Red X shook his head at the group contained in the circular chamber, still struggling against the odds. Never stood a chance. He looked to Slade, who seemed overjoyed at prolonging the procedure. "Cut the crap and switch them already."

"I didn't tell you how to do your job," Slade remarked. He glanced over his shoulder. "You still have the jewels you stole, and your payment. You're dismissed."

Red X hesitated. Both instinct and research yielded the fact that Slade's past wheelings and dealings had fallen through, normally resulting in a double-cross of some kind. And this deal was no different. Red X turned slightly and opened the briefcase silently. "I wanna watch."

"Be my guest," Slade said while he waved at the Titans.

After a moment, Red X snapped the top closed. "This is short."

Slade turned fully, not believing the punk would have the audacity to count the bills in the same room. "And if it is?"

"I gave you a set price," Red X replied. "I expect that price. Nothing less."

"Try to collect."

Red X zipped out of sight to do just that.

Quicker than Slade estimated, Rex X had him locked in a death grip. He knew there was no way he'd be able to keep Slade overpowered. Not for long anyway…

His quick wit had gotten him through each mess he'd gotten into, and he'd get out on top of this as well. Glancing toward the locked door, Red X conjured an awful idea.

He quickly took out the door's card key Slade had originally given him and slid it through. Once he thrust Slade into the chamber, he slammed the door closed and headed toward the control panel.

"You doublecrossed me!" Slade screamed. He pounded on the window, enraged he had been duped by the younger man. "We had a deal."

"And your half fell through," Red X said casually. He punched a few buttons until Slade was strapped to a table like the others. He then hit a large green button. Slade's plan to switch minds and bodies was quite brilliant, if not a bit trite. In a matter of days, the Titans would have either destroyed themselves or the world. Either way, he would have won. But now… Red X couldn't help his inner amusement. Now he's bumbled, and he'll pay dearly for it.

After the switch was successful, Red X took the access card out of the control panel, now ready to con Slade further.

He stepped into the silent room with all the presence of a mastermind. "Slade, I have the access card that controls your machine. If you ever want to be yourself again, you'll pay me double what I asked for luring the Titans here. You know how to contact me." With that, he disappeared from the room.

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And Rex X moves in for the kill… What foul deeds shall come from this change of events? More to come soon!