Post by HoM on May 30, 2018 12:41:14 GMT -5
YOUNG JUSTICE
Issue One: “School’s Out”, Part 1
Written by Oblique
Cover by Joey Jarin
Edited by Mark Bowers
Edited by Mark Bowers
The following takes place before DC2 Most Wanted.
GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA:
It was a warm summer’s day in Greenville, North Carolina. The Stars and Stripes hung limp on the flagpole outside the local branch of the Gotham Second National Bank. The distant hum of traffic floated through the still air.
BOOM!
Shattered bricks and shards of glass flew across the street as the western front of the bank was smashed outwards in one blow. Dust hung in the air. The alarm chattered helplessly as a black duffel bag soared through the cloud of dust and landed next to a decrepit white van. A screaming security guard followed the duffel bag; he hurtled through the air, struck the side of the vehicle with a strangled gasp, and tumbled to the ground.
Whooping, Tommy Terror leapt through the gap and landed on a pile of broken bricks. Blond hair, green eyes, and a wicked grin came with a pair of bloody knuckles and stained white wife-beater. He plucked at his red suspenders with a cocksure grin, “Send me the next one, li’l sis!”
Tuppence Terror rolled her eyes as she threw the second bag full of cash through the wall from inside the bank, “Coming up, asshole!”
Laughing, Tommy tossed the second duffel out into the street. “Don’t be like that, sis. We just scored out biggest haul yet!”
“Not until we get away, Tommy.”
Tuppence was dressed the same as her twin brother: combat boots, white pants, tank top, and red suspenders. She swept her gaze across the interior of the bank. The floor was covered in broken panels of dark wood and splintered chairs. The bank manager lay on the floor cradling her broken arm; her suit was torn and soaked with blood. The sobbing teller and a pair of elderly customers cowered in the far corner.
Lip curled, Tuppence hauled the third duffel bag onto her shoulder and leapt through the hole in the wall. Her brother was already striding towards the getaway van. “Aw, I was just having a little fun. After all, li’l sis, we are the Terror Twins!”
He seized the guard with one hand and hauled him up the side of the van. The elderly man’s boots squeaked against the white panel. “P-p-please! You don’t have to do this, son!”
“I ain’t your son,” Tommy spat as he struck the guard in the stomach, “and I can do whatever I want!”
Tuppence tossed the money in the back of the van and got in the driver’s seat. “Come on, Tommy!” Tuppence said as she started the car. “I ain’t going back to juvie for freaks-- we’ve gotta go!”
Tommy tossed the moaning guard to one side and clambered into the passenger seat. “Alright, alright, don’t get your panties in a twist. Let’s go!”
“You’re such an asshole, Tommy!” Tuppence slammed on the gas pedal.
Tommy Terror put his boots up on the dash as the van roared up the road towards the highway. “Relax, li’l sister. Nothing can stop the Terror Twins.”
HALL OF JUSTICE, METROPOLIS:
The white dome of the Hall of Justice glowed in the afternoon sun. With a muted roar and twin sparks of blue flame, the Batwing circled the manicured grounds and perched over the secluded landing bay, that opened up to greet them upon their arrival. No one knew it, thanks to the plane operating on stealth mode, but Batman and Robin had arrived at the public museum-- and sometimes meeting place-- of the Justice League.
Known to very few, the artificial island of Laputa-- based somewhere in the Pacific Ocean-- was the true headquarters of the team, but press conferences by the League's representatives were held here, and a vast museum of superheroism had also been developed over time. A year or so prior, the organisation known as Injustice, Unlimited had engineered the destruction of the building after they remotely crashed the League's satellite onto the hall-- thankfully, no one had died in the resulting devastation!-- but Superman had made a point of getting the Hall of Justice rebuilt.
It's a symbol, he'd explained. So the public know that no matter what, we're there for them. And if they need us... they know where to find us.
Even the threats we've assembled to combat? Batman had countered.
So what if they do? We get knocked down, does that mean we stay down? No. We rise from the ashes. There'll always be a Hall of Justice. There'll always be a Justice League.
Always? Batman let his response hang in the air, all those months ago. His mind had turned to the future. To the next generation. Always?
Today was the day.
“Altitude is steady,” Batman said, flicking a series of rocker switches. “Prepare for landing, Robin.”
“Yes, sir!” Robin said, his eyes flicking across the co-pilot’s display, bathed in blue light.
Despite his desire to emulate the cool focus of his mentor, Timothy Wayne couldn’t resist staring through the tinted cockpit at the Hall of Justice with a big smile on his face. Finally! He wondered if his friends had already arrived-- Artemis, Impulse, Superboy, and Wonder Girl. He couldn’t wait to see them again. This wasn’t just his day-- this was the day.
Under the mask was his adopted father, Bruce Wayne, and his father had been unwilling to let him out of his sight until now. Concern for his safety and demanding training had combined to keep him penned up in Gotham. It had taken years of hard work but, finally, Batman was ready to let him operate on his own.
School was out for the summer and Robin was on his way to join his friends and fellow costumed crimefighters in Metropolis for the official inauguration of Young Justice.
Tim grinned as the altimeter ticked down to zero. Two vast panels of steel, covered in green grass, slid open and revealed a circular concrete landing shaft. The Batwing descended into the shadows. The hanger doors sealed shut behind them and small lights blinked on and off as they guided the plane towards the landing pad at the bottom of the shaft.
Flashing lines of light gleamed on the pointed ears of Batman’s black mask as he eased off on the throttle even further. Tim ran one hand through his short black hair and then drew his cowl onto his head. He was ready.
Batman deployed the landing gear and the plane settled onto the scorched metal with a hiss. Timothy released his flight harness and opened the cockpit before his father had finished shutting down the Batwing, eager to head upstairs to the Hall of Justice. Batman descended to the deck in a billow of darkness. He rose to his full height and towered above his son, wrapped in his black cape and his mouth compressed in a thin line. “Stay in formation, Robin.”
Robin rose to his feet, “Even here, sir?”
“Especially in the Hall of Justice,” Batman said with a dry smile, “Never let your guard down.”
Batman took the lead and Robin fell into position two steps behind him. Batman was right, as usual. It was just hard to concentrate. They entered the elevator leading to the main floor and Robin started bouncing on the balls of his feet.
Batman’s lips flickered in a thin smile. “Breathe, Robin.”
Tim rolled his eyes. Batman was also his father. It could be... aggravating. At the same time, Robin took a deep breath and stilled his bouncing feet. His pulse was still racing.
The elevator doors opened, and Batman stepped through them, his serrated cape billowing behind him. The Caped Crusader paused in front of the bronze doors to the Justice League’s inner sanctum. He turned to face his son. “Robin,” Bruce said, “You’ve trained hard. I’m... proud of you.”
His father put one hand on his shoulder and Tim felt his heart swell. He found that he couldn’t speak. Bruce squeezed Tim’s shoulder, a gentle pressure that he could feel through his body armor.
“You’re ready.”
CENTRAL CITY, MISSOURI:
“Come on, come on, we don’t have time for this!”
Impulse skidded to a halt and removed his round goggles, crackling electricity playing over his rubber boots and auburn hair. His gleaming red and yellow suit was streamlined for aerodynamic efficiency.
Unlike his mentor, The Flash, Bartholomew Allen still needed goggles and rubber insulation to protect him from the blistering effect of the Speed Force!
“Calm down, kid.” The Flash appeared in a blur of speed and deposited an unconscious Captain Cold in front of the police precinct. Two bemused patrol officers stepped out of their car and approached the harmless villain. “All yours, officers,” the Flash said with a two-fingered salute, “I’ve already deposited his cold gun at S.T.A.R. Labs.”
Bart rolled his eyes. The speedster respected his mentor’s dedication, but they were due at the Hall of Justice for the first meeting of Young Justice. “Come on! Today is the day!” Impulse said, “You’ll stop and chat with the cops, with bystanders, with Captain Cold even! No way, not today. We’re going to be late. We’re always late!”
The Flash chuckled as he stretched his arms above his head with a grin. “Alright, alright, let’s go then, kid.”
“Finally!” Impulse popped his goggles back into place and was gone in a burst of lightning. “WAHOO!”
HALL OF JUSTICE, METROPOLIS:
“This is so unfair!” Wonder Girl said, “I’m almost sixteen, I can care take of myself!
Cassandra Sandsmark folded her arms, her bright blue eyes sparkling as she flew towards the Hall of Justice. The wind whistled through her blonde hair, held back by a black elastic.
“I know it seems unfair, Cassandra,” Wonder Woman said calmly, “but your mother wants you under our protection. For now, she believes you are safest on Themiscyra.”
“But it’s not fair!” Cassandra looped around her mentor, “It’s like I’m still in school during the summer. What did you do at sixteen, Diana? And don’t tell me you listened to your mother!”
Wonder Woman gave Cassandra a knowing smile. Wonder Woman soared through the air with her arms outstretched like wings, her silver tiara and bracelets shining in the sun. The Queen of the Amazons wore an armored red cuirass, a golden belt, and a skirt of star-studded leather straps. The Lariat of Hestia-- Cassandra knew most people called it the Lasso of Truth-- was coiled on her hip. The lasso flapped in the stiff wind and her burnished black hair rippled along her back.
Cassandra wore a pair of matching silver bracelets, but she didn’t bother with armor. Instead, she wore a black T-shirt with the Wonder Woman emblem across her chest and a pair of red pants. It was just way easier that way. That was another thing her mother, esteemed archaeologist Doctor Helena Sandsmark, didn’t understand. Cassandra didn’t need to dress like an Amazon to be an Amazon.
Sometimes it felt like her mother was stuck so far in the past, she couldn’t even see her own daughter.
“I just want to spend the summer with my friends,” Cassandra sighed, “My mother doesn’t understand, Diana. She’s not like... you know.”
“She understands all too well, Cassandra,” Wonder Woman said gently, “This is a more dangerous world than it once was for young heroes, and she is worried about you. Be grateful that she’s willing to let you participate in Young Justice.”
“Yeah, under supervision,” Cassandra muttered. “I can take care of myself!”
Wonder Girl accelerated, pushing out one fist in front of her and blasting through the air towards the Hall of Justice. Wonder Woman matched her speed and the two Amazons descended towards Hob’s Bay.
Wonder Woman floated towards the white stone steps in front of the Hall of Justice. Below her, there were hundreds of people gathered on the steps, divided into three camps: fans, protesters, and paparazzi waiting for a glimpse of the World’s Greatest Heroes. Reporters gathered closest to the front doors, behind velvet ropes, jostled to get into position. Cameras and phones started to click and flash.
Wonder Woman landed on the top step, as light as the touch of dawn. Cassandra flew past her and landed with a jarring thump, taking three steps forward and coming to a halt in front of the main doors. “Wow!”
The bronze-plated front doors were huge. Behind them, the glittering glass lobby was fronted by a line of white Ionic columns. The doors were unlocked and open, although empty. The tourists waited to enter the public area of the hall through the museum in the East Gallery.
Below them, television reporters were babbling into cameras and pointing towards the front steps. Cassandra noticed the sudden surge of shouts from the protestors on the front steps, placards waving back and forth like waves in a storm. Wrinkling her nose, Cassandra scowled. “What are they doing here? What’s wrong with them?”
“They are afraid,” Wonder Woman said. “All too many prefer anger to fear, and fear to hope, Cassandra.”
The two women entered the Hall of Justice. Inside the lobby, larger-than-life white marble statues of the founding members of the Justice League dominated the far wall.
“Wow,” Cassandra said again, awed.
Wonder Woman just smiled. At the inner door she paused and put her hands on her charge’s shoulders, “Are you ready?”
Cassandra beamed. “I’m so ready.”
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA:
Impulse screeched to halt outside a gas station in Indianapolis. He left a trail of burning rubber and smoke all the way down the sun-baked street. Bart turned and put his fists on his hips. “Are you serious!?”
Flash slung the unconscious robber over his shoulder. “This will just take a second.”
“He was trying to hold up a gas station in the middle of the day. And he was doing a terrible job!”
Impulse threw up his hands through the air with a crackle of static. Unlike the Flash, he couldn’t suppress all of the energy that bled through the Speed Force.
“Trust me, kid, your friends will understand,” the Flash said. “In fact, they’d do the same thing.”
Bart sighed. The Flash was right, again. Not that he would admit it any time soon.
“Come on, let’s drop him off with the police and get moving.” Impulse tapped at an imaginary watch on his spandex sleeve, “We’re. So. Late!”
SMALLVILLE, KANSAS:
Kon-El stared up at the blue sky. He could feel the solar energy on his skin, like a tingling electrical current that somehow energized and soothed him at the same time. Each muscle in his body felt fluid and powerful. He closed his eyes and tried to relax, tried to let the energy flow through him.
Kon-El’s fists tightened. Yeah, right. This isn’t going to work.
Kon-El was a clone of Superman, an artificial being created in a laboratory using genetic information stolen from Kal-El of Krypton. Conner was already 5’8” and 150 pounds at sixteen biological years of age, with dark hair that fell over his blue eyes. He looked like a younger version of Kal-El.
But he didn’t feel like Superman. He was strong, but not as strong as Superman. He was fast, but he didn’t have superspeed. He had telescopic vision, but he couldn’t see through walls. Mrs Kent said that Superman’s powers had taken time to manifest, but Kon-El didn’t feel like he was growing up. He felt... incomplete.
Shoulders slumped, Kon-El turned around and walked up the back towards the house. The Kent Farm was bathed in summer sunshine, from the well-maintained farmhouse to the rubber tire swinging from an ancient oak to the white picket fence that delineated the yard from the dirt road and green fields of corn.
Mrs K called him “Conner Kent” and the name had served well enough at Smallville High School. His aunt, for lack of a better word, treated him like her son. For all intents and purposes, she was his mother.
Conner loved Mrs K; on a good day, he even enjoyed life on the farm. But he could be doing something if he wasn’t trapped in Smallville, Kansas, in the middle of nowhere! He could be in Metropolis with Superman. He could be a hero.
Kon-El shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans with a sour grunt. Lately, he felt like Superman wanted nothing to do with him. He spent far more time on the farm than training with Superman and Supergirl-- his perfect cousin.
Kon-El glanced up at the sky. Mrs K had said that Superman was coming this afternoon to pick him up and take him back to Metropolis where he would meet Impulse, Robin, and Wonder Girl. For the first time since the end of the school year, Conner was going to be back in action-- but not with Superman. He was stuck in the Minor Leagues.
Conner scuffed his shoe across the grass with a sigh and entered the backyard. When he approached the house, he could hear soft voices coming through the screen door.
“... I grew up on the farm and turned out just fine, Ma.”
Superman. Superboy froze, his foot in the air. He literally stopped breathing. Superman was here, and he was talking about him.
“... Can’t keep Conner cooped up on the farm, Clark. He needs his friends, people that understand him.”
“There are good people here that can help him, Ma, like they helped me.”
“Things are different now, Clark,” Mrs Kent protested, “Try and remember, son. You had so many questions. You spent so many nights wondering where you came from. You wanted to get out there and find answers. Conner feels the same, but there are people out there that can help him find those answers about himself. People like you”
Superman sighed. “It’s... too dangerous, Ma. Lately, he just won’t listen. His powers are... different. He’s not safe.”
“Clark Jonathan Kent, you listen to me! Conner is sixteen and he’s not going to be safe on this farm for much longer. He’s going to leave, just like you. But he doesn’t need to be on his own, not with you in his life. Not with his friends.”
Conner swallowed and, suddenly, the voices fell silent. The screen door creaked open and Superman ducked under the frame and stepped onto the porch. Superman glowed like the sun, his crimson cape settling around his boots. He put his hands on his hips and his tousled black hair fluttered in the gentle breeze. “Kon-El,” he said, his voice short, “Uh, it’s... time we head back to Metropolis.”
That’s all you have to say to me? Kon-El scowled, “Fine.”
He ripped open his flannel shirt and revealed a black shirt with the shield of the House of El on his chest. Mrs Kent appeared in the doorway wearing a frilly apron and a worried frown. She dabbed at one eye with the corner of one sleeve, “Well, aren’t you a handsome sight, Conner. You remind me... well. Surely there’s time for my two favorite boys to have a slice of fresh apple pie?”
Superman sighed, “Ma, we’re going to be late.”
Conner immediately threw his flannel shirt over one shoulder, “I would be happy to have a slice of pie, Mrs K.”
“Thank you, Conner.” Mrs Kent beamed.
Conner almost smiled. It was almost enough. But Mrs Kent was right-- he couldn’t stay cooped up on the farm forever.
Superman sighed, “Ma! The Justice League is waiting for us.”
Mrs Kent sniffed, “You can be five minutes late, son. Think about your poor mother and come eat a slice of pie.”
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND:
Impulse accelerated towards the mugger, fist outstretched. The world was frozen in amber. The mugger’s face was paralyzed in a rictus of shock and anger. His knife drifted towards his victim. Droplets of misty summer rain floated in front of him like tiny jewels. The purse was still hanging in the air between them. Impulse rotated to one side, plucked the knife out of his hand, and--
CRACK
--The mugger was thrown into the wall and tumbled to the damp pavement with a groan.
“We’re late, kid,” the Flash murmured with a chuckle. With a whoosh, he appeared next to the mugger’s intended victim. The woman released a choked gasp. “Don’t worry, ma’am, everything is under control!”
“I know, I know,” Impulse groaned as he skidded to a halt in front of the alley wall with a splash of sparkling water. “This will just take a second.” Impulse flapped one hand through the air as white mist rose from his costume. He bent and checked the mugger’s pulse. “Ouch! This guy had a face of steel.”
The Flash escorted the trembling woman out of the alley with a shimmer. He returned a moment later with a pop of air. “We’re late, kid.”
“I know, I know!” Impulse said with a reluctant smile as he rose to his feet. “Come on, let’s take this guy to the police station.”
“Want to get a snack on the way?” the Flash asked casually. “I’m feeling pretty hungry.”
“Hot dogs?” Impulse said.
“You’re on, kid.”
The two speedsters vanished with a gust of wet air and crackle of golden lightning.
HALL OF JUSTICE, METROPOLIS:
“This is ridiculous,” Oliver Queen grunted as he adjusted the collar of his green tunic, “I can’t believe we’re putting up with this for... them.”
“‘They’ are the Justice League, Ollie,” Dinah Lance said dryly. “Don’t pretend you’re not impressed.”
Suzanne ‘Cissie’ King-Jones snorted. The sixteen-year-old girl was tall and lithe after years of physical training, first for the Olympics and then for her role as a costumed crimefighter. Her mother had insisted that she train under the Emerald Archer for her own good.
Just thinking about it still made her mad; it was her mother’s fantasy, not hers. They’d had yet another fight right before she left Star City-- her mother was disappointed, as usual, this time in her left-handed aim in addition to her new name. Her mother, naturally, was ambidextrous. Arrowette was never good enough. Maybe Artemis could finally step out from under her mother’s shadow.
Suzanne occupied one corner of a spacious limousine; Oliver Queen and Dinah Lance sat opposite her. Oliver Queen was still fiddling with his costume, as per usual. Green Arrow was nothing if not fastidious, from his pointed blonde beard to the tips of his green boots. Dinah Lance tolerated his antics with resigned humor. She was already dressed as Black Canary in a black leather jacket and biker gloves, complete with steel knuckles, her long legs encased in grey tights with a fishnet pattern. Her sleek blonde hair was tossed over one shoulder. Black Canary had the best costume-- and the best hair. Suzanne sighed; just her luck she wasn’t “Kid Canary.”
Suzanne wore red armor with laced bracers, archer’s gloves that left her forefingers bare, and had a wide quiver on her back. Her dirty blonde hair was thin and flat, the colour of ash, and gathered in a tight braid at the base of her neck-- nothing like Black Canary. A padded leather headband, like a rugby helmet, protected her skull and ears. Her folded mechanical compound bow lay on the black leather seat beside her; she kept one hand on the cool metal always, just like she was told.
“What do you think, Dinah, is this straight?” Green Arrow gestured at his feathered cap.
“It’s very dashing, Ollie,” Dinah said.
“You’re not even paying attention.” Ollie grinned. “Arrowette, what do you think?”
Suzanne scowled. “It’s Artemis.”
“Uh, right. Artemis. Arty. Help a guy out here-- is this straight?”
Artemis shrugged, “It’s fine.”
Green Arrow smirked, “That doesn’t sound honest.”
She gave him a sour look, “Okay. It’s not straight.”
“See!” Ollie said, pointing his finger at Dinah.
Artemis really tried not to smile.
The limousine slowed, and Artemis glanced out of the tinted window. They had arrived at the Hall of Justice. Green Arrow had no intention of entering through the main hall-- “grandiose and despotic” were his exact words for the giant statues of the Justice League-- and the limousine rolled towards the underground parking garage below the east wing.
Even here there were crowds of people behind steel barriers and security guards. On one side were cheering fans, holding out their phones for selfies. Artemis looked at the teen aged girls on the sidewalk from behind the tinted glass with a blank expression.
She could hear a muffled roaring sound coming from the other side of the car and twisted in her seat. Opposite the fans were protestors waving placards and signs. The limousine rolled past them, silent and imperturbable, and into the secure garage.
“Let’s get this farce over with,” Green Arrow grumbled.
“It’s not a farce, Ollie,” Black Canary adjusted his hat. “There, satisfied?”
“Well, I don’t know what business the League has with young metahumans,” Green Arrow said as they exited the vehicle. “It’s f--”
Black Canary punched him in the arm and gestured at Artemis.
“Right, uh,” Green Arrow looked at Artemis and stroked his moustache nervously. “Forget I said that, kid?”
“Sure.” Artemis rolled her eyes. “Like I was listening.”
“Exactly.” Green Arrow winked
Artemis tried not to smile again, despite her sour mood. Well, she was going to see her best friend-- Wonder Girl-- again and be free of her mother for the whole summer. She should be excited. She tried to be excited.
“Come on you two.” Black Canary smiled as she shooed them towards the elevator. “Let’s get this party started.”
LATER:
The members of Young Justice gathered outside the inner sanctum of the Justice League where they waited for the adult members of the League to finish their deliberations.
The white marble hallway terminated in tall double doors of polished brass. Standing outside the doors were five young heroes: Artemis, Impulse, Robin, Superboy and Wonder Girl.
Today was the day.
Wonder Girl was so excited she was floating an inch off the ground. Artemis was bouncing on the balls of her feet, her long braid flicking back and forth. Robin’s gloved hands creaked as he adjusted his grip on his matte black bo staff-- despite his training, he was a little nervous. Just a little.
Superboy leaned against a white column with a surly look on his face, his black hair swept back from his eyes. He wore a black leather jacket, black shirt with a red S, blue jeans, and Converse.
Despite his dour expression, he had the same square jaw, earnest features, and hopeful blue eyes that had helped the Man of Steel earn the public trust. Impulse, his spiky hair still smoking slightly, was eating a hot dog loaded with onions and wrapped in foil.
“We did it, guys!” Wonder Girl pumped her fist in the air. “The gang is back together!”
“Today is the day!” Impulse saluted her with his hot dog. “We’re back, baby!”
“It’s good to see everyone again.” Robin nodded.
“Yeah,” Superboy grunted.
Artemis rolled her eyes. “Love your enthusiasm, Boy Wonder.”
Cassandra laughed and seized her best friend in a fierce hug, “Like you can talk! I can’t believe you’re even here!”
“Gack!” Cissie said, “Breathing! Breathing!”
“Sorry.” Wonder Girl laughed.
“Nice new suit, Rob.” Impulse swallowed. “Heavy duty!”
Robin actually smiled. “Thanks. I built most of it myself.”
“Wicked!” Impulse fist-bumped Robin.
“Impulse, you’re...” Artemis sighed, “dripping. On the floor of the Hall of Justice.”
Mustard was oozing out of Impulse’s hot dog.
“My bad,” Impulse took an enormous bite, “Mmph, one--” He crammed the remainder into his mouth, cheeks bulging, “--Second. There.”
“You’re disgusting!” Wonder Girl laughed. “I can’t believe you stopped for snacks!”
“I needed the calories,” Impulse winked, “We stopped a bajillion crimes in progress on the way here. I just can’t believe I’m not the last one here!”
“Why were you late, Boy Scout?” Artemis said, “You can’t have been stuck in traffic.”
Superboy scowled. “There was... pie. Why does it matter? We’re just waiting.”
“Pie?” Robin said dryly. “That explains everything.”
“Don’t worry, Superboy,” Cassandra laughed and punched him on the arm, “you’re here now. We’re all together again!”
Superboy rubbed at his arm. Even he could feel the impact of her titanic strength. “Thanks. I think.”
Cassandra might have been the most excited to see them all again, but she knew they were pleased to see her. They all shared a unique bond-- a lonely connection forged by their unique circumstances. New costumes, new threats, new challenges-- none of that changed the fact that they were Young Justice.
There was a sudden click and the five crimefighters turned to face the brass doors to the inner sanctum. Wonder Woman appeared in the gap, one arm wrapped in a ceremonial blue cloak trimmed with gold stars. “Welcome to the Hall of Justice. We are ready for you.”
Inside the inner chamber, white columns supported a bronze dome carved with the rays of the sun. In the center of the room there were seven chairs set around a round slab of veined white marble with a polished golden disc in the center emblazoned with a shield and the letters JL.
Standing in front of the table were the world’s greatest heroes: Aquaman, Batman, the Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Standing on their right were Green Arrow and Black Canary. Martian Manhunter’s elongated green face and glowing red eyes radiated preternatural calm. “Welcome, children! I am most pleased to see all of you.”
The Flash gave them a double thumbs up and a big grin, “Hey, kids!”
Superman gave them a small smile that included Artemis, Impulse, Robin, and Wonder Girl. “Congratulations all of you.”
Suddenly, Cassandra felt like she was full of helium-- inflated and effervescent-- but Superboy shoved his hands in the pockets of his leather jacket and hung his head. The Batman cleared his throat and Cassandra snapped back to reality. He looked like a gargoyle draped in a black shroud.
“Now that we’re all here, we can begin. Artemis. Impulse. Superboy. Wonder Girl. Robin.” The Batman fixed each of them with narrowed eyes, “Each of you has already demonstrated your unique skill and ability.”
“You have worked together with your mentors,” Wonder Woman said, smiling gently at Wonder Girl. “Now, it is your time to work together as an official team with our full support.”
Yes! Wonder Girl resisted the urge to pump her first in the air for a second time. Impulse had no such compunction-- he let out a whoop, “Finally!”
“Settle down.” The Flash chuckled.
The Batman cleared his throat. “You’ll be provided with living quarters and undergo training under our direct supervision,” Batman said. “The League has been impressed by your determination, respect, and commitment. We--”
Suddenly, an alarm chimed. <Beta-Level Alert! Beta-Level Alert!> Batman paused as a holographic window opened in the middle of the table, facing the seven members of the League. Wonder Girl drew in a sharp breath-- was this going to be their first mission? Best. Day. Ever!
Batman’s eyes had narrowed to white slits. “There’s a major situation in Vlatava. Kobra has attacked a decommissioned nuclear launch control center. Hawkman is already in the field.”
“What’s the potential yield?” Green Lantern’s ring sparked with emerald energy.
“Unknown,” Batman said. “There are at least twelve nuclear missiles in play. We need to contain the situation in Vlatava, fast.”
“Count us in,” Green Arrow said.
“We’ve been meaning to kick some terrorist ass.” Black Canary cracked her knuckles.
Cassandra looked from side to side at her friends and peers. Artemis tightened her grip on her bow and blew out a breath with a nod. Superboy lifted his chin with a dangerous glint in his eyes. Cassandra flipped her hair over her shoulder with a fierce grin and took a step forward. “Count us in too!”
“We’re ready, sir,” Robin said.
They were ready. Today was the day.
LATER:
The enormous waiting room was paved in polished granite. There were four leather couches in the center of the room; on one, Impulse lay sideways across a couch with his feet dangling over the edge and a copy of Cape and Cowl magazine on his chest.
Robin sat across from him, the tips of his fingers held together. He looked deep in thought. On the right-hand wall there was an enormous flatscreen showing WGBS News on mute. The U.S. news networks had yet to pick up on the latest international crisis, but it was just a matter of time. On the other side of the room there was a white marble counter with recessed glass cabinets. Wonder Girl had her head down on the counter.
The far wall was glass and looked out over a manicured garden above Hob’s Bay. Artemis stared out of the window with a brooding expression.
Kon-El paced back and forth in front of the window. The Justice League had left to handle the emergency in Vlatava. Young Justice had been left behind.
“This blows,” Impulse groaned. “I thought today was the day.”
“Today was just like any other day, Impulse,” Kon-El growled as he turned to look at the others. “They just want us out of the way.”
Wonder Girl raised her head. “That’s not true! This is a big deal, Superboy. We’re finally together as a team”
“Except they don’t trust us to actually do anything,” Kon-El retorted, “This isn’t Young Justice. This is League Daycare”
“You heard Wonder Woman!” Wonder Girl said. “Our time will come. I mean, hopefully sooner rather than later, but--”
“You believe that?” Artemis glanced over her shoulder. “Look around, Cass. This is a literal waiting room. We’re just... waiting. For nothing.”
Impulse let out a theatrical groan and chucked his magazine over his shoulder. He swung upright and started tapping one foot in a blur of motion. “This really blows.”
“This is pointless.” Artemis sighed. “Maybe we should leave.”
“Guys! That’s crazy--” Wonder Girl slammed her fist on the marble counter and one of the glass cabinets let out a cracking sound. “Oops. Look! You want to go back to your mother, Artemis? I don’t think so! And you--” She pointed at Kon-El, “I know you want to be doing something, anything, so do I, but that doesn’t mean that we should give up after one setback! And you-- Wonder Boy! You must know something!”
Robin raised his head. “Nothing.”
Artemis folded her arms. “Batman hasn’t let you in on what’s going on? Really?”
“No,” Robin said, his lips tight. “Really.”
Kon-El shrugged one shoulder. As if. The Boy Wonder got everything. Just look at his new suit. Kon-El still felt an ugly spasm of jealousy at the sight.
Robin shrugged. “If they don’t think we’re ready, then we fight better. Train harder.”
Kon-El flushed. “You’d like that, Robin,” he snapped. “Wonder Girl is right. We need to do something-- anything! We should be in Vlatava.”
“You could use some more practice, Superboy,” Robin retorted.
“Whoa, guys!” Artemis said. “This is not helping.”
Kon-El’s jaw worked. He could grind diamonds into powder if he wanted to. He could fly! With a deliberate effort, Kon-El turned his back and stared out of the window. He could fly, damn it.
“Wait,” Wonder Girl whispered. “Look!”
“What?” Kon-El grunted.
“Look!”
Wonder Girl was pointing at the television. Impulse grabbed the sleek remote and turned on the sound.
“...Hostage crisis remains unresolved. The rogue metahumans calling themselves the Terror Twins are now trapped inside this branch of Metbank, here in Smithfield, Virginia, after a bank robbery gone horribly wrong. This is just the latest incident in a rampage across the South. As you can see behind me, the police have arrived on the scene but are waiting for the National Guard or the F.B.I. before they can enter the bank. A previous attempt to storm the building ended in failure, resulting in the utter devastation you can see behind me now...”
Cassandra’s heart was racing. Wonder Girl planted herself in front of the television, hands on her hips, “This is our chance! The Justice League is busy in Vlatava and people need help. We can take down the Terror Twins!”
“This is our chance?” Artemis was sceptical. “Wonder Girl, we were told to stay here. Not run towards the bad guys.”
“How can we do anything if they treat us like... like... sidekicks!” Cassandra said, “We need to prove that we can handle things on our own. Today!”
“I’m in,” Superboy said without hesitation. “Let’s show them what we can do.”
“Robin, you said it yourself,” Cassandra said. “We have to show them we’re ready.”
Robin hesitated. “It won’t work, Wonder Girl. It’s against orders.”
“Orders!” Superboy snorted. “Come on, Robin! Are you going to take Batman’s orders forever? Oh, right, I forgot... you’re just kid.”
Robin flushed-- or, at least, Cassandra was pretty sure that was a flush on his gaunt cheeks below his mask. “Come on, Robin,” Cassandra said, “it’s time to... take the initiative!”
Robin hesitated. “Fine. I’m in. But if we do this, we have to do it right. We mess this up and it’s over. We’re grounded.” Robin glanced at Superboy. “Literally. Follow my lead and we might pull this off.”
Superboy looked mutinous but Cassandra agreed immediately. “Done. Impulse?”
Impulse sighed and tilted his chin. “I’m in, babe.” Impulse snapped on his goggles. “I’m going to be in so much trouble for this, but you just point me in the right direction.”
Small crackles of lightning played up and down his hair and the lightning bolts that extended from his goggles.
“This is crazy!” Artemis threw up her hands. “You’re crazy. Hunting down the Terrible Twins is a terrible idea.”
“Come on, Artemis.” Cassandra took her best friend by the shoulders, “This is our chance, Cissie, please. We need you on the team. I need you on the team.”
Artemis closed her eyes and sighed. “Ugh. Fine! I must be crazy too.”
“Yes! Let’s do this! Young Justice to the rescue!” Wonder Girl pumped her fist in the air. “So... where are we going?”