Cover

Table of Contents

Thoughts at 3AM

Letter Column

DCU Digest

Happy Birthday, Superman!

Adventures in the DCU Cartoons

The Forgotten Superman

Fiction - Dinner Party

Fiction - Not My Kid

Fiction - Not My Kid, Part 2

Brainstorm's Corner

DC Futures - Night Force

Sector 2814 Art Gallery

Swimsuit Art Challenge

DCU 101 - GL in Action, part 2

Hall of Justice - Mr. Mxyzptlk

JLA Casebook - Best of Death

Comics Cabana - Starman, GL Secret Files

Classics Revisited - Medieval Wonder Woman

Vanishing Point - Something Fishy...

The tabloid hit the streets at 5 AM. By 9 the JLA switchboard was buzzing with outraged calls. By noon, the mainstream media was carrying pieces on the tabloid's story and by the 6 o'clock newstime most had forgotten the original source of the report. Superman scheduled the emergency meeting for 7, in the JLA conference room.

"This is crazy!" insisted Robin, pointing at the headline. "There have never been any wild drug parties in Titans Lair!"

"I don't doubt your word, son," said Inspector Hendricks, official government liason to the JLA. "But my office has been getting calls all day! People are very concerned about this rumor."

"With all due respect, Inspector," said Superman. "This is the same paper that claimed the Martian Manhunter had fathered Brooke Shields' love child last month! I don't see how your office can take this report seriously!"

"The Teen Titans have assured us that this story is baseless," said Wonder Woman. "And we believe them."

"A group of privileged teenagers getting stoned in a clubhouse is a bit more credible than the Intruder's typical lead story, Wonder Woman," responded the Inspector. "Particularly when you've got one Titan already in rehab."

"Speedy gets hooked on drugs, so now we're all users?" asked Kid Flash. "That's not fair!"

"Inspector, the League reviewed the Titan's activities very carefully when Speedy's problem came to light," said Aquaman. "There was no sign that any of the rest had or had ever had a drug problem."

"Did you run a test on all of them?"

"No!" came the Wonder Woman's outraged reply. "I can't believe you'd ask such a thing! The Titans aren't League employees, you know! They're our family!"

"I appreciate your position…I'd like to think I could believe my kid, too. But drug tests are what my bosses are demanding, and I've been asked to secure your cooperation."

"Look, Inspector," said the Flash. "This so-called reporter, Miss Rosemary Bluebird, cites only 'an anonymous source.' I don't suppose she's told your office who this person is?"

"She claims he or she fears retaliation by the JLA, and stands by her right not to reveal their name."

"Right. Leaving absolutely no evidence this story is anything but a complete fabrication," stated the Flash. "That hardly gives you grounds to demand a drug test."

"Look, I know I don't have a legal leg to stand on! I'd never get a court order under these circumstances. That's why I'm trying to keep this voluntary."

"Then forget it!" said Kid Flash. "I'm not peeing in any cup, just to prove something to the National Intruder!"

"Something to hide, kid?" asked the Inspector.

"That will be quite enough, sir!" hissed the Flash, his eyes burning with anger.

"Hey, I'm just trying to show you what John Q. Public is going to say, when I have to go out there and tell them you refused." There was a long pause, and the Inspector drummed his fingers nervously on his folded arms.

"I have access to a fully equipped police lab," said the Flash, quietly. "If I agree to run one myself, will that satisfy your office?"

"Flash!" Wally protested, but quieted at his uncle's gesture.

"I'm afraid not," said Hendricks. "You'd hardly be considered an unbiased party. We'd have to get STAR labs to do it."

"How long before we'd get the results?" asked Aquaman.

"Aquaman, you aren't seriously considering this?" cried Aqualad.

"Let's just hear the Inspector out, minnow." Garth bristled visibly.

"I don't want to drag this out. I've got the supplies to collect samples, tonight," said Hendricks. "STAR labs will run the test, rush job, first thing tomorrow. Should have the results within a day." There was silence in the room.

"Look, I'm not concerned that we'll find anything!" said Hendricks. "But this is the quickest way to make this whole mess go away! Then we can all get back to our jobs!" Again there was silence, which Batman finally broke.

"I think we need to discuss this privately. Robin, kids, wait in the lounge."

The Boy Wonder's eyes met his partner's for a long moment, then he nodded. "All right, Batman. Come on, team." The four costumed youngsters got to their feet and filed out. Superman shut the door behind them.

Out in the lounge, Kid Flash flung himself angrily on the couch. "I don't believe this! This is soooo bogus!"

"There's no way they're going to make us do this," said Garth.

"Don't be so sure," said Robin, bitterly.

"Come on, Robin, they believe us!" Wally insisted.

"Like we believed Speedy! Look how that turned out."

"It's not like any of us has anything to worry about," pointed out Wonder Girl. "The test will prove we didn't do anything wrong, so what's the harm?"

"It's the principle of it all!" answered Garth. "It's like our own partners don't trust us!"

"Besides, it'll mean "JLA Forces Teen Titans to Take Drug Test" in four-inch headlines in the paper tomorrow!" exclaimed Kid Flash "Teen Titans Pass Drug Test" will be lucky to get a two-line blurb next to the WordJumble."

"Our other choice is 'Government Demands Drug Test, Teen Titans Refuse'" pointed out Robin. "Face it, we're damned if we do, and damned if we don't."

"Hell, let's take it then and pass!" grumbled Kid Flash. "Then maybe we can sue the National Intruder and collect a few million. Forget the Lair, we can build ourselves a 10-foot tower!"

Silence fell on the group and lasted for what seemed like an eternity, until the conference room door opened and Superman motioned them back in. He leaned on the table as the Titans took their seats. The rest of the JLA stood behind him

"Kids, we've come to a decision," said Superman. "I'm sorry, but we're going to have to ask you to take the drug test."

"Aquaman!" objected Garth.

"Garth, I believe you when you say there's nothing to tabloid report. But, considering everything that's happened, it's best to be sure. For P.R.'s sake." Garth snorted derisively and slumped back in his seat.

"This is all about Speedy, isn't it?" sneered Kid Flash. "Guilt by association!"

"Champ, look," said the Flash, apologetically. "The Speedy situation doesn't help, that's for sure. But the Inspector has some valid points. High school atheletes are subject to random drug tests. So are cops."

"But the JLA isn't." Wonder Girl pointed out.

"Please, don't give them ideas!" groaned the Inspector, rubbing his temples.

"Donna, it isn't that we don't trust you. We do!" Diana assured her. "But this is the best way to convince everyone else. Please try to understand."

"Batman, do we have a choice in this?" asked Robin, pointedly.

Batman turned away and folded his arms. "No, Robin, you don't."

"I guess that settles it, then." The Boy Wonder stood. "Let's get it over with."

Aqualad emerged from the restroom, red-faced and with cup in hand. His resentment was evident as he handed it to Inspector Hendricks, who slapped a white label on the side and scribbled a number on it. He placed the plastic jar in a box with the three others.

"Thanks, kids. I know this isn't fun, but I'm sure everything will be in order. When that happens, you'll get an official apology from my office."

"You just be sure it's a heartfelt one," the Flash told him.

"I'm as anxious for this thing to be over with as you are! Now, if you kids will just keep a low profile until the official results are in, I'm sure-- " The Inspector's cell phone beeped and he flipped it out. "Hendricks," he answered. "WHAT?! He scheduled the press conference NOW? That bastard, I told him I wouldn't be back until--"

"I can give you a lift, if it helps," offered Superman. "At this point, I'd prefer you to talk to the media, rather than any of your less sympathetic superiors."

"They'd probably like a statement from you, too, Superman, if you're prepared to give one. Unfortunately, they're waiting, and I need to see that these samples get safely to STAR labs--"

"I'll take them," said Batman. "It's on our way."

"I don't see a problem there. Thanks, and I'm sorry to have to put you all through this. At least I can assure the media vultures we're getting complete cooperation." Superman and Hendricks headed out, leaving the four Titans alone with their mentors. The tension was evident.

Kid Flash raised his eyes to meet his uncle's. "That was, without a doubt, the most humiliating--"

"Wally, believe me! I didn't want to do force you to do that!" He laid a hand on his nephew's shoulder. "It'll be all right! I'll make it up to you, promise! Starting with some Haagan-Daas, maybe?"

Wally smiled ruefully. "Barry, after that you'd better be ready to buy out the whole--" the rest of his words were lost in a crackle of lightning.

Aquaman reached for Garth's shoulder, too, but the boy shrugged off his touch. "Look, tadpole, if there had been another way--"

"Would you please stop calling me that?" said Garth stiffly as he turned away. "I'm not a litle kid anymore."

Aquaman backed off, a bit surprised at the unusual hostility. "I'm sorry you're so upset about this, son…"

"I'm not your son, either," Garth mumbled under his breath.

"What did you say?" asked the Sea King.

"Nothing, sir," answered Aqualad, bitterly. "Can we just go home?"

"All right. Keep us posted. The pair headed outside and back towards the ocean.

Wonder Woman stroked her foster sister's cheek. "Donna, do you understand why we had to--"

"I understand, sis," she sighed. "It'll be OK. The test will go fine and it'll all be over. See you tomorrow, Robin?"

"Sure, Donna. Bye." This left Batman and Robin alone in the Justice League hall. The Dark Knight merely cocked his head towards the door.

"Let's go."

Robin waited in the Batmobile while Batman took the samples into the STAR lab building, then they drove directly home. Robin kept waiting for Batman to say something, but the drive was made in complete silence. Alfred was waiting for them when they arrived.

"A message from Commissioner Gordon, sir," reported the butler. "I'm afraid it's the Riddler." He handed Batman a fax sheet. Batman scanned it quickly, then Robin took it from him.

"He's planning to hit the Gotham Museum, 10 o'clock!" exclaimed the Boy Wonder, once he had deciphered the riddles. "We'd better--" he turned and headed back to the Batmobile.

"Hold it, chum," said Batman. "I'm afraid that's not what the Inspector meant by 'low profile.' You'll have to sit this one out."

"But Batman--"

"Go on upstairs, and get a good night's rest for once I'll see you for workout in the morning."

Robin's face fell, but he nodded. "All right, Batman. Good luck." Batman got in the Batmobile and sped off.

"So, did you hear? More trouble for the Teen titan! Yeah…y'know, first Speedy enters a drug rehab clinic, now the papers are telling us about these wild drug parties they've been throwing!" The studio audience murmured disapproval.

"Yeah, and the Justice League's pretty ticked about it, too!" continued the big-chinned comic. "They say they might even have to close down Titans' Lair." The crowd "awwwwed" in mock sympathy.

"Yeah, those poor kids…but there's good news for them, too, ladies and gentlemen!" exclaimed Leno. "You see, Marion Barry has offered to built them a new headquarters, right there in downtown Washington, DC!" The audience roared with laughter as the band drummer rolled out a rimshot.

*click* Seething with anger, Dick Grayson flipped the channel to a late-night news program.

"Tonight on _Nightline_, Drugs and Spandex: Are our teenaged superheroes out of control? Our guest will be Rosemary Bluebird, the reporter who broke the story on--"

"Dammit!" shouted Dick, clicking the set off and resisting the urge to hurl the remote at the TV screen.

"Really, Master Dick, nothing is to be gained by upsetting yourself," chided Alfred, entering the room in his robe and slippers. "Why don't you do as Master Bruce suggested and get some rest?"

"How can I sleep now, Alfred?" asked Dick. "The Titans are getting trashed on every front, and we didn't even do anything!"

"I'm certain the matter will blow over, once your names are cleared. Try not to worry…may I bring you some cocoa?"

"Cocoa's not going to do the trick tonight, Alfred! Even when we pass that drug test, no one's ever going to look at us the same way again."

"Perhaps the situation is not as grave as it looks," said the butler, kindly. "You do, after all, have the Justice League's full support. Now, if there is nothing more I can do for you, I shall retire to my room, and I suggest you do the same."

"I want to wait a little longer, until Bruce gets home. I need to talk to him."

"As you wish, sir. But not too late. You have school tomorrow." The butler withdrew.

Dick got up from the sofa and headed for the study, and the secret entrance to the Batcave. More and more, it seemed to him that something was wrong with this whole situation. Batman would be back soon, he was sure; the Riddler seldom posed a serious threat. And in the meantime, he could be checking records. Perhaps this Rosemary Bluebird person was something more than she appeared.

A thorough search of the Batcave computers turned up nothing. Not too surprising, thought Dick. That has to be a pen name, of some sort. But she has to have some reason for fabricating something like that.

Dick glanced at his watch. Almost midnight. Where was Bruce? Dick drummed his fingers impatiently on the desk. This was going to drive him crazy. Rosemary Bluebird is milking this thing for every drop, when she knows it could be disproven with one simple test. Something just wasn't right. Dick glanced at the telephone, hesitated a moment, then picked it up and dialed.

"Donna?" he said to the sleepy voice that answered. "We have to talk!"

"You think what?" asked a disbelieving Aqualad. "Why would someone try to set us up?"

"That's what I need you guys to help me figure out!" The four Titans had assembled in a small cave in the sea cliffs outside Justice League headquarters. "Now, have any of you heard of this Rosemary Bluebird person before?"

"Are you kidding?" asked Kid Flash. "No, I haven't! And what makes you think she's anything more than a frustrated tabloid writer who couldn't find any crop circles this week?"

"It was something you said that got me thinking of it, Wally!" answered Dick. "You were right! Once we pass that drug test, we *could* sue her for a few million! The Intruder, too! I don't think she'd write that story unless she thought she could prove it!"

"I think you're giving her credit for a little too much intelligence, Robin," said Aqualad. "How would she prove something that never happened?"

"Maybe she thought she could get away with it, after the news about Speedy came out?" suggested Donna.

Robin shook his head. "It's more than that! She's making the whole talk show/news program circuit! This isn't just 'Teen Titans are druggies;' it's 'Rosemary Bluebird exposes druggie Teen Titans!' She's building herself up! And she wouldn't do that if she thought one quick drug test would discredit her."

"So what are you saying?" asked Garth. "She's trying to frame us?"

"Or she's in cahoots with someone who is. Now, I've made a list of all drug criminals the Titans have put away, those in prison now, and those who've gotten out. Plus anyone else we've tangled with who's out now, legally or otherwise and might have a vendetta against us. I want us to review them, and I also need to know about any other possible suspects that any of you might have caught on your own, or with your partner. "

"Robin, this is a little extreme, isn't it?" scoffed Wally. "You drag us all out here in the middle of the night, based just on this? C'mon!"

"I've just got this feeling!"

Kid Flash sighed. "All right, I'll run through the list one time, but make it quick! I need my beauty rest!"

By the end of it, Robin had a list of names, but nothing more. There seemed to be no connection to Rosemary Bluebird or the National Intruder.

"There has to be something else!" he snapped in frustration. "We have to think.

Garth stood. "Sorry, Robbo, but I can't think of anything else. And I don't want to risk getting in trouble just for a 'feeling' of yours. I need to get home before Aquaman sends the Imperial Guard after me! See you around!" Aqualad headed out of the cave and dove off the cliff into the churning sea.

Wally shook his head. "I'm with Fishboy! This drug test thing's a pain in the butt, for sure, but I just don't buy that it's a conspiracy. Barry's feeling guilty enough about it that, once we pass the test, I can probably get a couple of Keys games out of it! If I were you, Bird-boy, I'd hit Moneybags up for a new car!"

"Wally…"

"Bye now!" The speedster was gone with a whoosh of air.

Donna shook her head. "The idea of a set-up does seem a little far-fetched, Dick," she said, apologetically. "What would they do, anyway, plant drugs in the Lair?"

"I don't know, Donna! But I can't shake this feeling, something's way wrong here."

"Anything else we can do about it?"

"Not that I can think of," sighed the Boy Wonder.

"Let's just go home then," said Donna. "Maybe you're wrong about all this?"

"I hope I am, Donna."

Dick was halfway through his bench-pressing routine the next morning when the telephone rang. Within seconds Alfred appeared in the gymnasium doorway with a portable receiver.

"Mr. Clark Kent to speak with you, Master Bruce. He insists it's quite urgent."

Bruce stopped his punching bag and took the phone. "I see. Now? We're on our way." He switched the phone off. "Alfred, call Dick's school, tell them he has a cold. Dick, let's get downstairs and suit up."

"What is it, Bruce?"

"Superman wants to see all the Titans and their partners down at headquarters, ASAP."

Dick Grayson swallowed hard, knowing the Titans would hardly be pulled out of school and summoned to JLA headquarters for an simple apology, heartfelt or otherwise.

By the time Batman and Robin arrived, the others had already gathered in the conference room. Robin's suspicions that something was seriously amiss were confirmed. Green Lantern, who had been on monitor duty when the call came in, was also in there. At Superman's nod, Robin slid into a chair between Wonder Girl and Kid Flash.

"I'm glad we're all here," said Superman, his voice grim.

"Kal-el, what is it?" asked Wonder Woman. "Is there a problem with the Titans' drug test?"

"Yes, Diana, a big one. Kids, I never thought I'd have to ask you this, but is there a problem we should know about?"

"Superman, I don't understand! Did we test positive?" asked Garth.

"You weren't even supposed to have the results back yet," observed Robin. "What's going on, Superman?"

Superman sighed. "I know the chances for this are slim, but if any one of you has something to come clean about, now's the time. You can tell us all, or you can talk to your partner, or to me, one-on-one. But it has to be now." Silence.

"There's your answer!" said Kid Flash. "None of us did anything wrong! Why is it so hard for you to believe that?"

"Superman, tell us what the problem is," said Aquaman.

"Inspector Hendricks phoned this morning. The Titan's urine samples disappeared from STAR labs last night."

"WHAT?" came the chorus from the table.

"According to the toxicologist there, they were placed in a locked refrigerator in their lab last night, when Batman dropped them off. Is that correct?"

Batman nodded. "Correct."

"This morning, at 7 AM, when the technician got there, all four jars were gone."

"And they think we took them?" asked Wonder Girl.

"Nothing else was missing. And there were no signs of forced entry. As if someone had passed right through the walls."

"Oh, come on, now, don't look at me!" protested Kid Flash.

"I don't want to accuse anyone, Kid Flash," said Superman. "But the Inspector's office doesn't see anyone else had the ability to do it, and who might be motivated to sabotage the test. These are allegations that we have to take very seriously.

In that regard…" The Man of Steel sighed, suddenly looking uncomfortable. "-he asked for permission to search Titan's Lair this morning. I agreed."

"What?" the Titans chorused.

"Without even telling us first?" asked Robin, clearly hurt.

"I sent Black Canary with him; she'll make sure everything's done by the book. Kids, this would never have been my choice, but the Inspector insisted none of you be told beforehand. He was worried there might be a quick clean-up job."

"Oh, fine! Just pin it all on the kid speedster, why doncha?" Kid Flash slammed both palms on the table and stood up to pace around the room. "You know, just because STAR labs can't keep track of four stupid cups doesn't mean I ripped them off!

"Wally would never do anything like that!" insisted the Flash, equally angry.

"Of course he wouldn't!" cried Donna.

"Kids, we believe you, we really do!" insisted Green Lantern. "But…"

"But nothing, Hal!" snapped Kid Flash. "I don't believe this! First we have to get drug-tested because of a two-bit tabloid, and now I'm being blamed for…"

Robin jumped to his feet, his eyes flashing with anger. "Superman, listen! STAR labs has a marine biology lab, first floor, with a direct inlet from the ocean. Aqualad could have swum up that. The roof has an observatory that's open to the sky, Wonder Girl could have flown in. As for me, if I wanted to break in that building, it'd take me maybe five minutes, and I could get out without leaving any signs I'd been there. Batman can vouch for that!"

"Hey Robin, you know, nothing personal, but I don't think you're helping much here!" said Garth.

"Point is, if someone's going to accuse one of the Teen Titans, they'd better be prepared to accuse us all!" said Robin "We all could have done it, but none of us did! Because none of us has any reason to!"

"I don't want to accuse any of you, son, I really don't," Superman said quietly. "But this doesn't look good. Inspector Hendricks is on his way over here, and he wants some answers! We have to be prepared to give them."

There was an uncomfortable silence.

"Well, Aqualad could not possibly have been involved," insisted Aquaman, finally. "He was home with me, at the palace all night. Right, son?"

Aqualad ducked his head, and his cheeks flamed pink.

"Garth, you were home at the palace all night, weren't you?" Aquaman's voice went up a notch.

"Well…"

"GARTH?"

Robin broke in. "I called a Titans meeting, last night. All four of us were there."

"You WHAT?!" Superman's voice rose. "You mean, you kids all snuck out last night, without your partners' knowledge?"

"We met in the old Titans cave, in the cliffs, just over there, around 12:30. We brainstormed for an hour or so, and then we all went home."

"Robin, just what did you feel it was neccessary to brainstorm about?" asked Green Lantern.

"I got suspicious that someone was trying to set us up. I wanted to discuss it with the team."

"I don't believe this!" exclaimed the Flash. "Wally, do you realize what this looks like? Inspector Hendricks is going to want an alibi, and we're going to have to tell him we don't know where you kids were last night!"

"Donna, what were you thinking of?" asked Diana.

"Well, at the time, it seemed--"

"It was my call, Wonder Woman," said Robin. "Don't blame Donna."

"Oh, there's more than enough blame to go around this time, Boy Wonder!" snapped Superman, with a harshness Robin had never heard from him before. "How do you expect us to explain this?"

"Superman, we had a meeting, that's all! We didn't rob STAR labs!"

"That's your final word?" asked Superman.

"Yes, sir," answered Robin.

"How about the rest of you?" The other three agreed.

"If you kids don't tell us everything now, and something comes up later, we're not going to be able to help you.," cautioned Green Lantern."

"We're aware of that, sir," said Robin, and it was clear he spoke for them all.

"All right," said Superman, his face grim. He went to the door and opened it. "Wait in the lounge, then. The rest of us have to talk. Now."

Kid Flash whirled on Robin as soon as they were out. "Nice work, Batbrat! You decide to play Hardy Boys last night and now I'm looking like a junkie and a burglar!"

"We all look like junkies and burglars!" corrected Aqualad. "'Any of us could have done it!' Robin, are you out of your mind?"

"I swear, I don't know why we listen to you, Bird-boy!" declared Wally.

"Will you guys stop it?" cried Donna.

"Donna, don't you see the trouble he's gotten us into?" asked Wally.

"They think we robbed the lab!" said Garth. "They actually think we did it!"

"If you two weren't so busy acting like jerks, you might see Robin was right! The robbery proves it!"

"Right about what?" scoffed Aqualad.

"We know we didn't steal those samples. So who did?" she asked. Garth and Wally fell silent. "Someone's trying to make the Titans look bad," Donna answered for them. "Just like he suspected."

"Well, they certainly succeeded!" muttered Wally.

"Even if you're right, I don't think the Inspector's going to buy that theory now, though," pointed out Garth. "Or the Justice League, either."

"Then it's up to us to prove it," said Robin. "Fast."

"Where do we start?" asked Wonder Girl.

Robin glanced down the hall, which led to the main monitor room. Booster Gold was on watch now, but the computers were free.

"Let's go!" he said.

"This is insane," said Wonder Woman, back in the the conference room. She pressed her fingers to her temples, trying to fight her first headache in 200 years. "I can't believe that the Teen Titans would be involved in something like this!"

"No one thinks that, Diana," said Flash. "Not ratting on Speedy was one thing, but here we're talking about criminal trespass, breaking and entering, obstruction of justice! Wally wouldn't go that far, not even to protect a friend."

"Who among them would need protecting, anyway?" asked Aquaman. "I think I know my own son; he's not a drug user!"

"Neither is Donna!"

"I hate to point this out, people, but not so long ago Green Arrow would have said the exactly the same thing," said Green Lantern.

"Well, I might be more concerned if Mera and I had left Garth alone in the palace, unsupervised, and taken off on a transAtlantic swim!" retorted Aquaman. "But since we would consider that to be neglecting our parental duty--"

"What Ollie did or didn't do for Roy isn't the issue here!" snapped Hal. "The issue is what those four kids sitting out there now have been up to!"

"They haven't been 'up to' anything!" insisted the Flash. "At least, Kid Flash hasn't!"

"Oh, are you suggesting Aqualad has?" replied Aquaman.

"I'm not saying anything of the sort, Arthur!" snapped Barry. "I just don't like everyone pointing the first finger at the my nephew! Robin was right, you know. Any one of them could have done it!"

"Garth would never do such a thing, I know!"

"They've all shown that they're capable of covering up for a friend," pointed out Green Lantern, somewhat more quietly.

"Not Wally. Not this way, Hal." said Barry, his voice equally firm.

There was a long moment of silence, as Green Lantern, Flash and Aquaman leaned on the conference table and traded glares. Batman and Superman stood silently in the behind them, both of their arms folded in almost identical poses, their faces grim. Finally Wonder Woman rose.

"This whole thing was a mistake," she sighed. "I should never have brought Donna from Paradise Island. She wasn't prepared for the corruption of Man's World."

"Just who are you saying is corrupt here?" asked Aquaman.

"I'm just saying when you put a girl as naive as Donna together with all those boys, it's easy for her to be led astray."

"Oh, you're convinced they led her astray?" asked the Flash. "She's a girl, therefore she can't possibly be at fault?"

"My foster sister has never come home drunk, that I know of!" said the princess, somewhat testily.

"If you're talking about the News Year's Eve party, that wasn't Wally's doing, it was Speedy's! Your foster sister's boyfriend at the time, as I recall!"

"You can hardly blame her for his mistakes!"

"From what Garth told me, she was the main reason the boys didn't come clean about Roy's drug use back in March!" put in Aquaman. "She was the one who sweet-talked them into keeping quiet; did you ever ask her reason?"

"Just what are you implying now?!" Diana's voice rose in an uncharacteristic anger.

"I am suggesting, with all due respect, 'Princess,' that it's time you considered the possibility that 'Wonder Girl' isn't as innocent as she'd have you believe!"

"That was entirely uncalled for, 'Your Majesty!'"

"Folks, this is not getting us anywhere!" shouted Superman. "I know no one wants to believe his, or her, partner could have a problem like this, but let me tell you, it doesn't look good for any of them right now! If any, or all of them are using drugs or covering for someone who is, we have to get to the bottom of it, now! And far better we uncover it than someone else!"

"If the Inspector insists on doing another test, I'm conducting one of my own this time." said the Flash, evenly.

"Agreed." said Superman.

"And I want the Inspector's people supervised by one of us, every step of the way," the Flash added.

"I'm not sure they'll go for that," said Superman.

"Then I'm not consenting, and I'd advise everone else to do the same," said the Flash. "Wally's rights are going to be protected, as long as he's my responsibility."

"Barry, please be reasonable. They have enough to get a court order, now, and the Inspector will do it, if we force his hand. That means formal charges, a hearing, the works, and they'll be reporters on it every step of the way. The second that happens you might as well paint a guilty sign on their forehead."

"What are you suggesting, then?"

"The Inspector's on his way here, now. He's stilling willing to work with us, and I suggest we cooperate fully. We all have an interest in finding out the truth here, so I want us to negociate terms we can all agree on."

"Call Pete Ross. I don't want the Inspector talking to the kids again without a lawyer present."

"Flash, that looks bad for them."

"Either Pete Ross comes down, or I get Wally his own counsel. I'm not sure I shouldn't, at this point, anyway."

Superman sighed. "All right. I'll call Pete." He glanced over his shoulder. "Inspector Hendricks just pulled up out front," he said. "Bruce, you've been conspicuously silent throughout all this. If you have anything to say, say it now."

"You know my opinion on this, Superman. It hasn't changed."

Superman sighed. "That's that, then. Let's hear what the Inspector has to say."

At the sound of approaching footsteps, Booster Gold started and removed his feet from the monitor terminal, but relaxed and replaced them when he saw it was the four teenagers.

"Hey, kids," he said, turning back to the table in front of him. "Bummer about the Intruder bit."

"Tell us about it!" grumbled Aqualad.

"The Big Guys giving you grief about it?"

"You could say that!" snapped Kid Flash.

"Double bummer, then. Well, if it makes you feel better, I've been there. You remember what they printed about me and Beetle last year. We like to never convinced Supes that we never-"

"Booster, you mind if we use the computers?" broke in Robin. "It's kind of important."

"Knock yourself out," replied Booster, with a yawn. "Just don't reset the high scores. Aw, damn!" Booster slapped his desk in frustration.

Kid Flash glanced over his shoulder. "Black ten goes on red jack."

"Oh! Hey, thanks!"

"Wally, come on!" said Donna. "Robin, what do we do first?"

Robin thought for a second. "They said no signs of forced entry. That points to someone with access to STAR labs. Maybe even an employee." Robin sat down and began typing at the keyboard. "A government lab. Tight security, with doors controlled by electronic card keys. There's an automatic log kept of every time one's used to enter and exit the building. So, we could find out who was in the building between 9 PM and 7 AM. Or at least whose card they were carrying." A box appeared on the screen, requesting the password.

"Wally, it's 6 digits, I think. Can you…?"

"Move over, Bird-boy," sighed Kid Flash, taking the chair as Robin vacated it. He cracked his knuckles, and his fingers began flying over the keyboard.

Robin moved to the second computer. "Donna, grab the STAR labs notebook for the lab. I'm going to check the phone records." Wonder Girl darted from the room, as Aqualad peered over Robin's shoulder. The Boy Wonder quickly accessed the phone company records.

"Great, another password," sighed Garth.

"S'OK, I know this one." Robin typed it in and was immediately admitted. Wonder Girl returned with the hefty spiral notebook. "Look up the division of toxicology. We'll need all the phone numbers of their labs and private offices.

"Got it." said Wonder Girl.

"Great. Aqualad, grab the main telephone directory." Robin continued typing.

"Got it, Robbo," said Kid Flash from his machine. "Man, I didn't realized that manu people worked in the lab all night. Do they have no lives?"

"Hold on a second, Wally."

Garth returned with the phone book. "Robin, I don't get what we're doing."

"You and Donna need to check all calls placed to or from the toxicology lab last night. Late night, most of them are not going to be calling any place but home. Find the number, look up whose office it is, and then check to see if that person's home number matches the one receiving the call. Then move onto the labs, which you'll have to check against all toxicology personnel's home phones"

"Oh wonderful, sighed Garth. "What if we find one that isn't a call home?"

"Write it down…Those are the first we'll follow up on." Robin handed Donna a legal pad and pen, then went to peer over Wally's shoulder.

"You have the names of everyone who accessed the building last night?"

"I have the serial numbers of the card keys."

"It's a start. We'll have to check the security files to find out who they were issued to. Here, let's print these out," Both boys fidgeted why waiting for the laser writer to spit out the document. "All right, card key records…What was that last code? With any luck they use the same one."

"S31GOR"

Robin typed it in.

[Access denied.]

"Sorry, Wally," said Robin, vacating the seat. The young speedster sighed and sat down.

"I'm going to have carpal tunnel before this is over." He began pounding again.

"Robin!" exclaimed Garth."Look at this!" Robin went over to look. "I don't think this is anyone's home number, unless they commute a long way. Two calls, one 2:10, one 2:23, from the main toxicology lab, to a different area code."

"That's the area immediately west of Metropolis! That would be a long drive!" said Robin. "And the main lab…That's where the samples would have been stored, most likely. Definitely something worth checking out…"

"What the hell are you kids doing?" The four whirled around to face Inspector Hendricks, who had just entered with Black Canary. He stared furiously at the where Kid Flash sat, which clearly bore a STAR labs logo and a password request box. "Are you messing with STAR labs records!?" he demanded. Both screens instantly went black.

"What?! What happened?! Get those back on!" roared Hendricks.

"Oops, sudden power failure," said Kid Flash. "I hate when that happens!" Robin winced. Wally, you idiot! he thought. Now's not the time to hide anything! We could have explained…

"Inspector, is there a problem here?" came a voice from the doorway. Robin's heart sank as the rest of the Justice League entered the room and made a mental note to strangle Kid Flash at first opportunity.

"Damn straight there is, Superman! I walk in to find these kids hacking into classified STAR labs files!"

There was a moment of silence. "Booster Gold, what's been going on here?," Superman demanded.

"Hey, I was watching the monitor, not them," he stammered, hastily gathering up his playing cards. "I thought they were playing Tetris or something…"

"Robin?" Batman's voice was like steel.

"We were just investigating, Batman. If there was no forced entry, whoever took the samples must have had access to STAR labs. We were just reviewing the key card and phone records…"

"And just how did you get the passwords?" Superman asked, his voice as cold as Batman's.

"Uh, lucky guess?" grinned Kid Flash, sheepishly.

"This is no laughing matter!" snapped the Flash, and Wally turned sober instantly.

"We weren't trying, that is, I didn't want to hide anything, Batman." said Robin, shooting a quick glare at Wally. "Like we told you before, I was concerned someone was trying to set us up. I can show you exactly what we were…"

"Oh, I've seen enough, Boy Wonder!" snapped the Inspector. "More than enough! Superman, I've given these kids, and the League, the benefit of the doubt on everything so far! But it's time to face facts! The Teen Titans are out of control, and if the JLA isn't going to reign them in, my office will!"

"Inspector," cajoled the Man of Steel. "I understand your position…"

"Can any of you vouch for where these kids were, last night?"

There was another awkward silence. "I'm afraid we can't," Superman said finally. "They've told us they had a midnight meeting to discuss this set-up theory of Robin's"

"That's the truth!" insisted Wonder Girl.

"The Titan's may have been a bit overzealous in their research," continued Superman. "But I must tell you, we haven't found any evidence of drug abuse."

"Well, I have!" snapped Hendricks, slamming his folder on the desk. "In Titan's Lair, this morning!"

"WHAT?" chorused most of the room.

"As soon as we went in, the dogs went crazy and headed straight for the bathroom," said Black Canary, clearly with great reluctance. "The techs found traces of heroin on the sink and floor."

"I can explain that," said Robin. "The day Speedy took off, he went to the Lair first. He told us he shot up in the men's room there."

"Oh, you've got an excuse for everything, don't you, Boy Wonder?" sneered the Inspector. "Well, I don't buy it! That was over a month ago!"

"So we're lousy housekeepers!" exploded Kid Flash. "That doesn't make us junkies!"

"Speedy did tell his doctors at detox he had injected himself at the Lair, that day," pointed out Green Lantern. "It's on record at the hospital."

"For all I know the Titans hacked into those records, too!" retorted Hendricks.

"You don't believe is?" asked Kid Flash. "Well, go ahead, test us again, then! We have nothing to hide!"

"Oh, I fully intend to, young man. Under secure conditions!"

"Anytime, any place! I'm not worried!"

"Kid Flash, be quiet!" ordered the Flash, his voice severe. "I mean it, not one more word!" He darted to Wally's side and seized him by one arm. "I want to talk to you, alone! Now!"

"You're not taking him anywhere!" demanded the Inspector.

"He's not answering any more questions without a lawyer present! We'll be in the kitchen." The Flash hustled his young partner out of the room.

Superman glared coldly at the remaining Leaguers. "I think a private chat is in order for everyone. Green Lantern, Black Canary, if you will show the Inspector to the conference room, I'll try to get our attorney here as fast as possible. Then we can sit down and work out the terms for a second test."

"After what I've just seen here, I'm not sure you're in a position to demand anything, Superman!"

"After what I've just seen, I'm as anxious to get to the bottom of this as you, Inspector! I think it's in both our interests to cooperate." Superman went to the phone as Green Lantern motioned the Inspector out.

Aquaman tapped Garth on the shoulder. "Come on, son, let's take a swim."

"And perhaps you and I should step out on the terrace, Donna," Wonder Woman. The two pairs departed, as Superman hung up the phone and returned.

"I'm on my way to pick up Pete Ross," he said, and shook his head. "I expected better out of you, at least, Robin." Dick's cheeks flamed red as Superman's words stung him like a slap. The Man of Steel turned and left, leaving Batman and Robin alone by the now-blank computer screens. The Dark Knight wordlessly pointed down the hall and the two made a long and silent journey to the lounge.

One there, Robin took a seat while Batman folded his arms and gazed out the window. Neither spoke for a couple of minutes.

"I thought meeting in Titans cave was 'low profile!'" Robin said, finally. "You never told me I was grounded, you know!"

"I didn't think I had to," said Batman, coldly.

"I wasn't trying to hide anything! I wanted to talk to you about the set-up possibility last night, but you were off chasing the Riddler! As for the computers, I was just investigating! Pursuing all possible leads. I wasn't doing anything you didn't train me to do! "

"I also taught you not to be reckless! Not to act without considering all the possible consequences, to yourself and others!"

Robin looked at the floor, his face turning pink.

Batman turned around. "Robin, were you in any way involved with the disappearance of those samples?"

The Boy Wonder raised his eyes to meet Batman's. "No sir, I was not."

"What do you think are the chances that any of the other Titans were?"

"Absolutely none," replied Robin. "I know you have a hard time believing that, after Speedy. But Batman, this is different. When Roy said the pot wasn't a problem, I knew he was lying; I just didn't want to believe it. When I agreed to keep quiet, I knew, deep down, that it was a mistake. But this isn't. We're telling the truth. The complete truth."

"Is there anything else you need to say to me?"

Dick hesitated. He had a lot of suspicions, and what he had seen on the computer screen only added to them, but no hard evidence. Under normal circumstances, he would lay all the hints on the table, so he and Bruce could sift through them for strong leads. But Garth was right. No one was going to buy a set-up scenario, not now.

"No, sir." he answered, bowing his head.

"All right." Batman turned toward the window in a way that told Dick the discussion was over. Robin shifted uncomfortably in his chair, and wondered how his teammates were faring.

"You called us a lawyer?" exclaimed Kid Flash. "What are trying to do, make us look guilty?"

"Oh, no, Kid Flash, you're doing a fine job of that yourself! I'm just trying to keep you from incriminating yourself more than you have already!"

"Incriminating? You really think we could have done this?" Wally glared angrily.

"Believe me, Wally, I don't want to! I'd like to think I taught you better than that!"

"I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!!"

"STOP SHOUTING!" Barry Allen lowered his voice as well. "Look, Wally, I know you want to stick up for your friends. But if they've involved you in covering up anything illegal, you're going to be in as much trouble as they are! You're like a son to me, champ, and there's nothing you could have done that's going to change that. But you've got to level with me, or it's going to be too late. The consequences won't be up to me, or the League, or your folks. It'll be up to the law. And you don't want that."

"I have levelled with you, Flash!" hissed the young speedster. "If you don't believe me, that's your problem!"

"Wally, I'm going to be running my own test this time, and I'm honor-bound to report everything I find. I can't give you special protection, just because you're my nephew. And I don't want to have to explain to your Aunt Iris that I played a role in putting you in jail!"

Wally's eyes narrowed. "You know, I'd expect this kind of crap from my dad. But never from you, Uncle Barry!"

"Believe me, Wallace, I never expected anything like this from you, either. I thought I could trust you!"

"And I thought you would!"

"That's it, kid!" The Flash threw up his hands in disgust. "I've done all I can for you. From here on, you're on your own!"

"Donna, please. Don't be afraid to speak the truth to me!" said Diana, brushing a lock of hair out of her foster sister's face.

"I am speaking the truth, Diana! We didn't take those samples, and we were just trying to figure out what could have happened to them!"

"There are many temptations in Man's World. Mother and I will both understand if you have succumbed to them."

"I haven't succumbed to anything! Diana, you have to believe me!"

Diana turned away. "Once this matter is settled, I think it's best that you return to Paradise Island."

"Diana, no!"

"Donna, Mother has charged me with responsibility for you while we are in Man's World. If boys are going to entice you--"

"You think I'd let them talk me into doing something I know is wrong, just because they're male? Diana, I thought you'd give me more credit than that!"

"You were young, and unprepared. I don't blame you for that. We will return, as soon as the Inspector will allow it."

"Diana, you can't mean that!"

"You have turned your back on our teachings. You weren't ready."

"I was perfectly ready! Diana, I love Paradise Island, but we both know I'm not a true Amazon, and I never will be! I'm a daughter of Man's World and that's where I belong!"

"If this is where Man's World has brought you, you are unsuited for it!" said Wonder Woman, sharply.

"Diana, every meditation I have done has led me to the same answer! I was meant to be a Titan! You can't take that from me!"

"I can, and I will, if you are going to bring disgrace to the name!"

"I haven't disgraced anything!"

"My decision is made, Donna Troy! Now we must return to the Justice League and do as their law commands. But after that, you will return to Mother's care."

"Garth, you made us look like complete fools!" The pair hovered several fathoms below the surface, in the ocean waters outside JLA headquarters.

"I'm sorry, Aquaman."

"I'm afraid you're going to be much sorrier before this is over! I'm not the authority up there, Garth! Whatever those surface kids have gotten you into, I may not be able to get you out! I hope for your sake you have told the entire truth. And you better hope that your friends have, too!"

Garth turned away, mumbling something unintelligible.

"What did you say?" asked Aquaman.

"Nothing." the boy muttered sullenly.

Aquaman snagged him by the arm and whirled him around. "Garth, I want to know what you said!" he demanded.

The boy jerked away. "I said, what do you care, anyway? It's not like you have to worry about me anymore."

"And just what is that supposed to mean?"

"I mean, you don't need to worry about me. You don't need me at all. You've got your own kid now!"

Aquaman was clearly taken aback. "Garth, that's absurd. You're my son, every bit as much as the baby is!"

"Give me a break, Arthur! I was never your son, just some little stray guppy you took in! If you were my real father, you would never have made me take that test, and you wouldn't be down here grilling me like a swordfish now!"

"Define 'real', Garth. Does a 'real' father do what's best for his son? Sit up with him when he's sick? Cheer him on when he's doing well, and comfort him when he's not? How am I less 'real' than the man who sired you?"

Aqualad turned and mumbled something else.

"I didn't hear you."

"I think a real father would believe his own son. You wouldn't do this to me if I weren't Common."

"You think that makes a difference in how I care for you? You think I would be treating you differently if I had bestowed a title on you? For Orin's sake, Garth, that's preposterous."

"Without it, I'm just another subject. I'm not 'really' yours, not like Arthur Junior."

"I never dreamed you were unhappy in my household."

"The retainers are happy. The housekeepers are happy. There. You see? I'm an equal, all right. I'm an equal to them!"

"I don't think you really want to know what your life would be like outside the Palace, Garth."

"Yeah, well, maybe I should take my chances! Beats being a serf in your kingdom!"

"Stop this now, Garth!" ordered Aquaman. "You know you are free to say anything you want to me, but you will say it with a civil tongue and the proper respect. It's been a long time since I've been tempted to take you behind the reef, Aqualad, but you're heading into very shallow waters right now! Do you need me to demonstrate how 'real' a father I can be?"

"No." Garth glowered.

"No, what?"

"No, sir."

"Good. Now, if you have a problem with me, Mera, your brother, or your current living arrangements, we can discuss it later. Right now, my immediate concern is that those living arrangements don't include prison!"

"Might be an improvement," Garth muttered.

"Big words from someone who's never been there. But I think you'd find a surface jail rather dry." Garth turned away and didn't answer.

"So, with that in mind, are you prepared to go back and face the consequences? With no further assistance from me?"

"Yes." the boy said, icily.

"Yes, what?"

"Yes, your majesty!"

Aquaman shook his head and took a firm grip on Aqualad's arm. "All right, 'Prince' Garth, let's go. But you can't say you weren't warned."

Back in the lounge, Robin still sat silently. From the rumblings he heard from the kitchen, he could tell Wally and the Flash's discussion was getting heated, and out on the terrace he could hear Wonder Woman's voice raised in anger, something he had never heard in the 5 years he had known her. Wally sped into the room and angrily flung himself down on the couch next to Dick. Donna and Wonder Woman came in from the terrace, an atypical tension hanging between them. The Flash returned a bit later, at normal speed. Last of all, Aquaman and Aqualad entered; Garth's head was bowed and he looked more subdued than Dick had ever seen him.

The entire group sat in silence until Superman, Hendricks, Green Lantern and Pete Ross emerged from the conference room.

"Here's what we've come up with," said Superman, without preamble. "Hendricks calls in a medical technician from the police lab to draw a blood sample from each of the Titans, right here in the JLA infirmary. He and I together deliver them to STAR labs, with any other League member who wishes going with us. They spin it down there and draw off the plasma. I incinerate what's left, immediately. This will get rid of all the DNA, so there won't be a problem with identity protection. The plasma sample will be divided into thirds: one will go to you, Flash, to analyze as you see fit. " The Flash nodded. "STAR labs will process another, again with at least one League member observing every step of the way. The last one, Inspector Hendricks will take to an independent lab of his choice. Assuming all three test results agree, they will be accepted as valid. Does that seem reasonable to everyone?"

"It seems fair enough to me," said the Flash, and the others nodded.

"I wanted the Titans held downtown, until the results are in," said the Inspector. "However, Mr. Ross has issues concerning the legality of that, since there's been no formal charge. Rather than have to wait for a judge to rule on that, I'm willing to have the Justice League keep them in custody."

"To that end, I've ordered them all suspended from duty and confined to their individual homes, " said Superman. "This will only work if each of you is willing to take personal responsibility for your partner's compliance. Is that acceptable?" Flash, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Batman agreed.

"All right," sighed Superman. "Let's do it."

The technician withdrew the needle from Kid Flash's arm and slapped an adhesive bandage on it. Resentment was evident as he rolled down his costume sleeve.

"All right, that's that," said Superman. "All of you can take your partner home, now." Aquaman motioned Garth out the back door which led to the sea cliffs. Aqualad did not take his eyes from the floor, but bristled with silent fury.

"Wonder Girl, the jet is prepared. You will return to Paradise Island now." Donna opened her mouth to object, but thought better of it, and with a final stricken look at Robin, followed her sister out.

"I need to be at STAR labs," said the Flash, taking Wally by the arm. "You'll have to wait with your aunt."

"If it's the same to you, sir, I'd rather go home" said Wally, bitterly. "At a time like this, I think a kid needs the warmth and understanding of his parents!"

The Flash shook his head. "I'm going to have to tell them something, you know. This isn't going to be pleasant."

"You do what you have to!" retorted Wally.

Barry looked at Superman. "This won't take long," and the speedsters vanished in a crackle of lightning.

Batman regarded his young partner silently. "Come on, Robin," was all he said.

"See that he doesn't leave his room, Alfred."

Furious, Dick Grayson paced his bedroom like a caged tiger, as Bruce's words echoed and re-echoed through his head. He still couldn't believe it. He hadn't been sent to his room since he was eleven years old.

Worst of all, the more he thought of it, the more he was convinced that someone at STAR labs was trying to set the Teen Titans up to fail their drug test. Someone who could be tampering with their blood samples right then. And the Justice League would never believe them.

Dick flung himself angrily in his desk chair. If he only had access to the Batcave computers, or even the one in Bruce's study. His desktop unit was used almost exclusively for typing school reports; it didn't even have a modem. He had only a few hours to prove his set-up hypothesis and identify the culprit, and here he was, stuck alone in his bedroom, with nothing but the contents of his desk and closet. The situation reminded him of the hundreds of locked-room puzzles Batman had given him to solve over the years, only this one was no game. This time the future of his entire team was at stake.

Dick rubbed his wrist communicator thoughtfully. He was a little surprised Bruce hadn't taken it from him. Though it looked like an ordinary wristwatch, it was highly advanced technology through which he could contact the other Titans, no matter where they were. They had been presents from the Justice League, years ago, after the Teen Titans had brought down their mentors, who, under the influence of the Antithesis, had embarked on a crime spree. Dick wondered if the other three had managed to hold onto theirs as well. Then he could at least contact them.

No, he thought. I can't risk more trouble for them. Not now. Not without some more evidence. Face it, Grayson, you're on your own, for now.

Dick opened his desk drawer and pulled out a notepad and pen. He thought for a second, then wrote down ten numbers. The phone number Aqualad had pointed out to him, just before the Inspector had interrupted. Dick remembered the hours Bruce had made him sit and observe scenes at parks, zoos, department stores, memorizing hundreds of seemingly insignificant details about everything and everyone he saw. As an exuberant youngster, he had hated that aspect of his training and resented the merciless grillings Batman had put him through afterwards. But he had developed the habit of committing anything he though even remotely relevant to memory, and the ability to recall it again later. For now, that was all he had. One stupid phone number.

Down in the Batcave, he could easily find out whose number this was. But there was no way of looking it up from the confines of his bedroom. Dick sighed and his eyes fell on his telephone. Or was there? Maybe he could call someone who could.

"Gotham City Library. May I help you?"

"Barbara Gordon, please."

"Speaking."

"Babs? It's me, Robin." Dick whispered.

"Rob…" She seemed to choke in surprise. "Oh, Robert! Yes, of course…" her voice lowered to a whisper. "Are you out of your mind calling me here?"

"Babs, please. I need your help. My friends and I, we're being set up. Is it safe to talk here?"

"No, it isn't! But give me your number, I'll call you back from my cell phone in 5 minutes."

"You know I can't do that, Babs."

"Fine, fine…You have your secrets but I don't get to have mine…"

"Babs, please! I'm desperate here!"

"OK, here's the number. You call me back, then. But give me time to find someplace private."

Dick hung up the phone, sweated out five minutes, then dialed the number Barbara had given him.

"So, what's up?" answered Barbara.

"I have to prove someone at STAR labs is setting up the Teen Titans."

"I saw the papers. Look, I think you guys are getting a bum rap, too, but I don't understand what you need me for."

"I've got one lead, but I can't follow it up without access to the Batcave."

"Why, Robin, don't tell me you've been a naughty boy and gotten yourself grounded…"

"Babs, please!"

"OK, OK, what do you need?"

"I need to know who belongs to this phone number. The area code puts it west of Metropolis, and someone placed two calls from STAR labs there, last night, from the same room the specimen jars disappeared from."

"OK, I think we have reverse phone directories from most the major cities in one of the basement rooms. Give me ten minutes."

[Ring-ring!]

"Hello?"

"Babs? Find out anything?"

"It's the number for room 213, Silvertree Manor Retirement Homes."

"Retirement home? Are you sure?"

"That's what it said. I ran a computer search for any information on the place, and found one article in the MetroWeekly, from two years ago. They reviewed a number of nursing homes in the area. This one got high marks; apparently a converted hotel, state-of-the-art medical care, no major scandals."

"That may be about to change."

"What, you think some sweet little grey-hair is secretly raiding government labs at night?"

"No, but who the heck calls their grandma at 2 in the morning?"

"Good point. Anything else I can do?"

"No, but can you keep your cell phone on? I may need you."

"I live to serve, Boy Wonder. Good luck."

Dick hung up his phone,thought for a second, then called information to get the main office number for the retirement home. Dialing it, he attempted to disguise his voice.

"Silvertree Manor." answered a pleasant-voiced receptionist.

"Yes, this is Louie, from Lovely Lilacs Floral Shoppe. We have a delivery of flowers for one of your residents. Unfortunately, the carbon copy of the order form didn't come through so well, and I can't make out the name. Can you tell me who resides in Room 213?"

"Oh yes, that would be Mrs. Billingsworth. Mrs. Sandra Billingsworth. Who's sending them?"

Dick swallowed hard. "Well, I'm afraid that information didn't come through well, either; our central office is trying to trace that, now. Do you have any idea who might have sent them?"

"Probably one of her children. Poor thing's been ill recently. I'm sure she'll look forward to getting them. Thank you so much for calling."

Dick sat back in his chair. A sick lady in a nursing home. Why would someone from STAR labs toxicology call there? He picked up the phone to dial Barbara back.

"Hello, this is the oracle at Delphi!" she answered, cheerily. "What wisdom do you seek, O my pilgrim?"

"Babs, knock it off, please! I need another favor. Any information you can find on Mrs. Sandra Billingsworth, current resident of 213 Silvertree Manor. Maybe check the Daily Planet microfiche?"

"Search the entire Planet archives? You're going to owe me big for this one, kid!"

"Please, Babs!" "

"I'll try…" she sighed.

Dick hung up the phone again and glanced at his watch. Precious time was slipping away. The next step, clearly, was checking out Mrs. Billingsworth's room. That, unfortunately, would mean involving his fellow Titans. And asking them to violate their League restrictions, assuming they could. Dick thought for a long minute, then pressed the button on his watch.

Up in Blue Valley, Wally West sprawled on his bed, utterly miserable. Barry's abbreviated cover story to his parents, that Wally had been hanging around with kids suspected of using drugs, and needed to cool his heels at home while Barry's police colleagues looked into the matter, had had the predictable effect. Even now, he could hear Rudy West's voice downstairs, loudly assuring his wife that all the dopeheads in the family came from her side.

As bad as that confrontation had been, the worst had come when Barry had escorted him to his room, leaving his arguing parents downstairs. As soon as the door had closed, he had insisted Wally surrender his costume and ring, saying, "I need a guarantee you'll stay put." Over the years, Barry had occasionally lectured him over what he considered an inappropriate use of his powers, especially when he was younger and fond of pranks like snatching policeman's hats. But never once had he taken his ring, or even threatened such a thing. The humiliation of that moment made Wally feel seven years old again, as he recalled another day, so long ago, when he had gotten a spanking from his father. Wally couldn't even remember what it was for, but it had been in front of the entire extended family, and he had retreated to this same room, his pride stinging as much as his rear. He felt that same sting today, only this time it was his Uncle Barry who had delivered the slap. He hadn't felt this isolated in years.

Wally rolled over on his stomach, trying to block out the sound. His mother was now reminding his father that it was his Uncle Lucas who had puked in her begonias at the last picnic and she'd be damned if she was going to work her fingers to the bone barbecuing chicken for a lousy bunch of ingrates again this year. Wally sighed. He was used to his parents' fights by now, and usually managed to tune them out, grateful for every moment they spent berating each other rather than him. But today, almost without thinking about it, Wally opened his bedside table drawer, and withdrew the one item that had occasionally brought him comfort, in the days before Kid Flash.

It was a many-times-folded square of white construction paper, with Wally's own childish drawing of himself as the Flash. Beside it was another sketch, made by the stranger who had come to his room on that long-ago day, eased some of his humiliation with his comforting words, and had somehow seemed to have insight into the future. A relative of his fathers, or so he said, though Wally had never seen him again at any other family reunion. Many times, Wally had been tempted to believe it had all been a dream, except that he had this paper as a tangible reminder. In fact, when he had decided, at age 12 or so, that he was too big to keep dressing like his Uncle Barry, it was the stranger's sketch on which he had based his new Kid Flash costume. Now he wondered if he'd ever feel the same way about that suit again.

The watch on his wrist began to vibrate. Wally pressed the button signalling that audio was okay. Lord knows, his parents were yelling too loud to overhear.

"Robin to Teen Titans," came Dick's whispered voice. As luck would have it, all four of them had managed to hang onto their communicators, and were alone. Robin quickly explained what he had found out, and they all agreed it was suspicious.

"But what does it mean?" asked Donna.

"That's what we have to find out," said Robin. "But I can't do much more from here."

"So you're talking about a jail break, Robbo?" asked Wally.

"I don't see what choice we have. Now, is there anyone who can get away without being noticed?"

"I'm supposed to be meditating in the temple of Athena," said Donna. "No one will look for me, not for a few hours, anyway. But how am I supposed to get off the island?"

"I though maybe Aqualad could get you some transportation," answered Robin.

"No can do, here," replied Garth. "Arthur's got me in the Aquacave, with three tiger sharks on guard duty.

"What, Finhead, you can't get around Jaws I, II, and III?" asked Wally.

"He's also got every fish in a hundred mile radius under orders to let him know if I try to get out. Face it, I can't move a mussel until he's out of the water."

"Damn!" said Dick.

"What about you, Bird-boy?" asked Wally. "Don't tell me the great escape artist can't wiggle his way out of Wayne Manor."

"One word, Fleet-feet: Alfred. I'd have a better chance against the tiger sharks!"

"Wait, I know what'll work!" exclaimed Garth. "Tusky!" he called to his pet walrus, who quickly swam over and nuzzled up to his master, gazing at him with large and sympathetc eyes. "Go get Tula! Understand, boy? Go get Tula!" The walrus barked in agreement and darted off in the direction of the palace.

"I'll have Tula head for Paradise Island with Imp. Donna, if you can meet her on the south cove, she can get you to shore!"

"Aqualad, are you sure?" asked Robin. "It's not going to help if Aquaman gets tipped off."

"Aquaman's soldiers are loyal, but you have to be very specific in your instructions to them. They've been told to watch me, not Tula. It'll work."

"Wally, how about you?" Wally paused to listen. Now his father's tirade had shifted to a dent his mom had put in the car, some seven months before. "The parentals are no problem, they probably won't even notice I'm gone. There's one complication, though. Barry took my costume, and I'm limited in how fast and far I can run without it. Friction, and everything."

"You don't have a spare around?"

"Not really…Except…Wait, this might work…Be right back!"

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE!

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