"Aha!" Beast Boy slammed a pair of cards on the table. "No more cards! In your faces!"

Raven pulled a card from the ones laid face-down on the table. "I'm out, too."

"Same here!" Cyborg said.

Starfire placed a pair of cards on the table, holding a single one in her hand. "Tell me, what shall I do with this card?" Starfire showed us the queen card.

"Actually, Starfire, the queen means that you're the old maid." Robin said.

"And... that is a good thing?"

"It means you lose the game." I said.

"Oh... Perhaps someone is willing to trade?"

We fell quiet as we heard a low rumble coming from outside the Tower. It grew louder, like an airplane passing over, but much more deafening. We turned to the window and saw a giant rocket fly over with two tiny spaceships chasing after it.

"What the heck is going on?" Cyborg said.

My friends stood up from the table and headed out of the room. I set my cards down and watched the rocket fly around. Anger churned in my stomach.

A hand rested on my shoulder. I jumped and looked up at Starfire.

"You are coming to admire the spectacle, yes?" she said.

"Sure." I said as I stood up. "Starfire... do you remember those words you told me long ago about not letting other people's words get to me?"

"I do. I recall you saying it was your favorite quote."

I nodded. "Yeah... Thanks again."

Starfire smiled. We headed out of Ops.

Their origin is finally here.


We watched the spaceship battle from the top of Titans Tower, all the way to the end where the pilot rode one of the dying enemy ships into the forest on the outskirts of town. We followed the trail of smoke and the deep skid marks in the dirt to the crash site, which was consumed with flames. Upon reaching the fire, a tall, muscular man with gray eyes, silver hair and skin emerged from the flames. He wore a dark blue suit, silver gauntlets and boots, and he had a black four-point star with a red dot in the middle on his chest. He stopped in front of us and placed his hands on his hips.

"Greetings," the man said, "I am Val-Yor of Ernathia."

"I'm Robin, and we're the Teen Titans." Robin said, shaking Val-Yor's hand. "That was an amazing fight. We watched the whole thing from our Tower."

"Ah, the giant headquarters I passed by is yours? Then I guess I'm in the presence of fellow superheroes."

"You're a superhero?" Beast Boy said, his eyes shimmering.

"That's what my people call me."

"It is a pleasure to welcome you to Earth. I hope your time here is most enjoyable!" Starfire smiled.

Val-Yor's face fell. "I see you have a Tamaranean."

"This is Starfire; she's a part of the team." Robin said, glossing over Val-Yor's suddenly sour disposition. "This is Raven, Beast Boy, Cyborg, and the one hiding in the back is Ciela."

I folded my arms. I wanted to stay hidden from this man. I always talked about how much I didn't like Terra, but she paled in comparison to Val-Yor and his nasty personality. I wished my friends could point out these things as well as I could. Then again, they haven't dealt with what I've been through.

At least... I glanced at Starfire. Almost everyone.

"So, why were those guys chasing you?" Cyborg said.

"They're more than just guys. Come with me, and I'll explain." Val-Yor walked through us and down the path. My friends followed him, and I reluctantly trailed behind.


Val-Yor brought up a picture of an alien from three different angles and faced us.

"This is an alien species known as Locrix. I've dealt with plenty of these creatures during my travels. They're nothing but vicious killing machines." Val-Yor said. More pictures popped up of the Locrix causing havoc on different planets. "Their only desire is total galactic domination, and they're determined to wipe out anyone who stands in the way of their goal."

"So, how do we stop them from taking over Earth?" Robin said.

"I took on a mission to take them out at their base- their mother planet, Sentien. In my ship, I have stored a quantum eradicator. Pop that into their central power core and that'll shut them down forever."

"We want to help you."

Val-Yor turned around. "I must warn you, this is a very dangerous mission. If you want to join me, you need to know what's at stake. The Locrix won't go down without a fight."

"No big deal! We've dealt with plenty of bad guys; this will be a piece of cake!" Beast Boy said.

Val-Yor smiled. "I like your confidence. Very well, then, welcome aboard. I suggest we take off as soon as possible."


Peering out the window, I watched Earth shrink and disappear in a matter of seconds. The stars passed by, making them look like smears on a canvas. Behind me, I heard Val-Yor tell the other Titans one of his battle stories, and they sat in front of him like small children and hung on his every word. I heard them "ooh" and "ahh" as he wrapped up the story. Val-Yor stood up from his chair.

"All right, it's time to steer this ship to our destination. I've just installed a new neutron turbo engine." Val-Yor gripped Cyborg's shoulder. "Want to test it out?"

A wide smile grew on Cyborg's face, and he sprinted over and sat down in front of the steering wheel, a trail of drool dripping down the side of his mouth.

"Robin, how would you like to navigate?" Val-Yor dragged Robin over to the seat next to Cyborg. He sat down and both boys shared a giddy grin. "Raven, Beast Boy, man the blasters." I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I tensed. "Ciela, I want you to be on radar guard. Keep an eye out for any opposition."

I stepped away and faced Val-Yor with a glare. I noticed Starfire standing next to Val-Yor's seat, holding her hands together and patiently waiting for something to do. "You could put Starfire in charge of that. She'd be just as good."

I watched Val-Yor's smile disappear at the mention of Starfire's name. I clenched my fists.

The ship lurched harshly, nearly knocking me off my feet. I looked out the window and saw a fleet of Locrix ships heading our way. I heard explosions come from somewhere on the ship.

"Intruders! The Locrix have made their way into the cargo hold!" Val-Yor said. "Cyborg, keep this ship on course. Robin, Beast Boy, Raven, and Ciela, you four come with me."

Val-Yor and my friends left the room. I turned to Starfire.

"Let's go." I said.

Starfire nodded, and we ran after the others. We used a secret path to get to the cargo hold, dropping us between the eradicator and the Locrix.

"Titans, go!"

Val-Yor plunged headfirst into the action, immediately taking out a few of the Locrix. One reached its arms toward me and its fingers flew toward me like tentacles. I transformed my pistols into my energy sword and swiped, cutting the tentacles in half. I charged toward the Locrix. It reeled its arm back and threw a punch, but I dodged it and drove the blade into its chest. The Locrix crackled with energy, and I removed my sword and shoved it back. It fell to the ground.

"Watch it! What are you trying to do, kill us all?!" I heard Val-Yor cry. I turned my head and saw him looming over Starfire.

"I will try to be more careful." Starfire said.

Val-Yor growled under his breath. "Typical." He turned and launched into a pack of Locrix. We stood over the piles of bodies. "Great work, team! Now, let's head back to the bridge. We need to be ready in case they try to attack us again."

I gripped Starfire's wrist and tried to drag her out of the room.

"Wait. I wish to reconcile with Val-Yor." Starfire said, pulling away from my grip and walking back to Val-Yor. I leaned against the wall outside of the cargo hold.

"You know how you can help? By staying out of the way! I can't fathom how the Teen Titans let you on the team. A Troq like you doesn't belong with them!"

I gasped. The anger welling up inside me made me tremble. The doors opened, and I looked up at Starfire, all light flushed from her face. Her eyes met mine. Quietly, she looked away and continued down the hall.


"Man, I wouldn't mind hanging around Val-Yor all day. He's the best!" Beast Boy said. "I think I'm his favorite."

"Please! He told me I'm the best pilot he's ever seen! You better get back in line!" Cyborg said.

"We're all great in his eyes." Robin said.

"Well, yeah, 'cause we are!"

"But I still believe that some are just a little bit better." Beast Boy said. Cyborg shoved Beast Boy.

I walked close to Starfire as she lagged behind the rest of the group. She stopped, keeping her eyes to the floor as she held her arms.

"Guys, come on! We'd better hurry or we'll miss the briefing." Robin called to me and Starfire.

"I'll race you there!" Beast Boy said, taking off into a sprint down the hallway. The other three chased after him.

Starfire bowed her head and started to walk.

"Starfire." I said. Starfire stopped and turned to me. It pained me to see her eyes so dim. "You know Val-Yor's words are a lie. You're so much more than that stupid word! I won't allow someone like him to try and tear any of us down!"

Starfire gave me a small smile. "I am fine, Ciela. Val-Yor is simply misunderstood. You must not worry about me."

I stepped closer to her and held her wrist tightly. "You think I don't see what he really is? What his words are doing to you? I've dealt with people like him my whole life. I can't bear to see you like this." I said. "You're my best friend, Starfire. In my dark times, you were always one who was able to reach me. Please, let me reach you."

Starfire paused. "Come, we must join the others." She removed her wrist from my hand and replaced it with hers, leading us both down the hallway.


Val-Yor and the other Titans stood over a small, round table that displayed a map on the surface. I sat beside Starfire on the stairs near the door.

"Here's where we'll land the ship. The Locrix won't be able to detect us in this part, which means a good sneak attack is in order." Val-Yor said. "Robin, Cyborg, and Ciela, I need you to provide cover for me while I carry the quantum eradicator to the central power core over here. I trust you can take care of that."

"Sure thing!" Robin said.

"I know I can count on you, Spike." Val-Yor ruffled Robin's hair, leaving a messy hairstyle and a big grin on his face.

"We've definitely got your back." Cyborg said.

"I know you do, Metal Butt." Val-Yor turned to Raven and Beast Boy. "Sunshine, I'm going to need you to keep an energy field around the ship in case the Locrix try to prevent us from leaving. Champ, you provide back-up when needed." Val-Yor glanced over his shoulder at Starfire. "You got all of that, Troqie?"

Starfire scowled. "Yes, I did."

"Good."

The room flashed red and alarms blared. Val-Yor typed on a holographic keyboard and brought up a holographic picture of Sentien. A blue, gridded barrier surrounded it.

"Looks like the Locrix aren't willing to let anyone inside. The planet is covered with mines. Our ship won't be able to pass in this condition." Val-Yor looked back. "Well, Troqie, it looks like your kind of job. Get out there and clear a path for us."

"You're just as capable. Why don't you do this?" I said.

"I'm needed in here, Gunslinger. Someone like Troqie here is perfectly capable of handling the harsh conditions of space." Val-Yor said. "Well? Let's get a move on!"

Starfire stood up and left the room. I followed her into the airlock.

"You don't have to do this." I said.

"I must if I want to prove my usefulness to Val-Yor." Starfire said as she slid on a headset.

"You don't need to prove anything! Who cares what Val-Yor thinks?!"

"It will be all right, Ciela. I am about to leave; I suggest you go back to the others."

Starfire turned away from me. With a huff, I ran out of the room and down the hallway.

I won't sit back and let Val-Yor get away with this. I paused in front of the door to the bridge. I waited for my breath to calm before I painted a smile on my face and went inside. I walked to the front.

"Hey, guys," I said, resting my hands on Robin and Cyborg's shoulders, "can you step away from this for a minute? I need to talk to you about something."

"Is now really a good time? Can it wait for later?" Cyborg said.

My smile faltered, and I dug my trembling fingers into their shoulders.

"No. It can't."

Robin and Cyborg glanced at each other before standing up.

"Spike, Metal Butt, where are you going?" Val-Yor said.

"Uh... We'll be right back." Robin said as the three of us went into the hallway. "What's going on?"

"You want to know what 'Troq' really means?" I said.

"That nickname Val-Yor calls Starfire?" Cyborg said.

"It's more than a nickname. It's an insult; a slur. It's an alien word for 'nothing'. When Val-Yor calls Starfire that, he's saying that she's worthless. It's the same thing as when people call me Fattela." I said, watching their faces shift into shock. "Val-Yor isn't as high and mighty as you think. He's a bully."

We heard footsteps coming our way. We turned and saw Starfire standing a few feet away from us.

"Why didn't you tell us Val-Yor was being so rude to you?" Robin said.

"I did not want my feelings to get in the way of the mission. It is what is more important at the moment." Starfire said.

"That's no excuse to keep this from us. We're your friends, Star, and we won't allow anyone to treat you like this." Cyborg said.

Starfire smiled. "I appreciate your words. Sincerely."

We heard beeping come from the bridge, and we went back inside.

"It looks like the Locrix were expecting us. Prepare for landing!" Val-Yor said. "Spike, Metal Butt, get to your stations!"

From the head, multiple yellow energy bolts flew at us as we entered the planet's atmosphere. Despite the yellow color the planet had from the outside, the area was more of a light green. The ship was set to autopilot and we headed to the airlock.

"All right, team, remember your positions: Cyborg, Ciela, and Robin, take the lead, Beast Boy, Raven, guard the escape route. I will take the quantum eradicator to the power core."

"You left out Starfire." I said.

"Troq will guard the ship." A small hatch opened on the eradicator with a scanner. Val-Yor placed his hand on the scanner and activated it.

Starfire clenched her fist. "No. I will assist you."

Val-Yor whirled around with gritted teeth. "I gave you an order, and I expect you to follow it!"

"My friends are going into danger, and I am not going to stay back and not help them. They are more important than your orders."

The ship landed. When the hatch opened, a wave of Locrix blocked out path, eager to greet us.

"Let's do this." Val-Yor said, strapping the eradicator to his torso. He used his eye beams to cut through a chunk of the Locrix, clearing the path for us. Raven and Beast Boy stayed behind while the rest of us trudged down the path and to the central power core. A horde of Locrix surrounded us. Val-Yor tore through them and continued with Starfire hot on his trail. The Locrix closed around us.

"Move out of the way!" Cyborg said, summoning his sonic cannon and blasting a few Locrix to pieces.

"Starfire can handle the rest. Let's head back to the others and protect the ship." Robin said.

Summoning my bazooka, we blazed through the waves of enemies and made our way back to the ship, helping Raven and Beast Boy protect the ship. In the distance, I saw a building, where the central core was stored, erupt in flames. Around us, the Locrix powered down and collapsed. A small silhouette flew down the path, growing bigger until it turned into Starfire carrying Val-Yor.

"You did it, Starfire! Nice going!" Robin said.

"Thank you, but Val-Yor has been hurt. He requires medical attention." Starfire said.

"Lucky for us, the ship is ready for take-off." Beast Boy said, gesturing proudly to Val-Yor's unscathed spaceship.


Back on Earth, on top of Titans Tower, the six of us stood with Val-Yor. He didn't sustain any major injuries; the worse was a sling for his arm.

"Well, I appreciate all you've done in helping me carry out my mission." Val-Yor said.

"Don't thank us, thank Starfire." Robin said. "If it weren't for her, you'd be a pile of ash back on Sentien."

Val-Yor cringed slightly. Starfire stepped forward.

"Thank you... Starfire. I have to admit, your skills were impressive for a Tamaranean. I guess the Teen Titans stumbled upon one of the good ones."

"You're wrong, Val-Yor." I said. "Any Tamaranean would do what Starfire did. You're too blinded by your arrogance to see how great they are."

"Hey, I'm trying to pay her a compliment!"

"I know what a compliment is; I also know what an insult is. As far as I'm concerned, you're no hero."

Val-Yor scowled. "I guess Gunslinger wasn't the proper nickname for you. Maybe I should've called you Troqela- it has a nice ring to it."

"That is enough, Val-Yor." Starfire snapped, slightly calming the tense situation. I feared if she hadn't spoken, someone would've thrown a punch. "You may say all you want about me or my people, but I will not allow you to direct your cruel words to my friends. At least on this planet, people are accepting of you regardless of your background or your appearance. As long as good people like them exist in this galaxy, you are powerless."

Val-Yor growled. "And here I was led to believe Earthlings were smarter than this. I guess I was wrong."

Val-Yor picked up his feet and flew into his spaceship. We watched it break through the atmosphere and fly far away.

Starfire turned around and pulled me into a hug.

"Thank you, Ciela, for reaching me." Starfire said.

I returned the hug. "It was the least I could do for all you've done for me."

Starfire pulled away and smiled. "You are my best friend. I will not let harm come to you."

I reciprocated the smile. We turned to the others.

"We're sorry we didn't know about Val-Yor sooner. We would've done something to prevent this." Robin said. The others nodded shamefully.

Starfire shook her head. "There was nothing you could have done."

Starfire nudged me. I glanced at her. She smiled and nodded to me. I turned to the others.

"There will always be people who say mean words because you are different. And sometimes their minds cannot be changed. But there are many more people who do not judge others based on how they look or where they are from." I said.

I looked at my friends and smiled. Starfire gripped my hand and gave it a comforting squeeze.

"Those are the people whose words truly matter."