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Klarion and Greta: On the Darkside, Chapter 6: Plans of Attack

"Oracle?" This is Batgirl. I need you to scan for any high-end technology being used, especially anything of an otherworldly nature. Specifically for Thanagarian tech. Or any place where such could be."

"Hmm. Hang on…." Batgirl waited, tensely, as Barbara Gordon—the first Batgirl-ran her search engines. "Nothing much. There are some reports of UFO activity over Gotham, though. Could be anything. Sorry."

Batgirl let out her breath. In all honesty, she hadn't expected much else. The Thanagarians weren't fools; having been bested once before, it only made sense for them to establish a base somewhere off-planet, thus reducing the risk of detection.

But now they had nothing to go on. If the Thanagarians had taken Jason Blood offworld, there was no way to trace them…..unless…"I'm going to have to bring in the League on this one, people. We need the backup, anyway." She began to dial the Watchtower.

Klarion reached out and put his finger lightly on her hand. It was the lightest of touches, yet Batgirl found she couldn't move her fingers. "Wait. Stephanie….perhaps there is a faster way. By all means, call the League—I agree we'll need the backup—but while you're doing that, let me see if I can find something here to link me with Jason Blood, and perhaps establish a connection with him. At least find out where he is."

Batgirl nodded. It wasn't a bad idea; no matter how you sliced it, they had a whole solar system, and maybe beyond, to search. Any information would be welcome. "Okay, go ahead." She completed dialing the Watchtower.

"Justice League Watchtower. Go ahead, Batgirl," Shayera Hol's voice sounded over the communicator.

Meanwhile, Klarion had drawn a circle and placed the piece of paper Teekl had found in the center. Then he drew another one around himself, and reached out with his mind…..

On board the Thanagarian ship, Jason Blood was jolted from a drowsy sleep by a most unwelcome voice: "Hello, Uncle Jason. I thought you were the one always warning me about keeping bad company."

Blood had the presence of mind to keep all reaction from showing in his face. Instead he drew in a deep breath and thought back: "Klarion? What the devil are you doing here?"

"Looking for you. We—Batgirl, Secret, and I—are currently in what used to be your living room. It's seen better days. I take it you are prisoner? Of Thanagarians?"

"Yes. They need me to create something called Necronium. Ever heard of it?"

There was a shocked pause. Jason could swear he could see the Witch boy turn pale. "Necronium? Are you sure?"

"Yes." Quickly, he related his conversation with his captor to the Witch boy. "And they say it's the universe's only hope."

"I've heard of this Taker, or Eater, or Devourer, whatever name it's called by. If the rumors are true, they could be right. On the other hand, necronium, out of control, would be just as dangerous, if not more so. What do they plan to do with it?"

"They haven't shared that with me. Maybe it's best I don't know."

"Well, no matter. Where are you?"

"I….don't know. There's no windows here, and no one's said where we are. Why?"

"Because I'm coming to get you. Probably with the League, but alone if I have to."

"Klarion…."

"Not from any heroic urge, necessarily. I don't think these people understand all that can go wrong in the creation of necronium. That's a brute force technique you described; these people are amateurs. Plus….I have an idea."

"If it's the only way to stop this Taker…."

"Oh, please. You of all people should know by now there's always more than one way to do practically anything. So hang on. I take it you can't transform?"

"No, they've got some kind of electronic muzzle on me. Can't speak the words."

"Well, never mind. Let me see what I can do from this end….did you drop anything from your person during the scuffle?"

"Not that I can think of. Only-I think I still have the packing slip from that parcel on me."

"Just as good." And with that, Klarion broke the connection. To the others' expressions, he said, "I found him. He doesn't know where he is, but that won't matter. I can take us there."