Chapter Five
The Titans teleported on the roof of a building that faced the bay. From there, they could see the Dalek ship, hovering not far from Titans Tower.
"This is ridiculous!" Changeling said. "Here we are, as adults and stronger than before, yet we have a hostile alien race that's using our former headquarters as a base of operations. Come on dudes, we got to strike back!"
"How?" Cyborg asked. "Our weapons are practically useless against their shields. In fact, it was only when Raven cut loose that we are able to stop that first Dalek we met."
"Why not try the same strategy again, Raven?" asked Starfire.
She shook her head. "My anger, though powerful, is limited in scope. I won't be able to focus my full energy on all of Daleks. And they're liable to take advantage of that and kill me." She sighed. "Besides, my anger doesn't make me all powerful. When I tried using it against Terra when she fought us, she was able to outwit and overpower me."
"Why'd you have to bring up that memory?" Changeling muttered.
"Okay, so we know we can't meet them head on." declared Nightwing. "We'll have to find another way. Some way that exploits a weakness, however subtle."
"Like what?" asked Cyborg. "Since that first Dalek destroyed itself, we were left with nothing but our own experience as to what these things can do. We have no idea if they even have a weakness that can be exploited."
Nightwing was about to speak, when a loud voice echoed throughout the city.
"Attention, humans of Jump City!" said the voice. It was the Dalek leader.
"We, the Daleks, are now the masters of your city! You are cut off from the rest of the world by our energy shields. The appearance of your city is also obscured by our technology. You cannot hope to call for help! Any forces that do come will be destroyed by our ship's weapons! Our forces are now encroaching upon your city. You will offer total and unconditional surrender! Refuse and you will be exterminated!"
"They sure don't waste time." Changeling commented.
The Dalek leader spoke again.
"Also let it be known that the group formerly known as the Teen Titans are considered enemies of the Daleks! Assist in locating them, and you will be treated well. Aid them, and you will face certain death!"
After the speech concluded, a horde of Daleks began to fan out from the spaceship and make their way into the city. They descended as they traveled over land.
"I think we're about to become very popular." Raven deadpanned.
"No one would turn us in!" Changeling cried out. "We're the good guys!"
"You underestimate the Dalek's persuasiveness." said Nightwing. "Under the threat of death, people are likely to turn heroes like us in. Remember, it is the Justice League that is really looked up to. We're just a sideshow."
"That is just sad." Starfire muttered sadly. "All the effort we've done for this city will be forgotten by the new generation so they may have a chance to live under the rule of the Daleks."
"Say, Starfire," Changeling asked, "You once said that you're people never heard of the Daleks, right?"
"Yes." she replied. "Why do you ask?"
"I was just curious. I thought there might be an old Tamaranian poem or song about an encounter with the Daleks that we might be able to use.
Starfire shook her head. "Either my race hasn't encountered them yet, or they've been avoiding us."
"The former seems more likely." Cyborg said. "I doubt these guys would fear anything."
"Speaking of which," began Raven, "I think we ought to move to a more secure location, as I fear the Daleks will find us."
"Good idea, Raven." said Nightwing. "Teleport us outside the city."
Raven attempted to do so, but with no results.
"What is happening?" she said in disbelief.
"Try a closer destination." Cyborg suggested.
Raven did so, but again with no results.
"Those bastards!" she cursed. "They must be generating a field that interferes with my teleportation abilities. It must be very powerful to block my abilities!"
"Can we radio someone for help, like the Justice League or Doom Patrol?" Changeling asked.
Nightwing attempted to do so. "Nothing." he said. "They're jamming everything."
"So, we're stuck here and can't contact anyone." Cyborg said. "That pisses me off!"
"What if Raven and I fly us out of the city?" Starfire suggested.
"The Daleks would spot us easy." said Nightwing. "We'd be all dead before we knew what hit us."
The Titans were disillusioned. Then, Cyborg's face lit up.
"If we can't go up, then we'll just have to go down." he said.
"Down?" Changeling asked.
"Through the drainage tunnels. They're not as dirty as they used to be in the past."
"Of course!" said Nightwing. "Titans, let's go!"
The heroes ran for the escape ladder on the side of the building. They quickly made their way down, standing in an ally. Cyborg found a manhole cover and pulled it aside. The other Titans descended into the darkness. Then, Cyborg climbed down and pulled the cover back over the manhole.
Once in the dark, Cyborg deployed his improved shoulder mounted lights.
"Okay, now what?" Changeling asked.
"We should make our way to the cliffs, due east." said Nightwing. "From there, we can escape the influence of the Dalek ship and get some more help. We'll walk as far east as we can, then make for the cliffs under cover of night."
"Sounds like a good plan." Starfire said. "Let's go!"
The Titans walked in the dark tunnel in silence. There was little to say concerning the recent events. All that left for them was to be stealthy and unseen by the Daleks.
After an hour's walk, they rested in a large area that was free of water.
"You know," began Raven, "Even if we do get help, what good will they be if we don't know how to fight the Daleks?"
"I know." said Cyborg. "If only we had a guide or something to help us. Someone that understands the Daleks, that's what we need."
"That would be nice." Changeling said. "But, like they say, wish in one hand, crap in the other, and see which piles up first."
The Titans let out a collective groan. Then, a new sound was heard. The Titans stood up.
"What the hell is that noise?" Cyborg asked.
"Got me." Changeling said.
"Could be a Dalek trap!" Nightwing hissed. The Titans gathered around him, prone to action.
Then, an odd sight appeared. It began as a barely visible phantasm, but then resolved itself into a solid shape, with a most unusual noise. It was a strange, loud, pulsing mechanical whooshing sound that seemed distorted.
When the sound ceased, the object had now materialized. It was a tall, rectangular blue box, shaped something like a phone booth. It had smoked windows that only revealed that there was light inside. Above the door was a lit sign with the words "Police Public Call Box".
"What in god's name is this?" Raven muttered.
Just then, the door opened with a slight creak. A man stepped out.
The man was fairly tall, just over six feet, lean and muscular. He had a dark hair that was closely shaven, and large ears. He wore black pants, black boots, a burgundy long sleeve shirt, and a black jacket.
He regarded the Titans for a while.
"Is this Earth?" he asked.
"Um, yes?" said Cyborg, unsure what to think.
"I see." the man replied. "Hmm, must be an alternate dimension then. So weird! I thought they were all closed off."
"Just a moment!" Nightwing said. "Who are you?"
The man smiled and stuck his hand toward him.
"I'm the Doctor. Nice to meet you!"