Infiltrator
Paula Crock's Apartment Building, Gotham City: 3:34am, August 4th, 2010:
I wait by my motorcycle as I feel the souls of the mother and daughter. I feel someone coming as I recognise the familiar soul. "Took you long enough." I say as Batman steps into the light. Green Arrow walks out as well as Batman narrows his eyes at me. "You were told to wait." He says as I smirk. "And you were told to keep up." I say as he gives me his signature glare. "I don't know if you're dumbest or bravest person I know." Green Arrow says as I look at him. "Want my honest answer?" I say sarcastically which he awakardly laughs off. "What flat?" Batman asks. "302." I say as he walks forward. I put me hand on his chest, stopping him. "Let me go first." I say as I stare at him. "Reason?" He questions. "She knows me...or at least the Rider. If she sees you, than she'll be in the wind." I say as he hmms and nods his head. I walk into the apartment building as I enter the lift as the two leaguers join me.
The scene would be hilarious to anyone else. The dreaded Batman, the colourful Green Arrow and the notorious Ghost Rider. All in a lift, listening to its boring tunes. We reach the right floor and head to the door, I breath a sigh of readiness as I knock. "I've told you people a thousand times! We don't want what your selling!" An angry voice yells out as the door opens, revealing Artemis in her civilian wear. This is the first proper time that I've seen her and I see the strong resemblance to her mother and sister, apart from the striking blonde hair that she could have only gotten from her father. Her eyes widen in surprise seeing at Batman and Arrow but fear replaces surprise when she notices the familiar white 'U' on my jacket. "We need to talk." I say as she glances at all three of us as a voice calls. "Artemis, who is it?" Paula calls as Artemis tries to slam the door in my face but my quick reflexes and superior strength overpowers Artemis as I barge into the flat.
Artemis backs off and pulls a gun from underneath the coffee table and points it at me. "Really?" I say with a raised eyebrow. "Artemis!" Paula calls out as we all turn and see the wheelchair bound woman roll into the room. Artemis glances at her mother before staring back at me, she lowers her gun but doesn't put it down. I loosen a chain, threateningly, as she widens her eyes. "Matt. That's enough." Batman says as I pull the chain back in. "How can I help you gentlemen?" Paula asks calmly but I sense her trepidation. "We came because of this." Batman says as he holds up the arrow from last night. Artemis's eyes widen, as does Paula's. "You recongize it? Cause I did." I say cheekily as Artemis glares at me. "Yes...it's mine." She says. "We are here because Matt believes that you tried to help last night. He told me and Batman that this arrow belonged to you, so we are here to figure out the why." Arrow says as Artemis turns to her mother. Paula gives a nod as she sighs. "I got out, a few days ago. When I signed the disability pension, I came back here and when I arrived, Lawerence was here." She says as I perk up. "I told him that I was going straight and that Artemis will be joining me, I wasn't going to let him hurt my daughter anymore." She says as she stares at me. I nod my head respectfully. "During the conversation, Artemis heard us arguing and decided to become a vigilante, she went out to help people. And for a week, her actions have gone unnoticed." Paula finishes as I speak up. "Till last night." I say as both Paula and Artemis nod.
I look at Batman and Green Arrow. "What are you planning on doing?" Artemis asks as Batman looks at her. "Your actions will be monitored. We may offer you a position on the league's new team but for now, you'll be watched by the Rider." He says as he turns to leave. "Batman, wait!" Paula shouts as she strolls forward. Batman turns back. "Let my daughter join your team." She says as Artemis's eyes widen. "Mom!" She yells. "I'm scared for her. She's going out there, alone. Her father is waiting until she becomes lax. I don't want him to hurt her. Please, you have to take her." Paula pleads as I walk over and put my hand on her shoulder. She looks up at me with a hopeful expression. "We'll take her." I say as I feel Batman's irritation. "Matt..." Arrow drags out as I wave him and Batman off. "We don't have an archer and Speedy is too arrogant and prideful to accept. Plus...it's the right thing to do. We have to help her." I say as Batman turns to me. "If this fails...on your head be it." He says as he throws back in my face, the words I said to him weeks ago. "Alright...now we need a cover story." I say as Arrow perks up. "Why?" He says as everyone stares at him with annoyed expressions. "Touche." He says as I roll my eyes. "You're an archer. Being Arrow's niece is a good cover. Being blonde helps in that regard and...if it comes from Batman, than no one will question it." I say as I look at Batman, he narrows his eyes at being thrown under the bus. "What? Just like that? I'm his niece now?" Artemis says as Batman speaks up. "It's a good cover. Needs a few more details but it could work." He says. "Give us a few days until we sort out your cover. When that's done, we'll take you to the base." Batman says as he walks out.
Arrow follows him as I glance back at the mother and daughter. "I'm sorry for the scar." I say to Artemis as she rubs her hand over the scar. I walk out as I hear Paula call out to me. "Matthew." I turn back to the woman as she rolls towards me. "Thank you. Artemis told me of what happened. Thank you for sparing her." She says as she shakes my head. "I'm not the one who spared her. The Rider did." I say as I look at Paula and turn to Artemis. "I hope that we can be good teammates. The Rider gave you the scar for the bad that you had done. He understands that you were trained and most likely forced, its why he didn't kill you. On his behalf, I'm sorry." I say as I turn to go to leave. "I don't want your apology, I want his!" Artemis yells as she forces me back around. My eyes glow as the Rider speaks through me. Artemis and Paula eyes fill with fear. "I was generous. Don't push your luck." He says as he gives me back control. "He doesn't do apologies. I'm truly sorry. But I know that nothing I say will probably be enough." I say my piece and go to leave. "It was enough." Artemis says as I stop. "Thank you." She says as I nod my head and leave. I meet up with Batman and Arrow back at my bike. "How'd it go?" Arrow says as I glare at him. "Well enough. What now?" I ask as I turn to Batman. "We'll sort out the details of her cover. We'll meet up with her in a few days and introduce her to the team and the Cave." He says as I nod. I hop onto the bike and ride off towards Happy Harbour.
Mount Justice, Happy Harbour: 9:58, August 8th, 2010:
Days had passed since meeting with the Crocks. Today was our free day as myself, Robin, Kaldur, Superboy and M'gann decided to head down to the private beach near the mountain. "Hello Megan! We should hit the beach everyday." She says excitedly as I smile. "First a moment of silence for our absent comrade." Robin says dramatically as he puts his hands together in a pray. "Poor Wally." M'gann says sadly as I smile. Yeah, sucks to be Wally. Guy had to go school for the start of his sophomore year. Poor bastard.
We are all in the water as M'gann and Robin splash each other, laughing as they do. Myself and Kaldur stands off to the side as Kaldur looks down at my feet. Light steam is coming off the my legs as I look at him, an amused smile plastered on his face. "Not funny, fish fingers." I say to him as he laughs. We turn and see Superboy bomb into the water as a massive wave washes over me. Kaldur stands there, absolutely unfazed...and then there's me. Steam is coming off my body in droves. "So...not...funny."
We decided on lunch, Robin had set up the barbeque. Before he can light it, I send a small fireball into it. Robin jumps back in surprise before glaring at me. "Oops." I say as he laughs. Sausages are cooked over the barbeque as Kaldur hives us a soda and some bread. "This is good. Leave it to me to cook." I say as Robin chokes on his sandwich. "Cook? I'm the one that's cooking." He says as I smile. "It's my fire, means that I'm cooking. Get over it." I say as the others laugh at him.
Superboy had suggested we play beach volleyball. We were surprised that he suggested it but nonetheless agreed. I chose to sit out to make the team's even. M'gann chose Superboy as I smiled at her interaction in picking him. Adorable. Kaldur serves the ball as Superboy hits it up and M'gann spikes it. Robin leaves it as he thinks it's going out. It does...just. but I'm not going to let him have the satisfaction. "Team Green, point." I say as Robin throws his hands in the air. "Come on, that was so out." He says as I shrug. "Sorry. Looked in." I say as he pouts at me. "Don't worry. We'll get him next time." Kaldur says as he has an evil smile on his face. Fuck.
I decided to catch some sun, nice and quiet. I hear giggling and open my eyes to see that I'm now buried in the sand with only my head sticking out. I look around and see the others just laughing and pointing. I narrow my eyes. "I'm going give you one chance to tell me whose idea this was. And if no one does than the other guy will force it out of you." I say jokingly as Robin, M'gann and Superboy stand to one side and point at Kaldur whose eyes widen in betrayal. I smile at him as I pull myself out. "Swim back to Atlantis, mate...only chance you're gonna get." I say to him as he bolts, and I chase after him. I send a small, insignificant powered ball of hellfire at his feet as he yelps.
Hours pass and we all receive an alert from Batman about a new recruit. I nod my head at the new implications at play here. Artemis is not a familiar face, not to the team anyway. How they respond will either seal or break the deal. We are change into out gear as we meet Batman, Tornado and Green Arrow in the zeta hanger. Artemis is standing there with her compound bow and her tactical gear. "Team, welcome. This is your new teammate, Artemis." Batman says as he points out her out. "Hi." She simply says as everyone walks over to greet her. I walk over as Artemis makes eye contact with me. "Ghost Rider." She says as I smirk. "Long time no see." I say, playing along with the plan. "You know her?" Superboy asks as continue to face Artemis. "I was in Star City about a year ago. I was tearing through some thugs when an arrow was shot at me. Artemis here, didn't know who is was and I didn't know her. We fought and the Rider grazed her with one of my chains. It's why I recognised her arrow at Gotham Academy." I say as Superboy nods. I sense Artemis gratefulness as I nod. "Welcome to the Team...no hard feelings?" I ask, holding out my hand as she shakes it. "None held." She replies as I smile. "Recongize. Kid Flash. B-03." The zeta tube opens up as I see the silhouette of a surfboard, cooler, umbrella and a ball. Oh boy.
"The Wall-Man is here. Let's get this party star-." He doesn't finish as he trips and drops everything. The beach ball bounces over Batman and Tornado who look unamused at the display. "-ted." Wall finishes as Artemis laughs. "Wall-Man? Great name. Love the uniform. What are your powers exactly?" She asks sarcastically as I mentally roll my eyes. You were told to try an fit in, not make someone not like you. Great, just my luck. "Uh, who's this?" Wally asks, angry at her sarcasm. "Artemis, your new teammate." I mentally slap myself...no one thought of a codename...nah, let's just use her name in general. To be fair, it works but fucking still. "Kid Flash, never heard of you." Wally says quickly and rudely but I guess that goes both ways. "She's my new protege." Green Arrow says as he walks up behind her. "What happened to your old one?" Wally asks as the zeta opens up. "Recognize. Speedy. B-06." The voice over lady says as Speedy walks up...I might not like him but the new drip is quite nice. "Well for starters. He doesn't go by Speedy anymore. Call me Red Arrow." He says arrogantly as I chuckle internally. Couldn't think of more original name. "Roy. You look-." Green Arrow starts back Roy interjects. "Replaceable." He says scathingly. Still as arrogant as the last time we saw you.
"It's not like that. You told me you were going solo." Green Arrow says as I feel Roy's anger spike. "So why waste time finding a sub? Can she even use that bow?" He sarcastically asks. I mentally answer...yes, yes she can. "Yes, she can." Artemis takes the words right out of my mouth as she gets in his face. "Who are you?" Wally asks, completely bewildered. "I'm his/She's my niece." Both Artemis and Green Arrow say at the same time. "Another niece?" Robin questions as I nudge him to shut up. "She's not your replacement. We have always wanted you on the team. And we have no quota on archers." The ever logical and reasonable Kaldur steps in. "And if we did. You know who we'd pick." Wally says as I nudge him. "That's not your call. Nor is anyone else's. We vote as a team and so far...she has my vote." I say as Artemis smiles at me. "So you back up the newbie?" Wally says as I glare at him. "Don't push it." I say. "It doesn't matter. I'm here to stay, regardless what Baywatch and Unoriginality say." Artemis states...I'm liking her more and more by the minute. Roy starts to walk away as Kaldur and I intercept him.
"You came to us for a reason." He says as Roy speaks up. "Yeah, a reason named Dr Sterling Roquette." He says as Robin perks up. "Nano robotics genius and claytronics expert at Royal University in Star City. Vanished 2 weeks ago." He says as holograms of the blonde, blue eyed woman and all her credentials show up. "Abducted 2 weeks ago...by the League of Shadows." Roy says as myself, Batman and Artemis perk up. "Whoa, you want us to rescue her from the Shadows." Robin asks as Wally follows up. "Hard core." I put my thoughts in. "This is serious. The Shadows aren't your typical street thugs. Nor are they like the cult of Kobra. These guys are all in. It's do or die when it comes to them." I say as the others hang their heads in shame of neglecting that thought. "I already rescued her anyway." Roy says condescending as I grit my teeth. You could try and be less of an asshole, you know. "Only one problem. The Shadows had already coerced her into creating a weapon. Doc calls it the Fog." That doesn't sound ominous. "Comprised of millions of microscopic robots. Nanotech infiltrators capable of disintegrating anything in their path. Concrete, steel, flesh, bone." Roy explains as my interest peaks. What did the doctor smile to make this. It's basically yelling to every supervillain and madman saying 'Hey, I have these microscopic robots that are capable of destroying anything and everything!'. "But it's true purpose isn't destruction. It's theft. The infiltrators eat and store raw data from any computer system and deliver the stolen Intel to the Shadows. This provides them intel to weapons development, strategic defense's, cutting edge science and technology."
Artemis follows up on Roy's monologue. "Perfect for extortion, manipulation, power broking. Yeah, sounds like the Shadows." She says as I feel Wally's anger peak spike again. "Like you would know anything about the Shadows." He says as Artemis smirks. "Who are you?!" Wally yells as I slap him at the back of the head. "Roquette's working on a virus to render the Fog inert." Roy says as Robin follows up. "But if the Shadows know she can do that..." Roy finishes his thought. "They'll target her. Right now, she's off the grid. I stashed her at the local high school's computer lab." He says as I shake my head. "You left her alone?" Green Arrow questions. "She's safe enough for now." Roy answers back. "Then lets you and I keep her that way." Arrow says as I just sit back and watch. "'You and I'? Don't you want to take your new protege?" Roy says sarcastically. Batman comes up and stops Arrow from continuing. "You brought this to the team. It's their mission, which means it's hers now, too." Arrow says as Roy just scoffs. "Then my job's done." He says as I breathe a sigh of relief. "Thank God." I say loud enough that he glares at me. He chucks me something as I catch it and it's the Rubik's Cube that I threw at him on Independence Day. "Recognize. Speedy-." The zeta lady says but Roy interrupts. "That's Red Arrow, B-06. Update." He says as he teleports out of the cave. We all look amongst ourselves.
Happy Harbour High School, Happy Harbour: 9:59pm, August 8th:
I wait in the computer lab with Kaldur, Wally, Artemis, Robin and Roquette. I feel a pressure and recognize it to be M'gann. "Everyone online?" I hear her say as Artemis groans. "This feels so weird." She says as the doctor follows up. "And distracting. Coding a distributive algorithm virus on a kiddie computer with less RAM than a wristwatch is hard enough. Now I have to hear teen-think in my skull?" Roquette thinks in frustration. "Ha, Ha, Ha. She's worse than Roy and that's saying something. P.S to everyone, if she complains like that again, I'm going to start breaking bones." The Rider thinks to everyone as Roquette stares fearfully at me. "Better get cracking then, don't want to make him mad, do you?" I say aloud to her as she focuses back on the virus. "Haven't missed that voice." Artemis thinks ironically as I smirk. "You haven't heard anything yet." Wally says as he eats a protein bar. "Also, lady, do you always complain when someone is trying to help you?" He continues as I feel Artemis's amusement. "Pot, kettle, have you met?" She thinks. "Hey, hey. I do not need attitude from the newbie who drove Red Arrow off the team." Wally thinks as I sigh mentally. "That is so not on me." Artemis thinks angrily as she crosses her arms. "Fate of the world at stake." Roquette points out as I step in. "The doctor is right. Now both of you stop." "Or I step in and force you to shut up." The Rider finishes as Artemis huffs. "How 'bout I just help Miss Martian and Superboy patrol the perimeter?" She says as she walks off. "Good idea." Kaldur says as he watches her leave.
"You might cut her some slack. It was her arrow that saved her ass against Amazo." Robin says as Wally perks up in disbelief. "What? No, that was Speedy's-umm, Red Arrow's arrow, right?" He asks as I fill him in. "No...it was Artemis's." I think as I see him scowl. "Hump. Well, still not giving her the satisfaction." He thinks as I smirk. "You know I can still hear you." Artemis thinks as Wally throws his hands up in irritation. "I couldn't get the Justice League." Roquette complains again. Kaldur approaches her. "The virus won't be much use if we cannot find the weapon. Can you track it?" He asks as I feel the doctor's anger. "My Utility Fog is not a weapon. It's science, brilliant science." She says with pride as I scoff. "Your 'brilliant' science is going to bring about World War 3...when you die, I tell the assassins to put that fact on your tombstone." "Heh, heh...good one." The Rider laughs at my statement as the doctor hangs her head. "I never intended it to be a weapon...I can track it but I would have to go online. Might as well put up a big neon sign with 'Assassinate me' written on it." She thinks in fear as Kaldur puts his hand on her shoulder. "We will protect you." He thinks but I still feel her trepidation.
"Soul nearby. Female, keep a lookout." The Rider thinks to everyone. Nothing but silence passes. The doctor had broadcasted her location the Shadows. Now they have sent someone, a woman to take her out. "Mmm, that boy." Artemis thinks dreamily. I guess she's checking out Superboy. "He can hear you. We all can hear you." M'gann thinks irritatedly. "Oh, I know." Artemis replies nonchalantly. "Get your head in the game. You flirt later. I felt the soul pass by near your position, keep your eyes peeled." The Rider thinks angrily to Artemis. "Miss Martian. Dr Roquette has tracked down the Fog. Reconfigure the bio ship so Robin and Superboy can pursue." Kaldur thinks to M'gann. "Ready." She replies as Robin runs out of the computer lab. The duo leave on the bio ship and head to where the Fog is located. Time passes as I fiddle with my chains. "You embarrassed Superboy." M'gann thinks to Artemis. "Didn't hear him say that." Artemis's simple reply. "Must you challenge everyone?" M'gann asks. "Where I come from? That's how you survive." Artemis says as I sigh in tiredness. "Someone is nearing. They're closing in." The Rider thinks as Wally spots something and runs out of the room. I get up and feel the Rider itching to get out. I feel the souls coming to the lab, I decide to let the Rider take control.
P.O.V Change: Ghost Rider
I growl in warning at anyone nearby as I light my chains in a fiery glow. The doctors eyes widen as I stare at her. "Don't stop working." I say as she nods fearfully. I hear something whizzing as Kaldur'ahm dives in the way of a shuriken. "Doctor, get down." He says to her as more shuriken are thrown but I intercept with my chains. I swing my chains to the door and rip it off its hinges. The assassin rolls in and throws more shuriken, Kaldur'ahm stands in front of the doctor as he takes the blades. "Hmm, that had to hurt." The cat masked assassin says as I recognise her voice. I reach out and feel her soul. You got to be shitting me. She pulls her sai's out as Kaldur'ahm pulls his water bearers out and forms two swords. "Atlantean skin is quite dense." Kaldur'ahm states as he charges the assassin. I turn to the doctor and whip my chain and throw her to the side of the room, she screams in fear as I pull the chains back. "And my shuriken are quite poisonous." The assassin states as I fling my chain at her, she flips back just as the chain misses her and cuts through the bench that was behind her. "M'gann, Kid, Artemis. We are under attack in the computer lab." He thinks as he prepares for another charge. "On our way." Artemis replies as I stand by Kaldur'ahm. The assassin charges as Kaldur'ahm deflects her attacks. I stand back and read her movements. Like me, she is unrelenting in her advance, uses speed and agility to outmaneuver her opponents to either cut or slip a blade into one of the weak spots. The assassin throws a sai past Kaldur'ahm which is about to sink into the doctor's head. My reflexes are on point as I catch the blade before contact is made. "Almost. Poison slowing you down?" The assassin teases as she and Kaldur'ahm enter a blade lock. "Jellyfish toxin. I'm largely immune." He says as he lowers his face closer to her. She headbutts him, knocking him out and dropping him to the floor. "Largely."
She stares at me as I hold the Sai that she threw. "I was hoping that you went with the boy wonder and the clone but this will do for now." She says as I smirk. "Too bad. I was feeling quite merciful, oh well. Bad luck." I say as I charge her. She backs away but I swing a chain and wrap it around her. I pull her back as I grab the collar of her suit and lift her and slam her onto a bench. She moves her legs and arms into an arm triangle as I just glare at her. "Really?" I say as I lift her up and throw against the wall but she hangs on. She rains elbows onto top of my skull. Its not painful, just annoying. I crash her into the wall again, before slamming her into the floor. She groans in pain as I stand above her. "This is above your pay grade, honey." I taunt her as she throws her feet up and decks me under the jaw, fucking slippery little shit. She gets up and pulls a sword out, swinging the blade, I hold my arm out and deflect it, but she jumps and levels her feet against me, she forces me back into the wall which cracks. I growl at her as I throw my chains at her. She deflects the chains but I command them to make a quick turn. The chains wrap around her as she grunts. "Come here!" I say as I pull her into me. She levels her feet again as she barrels into me as we both go through the cracked wall.
I grunt in annoyance as I feel the chains come loose. I pull them in as she swings her sword at me. "You aren't so bad after all...come on, what's wrong? Scared?" She says mockily as she jumps for a flying knee but I catch her and swing her into the adjacent wall with a thud. "You will be." I growl as I pull her up and bash her against the wall. I throw a flame covered fist which she dodges. The wall cracks from the force as she moves away from me. I swing a backhand chain but she jumps over it and knees me into the wall. Forcing herself to stand on my hips, she rains bombs of punches onto my face as I feel nothing. "Heh, heh, heh, heh, Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha, HA, HA, HA, HA!" I laugh sadistically as I feel her fear. I grip her legs and slam her back down onto the ground, the force of the impact cracking the tiled floor. I pull her up by her hair as I look into her eyes. "You have my respect. I see why Matthew likes you." I say as I wrap my chains around her and throw her back into the computer lab. She gets to her feet as she raises a sai. An arrow shoots out and forces the assassin to let go of the blade. She turns and sees Artemis standing in the doorway. "Don't move." She says as she levels an arrow at the assassin. "Heh, uh. This gig is getting interesting." The assassin says with a groan of pain. She pulls out another sword as Artemis fires some shots. The assassin deflects as I step into the room. Kaldur'ahm comes too and M'gann and Kid Flash speed into the room. "Maybe a little too interesting." She says as she takes out a pellet. Kid Flash speeds over as the assassin drops the pellet. A bang of light and smoke fills the room as Kid runs through the smoke and crashes into Artemis. The smoke clears as the assassin is long gone. "Gone." Kid says as the doctor yells in anger. "She's getting away! You're letting her get away!" I walk over and pull her close to me, her eyes just inches from my own. "Shut...your...fucking...mouth." I say in irritation at her fucking attitude. She gulps in fear and backs away as I let her go. "This is all your fault! You were on perimeter!" Kid accuses Artemis, who just glares at him. "Thats not really fair. I was outside, too." M'gann says coming to Artemis's defense. "Yeah well...it doesn't matter. The shadow still got in. Beside I can't be mad at you." He says as I feel something in my head. "You have me mouth to mouth." He thinks as he notices everyone's unamused glares. He yells in annoyance before walking off. "I didn't do half as well during my first battle. And I know you can't have been Green Arrow's sidekick for very long." M'gann says to Artemis as I feel Artemis's gratefulness at M'gann's concern and help. "Focus, everyone. The Shadows will be back." Kaldur'ahm says as Artemis speaks up. "We sure that she is coming back. It looked like Ghost Rider put her through a meat grinder." She says as I chuckle. "Trust me...if I did put someone through a meat grinder...you would know. I held back against the Shadow." I say as I feel everyones slight fear at that statement. Kaldur'ahm puts his hand to his ear, Robin must have some intel to share. After a while, Kaldur'ahm drops his hand. "Rescan for that Fog." He says to Roquette. "We're moving the doctor." He says as I step out of the room. "Preferably somewhere that's not a high school." I say while grinning.
After Kaldur'ahm explained his plan to the group, he sent me to guard the doctor at a cafe near the docks. While everyone else would play the assassin for a fool. I'm sitting in the cafe as I watch outside. "You don't like me very much, do you?" The doctor says as I glance at her. "No, I don't." I say as I feel her trepidation. "This might seem like a question that I might know the answer too but...why?" She asks as I growl and stand up. "Two reasons...One. You are annoying, you complain and complain when you have the chance. We are trying to help you and all you've done is making my head hurt from your complaints. Two...you created a weapon of mass destruction and a tool that could bring about global destruction...and send your species back to the Stone Age." I say as I feel her anger and pride at her work. "Before you go into a rant about your science. It's a weapon. Plain and simple. If you die tonight before the virus is uploaded to the Fog, the Shadows will have unlimited ways to get weapons, intelligence...nuclear codes. They could bring about a nuclear apocalypse. And it will be all your fault. It's men and women like you who create technology to better the world, that'll be the cause of your species' extinction. Men and women like you make me sick about what humanity has become. Thousands of years ago, all that your species dreamed of was food, shelter and to protect the next generation. I have watched as your species has flourished and tarnished its evolution. I know now that it's your nature to destroy yourselves...and I'm going to be there we you and everyone else learns that fact." I say to her as her eyes widen. I feel her self-doubt and shame. "I'm sorry." She says quietly as I sit back down. "Just do your job, then you can go." I say as I watch the outside of the cafe. "You shouldn't have done that." Matthew says to me as the doctor looks up surprised. I stare at her as I reply. "She needed to hear the truth. That her arrogance has possibly cost her, her life. Humans believe themselves to be superior to everything they touch. They think themselves at the centre of the cosmos...they have no idea." I say as I hear Matthew go quiet.
After a while, Kaldur'ahm comes into the cafe. "First part of the plan was successful." He says as I nod. "I've almost got it!" The doctor says as I prepare my chains. The Shadows will realize soon that they've been duped. I feel two souls on the roof, I recognized them to be Artemis and the assassin. A thump is heard up above as Kaldur'ahm turns to the doctor. "We have company." The doctor types away as I feel the assassin moving about. "Uploading now." She says as rattling is heard as a pellet rolls on the ground. Smoke fills the doorway of the cafe as Kaldur'ahm bring his water swords out. I reach out and feel her presence in the vent above me. I reach up and smash my hand through the vent and grip her leg. I pull her out and slam her into the table. She grunts in pain as the other two turn around. Whizzing is heard as Kaldur'ahm is hit with four shuriken. "That hurt a lot." She growls out as she steps out of the debris of the table. "Now, let's see the limit of the Altantean's jellyfish immunity." She says as she cracks her neck. Kaldur'ahm charges her but she dodges, though with some difficulty. She levels a vicious head kick against Kaldur'ahm which knocks him out. "Aren't you going to do something?" The doctor says to me. "I am. I'm protecting you." I growl out as I turn back to the assassin. "Besides...she's in no condition to fight me on equal footing." I say as the assassin leans on the bench. "True. It really hurt my feelings that you did that. After all we have been through." She says teasingly. I know exactly what she's doing, trying to play me to the fact that I know who she is and the knowledge that Matthew and her know each other. "What you have been through is nothing but you're own arrogance and pride. You can't defeat me, no matter your skill, you are no match for me. Your pride deems you to try and look what had become of your pride." I say as I point out her injuries. "I might not see the bruises, but I know you have a broken rib...or two." I say as a beeping is heard as the doctor reveals the finished upload. "So you finished the virus. Thus eliminating the reason for your... elimination. Though not the entertainment value." She says as she takes out a shuriken as I loosen a chain. "Lucky for you doctor. My orders are clear. You live to program another day. Afterall doctor, the Shadows may find another use for you." She says as I growl. "Your mission has failed. Leave. While I still allow it." I say to her. "Don't worry honey. I'll go. See you next time." She says as she walks right past me and out the door. I push the doctor for cover, just in case the assassin turns around. A small explosive is heard as I watch from the window as Artemis confronts the assassin. I notice that her mash is on the ground. "Don't move a muscle." Artemis says. "Wow. I am completely at your mercy." The assassin, Artemis's sister Jade, is revealed. Artemis gasps. "You." I feel Jade's relief at seeing Artemis but also her glee. "I suppose now you bring me to justice. Let your new friends interrogate me. I wonder if your position is secure enough to survive them learning everything I know." She says tauntingly as I step out of the cafe. "One already knows." I say as Jade turns to me. "I told you to leave. Now go." I say. "Hmm. Thought so. Oh well, like the Cheshire Cat. I'll simply disappear." Jade says as smoke fills the path. When it clears, she is long gone. I stare at Artemis as she stares back. I nod to her as she smiles gratefully. I give back control to Matthew. My job is done for tonight.
P.O.V Change: Matthew Spectre
I stand there as I hear a grunt and see Kaldur walk out of the cafe with Roquette carrying him. "Artemis, Ghost Rider. Where's the assassin?" He asks as Artemis answers. "She...got away." She says quietly. A blur of black shoots up to us. "Oh, from you? Big surprise." Wally says as I glare at him. "Kid! That's enough." I say as he holds up his hands. M'gann floats down with two others. One with a spider insignia on his belt and a large man with a hook for a hand. "You guys were busy." I say to M'gann as she just smiles. "It wasn't too hard." I notice Wally look down to the floor and sees Jade's mask. "Cool. Souvenir." He says as he picks it up. "Her mask? Did you either of you see her face?" Kaldur sys as he pulls a shuriken out of his stomach. "It was dark." Artemis says with her back turned from us. Kaldur like at me for my thoughts. "The Rider can't read a soul if the eyes aren't seen." I simply say as he nods and walks over to Artemis. "It's fine. Robin and Superboy neutralized the Fog and Dr Roquette is safe. Thanks in no small part to you." He says as Artemis turns around. "Welcome to the team." Kaldur says proudly. "I've always wanted a sister. On Earth, I mean. I have 12 back on Mars but trust me, it's not the same." M'gann says to Artemis. "I wouldn't know but thanks." Artemis replies awkwardly as I chuckle internally at the irony. M'gann nudges Wally in the ribs quite hard. "Ow. Yeah...welcome." He says half-heartedly as both he and Artemis shake hands.
Later
Matthew Spectre's Apartment:
I walk up to my door for a good night's sleep. I feel a soul within my flat as I recognize it to be Jade. I sigh and enter the flat. "This is my home; you can't just barge your way in here whenever you want." I say as I see her on the couch. Her kimono outfit is taken off, as well as her sword, sais and shuriken's. She is just wearing a sports bra and some form fitting pants. I see the painkillers, bandages, and ice all over my coffee table. "Maybe if you went easy, then I wouldn't have barged in." She growls out at me as she wraps her torso, quite sloppy. I sigh and put my keys in the bowl. "Let me help. And for the record, the Rider did go easy on you." I say as I unwrap the bandages, before fixing them up. "You could've tried." She says as I chuckle. "Yeah, good luck with that." I say. "Besides the injuries...how are you feeling?" I ask, the question about seeing Artemis. Jade smiles joyfully. "So happy. It's been years since I last saw her. The gala was the just a cover for a job, I saw her then, but it wasn't anything fulfilling. When we got away from you. I wanted to talk but daddy wouldn't have none of it." She says that last part in anger as she groans in pain. "I've been trying to find her but I've been busy and haven't had the time. That's why I came to you." She says as I look at her. I nod as I finish wrapping. "She's in Gotham. She's living with your mother." I say as she perks up. "With Mom? How is she?" She says as I look at her sadly. "You should go see her." I say as she shakes her head. "No...it's too risky. It just creates more problems that I can't deal with." She says as she downs a painkiller. "No risk...no reward." I say to her but she waves me off. "Not this risk."
I nod in understanding. "What will you do now?" I ask her as she just sits back. "I don't know. Artemis is safe, with you and the rest of the sidekicks, I can't think of a safer place for her. She'll do well with you." She says as I walk over and clean up the coffee table. "I'll get out of your hair." She says as she groans in pain before picking up her gear and heading to the window. I notice that she is in pain, I sigh before calling out to her. "You're hurt, why don't you stay the night and rest?" I say as she turns to me with a seductive smile. "Already? And all before the first date? Bold of you, I honestly didn't think that you had in you." She says as I narrow my eyes. "That wasn't what I meant and you know it. Plus, you are hurt and I can't go tomorrow and tell Artemis that her sister fell to her death, jumping over rooftops while seriously injured." I say as she chuckles and walks up to me. "You are a big teddy bear aren't you?" She teases as I frown. "Funny...you can have my room. I'll take the couch." I say as she walks over to my bedroom. "Really? You sure...you don't want to join me?" She says seductively while standing, provocatively in the doorway as I walk over to her. I feel the lust she has for me, which honestly surprises me but also the slight smidge of actual attraction. Now that seriously surprises me. I stand in front of her and place my hand on her collar bone, she shivers from the touch as I push her into he room as I close the door. "That's just plain rude." I hear her say as I turn back and chuckle. Too funny.