"How about some stories?" Robin suddenly suggested.
"Oh, I would love to hear your story, Aqualad!" M'gann requested the Atlantian.
"I was thinking more of 'Ghost Stories'," Robin added before shrugging his shoulders. "But I guess that works too."
"I suppose I could do that, if you do not think it'll be too boring," Kaldur, despite saying that, had a smile and looked excited to tell his story.
"I hardly believe the origin story of a superhero will be 'boring', Kaldur," Peter commented, interested in hearing about the Atlantian's civilisation.
"Yeah, I'd love to hear it!" Miss Martian added.
"Well, I grew up in the city of Shayeris, which is a city in Atlantis," Kaldur began telling his story. "Surface dwellers think all Atlanteans are the same, but our kingdom has many cities, many people, and many cultures."
"So, the name Atlantis refers to your entire civilisation, not just some small kingdom or large city?" Peter asked.
Kaldur nodded. "Yes. When I was twelve, I completed my education and began my mandatory service in the military."
Aqualad then continued with his origin story. He spoke on how he was trained in the Conservatory, which was commanded by Queen Mera, Aquaman's wife. He described his friends there, and how it was, as any military, very challenging. He then talked about how, one day, a villain with the name Ocean Master attacked the city of Poseidon and nearly killed Aquaman. Kaldur said that he and another student, Garth, intervened to save their king, and while they were thoroughly outmatched, they did give Aquaman time to recover and defeat the distracted Ocean Master. Aqualad, realising that he has too much responsibility as a King and a Hero, decided to take a protégé like Batman and Green Arrow, so he offered the position for Kaldur and Garth. While Garth turned down the offer, choosing to continue his studies, Kaldur chose to accept Aquaman's offer.
"So, at the age of fourteen, I became Aqualad," Kaldur began wrapping up his story. "I miss my friends. Garth, Tula... but the chance to work with my mentor and king was an opportunity I could not pass up. I like to think the work I am doing makes a difference," leaning forward, Kaldur smiled with pride. "The rest of the story you know. Aquaman brought Aqualad to the surface world... and now I am here with you."
"Wow," M'gann seemed very amazed by the story. "So you WANTED to be Aqualad?"
"Yes, the opportunity arose, and I could think of no other path," Aqualad replied.
"I hardly believe anyone without a special situation like me or Superboy is brought to this occupation against their will," Peter commented.
"Yeah, you think he wanted to be Aqualad so bad?" Wally asked, pointing at Kaldur before pointing at himself. "Let me tell you how I got started."
Wally then began telling the story of the Flash and how it actually traces back two generations. The original Flash, Jay Garrick, got his powers from a lab accident. Jay, who did not hide his identity back then, became one the greatest heroes. He met one of his fans, one day, who talked with him for hours and hours. This fan managed to recreate the explosion that gave Jay his powers, and gained powers himself. The original Flash retired after he became old, and passed the mantle to the fan, now the current Flash. Wally, who was related to that Flash, found his notes one day, and asked for powers himself alongside being his partner, to which the Flash refused. Wally still tried to recreate the formula from his memory with his own chemistry set.
"Let me get this straight," Peter stopped Wally, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You tried to recreate an EXPLOSIVE formula, one which you didn't remember the full components to, in your ROOM without any actual protective gear at all?" He finished with a disappointed glare at the red head.
Wally, who didn't seem to care about the disappointed glare, leaned back with his hands behind his head. "Go ahead and yell at me all you want. There's nothing you can say that mom, dad, and uncle Flash haven't already yelled and berated me for."
"The experiment actually worked?" Aqualad asked, realising that Kid Flash wouldn't exist if it didn't.
"Well... not exactly," Wally's smile turned awkward.
He then explained how, at first, there was nothing different beyond him being hospitalised after the explosion. Then, after two weeks, he finally gained his super speed, albeit a bit weaker than Flash's. Finally, Wally got Flash to cave in and agree to take him as a partner.
"You. Are. Welcome," Wally finished.
"For what? Teaching us how ridiculously dangerous your experience was?" Peter commented sarcastically.
"Yeah, for someone with super speed, you sure realise the danger slowly," Robin added.
"Jealous?" Wally teased.
"Psh, yeah, right. Jealous of you?" Robin asked. Peter believed that there was in fact a reason to be jealous, and it was Wally's luck at not only surviving the experience, but actually getting results.
"Can you tell us how you started being Robin?" M'gann asked the boy wonder as she ate another s'more.
"Pfft- Haha!" Wally laughed. "Are you kidding me? Bats won't let him tell us his real name!" He stated, causing Robin to huff while crossing his arms. "I mean, you'll probably get a better origin story from Supey over here," he added, motioning to Superboy.
"But you've already told me that story, didn't you?" M'gann whined, wanting a story she hasn't heard before while also knowing that Superboy's days in Cadmus were not good memories for the clone.
"I personally would still like to hear it," Peter confessed, looking at the clone. "I have read the files of the incident and you told me the general events, but I'd still like to hear what exactly happened. For example, how old are you, exactly? They found you finished, correct?"
"Yes, chronologically speaking, Superboy is only sixteen weeks old," Aqualad answered, remembering the files they read when they infiltrated Cadmus.
"And you have no memories before you were rescued?" M'gann asked.
"I have some memories... from the G-Gnome," Superboy hesitantly started speaking. "It would teach me about the world outside while I was in the containment pod."
"So you CAN remember things?" M'gann asked. "When you were in the containment pod, they would feed you information and you could remember it, right?"
"I guess so," Superboy shrugged.
Peter was confused. He couldn't understand why they would feel the need to feed Superboy information about the world. It felt unnecessary if they wished to use Superboy as a weapon.
"Well, if you can remember what they taught you, you must have thought of things as they fed you information. What do you think about?" M'gann asked, curious on how a genetically created mind would operate.
"I was just fed information," Superboy answered. "I didn't start thinking for myself until after I got out."
M'gann didn't give up on an answer. "Well, what kind of things do you think about now?"
Superboy ran his hand across his face and looked hesitant to answer. "The one thing... that's always on my mind... is... destroying Superman."
Stunned silence overtook the team with only sound being the crackling fire. Soon, the silence was broken... by Peter chuckling.
"Now I see. What a bunch of morons," the scientist commented.
"Dude, didn't you just hear what he said?" Wally asked, looking wide eyed at Peter. "He just said he wants to take down Superman!"
"I'm well aware of what he said. I'm not deaf," Peter deadpanned at the speedster before turning to Superboy. "Let me ask you something. You say that thought is always in your head. Does that mean you would classify it as, let's say, an instinctive train of thought?"
Superboy looked somewhat confused but still nodded. "I guess..."
"Then Cadmus failed and you're truly free," Peter suddenly stated, causing everyone to blink in surprise.
"What do you mean?" Kaldur asked.
"Before I answer that, does anyone know what Id, Ego, and Superego are?" Peter asked back.
"Oh, I know!" M'gann immediately raised her hand before she began counting with her fingers. "Id is the animalistic instinct such as the desire to eat and sleep. Ego is your ability to control your Id. And Superego is your conscious and sense of morality."
"Thank you, Megan," Peter smiled at the Martian before turning to Superboy. "From what I understand it, it seems those fools in Cadmus must have placed the idea of defeating Superman in your Id, making it equivalent to an animalistic desire. They were most likely going to make it bypass your Ego and overlap with your Superego, making you unable to control that urge while simultaneously believing it is the right thing to do. So, the fact you know those thoughts are morally wrong while also being able to control them means that they failed in controlling you like a puppet."
"So," Wally placed a hand on his chin and tried to make sense of what the scientist just said. "That means that... as long as Superboy has those thoughts but can control them-"
"It means Cadmus failed in completely brainwashing him!" Robin finished.
"Yes, it does. So, those thoughts you're worried about? They're just proof that you're truly free now as long as you can control them and know they're wrong," Peter summarised, looking at Superboy.
Superboy seemed shocked. Slowly, he turned his gaze into the fire as his mind went into overdrive to process all that he heard. "Thanks," he mumbled.
Peter raised an eyebrow. "What are you thanking me for? All I did was make observations based on the provided information," he said before shaking his head. "Honestly, you should thank Cadmus for being incompetent. If you're going to make a genetic weapon, don't give it intelligence or self-awareness. That's just asking for it to rebel." As far as Peter was concerned, Cadmus must have been a group of clowns that knew what genetics were, but weren't smart enough to know how to use them properly. "I just hope your people aren't like that with Bio-Tech," Peter added, looking at M'gann.
"You've talked about Bio-Tech before with M'gann," Aqualad commented, remembering their time on the ship. "Is that what you're referring to?"
Peter nodded. "Yes. Biotechnology is tricky to deal with because you have to place a threshold on its advancement. Basically, the more advanced Biotechnology is, the more 'alive' it becomes, which brings the danger of it rebelling out of spite for being used as a tool."
"Martian government is well aware of that danger, and they've withheld any advancement on our technology," M'gann stated. "That's why, for quite a while now, our scientists have been looking for new ways to use our technology instead of ways to advance it."
"Hey, speaking of Mars, why not tell us your story, Megan?" Wally asker, remembering their original conversation.
"Oh, okay, since you all said yours. I guess I can share mine," M'gann said as she looked around in thought. "I guess... well, I'm from Mars," she then slapped her forehead. "Hello, Megan! You guys already know that!"
M'gann then began speaking of her planet, which greatly fascinated Peter. Apparently, all Martians live in underground tunnels because the surface is uninhabitable. She talked about how Martian families always communicate telepathically, and that they were larger than the ones humans have, with her having twelve sisters and seventeen brothers. She also talked about how racism also exists on Mars, and that it is mostly directed to Martians that are born white instead of green. She then talked about her uncle J'onn, and how he was the most famous Martian on their planet for being a beacon of hope for their people. One day, J'onn returned to Mars and held a tournament to pick a student for him to take back to Earth and be his partner. Despite all odds and the great number of contenders, M'gann managed to prevail and win the position.
"My heart soared! I was coming to Earth!" She spread her hands and looked at the sky. "Now I am here with all of you and I'm part of the team! I truly love it!"
"We are happy you're here with us as well, M'gann," Kaldur smiled at the Martian.
"You can say that again," Wally added before looking at Peter. "So, what about you?"
Peter blinked. "What ABOUT me?"
"Yeah. You're the only one left. Come on, what's your story?" Robin asked, joining Kid Flash.
"There is no story. I tried to create interdimensional travel, it didn't work as intended," Peter deadpanned at the two.
"Come on, Peter," M'gann pleaded. "You must have something to say."
Peter looked at everyone as they stared at him before he sighed. "When I was a child, everyone would call me the 'mind of the century' or 'the prodigious genius'. To me, they were just annoying nicknames. What I really cared about was seeing if I can use my intelligence to help people."
"So, you wanted to use your gift for helping others instead of fame," Kaldur commented with a smile. "That's commendable of you."
The scientist shrugged. "It was mostly my desire to actually use my intelligence for something, so I picked helping people."
"What about your family?" M'gann asked, her earlier tale with her family making her curious.
Peter frowned. "Me and my parents... weren't that close. Its not that we didn't care for each other. It's just that my intelligence created a gap between us because it appeared at an early age. They still cared for me and supported me, and I care for them. In fact, two weeks before I came to this dimension, I used the money from my research and inventions to book them a resort in Hawaii to spend their second honeymoon."
"That's nice," Robin commented.
"Anyway, I made a name for myself easily in the science world. I created alternative fuels, faster vehicles, medical technology, and theories in almost every form of science. They even gave permission to test my theories on facilities that would colonise the moon and Mars," Peter explained before glancing at M'gann. "I hope that's not offensive."
M'gann shook her head. "Not at all. Like I said, we Martians live in underground tunnels. We have no connection to the surface itself."
"That's good. Anyway, despite my achievements, I always wanted one thing: to see if the Multiverse is real. Infinite realities, infinite possibilities, and infinite forms of science and technology to look into," Peter actually had started smiling halfway through speaking before his smile was immediately replaced with a frown. "However, when I requested permission for testing my theories... the world laughed. They didn't believe that it was possible. 'You're usually so smart that we forgot you're a kid', they said."
"Believe me, we know how it feels to work hard and still be treated like a kid," Wally commented, crossing his arms. He can easily relate to what Peter went through.
"Even my... lab partner didn't exactly believe in me on this," Peter added, continuing his story. "So, in secret, I've began building my own interdimensional portal. It took a lot of time and work, but I managed to do it. When the day of testing came... I saw my lab partner come into my personal lab with a group of soldiers to arrest me for illegal and dangerous research. Now, that wouldn't have been bad... if one of those soldiers didn't pull out his gun and began shooting."
"What?!" Wally nearly jumped from his seat. "Why would he do that?!"
Peter shrugged. "My research and inventions ruined and caused bankruptcy for many companies and groups that relied on pollution. Its likely that someone from them paid off any soldier or cop they can reach to get back at me. Anyway, the bullets missed, thankfully. But, they did strike the controls for the machine, which caused it to activate and spiral out of control, sucking everything in while zapping what it didn't suck in. I had to shut down the machine manually, so I couldn't get far from it. I managed to finish but one of the backlash energy pulses struck me in the process..." Peter trailed off and placed his hand over his prosthetic eye. "... and that threw me off balance, which caused me to be sucked into the portal before it shuts down. After a while, I found myself in this dimension."
"Dude," Wally couldn't help but look at the scientist with sympathy. "That must have been tough."
Peter shrugged his shoulders. "I admit. I was hurt for some time... but, there's no reason to dwell on it. Let me tell you something, the smarter you are, the more you realise that grief and sadness are optional. I could wallow in despair about what happened, being betrayed by my lab partner, and losing my home. Or, I could enjoy the fact that my experiment, while not completely successful, did prove the existence of the Multiverse and its endless possibilities by sending me to a world full of super powers and aliens. I may have lost my old world, but I also got a new world."
"You also have us now," M'gann added.
"Indeed," Kaldur nodded along with M'gann. "Know that you will always have a place in the team. Officially or not."
"I appreciate that," Peter nodded in gratitude before standing up. "I believe its time for sleep. I have a lot of work tomorrow," he looked at M'gann and Kaldur. "Thank you for inviting me. This was rather pleasant and I learned a lot about you from it."
"No problem," M'gann replied as Peter walked back towards the base.
Time Skip:
The next day proved to be busy for everyone as, while dropping the supplies and tools Peter will be working with alongside the blueprints of the base, Batman apparently had a mission for the team.
"Isla Santa Prisca," Batman and Red Tornado stood in front of a holographic screen that showed data and a map of an island. The team stood together to listen to the mission details. "This island nation is the primary source of a dangerous and illegal neo-steroid. A strength enhancing drug sold under the street name 'Venom'," the screens changed to show blueprints of a factory. "Infared heat signatures indicate their factory is operating at full capacity, but all shipments of Venom have been inexplicably cut off. That's where the team comes in." Batman turned to look at the team. "This is a covert recon mission only," the Dark Knight raised his finger and emphasised on the last part. "Observe, and report. If the Justice League needs to intervene, it will," Batman then turned back to the screen which showed a map of the entire island again. "The plan requires two drop zones."
"So, who's in charge?" Robin suddenly asked.
Peter looked at him in surprise. "Are you saying you people never selected a leader for the team?" He asked, stupefied by such a crucial part being ignored until now.
Batman and Red Tornado looked ay each other for a moment. "Figure it out between you," the Dark Knight answered, making Robin nod with a smile. "As for you, Peter, you will not be joining this mission."
"I have a pretty good guess on why, but can you elaborate?" Peter asked.
"Even if we disregard the fact you're not an official member yet, you don't have the skills, abilities, or gadgets to help make up for your lack of experience," Batman explained. "It is too risky. Until further notice, you won't be joining any missions."
"That's pretty much what I guessed you'd say," Peter sighed with a shake of his head. He didn't particularly enjoy joining the battlefield, but reading reports and watching recordings can only go so far. Some information and experience required on field testing.
Batman then went and explained the mission details to the team while giving them thirty minutes to prepare for leaving to Santa Prisca. When he was done, he turned and left with Red Tornado.
"Bummer that you don't get to go with us, Pete," Robin remarked, placing a hand on the scientist's shoulder. "You'll miss my amazing leadership skills."
"Even if he went with us, he'd miss them because they don't exist," Wally commented, causing Robin to glare at him.
"Peter, what do you make of Santa Prisca's situation?" Aqualad asked, believing the scientist would have some input on it.
"Not enough information, but I will tell you that whatever it is, it has to be big," Peter answered, gaining the attention of the rest of the team. "As far as drug dealers are concerned, money is almost always the top priority. So, the fact they're producing so much of Venom and keeping it all without even selling a bit of it means what they're doing, in their eyes, is more worth than the money they'll make selling it."
"Agreed," Red Tornado cut in. "Previous encounters has shown that, when criminals see something as more valuable than creditable gains, it is hardly anything good."
"We can handle it," Superboy commented with confidence.
Peter sighed and shook his head. "Well, make sure to come back in one piece. I'll be here working on the base and going through the blueprints. Just don't go blowing up the island or something."
"Dude, it's just a covert mission," Wally commented.
"Yeah, we're supposed to be quiet and unnoticeable," M'gann nodded before placing a hand on her chin. "What was that earth saying?... oh, right! What's the worst that can happen?"
(A/N: Thank you for reading this.
Peter's background is revealed. I didn't want him to be edgy or brooding, so I tried my best to explain why he handled it well through an intellectual standpoint.
And Peter isn't joining the mission for Santa Prisca because... well, like Bats said, he's not an official member yet and he still lacks experience.
Again, thank you for reading this. Please comment, review, and tell me your thoughts on my story.)