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Earth-16: Go!

Chapter 2: A Bigger Team

Mount Justice, Happy Harbor

January 13th 2011, 06:30 EST

"So... still here?" Dick Grayson asked Batman as he walked across the main room clad in a black hoodie, wraparound sunglasses, and a set of jeans. He arched an eyebrow at the black figure in the center of the room leaning over the holographic interface and controls. "Did you even sleep?"

"I haven't had time. I'll just have a nap when I get back to the Manor." Batman tapped at the display. "Just setting up your newest... guests."

"As guests or team members?" Dick asked as he stepped up beside him.

"Miss Koriand'r has been entered as a team member... as has Miss Roth." Batman sighed. "I would ask you not to spread around that fact. There are members of the Justice League that would be rather opposed to her membership."

"Doctor Fate?" Dick guessed.

"Yes, but not only him... but also Wonder Woman." Batman said.

"Great..." Dick groaned and pushed up his sunglasses for a moment before a giggle echoed from down a hallway. He glanced toward the tunnel and blinked as Starfire floated down the hallway in the air.

"Robin? Is that you?" She squinted at him for a moment. "It is!"

"Hi Starfire... umm." Dick scratched his head for a moment. "How are you feeling?"

"Better... I feel much improved since last night." She stopped and glanced at Batman. "Raven has been most helpful."

"I need to go meditate..." A tired voice called from further down the hall and Raven walked into sight, dark circles around her eyes. "Then I think I'll be going to bed."

"Good night Raven." Dick said with a nod.

"Robin... is there a means of going to the surface? I must recharge for the day..." She said quietly.

Robin blinked for a moment then nodded. "Right, right... umm, I really need to go in a bit, could you ask Miss Martian when she comes by?"

"Oh... I apologize, where are you going?" Starfire cocked her head curiously at him and Dick swallowed.

"Well..."

"He needs to get home so he can be ready for school." Batman said flatly. "He's already missed more classes then is normally excusable."

"Hey, you got me started on the hero gig you know!" Dick said with a smirk plastered across his face.

Batman smiled faintly at him. "Would you prefer I take you off?"

"No... Of course not." Robin folded his arms over his chest and glared up at Batman. "I can do a lot of good as a hero, you know it."

"I do." Batman answered before tapping the controls.

"New entries acknowledged... B12 - Raven Roth, B13 - Starfire, and B14 - Cyborg." The computer stated.

Starfire looked up at the display's curiously. "What does this B13 signify?"

"It's your identity code in the Justice League network, while a member of this team you're not technically a member... the team is supported and managed by the Justice League." Batman said before hitting a command. "Two more, new arrivals will be coming soon... Aqualad did a bit of recruiting while you were on the mission."

"Recruiting?" Robin arched an eyebrow. "Are we really going to divide into squads then?"

"Yes... it makes sense with the continuing growth of the group." Batman said as he started toward one of the Zeta tubes. "We'll discuss the exact composition of the squads later."

"So... who'd he recruit anyway?" Robin asked as Batman touched the controls of the Zeta tube.

"You'll meet them tonight, after school." Batman said.

"In transit, destination Gotham City." The computer stated as the Zeta tube activated.

"Great." Robin said as he followed Batman through the glowing light of the transporter beam.

Starfire sighed as the light from the beam died. She slowly drifted to the ground and stood. "I... I must talk to Miss Martian I guess."

She stumbled toward the common room of the building as a strange smell drifted through the air. When she came to the common room, she found the green-skinned alien leaning over an oven with a tray of some sort of baked food in her hand. She set down the tray and Starfire stopped as she heard Miss Martian in her mind. Good morning Kori!

Oh... the mind link, you use it even now? Starfire thought back as she floated over to the girl's side and looked down at the tray. What is this?

Cinnamon rolls. Miss Martian answered and gave her a grin. Conner really likes them.

Conner?

Superboy! Miss Martian thought back with a widening grin. You might want to be a bit careful around him. He's not used to someone that can match him in a fight.

I lost though... Starfire thought back before reaching down and pulling a roll from the tray.

Careful, those are hot!

They do not feel that warm to me... Starfire thought back before taking a bite and her eyes went wide. "Glorious!"

Miss Martian gave a mental laugh at her before setting the tray of cinnamon rolls onto the table and sat down with a mug of coffee. So, what do you think of Earth?

I do not know yet, it has been a great improvement over the world I was last on. Starfire finished the cinnamon roll and smiled faintly. The Citadellians were awful masters.

I have heard, their reputation is such that even we have heard of them. Miss Martian thought back to her. They are a terrible people, almost as bad as the Psions.

Starfire shivered. The Psions... X'hal, please I do not want to think of them, they are nasty.

I won't mention them again then.

Good morning, ladies! Wally West's voice echoed through the mind link and with a blur, the speedster tore into the room, snatched up a pair of cinnamon rolls and blazed down the hall toward the Zeta tubes. Got to go, class starts in fifteen minutes!

Starfire giggled mentally as the speedster disappeared. Perhaps you will have to cook some more of the rolls of cinnamon...

With a snap, a pair of waffles shot out of a toaster at the end of the counter and were enveloped in dark energy before shooting out of the room. Starfire blinked and glanced at Miss Martian. Was that Raven's breaking of the fast?

I guess, I didn't see her set the toaster... Wally's going to be upset, those are his waffles.

Evil beware, I have waffles. Raven's voice intruded into the link and Starfire giggled to herself.

Welcome to the team you two. Miss Martian answered before Cyborg stumbled into the room and walked over to the stovetop.

"What have you got for... are those cinnamon rolls?"

Yes. Miss Martian answered.

Whoa... watch the mind there. I'm half robot you know... I'm kind of surprised the whole telepathy thing works. Cyborg answered as he arched an eyebrow at the two of them sitting at the table. How are you feeling this morning Starfire?

Sore... but much improved. Starfire responded with a smile before Superboy stalked into the room looking a bit grim.

He smiled faintly at the cinnamon rolls and grabbed one. Thanks M'gann. He thought before sitting down at the table and kissing her cheek.

Does anyone else here have school to go to? Starfire thought.

Duh Megan, I knew I forgot something... Have a good day Conner, but I have to run. Megan scrambled from her seat and began to turn a pale Caucasian as she headed for the Zeta tube. Her clothes shifted to a school uniform as she ran out of the kitchen.

"Bye Megan!" Starfire called as the mind link cut off. With sigh, she sat back in her seat and chewed her lip.

"So... you're an alien to?" Conner said quietly.

Starfire nodded. "I am a tamaranian... to me you are all aliens though."

Cyborg chuckled as he found some flour and continued to dig through the shelves. "I never thought of it that way Star... but I guess if you're from another planet we've got to be pretty strange."

"Yes... do you not agree Conner?" Starfire asked.

"Umm... well, I was born here. I'm half-kryptonian and half-human." Conner said.

Cyborg frowned. "How's that even possible without... well, genetic engineering?"

"It isn't."

Cyborg froze and glanced at Conner while Starfire stared at him.

"I was created using a genetic template from Lex Luthor and Superman... I don't know why they did it but Cadmus grew me in a tube as a replacement in case he died apparently... I'm only a few months old." He narrowed his eyes at Cyborg. "I don't want pity..."

"I was just thinking that sucks, that's all... Kryptonians aren't empathic are they?" Cyborg asked.

"No, we're not..." Conner said before shrugging.

Starfire floated out of her seat. "What shall we do while the others are at school? Surely there is something..."

"I noticed a computer gaming system in the common room, that'd be one thing to do." Cyborg suggested.

"But first… could one of you tell me how to get out into the sun?" Starfire asked quietly. "I… I need to recharge."

Kaldur'ahm stepped into the center meeting room and scowled to himself as one of the holographic monitors flashed and he saw the tamaranian exit the mountain alongside Superboy and Cyborg. He sighed before closing the monitor and taking a deep breath.

"Now arriving: B10 – Tempest and B11 – Aquagirl." The computer's synthesized voice stated as the Zeta tube activated. It filled the room with bright light and two familiar figures stepped through the transporter beam. Each wore an Atlantean style clothes and dripped with seawater as they stumbled in the immediate aftermath of the teleport.

The older, dark haired boy tried to use the redheaded girl as a clutch before both fell to the floor in a thud. A slight smile played across Kaldur's face as the two new arrivals yelped and struggled to stand against the floor. "The transition from an aquatic to land environment can be quite, disconcerting."

"Kaldur!" the girl said before struggling upright and grinning at him.

"Tula, Garth… welcome to the team." Kaldur'ahm said as the two youths smiled at him. "We'll get you settled in as soon as possible."

Tula nodded. "Thank you."

"Yes, thank you for allowing us onto your team," Garth said. "I was afraid that you wouldn't after what happened with the mantas."

"Well, you're not the only new recruits we've gotten." Kaldur said before waving toward the doors. "Follow me… I'll introduce you to those that are here, most of the team is off at school or out of the base at the moment."

"School?" Garth arched an eyebrow. "You mean their education hasn't finished yet?"

"No… not yet." Kaldur said. "Robin, Kid Flash, and Artemis are all still school age in this nation, and if they wish to go onto advance schooling, they could be in classes for many years to come. I would only be just beginning my last level of schooling among the surface dwellers."

He started walking toward the common room when one of the monitors flared to life. With a scowl on his face, Kaldur turned to see Hal Jordan's image. "Green Lantern?"

"I've finished the girl's physical and found some… unusual things. I'd like to come by and discuss them with you and Batman," Green Lantern said.

"Unusual in what way?" Aqualad asked as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Disturbing." Hal sighed. "I really don't want to talk about it with your newest team mates there… it is a rather personal matter for the girl."

"Very well." Aqualad nodded. "I'll see you in a few hours."

"Is something wrong Kaldur?" Tula asked quietly.

"I do not know. One of the new recruits is an alien, and a former slave. We were doing medical scans on her to ensure her health." Kaldur frowned. "The Green Lanterns are the only ones qualified to review the data."

"I see… an alien, that's exciting." Tula said.

Garth smiled faintly. "It does sound exciting, of course don't you already have aliens on the team… Superboy, Miss Martian, and so forth."

"Superboy is a clone, his entire life he's spent on Earth. Most of his life he spent as a member of this team to boot." Kaldur sighed. "Miss Martian is an alien, but Mars isn't exactly a very distant world."

"I suppose that's true." Tula tapped her chin for a moment. "So this new alien… where's she from?"

"A planet twenty-five light years from here," Kaldur said. "Called Tamaran."

"So when do we meet her?" Tula asked.

Kaldur shrugged. "Soon, she went up to the surface. I don't know when she'll be back."

Starfire laid out on her stomach at the peak of Mount Justice, her back was bare to the elements as the one called Cyborg stood clad in a heavy winter coat and his breath condensed before him.

She didn't mind the cold, compared to the extremes of space a winter day was rather comfortable. Still, the light from the local star warmed her body and she let out a contented sigh as she felt her body converting the sunlight into green energy.

It felt glorious to be free, laid out on her stomach with the sun beating down on her back. Still she could tell that her two new friends were a bit confused by her behavior. Cyborg actually looked a bit disturbed by the sight of her soaking in the solar radiation.

"I guess you're solar powered as well." Conner finally said after a few minutes.

"Yes... you are half-kryptonian correct? Your body uses yellow sunlight just as mine does?" Starfire asked.

"Not exactly the same... and I can absorb it through clothing unless I'm quite a ways underground." Conner said.

"My body transforms the light into green energy which fuels my flight... among other things. Unfortunately clothes blocks enough that they are often rather revealing on my world." Starfire said.

Conner nodded. "I guess that makes sense."

Cyborg chuckled. "I guess I shouldn't be embarrassed seeing you like this then." He sat down on a rock beside her and pursed his lips. "Are either of you cold?"

"No, the current temperature is quite comfortable compared to the depths of space." Starfire said.

Conner laughed.

Cyborg sighed and leaned back against the rocks. "So, I guess that means you can travel through space without a suit or any other sort of protection."

"My body is adapted to tolerate such temperature and pressure extremes. It can also re-oxygenate itself through the recycling of green energy." Starfire smiled faintly. "My people never bothered to develop starships as we had no need for it."

"The Kryptonians developed spacecraft, but then our home star was a red one... so we wouldn't have had the ability to fly without technologies." Conner said.

"So... red star light is the weakness of a Kryptonian, but they evolved in that sort of environment." Cybrog's red cybernetic eye focused on Conner. "That doesn't exactly make sense... I mean, what sort of evolutionary advantage is that when it's canceled out or nullified in your home system?"

"I never thought about that." Conner said as he petted Wolf's fur and chewed his lip. "Honestly all the info we have on the Kryptonians comes from Superman and he... he wasn't exactly an adult when he arrived."

"Perhaps the reverse is the truth... your abilities are side effects of an evolutionary adaption to protect you from some unique form of radiation from a red star..." Starfire observed from where she was laid out.

"That sounds like a possibility, and when your body is defending against kryptonite or red starlight it's energy is focusing on protecting you from the environmental hazard instead of other uses." Cyborg said. "You're pretty smart Star..."

"Thank you... I was asked to take a test of my intelligence last night. I believe they call it an IQ examination." Starfire yawned. "I am uncertain as to my performance. Kaldur'ahm looked rather astonished by my results."

"I'm a 215 thanks to some experiments my parents did." Cyborg said quietly.

"I do not know, is that a good value?" Starfire asked.

"Well, yeah... the scale is based on average results, 100 is the average. My score is around the highest anyone's been measured." Cyborg said.

"Then my score of 200 is not poor?" Starfire looked over her shoulder at him. "I am not considered very intelligent amongst my people."

"That's really good Starfire... I mean there's only like ten or so humans with that score or higher... of course it measures only certain facets of intelligence." Cyborg chuckled. "I've heard Robin is a competent hacker... I wonder what his score is."

"145 all of our scores are in the files." Conner said. "He's the highest scoring person on the team beside me... and lets face it, I might be smart but I'm not exactly knowledgeable enough to apply it."

"Makes sense." Cyborg leaned back in the chair. "Say... do you guys have access to the Justice League dossiers?"

"Not full access." Conner said. "Of course I don't know if they report everything." He looked at a cell phone and smiled faintly. "The others will be returning shortly. Are you fully charged Starfire?"

She nodded and straightened her clothes before standing. "I feel most refreshed..."

A black portal formed before them and Raven stepped up to her. "There you are. I believe we have some more healing to do."

Starfire nodded. "Thank you Raven." When the pair disappeared through the portal Cyborg glanced at Conner.

"Am I the only one that finds that just creepy?"

"No... no you're not." Conner said.

Gotham Academy, Gotham City

January 13th 2011, 15:29 EST

Dick Grayson sighed as he leaned back with his hair slicked back and stared at the whiteboard filled with various equations and programming notes. It was a class that bored him in so many ways, as his skill at hacking made any computer programming class into something that was rather boring and repetitive.

Over the teacher's head, he watched the seconds tick away. Finally, the parting bell of the day rang and Dick slipped out from his desk with a PDA already in his hand. Behind him, Barbara Gordon slipped out of her seat and rolled her eyes at the back of his head. "Dick, you in a hurry or something?"

"I just want to get home... this class is such a bore." Dick said.

"Really, what's the ward of Bruce Wayne doing in a class like this anyway," Barbara said. "It's not like you need to know computer programming at all."

Dick snorted. "Really, what's the commish's daughter doing in it then?"

Barbara rolled her eyes again and shook her head. "Not the same Dick, not nearly the same."

"You're so understanding Babs..." Dick said before walking toward one of the lockers and fishing out his bag.

Barbara Gordon snorted. "Oh you never know, I might just want to go out and give Gotham's number one hero a bit of help... heard Robin hasn't been seen around as much recently."

Dick stiffened slightly then rolled his eyes. "I wouldn't worry about Bats... he doesn't need help considering how many of his old enemies are locked up at the moment." He pulled out a heavy coat from his locker and began to pull it on before slipping on a pair of shades.

"Why do you dress like that Dick?"

He ruffled his hair and smiled. "It makes me feel cool."

She snorted. "You're the farthest thing from cool..."

Shows what you know, Babs. Dick thought to himself. "Plus, it's bright with all the snow on the ground."

"Whatever." Barbara said as she opened her locker. "See you tomorrow."

"Sure." Dick said as he walked down the hall and out onto the grounds. A Rolls Royce rolled to a stop before him and the window rolled down to reveal Bruce Wayne.

"Bruce?" Dick asked as he opened the rear door and climbed in. "What are you doing here?"

"Can't I pickup my ward?" Bruce asked with a laugh.

Dick shrugged and sat down beside him. As he buckled in, he noticed a familiar black case at Bruce's feet. "I see..."

"Hal wanted to meet me at Mount Justice." Bruce said as Alfred drove the Rolls Royce.

After fifteen minutes, the Rolls came to a stop in one of the side alleys as Bruce finished changing.

Dick had changed into a hooded sweatshirt and cargo pants. The door opened and Dick stepped out after Batman.

A green clad figure appeared at the opposite end of the alleyway and stopped on seeing the two of them.

"Artemis..." Batman said with a nod to the girl before walking to the phone booth. "I want you and Dick to clear out of the main room when you arrive... I have something to discuss with Aqualad and Green Lantern in private."

"Fine." The archer said with a shrug. "I think Wally will be back early... in service day, or testing, or something."

"Understood... just get the speedster out of the way." Batman said before waving back to the phone booth. "After you."

Artemis clambered through and disappeared in a flash of light before Batman and Dick followed her. The group stepped out into the main room and Dick saw Green Lantern nod to the them before turning back toward Aqualad who was tapping at the holographic controls.

Dick, you might want to listen in… M'gann got here just before you and setup the link. Aqualad's voice came through. We've got two more new members, I'll introduce you later.

Understood… come on we'll meet in the common room. Dick thought back as he lead Artemis down the hall. Stepping inside the common room, he found Cyborg, Miss Martian, Superboy, and Wolf clustered around the television. He frowned for a moment. "Where's Raven and Starfire?"

"Medical bay… Raven thought it'd be a good time to work on her." Cyborg said.

Okay, but this is probably about her… not sure what else it could be.

Miss Martian arched an eyebrow at him. Which her are you referring to?

Either. Dick thought before the clatter and squeal of sneakers announced Wally's arrival. With a glance, he saw the redhead smirk at the group.

We going to listen in or what? Wally thought and he heard a number of the others in the leak snort in amusement.

Dick lifted his wrist and activated the computer hidden there. After a moment, he smirked. "I've hacked the security cameras and microphones…" Robin said as he finished tapping on the holographic keyboard built into his gauntlet. The television before them flickered for a moment before an image of the two Justice League members and Aqualad appeared before them.

You sure this is a good idea? M'gann asked through the mind-link.

It's a meeting about one of our new team members, of course we should listen in. Wally thought sarcastically.

Artemis arched an eyebrow. Then maybe we should ask Starfire or Raven if she'd want to listen in, then.

Raven could bust in if she wanted to. Miss Martian said.

"Hal… what can you tell me?" Batman asked as the Green Lantern stared at the holographic image before them. A diagnostic scan from the medical bay hovered before them.

"I… I've never seen anything like it, at least not on someone this young." Hal said quietly. "There are injection points all over her body, relatively recent ones from the look of it." He pointed to the arm joints. "The signature of various chemical markers, point toward extensive genetic modification and experimentation. They're consistent with Psion abduction and experimentation techniques. Probably just within the last year or two. The tale's there to see if you can read it." He tapped the screen and a second set of notations appeared on the display. "Then… there's the scar tissue."

"Her skin seems undamaged, no visible scaring." Aqualad said.

"Yes, but that's not what's been scarred. The Citadelians perfected a means of removing the skin of a victim temporarily without killing them. Then the torture them by damaging the internal musculature, nervous system, and organs, there is scar tissue that dates as far back as seven years there… and internal scarring of her sexual organs consistent with forced sexual service by the Citadelians, for over two years." Hal looked away from the readout and took a deep breath. "I'd… I'd heard of the evils that lurk in the Vega System, but to see them like this?"

"I would not have thought a princess of a world could ever be subjected to such torture." Batman spoke quietly.

Hello Star Wars? Kid Flash snickered in the mind-link.

Robin scowled at that. It's not funny! I've managed to copy the medical scans he's showing Batman. It's bad Wally… really bad. He focused on the holographic displays that floated over his gauntlet computer.

"Nor would I… those Citadelians are nasty pieces of work." Hal said. "How is Robin handling her?"

"He's helping, just by speaking with her and Raven when she is undergoing treatment. She volunteered to join the team, along with Raven and Cyborg. I'm thinking dividing the team into squads would be a good idea soon." Batman said.

"Who would lead the second team?" Hal asked.

"I'll let them decide." Batman tapped a key and scowled. "Marie Logan was found dead two days ago… reports indicate it was a hit ordered by Queen Bee. Garfield is missing. The Team has a vested interest in his safety. I'm thinking about sending them."

Oh no… M'gann's mind echoed in their heads. Garfield!

"That's definitely a mission for us." Robin snarled under his breath. "Come on… Aqualad."

"I agree… The Logan's were already attracting a great deal of attention. Perhaps the Light believes this a chance to sample Martian genetic material from Garfield… or at least to study how the morphing works." Aqualad glanced between the two adults. "I'll ask M'gann to prep the Bioship."

On it. M'gann floated out of the common room. Conner followed suit with Wolf.

What about us? Raven's mind barged into the telepathic link of the team.

Aren't you helping Koriand'r? Robin thought back with a scowl.

The peppy voice of the girl answered before he could think another word. I am fine. My injuries are not debilitating me. Would you not appreciate our assistance?

If I'm not allowed to do anything else until she's healed, I'll be rather bored for the next few months. Raven's gravelly voice answered.

Just go meditate or something. Kid Flash answered with a snort.

Ha, ha, very funny. Raven's mind muttered back. What's the harm in letting us accompany you?

You're not trained for this, not yet. Aqualad stated.

"Could someone please let me in on this conversation?" Cyborg swore from where he sat in the common room.

Please… I do not wish to remain trapped underground like this, it is most draining. Koriand'r's mind begged after a moment.

Draining? Oh… right, Tamaranians are sunlight dependent. M'gann's voice answered. Kind of like Conner… just… more dependent.

We can at least let them have access, and Raven… M'gann, could one of you pull Cyborg into this conversation. Aqualad thought.

Hello… Is this thing on? Cyborg thought and a number of mental snickers reverberated through the link. What we talking about anyway?

I've got two more people to introduce… Aqualad thought to them. Meet me in the main room in fifteen minutes, with Zatanna.

Understood. The others said. Sorry Cyborg, we kind of forgot about you.

One more thing, we'll be dividing into squads from this point out. Raven, Starfire, Cyborg, Wally, and Robin will be one squad. I'll take Artemis, Superboy, M'gann, Wolf, and Zatanna. We'll worry about command and firming up the squads later. Aqualad thought.

Robin's leader. Wally thought immediately.

We'll talk about it. Cyborg thought.

I trust Robin. Starfire thought. If I must be a subordinate, I would prefer to be under someone I felt I can trust.

Told ya! Wall thought and yelped as Artemis elbowed him. What was that for?

For you being yourself. Artemis thought.

All right, if you would come back to the briefing room… I'll introduce you to our two other new members. Aqualad thought.

Robin stood and headed for the door followed by the other team members. As they passed the medical bay the door hissed open and Raven stepped out followed by Starfire who floated amongst them studying them cautiously. It was the first time since the morning all of them were together and he could tell the girl was nervous as she rung her hands while floating amongst them giving a brave smile.

"You okay?" Robin asked as they entered the hall and Starfire's happy façade fell.

"Nervous… and embarrassed, I did not wish for you to know of my troubles." She said quietly.

"We've all got dark secrets Star. That doesn't mean we think any less of you." Robin smiled at her and she brightened for a moment before pushing a few strands of hair behind her ear.

The team spread out around the briefing room. Robin saw Zatanna step from another corridor and glare at Raven. Aqualad stood at the center of the room and studied them for a moment.

"All right, first I'd like to get these introductions out of the way so we can get to the briefing." Aqualad said as he stood before the group. Starfire floated amongst the assembled youths and arched an eyebrow as two more people clad in clothes of clearly Atlantean make appeared behind Aqualad. He smiled faintly as he turned toward the two of them. "These are Garth and Tula, both are skilled atlantean sorcerers. Their heroic monikers are Tempest and Aquagirl. They'll be joining the team on missions and learning along with our three newer members."

"Great... two more Atlanteans, guess I really will have to avoid seafood from now on." Wally said before smirking. "So... umm, how are we going to organize this?"

"Well, obviously our numbers have grown too large to really be wielded with just a single leader." Aqualad said. "Instead, we'll be divided into two separate squads. I believe that there will be no complaints if Robin leads the second squad while I lead the first. As I know both Tula and Garth, it'll be best if I take them."

"Spread out the rookies I guess." Cyborg observed to himself. "It makes sense."

"Correct, now... Squad Alpha, will be my squad. It will be made up of Tempest, Aquagirl, Rocket, Superboy, Wolf, Miss Martian, and myself. Squad Beta, will be Robin's squad made up of: Starfire, Cyborg, Raven, Kid Flash, Artemis, Robin, and..."

Zatanna scowled and her hand shot up. "I'd like to request being assigned to a squad besides that which includes Raven."

Aqualad arched an eyebrow. "Personality conflict?"

"I'd rather not discuss it." Zatanna stated.

Raven sighed. "It's because I'm a half-demon. She doesn't want to associate with me."

"My father is the current Doctor Fate... I'm sure you can see the conflict of interest." Zatanna growled.

"Fine..." Aqualad shook his head and pursed his lips. "Rocket will take your place on Squad Beta, and you'll take her place on Squad Alpha."

"Thank you." Zatanna said.

Robin rolled his eyes. "So... um, we've got a mission right?"

"Indeed you do." Batman said as he stepped out from the shadows. Starfire dropped behind Robin as if hiding from him while Cyborg looked nervously around the room.

He stopped beside Aqualad. The displays flickered to life showing a redheaded boy that looked to be around nine as well as a woman that had to be his mother. "A few weeks ago the team saved young Garfield Logan in Qurac. The boy required a transfusion and Miss Martian managed to adapt her own cellular biology to allow her to act as his donor. The boy suffered no ill effects aside for a shift in eye-color."

"Unfortunately, it seems someone else was aware of this and has abducted young Garfield. His mother was found dead, apparently after driving her car over a cliff face." Batman glared around the group. "Garfield has not been seen since the evening before the attack."

"Any leads?" Aqualad asked.

"Just one… it seems that a member of the light placed a contract for three additional staff to provide security for a recently secured 'genetic research subject'. A source in the shadows passed the contract to me." Batman smiled faintly. "Apparently Ra's decided to subcontract it out to one of their client organizations. Two members of HIVE and Mammoth embarked on a flight to Qurac last week. Find them and I think you'll find the kid."

"Do we know which member of the light placed the contract?" Robin asked.

"The Brain."

"Ugh… so prepare to face Mallah and the Cylon wannabe then." Wally muttered.

"I wouldn't worry about that, we've got plenty of backup this time." Artemis observed.

Undisclosed Location

January 14th 2011, 02:40 GMT

Garfield Logan struggled against his bounds as the hatch hissed open. The red lenses that covered his jailer's eyes stared down at him for a moment and the kid could see a pistol holstered on the man's hip, a broadsword strapped to his back, and an assault rifle slung over a shoulder. A bandoleer complete with spare magazines and grenades completed the outfit, making the man appear to be a venerable walking arsenal.

"Stop your struggling." He snapped as he stalked forward, grabbed Garfield by the bindings, and lifted him to his feet.

"Let me go, you terminator wannabe!" Garfield shouted before twisting against the restraints again and snarling at the man. He merely chuckled at Garfield's show of bravado and hauled him out into an open field beside what looked like a shed.

A massive black cargo helicopter flared over the field and slowly lowered to the ground. As the rotors slowed the cargo ramp growled open and the Garfield stared as a strange contraption rolled down the ramp. He stared at the mass of black metal, wiring, glass, and finally stared in shock at the pink brain nestled in the center of the machine.

"I have hired additional assistance for security... Mr. Wilson, do not trouble yourself about their skill or performance. They are sufficient to the task at hand," the Brain said as he floated along the grass field beside the chopper. The gorilla beside him looked almost disgruntled with that statement as though the additional muscle was a bit of an insult to him.

Then as he saw the hulking figure of Mammoth clambering down from the rear of the hatch followed by a lithe woman with wild pink hair and white makeup and a midget clad in a green jumpsuit with a harness and metal backpack, Ravager began to see why the three were held in such poor regard. They looked like a joke, save for Mammoth, who literally was simply hired muscle.

"It seems your companion doesn't approve of your selection." Ravager said as he lifted the bound form of the boy and presented him to the Brain's cameras. "I have your... sample."

"They are expendable... it is for that reason alone that I procured their assistance." The Brain said.

"Hey, I resemble that remark!" The midget snapped.

"I believe you know Mammoth, the other two are Jinx and Gizmo," the Brain stated as he rolled toward the boy. "I see you have ensured he was unharmed, to make our testing more accurate."

"Of course." Ravager said.

"I'm not going with some stinking brain in a jar!" Garfield yelled before twisting against his restraints. "You're crazy, you know that! I'm just a kid with a bit of Martian blood!"

The gorilla gave an indignant howl, stepped forward and backhanded the boy.

"Thank you Mallah," the Brain said with an amused tone. "Load up the cargo... I'd rather avoid spending much time here, the Justice League and their underlings are already searching for the boy."

"Of course they are." Ravager said with a snort. "Well then... If you've brought the payment..."

Mallah swung a duffel bag from his back and hurled it into Ravager's chest. The man was knocked back from the impact and nearly dropped the kid. Then he handed the boy to Mallah who held the bound boy loosely as he struggled to escape.

"Let me go, you damn dirty ape!" Garfield snapped before being backhanded again. He grunted from the impact and glared up at the ape who wasn't bothering to watch him.

Ravager chuckled. "Well, I'm out of here... a pleasure doing business with you." He swung the bag over his shoulder and headed toward the edge of the airport.

Then something huge and invisible roared overhead just a dozen feet above the ground and Ravager broke into a run.

"Ahh… they have arrived, as I anticipated," the Brained said.

"Guess we'll have to earn our pay after all." Jinx observed before snapping her fingers.

"Crud!" Gizmo yelled before a laser-cannon slid out of his backpack. "Time to teach these snot munchers a lesson!"