The Titans' new T-Hawk jet landed on the roof of an 85-story edifice in the center of San Francisco, its VTOL engines slowly lowering it to an effortless landing. On the rooftop, there were three people awaiting the Titans' arrival: Karen Duncan, lead research analyst with S.T.A.R. Labs' Pacific coast team, tennis pro and part-time crime fighter Bette Kane, and the fastest living sentient, the Flash. Bette, also known as Flamebird, was sporting yet another new costume, this one sleeker and more form fitting than previous ones. It was a burgundy Kevlar one-piece with a scooped neckline adorned by criss-crossing orange leather laces. Tangerine glider wings were affixed under the sleeves. A yellow, gadget-filled belt was draped over her slender hips and a set of amber goggles rested on her head. She had begun to grow out her curly flaxen-gold hair, and the wind seemed to take pleasure in covering her face with it. With both hands she formed a protective windscreen over her eyes and watched as the new jet landed. Through a window toward the rear of the plane she could see Michael Belden, pouting and anticipatory like a child. With her right hand, Bette waved enthusiastically and was repaid with another gust of wind-whipped hair.
Soon the Titans and their uneasy allies exited the vessel and were welcomed by Karen Duncan. The Terminator was the first to speak, taking Karen's right hand in his and lifting it to his lips. "I presume you and my team have things well in order, Dr. Duncan?"
Karen looked over at Nightwing with a touch of surprise. "Everything is just fine on our end, Mr. Wilson," she replied as she yanked her hand from his and continued, "but do understand, if you ever touch me again without my permission, I'll flatten you on your ass." The Titans each collectively smiled and chuckled, knowing full well that, in her Bumblebee uniform, she certainly had the punch to back up her threat. The Harlequin's near-shrill laughter overpowered the rest. But Nightwing knew being surrounded by the Titans supported Karen's current bravado. He met her eye and winked.
Nightwing then walked over to the Flash and quietly asked, "How is Frances?"
The Flash, unmasked, replied, "She's scared, but she's looking forward to some peace of mind."
"Does she know all the risks?" reminded Nightwing.
"She knows. I think some little part of her feels like she's got nothing else to lose," responded the Flash. As they followed the rest of the Titans on their ascent into the building, Beast Boy, currently assuming the form of a green kangaroo, shouted, "Hey, where's the Harlequin?"
Heads turned, as Starfire and Troia flew overhead to search the rooftops. Kangaroo-Gar hopped into an emerald hawk and joined the search. But, alas, she was gone, without a trace.
Nightwing disappointedly shook his head and muttered, "We haven't seen the last of her, I'll wager."