Summary: As a team of JL heroes led by Batman transport captured enemy prisoners to another planet, Robin receives word that they are under attack.
Author's Note: The story is based on the animated series Young Justice, so some characters aren't quite the same as they appear in DC comics. Cartoon Network has a character profile on each of the YJ members if you're curious. Special thanks again to Beth, PJ, and Ellen for being gracious enough to offer their services as beta-readers.
Disclaimer: All characters belong to DC, Time Warner, and CN; this is an original story that doesn't intend to infringe on their copyright. Feedback is welcome.
Copyright: April 2012
Brightest Knight
By Syl Francis
~ / ~ / ~ / ~
News reports from around the globe began trickling in, claiming that entire squadrons of enemy aircraft inexplicably went out of control and crashed to Earth…
"…And when questioned about the strange, green energy that was said to have appeared before the enemy planes crashed and of the rumors that the enemy crews were missing, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Samuel Lane, replied 'No comment.' This is Cat Grant with LNN News, reporting live from Washington, DC…back to you, Jack!"
"Thank you, Cat…and in other news, the Justice League went out in full force to assist in putting down this latest threat to our world from hostile alien forces. Wonder Woman, acting as media spokesperson put it best, 'The Justice League has sworn to protect and serve the people of Earth and to defend our home-world against all enemies, alien and terrestrial…' With dedicated heroes such as these around, I know that this reporter will be able to sleep a little easier tonight. This is Jack Ryder, reporting from Metropolis. Good night."
~ / ~ / ~ / ~
Superman, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, Batman and John Stewart—Sector 2814's newly reactivated alternate Green Lantern—loaded the captured enemy prisoners onto a personnel transport starship, which Superman had built using Kryptonian technology, and hauled them off to the same uninhabited planet to which Robin had teleported the enemy air crews.
Although Superman had built the ship for a purely utilitarian purpose, he did include a small lounge off the starboard bow with a large viewing window. It was a nice, quiet place where a person could grab a few moments peace; it was also the place in which Batman found himself brooding over the events of the previous week…
He reflected on the remarkable things that Robin had done with the Ring, the way he'd made Batman's suggestions an instantaneous reality, only to astound everyone with the staggering formation of not one but two wormholes! Something John Stewart and Guy Gardner admitted that to their knowledge no Green Lantern had ever created.
He recalled the cold hand that clutched his chest when Robin collapsed, unconscious in his arms. The tense flight back to Mount Justice and Robin never regaining consciousness until almost 36 hours later—remaining unaware through a zeta beam transport home, a CT scan, IVs, beeps from monitors, a catheter, and other indignities.
If it weren't for Leslie's quiet reassurances that Dick's body was simply exhausted and resting in order to recoup whatever reserves of energy he'd tapped into when he'd used the Ring, Bruce may not have made it through the next few days without going out and busting heads until he felt better.
"I can't be sure, of course," Leslie said. "We know there's a mental aspect with the Ring-bearer, but what we've never known is whether there is a physical component to the symbiotic relationship between the Ring and the Green Lantern. Whatever the case may be, it's fairly certain that without any kind of prior training, Dick probably had to work twice as hard to do the things he did." She smiled sympathetically. "He'll wake up when he's ready and not before…Now, why don't you get some rest, too, Bruce? I really don't want two patients passed out due to exhaustion."
Thankfully, Dick had awakened by late the following afternoon, and Leslie had prescribed complete bed rest for five days. At Dick's inevitable protest, she "allowed" him to bargain her down to four days—three with good behavior. The wink and smirk she gave Bruce and Alfred when she faced away from her impatient patient told the whole story.
Thankfully, Dick had been sprung in time for them to spend at least one day together before Bruce had to go on this ridiculous junket to another planet. They spent the day at Wayne Corp supervising post-war cleanup and recovery. Dick worked with the cyber-techs to re-install and upgrade systems security, while Bruce made it a point to walk through all the different departments and personally check on each employee's welfare.
That night, they'd patrolled the streets of Gotham and stopped five muggings and three B&E's (typical street level mooks and punks—one look at the Bat and they cried like little girls); one bank robbery attempt by the Riddler (Robin decked him with one punch to his glass jaw), and a jewelry heist. (Catwoman, who somehow managed to escape after Batman caught her and sent Robin to call the authorities.)
All in all, your typical night in Crazy Town, USA. A great time was had by all, especially the Dynamic Duo, and when they returned home, Alfred noticed Bruce smiling at one of Dick's awful puns…
The two-day journey through hyperspace left Batman feeling vaguely unsettled. He hated the final frontier, absolutely loathed it, in fact. He despised space battles and any and all contact with extraterrestrials who decided that Earth was the flavor of the month, and therefore, its inhabitants needed to be conquered, annihilated, eaten, or—as was the case more often than not—all three.
He barely tolerated having the JL Watchtower as an orbiting satellite.
Batman was a non-super powered, 100 percent human male—a creature of Earth. He'd traveled the world when he was younger, seeking knowledge, honing his skills as a fighter, perfecting his physical prowess and mental acuity. But when he felt himself ready to begin his crusade, he returned to his boyhood home, Gotham City. It was there where Bruce Wayne had experienced his greatest happiness and his greatest despair.
Gotham was his city and he was her protector. And up until four years ago, he had managed his mission alone. But now the city had two protectors, Batman and Robin, the Dynamic Duo. His mouth twitched briefly. Robin would have loved being out here, he thought. The boy loved adventure and was always excited about trying out new things. Batman sobered immediately.
The Ring changed everything.
What kind of idiot gives a Power Ring to a kid? He fumed. The thing's the most powerful weapon in the universe, not some prize toy in a cereal box! He sighed. Dick's not even old enough to drive—but The Powers That Be think he's mature enough to wield a weapon that can level mountains? It's a Pandora's box of untapped power—and a heavy responsibility for a grown man…let alone a boy.
And if that wasn't bad enough, Batman—no, Bruce Wayne—suddenly had to be the parent who takes away the shiny new, but dangerous toy from the 13-year-old kid. Alfred sure wasn't going to volunteer for that particular duty. Leslie had just laughed.
As the loyal valet said, "I'm in loco grand-parentis, sir…I get to spoil the young master as any doting grandfather would. You, on the other hand, are his father. Therefore, you must make all the hard decisions."
Scowling, Bruce crossed his arms. "That's not even a real word, Alfred."
"No, but it does get my point across," Alfred said smugly. Raising a single eyebrow, he removed a tray of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies from the oven—Dick's favorite, of course…
Batman glared out the view screen at the star-scape that passed by, swirling in a strange painter's palette of never before seen vibrant colors. As they were traveling faster than light, the color spectrum had broken up and divided itself into a multitude of hues that blended into new shades, then separated in sharp relief.
A shade of blue against the inky blackness of space caught his eye. It was the exact dark blue as Dick's eyes. As Batman, saying "No" to Robin for his own safety was an easy bet. Out in the streets, there was nothing more important than the mission, and Robin's safety (and his) was paramount for its success. Therefore, the rules were designed specifically to ensure the safety of the team (especially Robin), and the completion of the mission.
However, saying "No" to Dick was an entirely different entity altogether. At the time of his arrival in the Wayne household, the young boy's sad, expressive blue eyes had reflected a deep despair that mirrored Bruce's at the loss of his own parents.
Without any effort on his part, the boy had touched the billionaire playboy so suddenly and unexpectedly that before he knew what he was doing, Bruce was volunteering to take the boy in for the night. The "night" had turned into "an extended stay until more suitable accommodations could be found," which turned into his signing the legal guardianship papers and making Dick's temporary stay permanent.
If Bruce were honest with himself, most of these decisions were made simply because he couldn't bear to say "No" to a certain pair of trusting, dark blue eyes. Since that time, Dick's wide-eyed smile and sunny disposition had completely broken through Bruce's hardened heart.
Therefore, when he said "No" this time, he made sure that it was Batman saying "No" to Robin. After all, Robin couldn't drive the Batmobile because he was underage; he couldn't stay out past midnight on a weeknight because he had school the next day; and he couldn't go after Joker, Two Face, or Killer Croc on his own because it was too dangerous.
So, no Power Ring without parental supervision—and maybe not even then—until further notice. As long as Batman was going to be off world, the Ring would kept in the vault, along with all the other dangerous weapons and artifacts that Batman had collected over the years.
Glaring down at his junior partner from his imposing height and holding his eyes (which were thankfully hidden behind the white lenses of his domino mask), Batman exacted a promise from Robin not to take the Ring out while he was off world.
"But, Batman, what if something really bad happens while you're gone?" Robin asked. "I mean, what if there's a breakout at Arkham?"
"Then Green Arrow and Black Canary will be on hand to help out," Batman said stoically. "They've already agreed to be around while I'm gone."
"But I thought Gotham was our city?"
"It is…but you're my son." Against his better judgment, Batman sighed and removed his cowl, prompting Robin to remove his own mask. Bruce's demeanor relaxed slightly; this time, it was a father's concern that looked down on the boy, not Batman's uncompromising glare. "So, I'm asking you—please, leave the Ring in the vault while I'm gone. It's simply too dangerous for you to use it unsupervised."
Father and son held each other's eyes, neither willing to blink first. At last, Dick swallowed and looked away, slowly bringing up his hand. Gazing at the Ring with a longing he didn't quite understand, he nodded reluctantly in agreement.
"I promise, Bruce…I won't do anything dumb." He slipped the Ring off his finger and handed it to Bruce. "Here…lock it in the vault until you get back."
"Good…and Dick? John Stewart doesn't know it yet, but he's going to agree to help with your training."
"How 'bout Guy Gardner?" Robin asked hopefully.
"Over. My. Dead. Body."
"But he's fun!" Implying that Stewart, an ex-marine, most certainly wasn't.
"You need a mentor, not a playmate."
Batman watched Robin's eyes narrow as he gave the matter serious thought. It was apparent he was less than enthusiastic about spending any long periods of time with Stewart—having spent many hours on Monitor duty with the man, Batman could hardly blame him—but then the Boy Wonder dismissed it as unimportant.
Coming to his decision, Robin's face lit up, and he gave a loud whoop, executing three successive back flips. He was going be a Green Lantern—that was just all kinds of awesome…
Grimacing, Batman mentally kicked himself. Now he had to approach Stewart—there's no way he'd ever be desperate enough to ask Gardner—and tell him to agree to do what he had already promised Dick—namely, train the boy in the finer art of wielding the Power Ring.
And wasn't that the sticking point?
As the primary mentor to Young Justice, Batman had approved Black Canary's training regimen for the youngsters. They had sat down together and discussed each junior hero's powers and abilities and had agreed that in order for the youngsters to learn how to work together as a team, they would have to know how to augment one another's strengths and weaknesses.
Under those circumstances—to ensure success for the new team—Batman accepted the need for Robin to receive training from someone other than himself.
But each time he thought of being dependent on Stewart for Dick's training, he felt an almost visceral reaction in his gut. Robin's training was his responsibility; it had been since the boy was nine. Dick had only recently turned thirteen in March. (A teenager…where had the time gone?) As he'd blown out the candles, he'd looked up at Bruce with a pair of wistful eyes and told him his birthday wish: to be invited to the Hall of Justice.
From that visit's fiasco had come Robin and the other sidekicks' "rebellion," which led to their finding and freeing Superboy from Cadmus. This in turn led to the formation of Young Justice—and Robin's new need to receive training by someone other than Batman.
Then there was the whole issue of Power Rings and Guardians of the (Freaking) Universe and the responsibility of an entire space sector that were all ganging up against him on some kind of galactic tug of war and doing their worst to tempt Dick away—offering the whole universe as his personal playground and powers limited only by his imagination.
It was a mesmerizing siren's song that Bruce knew would eventually call Dick away from Gotham…away from him.
Which brought the problem back full circle: His little boy was growing up, and he was having trouble letting go. And then he had to go and make that promise…
I knew I shouldn't have taken off the cowl, he groused.
~ / ~ / ~ / ~
Finally, after what seemed an interminable journey across the nothingness of space, they arrived at their destination. Batman had already cynically designated the planet, Botany Bay, after the infamous penal colony. He still thought it a mistake, or at the very least an ill-advised move, to transport such a large complement of prisoners here in order to essentially release them.
However, since Robin had already sent a good-sized contingent to this planet, the League determined it was the best course of action available. Besides, Stewart felt it necessary to check on their status—i.e., to see whether or not they had arrived in one piece and were still breathing.
The prisoners/colonists were to be left with sufficient supplies—flour, seeds, dry goods, etc., and building materials to survive until they could become a self-sufficient colony—or, until they killed each other, Batman contended, whichever came first.
The planet had enough water, game, and edible plants for long-term survival. Of course, the new colonists would also have to make do with the most basic of hand tools—the same kind of tools that the Europeans had taken with them to the New World when they first settled there.
"We will be back within one half of your planetary solar year to check on your progress," Superman said.
"By the great goddess, you cannot just leave us here!" One of the new colonists stepped forth. He was larger than the others, already asserting his position of power. "I am Flight Officer D'Thor, Red Squadron commander of the great Imperator's own Legion—!"
Stewart threw down a green, electrified fence around the angry colonist. "That's far enough."
"You sent us here without food or weapons…with no warning!" D'Thor shouted.
"You attacked our planet without provocation," Batman replied coldly. "You killed hundreds of thousands in just the few days you were there. We could have executed you, but I was outvoted." Batman glared at the group of protestors representing the larger body of prisoner-colonists. "We could have elected to abandon you here… never to return to check on you." He indicated the goods they had off-loaded. "Again, I was outvoted, and as you can see…we even brought supplies."
"And weapons? We need them for survival. There are wild beasts here—!"
"You know that's an interesting thing," Stewart said, with a grin. "It seems that at least on this one point, we are all in agreement: It will be a cold day in hell before we supply you with any arms and ammunition…As for your own weapons? Let's just say that a 'little bird' told us an interesting tale of how you were stripped of any and all weapons before being transported here—clear across the galactic arm!" He looked at Batman. "Neat trick…I'll have to ask him to show me how he did it."
Another colonist stepped forward. He was younger, nervous.
"Please…I am Pilot Officer D'Chet also of Red Squadron. We were only following the orders of our leaders. Surely, you must understand. It was our duty to obey."
Batman held the former enemy's pleading eyes for a beat, not bothering to hide his contempt.
"Understand? I'll tell you what I understand. I understand that because of you and your kind, I have a friend lying in a hospital right now—in a coma. I understand that you endangered my son's life and the lives of millions more." Glaring at the colonist, Batman fought the urge to drive his fist into the prisoner's face; instead, he turned and headed back toward the JL spacecraft.
"But what of our home planet?" D'Chet demanded. "Are we doomed to never set eyes upon our homes again? To never see our families again?"
"I spoke with the Guardians of Oa while we were enroute here," Stewart said quietly. "We've dispatched Earth's third Green Lantern, Guy Gardner, to your planet. You will be kept apprised of the situation once we know more."
"We'll be back in a half-year's time," Batman repeated. "Meanwhile, I suggest you work together to build a future for yourselves here. It's more than you would have given us."
As the JL members headed back to the space ship, a large shadow suddenly blocked out the sun…
~ / ~ / ~ / ~
A soft green aura enveloped Dick as he tossed and turned in his sleep. Images of Green Lantern Guy Gardner breaking free of restraints and battling his way through a gauntlet of enemy fire filled his dreams.
These were superimposed with those of air attacks and explosions on the ground, which soon deliquesced and were replaced by scenes of the Justice League battling the same enemy on a strange, alien planet…
Green Lantern John Stewart sent a green energy blast at an atmospheric fighter…
Superman caught two enemy aircraft and slammed them together in a typical show of super-strength for the Man of Steel…
Wonder Woman caught one by the aft section with her lasso, twirled it above her head, and threw it back toward the mothership, which was maintaining a low-planetary orbit…
Martian Manhunter and Batman materialized inside one of the maintenance/ventilation shafts and headed in the direction of the ship's core. Dick remembered the twists and turns he'd taken only a few days ago. But what was going on…?
"Green Lantern Richard John Grayson…" a familiar cold voice "spoke" in his mind. "Green Lantern Guy Gardner reports that the Imperator of the D'Gutchck, a warlike race in Sector 2814, has launched an attack on the formerly uninhabited planet newly designated Botany Bay…"
Dick's eyes snapped open, instantly awake. Was I dreaming? he wondered. Holding his arms out, he looked down at himself.
A green aura? But the Ring's still locked downstairs in the vault—
To his shock, the Ring appeared suddenly in front of him and quickly slipped itself onto his middle finger.
"—or not!" he muttered.
"When he arrived at the D'Gutchck home world," the cold voice continued, "Green Lantern Guy Gardner was taken prisoner, but he managed to escape and send word to Oa. The Imperator, the D'Gutchck leader, ordered one of their vast warships to Botany Bay to execute the prisoner-colonists for failing to carry out their mission of conquest on Earth." Here the cold voice paused, and when it spoke again, it held a small modicum of compassion. "Green Lantern John Stewart reports that he and other members of your world's Justice League are under heavy attack…"
Bruce was in trouble! Dick tossed off the bedclothes and jumped out of bed. The "voice" was still speaking…
"We have dispatched six Green Lanterns from your nearest neighboring sectors to lend assistance. However, the closest one is at least fifteen hours out from Botany Bay..."
As the voice went silent, the green aura around Dick faded as well. Dick shouted for Alfred and sprinted down to the Bat-cave. Once there he hurriedly filled in the loyal valet on the situation. Donning his mask, he activated the JL comms.
"Watchtower, this is Robin…I have a Code-Red emergency! Repeat…I have a Code-Red emergency!"
"This is Watchtower—Black Canary speaking. State the nature of your Code-Red emergency."
Less than ten minutes later, Robin was being announced into the Watchtower—his first time there.
"Robin…B-0-1."
In the past, when he'd dreamed of this moment, of his finally stepping out of the JL transporter onto the Watchtower, it was always with Batman at his side. Kid Flash and Red Arrow, his two closest friends, would be there, too, along with their mentors. It should have been a moment to be savored as he gazed in awe at the entrance foyer, which was the JL's Hall of Heroes—past and present.
Never in his wildest dreams would he have ever imagined that on his first visit he would be facing a League emergency without Batman standing next to him. Taking a calming breath, he headed toward the JL conference room.
Black Canary had scrambled the Justice League as soon as she'd signed off with Robin. Thankfully, most of the members had already arrived. As Robin rushed in, the senior heroes all turned to face him. Except for the heroes whose junior partners were members of Young Justice and already knew about Hal Jordan's temporary replacement, the rest of the JL looked on in surprise.
"BC, I thought you said GL was coming," Hawkgirl stated.
"I did…and he's here," Black Canary said smugly. "Everybody…Robin here is the new Green Lantern."
"What—? But where's the real—?"
Robin activated the Power Ring and was immediately enveloped in an emerald aura. His normally red tunic and the yellow lining of his cape were now green, while the R-symbol was overlaid with a Green Lantern insignia.
Straightening his shoulders, Robin glared at Hawkgirl. "We don't have a lot of time. I received word from Oa that Batman and the others are in trouble. The Guardians have sent Green Lanterns from the local sectors to Botany Bay, but they're still hours away. Our guys don't have that kind of time." He looked around at the rest of the assembled heroes. "I'm going! If you want to come aboard, this bus is leaving in about 30 seconds."
Without waiting for a response, Robin turned and strode purposefully back to the Hall of Heroes. Black Canary and Green Arrow glared at their colleagues before following him. The remaining heroes appeared momentarily nonplussed, then with a shrug, trailed after them.
"Okay, son, we're all here," the Flash said, addressing Robin. "Now what?"
Familiar with the routine now, Robin closed his eyes and took a deep breath to settle his nerves. He cleared his mind of all distractions, and reaching inside himself, he searched for the green energy source…
There! He felt instantly grounded and at peace. Concentrating, he brought his considerable Bat-will to bear and began channeling green energy through the Power Ring.
Startled, the world's greatest heroes suddenly found themselves inside an emerald teleporter portal. A quiet voice spoke in their heads, "Justice League transfer in five…four…three…two…one…Mark!"
~ / ~ / ~ / ~
End of Part 3