The Tower is a creepy and lonely place. Or at least, such is the case if the headquarters is left unchecked. Robin is the one to see to that. Mostly, he has instructed himself in his heart to attend to the sanctity of that heroic home. He's made the mistake of abandoning it before—back when he sent the team heads over heels on a worldwide pursuit of the Brotherhood of Evil. He had thought that the team had enough fortitude to engage the enemy completely on the go. To some extent, he was absolutely correct. What hadn't come to Robin's attention was just how little omniscience so few teenaged heroes had and how it would blind them to the circumnavigating tactics of the brilliant Brotherhood. It was a fate that put the entire team and all those subsidiary members joined to it in jeopardy. It surely was a mistake that he had no intention of repeating again, and now of all times he remembers the error all the more clearly. Now.. ….Now that he has a hauntingly clear horizon to work with.
Like the midnight sky and its twilight orbs forming pools of aquamarine tranquility against the grayness of the Jump City skyline. The brilliant suspension bridge stretched out across the Bay, acting as a final gateway before the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. More than ever, Robin feels that he is at home. For it is a 'home' earned through constant defense, unceasing vigil, and professional attention. Slade, H.I.V.E., the Brotherhood, even Trigon himself have all failed to dominate this domain which the Titans have dedicated themselves to. And Robin now takes that—not as a trophy—but as an eternal symbol of triumph. But it can only prove worth for as long as it is maintained. And Robin has yet to prove his ultimate patience. And he knows it.
Taking a deep breath, the Boy Wonder adjusts his cape and leans forward against the balcony ledge of his lofty, upstairs living quarters. He gazes out at the waters. The beaches.. …. ….the boardwalks… … ..the Edge of Life that canvassed the urbanscape most prescious to him and his companions. A helicopter roars overhead and angles its way towards a distant hospital rooftop. A trio of tugboats drift their leisurely way into a developing fog. A family of sea lions surface a half kilometer away from the Island and carry on their migratory way.
"When there's trouble.. …," a songbird whispers. "… …will there be too few to call.. ….or too many… …?"
The wind has no answer. Robin turns his back to it, and strolls inside through the sliding glass doors of his loft apartment. He steps onto a ledge, standing over a sudden plunge into a criss-crossing maze of metal and wooden and plastic beams like a perpetual jungle gym leading towards his 'apartment' floor. He strolls by a speaker system and fingers a button on it with a gloved hand.
Bl-Bleep!
"Computer," Robin speaks firmly, yet casually. Calmly. "Access Titan Communication Database. File: Robin, Boy Wonder." Bleep! "Play back all messages dating in order from newest to oldest until prompted to cease." Bl-Bleep! "… ….initiate." And he leaps straight out into the mesh of criss-crossing beams with a grunt.
All the while, the speaker system starts: "Today. Ten Forty-Five pm. Snkkkt—'Yeah, hey—Robin? Static Shock here. I'm doing the rounds in the City like you asked me to. (Yawn) So far, so good. In that the word GOOD stands for a huge freakin' waste of time and effort. I mean—Hell—I could do a whole lot better guarding the recent additions to prison or helping Cyborg tweak up the Titan computer back at the Tower… …'"
Robin grabs ahold of a beam, twirls on it, launches himself upwards, twirls to fit through a gap in three cross beams, and lands his feet expertly on a leaning pillar reaching across the space between his high walls.
"'N-N-Not that I'm questionin' your judgment or anything, dude! I-I mean… ..you're a great leader in all. Heh…you're the best damn person I've ever WORKED with. But for one night, could I do something a little less monotonous? I can't help but think that you're punishing me for being late, wh-wh-which is all well and fine in my book, I guess, c-cause there's no need for a teammate pulling that sort of inexcusable crap on you and…and…and—"
"Computer," Robin huffs, concentrates, and leaps off the beam at the last second in mid-slide. "Next Message."
Bl-Bleep! "Today. Nine Thirty pm. SNKKKT—'Robin, this is Static Shock. I'm starting my rounds for the night like you asked me to. Just reporting in. Heh…More than happy to do my duty, man. Static Out'.SNKKKT."
Robin smirks. He's in mid-flip, descending, descending, then whipping a hand out in time to grab a fistful of metal to swing, swing, swing on….Swoosh-Swoosh-Swoosh!
"Today. Nine o'Four pm. SNKKKT—'Robin, Mayor Suzette here. I just want to thank you on behalf of the entire City for the job you did in apprehending those criminals from the museum. I know it may seem like 'all in a day's work', but it's a 'day's work' each and every day that keeps this place safe on behalf of you kids. Keep it up, Boy Wonder. We know you won't let us down. OH!—And while I'm leaving a message, perhaps you might remember to have one of the Titans give a speech at the Miss Jump City pageant taking place next week—'"
"Computer, next message!" Robin flips off and barrel-rolls into another series of beams. Th-Th-Th-Thwoosh!
"Yesterday. Six Twenty pm. SNKKKT—'Oye, Robin. Soy Pantha. Recuerde? Back when we brutally thrashed the Brotherhood, la total de heroes jovenes to keep in contact with you and consider joining the Titans—like for permanet, verdad? Pues.. …es dificil para explicar. Yo no creo que—Erm, that is to day.. …the Pantha's not ready, entiendes? The whole 'team' thing.. …yo no quiero. But if ever something big happens, please know that the Pantha has your back. Bueno? Bien.. …Hablamos mas adelante'."
Robin perches on a beam. He takes a breath. He goes on, exercising, flipping, twirling and gracefully gliding from platform to platform on his gradual, gradual, gradual way to the floor.
"SNKKT—'Robin! Hehe—This is Kole! Uhm, I felt like I hadn't touched based in a while and—(Gnaark! No, Gnaark! The Communicator is not dessert! Bad Gnaark!)—ahem…and, well, things are pretty cool up here at the Pole, ya know? Eh heheheheheee—no pun intended, of course. But, as it turns out—we discovered this entire cove of Neanderthal colonies built under the ice sheet! Omigosh! It's—like—sooo incredible, and Gnaark and I really have our hands full getting to communicate with them and all that stuff—(Gnaark! It's not trying to attack you! The little red light only means that the bagels are done! Yeesh, don't sweat yourself, big guy!)—And, well, now just isn't the time for us to become Titans. I'm sorrrrrryyyyyy. Please don't take it the wrong way Robin, okaaaay? The Titans are cool and all, but we've got a heck of a jam down here. But nothing to worrrrry about though! Heheheheeee. Hey, we'll keep in contact! Cuz we look out for each other, don't we? Hehe—Kole signing out—Snkkkt."
"Snkkkt—'Robin, this is Argent. Remember, the pale bird with the tart-like dress and a thing for flying around in a gothic rainbow? Anyways, you wouldn't believe the rubbish I have to deal with here with these local gang lords. I'm afraid I'm just going to have to turn down your offer about joining the team anytime soon. I'm sure you'll be a good chap and understand. It's all hero business, righto? Ta.'"
"Snkkt—'Robin. Herald. I'm going on a long voyage. How long? Well, let's say the portal I'm going to be opening in the next few days will take me to the Source Wall on an important interstellar mission. It's all extra-dimensional-traveler stuff. I wouldn't expect you to understand. Pfft---What am I saying? You're the Batman's apprentice. Of course you'd understand'SNNNNKT."
"Snkkkt—'HotSpot here. Same old, Same old. Nnnngh…. …..Just stop inviting me, okay? I'm burning up everytime I get another one of your damned invitations. Literally."
"Snkkkt—'This is Bushido. I must politely decline your offer. I wish you good fortune."
"Snkkkt—'Red Star reporting. I can't talk for long. Too many pressing issues from the Pacific to Western Siberia. If anyone needs help, dear Titan, it just may be me. I'm sorry…."
TH-THAP! Robin lands finally on the floor. Both feet together. Graceful.. …. ..but deflated.
He sighs.. …and gazes blankly into the shadowy recesses of his room. Sweating… …but still as a statue. "… … …. …."
"Eight days ago. Four Twenty pm—"
"Computer STOP."
Bl-Blip!
"… .. … … …mmmmf," Robin runs a hand over his masked face. He marches—more like limps—across the room and slumps down in a rolling chair before his screen-saver'd computer console. "…. … … ….why are we running out so suddenly.. … …?"
Silence.
Dust scatters in the air like comets.
The room is sparsely furnished.. …. …almost stripped to nothing—save for a bookcase and a cluster of exercise equipment in the corner. The rest is trapeze randomosity overhead and a basic cot in the far corner.
"… … ….am I the only one trying to get us all prepared here?" Robin rests his chin on a curled set of gloved fingers and stares out a glittering window into the night's horizon. "… .. …and for what, exactly?"
Silence… …well, almost silence.
Bleep. Bleep. Bleep.
Robin sighs. He rubs his brow above his mask and mutters: "Computer, I said 'stop the messages."
Bleep. Bleep. Bleep.
".. .. …Computer?.?.?"
Bleep. Bleep. Bleep.
Robin looks up, eyebrow raised. He taps a key on his computer and glances at the brightening monitor.
"INCOMING CALL – STEEL CITY – TITANS EAST"
Robin all but jumps. He slides up to the computer, whips out a headpiece, and speaks into the mic just as he opens a video window up on the monitor. "Greetings, Titans East. Robin of Titans West here. What's to report?"
SNKKKT—An amused young woman appears on the feed. "Well, ain't we ever the regimental type?"
Robin takes a deep breath through his nostrils and keeps his cool. "Bumblebee, you know how seriously I take messages between the Two Towers—"
"Yes, Robin," she rolls her eyes. "I know… …" She smiles again. "I was a bit restless, and I thought late's better than never to share a little bit about our progress with our new rookies."
"Or in this case… …," Robin glances at an electronic calendar momentarily. "'Early'! I wasn't expecting that report until the middle of next week."
"Hmmm—You're not the only workaholic leader of a bunch of hormonal young superheroes, Boy Wonder."
Robin manages a smile himself. He leans forward and folds his gloved hands together. "So I gather. And don't let me keep you from doing your job."
"You sure I haven't woken you up or anything--?"
"It's been a long day, Bumblebee," Robin gestures. "But the sort of long day that keeps growing itself longer and makes sleep a pointless activity, if you catch my drift."
"Erm… …No I don't. But hey! It's all cool."
"R-Right."
"Ahem.. …Anyways, Kid Flash and Jinx…," Bumblebee's digital image nods in a dazed fashion. ".. … …y-yeah.. …."
Robin nods too. A beat. He raises an eyebrow. "They're a nightmare to handle, aren't they?"
"Only when they're not trying to make love—"
"What?"
"Erm—I-I m-mean…They're fine and all, but it takes a little getting used to. Kid Flash is—ahh jeez," she groans and pulls a little at her bulbous hair buns. ".. … …it's not that he doesn't give a flip about me giving commands or being leader and all, but he's just so downright—well—he's the fastest boy on earth for pretty obvious reasons. And I think he's been so used to running on his own that he—"
"He doesn't take being given orders very well?"
"… .. ….," Bumblebee blinks. "… …he also has a nasty habit of interrupting someone when she's in the middle of a speech."
Robin, the Boy Wonder, winces. "S-Sorry.. …"
"Hey—Heheh—After these last few weeks, I'm sure as heck used to it," she leans back in her chair on the monitor. "He means no disrespect. But it comes across as pretty short-sighted. Cuz he'll go out on a limb and do stuff without telling us about it or without listening to reason or without listening to anyone or anything at all. The kid's got the whole 'solo' thing together, Robin. I swear—if it wasn't for Jinx—he wouldn't even give a thought whatsoever to anything involving teamwork. But he's learning, Robin. I can see it. Gradually. Just…VERY….GRADUALLY. It's hard to have patience with a person who doesn't seem to GET the definition of the word."
"And about Jinx.. …," Robin leaned back and forth. "How has her progress been?"
"'Progress'? Pfft—Heheh, Robin, you make it sound like we're assimilating her."
"Got a better analogy? I'm more than willing to hear it."
"Very well. The ASSIMILATION OF JINX is going as planned, I guess. She gets along very well with everyone. Mas and Menos seem to have taken a liking to her—hehe—so I guess they won't be hitting on Starfire next time we all do a mission together. Hehehe—Right?"
"… … …"
"Anyways, she gets a bit aggressive at times. But she's definitely learning to cool her jets. She follows orders. She displays an athleticism and dexterity in the field the likes of which ASTOUNDS me. Heck, if she only had a crystal clean track record and experience, I'd be tempted like crazy to make her my second-in-command! How's that for being estrogenical?"
"You have…..been keeping an eye out on her, right?"
"Heh. I left that up to Speedy. Believe you me—he's doing a good job at it. Almost TOO GOOD of a job."
Robin smirks slightly. "You don't need to get into detail."
"No suspicious activity. I'd rather just not bother with it. You really think it's necessary that we keep such a watch on her, Robin?"
"Well.. ….B-Bumblebee….," Robin scratches the back of his neck.
Bumblebee squints. "Well, what?"
"Quite frankly, Jinx was a terrorist."
"Egads! How I hate that 'T' word!"
"Really now.. …."
"It's just so overused!"
"It's an effective description.
"What's Jinx done to make her a TERRORIST?"
"Besides learning all the tools of a trade at a school oriented around Worldwide Destruction and multiple attempts at murdering the lives of me and all my teammates?"
"….. …. …oh, right."
"I'm just chiefly concerned about her."
"I understand, Robin. B-But seriously.. …so far the only wicked colors she's shown is when Kid Flash is around to distract her from the more important things at hand. In a lot of ways, they're each others foils. Heh.. ..we'd probably be better off if we split them among the East and West Towers."
"But then I doubt they'd bother working with us at all."
"Heh, good point."
Robin leans back in the chair and folds his arm. "Though.. … ..in all honesty.. …I do understand the whole 'dangerous pair' issue."
"Oh? You don't say?"
"Mmmhmm."
"Just how are those two no-names doing in your ranks? They're shaping up half as well as Static Shock is?"
"Static Shock is Static Shock," Robin shrugs. "Nobody really needs to answer for him. He's dependable—howbeit a bit clumsy from time to time."
"Tell me about it."
"Bard and Noir on the other hand—They're good at heart. But they… ..well…," Robin bites the edge of his forefinger in thought….
"But what?"
"I don't know what to say. They aren't easy at all to give commands to. And it's not that they're necessarily insubordinate. Bard's definitely got that southern stubbornness to deal with from time to time. And Noir—"
"The mute one, right?"
"Yes, the swordsman," Robin nods. "It's not impossible for me to read him. Batman's taught me more than one way to understand a person without the words to give. But it's still hard to read him from time to time. And—ultimately—the two are complete mysteries to us. It's been a month and we still haven't done it."
"Done what?"
Robin opens his mouth, pauses, and lingers a bit before nodding and coughing forth: "Haven't revealed anything. We know next to nothing about them. Their origins. Their backgrounds. Not all of us even know their full names."
"All Titans are entitled to secrecy. Nobody knows that truer than you."
Robin can't hide his own smirk. "Right."
"But this is bothering you for some special reason, hmmm?"
"It's a matter of trust, Bumblebee. But not meaning that I can't trust these two.. …or Static Shock.. .. ..or even Kid Flash or Jinx—"
"It goes deeper than that?"
Robin sighs. He leans on a arm rest and slowly gestures as he speaks: "When we went against the Brotherhood.. …. …I won everybody's trust. I got us all on an even page to fight the Brain's forces. I was more than certain that we had the enemy cornered through our global vigilance. But—as it turned out—the trust I had built with everyone was to their own folly. I led us all into a trap, Bumblebee. I can't ever forget that. Because I'm more than certain that none of them forget it."
"You did what you did with the best of intentions, Robin."
"The evilest people who have ever lived have done things with the 'best of intentions'," Robin murmurs.
Bumblebee on the monitor says nothing.
The Boy Wonder takes a breath and says: "It's not just my imagination, Bumblee. I know that the allies we once had are few and far between now. We hurt them, and even though the battle with the Brotherhood was ultimately victorious, there is nothing to erase the harm that—yes—I did."
"I'm guessing you don't want to repeat history with Static, Bard, and Noir?"
"I… …," Robin pauses. He glances aside. A beat. He smirks, raises a finger, and says: "I don't want to ruin this chance that we have. All of us. Not just the Titans, but Bard and Static and Noir. Cuz if somebody screws something up and any one of them is out again on the street—alone—then they'll be gobbled up by the dark powers of this criminal underworld that now has us all targeted and hunted since the Brotherhood's been eliminated. And—quite frankly—it's been ages since I trained newcomers under our roof. I'm taking this as slow as possible because I don't want these people out the door just yet. But—believe me, Bumblebee.. ….it's trying my patience."
"Heh heh… …I never given that much thought, Robin."
"Hmm?"
"Who was the last one you trained, Beast Boy?"
"Erm, when the Titans joined, we all formed the team simultaneously—"
"Oh! But I could have sworn Beast Boy was the last newcomer to join before Terra—"
"No, it just seems that way."
"Ahhhh…hehehehe."
"Heh….But I think I know where you're getting at. I've been so used to working with and leading people on the same page as I. Whereas you—"
"I'm still getting used to Aqualad complaining all the time about the lack of salt content in the indoor water canals," Bumblebee shudders. "Robin, I hope Titans East finally gets on the 'same page' as well."
"Heh heh, you will, Bumblebee, you will," Robin smirks softly and manages his first relaxed breath of the evening. ".. …and thanks, by the way."
"For what?"
"… … …reminding me that there's more hope to be had than what we all stress over.. …."
"Word up."
-T-T-T-T-T-T-
Bard suggested we go out on a proverbial 'cattle-rustling' to try and fetch us the one escapee from the van full of museum robbing suspects. And I have to agree with him that it's the right initiative to make. But—the way he wants to go about it sounds downright clandestine. And it makes me a bit nervous—what, with us being new and all. It'd be horrible to make a bad impression. Especially after recent events.. .. …
But he's convinced me. He always convinces me. I can't hold it against him, either. I may be good with a sword—but that's about as far as my fighting spirit goes. I just want things to go smoothly in this new gig with the Almighty Titans of all people, and if tracking down just one crook on a secret night mission makes that a surety—then so be it. But I insisted that we at least finished the laundry first so as not to arouse suspicion or—worse off—tick any of the Titans off. It took time, but I finally convinced him about something. And he respectfully agreed. But no sooner after we'd be done, it was out on the town we'd go.
What can I say? Excitement is always a good thing. And besides, I trust Bard. Why shouldn't I? He was, after all, the one to have… ….to have 'found' me….
When I needed a second chance at existence more than ever before.
-T-T-T-T-T-T-
So here I am walking down a slate-gray hallway in the Tower with a basket of laundry balanced estrogenically against my hip. A basket….full of pink things.
Starfire's things.
I clear my throat, fight a shade of rosiness to my cheeks, and try politely not to 'look'.
Just two doors down. One door down. There—
I silently place the basket down before her bedroom. I try not to make a noise. I don't know exactly how the hearing is for Tamaranian ears—alien and all that. But I don't want to risk gathering any attention on the eve of Bard's and my.. …. ..'trek'.
But Starfire is so sweet. At least, she appears to be. It's almost hard to believe anyone could be so.. …so cheery. But, alas—What you see is what you get with her. Which, thankfully, is a good thing where she's concerned. But.. … …who am I to judge? Besides, Robin would kill me if I got too nosy about what makes the sweet alien girl tick. Nobody could possibly be blind to THAT fact. Heh….
I tip-toe away from the bedroom and get into a brisk pace as soon as I'm in the clear. I let out a breath and run a hand through my neck-length strands. A nervous habit that I've picked up more lately than ever before. There are actually people around me to have 'looking' at my hair. It's kinda unsettling.. …God, what if there turns out to be a magazine with us all in it or something? I never even thought of that—
I hear voices, and I realize that I am nearing Terra's room. Not only that, but I am hearing the voices of two people. Terra herself, and Beast Boy.
I helplessly smile.
Those two. They are inseparable. I can only imagine to what extremes fate has tossed and turned them to become so unified. True love, I suppose. I've witnessed it a few times in my life. A stress on the 'witnessed' and not so much the 'experienced'. But who's to complain? I enjoy the very aura of these two Titans.
"… …just can't sleep, Beast Boy. But it's no big deal. Heh… ..Thank God for the Tower and it's digital cable."
"You sure you don't want me to serenade you or somethin'?"
"HA… …that'd be rich."
"What? I happen to be a good minstrel! Give me a Jew Harp—You got a Jew Harp?"
"… .. .. …"
"Uhh…what's with that look?"
"It's called a JAW Harp, Beast Boy."
"Since when?"
"Since mankind turned civilized. It was called the NINETIES."
"Pffft…you silly blondes and your political correctness."
"I heard that! Mmmf—Take that, punk!'
"HA! I take your shove and substitute a kick to the shins!"
"You.. ….wouldn't… …dare… … …"
"…. .. … …eh, you're right. Weak, man. I can't so much as pull a Ralph Kramden on you."
"Heehehehehe…"
As I stroll up to Terra's bedroom door, I spot not one—but two baskets of laundry.
I could have sworn Bard said he left their loads at their separate bedrooms. So I guess that means… .. …. ..
"… .. … .."
I blush a bit, but nevertheless smile as I cast the cracked door a devilish look.
If Robin is so lenient about THIS.. … ..then surely Bard and I have absolutely nothing to worry about. Speaking of which, I better get going before Raven sees our pawprints on her blue robe and screams 'bloody murder'.
I make to blur my way towards the nearest stairwell leading to the rendezvous point when I hear—
"Whoah! Terra! What's wrong?"
"I… ..I….it's n-nothing, Beast Boy—"
"You look pale.. ….and y-you got the shakes! You feeling okay?"
"It's.. …It's….It's…."
"… .. …?" I crane my neck. On silent, smoking feet I tip-toe my way back to the door. I take a deep breath, concentrate, and dissolve my essence into a near-transparent cloud of smoke. It is a trick I learned a long, long time ago. Even before I met Bard. Even before I lost my ability to…
Well…
Another story for another time, I guess.
Just what is Terra's problem?
I glance in through the crack in the door. I see the two young companions. Both decent. Beast Boy in a t-shirt and shorts. Terra in a long nightgown. They stand before the flickering t.v. set as the blonde hugs herself as if afflicted with a sudden chill. She does not look at all pleasant. Not at all. Her face turns white as a ghost and she starts to hyperventilate.
"It's happening again—It's happening again!"
"Terra, calm down—"
"Those damn criminals! I-I didn't think tossing the van like I did would overexert my powers, but---blast it! It's happening, Beast Boy! Again…AGAIN! I-I just know it—"
"Terra, no it is not! You gotta get a hold of yourself—"
"Omigod Omigod Omigod—" She all but collapses.
I gasp and nearly dash in—
"TERRA!" Beast Boy practically grabs her. Shaking her by the shoulders. "You HAVE control! Just concentrate! Don't panic—"
"I-I can't… ….I can't…," Terra gasps. And before my eyes, the edges of her cranium and upper arms start to crack and harden into solid.. …brown.. … …stone. "Oh G-God—"
"Shhh…Terra….Just relax, Terra…," Beast Boy holds her close, stroking a hand through whatever strands of her hair are left soft. "Dudette.. ….just be cool. Really cool. You're hangin' with us now, right? We won't let anything bad happen to you. We just need you to concentrate and relax your powers, okay, Terra? You got control. You got control. Just.. …be cool… …be cool… …I'm here for you---Shhhh—I ain't going nowhere…."
Terra breathes… …pants….and bites her lip. She scrunches her forehead, and like a mudslide in reverse the stone 'skin' slides back and disappears. She lets out a loud gasp and dangles in Beast Boy's embrace, all but sobbing. "I-I don't know what came over me. Those panic attacks… ..th-they just come and go and…and…."
"Shhh… ..Just a little scare, Terra. I really can't blame you. I just need you to relax and everything will be okay. We've been through this before, okay? Just relax…."
But she can't help it. Her eyes squint. Tears well up. And she hides her face into his shoulder. "Oh god… ..it was so cold and quiet for all those months, Beast Boy. I don't want to go back.. …I don't ever want to go back t-to that.. …so helpless.. …so cold.. …so long…. …"
"Shhh….And you won't….cuz you've got control now, Terra. And you're with us. So everything's okay now, right? Just rest.. ….I'm not gonna let you go back to that…."
"B-Beast Boy…," she hiccups and just rests there in his arms.
The two sway together. Gently.
A half-minute pauses. And suddenly, Beast Boy's left pointed ear pricks up. He glances over his shoulder with animalistic vigilance.
But I am long gone. I am halfway down a stairwell. Shaking a little. Trying to compose myself and---for the sake of their privacy—shake out any recollection of what I just saw.
Terra. She was once bad, wasn't she?
.. … …what on Earth happened to her to bring her here? How did she become a Titan again?
I lean against a railing of the claustrophobic stairwell interior and sigh into the echoes of myself.
Really, though.. ….how is it any of my concern?
I stroke back stubborn bangs and stare off into space.
.. …. …will I ever afford to have any of these wonderful people be my concern?
A chirping sound. I jump—then realize that it's my communicator. I flip it open with a Star Trek sound. And—helplessly—I wait. Wait for the voice on the other end.
Thankfully, it's somebody who knows how to speak first when I'm concerned: "Snkkkt-H-Hey Noir! Eh heh heh….I'm at the rendezvous point already and…uhm….well…."
I wince. Crud! I forgot all about that.
"And…eheheh…well….CYBORG is here….and…erm….."
I bite my lip, chilled to the bone. Busted. I attempt to give him a morse code response when—
"You know what—Rather than just confuse your noggin' and such, why don't you mosey on down here?"
"…. .. ….."
"It's okay man—heheh—believe it or not, I think Cyborg is here to join us. Not ground us."
"…. … …." I raise an eyebrow and smirk into the shadows.
Well then…. …
Yeeha.
