All right people, here's what you all been waiting for, chapter thirty of Doomed Titans. Man this took a little longer then I thought. But at least it's a short chapter and it's not going to be as long as the other chapters. But there won't be any action in this chapter, so you have to wait until I get more of it on the coming chapters. Now let us start with an update on the last chapter. On chapter 29, I got 39 hits and one review. And Rahkshi500 asked me on this review that the loss of Alex's arm was connected to the loss of his friend. Well Rahk, the wait is over and it's time to go to chapter thirty. This is about the story of Alex. How did her get a robotic arm? What happened to his real one? Did it have anything to do with what happened to his friend, Jim? All these questions will be answered on this chapter. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans or Doom 3

Chapter Thirty: Alex's Story

Delta Labs Level 5, Betruger's Office: November 15, 2145, 11:26 P.M.

Deep within Delta 5, Dr. Betruger was sitting in his office, looking at the computer and seeing what's been going on all across the facility. At the same time, Sabaoth's voice was on the computer's comm. system discussing the about the situation.

Sabaoth: "As you can see Betruger, we've got what's left of the survivors either around or inside Delta labs. One of the remaining Marines is in the Analysis Control chamber on Level 2 gathering information about the Soulcube. We got Alex and the Teen Titans still surviving in the sub-levels in Delta. And Counselor Swan and Jack Campbell are on a SkyTram heading their way to Delta. So to make a long story short, they seem to be getting closer to what we're trying to do."

Betruger rubbed his chin as he watched live feed monitor of the same marine at Analysis looking at the info of the Soulcube.

Dr. Betruger: "I see… Do they know what we're planning?"

Sabaoth: "Negative. They have no idea that we're going to reawaken our master with the help of his key."

Dr. Betruger: "And what about the science team in the restricted lab? Have they been taking care of yet?"

Sabaoth: "Not yet. From what I could understand is that they have a remaining Marine unit defending the lab entrance. I'm using anything in my arsenal to destroy that unit and destroy everything in that lab. I also got word that Ian McCormick sent a message to the science team about what happened back at the main teleporter."

That made Betruger snapped back to reality when he heard that name.

Dr. Betruger: "Ian McCormick? My former partner from all of my experiments?"

Sabaoth: "Indeed. From what I could understand, he had somehow survived this catastrophe by hiding out in a couple of places and was in the Teleportation Chamber sending that message there. He also was responsible for transporting the marine from one teleporter to another to reach the other side of Delta 2."

Betruger listened in to all the information Sabaoth said and rubbed his forehead a little.

Dr. Betruger: "Hmm… Never thought McCormick would live this long. Where is he?"

Sabaoth: "He's now somewhere in the sub-levels where the Titans are. You want me to take care of him?"

Dr. Betruger: "No. I'll handle him myself, along with the Titans."

Sabaoth: "Understood. Just remember to spare his key. The master is getting jumpy about this."

Dr. Betruger: "Of course… Just make sure the rest of those marines, the science team, and Swan are destroyed. I don't want them to know what we're up to."

Sabaoth: "Don't worry about them. They'll be taken care off soon enough. Sabaoth, signing off."

The comm. screen was then shut off as Betruger bent down to get a closer look at the screen to see the marine still gaining some more information. He rubbed his chin again and wondered about his lord.

Dr. Betruger: "Hmm… It seems that my lord is loosing his patience. I don't blame him. My children are trying their best capturing her, but those meddling Titans and that punk Alex gets in the way of everything. Still, I couldn't believe they made it this far, and in Delta even. Well they leave me no choice. If you want something done right, you got to do it yourself."

He stood up from his chair, left his desk, and was going to leave his office. When the door in front of him opened up, two bulking creatures were waiting for him, with glowing red eyes, one with a tentacle attached to its right elbow, and the other holding a chain gun. He looked at the two and gave them the first order of the day.

Dr. Betruger: "Let's go."

Delta Labs Sub-Level, Locker Room/Lounge: November 15, 2145, 11:33 P.M.

Down at the Sub-Levels, Alex and the Titans were taking a rest in the locker room. In the locker room was more then just a locker room, it was meant for other things too. It was a wide room with lockers in two lines along with benches in between them and the walls. There were two sub rooms on one end of the lockers. The first room and of the right were the shower stalls while the second room is the lounge with a small kitchen, vending machine, and a seating area. On the other side of the wall were three different areas. One on the left was a storage area with a fence around it loaded with barrels and other flammable materials. Another on the right was the restroom for people to do their business. And in the middle of them was a workstation to repair whatever's need to be broken, including robotic parts. And that's where Alex is. He was sitting at the workstation's desk with the tools he needed to repair his damaged arm. The Teen Titans were sitting on the benches having their chips, chocolate bars, and sodas for a late night snack. While they were eating, Starfire took a good look at Alex, still fixing his arm. He already saud the wires together and sealed the leaking oil up, now all he has to do is to piece the metal casing on the exposed wires. He had a mini welder in his hands as he placed a thin metal plate on top of the gash and welded it together while having dark goggles on to protect his eyes from the light. While he was doing that, Alex looked up and saw Starfire looking at him. When she saw him staring at her, she looked back down and blushed a little bit. The guardian just shook his head and pouted.

Alex: "Go ahead and take a picture. It will last longer."

He went back to welding the metal plating together while Star looked back only for a few short seconds then looked away.

Starfire: "Sorry if I'm being rude friend Alex. But I didn't know you had an arm that almost looks like Cyborg's."

Beast Boy then looked up at Alex and agreed with the Tamaranean.

Beast Boy: "She's right Alex. We never knew you had a robotic arm before. Plus you never told us you had one either."

Alex: "Well I never thought you guys want to know about it in the first place. And besides, this isn't a robotic arm."

Robin: "Then what is it?"

Alex: "It's a fully automated prosthetic limb. This and other parts were made by a mecha droid company in Tokyo 2 and are used replace limbs lost in an accident. The UAC Military use these in case marines lost an arm or a leg from a battle. And so since my dad is a master sergeant here and I'm his son, that makes me part of the military division."

Cyborg: "Wow, that's real impressive. I couldn't believe they still had prosthetic limbs at this time. And what you have looks more advance then what I got."

Alex: "C'mon Cy it is 2145, so everything you see that's original is completely advanced."

Raven: "Well this could explain just about everything. Like when you punched that Pinky at Military Complex."

Starfire: "Or when you stick your hand through the hazardous doors to get your weapon before it closes on you while those toxic fumes affect it back at Recycling."

Robin: "Or when you punched the wall here."

Alex rolled his eyes around behind his black goggles and went back to work.

Alex: "Don't remind me. I only use this arm to help me on some sticky situations. Don't want to be foolish and cut off my other arm, now can I?"

There was a bit of silence while Alex continued to fix his arm. But Robin wondered about something and decided to ask Al another question.

Robin: "Alex, how long did you have that arm attached to you?"

There was no answer coming from until a few short seconds later. Then Rob got his answer.

Alex: "Since I was seven-years-old."

That made everyone felt completely shocked when they heard that answer.

Beast Boy: "Seven-years-old!? Dude!!! Weren't you too young to have something like that?"

Alex: "Yeah you could say that. Though I didn't had much of a choice since the accident."

That made Robin feel more questionable then before.

Robin: "Accident? What accident?"

That was when Alex realized he said too much and decided to shut his mouth.

Alex: "Forget it, it's nothing. You guys wouldn't like to hear it."

Robin: "You had an accident at seven and have a prosthetic arm because of it. That's something we should hear."

Alex: "You just don't get it do ya? My past is somewhat of a personal thing to me. This is none of your concern."

Robin: "We're here to help you Alex, even if you are our guardian or not."

Alex: "I don't need any help."

Robin: "Yes you do. Look, I could understand you have a dark past and we could tell."

Alex: "And why's that?"

Robin: "Because we all have a dark past too. We didn't become a team by choice; we became a team cause we each share a different past we can't get away. Though we never reveal it much, our pasts are what helps us to survive any type of situation, especially this invasion. And even if your past is what keeps you alive, you could at least tell us what's been bothering you lately. Perhaps we can help you if it was serious."

Alex stopped repairing his arm and looked at Robin with a questionable look in his eyes. He then looked back at the arm and sighed. He never really wanted to tell anyone about his past. To him, he always keeps his past a secret and the only person who knows about it is his father. But these people aren't UAC officials or complete strangers; they're the Teen Titans. He might trust them since they trust him in getting out of this predicament and heading home. But what would the consequences if he told them his long lost past? Would they except it, or think of him different. Thinking that this is now or never, he swallowed up his pride and looked at the team.

Alex: "All right, I'll tell you. But I got to warn ya, what I'm going to say won't be pleasant. Cyborg, Raven, I know you two knew the first part."

Both Cy and Rae looked at their guardian and nodded, knowing what he said back at the Warehousing District. When that was out of the way, Alex told his story about his past.

Alex: "Long time ago, I used to have a great life on Earth, with a proud family and loving friends. But when you're living with just your mom and your father is away on Mars, you barely have any memories of spending time with your family. Then when I turned five, my mom was diagnose with heart cancer and didn't tell any one about it, especially me and dad. Guess she didn't want us to feel worried about her condition until it was too late. She died months later and we found out about her cancer after the autopsy. We were all saddened by this turn of events and things changed after she died. A few days later after her funeral, my dad gave me an offer to be with him and come to the UAC on Mars. I was a little hesitant at first, but staying at home had too many memories of my mom. So I agreed, packed all of my personal belongings, and headed to UAC Mars with my dad. When I was in the UAC, I was amazed at how the place looked and was going to enjoy it. Of course, since dad is a sergeant, you never have any time with him and as a result I was lonely at the time. That was when he came in."

Robin: "Who?"

Alex: "Jim Wallsworth, I called him Jimmy for short. He was the same age as me and his family works at the UAC, with his father a scientist at Alpha Labs and his mother's a nurse at the Hospital wing. Once we met, we've became fast friends. We spent our time either in room to play video games and watching T.V. or running around Mars City making a wreck of things. I could tell you all the trouble we've caused that made my dad all wound up. We became the best of friends ever since. At least we were until the accident."

Robin: "What accident?"

Al was silent for a moment remembering what happened. He didn't want to tell the Titans about that, but he wouldn't want them to be in the dark ether. So he continued on with the story, not wanting to know what their reactions will be.

Alex: "Ten years ago, when Jim and I turned seven, a science team in Delta started tests on a rare artifact called the Soulcube. It was found in the main excavation site within the caverns and from what researchers understand, it was used as some kind of weapon. Problem is no one knew what this Soulcube could do so by permission from Dr. Betruger, they started testing it to see how it works. Dad wanted to see this test too and he brought me and Jim with him, with his father's approval of course. But he wanted us to stay at the seating area, so we got impatient and I decided to see what they were doing. That was when it all changed for the rest of my life.

Flashback…

Delta Labs Level 2, Analysis Control: April 15, 2135, 3:25 P.M.

Ten years ago, tests were underway for the Soulcube. There were a couple scientists gathered at the terminals doing some last minute checks while Marine guards were at their positions incase something happens. In the middle of the room is a strange machine that scans any material within it, and this time, inside the machine it the Soulcube itself. Two of people was looking at the cube waiting for the moment to come. The first person was Sergeant Kelly and the other was Dr. Malcom Betruger. They all looked about the same as ten years later, except Betruger had a little hair on his head and two good eyes.

Sergeant Kelly: "So this is it huh?"

Dr. Betruger: "Indeed… The legendary Soulcube. Beautiful isn't it?

Sergeant Kelly: "I've read reports about it, never thought I would see it up close. From what I've heard, the researchers believe it was use to be a weapon that stopped whatever entities attacked the ancient civilization. What does it do?"

Dr. Betruger: "That's the reason why we're doing these tests Sarge. You see, no one knows exactly how this artifact stopped this invading force or how it works. If we use this scanner to determine its origins, we might be able to figure out its history and what happened to the civilization before it."

Sergeant Kelly: "I hope you're right doctor. You know most of the funds you're spending are meant for making Mars a new Earth. All this equipment isn't cheap."

Dr. Betruger: "Don't feel to worried Sarge. Once we're done with these tests, it will be all over."

Sergeant Kelly: "It better be Betruger. Last thing I want is the board to feel all antsy about this project."

Just when he said that, the door on his right side opened up as the two turned their heads to see who was coming in. What the two saw were two young children coming into the room. One was Kelly's seven-year-old son Alex, and his six-year-old friend Jim, who will turn seven in two months. Coming out of the door after them was a security guard that was in charge of taking care of them. When he stopped to see the Master Sergeant staring at him with the two kids behind him, he tried to explain everything.

Security Officer 8: "I'm sorry sir. But they got away the moment I turned my back."

Sarge looked down at the two that's behind them then looked back at the guard to his condolences.

Sergeant Kelly: "It's all right soldier, these two are always in trouble once in a while. You don't need to take the blame on yourself. Just report back to your security chief for further orders."

Security Officer 8: "Yes sir."

The security guard left the room and forgets about what happened. But for Sarge, he looked at his son on his left and had a bit of a stern look on his face.

Sergeant Kelly: "But you have some explaining to do son. I thought I told you to wait at the seating area until I'm done."

Alex just looked at his father and gave off a small sad look.

Young Alex: "I'm sorry dad, but I was bored. Jimmy and I have to see what you're doing. And I never see you much as of late."

Kelly sighed and explains everything to his son.

Sergeant Kelly: "I could understand how you feel Alex, but I've been busy in Delta as of late. I mean with the new troops coming in and keeping everything in the UAC under control, I never have any time to spend it with you. Maybe when I have my break we can spend it on something together."

Alex sighed when he heard that and shook his head.

Young Alex: "That's what you said the last time. And yet you still haven't gotten that break."

Sergeant Kelly: "I know, I know. But I promise, when I get my break, we'll do something fun together. Maybe we'll go camping on Earth and do some exciting activities."

Young Alex: "You're going to take Matilda out and do some hunting with it?"

Sarge chuckled a little, remembering showing his son his double-barrel shotgun in his office and told him all the hunting adventures he had back in his days.

Sergeant Kelly: "Of course I'm going to take Matilda with us. Maybe I can take you on a hunting trip, show you how to shoot and defend yourself."

Alex just smiled at the fact of going back to Earth and go camping. Though he doesn't want to hurt or kill an animal, he just wanted to spend time with his father one way or another. Just when the father and son moment couldn't get any better, Betruger interrupted the two.

Dr. Betruger: "Hate to interfere, but we're in the middle of something here. So can we cut it short?"

Kelly looked at the doctor and understood they have an experiment to accomplish. So he nodded and turned back to see his son.

Sergeant Kelly: "Listen son, I want you to head back to the seating area and wait for me until we're finished."

Young Alex: "No way dad! I want to see this. C'mon Jimmy let's go!"

Jim: "Sure thing Alex."

Quickly, the two ran away from Sarge and approached the scanner that's holding the Soulcube. Kelly tried to stop them, but they were already there. When they look at the cube, the two kids were amazed at what they saw.

Jim: "Wow… That looks so cool! What is it?"

Young Alex: "My dad says it's the Soulcube."

Jim: "Oh double cool!!"

As the two watched on, Betruger approached Campbell and explain to him the situation.

Dr. Betruger: "Sergeant Campbell, do you mind taking these kids off the premises? They will interfere with the experiment."

Sarge thought about that but then decided to pass, since they were just looking and not touching.

Sergeant: "Naw… Leave them be doctor. They just only want to see the cube."

Betruger was going to intervene until one of the scientists came in and explain to him and progress.

Scientist 12: "Dr. Betruger, we ran the last diagnostic tests and are ready to start scanning."

Betruger sighed and looked at the scientist.

Dr. Betruger: "Very well. Initiate the scanning process at once."

Scientist 12: "Yes doctor."

The scientist left him and headed to the console to tell the others that they're ready. While he was doing that, Betruger looked at Sarge and told him one more thing.

Dr. Betruger: "And you Kelly, Tell your son to get away from that scanner. I don't want him and his friend to get hurt."

Kelly nodded and looked at his son and Jim that was still starring at the Soulcube.

Sergeant Kelly: "Alex, you better get back from the machine. Can't let you injure yourself or Jim."

Alex looked back at his father and nodded as he and Jim slowly walked a foot away from the scanner. Once they were in the way, Betruger approached the terminal that had only a monitor and looked at it for a few good seconds. But instead of turning the scanner on, he turned around to look at fellow science team, marines, and Kelly and began his speech.

Dr. Betruger: "Gentlemen… What you are about to see may change the Union Aerospace Corporation forever. Thanks to all the continuous funds and research, we are able to create a scanner that will leap us forward into the future. With your help, we can finally learn the secrets of the artifact you see before you and the civilization that created it."

Once he was done with the speech, Betruger turned around to look at the monitor again and clicked on the "Initiate Scanning Matrix" icon below the picture that showed the Soulcube. After that, the scanner hanging from the ceiling began to lower themselves to reach the level where the Soulcube was and sealed it completely, leaving an opening in the front view where Betruger, Kelly, Alex, and Jim would see it. As the scanning started, the cube was surrounded in a green glowing sphere as the scanners did a theroual readout on it artifact inside and out. While it was doing that, Alex wanted to take a closer look at the cube and headed towards it. Alex's father saw this and tried to warn him to stay away.

Sergeant Kelly: "Alexander Kelly, what did I told you before? Don't get to close to the scanners!"

Young Alex: "C'mon dad. I just want to get a closer look."

Sergeant Kelly: "Alex!"

But it was too late; Alex was already close to scanners, close enough to see the Soulcube that is. Kelly just rubbed his head and sighed while Betruger looked at him and tisked.

Dr. Betruger: "Boys will be boys Sarge, let them have all the fun while they can."

Scientist 13: "Dr. Betruger, you might want to see this."

He turned around to see one of the scientists that was examining the artifact and headed straight towards the control room. Once he entered the control room, he approached the scientist that told him to come and wanted to know what's going on.

Dr. Betruger: "What is it?"

Scientist 13: "You better see this for yourself doctor."

Betruger took a closer look at the screen that show a picture of the recently scanned Soulcube. When he took a good look at the picture, there was an orangey glow on it and a temperature gauge next to it. Staring at it for a few seconds he wonder what this is all about.

Dr. Betruger: "Exactly what is it I'm looking at here?"

Scientist 13: "Well, it's kind of strange. I mean we've already gone through the first tests and we've already discovered something unusual. Just take a look at the temperature gauge. From what I could understand, this artifact has a high ultra violet heat mark of 98.8 degrees ferenheight. The strangest part is that this is the same temperature as that of the human body."

Betruger took his eyes away from the screen and looked at the scientist.

Dr. Betruger: "What are you saying? That the Soulcube is in fact a living being?"

Scientist 13: "Well it's possible… With further research, maybe we can find out if this thing was a human or something else."

Betruger looked back at the screen and rubbed his chin with his fingers.

Dr. Betruger: "Hmm… Interesting…"

While Betruger was checking this readout, Alex was watching the scanners doing a complete diagnostic on the Soulcube. As he was watching, he was amazed at the green sphere glowing around the artifact.

Young Alex: "Wow… This is amazing!"

He then turned around to see his friend Jim watching on the sidelines.

Young Alex: "Hey Jimmy, you better get a closer look at this. It's so awesome!"

Jim just stood there and feeling a little hesitant and a small nervous grin on his face.

Jim: "Thanks, but I can see it from here."

Alex and snickered a little when he heard that and said something back.

Young Alex: "Chicken…"

Jim heard that and retorted back.

Jim: "I'm not a chicken!"

Young Alex: "Yes you are. You're afraid of going too close."

Jim: "I'm not afraid! It's just that I don't want to get too close at something this dangerous."

Young Alex: "Please, there's nothing dangerous about the Soulcube."

Boy was Alex so wrong. When he turned back to see the artifact being scanned, there was something odd about it. It all looked normal at first, but there was something coming out of the artifact. A strange orange piece of light came out of the middle of the cube and was glowing brighter. Alex watched on to see the orange glow growing bigger. Alex kept starring at it until he decided to talk to dad, noticing that something is wrong in this picture.

Young Alex: "Daddy, something strange is happening to the Soulcube."

Sarge looked down at Alex, a little confused at what he's saying.

Sergeant Kelly: "What do you mean son?"

Alex then pointed at the object and answered his question.

Young Alex: "Look!"

Kelly then approached where his son was and see what the problem is. When he saw the cube glowing an orangey color, he realized something wasn't right.

Sergeant Kelly: "That's strange…"

He then turned his head to the control room to his left and saw Dr. Betruger to talk to him about this.

Sergeant Kelly: "Dr. Betruger?"

Betruger looked up and saw Kelly looking concerned, then looked at the cube that was acting weird. He looked back at the screen and that there's something coming out of it.

Dr. Betruger: "Looks like something's emanating out of the Soulcube. My what an astounding find."

Sergeant Kelly: "You mean that the scanners aren't doing that on purpose?"

Betruger looked up and answered.

Dr. Betruger: "No there not. From what I could understand is that must be some strange power coming out of the cube itself. Is that anything bad?"

Kelly just looks back at the cube and saw the light was growing bigger and stronger and the color was changing from orange to red. Strange black symbols appeared and started spinning around the artifact. Suddenly, the cube begins to act weird as strange pointy objects sticked out of the cube and began spinning uncontrollably. Kelly, Betruger, and everyone else watched on at this moment, not knowing that it could've been their last. As Kelly watches, he now knows that there could be a problem.

Sergeant Kelly: "This can't be good."

Within seconds, the Soulcube was engulfed in a ball of flames and started to create a high-density heat on the scanners. One of the scientists looked at one of the monitors and notices a message that says, "Scanner Malfunction: Cannot Run Diagnostics."

Scientist 14: "Our systems are malfunctioning. The Soulcube must be destroying our scanners!"

Betruger looked at the scientist, realizing that it's now or never to stop this.

Dr. Betruger: "Well what are you waiting for? Shut the scanners down now before this place gets blown to smithereens!"

The scientist tried valiantly to shut down the scanners. But after typing the key sequence, the shutdown mechanism was completely jammed.

Scientist 14: "I can't sir, the shutdown program isn't responding! I'm loosing connection!"

The scientist tried frantically to shut it down but it was no good. Just when things couldn't get any worse, a line of flames exploded out of scanners and soared straight to the ceiling, ripping it apart and sending pieces of debris down on the floor. That made everyone freak out, especially Kelly seeing that in front of his own eyes. So he immediate does like every sergeant has to do when things get completely hairy.

Sergeant Kelly: "Everyone evacuate the lab immediately! This place is going to blow!!!"

When everyone heard the order, they ran towards the exits either at the seating area, or the level 2 balcony of Research Control. As everyone got out, Betruger stayed behind and frantically gathered what's left of the information of the Soulcube he can. One of the remaining scientists saw this before he ran and tried to get the doctor out of there.

Scientist 12: "Dr. Betruger, we have to get out of here right now!"

But Betruger ignored the warning and continued working.

Dr. Betruger: "I can't leave, not yet. I have to save what's left of the data about the Soulcube. If we loose any of this information then we won't be able to discover its secrets."

Scientist 12: "But sir, if we don't get out soon, the entire place will be destroyed!"

Dr. Betruger: "I'm aware of that! Just leave without me. I'll catch up as soon as I'm done."

Scientist 12: "But Dr. Betruger I-"

Quickly Betruger turned to face one of his members and gave out a loud booming voice.

Dr. Betruger: "GO NOW!!!"

The scientist quickly shuts his mouth and decided it's better to leave then to stay put and die. So he ran out of the control room while Betruger stay put and save as much information as he can. Soon enough, everyone except Betruger was almost out. The only people who are left were two marines, Kelly, and his son Alex. They were about to leave the area until Alex stopped and turned around to see if anyone else was inside. With the exception of Dr. Betruger, his friend Jim was the only person left in the lab. But there was something wrong. Jim was fully paralyzed with complete and utter fear as he stood where he was without moving an inch. Alex was afraid that his friend might get hurt, so he called out his name to get his attention.

Young Alex: "Jim, get out of there now! You're in danger!"

But Jim didn't listen; he was standing there completely scared.

Young Alex: "JIM!"

He's still wouldn't listen. Alex had to do something quick before it's too late. So he did the one thing he wish he shouldn't do, ran into the face of danger and get his friend out of there. When he ran, Kelly turned around and saw his son heading to Jim. With his son getting his friend out of there, it will only be a matter of time before the lab would destroy pretty much everything. So he has to get his son out of there quick before he looses him like he lost his wife.

Sergeant Kelly: "Alex what are you doing?! Are you crazy!? Come back here! Alex!!!"

His son didn't listen either. He was running to save his friend. Kelly was going to go after him and bring his son back. But the two marines saw that and took matter in their own hands. They quickly grabbed him by the arms and held him down as fast as they could. Kelly tries to get out but they wouldn't let him go after his son.

Sergeant Kelly: "Let me go! I have to go and rescue my son!!"

Marine Soldier 17: "Sorry sir, but we can't let you go out there!"

Marine Soldier 18: "This whole place is about to blow! We have to leave now!"

Sergeant Kelly: "No! I won't leave without my son!"

He continued to struggle as the marines pulled him away from the soon to be disaster area and exited through the door. As they left, Alex made it to Jim and tried to get his attention.

Young Alex: "Jimmy what are you doing?! This isn't a good time to stand around starring at something! We have to get out now before this place explodes!"

Jim still wouldn't listen, for he and too scared to know he's there.

Young Alex: "Are you listening to me? What are you looking at that you don't have to urge to run?"

Jim, being able to hear his friend, slowly lifted his arm up and pointed to something that made him quiver in fear.

Jim: "L- Look…"

Alex looked at what Jim was pointing at and saw what he couldn't even believe. Staring right in front of them was the Soulcube glowing in a fiery light. But there was something different about the artifact. Though there were many symbols circling around it, there was one symbol that was completely different then the others. It looked like a familiar capital S, but it looks all curvy and crooked, with a few dots around it. Alex kept staring at the symbol and he too was afraid of it.

Alex: "Oh no…"

Back at the control room, Betruger was just about done saving all the information about the cube before things could get worse.

Dr. Betruger: "Almost there. Just have to save one last file…"

He was about to save the file, but all the screens suddenly went to static and all the systems were offline. Seeing that made Betruger freak out in shock.

Dr. Betruger: "Damn it!! And I was so close! What the hell is going on?!"

He looked at one of the screen to find out what's the problem. Suddenly, the static screens went from plain white to blood red and there was what appeared to be a picture of an upside down star with a circle around it. Betruger looked at one of the screen, a bit perplexed at what it was.

Dr. Betruger: "What in blazes?"

He kept starring at the screen to find out what it was. That was until a set of four yellow eyes were glowing and starring back at the doctor, and then a dark eerie voice came out of nowhere.

"Finally, I found you."

Then there was a dark sinister laugh echoing around the control that made Betruger quiver. At the same time, Alex and Jim was watching the Soulcube and starring at the S. Within seconds, the artifact started to charge, like it's going to blow. When Alex saw that, he knows it's now or never. He quickly got a hold of his friend's arm and tugged him away from the almost destroyed scanners.

Young Alex: "C'mon Jim, we better go!"

He quickly pulled Jim in order to reach for the exit. But just when they were about to reach it…

Phoooooooooooommmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A huge explosion came out of the Soulcube, destroying the scanners, annihilating the controls, and caving the entire room. The explosion also engulfed Betruger, Alex and Jim in a white light, blinding them from the flames in process. In fact, the explosion was so powerful that it tore the doors that lead to the Analysis Control of its foundation and created a huge line of flames. Everyone was in awe at the huge explosion emanating out of the scanning area. Even Sergeant Kelly was shocked when he saw the explosion take place at the seating area on the second floor. He then realized that Alex was in that room. Fearing the worse, he shoved the two marines that was still holding him and headed to the smoking explosion that was soon over. One of the marines slowly got up after the sudden knockout and saw Kelly just about enter the wreck.

Marine Soldier 17: "Sergeant Kelly?"

Kelly suddenly turned to look at the Marines and security guards and gave them orders.

Sergeant Kelly: "Send medical and clean up units immediately! We have to get the injured out of there now!"

Everyone nodded and headed down to the lift to head down and get some help. But ask for Kelly, he headed into what was left of Analysis Control to find his son. When he entered the room, and noticed it was a total disaster area. The scanner was a complete wreck, the control room was busted, the ceiling was ripped apart, the floor was cluttered with random debris, fire was coming out of some parts of the area, and sparks were raining down from the damaged ceiling. But the only thing that wasn't destroyed was the Soulcube, still in one piece and not trashed like everything else around it. Looking at this mess, he now knows that his son could be somewhere underneath this wreck. He started picking debris up and tossing it away to dig through the pile of twisted metal and concrete.

Sergeant Kelly: "Alex, are you somewhere under here? Are you hurt? Can you hear me? Say something!"

He continued searching through the rubble looking for his son, hoping he's still alive. Just as he thought he lost his only family left, he heard a voice that sounds raspy, but familiar at the same time.

Young Alex: "Dad…"

Hearing that, he found out that the voice was Alex, his son. He quickly looked around the damaged room to find out where the voice came from. After about five seconds of searching, he spotted an arm coming out of the wreckage and limply waving it. Thinking that it could be his son, Kelly climbed over the wreckage and approached where the arm was. He started digging through the debris to get to him. Finally, he managed to get to his son and saw him looking in bad shape with bruises on his face and blood trickling down his forehead, but he was glad that Alex was safe. He lifted his son out of the rubble and gave him a heart-warming hug and had tears streaming down his face.

Sergeant Kelly: "Oh Alex… Thank god you're all right. I thought I lost you forever."

This was of course a lovely moment when a father almost looses a son from a fatal explosion like that. But just when Kelly thought of getting comfy, Alex said something and sounded like he's in pain.

Young Alex: "Dad…"

Sergeant Kelly: "Yes son?"

Young Alex: "It hurts…"

Sergeant Kelly: "What hurts?"

He let go of Alex to see what happened. But when he did that, what he saw made him completely disgusted. On the left side, Alex's entire arm was completely cut off, shoulder blade and all, and bits of blood was gushing right out of the deep wound. Kelly couldn't believe that what he saw was a serious situation. That's when he saw next to Alex was a razor sharp scrap of metal that had blood on the razor's edge and what appeared to be Alex's severed left arm twitching. Seeing that, Kelly looked at his son in pain and gave him a hug. But this wasn't a warm hearted hug, it was a depressing hug. While he was doing that, his son was calling out his friend's name, still in complete and utter pain.

Young Alex: "Jim… Where's Jim…"

End Flashback…

Alex: "I never saw it coming at all. The only thing I was thinking was getting Jim out of there as fast as I could. If I knew that Soulcube was going to blow, I would've save my friend sooner and not stare at the strange logo. But I guess I was too unprepared what would happen after that."

The Teen Titans listened in to the entire story and was surprised at the type of past their guardian had.

Beast Boy: "Whoa… That's deep, very deep…"

Raven: "So, what's with the prosthetic arm?"

Alex then looked at his left robotic arm that he was almost done with. He took out a screwdriver and screws the last few screws on a new piece of metal plating that was bent and shaped with a flamethrower when Alex was telling his story. While he was doing that, Alex told about how he got the prosthetic arm.

Alex: "Like I said before, that piece of metal debris completely sliced off my left arm through the shoulder up. I was in so much pain that I didn't know that I lost my entire arm. I was sent to the infirmary after the incident, lying on a hospital bed with my wound all bandage up and an infusion bag to bring back some blood I lost so much. My chances of having my arm put back together were slim, so I was given a chance to live life without one arm. Then the doctors decided to give me a prosthetic arm so that way I could live a normal life. Now, waiting for a prosthetic body part would take a while since they have a list of patients that desperately want one. But since my dad is the master sergeant of the entire facility, they move my name up to the top, so I had no worry of waiting. Though the process was a bit painful at first, the sedatives kept me calm enough to endure the surgery. And ever since the surgery, they've been upgrading my arm every year to make it look like it's totally real. And so, here we are."

The team was in awe at this, yet silent at the whole story. But Starfire was wondering something else, so she asked.

Starfire: "But what about your friend Jim? What happened to him?"

Alex looked at Star and bowed his head back down to sigh very sadly.

Alex: "He was gone…"

Again they were silent until Robin jumped in.

Robin: "You mean he died in that explosion?"

Alex: "No, it's nothing like that. When I mean gone, that didn't mean he was burned to a crisp. I mean he disappeared out of existence. Search teams and clean up crew were clearing the wreckage hoping to find Jim. But they couldn't find him, no burn marks, no remains, nothing. The only thing that appeared evident was some find of burnt outline that almost looked like Jim's body. When the explosion was cleared, only Betruger and I survived, but the rescue crew believed that the explosion mysteriously killed Jim. His parents were devastated by this and quit their jobs, heading back to Earth to get away from the facility, getting away from their past. But me, I was a whole lot worse cause I lost my only friend from that horrible accident. Betruger keeps on telling me that it was my fault that Jim died in the crossfire. And everyday that I try to forget about it, he was right. If I haven't got him out sooner then later, if I haven't got distracted by what I experience…"

He stopped there to place his tool down and rubbed his head, feeling more depressed then ever. He then kept his composure and looked at the team to finish the story.

Alex: "Jim would've been alive if I saved him but I didn't. I was so hesitant, so afraid of what that Soulcube did that I didn't know what to do. After Jim's death, I had no idea what I would do next. I mean sure I want to make another friend but I can't. Probably because after what happened to Jim, I don't want to loose another friend from something horrific as what transpired. Everytime some kid wants to make friends with me; I always turn my back on them and walk away. I even asked my dad if I could go back home to Earth, even if it brings back memories of my mom. But my dad said that I can't do that cause Mars is my home. Humph… How could someone call the UAC on Mars their home? To me, this place is just a grim reminder of what happened. And every day I keep on remembering what happened back at that day. Every time Betruger says Jim's name, I was a little quivered with both shame and anger. So ever since that accident, I decided not to make any friends with anyone in the complex, even if they ask me. Just another day in the life of Alexander Kelly, no doubt about it."

After telling his story, he went back to work to finish up his arm by grabbing a spray can used to create realistic skin color and cover up the robotics and metallics on the inside. As he was doing that, the Titans were amazed at the story Alex told; yet they felt sadden after hearing that his friend Jim died in the tragic accident ten years ago. Even Robin was shocked to hear something like that. It's one thing moving on after loosing a friend, but not making any more friends after that, that's pretty harsh. He couldn't take something like this so tough, he needed some friends, some good friends, friends that would be by his side, friends that would help him out, friends that would protect him, friends like the Teen Titans… Then something hit him. Alex did have friends to begin with, and it all started when he became the guardian for the Titans. Knowing this, Robin looked at his guardian that just finished his robotic arm and moved his animatronics fingers to test it out.

Robin: "Alex."

Alex: "Yeah Rob? What is it?"

Robin: "Do you remember the time you became our guardian?"

Alex: "Yes I do remember. My dad made me your guardian when I was ten. Thought I might have been a little young, it was a big responsibility taking care of you guys."

Robin: "I see… Well, do you know why your dad assigned you to be our guardian?"

Alex: "No… That thought had slipped my mind, but I do believe it has something to do with UAC protocol or something."

Robin: "Actually Alex, I think the reason why dad made you our guardian is that he wanted you to have some friends."

Alex actually stopped moving his fingers around and turned his head to see the Titan leader with a confused look.

Alex: "Come again?"

Robin: "Look I know it sound odd but just hear me out. We now know that you don't want to make any more friends since Jim's death, but your father was worried about you feeling so alone. He wanted you to have friends so you could forget about what happened at that day, but he didn't know what to do. But when we came to the UAC, he realized that we would be the perfect friends for you. That's why he want you to be our guardian, so that you can make friends with us."

The other Titans listened in and joined the conversation.

Beast Boy: "Yeah, that's probably it. I mean it's one thing to make friends, it's another to make friends with a couple of people that have super cool powers and abilities."

Cyborg: "And we did help you out whenever there was trouble afoot."

Starfire: "If it wasn't for us helping and saving you, you would've been dead just like everyone else."

Raven: "And if it wasn't for you rescuing us, we would've been the same thing."

Alex kept listening at what the team said and thought about it. He never knew that his father made him the guardian and yet became friends with the team. He had no idea his dad planned all this ever since the Titans came to the Union Aerospace through the cryo tubes. But from what he could understand is that the team does have a point. They were able to help him out through this disaster all day and saved him from any close calls. And he too saved the Titans on a number of occasions as well. So that would count as making them friends, but never expected it till now.

Alex: "So my dad appointed me as a guardian but really wanted me to make friends with you guys. Yet all this time I didn't know about this till now. Hmm… Didn't see that coming at all."

Robin: "There's more to this then you think Alex. You see, we are more then just being teammates, or friends to that matter. We consider ourselves as a family. Though we might not be related, we always look out for each other and stick together, no matter what. And though you already have a real father, you skills and experience through out this invasion would make you a valuable addition to this family."

Alex just thought about that for a moment at what Rob said. Sure he still had his dad as his family, but the Titans were being more of a family then his father. When his father is always away doing his duties to the Marines and his mother gone to the heavens, the Titans helped him out on everything that happened after the incident started. And he was thankful for them for doing their part. So to that end, he looked at the team and thanked them.

Alex: "Wow… Never really thought of that. Thanks guys. Thanks for becoming both my friends and my true family."

All the Titans were pleased with Alex's response and had warm-hearted smiles on their faces. But when they were going to have a soothing moment, there was a sudden bang of something metallic. That made everyone to jump off their seats and looked around at where the sound came from.

Beast Boy: "Whoa! What was that?"

Alex: "I don't know, but I don't want to wait until something happens."

With his left prosthetic arm fixed and working, he took out his pistol and slowly walked to the direction where the sound came from. The Titans decided to help him out and follows him. Al looked around to find out where the sound came from. Suddenly, they all heard another bang. Everyone got startled, thinking it was a monster or a zombie somewhere waiting for the right moment to attack. Starfire looked to her right and spotted something odd at one of the lockers. Normally, all the lockers should have locks to keep all things secured. But one of the lockers doesn't have a lock. She look down and saw the lock lying on the floor and what appears to be blood soaked foot prints leading to that locker. To that end, Star looked up and pointed at the locker.

Starfire: "I think it's coming from over there."

Alex looked at the locker the Tamaranean was pointing and smiled.

Alex: "Bingo…"

He and the others headed to the unlock locker and stood right in front of it. He then gestured Robin to come over where he is as the leader approached the guardian and listened in on the plan.

Alex: "All right Robin, here's the plan. I want you to get to the locker and place your fingers on the lock. When I say three, you open the door and I'll start blasting. You understand."

Robin nodded but wondered something about what Alex was holding.

Robin: "You sure you can take whatever's in there out with just a pistol?"

Alex: "If anything goes wrong, you guys got my back. Now go."

Robin looked back at the locker and slowly approached it while the other Titans were in position ready to take out whatever's in that locker. When Rob approached the door and slipped his finger in the trigger knob, Alex gave him the three-finger count to give him the moment to open to the door. When Alex gave him the third finger, Robin quickly opened the locker door and something came out of the locker with one big thud. Alex quickly pointed the pistol at whatever came out hoping that it would attack the moment it got out. But what he was looking at wasn't a monster or a zombie; instead it was living person with the scientist uniform on. In fact, that person was none other then Ian McCormick. He was freaking out trying to talk his way out of this, not knowing that the Titans and Alex were around him.

Ian McCormick: "Please don't kill me! I didn't to anything wrong! I was involved in this mess in the first place! I want to live!!!!"

Al and the team were completely confused, so Alex placed his pistol back into his pocket and tried to calm him down.

Alex: "Whoa, whoa, whoa… Easy there bud we're not them."

McCormick stopped his cowering and opened his eyes to see the team of Titans starring at him awkwardly. Seeing them, he stood up, took a deep breath, and sighed in relief.

Ian McCormick: "Oh thank god… You're not them; I thought for sure everyone was dead on this floor. I feel quite surprised that I found more people here then before. I mean, there was this Marine that came and I didn't know there would be survivors after that accident. When are the odds-"

Alex suddenly stopped Ian from taking too much, wanting to know who he is.

Alex: "Easy there buddy, just tell us who you are and what are you doing here."

McCormick looked at Alex and nodded.

Ian McCormick: "Forgive my ranting. My name is Dr. Ian McCormick; my job is… or was… to assist Dr. Malcom Betruger of a number of experiments he was conducting."

Alex: "Then mind telling me why you were hiding in that locker?"

Ian McCormick: "I was trying to survive like you guys were. Though it was kind of hard for me, being that Delta is swarming with these things. But I didn't want all this to happen to begin with. If I knew what Betruger was planning I should've-"

Robin: "Hang on for a second. You knew what Betruger was doing something and yet you didn't stop him?"

McCormick looked at Robin and answered his question.

Ian McCormick: "Well, I never knew about this till today when everything went wrong. I tried to stop it but Betruger destroyed everything. You got to trust me."

Alex listened in and thought this could be important. So he approached Ian to say something as the doctor looked at him.

Alex: "Tell us everything you know."

And that ends Alex's history. I can't believe that this is the longest story I've ever written. And I haven't done a short chapter in a long time. But I bet ya that the next chapter's going to be a lot more shorter then this one, as Ian explains to the team the dark secrets of Delta Labs. Please Review.