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NINE

It wasn't only a few days after our meeting with El Bane, Eun-Ha, Galante, and Ra's Al Ghul until we were requested to meet with "The Team", as it were. As much as I would like to request that they frak off, unfortunately their invocation came with a stipend order from the Justice League itself. As such, we were very much forced to go. At first, I believed it was going to be a rather standard affair. We would receive the mission briefing from Batman, the two gits would jeer and haze me, we finish the mission, and we go home. What I didn't expect to see was a slim, yet athletic, blonde with bright blue eyes; a green "uniform" (if you can even call it that); and armed with a bow. Nor did I expect to see the mutant on the floor, half-naked and a variety of pleasure-world items scattered across the floor.

'I think it's about time to stand up, mutant.' I said, raising a single eyebrow at his compromising position. 'Or would you prefer to sleep on the ground?'

'Ha ha, very funny.' The mutant retorted, rather pathetically, and stood up to look at the new recruit. 'Uh, who is this?'

'Artemis.' She stated, and for once her actual name*160. I'll be honest, I had high hopes for this one. She seemed to have some sense of rationality, despite her outfit. 'Your new teammate.' Now her attention is towards us. 'And who are you guys?'

'I am Commissar Ciaphas Cain.' I said, seeing no reason to not tell the truth. 'Beside me is my aide, Gunner First Class Jurgen.'

'Amberley Vail.' Amberley introduced, pushing me behind her. 'A pleasure to make your acquaintance.' She extended a hand, which Artemis took.

'Nice to meet you too.' Artemis said, though something about her smile told me it is far from what is normally polite. 'I think you and I are going to be good friends.'

'And before you ask, she's my new protege.' Green Arrow said, probably for the mutant's ears, then ours. I suppose it makes sense that he would find a replacement, seeing as his last protege doesn't seem to be here. For a moment, I was thankful. I wouldn't have to deal with him any longer. To my utter horror, the teleportarium's machine spirit announced the coming of said former-protege.

'Well for starters, don't call me Speedy anymore.' He said, which I believed he would request to use his name. 'Call me Red Arrow.' And thus, my hopes were dashed*161.

'Roy.' Green Arrow uttered, sounding rather relieved. 'You look-'

'Replaceable?' He asked rhetorically, the utter disdain dripping from his mouth.

'It's not like that.' Green Arrow replied. 'You told me you were going solo.' So not only did he know that Speedy will go AWOL, but he also did nothing to prevent his desertion.

'So why waste time in finding a sub?' The deserter spat, turning his attention towards the blonde. 'Do you even know how to use that bow?'

'Better her than you.' I called out, earning his ire. To my surprise, I seemed to get a look of surprise from Artemis. To my lack of surprise, the mutant and git glared daggers at my back. 'The way I see it, you are a deserter and I would trust the new recruit with my life, rather than you.'

'Oh, is that how you see it?' He challenged, getting closer to my face. Thankfully, Jurgen was always by my side to back me up with his arbites-requisitioned autogun. He backed down just as easily, though I had been getting a wary eye by Black Canary. 'I can't believe the League still tolerates you maniacs!'

'It's simply because we know our duty, and we follow it to the letter.' I replied, surprised that the utter groxshit coming from my mouth wasn't hampering my impromptu speech. 'As such, they had allowed us these luxuries in turn for further cooperation. As part of under Green Arrow's command, you should have recognized this too.'

'Oh, don't you start!' He roared back. 'I don't know how you three were even allowed to see the light of day, but when I see you go out-of-line just once, I will bring you down.'

'Yes, yes, yes.' I waved him off, uninterested in his petty attempt at intimidation. 'I'm sure you will. Nonetheless, why is a deserter here?'

'Cain.' Black Canary warned, eyes glowering for just a moment.

'Apologies.' I corrected, letting out a heavy sigh I didn't realize I was holding. 'Now, why are you here?'

'Her name is Dr. Serling Roquette.' He began, not before giving me one last glare.

'Nanorobotics genius and claytronics expert at the Royal University in Star City.' Robin listed off like an overly excited techpriest speaking its technobabble*162. 'She vanished two weeks ago.'

'Abducted two weeks ago,' The Deserter corrected. 'By the League of Shadows.'

'Whoa!' Robin awed, much too excited by the aspect of facing off a group of crazed assassins, whom Amberley made an alliance with a few days ago. 'You want us to rescue her from the Shadows?'

'Hardcore!' The mutant cheered, almost making me moan in utter frustration at his recklessness, and my chances at survival.

'I already rescued her.' Red Arrow relayed, making the two gits expressions somber. 'Only one problem, the Shadows had already coerced her into creating a weapon. Doc calls it "The Fog".' How utterly original. "The Fog". Everybody, run away, it's The Fog! In all fairness, I never realized how devastating it could be due to how unassuming the name was.

'Comprised of millions of microscopic robots. Nanotech infiltrators, capable of disintegrating anything in their path. Concrete, steel, flesh, bone.' He continued, breaking me from my derision. 'But its true purpose isn't mere destruction. It's theft.' I'm sorry, what?

'The infiltrators eat and store raw data from any computer system, and deliver the stolen intel to the Shadows.' He added. 'Providing them access to weapons, strategic defence, cutting-edge science and tech.'

'Perfect for extortion, manipulation, and power broking.' Artemis finished, much to my surprise. It also made me wonder if she worked for the Shadows. 'Yeah, sounds like the Shadows.' Before Kid Flash could make another stupid comment, I held out my finger. To my surprise, he actually held his tongue to let me speak.

'Now, that does seem rather dangerous.' I began, playing up my Cain the Hero role. 'However, I must ask where this Dr. Roquette is right now? I trust she is in a secure location?'

'Right now, she's off the grid.' The Deserter said, making my opinion of him improve somewhat. 'I stashed her at the high school's computer lab.'

'I'm sorry, what?!' I shouted, unable to help myself. 'You placed her in the least defended place on this bloody planet?'

'And she is working on a virus to render The Fog inert.' Red Arrow pressed on, ignoring my concerns. 'Or is that not enough for you?'

'I'm sorry, I don't believe you listened to me correctly.' I decided to reiterate. 'You placed a high-valued target that is the Doctor at a Schola. A place that I know lacks any actual defences. What made you think that was a good idea? Why not put her somewhere with more security? Like here? How about the Arbites post? Or better yet, a military complex?'

'I have to agree with the Commissar here Roy.' Green Arrow said, backing me up now. 'That's a little too dangerous for my liking. C'mon, you and me. Let's go and protect her.'

'You and me?' The Deserter scoffed. "Don't you want to take your new protege?'

'You brought this to the Team.' Batman declared. 'It's their mission now.'

Red Arrow scoffed, muttering something under his breath, and left. Great, what have I gotten myself into now*163?! I worked quickly, standing at attention.

'I would like to requisition equipment for this mission.' I said, bringing the Justice League's leadership to me. 'I would like clearance to use flamers.'

'He means flamethrowers.' Amberley said, arms crossed. 'And I do believe the use of flamethrowers to be prudent to fight off The Fog.'

'No.' Batman firmly stated. 'Dr. Roquette will disable The Fog. Your assignment is only to protect her.'

'I must protest.' I said, taking attention away from her. 'There is no guarantee that-'

'That will be all.' Batman guttered. 'You have your orders.'


There are times when I cursed my fraudulent reputation, especially now. True to his incompetence, the Deserter stashed Dr. Serling Roquette at the local Schola. Now, normally I wouldn't have cared. Let the Team handle her for all I care, not like I have any sympathy for her. To my dismay, Aqualad had encouraged her to turn to me to address any concerns, before buggering off to the rooftop, and by the Emperor did the Doctor have plenty. Fortunately, my odiferous and indispensable aide, Jurgen, was quick to return to his old duty of stonewalling any complaints upon my behalf.

'I think I understand why you keep him around Cai.' Artemis remarked, sitting upon the Schola desk. 'Think I can borrow him for any particularly annoying boys that want to make a pass for me?'

'What's in it for me.' I replied offhandedly, not entirely serious about the whole affair.

'Oh, I like you.' She chuckled, patting my back. 'For a second, I thought you'd be one of those uptight types.'

'Believe me, I've seen quite a few.' I admitted, seeing no harm in telling her. 'Trust me when I say that they rarely ever last long on the front.'

'I bet.' She snorted, amused at whatever thought she had in Juve mind. She looked at Jurgen, whom managed to force the Doctor to back down, sit, and work on the cogitator. 'Where'd you find him and Amberley?'

'Jurgen? Well, he was the one that carried my bag when I was first deployed. Afterwards, we stuck with each other thick-and-thin as it were and we never left since.' I recounted, watching Robin, Kid Flash, and Amberley stare each other down. 'As for Amberley? I suppose it would be better to assume she found me.' And Jurgen by association.

'Oh?' Artemis pressed, and I realized my error. I just gave a Juve ammunition, gossip! 'Do tell.'

'It isn't mine to tell, I'm afraid.' I shot back easily, keeping my tone as nonchalant as possible. 'Nonetheless-' Suddenly, my comm-bead buzzed in my ear and I answered it. 'Cain here.'

'What's your status?' Aqualad asked, rather urgently for that matter. 'Are you alright?'

'We're fine.' I answered, getting a little nervous now. 'Have you spotted something?'

'Negative, just needed to make sure you're alright.' He said, not earning my confusion. Why on Terra would he panic if he saw nothing. 'I had Miss Martian link up the team telepathically, but it didn't work for everyone.'

'Ah, I see.' I hummed, looking at Amberley. She seemed to understood and joined the vox-chat.

'Inquisitor, here.' Amberley hushed, peering through the glass. 'Please note that any telepathic communication within this room is impossible for the time being. I will explain later.'

'Very well.' Kaldur said, hearing some resignation. 'Robin, Kid Flash. I need you to patrol the hallways. Commissar, Inquisitor, Artemis, and Gunner. Stay with Roquette.' Now, I wasn't sure about the wisdom of keeping an archer in close quarters, but at least I can keep her in front of me. 'Starfire, join the Commissar.' Oh frak.

'I am here, my mate!' The orangeskin cheered, bursting into the door. I fought the urge to cower, lest it ruin my reputation in front of Jurgen. Despite myself, I blanched as the orangeskin clung onto me. I tried to avoid Amberley's glare*164, knowing how infuriated she would be. I tried to throw the xenos off me, but she's a lot stronger than she appears*165. I turned to Artemis, and she was trying to hold in her laughter. I finally turned to Jurgen. Ever faithful, he clung onto the orangeskin's back in a vostroyan man hug and threw her off.

'Off of the Commissar you.' Jurgen said, telling her off. He turned to me. 'Are you alright sir?'

'Thank you Jurgen.' I told him, seriously meaning ever word. 'As reliable as ever.'

'Thank you sir.' He said, unimaginative as ever.

'Can you please stop the teen drama please?' The Doctor complained, stopping her typing. 'I'm trying to work.'

'Then work.' I snapped just as harshly, surprising her into paralyses. 'That wasn't a request. You have been tasked to destroy the weapon. The more time you waste, the less time we have left, and we will all die.'

'Okay, right, sorry.' She stuttered. 'But my Utility Fog is not a weapon. It's science, brilliant science.'

'It's yours.' I said, eyes widening at what she said. Even Amberley stopped whatever she was doing to stare at the Doctor.

'Y-Yeah. It's mine.' She confirmed. 'But if I track it, you might as well rent a billboard with this address with "assassinate me" written in neon.'

'Shut it.' I barked, making her jump. Now, I normally don't lose my temper, but I felt it was necessary in this case. Not only was I forced to leave my nice, comfortable, and safe bed with Amberley, but it was because of her that I'm losing my sleep! 'Aqualad, I-'

'I heard.' Kaldur said, 'and tell her to do it.'

'Very well.' I grumbled, nodding to the Doctor.

'Cain, I understand your frustration, but please be gentle.' He insisted. 'Doctor Roquette is just a civilian.'

'Fine.' I grunted, unable to help my disdain for the woman that ruined my sleep schedule. 'As much as I am loathed to protect this traitor, I will do as told.'

'Traitor?!' The Doctor shouted, whipping at me. 'What do you expect me to do when they kidnapped me?!'

'It is better to die for the Emperor, than to live for yourself.' I spat, slamming my sidearm on the table. She froze. Good. I took time to calm myself, and pressed softly. 'I apologize for losing my temper, that was rude of me. Back home, we were taught such a mantra as necessity. I sometimes forget that this doesn't apply to this world. Forgive me.'

She numbly nodded, eyes widening. Got her. 'Please, continue your work Doctor. As fast as you can.' I quietly said. 'Time is of the essence.' She returned to the cogitator, working quickly. I turned to the others.

'Right, I done it now.' I murmured to Amberley. 'Crazed assassins will be heading our way.'

'You can say that again.' Artemis jeered, tone kept playful. 'Here's to hoping they don't send somebody that's actually good.'

'There is no needing to feel the nervousness.' The bane of my existence cheered. 'We will be defeating the assassins and see them before us!' The minute we get attacked, I made sure the orangeskin was in front of me.

'Nonetheless, let's stay on our guard.' I said, rather redundantly mind you. "Jurgen, do keep a watch outside.'

'As the Emperor wills.' He monotonously performed his duty exemplary.

'So.' Artemis drawled, arms crossed. 'Who's the Emperor you guys seem to worship over?'

That's one way of saying it. 'The God Emperor of Mankind.' I answered, deciding to give her the abridged version seeing as I'm too busy thinking of my last will before the assassins come. 'He, who led us into the stars. He who had protected humanity for millennia against the alien, the mutant, and the heretic. Now, it's humanity's turn to do so in His place.'

'Well, not mine.' The blonde retorted, rolling her eyes that would make any Emperor-botherer's mouth frothing. Fortunately, I like to think myself more level-headed.

'Yes, well, he is mine.' I reposted, 'and I would appreciate if you respect mine, Amberley's, and Jurgen's religion.' That got her eyes widen in shock, presumingly.

'Right, sorry.' She said, trying to make herself look smaller.

'Don't worry about it.' I soothed. 'You didn't know, I won't hold you against it.' I saw Amberley hovering over the Doctor, and relaying information to Kaldur. To my surprise, things were going rather smoothly. At first, I assumed all those assassins were on the other side of the planet, but those thoughts were quickly dashed. My palms started to tingle. I couldn't help but look towards the door, wanting so desperately to get out of the room.

'You wanting to get some fresh air?' The xenos asked, trying to huddle closer to me. I had the good sense to step away from her. My instincts were going crazy, then I saw it. The door was sliding open.

I unholstered my sidearm, something I requisitioned form the Winter Flats Arbites, and opened fire. 'Jurgen!' I called out, continuing to blast away at the door while Amberley threw the Doctor down. 'Independent, fire at will!' I suppose I didn't need to say my next directive, seeing as the moment I called out to my aide's name, he immediately opened up a fusillade of fire.

The orangeskin, her orkish nature as predictable as ever, charged through the door, only to have been apparently flipped, and several flying blades*166 shooting at both mine and Jurgen's direction. I ducked, fortunate enough that Artemis saw fit to fire her bow over my head. In that time, I got a good look at the assassin, and I was sorely baffled.

At first, I assumed the assassin was some crazed black-haired felinid wearing absolutely ridiculous makeup and Tau robes dyed green. Nonetheless, she was now targeting Amberley and I had to intervene. She's an Inquisitor, as well as someone I rather care for, after all.

I was fortunate enough to parry a blow from her dubious dagger*167 as well as kick her aside. 'Now, I believe that is quite enough of you.' I stated, readying to riposte her next attempt. Before the assassin could even say a word, let alone move a muscle, the xenos blindsided the crazed madwoman and defenestrated themselves. I suppose that solved one of our problems, and I was certain that the orangeskin would kill the assassin right then and there*168. Unfortunately, my comm-bead blared.

'I am to be apologizing.' She said sorrowfully. 'She has escaped my grasps.'

'Where is she?' I asked, calmly despite the chance she might be coming back.

'Gone.' The orangeskin reported. 'I do not know where.'

'She's getting away!' The Doctor screeched. 'You're letting her get away!'

'Better her to run, than return.' I shot back in my best parade ground snap. She flinched, allowing me to get close to her so I could meet her eyes. 'Or would you rather she come back to finish the job?'

'No.' She said haltingly.

'Then I advise you continue your work Doctor.' I firmly ordered, looking towards Amberley. A single nod from her was enough for me to motion for Jurgen, much to her shocked indignation*169. I turned to Artemis, and nodded. 'You did well.' Now, it was utter groxshit, but it did wonders for morale. 'Perhaps we can test you in more open spaces next time.' It wasn't long before Kaldur, the xenos, and the mutant arrive. I wonder where have they been?

'Is everyone alright?' Kaldur asked, obviously turning for me for answers.

'No casualties I would say.' I admitted, glancing at the orangeskin. 'Maybe one with minor injuries.'

'You call that minor?' The mutant indignantly shouted. 'She fell off a third story window!'

'Relatively speaking.' I tried to placate, only to get further snarls from him.

'Enough, Kid Flash.' Kaldur ordered, separating him away from me. 'We heard gunshots.'

'That would be Jurgen and myself.' I admitted, only to earn myself another screech from the mutant. 'Are you insane?'

'Hardly.' I said, unable to help my sarcasm dripping from my tone. 'Nonetheless, we have to relocate.'

'No, not before we get to the elephant in the room!' The mutant insisted. 'The gun. He has to get rid of it!'

'Can we not argue later?' I hissed. 'We do not have the time for it right now!'

'The Commissar's right.' Kaldur stated. 'We must think of the mission first, protect Doctor Roquette. Then we can make our report to the League.'


Now, I honestly can't complain being with Kaldur overlooking the diversionary building. It's rather genius, seeing as how straightforward the assassins were. Nonetheless, I have to keep appearances, as it were. To my utter bewilderment, he deployed Jurgen and Amberley to were the actual Doctor was located. I had wondered why he would do so, but I opted to keep out of that conversation. It certainly got worse when the greenskin tried to enter my mind. I felt all rational thought leave me, and I almost screamed. I was only fortunate that presence left me, and Kaldur was there to assist my moment of weakness.

'Easy Ciaphas.' The Abhuman said, allowing me to sit up. 'Are you alright?'

'No, I'm afraid not.' I admitted, clutching my head. 'I'm not exactly comfortable with a psyker trying to enter my mind.'

'You'll have to get used to it.' Kaldur insisted, much to my fear. My normal Tarot face seemed to have broke when his eyes widened. 'Maybe later.'

'I would greatly appreciate it.' I said, releasing my stressed breath. 'It is the last thing I need.'

'I do have a question for you.' He stated, not leaving me much room to refuse him.

'What is it you would like to know?' I wondered, taking an uneasy step up. I looked across the street, hands behind my back.

'You, Gunner, and Inquisitor seem to be scared of M'gann.' Kaldur stated, which should have been obvious, though it might not have been for him. 'Is it because she's an alien?'

'Not entirely.' I admitted. 'It is due to her abilities as a psyker.'

'Is it that bad that you would treat her powers as anathema?' He pressed, perhaps a bit too curious for my liking. 'Why is Gunner okay while she isn't?'

'You think Jurgen's a psyker?!' I said indignantly, more than a little insulted on Jurgen's behalf. I had to remind myself this wasn't the Imperium, so I decided to be patient with him. "Jurgen is different, to say the least.'

'I apologize for insulting Jurgen, that was not my intention.' He said, once again making me appreciate the existence of this Abhuman. 'However, I must wonder what's the difference?'

'A psyker is anyone with some degree of psychic abilities or powers.' I replied the usual textbook definition. 'The greenskin would be listed as such.'

'Is everyone back at your home treat these psykers with fear?' Kaldur asked, which I saw no reason to lie, so I told him the truth.

'Either fear or outright hatred.' I replied, waving off his concern. 'Even the psykers that are sanctioned by the Imperium, and with good reason.'

'What reason could there be for such discrimination?' Kaldur wondered, and without any indignation.

'It is classified information, I'm afraid.' I replied, acting out the "reluctant" bureaucrat role that I sometimes use on my many adoring, Emperor-bothering fans. 'If I were to tell you, and Amberley knew I told you this, she will execute me.'

'We can protect you.' He firmly said, hand on my shoulder.

'Then I will kill myself.' I retorted, not without a little bluster. As much as it is abhorrent for me, it would be much better than serving my life as Amberley's personal servitor*170. 'As is required by those within the Officio Prefectus, my department.'

'You lived a harsh life.' Kaldur remarked rather piteously.

'Perhaps.' I replied. 'But it is still my life.' My palms tingled and I looked around. Something wasn't right.

'What is it?' He asked, following my eyes. 'Did you see something?'

'I'm not sure.' I said, slowly walking backwards towards the street. I'd be damned if I was staying there. Whether it was clumsiness, or not taking into account of the step between the ground and pavement, I tripped and fell on my back. Rather fortunately might I add, as a hook shaped projectile was mere moments from taking my head, and implanting itself into the vehicle. Before I had a chance to crawl away, the blasted felinid rested a proper sword*171.

'You are going to stay quiet.' She, to my surprise, ordered rather pleasantly. 'No contacting the Martian. No contacting your friend. Understood?' I said nothing, not trusting myself to speak without earning myself a beheading. 'Good boy.'

Only when the assassins left, did I release the breath I was holding. I turned to Aqualad, whom winked at me. I suppose that was our cue, and we rushed towards the Doctor. We entered through the front door, closed it behind us, and got ready for when our diversion inevitably fails. I veered behind the Doctor, asking, 'What's your progress Doctor?'

'Almost there.' She hushed back, the stress obvious in her voice. 'Got it! Uploading now!' Suddenly, we heard a ruckus. 'You said you people will protect me!'

'Remind me again.' I sarcastically shot back, somewhat tempted to let the assassin just kill her. Maybe I should just shoot her myself, if only the rounds were actually lethal. Suddenly, the blasted Felinid dropped from the ceiling. Instinctively, I forced the Doctor's head down, and a good thing too, otherwise one of those throwing stars would had poked out her eye.

'You get the Doctor out of here.' Amberley ordered. 'I'll deal with her.'

'Yes Inquisitor.' I relayed, turning to my faithful companion and aide. 'Jurgen-'

'Jurgen stays with me.' She said, pushing me. 'Now go!'

'By your command.' I replied, hoping I hid my reluctance. I grabbed the Doctor from under her arm and pushed her. 'Come here you.'

'Hey!' She protested, and she would have continued her rant too if I didn't keep pushing her. To my surprise, I found that tactic rather effective, especially when you are in control of the situation. Fortunately for me, this Doctor was not and it made it easier for me to continue pushing her towards the fallback point, the parking lot.

'Alright, inside the vehicle.' I ordered, not at all ashamed of the fact that I threw her in with the keys. 'And stay there.'

'Wouldn't it be better if I just drive away?' She complained, eyes glaring at me.

'Why did you think I gave you the keys?' I replied rhetorically. 'I told you to get inside the vehicle and stay there. I didn't say anything about driving off?' And please do!

To my surprise, the Doctor pursed her lips for a split second, actually taking time to contemplate what I just said. I pointed towards the streets. 'Off you go, post haste!'

'Right!' She stuttered, before slamming the door into my face, and drove away…poorly. I mean, she hit several mailboxes as well as running over one of the crazed "assassin". I daresay she might have beaten Jurgen for his propensity to property damage*172. Seeing that everything had gone silent again, I stepped back onto the main street to find Artemis staring down the, surprisingly, not Felinid assassin.

'I suppose now you bring me to justice. Let your new friends interrogate me.' She said, rather mockingly. Her eyes were on me now. 'I wonder if your position's secure enough to survive them learning everything I know.' Artemis' bow lowered, and I found it ideal to step in.

'And I am sure I will be finding much of that information at a later date.' I retorted, ignoring her shocked look as I positioned myself in front of her. Like the new recruit she was, Artemis collapsed onto her knees, a horrified look on her face. Perhaps she is a traitor to the Justice League. Though, with how the assassin was phrasing things, I doubt it.

'Nonetheless, your poorly thought out plan had failed.' I replied as if I was listing the scores of my favourite scrimball match. 'If you know what's best for you, you will run.'

'You're funny.' She said, smoke filling up her general vicinity. 'And like the Cheshire cat, I'll just disappear.' I ignored her, taking time to assess the new recruit. 'Are you alright?'

'I'm fine!' Artemis hurriedly said, perhaps with an unhealthy dose of fear in her eyes. 'Just, please don't tell the others.'

'Whether you believe it or not, I am not the Team's keeper.' I calmly stated, looking her in the eyes. 'As such, I feel no obligation to tell them any-' Before I could finish, Aqualad barged into our conversation, panting.

'Where is the assassin?' He asked, and I took the lead. I could always use a favour from a skilled marksman.

'Gone.' I replied easily. 'She disappeared in a smokescreen of her making.'

'I see.' He said, rubbing his chin. The abhuman looked towards Artemis. 'Are you alright?'

'I'm fine.' The blonde archer insisted, standing up beside me. Jurgen and Amberley walked in as well, and already I saw Jurgen holding a bowl for me.

'Some tanna, sir?'


I must admit surprise when I learnt that the mission was successful. A first, to be sure, given the state of the Team. I suppose beggars can't be choosers, so I decided to play up my role of "Cain the Hero" and congratulating the juves on a job well done. What I didn't anticipate was being asked to stay behind. Me, singular. Fortunately, Black Canary was the one that was doing the talking.

'Now, before you ask, this isn't a disciplinary review.' She said, doing her best to reassure me. 'We just want to know why you pulled out your gun and how many rounds you fired.'

'I thought it necessary to use my sidearm when the classroom door opened. If it were one of us, the door would have slid open normally. Yet, when that door opened, it was slid ajar and quiet. If I hadn't looked at the door, I was certain the Doctor would have been assassinated and the mission failed.' I recounted, seeing no reason to embellish any details. 'As for the number of rounds fired, I'm not entirely sure. I would like to say sixteen? Perhaps, eighteen?'

'We identified sixteen rounds fired from your weapon; thirty rounds for Gunner Jurgen; and fifty rounds from the Inquisitor.' Batman confirmed, lacking the usual suspicion he had for me. 'And I accept your reasoning to open fire as you did.' Now that was a surprise. I turned to Black Canary, whom winked at me. Whatever she had done, I couldn't help but be thankful for her to get him to calm down*173.

'Very good sir.' I replied, playing up my dutiful act. 'Is there anything else?'

'Yes, about Artemis.' Green Arrow brought up, which caught me rather off guard. 'What are you going to do to her?'

'Nothing as of yet.' I answered offhandedly. It's her business really, not mine. Until she makes it mine at least. 'Until I find reason to take action, or anything worthy of surveillance, I will leave it as is.'

'Really?' Green Arrow wondered. 'No kidding.'

'No, I am not.' I told him, and waited for the inevitable back-and-forth. It never came, only leaving an awkward silence between us. 'Is there anything else?'

'Just one more.' Black Canary said, smile on her face. 'We, the Justice League I mean, have decided to return your uniform and the protective gear we have in our possession. We have good evidence to trust you with them and see no reason to return it.'

'We are keeping your weapons.' Batman interjected. 'Especially the laser weapons. Those are too deadly.'

'Excluding the laser weaponry, of course.' She acquiesced, which was much more than I actually hoped for. I am sure Amberley and Jurgen would definitely appreciate the return of our gear.

'Thank you for your trust.' I said, tipping my hat politely. 'I promise that we will not find it wanting.' And before you realize it, we would already had frakked off back home.

'I'm sure you won't.' Black Canary said, patting my shoulder. 'Now, I believe we should return to our session. I am quite interested to know more about your school.'

'And I expect an after-action report on my desk by midnight.' Batman addended.

'And you really have to see Artemis.' Green Arrow said, adding to my already growing pile. 'She's seriously freaked out and panicking.'

'I suppose I shall have to see her tonight.' I sighed, rubbing the back of my head, hoping it would get me out of the session, only to receive a grin from Green Arrow's face.

'You going to join her for dinner?' He pressed, his teasing evident in his tone. 'Or would you have Jurgen make you two something over candlelight?'

'Now see here.' I began, only to feel my palms tingle. I whipped behind me to see Amberley glaring at me. Oh dear. 'Ah, Inquisitor. Now, before you say anyth-'

'Run.' She stated simply, and I could feel the Fury of the Emperor from her. I hesitated for only a moment before I ran for it, Amberley hot on my tail. I could only pray to the God Emperor I survive her barrage, as well as pray for her tender mercies upon me.

'GET BACK HERE CAIN!' She shrieked*174, throwing one of those queer bat-shaped throwing daggers at me. 'I WILL HAVE WORDS WITH YOU!' If I survive her onslaught at this moment.

≡][≡

Editorial Note:

To my avid readers, I will let you know that Ciaphas Cain had Jurgen write his own personal journal of events during these hectic times. As dutiful as he is useful, Gunner Ferik Jurgen performed his duties to the best of his abilities and had deemed it important to even include time stamps. Praise the Emperor! Though, I will warn my readers that the text had been re-edited into a third-person perspective from the original reports. Any attempts to clean this corruption had failed spectacularly Nonetheless, as for the activities of myself and Cain during this time, the correct answer would be nothing. Nothing occurred when Jurgen was performing his duties. Nothing at all. At. All.

FOOTNOTES

160. Nomme de guerre, actually. After listening to the myriad of ridiculous callsigns the Justice League and The Team call each other, I almost believed it. Fortunately, as an Inquisitor, I am paranoid to the end, and it certainly paid off.

161. In a heartbeat.

162. It's pronounced technolingua, and the Inquisition is still attempting to learn the language.

163. You said it, not me~

164. Cain, you bloody idiot! Throw her off this instant!

165. Groxshit Cain! You're enjoying it, aren't you?!

166. The Shuriken. A star-shaped expendable dagger meant primarily to confuse, disorientate, and to even disembowel their target. Or so I had been told.

167. A Sai. A dagger with three blades. In between the blades are spaces meant to catch an offending blade and redirect it.

168. That's a complete lie. It'd be more accurate to assume that Cain believed the assassin would have successfully killed the orangeskin xenos.

169. I was NOT wounded, Ciaphas Cain!

170. There are lines, Ciaphas Cain, that even I dare not cross. As much as I have some affection for you and your abilities, I will never do such a thing. It would be much better, and easier, to come up with some fabricated story of your martyrdom, saving me from daemons, than subject your body like that.

171. A Katana. A blade purposely built for slashing.

172. Coincidentally, Dr. Serling Roquette's driver's license had expired because of her reliance on public transportation. She just didn't find a point to renew it. She's out of practice.

173. I found out that Black Canary didn't really do anything besides ask. Apparently, Batman had been dealing with some…incidents at Wayne Enterprises, Inc. Furthermore, his tolerance for groxshit had apparently hit the roof at this point and decided to take the road of least resistance, just agree to whatever Black Canary and her faction says and let them deal with the consequences.

174. I resent that! As a member of His Divine Majesty's most Holy Inquisition, I do NOT shriek. I simply yell indignantly.