around three minutes later when Conner and M'gann entered the room. Both were dressed professionally, Conner in a pair of jeans and a white shirt and M'gann in a baby blue shirt and capris, and not in their uniforms, giving the teens the impression they were not here for a mission. That all changed when Conner brought up a map on the table before them with a corresponding holoscreen displaying the same image.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," M'gann told them, "but we just wanted to put Carter down for his nap."
Zooming in on a section of the city, Conner had several yellow triangles appear on the mostly blue diagram. The only other color was white for the streets and buildings.
"Listen very closely," their Kryptonian leader said. "Tonight, you will be going on a patrol through the northeastern part of Jump City. Each of the triangles on here are points for you to hit as you're out there. Normally, we or one of us would be going with you but after months of training, the few missions we've had together, and the way each of you have shown your skills in combat, we have decided to let you five go solo."
With a shot of excitement, except for Raven who hardly ever let her emotions show, the teens all but jumped out of their seats. At once, they began to speak, voicing their opinions on getting a solo patrol as well as their eagerness for it.
"Now before you all get carried away," M'gann broke in, "there are some rules you have to follow." She then nodded back at Conner.
"The first of which is, you have to stick to the map we give you," Conner told them. "While not a difficult part of the city, what we have marked out is not easy. There are quite a few crimes that occur here on a nightly basis but are not major, normally robberies, car thefts, and the occasional domestic disturbance. Your mission as a unsupervised group will be to run the designated patrol and get back to the tower in a certain amount of time, which is four hours."
"Four hours of unsupervised play, I mean, patrol time?" Garfield said.
"This is not a joke, Gar," M'gann told him. "This is your test, an exam to show you all are capable of going out into the world without Conner or myself having to be with you."
Having the map zoom out to form another screen, the Martian co-leader had a list of rules appear for them to follow. "Now along with following the designated map we made for you and get back at the designated time, you must also work as a team. That's what you are trained to do, so watch each other's backs and they will watch yours. You must also stay out of the public light, meaning, no showing off for the cameras. You are Titans, not celebrities. If, and we are stressing this to you, if you should run across a major villain, you are to call us. We do not want you to attempt to take down someone like Clayface or Giganta by yourselves. We've had experience with the heavy hitters early on so we will help you in a situation like that the first time around. If you run into a problem, you are to overcome it yourselves. We cannot bail you out every time you're in a tight spot, so think on your feet."
"And lastly, if you run across any member of that blood cult, do not engage. Contact us and the League instead, and keep them in your sights but out of theirs."
Pulling up a third screen, Conner typed a few commands into the computer. A count down timer and a start time appeared on the table screen. "You have until seven fifty PM to get ready. Your exam starts exactly at eight PM. Sphere will drop you off at the starting point, which is the bridge across the harbor. From there, you will go to your first checkpoint on the map, which will be uploaded into your wrist computers. Sometime during the exercise, you will elect someone to be the leader from this point on when M'gann or I are not with you. This person needs to have your trust, and be capable of thinking clearly in the heat of battle."
"Why can't you decide?" Cissie asked.
"Because this is something you need to do as a group. So from now until it's ten till eight, you need to get your stuff together and concentrate on what each of you will be doing. Are there any questions?"
Raising her hand, Terra leaned forward. "Are we allowed to come back to the tower for anything?"
"No. The point of this exam is to treat it as if you are all in the field. The only exception are the ones I stated about the major criminals or Cult."
"Also, since you don't have a uniform, Terra," M'gann spoke up, "We have something that will serve as your mission attire instead of shorts and a t-shirt. We had the League come up with it to add an amount of protection for you."
Looking at the others, the Martian co-leader went on. "And some will have new uniforms."
"Who?" Garfield asked.
"Well I don't need one. Cause, you know, the ring," Kyle pointed out.
"Yes, but you will get a holo-computer," Conner told him. "You all will."
"Gar, your uniform has been modified," M'gann told him. "It now has stealth mode. So you can switch from your red and white version to your black and purple version. Uncle J'onn finally got ahold of the Martian material for that."
"Sweet," the green youth replied.
"Cissie, yours has been updated as well as Raven's to offer more protection as well as maneuverability. They can be found in your lockers."
"Christmas came early," Cissie said with a grin.
"Prep time begins now," Conner told them. "So be sure to gather what you need and be on standby until time for your departure."
"Dismissed," M'gann told them.
The teens waisted no time in leaving their seats, except Raven who had a cool demeanor about her, at least on the outside. Inside, she was actually excited at what was to come.
"They're not going to mind the rules," M'gann said once they were gone.
"Not a chance," Conner agreed.
Arriving in the girl's locker room first, Cissie practically ripped her locker door open and saw her new uniform hanging in the back of the metal storage unit. Red pants made of the same material as her last uniform hung just below a red, midriff bearing, zippered top with a small, black arrow motif like the the one Artemis wore on hers but was situated on the left top of its chest area. It even came complete with silver shoulder guards and half cape to protect her from the elements or to hide her face more with the hood portion. Between them hung a silver belt with compartments for holding any accessories she may need and the Titan 'T' located in the buckle. Sitting on top was a silver dummy head with a newer red mask made to enhance her sight radius.
Running her fingers on the new material, Cissie felt how much more durable it was and knew it would offer the same protection as kevlar, but in a more breathable and maneuverable state. On the floor sat a pair of new black boots with red kickpads over the shin and foot while a pair of kneepads hung on the right side of her locker with a pair of fingerless red gloves and elbow pads. To the right was a hip holster for a crossbow and a folded piece of paper hanging by a piece of tape. Snatching the paper, Cissie opened it to see it was a note from Artemis.
Hope the new duds serve you well, archer. And good luck. Carry on the legacy proudly. - Artemis.
Below was a message hastily written by Wally. It was clear he used his speed to write it with Artemis not knowing he would do so.
Hi. - Wally.
Behind her, Terra opened her locker to find her new uniform. Light brown combat boots with steel toes sat on the floor with a pair of kneepads hanging over them. Above them were a pair of cargo shorts and belt with a silver buckle attached to a large pack. Both were of a extremely durable material like the other's uniforms and were made to hold up in battle. A black shirt with a yellow 'T' within a circle with yellow accents hung inside a brown leather jacket with two more 'Ts' on each shoulder along with a dark gray, form fitting shirt and black leggings. Brown gloves and a pair of goggles hung beside the uniform along with a note from both Conner and M'gann.
Since you are more comfortable in a shirt and shorts, we kept the style for you. Stronger than regular fabric so you won't have to keep ruining your clothes. Good luck and welcome to the team - The Kents.
"I'm actually part of their team," Terra whispered.
Down the line of lockers, Raven used her powers to open her storage unit and saw her new costume. Black and purple were the primary colors as a one piece body suit hung on the back wall with her gold belt housing her red crystals to aid in her majicks. Curved pointed accents swept downward on its sides with two smaller dark gray areas inside. Cutout areas on the sides of the legs were bordered with purple with the legs ending in a stirrup. As for the sleeves, purple areas on the chest area flowed into the arm coverings with cutouts over the biceps and ended just where her knuckles would begin. Looking down, she saw a pair of black, almost knee high, boots with the shin area covered with a dark gray rubber-like armor. Her outfit was then completed with her cloak, this time, it was made to look as if the bottom were large feathers while in flight with the hood piece ending in a point in front of her face. A gray patch on front made it resemble a beak and was complete with twin red patches on either side to look like eyes.
Taking the note hanging on the side wall, she saw it was from Zatanna.
Doog kcul thginot. Hope you like the uniform, with both cute and functional boots. Hope this helps patch things up with what happened at the Tower of Fate. And remember, you control the majick, the majick does not control you. - Zatanna
Hiding her grin from the other girls who were already changing, Raven felt herself actually get more excited for the night ahead.
Over in the boys locker room, Garfield and Kyle were shuffling through their lockers. Shifted back to his human self, Garfield all but ripped his clothing off as he pulled his modified uniform out. It was still red and white, just like the first one he wore, and quickly slipped it on.
"Okay, now how do I make it change colors?" Looking around himself, the Quarcian boy did not see anything resembling a button or switch like the team's previous uniforms had.
"Check the note," Kyle told him.
"What note?"
"The note on the floor. It fell when you ripped your uniform out."
Glancing down, Garfield saw the piece of paper once taped to his locker and picked it up.
Garfield, I have finally found a material that will change color and not only change when you shape shift. To switch colors, simply run your finger on the collar. It will then change from red and white to black and purple. Good Luck on your fist unsupervised mission. - J'onn.
"Sweet," Garfield said as he placed the note on the top shelf of his locker. "Hey, did you get a note? I know you didn't get a new uniform, but at least a note maybe?"
"Yup." Holding his note up, Kyle read it out loud. "'Since you don't require a uniform like the rest, we hope you enjoy one excused training session of your choice along with snacks for you to watch the others. The Kents.'"
"Oh, man," Garfield sighed. "I think I would like the day off better."
Snickering, Kyle had his clothes change from his civilian attire to his Green Lantern uniform. "Yeah. I love being a Lantern." He then grabbed his green lantern for charging his ring and spoke the oath. "In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil's might, beware my power, Green Lantern's light!"
A flash of green later, and Kyle's ring was fully charged.
After changing into their new uniforms, and showing them off, the group of teens met at the weapons vault. Only two went inside as the rest waited just past the doors for them. Cissie, in her new Arrowette costume sans mask, gabbed one of the quivers she had at the ready on her portion of the accessories wall. Among them were packs for belts with compartments, weapon holsters, pouches, and other storage items designed to attach to belts or parts of their uniforms. Terra in turn grabbed two additional pouches for her belt and a small holster meant to attach to her boot.
Next were first aid kits. The one Cissie grabbed snapped onto to the bottom of her quiver. Of the four sizes available, it was the second one that was best suited for mission work. The first was the smallest, mostly for patch ups. The second was the one she chose and was meant for field work as it contained everything the small one had along with additional supplies for bullet wounds, stabbings, broken bones, or poisons. The last two were meant to keep in deployment ships as they were prepared for virtually every contingency that could happen in the field with the largest carrying a portable defibrillator and IV machine. Terra took a small one just incase Cissie's was not needed or they should use a back up.
Lastly, the teen archer stood in front of the wall of weapons with a large selection of archery weapons and accessories to choose from. Bows, crossbows, bolts, tips, arrows, electronic devices, anything and everything was at her disposal.
"So what do you think?" Cissie asked Terra. "Max firepower or would that be overkill?"
"No such thing." Grinning, Terra made her way to the vault entrance. "Enjoy your candy shop."
Cracking her knuckles, Cissie smiled as she began to take what she wanted.
Running into the living area, Garfield, Kyle and Terra hurried past M'gann who was just finishing up with her files on the blood cult.
"Whoa, where are you three going?" the Martian asked. "I thought you would be getting ready for the test."
"We are," Garfield told her.
"We just need the most important thing," Kyle said.
"And that is?" Watching the excited teens, M'gann saw them rush into the kitchen.
"Snacks." Pulling out the cookie jar, Terra grabbed a handful of chocolate chip cookies and dropped them into a plastic bag Garfield gave her. M'gann just rolled her eyes with a grin.
Once time came around for the teens to depart, Conner and M'gann had them meet on the roof of Titan Tower. With the five assembled, M'gann handed them each a holo computer, except for Garfield due to his morphing powers and instead handed him a Martian wristband with the same capabilities. As each attached it to their left wrist, Conner activated them and made sure their mission parameters were fully uploaded.
"Remember," Conner told them, "the objective is not how many criminals you stop, it's how well as a team you all work together as. Follow the mission guidelines and be back by the designated time. Prove to us you can work as one without M'gann or myself being there."
"And remember to elect a leader," M'gann added. "Sphere will drop you off then wait for you at the rendezvous point."
"Any questions?"
"Yeah I have one," Terra said. She had caught Garfield staring at the cutouts in Raven's uniform before she spoke up. "Not that I don't like the uniform, I love it by the way, but could I perhaps keep the leggings but only wear the shirt and not the top gray portion?"
"Of course," M'gann told her. "Wear it the way that makes you most comfortable. We'll adjust it tomorrow."
"Okay," Conner said. "Time to go. Good luck."
As the five teens boarded Sphere, the two leaders watched as she lifted them into the air while the group conversed.
"Bet I catch more bad guys out there tonight."
"You're sitting on my cape."
"Who's got the chips?"
"Need more room, being squished."
"Gar, turn into a monkey or sit up front so we can have more room."
"Red and white, black and purple. Red and white, black and purple."
"Hey, three of you can fly, so, yeah, there's that."
"I say I should be leader since I do have a power ring, you know."
"Oh, I got something for this. Titans, Go!"
"Lame."
"Think they'll do better than we figured?" M'gann asked Conner as they watched Sphere disappear into the sky with the group.
"Betting on it. They already know what to do. They just need to do it as a group." Crossing his arms, Conner rose an eyebrow and looked down at his wife. "And what is it with girls showing off their stomachs with everything they wear?"
Grinning, M'gann shifted her shirt to show off her mid section. "We just know men." She then saw Conner smirk as he stared at her and peaked at his thoughts. "Conner!"
She now had a grin as well.