Part Five:

It was time to say goodbye. The Plumbers were heading home.

"Call often." Gwen told M'gann as they hugged, "and don't let him get you down kay?"

"Yeah, same to you," M'gann returned, "if he ever gives you trouble call okay?"

"Only if you promise to do the same."

"Deal." And they both grinned knowingly.

"Thank you." Superbo—Conner said, shaking Kevin's hand. Kevin nodded, "Yeah no problem, just enjoy him while you can okay? You both are in a lot of danger…"

"Right," Conner nodded, "treasure every minute."

"Treat your girl good too."

"Same to you."

"If you ever need help again," Ben was telling Robin and Kaldur'ahm, handing the Altantean a card, "call us. There's no such thing as radio silence for us, no matter what Bats tells you."

"Thank you Benjamin," Kaldur'ahm nodded, handing over a small slip of paper, "I wish to return the offer. If you or your team finds itself in trouble please do not hesitate to call us. We will drop our current objectives to aid you."

"Thank you, but I really do hope it doesn't come to that." Ben grinned. Kaldur'ahm returned the smile knowingly, "As do I."

"Robin," Ben focused on the other hero, "I'll have my superiors call yours, see if we can't set up some sort of internship with my friend Cooper…"

"Only if you take over my patrols in Gotham…"

"Dea—where did he go?" Robin was no longer there. They heard the trademark chuckle. "He was right in front of me!" Ben was flabbergasted.

Kaldur'ahm laughed.

"So, goodbye kiss Beautiful?" Wally asked Julie cheekily.

"Ah, no Wally." Julie rolled her eyes tiredly before turning back to Artemis, "Teach him some self-control?"

"Only death can cure the fool." Artemis replied with a smirk.

"Not always," Julie debated, "I managed to cure Ben."

"Maybe."

Julie turned away, whistling sharply and calling, "Ship! Time to say goodbye!"

"Ship ship ship!" the symbiote replied. He had met a new friend.

"We're leaving!"

"Ship ship ship ship ship!"

"No I am not going to let you fly yourself home! Say goodbye!"

"Ship ship," he turned to the sphere, "Ship ship ship. Ship ship ship Julie ship ship…"

"Beep beep beep be beep," the sphere replied, "Beep beep beep be?"

"Ship ship." Ship agreed, starting to hop back over to his owner, calling over his shoulder, "Ship ship ship ship!"

"Beep Be Beep!"

"Are we cleared for take off Red?" Kevin asked the ground crew through the headset he wore as he sat in the cockpit.

"Yes. The atmosphere is optimal for manned flight. You may proceed to take your leave. Superman and I shall escort you from the harbor parameters."

"Okay dokey," he looked back, "Everyone belted in?"

His comrades nodded.

"Does someone have a hand on the runner out there?" he asked to those on the ground.

"We sent him into the cave." Kaldur'ahm.

"Sweet, see ya."

And the Rustbucket took off, climbing to cruising altitude quickly. Red Tornado at their side and Superman quickly joining.

"Hey Kevin," Superman spoke as they neared the point of no return, "thank you…".

"No prob. Don't screw this up. See ya."

"Goodbye." And the older heroes fell back, hovering at the boundary as the ship continued on.

Only coming months would tell if they ever returned.

END