This may be the first of many episodes that I'll have to cut in half and put out in sections. We'll see how it goes. And thanks so much for reviewing; Toxic-Dreamer-2, Samanthe2121, The Seed of Chucky, StoryTeller6518, Realfanficts, TTHPFan.

The Ninth Circuit

Act One

Robin walked down the halls toward the elevator in an everyday nonchalant fashion. He finally reached it and tapped the button off to the side. He waited for a good long while for the doors to open but they never did. He sagged his shoulders and irritably pressed the button again a few more times. Shaking his head Robin moved to take the stairs just as the doors slid open. With yet another annoyed sigh Robin entered the elevator.

"Control," he said to the computer. The doors closed and he began to ascend toward the common room. Halfway into the trip the lift suddenly stopped and Robin grabbed the railing along the side. It seemed like it was going to just as suddenly drop back down to the ground floor but continued on its way again. When he finally reached the common room Robin jumped out of the elevator happy to be on solid ground again. Cyborg was currently absorbed in the TV.

"Cyborg I think should look at that elevator."

"Why? What's wrong with it?" he asked not looking away from his show. Robin crossed his arms.

"Nothing, nothing...at all. Except that for the last three days it's been spontaneously stopping, sending people to the wrong floor, or not opening in the first place. Its times like these I wish I had Raven's powers; I could just fly up through the floor."

"Yeah, that's cool stuff."

"Are you gonna fix the elevator yes or no?"

"I'll do it at the commercial," replied Cyborg over his shoulder. "When BB, Raven, and Star supposed to get back I'm starving?"

"I don't know Cyborg, but when they do get back they'll probably need Raven to phase them through the floor."

"Alright! Alright! I'll get right on it," said Cyborg throwing the remote away. "Since it's such a National Crisis." He didn't take two steps however before a small object came crashing through the window. "YA! I didn't do it!"

"Calm down it was just this," said Robin. They walked around the couch and saw a baseball sized metal sphere on the floor. Robin bent down on his knees for a better look at it. Cyborg made a quick pass with his own scanners.

"It's giving off a small energy signature but nothing to get worked up about." On that note Robin took the sphere in hand and stood up. They stared at it in wonder for a moment. "So what is it?" Robin had just enough time to shrug when a holographic projection of a man rose from it. It rotated slowly in Robin's hands.

"Greetings Teen Titans." Robin and Cyborg glanced curiously at each other then back down at the message before them.

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When there's trouble you know who to call
Teen Titans!
From their tower, they can see it all
Teen Titans!

When there's evil on the attack
You can rest knowing they got your back
Cuz when the world needs heroes on patrol
Teen Titans GO!

With their superpowers they unite
Teen Titans!
Never met a villain that they liked
Teen Titans!

They've got the bad guys on the run
They never stop 'till the job gets done
Cuz when the world is losin' all control
Teen Titans GO!

1,2,3,4 GO!

Teen Titans

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Robin swallowed somewhat thinking about what he might say. Finally he resolved for a normal greeting of sorts. "Hi, I'm Robin and this is-"

"I am sure you are trying to speak to me right now but do not concern yourselves, this is but a one way message." They set the sphere down on the table and sat down. "My name is Garan. It is my honor and distinct pleasure to cordially invite you to be the representatives of your world in a great race." Robin and Cyborg once again looked at one another. Now thoroughly interested they moved closer. "Affectingly known far and wide as 'The Ninth Circuit' and located in the Calamerain solar system your presence would be most appreciated."

"I like it so far," said Cyborg. Robin rubbed his chin quizzically.

"There has to be a catch though," said the boy wonder suspiciously.

"As you might have already guessed should you accept my invitation your course will be fraught with glorious sights to behold as well as dangers to be feared."

"There it is."

"But should there be any lingering doubt let me remind you of the magnitude of this race. Should you triumph you would forever earn the respect, not to mention envy, of your fellow contenders." They both looked at each other as if saying 'big whoop.' "Did I also happen to mention that, along with the respect and envy, to the winner of this race goes a most lucrative reward," said Garan temptingly. And it seemed to have worked on the two Titans. "When you have made your decision simply send you message back with this module. We look forward to hearing from you." With that the message ended and the sphere became motionless. Neither really knew what to say at the moment. Finally Cyborg let out a long breath.

"Wow, didn't see that coming."

LATER…………

"So, tell me again why we're doing this?" asked Raven trying to examine the sphere in a better light.

"We're not," said Robin. Cyborg met his eyes. "Yet, we're just considering our options I guess."

"But you are going to accept this are you not?" inquired Starfire. Robin smiled at her.

"Oh how could you tell?" She shrugged.

"You may call it intuition."

"Dude I say we go," said Beast Boy casting his vote. "I mean how often does something like this come along?" Raven nodded agreeably.

"I agree that it is a rare opportunity."

"Right," said Robin. "And now that I think of it this may be a good opportunity to try and find some powerful allies against the Etens." Raven arched a brow.

"So you're saying this is a diplomatic mission?" Robin nodded. "I see, and if somehow in the process it just happens to be-"

"Fun," said Cyborg with a grin. "I know, what's a guy to do?"

"Where did this Garan say the race was to be held?" asked Starfire. Robin went over the message trying to remember the name.

"Uhh…the calamari-no-the Calamerain solar system."

"Did he?" she asked with a note of intrigue.

"You've heard of it?" She nodded.

"In passing, yes. It is said to be dangerous but also very wondrous at times." She turned back to Robin. "Robin I for one for certainly enjoy a trip to this place, I have often dreamed of what it might be like." Beast Boy smirked while munching an apple.

"I wouldn't worry Star its not like he'll say no to you or something." He earned a glare from both Robin and Raven while producing a deep blush in Starfire. Cyborg picked up the sphere and threw it up and down in his hand.

"Well the guy said if we decide to go to send our answer back with this." Robin looked around hopefully at his friends.

"What d'ya guys say?"

"I already said we should go," said Beast Boy.

"Yes I have also voiced my desire to accept," agreed Starfire. The only one not having made up her mind was Raven. She groaned uncertainly with the other four of them giving her pleading looks. She finally sighed and waved her hands about.

"Fine, fine we're going." Beast Boy hopped over the couch.

"Sssweet! I'll tell em'." He picked up the sphere. "Hey yo! We'll do it! Is anyone there?"

"Come on man do you really think-" At once Garan's image returned. "They're gonna hear that."

"We are elated you have accepted. As we speak your names are being entered in the guest list. Bear in mind this is a closed event and only those invited are allowed to attend or participate. We are now also sending you the coordinates of the starting line." They all glanced over at one of the computer terminals and saw it was indeed receiving something. "The official start will be in one and a half days, so be prompt in your arrival. Once again we thank you for accepting and we look forward to seeing you in person." As it ended a second time and the download complete the sphere rose into the air and broke through the window again in a second spot.

"We really go through a lot of those don't we," said Beast Boy. Within about thirty minuets each Titan had all the stuff they needed to bring packed and ready. As Robin moved down the hall Cyborg joined him with the ship's checklist.

"Hey Rob I finished looking over the T-Ship, she's tip top and ready to race."

"Nice, how far away is the starting line?"

"It's about a two hour hyperspace jump."

"Better bring something to read then," said Robin turning a corner into the common room. He saw Starfire, Raven, and Beast Boy making sure they had everything needed. "So," said Robin clapping his hands together. "Everyone got everything? Sleeping bags? Bug spray?"

"Indeed," said Starfire. "The giant insectoids of Lombarum are not to be trifled with." Robin gazed at her uneasily.

"I was joking Star?"

"I was not," she said matter-of-factly. A staggered silence filled the room until Robin motioned for everyone to start moving. Not long after that they departed the tower via the subterranean launch tube. They soon broke the atmosphere and glided smoothly through the vacuum of space.

"Coordinates in place," reported Raven.

"Engaging hyperspace window," said Starfire. She carefully moved slide switch forward and the ship entered light speed. Just as Cyborg predicted the trip was like a slow boring car ride. The only difference was the fast moving bluish hyperspace wormhole outside; but even that grew boring to look at after a while. Three times Beast Boy asked 'are we there yet' and with each 'no' Raven grew three times more aggravated. Just as Beast Boy was about to ask yet again Raven's angry face popped up on his screen.

"Beast Boy we will be there when we get there. If you ask it just one more time I'm more than certain I'll do something unearthly." That effectively shut the poor changeling up for the remainder of the trip. Another bit of eternity passed before a beeping in Robin's pod roused him from a nap.

"Oh…hey guys we're here." The T-Ship exited hyperspace. As they made sure the various systems were still functioning. Raven stole a glance outside then looked back out her window.

"Well would look at that." Ahead of them was an enormous space station with dozens of ships docked around it. Off to the side was what could only be the starting line where two floating pylons generated a red energy wall. Behind them more ships left hyperspace and proceeded to an empty dock.

"So, where're we parking?" asked Beast Boy. Robin's hand suddenly left the stick as he realized he was no longer in control.

"Guys, I don't think that's up to us." Starfire pulled up a readout on her screen to find a beam connected to their vessel.

"A tractor beam has taken control of the ship," she reported. Since the only for them to get was to open the pods they were pulled into a hanger rather than a dock. The door closed behind them and the room filled with oxygen. Once they were sure that it was safe Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Raven, and Beast Boy opened their pods in turn and jumped down from the ship. Beneath each of their pods a small compartment holding their luggage lowered to the floor. As they gathered their stuff two men walked up to them. They immediately recognized the first to be Garan. He reached the Titans bowed his head to them.

"It is a great honor to have you among us Teen Titans."

"You've heard of us I take it," suggested Robin.

"Of course, your deeds on Earth on throughout the galaxy have earned you a great deal of renown. Now allow me to introduce my assistant Tyron." The man behind Garan, Tyron, also bowed. At Garan's motion Tryon handed Robin a thin panel. "This is contains a map of the course, each challenge along the way, and a list of both your fellow contenders and our sponsors." Seeing that Robin's hands were essentially full Garan handed three cards to Cyborg. "And these are the keys to your rooms, the official kick off begins tomorrow morning so rest well."

"Thanks," said Robin.

"I personally look forward to seeing how you do." And Garan departed to greet someone else.

"He's a fan," said Cyborg. A tram transported them around the station and began rising upward like an elevator. While they kept rising Raven looked out the window at the many ships flying around or docking.

"I thought this was invitation only, there sure are a lot of people coming in."

"It is highly probable most of them will be spectators," said Starfire. They felt the tram slowing down then it came to a halt. The doors opened allowing the Titans passage into a hallway. Cyborg glanced back and forth between the keys and the numbers on the doors. He spotted their rooms ahead and pointed.

"Over here yall." Assuming they could enter the other rooms through a door in the first they all followed Cyborg into the first one. Beast Boy gazed around that the accommodations with an impressed note.

"Cozy."

"They sure did their research on earthen lodging," said Raven as she found the beds to be quite comfortable. Indeed the three rooms mimicked perfectly that of a five star hotel.

"Excuse me friends I will go see what refreshments are available," said Starfire.

"Okay," called back Robin. He knew well that was one of Starfire's adorable habits if ever they lodged somehow. Robin set his things down and grabbed the panel while sitting on the edge of the bed. He moved his hand over the blank panel as he found no buttons or switches. Without any other options Robin tapped the screen and lit up. "Whoa, that's cool." It was like a liquid touch screen. "Hmm." He said thoughtfully.

"Whatcha got?"

"Well if I'm reading these rules right it says only two of us can be in the race."

"You're kidding!" They heard Beast Boy shout from the other room. "Dude htat is so unfair you know its going to be you and Cyborg." They ignored the rest of Beast Boy's whimpering and Robin went to another category.

"Alrighty, lets see who we got here. Umm…." He scrolled through the pages listing each competitor. Cyborg noticed Robin looking through and looked over his shoulder.

"Anyone we know?"

"Not so far," said Robin moving his eyes over the text. Each page had a picture of the contender and a rotating photo of their ship. A short history followed the pictures with a vague set of details about their ship. "Don't know you, or you, or you," said Robin flipping the pages with a tap on the screen. "Hey it's our police buddies from Centari Prime." The two Centari police having mistaken Starfire for Blackfire showed up on the screen.

"Are they racing or watching for any lawbreakers?" asked Cyborg.

"It says they're racing." He went back to scrolling until an all too familiar green alien appeared. "You've got to be kidding me," said Robin flabbergasted.

"What?" asked Cyborg. He looked down at the screen and saw that it was Glgrdsklechhh. "What! You mean to tell me that the space blob Starfire almost married is racing too?" Robin re-read the article.

"Oh wait no…he's just sponsoring someone else but apparently they put his picture on here." Cyborg nodded discreetly. Robin continued skimming through the info on their opponents until he reached a certain page and his eyes bulged. "Oh no."

"Now what?" asked Cyborg a little annoyed. Robin said nothing but handed him the panel. Cyborg took one look at the picture and his face matched Robin's.

"What's the matter with you two?" asked Raven as she and Beast Boy entered. Mimicking Robin's response Cyborg sent a downcast look to the floor and hand her the panel. She and Beast Boy looked and their mouths hit the floor as they Val-Yor's smug face smiled up at them.

"This could be a problem," said Raven.

"Ya think," said Beast Boy.

"Maybe it won't," said Cyborg. They all looked at him as though he were crazy. "Its possible he and Starfire have forgotten about each other. Robin ran a hand through his hair.

"Forgotten? Right; Starfire's forgotten all about his cruel name calling, the disregard for her safety, and complete lack of gratitude."

"Okay I think I see your point."

"This is just perfect, as soon Star and Val-Silver Head see each other it'll be Battle of the Planets all over again," said Beast Boy.

"Friends," they heard Starfire calling. Robin threw Cyborg the panel who sent it to Raven who in turn tossed it to Beast Boy. They juggled the panel about like a hot potato for a second time then Robin hid it behind his back. She entered carrying two bowls filled with what appeared to be blue shrimp. "These crimta are very much like the earthen shrimp though I am told with a slightly tangy after taste." She saw them sweating bullets and grew nervous. "Is there something wrong?"

"No!" said Robin a little too quickly. She shot her eyes to him. "I mean, no why would you…why would you say that?" She saw him fiddling with something behind his back and allowed an impish smile to creep across her features.

"Robin are you hiding something from me?" They all moved away as they knew it was only a matter of seconds before he caved.

"No I just…just.." Her smile grew wider.

"Is that a present," she said trying to reach around him.

"No! Get away-stop that!" She pulled the panel from his grasp and looked both surprised and disappointed.

"This?" she asked with an incredulous smile. "What are you so fearful I will see?" Robin scratched the back of his neck. Starfire switched the panel back on and saw Val-Yor's face. She remained silent for a moment giving Robin the impression that she was about to explode. To their surprise however she merely chuckled and let the panel fall to the bed.

"You're…not angry or anything?" asked Raven.

"Why would I be?" asked Starfire taking the bowls of alien crimta into her and Raven's room. Robin felt apprehensive.

"Starfire, we know he hurt you a lot. Nobody's perfect, I know I would be a little upset knowing he's here." Starfire set the bowls down with a slight hint of resentment.

"Val-Yor has obviously been invited to participate and has as much right to accept as we do. Now if you will excuse me once more I wish to see if the crimtas come with assorted dips." She walked away and they all watched her cautiously. Raven bent backward to get a better view of her leaving the room.

"That went…well," said Beast Boy. Raven saw Starfire reach the door and as she walked out crunched a metal sculpture into a ruined block.

"Per say." The remainder of the evening was uncomfortably quiet. Just as Robin feared Starfire was indeed offended to find that Val-Yor was also competing but she did little to show it. Ironically her efforts to mask her indignation only intensified the nervous atmosphere. They invited her into a game of cards which she halfheartedly accepted. Starfire said next to nothing the entire game and only when it was her turn did she say more than a sigh. Much to Robin's relief the time for bed rolled around and they settled themselves in. Hopefully a good nights rest would ease Starfire's mind and clear away some of the anger. Unfortunately it was a fact when Starfire felt bad the rest of them couldn't ignore it.

THE NEXT DAY……………….

"Come on man we're gonna be late!" Shouted Cyborg. Robin rushed around his room gathering anything he might need. According to the panel Garan gave them the entire race would take around twelve hours to complete, eleven if their ship was fast. Finally the two of them assembled out in the hall. Starfire, Raven, and Beast Boy stepped outside and locked up their rooms. Starfire hugged each of them though he noticed his was a slightly prolonged.

"I wish you both luck friends, though I am more than certain you will not have a need for it." Cyborg glowed humbly.

"Actually Star it might get a little-"

"We'll be fine," interrupted Robin. "You guys know where the observation deck is?" They all replied in the affirmative. "Okay well we'll be on the comm. if you need us. Oh and try and get to know some people, remember the other reason why we're here."

"Yes," said Raven. "Exciting diplomacy." Robin and Cyborg chuckled and ran off down the hall. Raven rolled her eyes. "Boys."

--------

Robin and Cyborg stepped out of the tram among many other contestants. There were a great many, most likely from many corners of the galaxy. They could see the T-Ship had been moved to a hanger adjoining a number of others and moved toward it.

"Teen Titans." They heard a somewhat robotic voice behind them. They turned in place to see one of the Centari police approaching.

"Hey, what's going on?"

"I am well, and how do I find you?"

"We're doing good," said Robin. "How's the life law enforcement treating you?"

"Fair," responded the Centari. "My partner is currently making some last minuet modifications to our ship, he sends his best."

"Oh well tell him thanks," said Cyborg. "May the best man win." Cyborg stretched out his hand. He and the Centari shook and they parted company. "You know there're a lot of people here maybe we won't even see him."

"Well look who we have here." Said yet another voice off to the side. Robin needn't have turned to know who it was. The arrogance in his voice was as vibrant as it was when they first met him. Val-Yor stepped in front of them trying to seem overpowering. "And I thought they only offered a place in this race to the best in the galaxy."

"So that would mean you're just here to sell hot dogs right," quipped Cyborg. Val-Yor ignored him and focused on Robin.

"There are no rules during the great race," he said in a low and quiet voice.

"I'll keep that in mind," said Robin calmly. He moved around the large man assuming he would be a little too heavy to push past. Slightly disappointed his talk didn't hinder Robin Val-Yor spoke over his shoulder.

"It's too bad the Troq isn't coming with you." Robin stopped. "I'd have a bunch better reason to blow your pathetic row boat to dust." Cyborg glanced down at the boy wonder knowing Robin was positively seething. "Maybe she should go with you instead of him, if she stays here someone might see her as the little rat that she is." Robin swiftly turned around but was held back by his friend.

"Easy big fella," whispered Cyborg.

"You stay away from Starfire," spat Robin. "And you better be careful about what you say about her." Val-Yor raised an eyebrow. "I'm not nearly as calm about you as she is." He merely smirked and walked away toward his ship. Cyborg let Robin's shoulder go.

"Hey I'm proud of man, just keep it cool and hope he gets sucked into a black hole or something."

"If he says one more word about Starfire-" Robin couldn't finish his sentence his mood was so bad. He stalked down the hall toward their ship with Cyborg following behind.

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A few dozen decks above them Starfire, Raven, and Beast Boy entered the observation lounge and found themselves a table. A screen lowered from the ceiling above them and lit up.

"Good morning, I'm your talk about racing buddy." Raven sank in her seat. "Currently all one hundred contestants are readying their ships and making their way behind the starting line. The race will begin in fifteen minuets, would you like to know more?"

"Not now," Spouted Raven. The virtual person left the screen and replaced itself with a view of the staring line. Just as the talk about had said a couple dozen racers had already placed themselves behind the red energy field that was the starting line. Starfire found herself fiddling with her hands she was so nervous. Admittedly if the revelation of Val-Yor's presence was never had she would not be this worried. She wished she were going with them just to make sure he didn't try anything of a dishonest nature. Raven's powers homed in on her troubled mind immediately.

"Starfire, you can calm down. There's security everywhere so I really wouldn't worry about Robin and Cyborg. Besides with Cyborg's expertise and Robin's desire to win at all costs I doubt they'll have a problem." Slightly eased by these words Starfire nodded returned her gaze to the screen.

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Robin and Cyborg sat in the T-Ship while the stations tractor beam moved them out behind the starting line. Cyborg clicked away on his screen while Robin observed the ships around them. Unfortunately they all looked very different than in their pictures.

"I've put the other three pods under computer control," said Cyborg. "Are-you-ready," he said excitedly.

"Oh yeah," replied Robin rubbing his hands together. The two of them could remember only a few times when they were this pumped up about something, either before or during the days of crime fighting. Once all the racers were outside a giant image of Garan appeared.

"Good day to you all." His voice boomed over the large crowd. "Now, for the duration of the race all of your hyper drive modules will be rendered useless. Halfway through the race, those of you who make it that far, will be a place to rest and refuel. Keep in mind the dangers that await you throughout the loop, they come in the forms of both ominous and beautiful." Starfire, Raven, and Beast Boy looked at each other. "To the many who may not return from this endeavor I bid you all a very fond farewell. Now be vigilant and race well!" His image disappeared but his voice could still be heard. "Gentlemen…start your thrusters." The sounds of engines and boosters coming to life raged through the area.

"Thrusters online," said Cyborg. "We're good to go." Robin smiled and took hold of the stick.

"You will begin in ten seconds." As the long seconds ticked away they saw the field ahead of them change from red to yellow. It seemed like they would be sitting there forever waiting to be freed. Then in one giant second it changed to green and the one hundred contestants sped forward in a mad flock of adrenaline.

To be continued

I'm sorry I had to stop here but so busy this was the best I could do. I'll get the next part out ASAP. Hope you liked it.