North Atlantic - 12 hours later

Vicki was freezing as she stood on one of the metal gangways, looking off toward the ice covered sea in front of her. She was told the ice that surrounded the repurposed oil rig was thick though to support full passenger airliners landing and taking off. The issue was the constantly shifting currents of the sea that would crack and smash planes of ice together, making it unstable. But it was perfect to act as an artificial land bridge for the researchers and crew of The Weller Research Station.

They would often go out in teams to extract ice cores and observe the surrounding habitat. A mundane but typical pastime for researchers is this part of the world. That was until Herman pulled three rocks from one of the cores that he had never seen before. He had been intrigued by their coloring. One was a light blue shade that darkened in pores that surrounded the exterior of the stone. It seemed to pulse every few seconds, emitting a cyan glow. Another was a smooth, yellowed stone that seemed to constantly shift its temperature to match the warmest item in contact with it. The final stone was an onyx black, jagged stone. It would absorb the power from any electrical equipment that came into contact with it. One researcher's phone being the victim of that discovery.

Herman had immediately attempted to determine which elements made up the strange stones. Only to find they didn't exist yet. It was at this point he started various tests to see what other properties the stones held. He ran test after test, trying to find some sort of function for the new elements. Dreams of a trio of new elements named by him and setting humanity on a new future with his discovery.

Alas, he didn't find anything he considered worth his time…. Until, he had thrown all three elements into a stasis chamber. Issy had protested, "Three new elements that we know next to nothing about, and you want to put them together in the same chamber!"

He had duly ignored the young assistant. She was only here as a favor to one of his colleagues, her mother an important figure in the financial field. He knew the importance of maintaining relationships with the hand that feeds you. But that didn't matter anymore! He had the key to the future of mankind and wouldn't be swayed.

The chamber had barely powered on before the rocks combined together. A loud crack and scraping being heard from the chamber. They formed a lime green, triangular gem that was now floating in the center of the chamber. Slowly rotating and defying gravity. Herman had approached and opened the chamber, only to have the laptop he carried drained of power. Quickly closing the chamber again he rushed to the chamber's connected computer, and observed that power had spiked momentarily after absorbing the laptop's charge, before dissipating back to a stable level. Only this time, the charge held was ten times greater. Far more than what the laptop could have contained.

He was on the phone with his backers in seconds and sending data, patents, and test results without a second thought. It was a few hours after that, Amanda Waller had contacted him personally and explained that an escort team would be there within the week. They would contain the element for transport to a secure facility and his work could continue, while under heavy security. Herman had agreed on the phone, but had contacted the Gotham Gazette seconds after concluding his call with Waller. He promised a Pulitzer Prize winning story, if they could get a reporter up to the station within the next two days. He wouldn't let the government steal his glory by hiding away his discovery.

The gazette had done one better and sent a cameraman and Vicki the very next day. Thus, began her story to wipe Lois from the face of the planet, an exclusive that put said woman's tour of Superman's home in the ground.

She was taking some time to herself, observing the clear skies and ice from her perch. Herman had stated his backers needed him in the states for some reason. He was due on the next flight out. Which was fine with her. She got the one and only exclusive, a live presentation of her work on national TV, and additional story bits that would generate national headlines for weeks to come. All in all, a good week for the gazette and her future.

She was pulled out from her thoughts by her cameraman, Dale, tapping her shoulder and pointing to the helipad. A pairing that her boss couldn't get enough of, as he laughed at his own word play. She turned to see a black, military helicopter approaching. Herman was at the bottom of the stairs leading to said pad, looking nervous with a bag on his back.

Vicki sensed an upcoming story and turned to Dale. "Does your phone still have battery left?" She asked him.

"Fully charged and ready. I don't think they'll like us recording that though Vicki." Dale expressed somewhat hesitantly.

Ignoring the concern in Dale's voice, Vicki ordered, "Turn it on and set it to record from your pocket. We're going to go meet our new friends." Dale did as he was told, this not being his first rodeo with Vicki. The pair quickly making their way over to Herman.

"Doctor! That is one hell of a pickup, wouldn't you say!" Vicki called next to Herman. Trying to be heard over the rotors, as the helicopter spun around so the tail was facing the rest of the platform.

"I've been told we're getting additional security and it as cheaper to do one flight here and back!" Herman responded as he eyed the slowly spinning down tail rotor.

"Must be a full security team. No offense, but two hunters armed with hunting rifles do not make a security force." Vicki smiled lightly. Trying to pry information from the man. The rotors had stopped spinning and corresponding engines powered down by this point. The trio, taking this as an invitation, made their way to the top of the platform.

The chopper itself was large and painted a solid black. But despite the imposing appearance, was plainly unarmed. A man, clearly one of the pilots, approached the two of them. "Doctor Trask?"

"Right here! I didn't expect such an imposing flight." Herman chuckled awkwardly.

The pilot didn't grace that with a response. He was supposed to be on leave, but was called back in for this mission. "We'll be getting underway once we offload our passengers and their gear. Could you get someone to tour them around the station while we work?" The pilot asked, trying to emphasize they were on a time table.

"Of course, I'll have Issy out here in few." Herman responded while pulling a walkie-talkie from his left side.

"Appreciate sir." The pilot answered as he turned and made his way back to the chopper.

During this, the back door of the helicopter had lowered and the other pilot had entered. What followed was a series of crates being offloaded via conveyor systems in the chopper. The pilot then exited the bay and started moving the gear onto the pad with a pallet jack. Issy arrived half way through this offloading.

"You called Doctor?" Issy asked, eyes wide at the amount of gear and size of the helicopter. She knew they were going to send some security, but the size of the chopper made it look like a small army was more likely.

"Yes, the pilot has asked that we provide a tour of the station for our new guests. Would you mind handling that for me?" Herman asked as he watched the three pallets be organized on one side of the pad by the pilot.

"No problem. Do you know how many guards they sent?" Issy asked, also eyeing the pallets.

"I'm guessing one to four. That's not enough gear for a full squad." Vicki answered nonplussed at the events in front of her. The two researchers turned to look at her, quizzical looks upon their faces. "I was a war correspondent before switching to a safer line of work. It's helped tremendously with Gotham's constant gang wars." Vicki shrugged. Dale slowly nodding behind her, lost in past memories.

Further inquiries were interrupted when a woman with bright red hair and clearly Atlantean armor walked out from the helicopter. Vicki and Dale recognized her instantly. "I thought the Titans didn't have fancy helicopters. Much less clearly military pilots." Vicki called over to Aqua Girl.

"We're expanding the roster. Can't let the bad guys know our next move." Tula called over to Vicki.

"We're ready to go doctor." The pilot that had talked with them earlier sounded off. His partner was already back in the cockpit.

"Right!" Herman echoed back as he turned to the group next to him. "Thank you again for coming so quickly . I hope it was as promising as I said."

"It was doctor. Thank you for the exclusive tour and I look forward to reporting on your coming success." Vicki answered while shaking his hand.

"Issy, take care of yourself. I don't think I'll be gone long, and I'll call if we have to relocate." Herman let the assistant know.

"Of course doctor. Safe travels."

With that, Herman turned while waving to the group and headed to the chopper. Aqua Girl watched him approach the doorway with a fascinated look upon her face. "What's up?" Vicki asked, noticing Aqua Girl's expression.

"I thought he'd come out by now." Tula responded.

"Who?" Issy managed out before a scream of "Holy Fuck!" emerged from Herman. They turned and saw Herman lying on the ground, clutching his chest.

"Apologies, doctor. But get up, they have a time schedule to keep" a distorted voice answered from the chopper.

"Right, I'm sorry." Herman shakily bit back as he picked himself off the ground and made his way into the chopper. Legs wobbling the entire time.

"Did you bring Batman?" Vicki asked, excitement lacing her voice. She has been dying for an interview with one of Gotham's vigilantes ever since Wayne Manor blew up three years ago. Since then, the only consistent vigilantes in Gotham have been Batman, Signal, and Robin. Signal and Robin constantly sticking to Crime Alley, while Batman workes the rest of the city alone. News of Hood's punishment having taken to the streets in the days following the explosion. It all pointed to a major falling out, and the news story of the decade.

"No, he's currently stationed on the Watchtower. That is my assigned partner for this mission." Aqua Girl answered with slight displeasure in her voice.

"Who did they assign you?" Vicki started her interrogation.

She was answered with a distorted, "Classified above top secret, Ms. Vale." Vicki turned to see a heavily armored void making his way over to them. No sound coming from his movements.

Jason turned and quickly flashed the take-off signal to the pilots. Receiving a thumbs up in return. He then turned back to the group before him and spotted Issy among the crowd. "Isabel Chambers correct? I've been told you can give us a tour of the facility." Jason started, trying to put the girl more at ease.

He received a surprised "meep" followed by Issy answering, "Yes of course sir! It'll be my pleasure." The group could hear the obvious panic in her voice.

"Alright then Isabel. Could you take my partner first? I have a lot of gear to see to, and need some time." Jason tried again. He would have taken the top half of his helmet off to show his eyes and imply a sense of humanity, but Vale would have his unique hair on every front page across America.

"No problem Sir! Please follow me Ms. Aqua Girl." Issy responded as she quickly fled. Tula just followed behind, sympathetic to the girl's fear.

Jason turned back to his gear as the Super Stallion initiated takeoff and proceeded to leave the airspace. Leaving behind a curious Vicki, a nervous Dale, and annoyed Jason. He hadn't had to deal with Vale in years. He remembered her as being far too nosy and invasive. Prying into his then newly adopted status. Trying to find a story behind why Brucie Wayne would adopt a gutter rat, that was more nefarious than the PR response from Bruce himself. It went about as well as could be expected honestly. She only got hit twice by him. Both times she had surprised him by being in the restricted areas of the manor during his first gala. He had only wanted to get away from all the rich pricks, and was trying to be good for Alfred's sake. The second time they were caught by Alfred who gave her the,"I'm very disappointed in you look". She had slinked off after that and Jason spent the rest of the night at Alfred's side. He managed to steal three cookies that gala, and even got Alfred to share with him. Thinking of that made him miss the old butler.

"You're not a Titan or JLA." Vicki started.

"I'm not? I thought I filled out the paperwork and everything." He deadpanned back. He hated the press, but could never miss an opportunity to screw with them.

"You're something else, I'm guessing military. Spec Ops probably. The question is why Spec Ops would be working with a Titan." Vicki continued. Jason in the meantime had opened two of the creates and positioned the drone stations within on the side of the landing pad. It would be the best spot for them once he got them up and running.

"A very interesting question if that were to ever occur. Unfortunately, I'm not seeing any special operators here. Just Aqua Girl and her makeup kit." Jason answered while pointing to the obviously military crates.

He opened the next and final crate. This one was larger than the drone crates and contained multiple pieces of his gear. He first pulled a long rectangular case. Setting it down next him as he retrieved the weapon's corresponding magazines and ammo. He already knew where he was going to position the rifle, and it's currently compact state would hopefully reduce his number of trips needed to one. After pulling out the magazines, he withdrew a pack that had blocks of C4 already prepped for use. The next to final item was a small box that must have contained Waller's upgrade. That was going to be opened and equipped in private. No telling what it did till he had a chance to review it. The final items were a series of reloads for his current setup. three hundred 5.56mm rounds, in 60 round capacity magazines, sixty 10mm rounds, in 15 round magazines, another K-bar, and twelve more throwing knives.

"We're at least going to need a call sign, if you're staying out here. The researchers will eventually tell us anyway." Vicki said. Jason turned and approached where Vicki and Dale were standing.

"Agent Knight-01. Let me be clear. I don't exist. Aqua Girl is the only security on this rig, and that's because she heard the news and was concerned for the safety of the research staff. Any reports of a heavily armed and armored man, are pure speculation caused by one of the on-site hunters taking it upon himself to protect his friends." Jason ground out to the reporter. "I think it makes a good story. How about you?" He said as he leaned forward into Vale's personal space. An intimidation tactic picked up from Bruce, but honed by Slade.

"It's a good story. I'm sure we'll be able to make headlines, and America loves the "ordinary hero." Vicki smirked back, not giving away her nervousness.

Jason had only one thought, "Too easy." "Assistant guy!" He called out to Dale. Not ceasing his looming over Vicki.

"Um…. Yes sir. I mean Agent Knight sir!" Dale stammered out as he watched his boss be stared down by the agent.

"I left my phone on the chopper. Could I borrow yours? My girlfriend is probably wondering where I am." Jason asked with a small smirk behind his helmet.

"Of course!" Dale answered as his muscle memory failed him, and he passed the phone that was recording from his pocket.

Jason took one look at the phone and quickly downloaded all the data off it and into his wrist computer. Before wiping it and overheating the motherboard. A standard bat procedure that now could be accomplished from his HUD. He then threw the phone over his shoulder and off the landing pad. Into the frozen tundra below.

"I'm sorry about your phone! You gotta be careful up here, next time you slip I may not be around to save you. At least it was only a phone right?" Jason asked, knowing the underlying message would be received.

"Right…. I'll be more careful." Dale said as he tried to gauge Vicki's reaction.

"Perfect! If you'll excuse me, I have another assistant to intimidate and security to setup." Jason said in a far too gleeful tone as he picked up the rifle case.