"YOU BROUGHT HER HERE? THAT PESTERY LITTLE BUG? WHY?" Victor screamed. He had found out about the results of the Logos' mission and was none too pleased. He decided to complain to Raven and Ghost.
"Shut up, Vic."
The man wouldn't. "Shut up? SHUT UP? I'M GONNA BE THE ONE SAYING SHUT UP WHEN SHE WON'T SHUT UP!"
"Shut up, Vic," said Karen, who had found the source of the screaming. She was followed by Gar, who gave a big thumbs up to Vic.
Vic's jaw dropped. "What you staring at, lech?" she asked.
"This is what she looks like..."
"Without her poorly designed costume," said Raven, in disgust, "and not wearing pants. Karen, go put some pants on."
Garth walked up as well, not noticing his friend's lack of pants. "I see we're having a little reunion here? Where's Robin?"
"Where's Speedy?" Karen asked.
Raven and Garth hung their heads. "He's dead," they both said. "What? How'd you know that?" Garth demanded.
Raven was about to speak when an announcement blared. "Would the newly freed minds please report to the Main Hall? Would all Captains please report to the Main Hall? Thank you." Feedback echoed and the group covered their ears.
"Come on, guys," Ghost ordered, and they followed him down to the caverns.
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"Since all of you are eighteen and older, I would assume you would like to join a ship," Deadbolt said. The Captains and Ghost waited in the back. "Is there any of you who would not join a crew?"
No one raised their hands. Raven looked around. Apart from the Titans, there was only one free mind.
"Very well. Now, since none of you are crackers besides Nathan... you will choose an alias to hack into the Matrix with. First is... Raven."
"Can't I just go with Raven?" she asked. "No," he hissed, "it is your old identity. Pick a new one."
"How about no?" Locke gave her an evil glare, but he soon realized she would not crack. This was a scary little girl. "Fine. Next is Victor Stone?"
"Stone. My old, old name, used to be my..."
"FASCINATING," Deadbolt yelled, obviously trying to shut him up. Victor was silent, but Raven had trouble not agreeing with Locke.
"Nathan?"
The tall boy had an English accent and a small blond beard. "Bane. My alias is Bane." He was silent again. Raven turned and noticed Roland murmuring something to Morpheus.
"Gar?"
"Can't I just go with..." the boy pleaded, but was interrupted by Locke's refusal. "Fine. I'll be Greene." Gar laughed at the joke that only he understood.
"Karen?"
"I like the name Kavu, okay? None of you fuck with Kavu!" said the girl.
As Deadbolt was about to call Garth's name, Karen said as loud as she could, "You're up, Laddy Buck."
"Laddy Buck it is," Deadbolt said, uncaring, and didn't catch that it was just a joke. "I hate you," Garth whispered to the black girl.
"You have your names. Bane and Raven, you are on the Logos. Kavu and Stone, you are on the Gnosis. Laddy Buck, you are on the Mjolnir. Greene, you are on the Iris. You are dismissed."
They slowly filed out of the hall, Raven thinking this was much too cliché and wishing for something exciting to happen.
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"Need some help?" the attendant asked kindly as Robin struggled to drink the water. "I still can't move much," he told her. "That's okay."
"Turn the monitor this way," he asked. She moved the Matrix screens towards him. "Why did you want me to move them?" she asked. He hushed her.
His face appeared on the screen. "Hello, Robin. I see you anticipated my calling. How fortunate."
"What do you want?"
"I merely wanted to tell you of how I am going to kill your only chance at truth. The Oracle dies today."
The nurse ran. Moments later, Robin heard an alarm go off and a man shout through speakers everywhere, "Would the Logos please evacuate to broadcast depth and contact the Oracle immediately?"
"It seems our time is up," said Deathstroke, shrugging. "Ah well, it was nice chatting with you. Until next time...
"Mr. Grayson."