Chapter Seven

"I have the results of the DNA tests," said Barbara, Helena and Dinah standing before her in the comm center. "Dinah, genetically … your closest match … is Donald Stephenson," she said, getting down to business.

Dinah gave a shy smile in reply. "You guys warned me that none of these guys were going to be choirboys," she said quietly.

"Sure we got the right guy?" Helena asked.

"The odds of two unrelated men sharing the same DNA profile are … astronomical," Barbara replied.

"I really appreciate everything you've done for me," said Dinah.

"I'm sorry that we weren't able to do more than that," said Barbara. "It would seem that the genetic Pandora's Box which contains whatever other metahuman abilities that you may possess … remains as locked as ever."

"Thanks anyway, guys," said Dinah. "I love you for caring."

Later on that day, Dinah was sitting on the ledge in front of the clock, staring off into space.

"Hey," said a voice -- Helena's -- to her left.

Dinah turned towards Helena. "Hey," Dinah said in reply.

Helena sat down next to Dinah. "Whatcha' thinkin' about?" Helena asked Dinah.

"My father was a psychopath," said Dinah. "Does this mean I'll be bad too?"

"Barbara taught me two things when I first moved in with her," said Helena. "First … no one is 'born bad'." Helena framed the words "born bad" with her index and middle fingers. "Everyone starts out life the same … a blank slate. What you do and where you go depends upon the choices you make. Which brings me to the second thing she taught me…" Helena paused. "Genes don't make criminals … choices do." Helena paused again. "People like Joker, Harley Quinn, Catwoman … your father … they did what they did because they made the decision to do so." Helena turned and faced Dinah. "Besides, there's something you keep forgetting," said Helena. "My mother was once one of Gotham City's worst criminals … and I haven't gone bad yet," she said with a grin.

"So what you're saying is … I don't have to be bad … if I don't want to be?"

"Exactly."

"Thanks," said Dinah. "I feel so much better now."

"You gonna take the inheritance?"

"The what?"

"Your mom's estate," said Helena. "You've still got an inheritance back in Seattle."

"I'll take it," said Dinah. "I dunno what I'll do with it yet … but I'll take it." She paused. "It's the least I can do ... for her."

THE END