Legion/Titans Initial chapters by ‘rith (Kerithwyn Jade [kerithwyn@yahoo.com]) Archive: Not yet—this is very much a work-in-progress, and revisions are possible. Fandom: Legion of Super-Heroes, the 30th century, pre-Zero Hour Levitz era; and the Titans, more or less current continuity. No knowledge of the characters required, but the briefest of metas follows the story for those interested in knowing more. Disclaimer: All characters property of DC Comics. What I have done with them is mine. Earth, Metropolis, the 30th Century: It began, as it so often did, with a dream. But when the dreamer is Nura Nal, a Legionnaire gifted with precognitive visions, the call cannot be ignored. Nura awoke with a start, and immediately ran to her computer console. Behind her, Thom stirred, still half asleep. “Dreamy? What’s wrong?” “Everything, Thom! I’m calling a meeting of every Legionnaire in residence, right now. We haven’t time to spare.” “But Nura, it’s the middle of the night!” “Yes, well, if I can give up my beauty sleep, they can *certainly* give up theirs.” Minutes later: In varying states of costume or sleepwear, the members of the Legion of Super- Heroes arranged themselves in the meeting room and looked to Nura. Most seemed resigned to losing a night’s rest; after all, the life of a Legionnaire often included late nights, lost sleep, and emergencies at the most inconvenient hours. Of the twenty-four currently active Legionnaires only three were absent from the headquarters, and that was remarkable in itself. Polar Boy was visiting relatives on Tharr, Magnetic Kid had taken leave for a course at the Legion Academy to hone his powers, and Dawnstar left to answer a routine exercise of her tracking powers by finding a couple of lost travelers. No one else was out on missions or anything else, which told Dream Girl that her vision had been right on schedule. Without ceremony, Nura stood and spoke. “I apologize for calling you all here so late, but I’ve had a vision that requires the Legion’s response…” “Gee, Dreamy, and here we thought it was because you wanted to show off your latest nail polish!” *That* was Wildfire. She glared at him, then laughed. “I only wish—it’s a lovely shade. Legionnaires, there is a critical juncture in time, and we must help. I saw the Legion in battle with a terrible force, only this time there’s a twist: It’s in Earth’s past.” A buzz of comments immediately circled around the hall, and Brainiac 5 spoke above the hum. “Really? Neither Rond Vidar nor Circadia Senius at the Time Institute have alerted me to any such anomaly….” “I’m just telling you what I saw, Brainy. A number of us, working with a 20th century hero team, against a foe I could not *quite* see. I’ll try to clarify that, but I’m telling you, the Legion’s involvement is essential.” He nodded. “I’ll bow to your foreknowledge—or would that be hindsight, in this case? I have never known your visions to be untrue.” Nura beamed, pleased. “Why, Brainy, that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me. Thank you!” “Misinterpreted, so vague as to be nearly useless, and misleading, but never outright incorrect.” He smiled, just a bit. “To be precise.” “Naturally. I wouldn’t expect any less of you.” She looked to Element Lad. “Jan, I know this bends protocol a bit—you being the current leader and all—but I think I’d better choose the team. I’ve got a vague sense of what we might need.” He waved a hand toward her, giving assent. “Go ahead, Nura. It’s your show. ” “Ah, the center of attention, how I do love it! How did I *ever* let that leader spot get away, anyway? Let’s see. Mon-El should stay here, in case anything really big comes up. I don’t believe strength will be the most critical power, but you never can tell, so I think we’ll need Ultra Boy. And that means Phantom Girl, of course.” “Sure, Nura.” Ultra Boy looked eager to spring into action, as always. Phantom Girl smiled with just a tinge of cattiness. “As if I’d let Jo go off anywhere alone with *you,* Dreamy!” “Thanks, Tinya, I knew I could count on you. Mysa, I think *you* may be our critical player here.” “I am always ready to serve, sister,” the White Witch affirmed serenely from her corner of the table. “Right. That’s four, including me. We need ten, I think—” Element Lad broke in. “Ten! That’s nearly half our strength!” “True, but it’s needed. Trust me, Jan. I wouldn’t do this lightly.” He heaved a sigh. “All right. I know better than to stand in your way.” She tossed him a wink. “Of course you do! Now—I’m guessing we may need subtlety. That’s Cham—are you up for this?” “Of course, Dream Girl. You shouldn’t need to ask.” “Right. Cham, plus we already have Tinya. One more—Vi or Jacques, you two decide.” Shrinking Violet spoke without hesitation. “If it’s all the same to you, Dream Girl, I’d rather stay home. That Time Bubble’s a little cramped for my taste.” Invisible Kid leaped in eagerly. “Mademoiselle, if that truly is your feeling, I would be pleased and honored to go in your stead. The chance to visit Earth’s past—I could not pass up the opportunity!” Nura nodded. “That’s fine. It probably won’t be as much fun as you’re thinking, Jacques, but you’re welcome anyway. Okay. For firepower—” “That’s me, Dreamy, and no argument!” Sun Boy let a flare spiral up from his fingertip. “You’re talking about my home world, after all, even if it is the past.” “You’ll get no argument from me, Dirk. Now: Brainy, I know how you feel about leaving your lab for missions, but…” “No.” She stared at him, aghast. “What do you mean, ‘no’? We’re not talking about a day trip, Brainy, we’re tackling an honest-to-powers *crisis.*” “Yes, Dream Girl, so you have said. And I will prepare the Time Bubble and aid you however I can before you go. But I cannot travel with you.” “Brainy, please! You know we depend on you—” “And I am telling you, I will not go, because Earth’s past is where *Kara* is!” He covered his face with his hand, straining for composure. When he removed it, his face was a mask again. “Forgive me, Nura, my friends. I *cannot* do this.” Around the table, comprehension bloomed. Nura’s own face was pale. “Brainy—Querl—forgive me, please? I didn’t mean…” “I know. Nura, please, choose another.” “Y-yes, of course. Uh…right. You’re not gonna like this one, fearless leader.” Element Lad rolled his eyes. “Who now?” “*You.*” “Oh, come on, Nura! I can’t just—” “Sure you can. Brainiac 5’s your elected deputy, so that works out. Plus, we’ve got an ace in the hole with Sensor Girl—not that I don’t want you with us, Jeckie, but you’re best able to keep an eye on things here with so many of us gone.” Regal as ever, Projectra nodded. “I concur.” “Well, since it’s all been decided for me, I guess I’m going!” A smile took the sting out of his words, and Jan nodded to Brainy and Jeckie, making Dream Girl’s suggestion official. “Good. Hmmmm…maybe we could use someone else with a bit of strength. T- Wolf will blend in better than either Wildfire or Blok.” Brin nodded, showing teeth in his feral smile. “And for the last—” she looked around the table, scanning faces. Colossal Boy spoke up. “Don’t look at me, Dreamy, time travel makes my head hurt!” “Noted, Gim.” She looked around, faltered a moment at Thom’s expectant expression, and went on. “Tellus and Quislet just won’t fit in; sorry, boys. Ayla?” Jan shook his head before Lightning Lass could say anything. “Nope. Leader’s veto on that one, Dreamy. You’re taking Dirk, and I don’t want to lose our other strong energy projector.” Ayla grinned. “That’s all right; Shrinking Violet and I have to catch up on our shopping anyway, right, Vi?” Nura started to turn toward Thom. “Well, then…” “Just a moment, Dreamy.” Shadow Lass’ voice took them all by surprise. “I’d like to volunteer, if you’ll have me.” “Sure, Shady—I just assumed that with Mon staying, you wouldn’t be interested!” “I *have* been to the 20th century before. And maybe his love of adventure got to me, too!” Tasmia smiled at the thought of her lover, and winked in the direction of the Monitor Board one level down; Mon-El was taking his turn at the hated duty, but she knew he was keeping an eye on the meeting via his vision and hearing powers. “Besides, it might do me good to get out from under his shadow. If you’ll forgive the pun.” “Glad to have you on board. Okay, that’s a team; Element Lad, if you’ll log it, the rest of you can go on back to bed!” “So noted, for the record, the following team assembled for a assignment in the past: Dream Girl, mission lead; Ultra Boy, Phantom Girl, the White Witch, Chameleon Boy, Invisible Kid, Sun Boy, Element Lad, Timber Wolf, and Shadow Lass. Brainiac 5 designated acting Legion leader with Sensor Girl as deputy in the absence of Element Lad.” He took a deep breath. “All right, group; let’s do it.” ############### Titans interlude. At the Tower—war games? Classic scene. ############### Dirk, Tasmia, Nura, Cham, Tinya, Jacques, Brin, Jan, Jo, Mysa Brainy, Blok, Thom, Vi, Mon, Jeckie, Wildfire, Gim, Ayla, Tellus, Quislet; Brek, Pol, Dawny away LEVELS 1. Entrance, gym in west wing, multilab in east wing, quarters 2. Lobby, quarters 3. Hall of Heroes 4. Rec Room/Library 5. Holo/prisoners 6. Cafeteria 7. Time Chamber, lab 8. Equipment 9. Support deck 10. Mission monitor 11. Meeting Hall 12. Secure prison 13. SP office 14. Repair 15. Support 16. Computer control 17. Storage 18. Repair 19. Roof cruiser parking All start at 11 except Mon at 10 Dirk-Brainy 11 Shady-Blok 11 Nura-Thom 11 Cham-Tinya-Vi-Jacques 11 Brin 11, goes to 4 Nura-Jan 11 Shady-Mon-Jo-Tinya 10 Mysa-Jeckie 2 Brainy-Dirk-Nura-Mon 7 Shady-Cham 8 Team leaves 7 Late as it was, few of the Legionnaires *not* chosen for the mission decided to go back to bed, despite Dream Girl’s flippant words. Ten teammates were about to brave the uncertain tides of the timestream, and none dismissed that fact as simply another everyday hazard. As the meeting broke up, Brainiac 5 raised his voice above the babble of conversation. “Dream Girl, Sun Boy, Mon-El”—that last was directed toward the Monitor Room—“if you would aid me in readying the Time Bubble, please.” It never hurt to have others check over the complex calculations, and those three among the other Legionnaires had sufficient scientific acumen to aid him. “Coming, Brainy.” Sun Boy moved to Querl’s side and said softly, “Give Nura and Mon a second, all right?” “Why—oh.” Brainy glanced at Dirk. “What, no passionate farewell for you as well?” Dirk grinned cheerfully. “The price of being an avowed bachelor, buddy. You’re just lucky I was in tonight.” “And what were the odds of that? Truly astronomical, I’m sure.” “Don’t bother to calculate it, Brainy, the fact’s painful enough!” *** Blok’s gravelly voice broke into her thoughts. “Shadow Lass, may I assume you are heading to the Monitor Board to say good-bye to Mon-El?” Tasmia eyed the stone man curiously. “Yes, Blok, though I’d prefer to say ‘farewell’ rather than ‘good-bye’—I do intend to come back, you know!” “May I accompany you? I could take Mon-El’s place at the Board for the remainder of his duty.” Shadow Lass laughed. “That would be wonderful. You’re the only Legionnaire who actually enjoys a Board shift—I can’t imagine anyone else *volunteering* for another!” His rumbling words echoed with faint embarrassment. “I find it…fascinating…to watch, to expand my knowledge about humanoid cultures…. Besides, did Brainiac 5 not request Mon-El’s presence in his lab? Someone must be on duty….” “And you also thought that Mon and I could use a moment alone, before I left. That was a kind thought, Blok. Thank you.” She smiled at him warmly as they headed toward the Monitor Room. “I…did not say….” Could a stone blush, he surely would have. “You didn’t need to.” **Subtle as a rock,** she thought fondly, **but whoever coined the phrase ‘heart of stone’ never met this one.** *** He was waiting for her just outside in the hall. “Couldn’t wait to leave me behind, huh, Dreamy?” Thom tried to keep the hurt out of his voice, he really did, but yet *again*…. She was already gone, he could tell by her hurried reply. “Oh, Thom, you know it’s not like that! I sense some really bad things where we’re going, and you know I’m always distracted when you’re around!” One thing on top of another, and it was all adding up. “Terrific. Is that all I am to you, a distraction?” Nura reached out, pulling Thom into an embrace. “No…please, Thom, believe me, that’s just the way it worked out!” Her beautiful face was distressed, and he could not bear to see her that way. “Sure. Okay, Nura. Be careful.” He kissed her forehead gently, and sent her on her way. Once she was out of earshot, Star Boy cursed—once, softly—and thought, **The hell of it is…you really believe that, Dreamy.** *** The four members of the Legion’s Espionage Squad came together almost by instinct. Chameleon Boy nodded to Phantom Girl, Invisible Kid, and Shrinking Violet. “Leaving you here alone to keep an eye on things, Violet.” Vi shrugged, resigned. “I noticed. Things have been quiet, though. Lucky us.” “That’s usually when things become the most dangerous.” Phantom Girl groaned. “Nice, Cham. Always think of the worst, why don’t you?” “That’s my job.” But he was smiling as he said it, and Tinya and Vi—rarely in agreement on anything else—shook their heads at him in perfect accord. “Chameleon Boy, is there something we should be aware of?” Invisible Kid was no longer a rookie Legionnaire, but the other three had years of unspoken signals between them he was still learning to decipher. “Jacques, that’s just Cham being his mysterious and slightly pessimistic self. ” Tinya grinned. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to find Jo….” Shrinking Violet stared at her. “But he’s going *with* you….” Tinya winked. “Sure, but you just never know…waste not, want not, isn’t that an Earther saying?” Without waiting for a reply she phased down through the floor. “Oh, that’s just—” Vi began heatedly, but Jacques leapt in smoothly. “Violet, will you not tell me of your experiences in the past? I find this all most fascinating!” Nodding his approval, Cham shifted to a small bird-form and sprang into the air, leaving them to the discussion. Jacques had a real gift for diplomacy; he’d have to remember that. Useful. *** Timber Wolf looked around, then shrugged to himself. He couldn’t help Brainy in the lab, there wasn’t anything he needed to pack, and there probably wasn’t enough time to start a training holo in the gym before they had to leave. He really didn’t need to say goodbye to anyone except maybe Blok, and he’d followed Shady out of the room. And Ayla… **You don’t need that kind of grief, not now,** he reminded himself. Sure, he still hoped they’d get back together someday, but she wasn’t real open to conversation from him yet. She’d made that *painfully* clear. She knew it all, anyway. Might as well catch a moopsball rerun while he waited. He’d missed last night’s game…. *** “Hey, Jan, I wanted to talk to you for a minute.” He’d been logging some last instructions for Brainy and Jeckie, but something in her voice made Element Lad suddenly concerned. “Nura, what’s wrong?” Dream Girl shook her head. “Nothing. It’s just that, well, while I appreciate you naming me mission lead and all, I’d actually prefer it if *you* took the job.” “Dreamy, *you’re* turning down the chance to be in charge? Why?” “I…Look, Jan, I did a damn good job as Legion leader, I don’t need anyone to tell me that. But you have a real gift for leadership, and you’re certainly better at dealing with people in…tense situations. We’re going to be working with another team, and I just think…you’d be better suited to coordinate that effort than me.” He looked into her face, carefully. “Are you sure that’s all? If there’s something wrong, Nura, you can tell me…” “No…no. That’s mostly why I asked you to join this mission.” She quirked an eyebrow at him. “I mean, really. It certainly wasn’t for the pleasure of your company, Jan!” With a wink, she headed off toward the time chamber, leaving Element Lad bemused behind her. “One of these days…” he muttered. But she was right. Nura’s tactical sense— assisted by her precognition—made her an effective leader. She’d guided the Legion through the Great Darkness, earning the respect of all who’d considered Dream Girl merely an attractive ornament in the team. Still, her personal…style…alternately entranced or grated on her teammates, and either could be a liability if the situation was as dire as she believed. Given her powers, Jan had no reason to believe otherwise. *** With Blok firmly ensconced at the Monitor Board, Mon-El and Shadow Lass found a quiet corridor away from the flurry of preparation. “Mmmmm! I’ll miss you, lover.” Shady broke the kiss, smiling up at him. “You, too.” Lar Gand smoothed a strand of hair out of her face. “You surprised me, in volunteering. But I never meant to hold you back from—” “You don’t.” Tasmia took his hands in hers. “As if I’d leave you willingly. But Earth’s past…something about that struck a chord.” “That was when we got to know each other, in Smallville.” Lar smiled at the memory. “You in that awful make-up and me pretending to be Kal’s cousin ‘Bob Cobb.’ We were so young!” She nodded. “And Mordru hunting us all. I don’t know what Dream Girl saw this time, and maybe it’s nothing, but I felt a chill when she mentioned where we’d be going. Perhaps my Ancestors were trying to tell me something!” “Do you really think it could be—” He shuddered at the thought. Mordru the Merciless had been one of the Legion’s most persistent and deadly foes, throughout the years. “I doubt it. Darkseid pretty much did Mordru in, and we’d have heard from Sorcerers’ World if he’d regained his powers.” Besides, the White Witch assured them that Mordru had been returned to a childlike state by the combined will of the mages there. Rough justice, but more than deserved for his crimes. “But forget all that. Why don’t you tell me again how much you’ll miss me, instead….” “With all my heart.” He leaned down and caught her lips again with his own. Ultra Boy came around the corner, nearly bowling them over. “Uh—oops. I’ll come back—” Shady smiled. “Never mind, Jo, it’s all right. Mon should get going to the lab before Brainy’s indulgence runs out, anyway. And I need to prepare a few things as well. Love you, Lar.” “And you, keritalyn. My heart.” Their eyes caught, things said in a glance that could not be put into words. “Shady, if you see Kal-El, give him my love, all right?” “I will.” With a last look Tasmia headed down toward the equipment room. Jo cleared his throat. “I’ll walk with you to the lab, Mon.” He glanced sideways at his friend. “I’ll take care of her, don’t worry.” Mon laughed. “Thank you, Jo. And take care yourself too, please.” “Me? Always. ‘sides, Tinya’ll be there to keep an eye on both of us, and you know how *she* gets—” As if summoned by her name, Phantom Girl phased through the wall in front of them. “There you are! Jo, come on, we gotta go…pack.” “Uh, right.” Ultra Boy’s blush undermined Tinya’s effort at subtlety. “Go on, both of you. I’ll see you at the take-off.” Lar smiled inwardly as they took the anti-grav lift down to their quarters. **Some things never change.** *** Back in her room, the White Witch centered herself and began to meditate, considering the spells she would need to prepare. There were only so many she could keep in her memory at one time, and it was crucial that they be the *correct* ones. **One for defense, one for protection from the elements and disease, one for offense…and what else?** A knock at the door startled her. Mysa was not the most social of Legionnaires, though not by any wish of her own. The study of her magic simply took much of her free time. “Yes, please, come in!” The door slid open to reveal the red-and-white garbed form of Sensor Girl. Fleetingly, Mysa wondered if what she was seeing was real; the woman—no, the *Queen,* she reminded herself—was a master of illusion. Projectra of Orando might really be standing in the doorway in a nightgown, or she might be in her own room speaking through an image, or… Projectra’s even voice cut through the Witch’s musings. “If I am not interrupting, I thought you might appreciate some unsolicited advice on your journey.” It was almost but not quite a command, and Mysa found herself responding to the authority in that voice without a second’s thought. “Yes, of course, I’d appreciate it! I understand you have some knowledge of the Art yourself?” It was only a few days since the Legionnaires had discovered Sensor Girl’s identity as one of their own former members. Sensor Girl had joined the team under a cloak of anonymity, face hidden by her costume’s illusion. The *why* was still a mystery, but the older members remembered the then-Princess Projectra’s first stint as a Legionnaire and welcomed her gladly. Mysa had joined later, and she found the older woman frankly fascinating. “Some. May I sit?” Mysa blushed and belatedly offered her guest a chair. Projectra made even the motion of crossing the room into a regal gesture. She settled herself and her ice- blue eyes focused on the Witch. “We can discuss that at some later time, if you like. My talent for magic is much smaller than yours, and more specific. But perhaps I can help you shape appropriate spells for this mission.” “Thank you, Sensor Girl. This will be new to me.” “Then I’m glad I came. And call me ‘Jeckie,’ if you like.” Her sudden smile was as much a gift as her name. “We are fellow Legionnaires and magi, after all.” *** “Mon-El, finally.” Brainiac 5’s voice betrayed his rising stress level. Time travel was a complicated matter, so much could go wrong, and the lives of ten Legionnaires were in his hands. Though that was nothing new, really. Mon knew Querl well enough to ignore it. “What do you need me to do, Brainy?” “Check the physical integrity of the bubble on a molecular level, first. I’ve gone over it once, but if you would be so kind….” “No problem.” Mon focused his telescopic vision on the bubble and began scanning. “Good. Now, once again, Nura—” Dream Girl shook her head firmly. “*No,* Brainy. I’m not going to let you muck with my powers like you did Dawnstar’s.” “It worked, didn’t it? Her tracking abilities were measurably enhanced.” “Eventually. But we don’t have that kind of time.” Querl threw up his hands. “Then how can I program the coordinates, if I don’t know where you’re going? It could take even longer if we just *waited* for another vision to strike—” “Right. Which is why I’m going to have to force it. Dirk, I need your help, please.” Nura sat in a lab chair and closed her eyes, concentrating, then opened them to glare at the Coluan. “Brainy, you should have put a couch in here or *something*….” “I wasn’t expecting anyone to take a nap in the time chamber, Dream Girl.” “No? Considering how often you fall asleep over your experiments, I’m shocked.” Dirk smothered a grin at the old, familiar bickering. “What can I do for you, Nura?” “Well, for starters…” she began, old flirtatious habits taking hold, then stopped. “Some other time. Right *now* I need you to generate a steady flame and hold it. I’m going to trance, and it’ll be faster if I have that to focus on.” She tossed Brainy another glare. “Considering the difficulty of the environment, and all.” A flare rose from Sun Boy’s hand, perfectly controlled. “Here you are, Dreamy.” “Good. Everybody, be quiet.” Dream Girl stared into the fire without blinking, opening her mind to Possibility. One minute. Two. Three. Four. Brainy shifted impatiently, then stopped at Mon- El’s glance. Five minutes. Six. Sev— “*There.*” Nura’s voice took them by surprise. “I’ve got it.” She leaned back and rubbed her eyes. “And *ow.* Got a painkiller hypo, Brainy? That *hurt.*” He retrieved one and administered it, murmuring, “One day I’d like to monitor you while you do that, Nura.” “I’m not an experiment, Brainy. All right, here’s where we’re going—” *** “Oh! Hello, Cham, I didn’t expect anyone to be here.” “Shadow Lass.” “I came in for—” Chameleon Boy reached into the small pile he’d placed to the side. “Here you are.” Tasmia took the compact holoimager and examined it, a bit grimly. Earth of the 20th Century wasn’t ready for a blue-skinned visitor. “*Much* better than the make-up I had to use on my first visit. Mysa will use a spell, I suppose—I could ask her….” “She’ll probably have other things on her mind. Better safe…” He added a second imager to the pile. “True enough. What can I help you with, Cham?” “I think I’ve got it all, but you’re welcome to take a look.” They sorted through the equipment in companionable silence. After another moment, Cham stopped. “This would be easier if we knew precisely *when* we are going.” He lifted the hand bearing his flight ring toward his mouth. “Chameleon Boy to Dream Girl. Any further information on the time period in question would be most helpful.” Dreamy’s voice came back immediately. “Late 20th Century, Cham, nearly the 21st. Say, the year 2000 plus/minus 5 years. Well into the Heroic Age. Do me a favor and dig up an info packet from the computer, all right?” “Done.” He severed the connection and glanced at Shadow Lass with a slight smile. “That was *almost* a request rather than an order; she’s learning.” Tasmia laughed. “It’s a start.” She thought for a moment. “Sounds later than when I visited. Superman’s time, rather than Superboy’s. I wonder which team we’ll be working with?” “That’s Cosmic Boy’s area of specialty, not mine. The translators should be able to handle any language difficulties on our side…” He frowned. “It’s having them understand us that might prove difficult. It’s a pity Saturn Girl isn’t around to give our allies a telepathic crash-course in Interlac.” “Well, aside from providing them with telepathic earplugs, I’m not sure…unless Mysa can do something? I don’t think chasing whoever-they-are down and jamming things in their ears will endear us to anyone.” “I dislike having to depend on…” he began, then caught himself, and Shady smiled a little. It wasn’t a lack of faith in the White Witch’s ability, but Cham’s general reluctance to depend on anything but his own skills and power that made him hesitate. It made him an ideal leader for the Espionage Squad, whose members as often as not might have to work without the usual Legion support. “I’ll ask her, if you pull up the information Dreamy wanted.” “Agreed.” *** Equipment: dataslates, information packets, number of telepathic earplugs for communication *** Dirk, Tasmia, Nura, Cham, Tinya, Jacques, Brin, Jan, Jo, Mysa Brainy, Blok, Thom, Vi, Mon, Jeckie, Wildfire, Gim, Ayla, Tellus, Quislet; Brek, Pol, Dawny away “Time, Legionnaires.” Dream Girl’s voice echoed through Legion headquarters “Luck.” “Be well.” “Good luck!” The bubble vanished with a flash of light, and they were gone. Jan—Element Lad (leader) Jo—Ultra Boy (bruiser) Cham— Chameleon Boy (shapechanger) Mysa—White Witch (mystic heritage) Dirk—Sun Boy (flashy) Brin—Timber Wolf (not quite human) Dreamy—Dream Girl (second mystic) Shady—Shadow Lass (legacy warrior) Jacques— Invisible Kid II (newer kid) Tinya—Phantom Girl (old experience) Dick— Nightwing (leader) Donna—Troia (bruiser) Gar—Changeling (shapechanger) Garth—Tempest (mystic heritage) Roy—Arsenal (flashy) Vic—Cyborg (not quite human) Raven (second mystic) Kory—Starfire (legacy warrior) Joey—Jericho (newer kid) Wally—Flash (old experience) “I have a readied a spell of communication, but I would not cast it upon them without permission.” Telepathic earplugs instantly rendered the Titans’ speech as Interlac, but the Titans had no such recourse. Joey signed, “Hello,” and Jacques gasped. “I *know* that sign. Element Lad, with your permission…?” Jan nodded, and with slow careful motions Invisible Kid signed back, “Friends.” Joey smiled. Jacques said, “How astonishing, that this has not changed in so long a time—” Nura interrupted. “That’s all well and fine, Jacques, but could you hurry up and ask him to let Mysa cast her spell?” Jacques flushed and began doing so, laboriously. Jericho, Nightwing, and Troia read his signs Nightwing looked to Raven. “What do you sense?” “Nothing evil, Ric-Nightwing. I perceive only a desire for discussion, and some urgency.” Nightwing nodded, and said and signed, “Yes.” Behind him, Cyborg grumbled, “I hate this magic stuff…” The White Witch completed her spell before his words, and smiled at him. “I apologize, but it is the most efficient way.” “Everyone can understand me, now?” The Titans nodded, and Jan stepped forward. “Good. I’m Element Lad of the Legion of Super- Heroes, from the 30th century.” “Legion…” Which L* in Crisis????? Nura immediately indicated Raven. “Her. It involves her, somehow.” “Jan, dear, you can handle this; I’m going to get to know our new friends.” “Element Lad—or Jan, if you prefer.” “Nightwing. I lead the Titans.” “Nightwing, one of our Legionnaires, Dream Girl—” Nura, hearing her name, waved her fingers at them and went on talking—“has precognitive visions that always come true. She foresaw a threat that involved both our teams. That’s why we’ve traveled from the 30th century.” “What sort of threat?” “She isn’t sure.” Jan looked embarrassed. “Nura’s visions are accurate, but vague. She does believe that it involves this lady, in the blue cloak…?” calls her over “Raven? Have you sensed anything?” “No, Nightwing. My empathic powers have given no glimpse of any waiting danger. But of course my abilities are not as accurate as I would wish.” Jan, Nightwing, Raven, White Witch “Arsenal, hmmmm?” Dream Girl smiled. “So tell me, are *all* your weapons fully loaded?” She inhaled, just a touch more deeply than necessary. Element Lad covered his eyes with a hand, and sighed. “Dreamy, *please.* Give it a rest, willya?” “Oh, hey, *I* don’t mind.” Roy’s eyes were bugging out of his head. “I’d be *happy* to show you!” She looped her arm around his. “Be a dear and introduce me around, would you?” Watching this, Phantom Girl sniffed derisively. “Humph. Not even here five minutes and she’s—oh!” She stopped, staring. “Who’s *that?*” Jo looked over at the huddle of leaders and mystics. “” Jan/Joey “They could be twins!” “Garth?” Nothing like *our* Garth… Gar: “ Get a load of those names. ‘Element Lad.’ ‘Sun Boy.’ Gimme a break!” Troia arched an eyebrow. “Got a problem with that, ‘Beast Boy?’” “Hey, I changed *my* name…and I’m a lot younger than these guys!” “This is Chameleon Boy, but everyone just calls him ‘Cham’—” Gar sniffed. “So you can, what, change colors? Big deal.” His form shifted and flowed, and then a green tiger stood in his place. Cham’s eyebrow quirked slightly. “How impressive.” An eyeblink, and an indigo Talokian sand-cat suddenly towered over Changeling, yawning to show its huge fangs. “Yes, I can change colors.” “*Gulp.*” Gar shifted back to his own form. “That’s uh, wow. Geez, I wish I could do that.” Cham slid back into his usual orange-skinned guise. “If not color, then what about shape? How much mass can you displace?” Gar blinked. “Um, I don’t—I can transform into any animal, even really big or small ones, but I can’t copy humans. I mean, not that there are a lot of green humans walking around anyway.” “Hm.” Cham regarded Gar thoughtfully. “What about non-Terran animals?” “Huh? I don’t know, I’ve never—” “Of course. If I remember right, Earth had relatively little exposure to alien races at this time—your teammate notwithstanding.” He nodded toward Koriand’r. “But I can show you some useful forms, if you’re interested.” Wally—Tornado Twins. 30th Century, huh? Barry Allen/Iris West – Dawn and Don Allen – The Flash? Hey, we know— Wally glanced over. “What?” “…uh, probably shouldn’t say, right? Knowing the future and all that….” Tinya snorted. “Ten centuries, I don’t think it’s gonna matter. He’s talking about the Tornado Twins—Dawn and Don Allen.” Wally’s eyes widened. “Allen?! Barry—Barry’s kids.” He shook his head. “Yeah, I know about that—he got tossed into the future, he and my Aunt Iris. They’re—wow, that’s really something.” Dirk moves on Donna/Kory “Ladies! ” Kory looked around, a little stunned. A Durlan, a Talokian Kory kisses ?? to learn language. Cyborg looks like Tharok!! ####### Mordru! does have a weakness. If we can imprison him somewhere without air, he shuts down. Becomes catatonic. “No…no! I should have seen it.” Shady’s darkness protects from Mordru’s probe—AGAIN! Why? Quasimagical heritage, ancestor’s grace. Her darkness blocks his. Shady/Dirk moment Unnatural darkness crept over the land. Shadow Lass gasped. “Element Lad, that’s—I’ve seen this. It’s him!” She concentrated and her own darkness flared, covering the heroes. “I blocked him once before—” One moment, two, and the strain was almost tangible. Brin leaped to catch her as she swayed, and she grabbed onto his arm for support, unseeing. “I *won’t* let you have us—” A brief spark of light flared, went out, flared again. Phantom Girl snarled at the source of the light. “Stop it! You’ll draw his attention!” No one saw the panic on Dirk’s face. “Sorry…. I…sorry….” Raven’s head snapped up as she sensed Sun Boy’s distress. Her cloak opened wide, enveloping him. “Calm. Be calm.” The pressure of the unnatural darkness dissipated, and after another minute Shadow Lass dispersed her own shades. “Gone. I think he missed us.” She realized who she was holding onto. “Timber Wolf! Uh—” “All right now?” “Y-yes.” She disengaged her arm and turned away, then looked back. “Brin—thank you.” Sun Boy sat on the ground, head in hands. “God, I almost got us all killed. Some Legionnaire, huh?” Jan crouched down near Dirk. “What happened?” He just shook his head. “Thought I was all over that.” Element Lad looked sympathetically at his friend. Dirk had struggled with nytophobia on and off for a few years, and it usually only flared under extreme stress. Which this situation had in spades. He looked up at Raven, who was standing nearby. “Thank you for your help.” She nodded, face hidden by her cowl. “I sensed his fear and took it into me. It was not so difficult a task, or so great a terror.” She paused. “If I may…Sun Boy…I can perhaps teach you some ways of dealing with this….” Dirk accepted Jan’s hand and stood. “I’ve tried a couple of things, but I guess…sure. When this is over, if we have time—thanks, Raven.” The magicians “As for finding him, I think I’m beginning to have an idea….” Dream Girl mused. “Mordru’s magic. Maybe we can track him *through* magic.” The White Witch shook her head at her sister. “I have already cast for resonances of his power, and found nothing….” “I know, Mysa. But maybe we need to go at this more indirectly.” She frowned, heedless of the wrinkles it formed on her brow. “He’s using darkness…Shady’s power blocks his…something there.” Nightwing nodded. “Do you think we can use Shadow Lass’ power as some kind of focus, like a crystal ball in reverse?” “I’m not quite sure of the term—but yes, a focus. Shady, I can’t believe no one ever noted that before. You blocked him the same way the first time you encountered him?” Shadow Lass nodded. “It seemed natural, somehow…to counter his darkness with mine. It was almost an instinct. I’m not entirely sure why that worked. My shadows aren’t really magical…although.…” She glanced up at Nura. “There’s always been a little bit of confusion about the Shadow Champion’s birthright. The Ancestors don’t give straight answers.” “Let’s not waste it, however it works. ” Dreamy looked around. “Anyone whose powers are magical, speak up…besides Mysa, of course.” Raven hesitated before she spoke. “My…heritage…makes my abilities magic of a sort. But I am not a spellcaster.” “I am.” Heads turned to see Tempest, who spoke quietly from a corner of the table. “Or at least, I have cast a spell or two in the past, under…certain conditions. I haven’t had much opportunity to explore that. But my existing powers are magically based.” The White Witch looked at him curiously. “Where are you from?” “Shayeris, originally. An undersea city. Ah, you might be more familiar with our sister city, Atlantis?” Mysa’s eyes widened. “Arion!” Garth seemed puzzled. “Pardon?” “I have studied Earth’s mages. Arion was…one of the greatest. From ancient times.” She looked at him with new respect. “I would very much like to speak with you later, about your training….” Dream Girl nodded, satisfied. “All right, good. I think…Mysa, you’re the expert here. Tell me if you think this will work. Shady’s power as a focus, you and Tempest centering a combined search-spell through that, and Raven and me as back-up.” She glanced at Raven. “My foretelling isn’t magical either, but the Naltorian heritage is, and I know a little about channeling that kind of power.” The White Witch smiled faintly. “I remember, sister.” Years before, under unique circumstances, Nura had cast a spell to release her from a curse cast by Mordru himself. “Yes, that sounds feasible. The principle is of sympathetic magic. Tempest—” “Garth, please.” “Garth, then. I can teach you the spell. We should begin.” Dreamy began again, briskly. “Good. Let’s—” Element Lad interrupted gently. “Let’s give the mages some space to work. And we’ve been in here a long time. I think we could all use a break. Nightwing?” “I agree.” Nightwing and Element Lad You lead the team, but Dream Girl… Jan shrugged. “I’ve learned not to stand in her way, that’s all. She has a way….ahem.” Mmm. “She’s also a far better tactician than I am.” He looked uncertain, then said, “In this time, you’ve heard of Darkseid…?” Nightwing nodded. “Yes. He’s…he’s still around, in a thousand years?” “Unfortunately. He—well, caused us a lot of trouble. He nearly conquered the galaxy, to put it mildly. It was Nura—Dream Girl—who was leader then, and her precognition was essential for us to succeed against him. She’s a scientist, too. I have a lot of respect for her.” “But liking?” Jan looked candidly at Nightwing. “She’s not my type.” “I didn’t mean—” and stopped at Jan’s mischievous look. “Point taken!” “I don’t dislike her. But in a team of over twenty members, is it so unusual that some of us rub each other the wrong way? Fortunately, that kind of stuff tends to disappear on missions. Thank goodness.” He grinned. “Being Legion leader is a little like playing babysitter, sometimes.” Nightwing laughed out loud. “I sympathize! I’ve had days like that.” “I’m sure. But it seems…” For a moment Jan looked xx. “Your Titans truly are a family. The Legion is mine. It’s a rare thing when you can find something like that. I treasure it.” “Yeah. Me, too.” Nightwing seemed uncertain. “How do you deal with—never mind. It seems it isn’t an issue.” “What?” “None of you wear masks or keep your identities hidden. Must be nice.” “There’s never really been a need, I suppose. We’ve had instances of masked Legionnaires, briefly—most recently, one of our newer members, Sensor Girl, joined without us knowing her identity.” He shrugged. “She had reasons, which became clear once we found out who she was. An ex-Legionnaire, in fact, who’d returned. There were special circumstances involved.” “But don’t you worry for your families, with everyone knowing your identities?” The answer came back faster than Nightwing expected, and with more pain. “The Legion *is* my family.” Jan stopped and took a breath. “There haven’t been many times when Legionnaires’ families were threatened. A handful. Because those we fight know that to do so means having the entire Legion come down on them, in force. We defend our own.” Give Joey Tplug so he can talk to Legionnaires!! “Jericho? I have a suggestion, if it wouldn’t be out of line….” Joey motioned for xx to go on. “We Legionnaires use telepathic earplugs to keep in contact on missions, when we don’t want to be overheard. They don’t require speech, only directed thought. Would you—” Joey nodded eagerly. Fitted the tiny device in his ear. “Try that—” The “voice” came slowly, but clearly. “Can you…hear me?” “Yes! Perfectly.” Mordru? Or NOT Mordru, but something/one that stole his power when the mages on Sorcerers’ World sucked it out of him? Disembodied malevolence?? REF ADV. Mordru story!! META Timing: For the Legion, it’s fairly easy; between issues 27 and 28 during the Levitz era, after the Sensor Girl arc but before Star Boy returns to Xanthu for good. (Perhaps Nura’s leaving him behind in this fic, along with her previous…indiscretions…helped precipitate that departure.) As for Crisis—faugh. What a mess. Supergirl died a little while back— at least from the Legion’s point of view. Superboy hasn’t yet. *Which* Superboy is a question we can’t even begin to answer. Of course, this is all pre-Zero hour continuity…you can see why Legion fans are a little bitter about it all. For the Titans…things aren’t that simple. All we can say is, we wanted to use these characters at their best, and their best is scattered over years. So while (for example) we wanted Cyborg back when he was a real character and not a mighty morphin’ gold android, that meant Garth was not yet Tempest, and we needed him to be. Therefore, we said “to hell with continuity” and picked the characters as *we* wanted to see them. Dick: current. Donna: current. Gar: current. Raven: during the time when the Trigon saga was supposedly over— the blue-cloaked empath. Wally: the Flash. Vic: classic Cyborg. Garth: post-Tempest miniseries Kory: current. She and Dick broke up. Joey: height of his appearances Roy: current, caring for Lian, his daughter by Cheshire ACTIVE Drake—Wildfire Vi—Shrinking Violet Gim—Colossal Boy Jeckie—Sensor Girl Thom—Star Boy Brainy—Brainiac 5 Ayla—Lightning Lass Tellus Quislet Mon—Mon-El Blok Brek—Polar Boy Pol—Magnetic Kid Dawny—Dawnstar INACTIVE Cos—Cosmic Boy Garth—Lightning Lad Imra—Saturn Girl Lu—Duo Damsel Kal-El—Superboy Chuck—Bouncing Boy Tenzil—Matter-Eater Lad Troy—Tyroc Kara—Supergirl Kal-El—Superboy 'rith: Okay! So there's the setup; but you may have noticed, there's no PLOT! I suck at plot! What's the threat? Trigon again? Something to do with Mordru, or Sorcerer's World? It should be something that concerns the Legion, as well as the Titans. Dannell: Okay hows this: Mordru senses Raven and wants to use her (make her Wife# whatever!)! The Legion is always the thing that's kept him fromtaking over the Galaxy in the 30th centurty, right?? So he gioes backto the 20th century before their was a Legion to take over things fromthere:):) 'rith: The next part should be with the Titans--that's your part! I'm thinking maybe around the Tower or somesuch, a bit of character interaction so the reader meets the group before the threat materializes. Dannell: Sound good!! Ah really want to be able to concentrate of this so Ah would like to take the time to finish up some of my stories that aehanging and do one MAgneto story that Ah have promised before Ah starton this!! But this is good advice ya'll offer heah! Ah'll take it As Ah said this team is fine for moi!! Ah'm gonna have tio search for some semi-realistic way to get Temptest involved though! Perhaps some 30th century suoperscience to keep him hydrated? Or a spell? Ah'll bet between then he and Mysa could come up with something?? Don't ya'll think??