Hey, everyone. Sorry for the long delay, I've been busy. The new episode still isn't finished, but I thought that I would release what I have so far as a way to make up for not publishing anything in a while. Hopefully it won't take too long to write the rest of the episode, though I hope you still enjoy this.


Episode Eleven: Fracture (Part One)

The episode opens up in Jump City at night. A man accompanied by his bodyguards is waiting to meet some clients in a large alleyway between buildings. This man is Nicholas Galtry, an arms dealer. He has with him a truck full of merchandise that he hopes to sell to his clients. A car belonging to his clients finally arrives for their meeting. Galtry greets his clients while they have their own men sweep the area, making sure that they're alone to conduct their business. Galtry can tell that his clients are nervous and they ask why Galtry wanted to meet them here. Galtry explains that unlike them, he's not afraid of the Titans. He stays off their radar while they focus their attention on fighting other freaks like the New Injustice Society. Helps that he's normal and doesn't wear a colorful, ridiculous costume. And besides, Galtry has been selling arms in this city before the Titans set up their Tower and he'll be here long after they're gone. The Titans want people to believe that this is their city, but it's not. As Galtry boasts, it's his. Others took their operations elsewhere when the Titans were made the protectors of Jump City. Not Galtry though, who is continuing to run things like he always has. He points out that it's not even like they're the League. Instead the Titans are nothing more than a bunch of teenagers with less adult supervision. They're overrated. This comforts Galtry's clients, who ask to see his arsenal and show that they have with them a briefcase full of money. Galtry smiles and is about to show them what he has in stock… when the truck suddenly explodes, the blast knocking anyone nearby off their feet. Galtry is quick to his feet, furious that his stuff has been destroyed. The clients try to tell him that the deal is off and they want to leave immediately, but Galtry insists that they have to find who is responsible and kill them because they might be nearby. Whoever it is screwed with him and anybody who screws with him dies. The culprit soon reveals himself, taking advantage of the chaos from the explosion. The figure quickly and brutally starts taking down bodyguards, using lethally sharpened shurikens and a dagger that resembles a kris. From what we can make out, the figure is wearing a hoodie and his hair has a notable white streak in it. However, the remaining criminals spot the figure and open fire on him. One of the bullets grazes the figure and he is forced to seek cover behind the now burning wreckage of the truck. But then someone else joins the fight, throwing down a few gas grenades before leaving her rooftop. It's Flamebird and she tells the criminals that she noticed the explosion, so she thought she would see what's all the fun about. As she begins taking out the remaining criminals, Galtry decides that the situation can't be salvaged and it would be best just to get out of there. Flamebird does throw one of her Bird-A-Rangs at him, but it only manages to cut Galtry across the cheek and draw blood. He still manages to get into the car of his clients, which still has the keys in the ignition, and drive away while Flamebird is busy dealing with the rest of his men. Galtry curses and feels the warm blood falling from the cut on his cheek. He's not happy about this at all. Flamebird has finished taking care of those that Galtry has left behind and she goes to check on who the criminals were shooting at… but the figure has vanished. Though Flamebird is confused, she hears the police sirens getting louder and she starts to leave the scene.

Cut to Galtry in his safe house. He is looking at himself in the mirror, growling as he sees where Flamebird's Bird-A-Rang cut him. He calls up his accountant, telling him what happened and asking how much that deal just cost him. When he hears how much money he lost, he's not happy at all. He says to his accountant that the Titans aren't a problem to him, but these amatuer vigilantes that interfere with his business are. Galtry knows that he can't touch the Titans, especially since they're connected to the League. But he can get rid of these wannabe heroes that the Titans are inspiring as a way to send a message to anyone who might be thinking of putting on a costume as well. His accountant says there have been sightings of the "Red Hood Killer" that Galtry described have been infrequent, so getting to him may be harder than getting to Flamebird whose heroics have been getting some attention online. Galtry is fine with that, especially since he wants Flamebird out of the picture more for what she did to him. And Galtry thinks that he knows just the guy for the job. He ends the call with his accountant and dials up a hitman. When the hitman picks up, Galtry says that he's offering a very special assignment for him. Galtry tells the hitman about Flamebird, some girl in a costume who stuck her nose where it didn't belong and messed with the wrong person. Galtry wants Flamebird dealt with and he wants it to hurt, which Galtry knows the hitman is very good at doing. The hitman says that his usual fee will be higher, since Jump City is now a more dangerous place for guys like him. Galtry says that's fine, if the hitman gets results then paying a higher fee will be worth it. On the other end of the phone, the hitman smiles and tells Galtry not to worry. He'll get results. Johnny Rancid always does.

Cut to Titans Tower, where Tara is once again meeting with LaGrieve. When he asks her how she's been, she lies that she's fine and that she's not even sure why she asked to see him. LaGrieve isn't buying it though and Tara finally gets the courage to admit she has a lot on her mind. In particular, her brother. During her encounter with the Agent he used an illusion of Brion against her and she still isn't completely over that. She knows that it wasn't really her brother, but the resemblance was too close for her liking. Tara misses Brion dearly and mentions that his death was the reason she ran away from home, which she also misses despite remembering everything that happened to her there and knowing that she can't go back. Tara knows that she's not the only one who can't go back home since Beast Boy, Raven, and Starfire all have their reasons. She also knows that like her they probably all wish that things could have been different and that they didn't need to leave. Though funnily enough, Tara tells LaGrieve that while growing up what she wanted most of all was her father's affection and approval. For him to see her as more than an embarrassment, his illegitimate bastard that resulted from a scandalous affair. Tara's greatest desire used to be for him to pick her up in his arms and embrace her warmly. She wanted him to love her. But he never did. The only reason that he kept her around was because of her mother. Now that she's older, Tara wonders what she was thinking when she wanted his approval. LaGrieve says that it's not surprising, since a lot of children growing up in abusive homes still love their parents because they're not old enough to realize that it is abuse. He reasons that when she was younger Tara told herself that it was her fault that she wasn't loved by her father and not his, which left Tara with a lot of issues. LaGrieve proposes that Tara's desire to prove herself to the Titans comes from how she wanted to prove herself to her father and that Tara's doubts may come from being rejected by her father, suggesting that rejection led Tara to believe that something must be wrong with her or that she wasn't deserving of his love. Tara does hate her father now, but the damage was done. She considers this and admits that she now wants everything that her father wouldn't give her, everything that he didn't think she deserved. However, she tries not to think about that. She doesn't have everything that she wants, but few people do. Right now she has what she needs and that should be enough. LaGrieve bringing up rejection makes her uncomfortable though, since there is something that she needs to do and she definitely fears rejection because of it. However, she's trying not to let those fears stop her and LaGrieve tells her that's good. Fear is natural, but it can also become dangerous if you let it hold you back and you're not willing to face it. He encourages her to go through with what she needs to do and this reassures Tara, who thanks him for the encouragement.

Cut to the Silver Fox Advertising Agency. They're in the middle of a photo shoot for a jeans ad, but one of the three models isn't cooperating with the frustrated photographer. The model, named Candy, isn't staying still like the photographer is telling her to do since "keepin' still is a real drag" and "it's just so hard." The photographer sighs, telling Candy that he knows how "hard" it is but that's why they pay her the big bucks. Things only get worse when the photographer sees that she still has her gum with her, despite him telling her to get rid of it. Candy complains that she can't think without her gum, since it soothes her karma. The photographer has had enough and he tells everyone to take five. He asks for someone to get him aspirin and to make it double. Sergio Delevi of Delevi Jeans angrily comes in with some of the photos already taken for the ad. He doesn't like them, since they make Candy look as skinny as spaghetti. The Agency's senior partner tries to tell him that Candy is wrong for this ad, but Delevi insists that he knows a beauty when he sees one. He thinks it's the pictures that stink and the photographer to blame, which he takes offense at. The photographer says that Delevi may know jeans, but he knows photography. And if Delevi wants this ad done right, he needs to to get that squirming flake out of here. Candy may stroke Delevi's massive ego, but as a model the photographer argues that she's the one who stinks. Delevi doesn't like the photographer insulting his Candy and the photographer decides to leave the assignment, since he can't work like this. Delevi just tells the Agency to get another photographer, since he's replaceable but Candy is not. The argument between Delevi and the Agency's senior partner gets interrupted by the arrival of Blackfire in civilian attire, who draws attention to herself. She introduces herself as "Komi Anders" before explaining that she was just let in when she asked nicely and that she's interested in modeling for the Agency. She reveals a portfolio that she brought with her, which both Delevi and the senior partner look through. They're impressed with what they see, Delevi calling Blackfire a beauty and saying that she's perfect. Blackfire is his "Golden Jeans" girl to life. Candy thought that she was his "Golden Jeans" girl, but Delevi admits that she is spaghetti while Blackfire is a "prime fillet." He wants the Agency to use Blackfire right away, despite the senior partner mentioning that they have to go through the hiring process first. The senior partner also points out that they still need a new photographer and Delevi thinks that any will do, suggesting that they get whoever took the photos for Blackfire's portfolio. The senior partner admits that Blackfire's photographer does have promise based on the portfolio and asks Blackfire if she could contact the photographer. Blackfire says she could, since the photographer is a friend of hers. She does mention that her friend is a teenager, but Delevi says that as long as the photographer is over fourteen he doesn't care. This is getting complicated for the senior partner, who tells Blackfire to come with him so that they can work things out. But it does look like Blackfire has the job and that she might give Donna an opportunity as well.

Cut to Dick being knocked to the floor. He's in the dojo with Bette and he admits that she surprised him with that move. Bette likes hearing that, though she doubts that she could surprise him like that again because of how obviously better trained he is than her. She knows that Dick is going easy on her and doesn't think that she will ever surpass him, though she doesn't feel like she needs to. She is still trying to mainly fight smaller crimes, rather than taking on threats such as Fang and Control Freak on a regular basis since she knows that she would be out of her league. Bette mentions what happened the previous night, when she heard an explosion and got involved in what she believes was an arms deal gone wrong. But still she dove in without hesitation, because somebody could have died otherwise and there's a responsibility that comes with wearing the costume that Bette can't ignore. Dick warns her to be careful and Bette appreciates the concern. She only intervenes in bigger stuff when she feels like she has to, otherwise she prefers to let others deal with it and focus on where her strengths lie. Her fight with Control Freak was a reminder, since she would have probably been killed if Batwoman hadn't shown up. And though that did scare her, she already knew what she was getting into. She feels like she is getting better at least, learning from both experience and "John." Bette does admit she's going to have to cut their training session short this time, since she has family in town and she promised that she would eat with them. Dick understands and promises that he'll see her later, hoping that she has a good time with her family. Bette thanks him and Dick watches her leave the dojo.

Cut to S.T.A.R. Labs. Silas Stone is working with Fixit when suddenly he starts experiencing headaches. Fixit asks if Silas is alright and the scientist tries to reply, but instead falls on his knees and vomits on the floor. Fixit knows the cause of this, helping Silas to his feet and finding him a place where he can sit down. Silas thanks Fixit, but Fixit tells Silas that he can't continue keeping this a secret from his son. He points out that Silas' health is only going to continue to deteriorate and that Cyborg deserves to know the truth. And if Silas doesn't tell Cyborg, then Fixit will. Because while Fixit is Silas' friend, he considers himself Cyborg's friend as well. They both tried looking for a way to buy Silas more time, but Silas' exposure was unique. Fixit believes that Cyborg has been kept in the dark long enough and Silas knows that Fixit is right. The truth will hurt Cyborg, but keeping the truth from him will only end up hurting him more. Silas promises to call his son today while he still has time, before it's too late.

Cut to Bette entering a diner. She spots some people waiting for her and she goes over to their table. Bette agreed to go out to eat with Kate and Jacob Kane (who she refers to as "Uncle Jake"), since Jacob is in Jump City to visit both his daughter and his niece. Jacob stands up to greet Bette, who happily hugs him and says that it's nice to see him again. Jacob hugs her back and they both sit down. Bette asks how long Jacob is planning on staying in Jump City and Jacob says that he won't be leaving for a few days, giving the three of them time to catch up. Jacob asks Bette how things are going with her cheerleading, schoolwork, and tennis. Bette tells him that it's all going well and she has plenty to keep her busy, mentioning that she also goes to a dojo so she can blow off some steam. When asked about friends, Bette says that she has a few from school but she doesn't really have the time to hang out with any of them. They have their own things and so does she. It's not that she doesn't want to make connections with other people, it's just that none of the connections she has tried to make have been meaningful. Even after becoming captain of her cheerleading squad. Kate suggests that Bette hasn't found the right people for her yet and that she will, though Bette is doubtful. She feels that after she graduates high school, most of her classmates and the girls in her cheerleading squad will forget her as they move on with their lives. In her experience, friendship fades over time. She remembers elementary school, when she thought that she had made a best friend. Years later and Bette is a stranger to that girl. It's an experience she is used to, because that's life. So Bette has chosen to prioritize her responsibilities and on what she needs to do, because to her that's more important. Jacob and Kate both admit that they're worried about Bette, but she tells them that she's fine. Honestly, she is happier than she has been for a while. Though she appreciates that her cousin and uncle care. It's why she agreed to meet them here. Because her relationship with them is something that she values and she's always glad to spend time with them. A waiter then comes by and the three Kanes order their food.

Cut back to Titans Tower. Dick and Donna are playing video games together when Blackfire returns from the Agency. Donna notices that Blackfire is back and she asks her how it went. Blackfire happily tells Donna that she got the job and is now the new "Golden Jeans" girl. Donna congratulates Blackfire, but the Tamaranean says that's not it. The Agency really liked Donna's photographs and thought she had promise, so they wanted Blackfire to ask Donna if she would be interested in offering her services to the Agency as a freelance photographer. This news comes as a shock to Donna, who pauses the video game. She's excited that they liked her work and that they wanted to see more of it, since while photography is a hobby of hers she would like to make it a career. This could be her chance to become a more professional photographer, though she does hesitate because of her responsibilities as leader of the Titans. But Dick encourages Donna, pointing out that she can be both Donna Troy and Wonder Girl. He knows that photography makes her happy, so he thinks that she should take advantage of this opportunity because he also knows that she will regret it if she doesn't. Just because she's the leader of the Titans doesn't mean she needs to sacrifice her own happiness. Donna thinks this over and decides that she will at least give it a chance, since Dick is right when he says this is something she would regret passing up on. Blackfire hands an ecstatic Donna the Agency's contact information and Donna thanks her, this is a big deal for her and it means a lot. Blackfire points out that Donna helped her get this job, so the least she could do was speak on Donna's behalf to get her a position with the Agency as well. Blackfire was just repaying the favor, which Donna really appreciates. Dick watches them with a smile, glad to see Donna so excited for something. He's truly happy for her. Starfire then comes in and sees what's going on. After being told the good news, she congratulates both her sister and Donna. She thinks that this calls for a celebration, but it will have to wait since she and Dick are going to the movies. She's never seen a movie in theaters before, so she's excited to experience it for the first time. Starfire asks Dick if he's ready to leave and he says he is, apologizing to Donna for not finishing their game. Donna doesn't mind and just wants her friends to have a good time together. Dick and Starfire promise that they'll be back later before heading out.

Cut to Jump City's park. Silas Stone is sitting on a bench, waiting for his son. Cyborg arrives and sits down next to Silas. He knows that something was wrong from how Silas sounded when he called and Silas' pained expression now. Silas is silent for a moment, then mentions how he and Cyborg's mother used to walk in this park together. He even remembers coming here while Elinore was pregnant with their son. Silas sighs before admitting that he misses his wife everyday… and that he'll be with her soon. This shocks Cyborg, who asks what his father means. Silas explains that he's slowly dying, ever since the accident with the gelatinous creature that killed his wife and mutilated his son. Silas' exposure to the creature left him with a type of radiation poisoning that he's been fighting against for months. Silas knew that he couldn't die, not until he knew that his son would live. But now he's losing the fight and his condition has been getting worse. Cyborg's first reaction is anger, demanding to know why he wasn't told sooner. Silas apologizes, explaining that for a while he had hoped to find some way to stop the poisoning or buy himself more time. He didn't want Cyborg to lose both of his parents and while there was a chance he didn't want to cause his son any more pain than he already has. He also didn't want to admit that he was leaving his son when their relationship was improving. Silas wanted to believe that he could find a means to continue being in his son's life and he was too afraid to accept otherwise. Cyborg refuses to believe that he can't save his father and he gets an idea, quickly calling Raven and telling her to come to the park immediately. Raven appears moments later and Cyborg brings her up to speed, explaining that his father has radiation poisoning and asking if she can heal him like she's healed others. Raven isn't sure, but Cyborg desperately begs her to try. Silas doesn't think this is a good idea and he's soon proven correct. Raven heals people by absorbing their pain into herself and trying to absorb Silas' poisoning is too much for her. It hurts her and she starts to scream, which causes Silas to tell her to stop as he pulls away. A weakened Raven collapses, saying she's sorry that she couldn't do it. Cyborg reacts to this by punching a tree, breaking it in half. Then he's silent as his anger, denial, and desperation empties out of him. And Victor Stone starts to cry. He says it's not fair. He wanted Silas to be a part of his life, but now he finds out that their time together will be cut short. After he's already lost so much. It's just not fair at all. Silas comes up to his son, feeling that he has disappointed Victor once again. But Victor says that Silas hasn't, because while he may not like that his father didn't tell him until now he understands his reasons for doing so. And it would be pointless not to forgive him. Father and son embrace, both with tears falling down their faces. Raven is back on her feet and is crying as well, which the Stone family notices. They motion for her to join their embrace and she does so without hesitation.

Cut to Jay outside of a warehouse at the Jump City docks. He is wearing some fresh bandages over where some bullets had hit him the previous night. It hurts, but the pain is nothing compared to what Jay is used to. And he has no intention of letting the pain stop him. There is a car nearby and banging can be heard coming from the trunk. Jay smirks and heads over to the car, opening it to reveal Galtry's accountant tied up. The accountant begs to be let go, saying that he doesn't know anything. Jay doesn't believe him though and he shows the accountant his metal baseball bat, promising that they're both going to have a nice chat about Galtry's next move…


That's all for now. Once again, I'm sorry that it's been so long and I hope this makes up for the wait at least partially. A lot is going to go down in this episode and part one is setting that up. Obviously, this is very different from the original episode. I'm not a fan of the episode, especially since in the animated series it was placed after "Betrayal" and before "Aftershock" but the reveal that Terra was a traitor doesn't even seem to have affected the characters. Also, Larry was annoying. So my version of "Fracture" is only loosely based on the original, with one of the only similarities being the presence of Johnny Rancid who is a hitman in New Titans. This part introduces Nicholas Galtry, who in the comics was Beast Boy's cruel legal guardian after the death of his parents. Because Beast Boy was found by the Chief right after the death of his parents in the New Titans universe, Galtry's role had to be different. He's an arms dealer here, though he will still have an important part to play in Beast Boy's storyline. This is what the plots this season with Jay and Bette have been building up to as well. And yeah, Silas Stone is dying. This is taken from the original comics and I've dropped a few hints earlier this season. Blackfire getting a modeling job is also taken from the original comics, except it was Starfire instead. I wasn't comfortable with making Starfire a model in a revealing outfit because this version of her is a teenager and I wanted to downplay the sex appeal that is associated with the character. Blackfire is an adult though, so I decided to pay tribute to Starfire's original comic book counterpart by giving some of the more mature elements of the character to her sister. And it gave Donna the chance to pursue her passion for photography like in the comics. The scene at the Silver Fox Advertising Agency is right out of the New Teen Titans run, including the creepiness that I honestly got from Delevi. The scene with LaGrieve also sheds some light on Tara's character, how her desire to prove herself to the Titans comes from how she wanted to prove herself to her father and how Tara's doubts comes from being rejected by her father. This episode is when Tara will admit her feelings to Raven, so you'll see how that and more will play out next time. See you then.