A sleek, black and unmarked United Nations' helicopter cruised over the famous skyline, cruising past the Chrysler building on its way to JFK airport. Few New Yorkers could be bothered to look up in the nighttime sky and even if they had they wouldn't have seen the stealthy chopper with it two stealthy passengers. Within minutes it reached its destination and landed next to an also stubby military cargo plane, of Russian design, whose sole identification was a UN logo on its tail.
Three passengers egressed from the chopper. They walked up to the cargo plane, which had its rear ramp lowered, and they stopped in front of it. One of the trio, a silver haired man, addressed the other two.
"Obviously we have no idea of how long you will be deployed. We will of course be in touch with you and periodically drop supplies. Everything you need for the first two months is on that plane: clothes, camouflaged of course. As well as food, medical supplies, communication gear, the works. It will all be dropped via parachute, which is how you will be deployed … I don't need to remind you of how important this mission is." Faraday droned.
"We understand, colonel." Batgirl replied.
Faraday looked grim, even by his own standards. "Good luck." He mumbled, before returning to the helicopter. Babs began to walk up the ramp into the airplane, but Grayson did not follow her. He was staring into the cloudless sky, in which only the brightest stars were visible as New York's electric lights and smog obscured a clear view of the sky. Babs noticed that he wasn't following her and she trudged back down the ramp. He didn't acknowledge her presence and continued to stargaze.
"Nightwing?"
He pointed into the celestial vault. "Do you see that star over there, the brighter one?"
She looked up. "Yes, I do."
"That's Vega. It's twenty five light years away. Vega is practically our next door neighbor, at least in a cosmic sense." He turned to face Babs. "Tamaran orbits Vega."
Batgirl continued to stare at the bright star. "That's where they are now, right?"
"Yeah." He replied in a listless tone. "So close and yet so far."
"They're safe there." She remarked. "Are you OK, Dick?"
"I don't know … will I ever see them again?"
Barbara punched him in the arm. "What the hell kind of thing is that to say? Of course you'll see them again."
She took his hand and squeezed it. "Come on, Nightwing … we have a world to save."
He nodded reluctantly and followed her up the ramp, which closed behind them and the transport's jet engines began to whine as they came to life.
-( scene break )-
Raven and Gar, each carrying a tray with their breakfasts found a small quiet table in the far corner of the dining hall. There had been no sign of Alexa so far and she suppressed a small sigh of relief from escaping her lips. Raven ate her meal in peace and just as she was finishing she heard a familiar voice echo in the room.
"Daddy, daddy!"
Raven winced slightly at the sound of Mark's voice. It wasn't until that moment that she connected the voice with one from the past: when she first met Beast Boy on the day that Starfire literally fell from the sky as she escaped from the Gordanians. Sure, the child's voice was slightly higher pitched, but there was no mistaking whose voice it resembled, and she found it unnerving. But that wasn't the worst of it. She could handle the little boy; well, to a degree … but if he was around that meant …
"Good Morning, Logans!"
Mark sat down at their table and smiled at Garfield, who returned his grin. The child was joined at the table by his mother, who didn't ask for permission to join the Chromatically Challenged Couple at their table. Raven raised her head and through narrowed eyes looked at the blond.
"Alexa." She acknowledged her presence in her monotone.
"Good morning, Raven. Hello Gar! Did you guys sleep well?"
"As well as could be expected, given the circumstances." Raven replied.
"We all have a busy day today." Alexa announced as handed Raven a sheet of paper. Raven quickly glanced at it. It was a schedule with her name on it. Raven looked up at the woman.
"A physician's appointment?"
Alexa began to feed her son, who continued to smile at Garfield between mouthfuls of food.
"Your medical records have been transferred here. Tina … I mean Dr. Felty, will be your doctor. She's top notch Raven, you and your baby are in good hands. Your due date is when? Eight weeks from now?"
"Five weeks." Raven replied in a voice as dry as burnt toast. "But I see you have other tasks for me."
"All minor, except for the library. Matt McCall has volunteered to help you setup the stacks."
"I don't require help."
"Rave, it's OK. I know you can use your powers to shelve the books, but …" Her husband interrupted.
"Actually, most of the books are electronic. But there are a few thousand that aren't available in electronic format … Matt just wants to get to know you better, and help you too, he's quite a gentleman." Alexa interjected before turning to the changeling. "We have a busy day ahead of us, Gar. As soon as we're done with breakfast, it's off to the lab. You'll meet the others and we'll get to work."
"What about the boy?" Raven asked as she looked at Mark.
"Oh, I forgot to mention this … the daycare doesn't open for a few days … Gar and I need you to watch him for us. That won't be a problem, right?"
"You want me … to watch him … for both of you?"
"I knew I could count on you." Alexa replied. "And don't worry, he's a great kid. He's Gar's boy after all."
"But …"
"Thanks Raven, we'll see you at lunch time … come on Gar, we're late. There's work to do."
Alexa took Garfield's wrist and quickly led him away. He mouthed the word 'sorry' as Alexa dragged him out of the dining hall. Raven sighed and closed her eyes. She then felt a weight on her lap. She reopened her eyes and saw that the green toddler had made himself at home on her lap. He looked up at her and gave her an extremely shy smile.
"Great, just great. What's next?"
"I love you, Aunt Raven."
She heaved a long sigh.
"Mark, I'm your father's wife, but I'm not your aunt."
"Mommy says you are my aunt."
"She's wrong … I'm not your aunt, though I could be your step mother … dear Azar … that's even worse."
"What's a step mother, Aunt Raven?" HE smiled.
Raven groaned. "It's … complicated."
"What's 'complicated'?"
"I'll tell you later … much later. Are you done eating your breakfast?"
He nodded enthusiastically. She thought the child looked … adorable.
How can you possibly be that horrid woman's son?
She reviewed his tray and verified that he was telling the truth.
"I guess we're stuck together for the day, so we might as well make the best of it."
She took his little green hand in her own.
"Let's go, I have to go meet the doctor. Then you can help me set up the library. OK?"
"I have to go potty."
She quickly led him to the men's room. "OK Mark, knock yourself out."
He shook his head. "Mommy always comes with me."
"I'm not your mommy."
The toddler began to do the "dance". Raven rolled her eyes and blew a stray strand of hair out of her face.
"Ok, fine, I'll take you to the ladies' room."
Raven led him to a stall, lowered his trousers and plopped him on top of a toilet.
"What did I ever do to deserve this?"
-( scene break )-
"Get dressed, Frassa'd. It's time to go meet my sister and her half breed brat."
The Tamaranian male was a step ahead of her and was already putting his uniform on. As soon as he was ready they hurried down to the Great Hall and arrived just as the trumpets were announcing her sister's arrival.
"All Hail Princesses Koriand'r and Mar'i!" A booming voice announced. The entire assembly, except for Galfore, Blackfire and Frassa'd kneeled in homage. From a distance, Galfore noticed the commoner's faux pas and snarled at the lieutenant.
"On your knee, cur!"
Frassa'd abruptly complied just as Starfire and Nightstar made their entrance.
"The child … she looks human." The lieutenant muttered to Blackfire from his humble position. "It's an outrage. How can she possibly be a princess of Tamaran?"
"The law is, unfortunately, on her side. And to make matters worse, the brat is in line before me for the throne."
"But Milady, you are the older sister. You should be first in line."
Blackfire glanced at Frassa'd. He was as smart as he was good looking, which meant he wasn't terribly clever.
"How old are you, Frassa'd?"
"I am 18 years old, Milady."
"Of course … you are too young to remember."
He responded with a befuddled look. "Remember what?"
"Twelve years ago my sister challenged me to a duel for the crown … and she won. The fool then put her dim witted knorfka in charge as Grand Ruler. Still, she remains next in line for the crown once Galfore steps down and by law her half breed brat is her heir and is ahead of me as well."
"It is an outrage. You are the older sister; you should be sitting on the throne."
"I know, and to add insult to injury I am not allowed to challenge her back. It is sealed forever."
Frassa'd glared at the young princess. Other than for her dark hair and blue eyes, the child looked perfectly Tamaranian. As he continued to look, an alarmed expression appeared on his face.
"Milady?" He asked in an anxious tone.
"Yes?"
"Forgive me for my impertinence, but the child, she looks like …" he paused, as if afraid to continue.
"Yes, I know, it's painfully obvious … she looks like me. Go ahead, Frassa'd you may ask me why I have black hair and violet eyes when no other Tamaranian has them."
Still kneeling, he averted his gaze to the floor. "Please forgive me; it is not my place to ask."
Before Blackfire could reply, Galfore barked at her from across the hall.
"Kommand'r! You will come and greet your sister properly! And leave your flea ridden lapdog behind!"
"Wait here Frassa'd." Blackfire sauntered over to the dais where Galfore, Starfire and her daughter where standing, as the royal court paid homage to the two, until then, absentee princesses. She climbed the steps and smiled.
"Sister, long time no see." She greeted Starfire with a smirk on her face.
"I said you are to greet her properly."
As she continued to smirk, Blackfire dropped down onto her right knee. "Welcome home, Princess Koriand'r. I, Princess Komand'r am and always will be your loyal and humble servant."
Nightstar was wide eyed as he saw the woman who bore an uncanny resemblance not only to her mother, but even more so to her. Though their visit to Tamaran so far had been brief, it had not escaped Mar'i's attention that this was the only other raven haired person she had seen on her mother's homeworld.
"Who are you?" The child asked.
Blackfire's smirk shifted into a smile. "I welcome you, Princess Mar'i. As for whom I am, I am your aunt, Princess Kommand'r."
"Kommand'r? What does that mean?"
"Of course, you have been raised on Earth and English is your first language. My name means Blackfire, and you and I are going to be good friends." She replied as she rose to her feet. "Sister, why have you not taught her our language via lip contact? She does look of age to perform the transfer. Or does she lack the ability because she is half human?"
"Mommy can't do the lip contact anymore."
"Really? And why is that?"
Starfire's posture suddenly became defensive. "I had an accident. I am hoping that maybe the Royal Physicians might be able to help me."
"I see … how tragic … if you would like, I can perform the transfer." Blackfire replied in an overly sweet voice.
"That will not be necessary; I will find someone else to perform that favor for us … sister."
Blackfire did not acknowledge the snub and continued to smile. "As you wish, my sister."
Starfire subtly gestured at Frassa'd, who remained at a deferential distance from the dais. "I see that you have a new lover and that you like them very young. You are becoming what on Earth is known as a cougar."
Blackfire laughed.
"Guilty as charged, and what is wrong is being a cougar? If I am attractive enough for the young flesh, why should I not partake of it? … And speaking of mates, where is yours? I do not see him here."
"He has remained on Earth."
"Congratulations! You finally came to your senses and dumped the weakling."
The green glow in Starfire's eyes intensified. "He is not a weakling! And I did not dump him."
"Pftt! He's human … all humans are weaklings. So if you didn't dump him, why didn't he come?"
Starfire suddenly became crestfallen. Blackfire smirked when she saw the change in her mood.
"There is a crisis on Earth; he has stayed behind to help."
"You mean the Human Plague? Amazing how a simple little virus has the entire galactic neighborhood in a state of panic. Of course, our people are immune so we have nothing to worry about. So, is your little human daughter immune as well?"
"You know very well that she is half Tamaranian, but we do not know if she is immune to the virus. My husband took a blood sample from her and sent it to the Tower to be studied, but now that we have left it isn't important anymore. They now how their own problems to solve."
"Isn't it always that way with humans? They are the most self absorbed race I have ever encountered."
"That is not true, Blackfire. Humans can show kindness and love."
"Yeah, when they want something from you."
Starfire crossed her arms. "I believe that you are describing yourself."
"Oh Kory, please don't tell me that you are holding a grudge about those misunderstandings we had."
Starfire narrowed her eyes. "We are done talking. You may now leave."
Blackfire smirked again. "I see you haven't changed, sister, which is wonderful. I was counting on it."
Kommand'r bowed politely and took her leave. Frassa'd followed her with the utmost of deference as she left the Great Hall. Mar'i levitated to her mother's eye level.
"Mom, why didn't you ever tell me that you have a sister?"
"Because … she is evil. Stay away from her, my child. Beware of her, for she is a night v'kosh who strikes in the darkness with its poisonous fang swhen you can't see her."
Nightstar turned to look at the dark haired princess who was leaving. In a sea of red haired heads, Blackfire stood out with her dark hair.
"Mom, why does she have dark hair … like me? Everyone else has red hair."
"It is a dark and shameful story, my child. Someday I will share it with you when you are older. But remember this my child … you are nothing like her."
-( scene break )-
The mood in the Tower was as gloomy as the grey sky that hung over Steele City, but Cyborg seemed to ignore it as he watched TV with Karen at his side. It was the G. Gordon Godfrey show, on the Gotham News Network channel.
"… just how many times have we've been told that aliens are our friends? That strangers from Mars, Tamaran and even the now defunct world known as Krypton would always defend us from mortal peril? Where is the Justice League now and what about those wannabe superheroes who call themselves the Titans?"
The screen behind Godfrey changed and displayed a Green Lantern symbol.
"What I would really like to know is why there are so many Green Lanterns orbiting our fair planet. Sure, the United Nations denies it and good luck trying to contact the Justice League or the Titans, all you'll get for your troubles is a busy signal."
"You stupid windbag, what are you trying to do? Start a worldwide panic?" Cyborg shook his metal fist at the screen.
"All he cares about are ratings." Bumblebee added.
"Amateur astronomers around the globe are reporting seeing them in orbit, dear viewers, and we're not talking about our four human Green Lanterns … oh no, not a chance. These are aliens, not humans, let me show you."
A quick slide show of blurry and fuzzy pictures taken by sky gazers from around the world sequenced across the screen. Even though the pictures were far from perfect it was painfully obvious that the Lanterns in the shots were not human. Cyborg face palmed.
"Is there anything that rate whore won't do to get a bigger audience?"
After a couple of minutes the slide show ended. Cyborg was silently impressed; almost all of the Green Lanterns had been seen and caught on camera by rank amateurs.
"'Oh G. Gordon', you're surely saying, 'what are you so worried about? The Green Lantern Corps are the good guys … right?' … Well, let's just say that I don't share your unbridled faith in the Emerald Space Knights. Who do they answer to? Who gives them their marching orders? I'll tell you who … it's not us."
The bombastic journalist silently walked back and forth across the studio set with his arms behind his back, looking very solemn, as if he was delivering a homily. The camera carefully followed his every move.
"The Green Lantern Corps takes its orders from a self appointed group that calls themselves the 'Guardians of the Universe.' I guess the job of being God was already taken, so they grabbed the number two job without asking for anyone's permission. Then again, that's what self appointed vigilantes, who answer to no one, do."
Godfrey continued to pace around the set.
"So, I'm sure that you are wondering why are there so many Green Lanterns circling our beautiful blue world? Well … I'm just a journalist, so how would I know? But fear not, dear viewers, for we have a special guest, a military expert who can tell us: Major Slade Wilson, US Army, retired."
"WHAT!?" Cyborg bellowed.
"Thank you, G. Gordon, though to be honest I never really retired from the Army." Slade, who was dressed in his signature costume, replied to his host in his infamous monotone. "Though I was discharged."
Godfrey laughed. "So Slade, what is your assessment of the situation?"
"It's quite simple; any student of military history could tell you what is happening: We are being blockaded by the Green Lantern Corps."
"Fascinating, Slade. But why would they blockade little old Earth? We aren't a threat to anyone, are we?"
"Gordon, I do not say this in jest, or lightheartedly. We are being blockaded because an all out planetary invasion is imminent."
Cyborg groaned. "Oh you gotta be kidding me. Is Slade really that clueless?"
"And what do you recommend that the average citizen, a "Joe six pack" if you will, do to protect himself and his loved ones from this imminent invasion?"
"He's asking Slade?" Bumblebee asked in utter disbelief.
"First of all, do not rely on the government to protect you, because they won't. I know this from firsthand experience."
"That's right, Slade, after turning you into a super soldier the government declared you an ENEMY of the state, and why? Because you refused to obey their immoral and illegal commands."
"I couldn't have said it better myself, Gordon."
"But Slade, aren't the Lanterns supposed to be heroes, Knights in Emerald Armor?"
"Anyone who believes that, or that the Titans or the Justice League have the world's best interests at heart … is a fool. My advice to the citizens of this world is to stock up on supplies and arm yourselves. Prepare for the worst."
Cyborg leapt to his feet and pointed at the screen. "Oh no you don't, you ain't getting away with saying that, you masked slime bag!"
Godfrey turned to the screen.
"You heard it here first. Ignore this warning at your own peril. This is G. Gordon Godfrey. Good Night."
The camera panned back as the studio lights dimmed. Godfrey's and Slade's silhouetted figures shook hands before a commercial began to play. Cyborg was livid to say the least.
"Oh great! This is effing great! Now everyone is going to go bonkers, there's gonna be riots and hoarding. And as soon as those alien blockade observer ships get seen everyone is gonna freak out even more! There's no way we'll be able to maintain order, it's gonna be freaking free for all!"
Cyborg collapsed back into the couch and groaned as he rubbed his temples, while Bumblebee frowned, looking just as unhappy as he felt.
"Hurry up, green bean … find that cure before it's too late."
-( scene break )-
"Well Raven, everything looks great. I've never seen a pregnant woman and unborn child as healthy are you and Coraline are."
She then turned her attention to the green toddler. "So this is Alexa's kid." Tina smiled as she hunched down to greet Mark.
"You mean Gar's kid … his DNA is 70% Gar's."
"Well, you know what I meant. I wonder how she kept this little cutie a secret for so long."
"A lot of people are wondering where he's been all this time. Tina, I need a favor." Raven asked.
"Sure, what is it?"
"Is there any kind of a test you can do to check if he really is as old as he's supposed to be?"
Dr. Tina Felty became slack jawed. "Raven, you aren't suggesting that this child is some sort of rapid growth clone?"
"That's exactly what I'm saying. So, is there a test that can be done?"
"I can check his chromosomes. His telomere count should reflect his true age."
"Would you mind checking that for me?"
"Sure, no problem, though it will take a few hours to do. And I have to say that it's awfully nice of you to babysit him, most women in your position wouldn't even look at him."
Raven ran her fingers through the child's green mop of hair. "I know, but there is so much of Gar in him … but I did get Shanghaied into babysitting job, at least until the daycare facility opens."
"He even has his cute little fang sticking out between his lips … I can see why you're wondering if he's a clone … I'll start the tests right away, all I need now is a sample."
Tina produced a sterile cotton swab and took a saliva sample from the boy.
"Give me a few hours, where can I find you later?"
"At the library … thank you, Tina."
Raven and Dr. Felty exchanged a few pleasantries before she departed. The infirmary was literally next door to the library in the "mall". Raven walked up to its sliding doors, which did not open as they were still locked. As palm reader was next to the door and after placing her hand on it a green light flashed and the door slid open.
"Aunt Raven, what's a liberry?"
"It's not a 'liberry', it's a library. It's a place where people can borrow books and other media."
"What's a media?"
"Never mind, now come with me, we have work to do."
Raven found hundreds of boxes full of brand new books and rows of shelves where to place them. She raised her right hand and boxes began to open, and the books, encased in her dark energy, began to shelve themselves. Mark observed wide eyed and with a smile on his face. In a few minutes the task was completed. He then extended his hand like Raven and focused. Of course, nothing happened. He looked at her unhappily.
"I'm sorry Mark, but you can't do magic." She informed him as she turned on the computer station for self checkout and returns.
"Are you a fairy?"
Raven laughed. "I've been called many things, but never that. Why do you think I'm a fairy?"
"Because you're so pretty."
Raven smiled. She was beginning to like the kid.
"How about we read a story?"
A smile appeared on his face. "Will you read me Winnie the Pooh?"
"As a matter of fact, we have that book."
Matt McCall, accompanied by a woman that Raven recognized as one of the chefs in the dining hall, entered the library.
"What? You're already done? How did you …"
"Aunt Raven is a fairy, she can do magic."
Matt rubbed the back of his head as he stared in disbelief. "Well, I guess that must be true … so is tere anything else we can do to help?"
"You can take the empty boxes away."
"Sure … I'll flatten the boxes and get a recycling cart … Raven, you've met Heather Hanke, right?"
"Yes, I met her this morning in the dining hall. You are accomplished chef, Miss Hanke."
"Thank you Dr. Roth, and I'll get you that recycling cart before I head back to the kitchen … lunch is going to be delectable."
"I am looking forward to it." Raven replied.
Matt then turned to Heather and pecked her on the lips. "Thanks hon, you're the best."
Raven arced an eyebrow but said nothing. She clearly remembered Alexa introducing Matt as Dr. McCall's husband.
It's none of my business.
Raven opened the book and after Mark made himself comfortable on her lap she began to read the story of Christopher Robin and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood to the captivated boy, who hung on every word she said. Before they knew it, it was lunchtime.
-( scene break )-
Sorry for the delay and further apologies: I will be on a vacation next week, so it will be longer than usual for the next update. Also, some good news (for me at least). I just treated myself to a new car!
Thanks for all who continue to so generously review. This story is on track to be my most reviewed one yet. With your support I might even make it past the 1000 mark. When I see your thoughtful reviews in my inbox it always makes my day. Thank you!
mlbv-grimm – Wow, you sure caught up fast! And thanks for your kind words.
bigC94 – Thanks. I'm sure that the Atlanteans are very unhappy and they have some big guns too. The Green Lanterns had best be careful.
Randamwriter – Poor Dick, his loved ones are so far away and he's stuck with his old flame. Babs is a good person though.
gabylokita41 – There is a lot happening in the lab, Tamaran, Africa and Steele City. Somehow, it will all fit together.
Shadico – Well, Grayson is kind of a self absorbed jerk in the comics where he isn't shy about one night stands. As for the librarian job, what better thing for Raven to do than read while she waits for Coraline's birth?
SuperNolon – The tension is building up.
DeeThom – If I recall correctly, Babs and Starfire are the two ladies to whom Grayson has proposed marriage. Babs returned his ring, and his wedding with Star was interrupted when Raven killed the minister.
Guest – Blackfire is always up to something. I like TV Blackfire better than comic book Blackfire. In the comics she can't fly plus she's really creepy.
titanfan45 – Being stuck in a jungle with a hottie (and old flame) like Babs can't be all that problematic, right? I loved writing that telepathic conversation.
MeowSaysKat – Have you even met someone like Alexa? I have! And no, she wasn't my girlfriend!
The Cretin – Alexa definitely has a point, of course that doesn't mean that Raven has to like it.
Bluedog197 – I should sell tickets for the Raven vs. Alexa smackdown!
JOHNXgambit – As you can see, Blackie is already sweet talking Nightstar, who for obvious reasons is starting to identify with her aunt.
Sweetums14 – But what if Starfire never found out?
Ejammer – Luthor is always bad news, but he knows that he needs to save the world.
Wolf of IndigoRiver – Alexa doesn't give up that easily.
ToraHimeSama – Mar'i is definitely intrigued by her aunt, in spite of Mom's warnings.
Ferlion – That is a possibility.
Katt In The Boxx – Blackfire was woefully underutilized in the show. I think lesser villains like Control Freak got more screen time than she did. I loved the babysitter short, where she's attacked by her own "horrible offspring" and she screams in terror as the bite her.
Hairul The Nightrage Beast – I thought the lab was more "Andromeda Strain" than "Gattaca" but I see your point.
WishToBeYouSomeday – Thanks!
Chayse-man - It's up to the readers. For every reader who reviews there are about 30 readers who don't review.
TJSC25 – Dick definitely still has feelings for Babs. The question is what will he do with them?
js12601 – You aren't alone in your distrust of the blond bombshell.